The restaurant is located in an alleyway near Tokyo Midtown. Look for a large, blue-fabric sign with the restaurant name written in Japanese characters.
Imakatsu opened its first branch in Roppongi in 2009, followed by Ginza in 2013. The restaurant was honored with Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award in 2015. The layout of the restaurant’s interior is long and narrow with only five counter seats, a small table for two, and a raised tatami-floored (''zashiki'') room in the very back. The interior is a beautiful old wooden structure, a hallmark of traditional Japanese architecture.
Chefs are particular about every little detail from their choice of wheat, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Both low and high oil temperatures are used to bring out the best flavor of the meat. Using fresh oil in frying helps to seal-in the full taste and aroma of the meat. Following strict guidelines ensures that the desired coarseness of breadcrumbs is achieved and the meat is both tender and juicy.
Start off your meal by ordering Piyo Piyo Menchi, a half-boiled egg wrapped in ground pork. The dish reinvents your image of Scotch eggs. A specialty dish, Sasami Katsu (fried chicken fillet), is made from a branded chicken raised on a contract farm in Iwate Prefecture. Sasami is typically dry and not tasty; it is known as a dietary supplement that can help increase muscle mass and strength. The restaurant carefully deep fries it at a low temperature to create a soft and juicy cutlet. Toss a bit of salt from Yamaguchi Prefecture onto your cutlet. Along with your main dish, you have a choice of white Koshihikari rice or five-grain rice. Rice cooked in donabe (earthenware pot) is also available for an extra charge.
While Sasami Katsu is their signature dish, classic tonkatsu made from a branded Yamato Pork is also available. Go for the Ninniku Loin Katsu (pork loin cutlet with garlic) with fresh garlic slices in between the cutlet.
Reservation recommended!
キャベツとご飯おかわり自由。一人ならすぐ入れる。エビフライ、ササミ、メンチカツ、全部美味しい。接客の人の気配りが凄い。外国語も堪能。 Quote from Google Map Review
Photographers: kazuhiro_shoji
