The most reasonably priced and generously portioned among Meguro’s big three tonkatsu houses, Katsuichi is considered to rank in 2nd place behind the venerable Tonki and ahead of our personal Meguro favourite, Tiahou.

In business since the mid-1980s and now with the second generation master at the helm, this compact yet homely basement eatery is steeped in a rich Shōwa era charm complete with a gyotaku adorned ceiling memorializing the master’s fishing exploits. Although mostly frequented by regulars the welcome to the uninitiated is invariably warm.

The menu ranges from weekday lunch sets, katsu-curry and katsu-don to breaded oysters, but it’s the seminal loin and fillet cutlets, served with pickles, miso soup, rice and mountainous freshly sliced cabbage (wonderful with the sesame dressing!), for which this restaurant is famed. Although less refined than the cuisine at Taihou, the coarse, crispy bread crumbs and thick cut, juicy pork result in an exceptionally robust tonkatsu experience.

Tonkatsu Katsuichi

03 3779 3388