Kobuta & Ookami Katsu and Sake house — Restaurant in Redmond

Food Review: Kobuta and Ookami Katsu & Sake House

If you're craving authentic Japanese comfort food with a modern twist, Kobuta and Ookami Katsu & Sake House is a standout choice in the local dining scene. Nestled in the heart of the city, this vibrant spot offers an unforgettable experience for both casual diners and seasoned foodies.

Ambiance: The restaurant exudes a warm, welcoming vibe, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with a contemporary flair. Dark wood, sleek finishes, and dim lighting create a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for both a date night or a laid-back dinner with friends. The open kitchen offers a glimpse into the culinary magic happening behind the scenes, and the presence of a well-curated sake list adds an elegant touch to the ambiance.

Kobuta: The star of the show here is definitely the Kobuta (pork). This dish is a perfect balance of flavors, featuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork cutlets that are lightly battered and fried to a crisp golden perfection. The pork itself is juicy and flavorful, while the accompanying tonkatsu sauce has a perfect sweet-and-savory profile that elevates the entire dish. The serving is generous, with a side of steamed rice and a delicate cabbage slaw providing a nice, refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat.

Ookami Katsu: For those who enjoy a heartier bite, the Ookami Katsu does not disappoint. Known for its crispy, thick breading and tender meat, this katsu dish stands out not only for its size but for its exceptional crunch and seasoning. The flavors are bold, and it’s clear that the kitchen takes pride in perfecting the katsu process. Paired with pickled vegetables and miso soup, it provides a satisfying and balanced meal that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Sake Selection: No meal at Kobuta and Ookami Katsu would be complete without a glass of sake. The restaurant’s sake menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a variety of types from dry to sweet, each of which pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the dishes. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to recommend a sake based on your taste preferences, which enhances the overall dining experience. If you're new to sake, their flight options are an excellent way to explore different varieties.

Overall Experience: What sets Kobuta and Ookami Katsu & Sake House apart is its commitment to quality, consistency, and a deep respect for Japanese culinary traditions. The dishes are hearty but balanced, the service is attentive yet unpretentious, and the overall experience is one of comfort and delight. Whether you're a fan of classic Japanese comfort food or looking to try something new, this spot is an absolute gem.

Final Verdict: Kobuta and Ookami Katsu & Sake House is a must-visit for those who appreciate rich, flavorful Japanese cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere. With top-tier katsu dishes, an excellent sake selection, and a commitment to quality, this restaurant promises a satisfying and memorable dining...

Kobuta & Ookami Katsu and Sake House is easily one of the best Japanese dining experiences I’ve ever had, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere set the tone perfectly — cozy, modern, and welcoming without feeling crowded. The lighting and décor give it a warm, inviting vibe, and you immediately feel like you’re in a special place.

The service here is outstanding. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely enthusiastic about making sure you have a great dining experience. They took the time to explain certain dishes, gave sake pairing suggestions, and checked in just the right amount throughout the meal.

Now for the food — absolutely incredible. The star of the show for me was, of course, the katsu. I ordered the pork katsu, and it was perfection: golden, crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and not greasy at all. You can really tell the quality of the meat and the care that goes into preparing it. My friend had the chicken katsu, and I have to say it was just as delicious. The sauces and sides complemented everything perfectly — from the fresh shredded cabbage with tangy dressing to the perfectly cooked rice.

But it doesn’t stop at katsu. We also tried some appetizers, and each one was a hit. The gyoza was crisp on the bottom, packed with flavor, and came with a dipping sauce that elevated it even more. The miso soup was rich and comforting, not watery or bland like you sometimes find elsewhere.

The sake selection is impressive. The staff helped us pick out a bottle that paired beautifully with our meal — smooth, balanced, and served at the right temperature. It really completed the whole dining experience.

We couldn’t leave without dessert, and the matcha ice cream was the perfect ending — refreshing, slightly earthy, and not overly sweet. A great palate cleanser after a hearty meal.

What really sets this place apart, though, is the attention to detail and consistency. Every dish we had was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It’s clear that the chefs here care deeply about their craft. The portions are generous without being over the top, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of food and service you’re getting.

Overall, Kobuta & Ookami is a true gem. Whether you’re a katsu lover or just someone who enjoys authentic, high-quality Japanese cuisine, this place should be at the top of your list. It’s rare to find a restaurant that nails food, service, and atmosphere all at once, but they absolutely do. I’ll definitely be coming back, and I’ll be bringing more friends with me next time so we can try even more...

WHAT A JOKE. Don't be fooled by the presentation, it's bland, questionably composed meh food. And there was a live ant running around on our menu.

We ordered the ponzu rosu iroshi katsu, mozzarella katsu, and katsudon, all had very small portions of meat for the price.

The iroshi katsu comes with what they called grated radish...it was a flavorless mush slapped on top of my katsu. Pickled radish would have been welcome, but this pureed mass was FOUL. No sauce I added could make it taste good, so I scraped it off and left it on the plate. Pork was nearing overcooked, kind of dry and chewy despite being the fattier rosu. BTW let me remind you all you're paying $20+ for a plate half full of raw cabbage with a single slice of tomato. Yes, cabbage salad is typical with katsu but it shouldn't be twice the size of the meat. It's a side dish, not the main dish.

The tonkatsu sauce is CHUNKY. Like it's a puree of tomatoes and onion they didn't bother to strain. BAD, looks nasty on the plate, soaks through the katsu breading and leaves chunk on the top without adding much flavor. Doesn't taste authentic at all can't name the spice but it either was too much of it or it just shouldn't have been in there at all. Trying too hard to be unique here. Meh sesame salad dressing, add the lemon juice it will make it better.

The mozzarella katsu was just...Sad. 4 tiny pieces of pork buried under mozzarella. And the mustard, oh my god, I don't even know what it was doing there, did not taste good with anything, WAY too much of it for the portion of food you were given. Just sloppy.

The katsu don thankfully was decent. Not authentic by any means but decent.

Miso is ok. Pickles are ok but a teeny tiny portion. The food itself isn't inedible but it is just too incredibly disappointing. If you are unlucky enough to get a small table you will find it's hard to eat because there are five dishes on your tray and not enough elbow room. Parking is also abysmal. Shame because the restaurant itself is...