Foodies Asia (en)For "foodies" who are particular about food.

An elegant tonkatsu that is thick but soft.

It is a hidden famous restaurant that represents Matsumoto.

Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY, Dinner 1,000-2,000 JPY

Restaurant features

If you’re looking for delicious tonkatsu in Matsumoto, this is the first place I’d recommend. (Although “Fumotoan Katsugen” is also a great option considering the atmosphere.)

It’s not the most conveniently located, about a 25-minute walk from Minami-Matsumoto Station, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Situated near the Koubouyama Ancient Burial Mound, the building seems to cling to the cliff, with the entrance on the lower side. Ascend the stone steps, and you’ll reach the entrance of the restaurant.

Because it’s perched on the slope of a mountain, the counter seats by the window offer a luxurious view of the Northern Alps from Matsumoto city.

Thick-cut, yet elegantly tender tonkatsu

The menu offers a variety of options, including loin, fillet, as well as Western dishes such as shrimp katsu and hamburger.

It’s not exactly a tonkatsu specialty restaurant, more like a Western-style eatery, but let’s start with the loin katsu.

Once you place your order, you’re served with a salad, side dishes, and pickles first. And these are absolutely delicious.

In Nagano, they might go for lighter flavors, but the pickles and the simmered hijiki are seasoned just right. While savoring these, the star of the show arrives.

As you can see, it’s quite thick-cut. You might expect it to be chewy given its appearance, but when you take a bite, you’re pleasantly surprised by its tender and fluffy texture.

You can’t help but wonder, “How do they do this?”

While it looks hearty, it has a refined taste, and it’s no wonder that despite being a tonkatsu restaurant, it attracts a lot of female customers.

The miso soup that came with the set meal was also outstanding but in a subtle way. The overall quality of the dishes is impressive, and it feels like the owner has the skills to run a high-end Japanese restaurant as well.

Not just for tonkatsu, I would love to try the other menu items at this excellent restaurant.

Menu

【Fried Food Set Menu】

• “Loin Cutlet” ¥1,470
• “Fillet Cutlet” ¥1,575
• “Special Loin Cutlet” ¥1,785
• “Special Fillet Cutlet” ¥1,890
• “Shrimp Cutlet” ¥1,470
• “Ladies Assorted” ¥1,260
• “Green Onion and Salt Cutlet” ¥1,470
• “Assorted (for 2 people)” ¥2,940

【Grilled Dish Set Menu】

• “Hamburger (Special Sauce/Wafu Oroshi)” ¥1,470
• “Thick-Cut Ginger Grilled Dish” ¥1,470

【Bowl Dishes】

• “Loin Cutlet Rice Bowl” ¥945
• “Fillet Cutlet Rice Bowl” ¥1,050
• “Sauce Cutlet Rice Bowl” ¥945

【Appetizers】

• “Sliced Onions” ¥315
• “Simmered Beef Tendon” ¥525

【Drinks】

• “Beer (Large)” ¥630
• “Draft Beer” ¥525
• “Alcoholic Drinks” ¥525
• “Oolong Tea” ¥315
• “Juice” ¥315
• “Cola” ¥315

＊Please note that menu items and prices are for reference and may change based on seasonal availability of ingredients.

How to make a reservation

Reservation possible.

Map/Access

About 1.2 km from JR Minami Matsumoto Station

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