KATSU-TEI Japanese Katsu Restaurant かつ亭 Alexandra Park — Restaurant in Albert-Eden

Second visit, during more peak hours. Service was very bad. Got our food after 50 minutes. Food didnt come at same time. Some people had to wait 20 minutes after other people already got on same table. First 30 minutes the staff didnt serve water, they got our order wrong. Just very inefficient in the service. Although food standard was same as last time, I don't think I will think twice before coming back.

Trying out new katsu place. We tried the beef and also pork katsu. Beef katsu was pretty average to me. The cut of meat was sirloin and the strip is slightly chewy and doesn't go well enough with the katsu flavour. The pork katsu was pretty decent, the cut was not pork scotch therefore you can get some pieces slightly chewier than other. Some pieces though are better if it is one of the more fattier piece which melts in the mouth. The katsu batter was above average but not the best i've had. They also didn't give enough sauce and I don't want to be needing to spend extra $5 for more sauce when most katsu place I have been to give enough sauce with the meal. However the price here is excellent value as you can get a set for just $19.80.

We also got the lychee drink which was like lychee syrup with soda water. It was just ok for me.

Overall I will definitely come back if I am in the area if I feel like some good...

Will start off by saying that I am bias, as that this was the first time having Japanese food in 4 months since coming back from Japan, so while I was hyped, I also had high expectations.

Tried the pork/beef/chicken katsu set. Pretty decent but not amazing. Pork was slightly overcooked, chicken was alright, beef was surprisingly good. Their crust needs work - not very crunchy or fluffy and fell off easily. The garlic salt was awesome though. Spicy pickle was a nice change. The miso soup was above average.

Full price of $23.40 is pretty competitive for this most expensive base set considering the quantity and quality (sirloin and tiger prawn set are a dollar more), especially for the area. Service was excellent - they actually smile at you, like in Japan!

Walked in at 5pm, when their dinner service starts, and was in and out in 30 mins. Parking isn't great - if you're lucky, you might find one in the undercover car park.

In conclusion, was not disappointed. A solid 3.75/5. Would definitely go back and try...

Food is really good. I had their combination of pork - the ratio of the breadcrumb and meat was perfect. Not too thick for the coating and not too thin for the meat. For $22 it was worth it as it came with the typical cabbage salad, miso soup, rice, kimchi (?), and dipping sauce.

The service is good. The waiters were attentive and the food came at a good timing. They also handled the table next to us - a family of 4 with 2 toddlers. They quickly offered the kids colouring pens and papers to keep them busy. Good job.

One thing I didn’t like is the parking. It was such a mission to find one, lucky there was one empty spot on the basement parking - it’s free.

There are multiple branches in Auckland and this is my first time dining with them. Maybe I’ll try the other branches next time, but I definitely recommend their food. They’ve got pretty...