Katsusen

At Katsusen, the garlic katsu set meal is the defining signature. Thinly sliced garlic is layered into the fat of the pork loin before it is breaded and fried, merging crisp, fragrant crust with an unmistakable punch of aroma. It makes for a robust, deeply satisfying cutlet, especially when you are looking for an energizing meal.

For more traditional cravings, the menu features classic pork loin, premium loin, and tender fillet cutlets. Drizzling the golden panko coating with house sauce and a dab of spicy Japanese mustard, then pairing it with shredded cabbage, pickles, and hot, broth-rich tonjiru pork soup over steamed white rice, delivers the simple comfort of a neighbourhood cutlet shop. Diners seeking a lighter finish can opt for the versions topped with grated daikon radish and citrus.

Come evening, the repertoire broadens with dishes such as katsuju, where pork cutlet simmers gently with sweet-savoury sauce and onions, alongside an evening-only katsu curry bound by a thick, velvety roux. Fried prawns, mixed cutlet platters, and bottled beer round out the selection, easily turning dinner into an unhurried post-work meal.

With counter seating and tables arranged throughout, Katsusen maintains a calm, welcoming atmosphere that accommodates solo patrons and small groups of colleagues alike. Set amid the office towers near the Konan Exit of Shinagawa Station, it remains a reliable haven for hot, freshly fried comfort food from midday lunch through to dinner.