Top 3 Tonkatsu Restaurants in Tokyo You Can’t Miss

Craving an unforgettable Japanese pork cutlet experience in Tokyo?
These three standout restaurants have been selected as part of Tabelog’s 100 Best Tonkatsu Restaurants in Japan. From high-end pork loin to rare pork cutlet tastings, discover Tokyo’s finest tonkatsu spots that food lovers from around the world rave about.

Tonkatsu Aoki Ginza 8-Chome – Premium Pork Cutlet in the Heart of Tokyo

Location: A few minutes’ walk from Ginza Station

Located in central Ginza, Tonkatsu Aoki is a top-tier destination for those seeking the best tonkatsu in Tokyo. Famous for using high-grade pork and expert technique, this sleek eatery has earned a spot on the Tabelog Top 100 list.

🐷 Tonkatsu Aoki (Ginza 8-chome) – Premium Tonkatsu in the Heart of Tokyo
If you’re searching for the best tonkatsu in Tokyo, look no further than Tonkatsu Aoki Ginza 8-chome, just a short walk from Ginza Station. This highly acclaimed tonkatsu restaurant is famous for its expertly prepared pork cutlets made with Hayashi SPF pork, a premium brand of pork known for its tender texture and sweet, flavorful fat.

Unforgettable Tonkatsu Experience in Ginza
One of the top reasons food lovers visit Tonkatsu Aoki is the outstanding rosu katsu teishoku (pork loin cutlet set). The cutlet is impressively thick, with a slightly pink center that’s cooked to rare perfection. Each bite bursts with juicy flavor, and the natural sweetness of the fat melts gently in your mouth. The crust is made using coarse panko breadcrumbs, giving it a light, crispy texture that’s not greasy—making it easy to enjoy to the very last bite.

🍽 Recommended Dishes:
While the classic rosu katsu is always a solid choice, we recommend the tokujo rib roast katsu, a premium cut that offers an excellent balance of juiciness and rich pork flavor. At Tonkatsu Aoki, they suggest enjoying your tonkatsu with just a pinch of salt, and the restaurant provides several varieties, including Himalayan rock salt and Andes pink salt. Exploring different salts adds a fun, personalized touch to your meal.

🪑 Atmosphere:
The interior is sleek and modern, with black tones that create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, you’ll feel welcome. There are both counter and table seats available.

Due to its popularity, especially during lunchtime, we recommend visiting during off-peak hours or coming for dinner to avoid the lines.

📍 Restaurant Information:
Address: 5F, Ginza Kaki Building, 4-3-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Ginza Station
Opening Hours: Tue–Fri: 11:00–15:00 / 17:00–21:00, Sat: 11:00–15:00 / 17:00–20:00
Closed: Mondays & Sundays

Website: Tabelog Page
Website: Website

Tonkatsu Nanaido – A Hidden Gem for Pork Cutlet Lovers in Aoyama

Location: Near Gaienmae Station

Tonkatsu Nanaido – Hidden Tonkatsu Gem Near Gaiemmae Station
If you’re looking for a hidden tonkatsu spot in Tokyo, Tonkatsu Nanaido near Gaiemmae Station is a must-visit. Nestled quietly in a back alley just a few minutes’ walk from the station, this exclusive lunch-only tonkatsu restaurant has gained a loyal following and draws long lines daily.

🐽 A Tonkatsu Experience Worth the Wait
We arrived 30 minutes before opening, only to find several people already in line—proof of its well-earned reputation. The highlight here is the rosu katsu teishoku (pork loin cutlet set), which is cooked to order and served piping hot. The first thing you’ll notice is the perfectly golden breadcrumb coating—light, crisp, and completely free of excess oil.

Biting into it, you’re met with a satisfying crunch, followed by an explosion of savory pork juices. The high-quality pork loin is incredibly tender, with just the right amount of sweet fat that melts in your mouth. The balance between the juicy meat and crisp coating is outstanding. Paired with either salt or the house-made tonkatsu sauce, every bite is pure joy.

Quality in Every Detail
The set comes with rice, cabbage, and red miso soup, each prepared with care. While tonkatsu may seem like a simple dish, Tonkatsu Nanaido elevates it by paying close attention to every element on the plate.

🍴 Atmosphere:
Cozy Counter-Only Dining
The interior features only counter seating, creating an intimate and relaxed dining environment. Watching the chef prepare your meal with meticulous care adds a special touch to the experience.

Due to limited seating and its lunch-only hours, you’ll want to arrive early—but trust us, it’s worth every minute of the wait. This is one of the best tonkatsu lunches in Tokyo, and a must for pork cutlet lovers.

📍 Restaurant Information:
Address: Passage Aoyama 1F, 2-27-18 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Gaienmae Station
Opening Hours: Tue–Fri: 11:00–14:00 (L.O. 13:30)
Closed: Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays

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Tonkatsu Hinata – A Pork Cutlet Tasting Experience in Takadanobaba

Location: Near Takadanobaba Station

Tonkatsu Hinata – Taste the Full Depth of Pork with a Tasting Course in Takadanobaba
Located just a few minutes’ walk from Takadanobaba Station, Tonkatsu Hinata stands out in this lively student neighborhood as a serious contender for the best tonkatsu in Tokyo. Known for its incredible pork cutlet tasting course, Hinata draws in both local foodies and nearby office workers—even during weekday afternoons, it’s often packed.

🐷 Highlight: Explore Different Cuts with a Pork Tasting Course
The restaurant’s signature offering is its tonkatsu tasting course, where you can compare multiple pork cuts in one meal—filet, loin, shoulder loin, and rib loin. Each cut showcases its own unique flavor and texture, making this experience a treat for both beginners and tonkatsu aficionados alike.

🧂 Choose Your Flavor:
The breading is thin and crisp, almost like tempura, providing a satisfying crunch without feeling greasy. The pork inside is expertly cooked—juicy and tender, with no excess fat. The shoulder loin impressed with its melt-in-your-mouth fat, while the rib loin delivered a rich, savory punch. You’ll be amazed at how different pork can taste depending on the cut.

Seasoned to Your Taste
Tonkatsu Hinata offers a variety of salts and a house-made sauce so you can enjoy each piece with different flavor profiles. The rice is perfectly fluffy, and the cabbage is refillable, letting you enjoy every element of the meal to the fullest. Even the miso soup shows the kitchen’s attention to detail, elevating the entire dining experience.

🪑 Atmosphere:
Comfortable Dining for Everyone
The atmosphere is clean, bright, and welcoming—even for solo diners or first-time visitors. Sitting at the counter lets you observe the chef’s precise techniques, from the sound of frying to the slicing of cutlets—adding a sensory layer to the experience.

If you want to explore tonkatsu in a new and deeper way, Tonkatsu Hinata is a must-visit in Tokyo. Highly recommended for anyone curious about how different pork cuts taste and feel.

📍 Restaurant Information:
Address: Suzuki Bldg 1F, 2-13-9 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Takadanobaba Station
Opening Hours: Tue–Fri: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00 / Sat: 11:00–14:00
Closed: Mondays and Sundays

Website: Tabelog Page
Website: Michelin Guide