Marugo is hidden in the sprawling back streets of Akihabara, situated next to Kobu Inari Shrine.
Akihabara, referred as Japan’s number one electric town, has long been considered a mecca of ''otaku'' culture. Given that Akihabara has been the forerunner of Japanese pop culture for diehard fans, particularly in the fields of anime and manga, the storefront of Marugo is a somewhat strange space where ordinary salarymen gather. Ever since being introduced by an overseas guidebook, it’s not unusual to find lines in front of the restaurant.
Established in 1975, the restaurant is a two-story building with counter seating and two tables on the first floor and several large and small tables on the second floor. There is a total capacity of 34 people. Marugo pays utmost care to its umami (tasty flavor), tenderness, and texture when selecting a brand-name pork. Based on a careful comparison, the restaurant selects the brand from multiple sources that best suit a particular dish.
The menu is very simple. Non-Japanese speaking customers will have no problem ordering as an English menu is available. The recommended dish is Toku Rosu Katsu, or special loin cutlet, as thick as 2 cm. The light golden-brown coating is crispy which contrasts with the juicy, tender meat inside. Go for the set meal that includes rice, red miso soup, and pickled vegetables on the side. We recommend you sample the dish without the condiments in order to appreciate the original taste of the high-quality meat. Of course, there is soy sauce, salt, tonkatsu sauce, and mustard on the table to add extra taste to the dish.
We highly recommend you order deep-fried oysters and/or jumbo deep-fried prawns on the side if your taste and appetite permit.
確かに美味しい。食前と食後でお茶の種類を変えるなど、細やかな心配りも好感が持てた。 Quote from Google Map Review
Photographers:kwd.chihiro
