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

 

Introducing the [my best+α series], which highlights top-notch and emerging hotspots for each region’s themes.

 

In this installment, we’ll introduce recommended tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurants in Nagano City.

Nagano Prefecture, which boasts numerous branded pork varieties, has a wealth of attention-worthy restaurants in Nagano City offering high-quality, thick-cut tonkatsu.

 

 

Recommended pork cutlet restaurants (5)

“Tonkatsu Specialty Restaurant Karari （からり）” in Zenkoji Temple

Ave. Budget: Lunch 2,000-3,000 JPY, Dinner 2,000-3,000 JPY

Check information on Tabelog

 

Located on the approach to Zenkoji Temple, this tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurant is relatively new, having opened in August 2019.

However, it has earned a reputation as one of Nagano City’s leading tonkatsu establishments.

The restaurant specializes in using Wagyu pork known for its sweet, fatty marbling and flavorful lean meat.

Their tonkatsu features thick-cut pork loin with an elegant presentation.

They also pay attention to every detail, including using “Phantom Rice,” a top-grade Koshihikari rice produced in northern Shinshu.

 

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: Lunch 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Last Order), Dinner 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Last Order)
Closed: Thursdays
Phone Number: 026-266-0477
Address: 4-1 Nagano Daimoncho, Nagano, Nagano 380-0841, Japan
Official website is here.

The official Instagram page is here.

 

 

 

 

“Katsuzo（かつ蔵）” in Gondo  ◁Online reservation possible

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

Book on Tabelog

 

This tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurant features branded pork.

Compared to “Karari,” it offers a more intense and authentic tonkatsu experience.

I chose the “Jourosu Katsu Set” featuring SPF pork from Iida City.

They prepare it to showcase the unique qualities of SPF pork, with a slightly rare finish.

When served, it retains a pinkish hue, gradually turning white as you enjoy it.

They also offer other Shinshu-branded pork varieties, including Miyuki pork from Nakano City and Beni-Yusui pork from Iiyama City.

This diversity allows for delightful comparisons.

 

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: Lunch 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Last Order 2:00 PM), Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Last Order 8:30 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays and Monday evenings, with occasional irregular holidays
Phone Number: 02549-2-2073
Address: 2028-1 Yanagimachi, Nagano, Nagano 380-0805, Japan

 

 

 

“Jomando（成満堂）” in Zenkoji

Ave. Budget: Lunch 2,000-3,000 JPY, Dinner 2,000-3,000 JPY

Check information on Tabelog

 

This is a tonkatsu restaurant located near Zenkoji Temple, and it operates on a reservation-only basis.

 

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: Lunch 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Fridays and Saturdays: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Phone Number: 026-235-5477
Address: 222-1 Nagano Iwagishicho, Nagano, Nagano 380-0855, Japan
Official website is here.

The official Instagram page is here.

 

 

 

 

“Tonkatsu Ken（とんかつ健）“ in Zenkoji-shita

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

Check information on Tabelog

 

While the name of the restaurant is “Tonkatsu Ken,” it gives off more of a local diner vibe with its extensive menu and atmosphere.

However, the main focus here is still tonkatsu.

The “Jumbo Tonkatsu” is exceptionally thick, and it seems like the intention was not to follow the trend of thick-cut tonkatsu, but rather to provide a substantial tonkatsu experience that locals would appreciate.

In this position, catering to the residents of the town, it’s a cozy place.

 

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: Lunch 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Last Order), Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last Order)
Closed: Mondays
Phone Number: 026-234-1404
Address: 2-12-21 Hakoshimizu, Nagano, Nagano 380-0801, Japan

The official Instagram page is here.

 

 

 

 

“Tonkatsu & Healing House En（えん）” in Shinshu Shimmach ◁Online reservation possible

Ave. Budget: Lunch 2,000-3,000 JPY

Book on Tabelog

 

Located in Shinshu Shimmachi, it’s a bit away from the city center but still within Nagano City.

This could be considered the grand finale or perhaps a rather unconventional choice.

Their traditional cooking method, which has been in use since 1910, excels at sealing in the juices and preventing oil degradation. They boast a juice retention rate of over 84% while reducing fat and calories by half.

They use cold-pressed rapeseed oil for frying and cook pesticide-free Koshihikari rice from Uonuma in an earthenware pot, showcasing their dedication to quality.

The fact that it’s housed in a renovated residential building gives the place a somewhat amateurish atmosphere, but I believe it’s an intriguing spot known for its low-temperature frying, reminiscent of the renowned “Narikura.”

 

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: By Reservation (Phone Reception: 13:00 onwards)
Closed: Irregular Holidays
Phone Number: 090-7013-3355
Address: 634-1 Shinshu Shimmachi, Nagano City, Nagano 381-2405, Japan
Official website is here.