Kuriya, a Specialty Tonkatsu Restaurant
特選とんかつ くり家
Recent Reviews
A tonkatsu restaurant with a 'no photography' policy. I ordered the special loin cutlet set (¥2150), and while it was rich with oil, it had a clean aftertaste. It was by far the best tonkatsu I've had in Tokyo. After the meal, they served almond tofu and tea, making it a truly delightful experience. The service was also excellent. Despite being a first-timer, I was greeted with a smile. I didn't notice any negative aspects. While some might find the staff's language less formal or their casual interactions with regulars off-putting, it's important to remember that this is a down-to-earth neighborhood where the relationship between the owner and customers is close-knit. If you're looking for overly polite service and formal language, perhaps you should try a restaurant in the office district.
I had the special loin set and the special fillet set. The fillet was thick, tender, and moist with a hint of sweetness. The loin was incredibly delicious, with a sweet and flavorful fat. The special loin fat cut > special fillet > special loin other cut This was a true craftsman's restaurant. The owner was working alone, but he served the almond tofu dessert and warm tea at the perfect time. I was the second group in line, arriving 25 minutes before opening on Sunday. I definitely want to go back here. 🐷 Please note that photography is prohibited and only cash is accepted. 📷
I had the special loin cut. It was incredibly delicious, and above all, the portion size was enormous. It was fried perfectly, with a thin batter and tender meat, truly excellent. The volume was so overwhelming that I was practically at my limit, but that's probably just my own capacity. I think it would be quite a challenge for women, so be warned. Even though it's a place that serves fried food, the interior was very clean. The kitchen didn't look like it had any oil splatters. Everything was neatly organized, and the stainless steel cabinets were spotless. The side dishes included not only cabbage but also shiso leaves, and the set meal surprisingly came with almond tofu. Then, they served jasmine tea, which made me think this is a place that pays attention to the little details. The owner was constantly huffing and puffing, which was a bit distracting, but I imagine he probably does that while chatting with regulars. Next time, I want to try the regular loin cut.
I visited for lunch on a weekday. This popular tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurant was recommended by a friend who knows Kinshicho well, and I had been curious about it. Since it was my first time, I ordered the special loin cutlet from the menu. The thick-cut cutlet was coated in a light, crispy batter, and the high-quality fat, which was not at all greasy, allowed the delicious flavor of the meat to shine through. Although it was a substantial portion, I was able to finish it all thanks to the refreshing side of shredded cabbage. I was very satisfied. The only downside was that photography was prohibited inside the restaurant. I didn't know this until I entered, and it was a shame that I couldn't take pictures of the food to look back on later. However, it's understandable given the restaurant's rules. If photography were allowed, I would definitely visit again and try the fillet cutlet next time.
I went with my father after 10 years. We had the special loin and fillet, just like 10 years ago. They were still thick and satisfying, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and absolutely delicious. The owner runs the place by himself, so you might have to wait 15 minutes or more, but it's the best tonkatsu I've ever had. I highly recommend going with an empty stomach! I've seen comments saying the owner is a strict, old-fashioned type, but I think it's fine as long as you follow the rules, like no photography. I haven't felt that way myself, and if the food is good, I don't mind a gruff demeanor. My father used to go there about 10 times before, and the owner remembered him. He even asked, "How long has it been? You came with your daughter last time, right?" It was heartwarming to be remembered! We'll definitely be back soon!