Revisited a tonkatsu restaurant in my local area, Azabu East. I visit about once or twice a month. The reliable hirekatsu set meal is 1,100 yen. I usually ask for less rice. Extra rice is 100 yen. Extra cabbage is free. I might try the fillet cutlet next time.

Arrived at 12:08 on Wednesday and there were already 6 people waiting, with another 4 people lining up shortly after. It's a popular restaurant, but the turnover is quick. Managed to get in at 12:17 and ordered the Hirekatsu set for 1250 yen. The staff were very friendly and the service was excellent. It's a place where even a solo diner can feel comfortable. On this day, I had to share a table with someone else. The set meal arrived in less than 10 minutes. The portion of rice was decent even for a regular size, so I'm glad I asked for a smaller portion. If I had to nitpick, the rice could have been a bit softer. The Hirekatsu consisted of 3 thick pieces, fried quite nicely with some juiciness. Payment is cash only with a smile. Since it's close to my workplace, I will definitely visit again. Thank you for the meal.

It's not too crowded, but lunch time can get busy. Depending on the timing, you might not be able to get in. Even the regular size comes with a lot of cabbage and rice. I had the pork cutlet set meal. It was delicious, but the meat was a bit thin. I wish it was juicier... However, the portion size and cost performance are good ❤️ Also, the inside of the restaurant is quite cold.

I went to the tonkatsu restaurant "Tonkatsu Hagino" that I had been curious about at Akabanebashi. I had tried to visit twice before, but arrived five minutes before closing time and was sadly turned away. However, this time I managed to arrive 30 minutes early and finally got a chance to enter. The restaurant looked like a typical tonkatsu place in the city, but inside, jazz music was playing, which seemed a bit mismatched. I wanted to try the "Top Loin Katsu Set" but since it was lunchtime, I ordered the lunch menu "Loin Katsu Set". When the tonkatsu was brought to me, it looked like a typical tonkatsu you would find in the city. Checking the thickness, it was about 1cm thick, which I thought was a bit thin, but considering the price of 1,100 yen, I convinced myself and tried it. The meat had a fibrous texture, yet it was tender and juicy, and delicious. After finishing the meal, I realized that although the thickness was lacking, the meat portion was wide and had sufficient volume. Additionally, the sauce was also tasty, whether it was modified or not. On the other hand, the rice was cooked slightly hard, and the miso soup was boiled too much. Nevertheless, the service was very pleasant, and the restaurant had a sincere and down-to-earth atmosphere, which I appreciated.

[Revisit] In October 2022, tempted by the new rice sign during the fruitful autumn season. The pork cutlet set meal costs 1,100 yen. Lately, it feels like I've been enjoying about the left 1/3 with salt. The rest with sauce and hot mustard. The new rice was delicious. The miso soup also had a consistently good taste.

I started a gourmet site for Mitomi Emon. Visited the long-established tonkatsu restaurant "Tonkatsu Hagi-no" in a corner of the Higashi-Azabu shopping street. The atmosphere of the tonkatsu restaurant in the town is comfortable with an unpretentious feel. The classic pork cutlet set meal is priced at 1600 yen, while the mini set meal with fillet cutlet and shrimp fry is 1700 yen, making it very attractive in terms of cost. The mini set meal includes one fillet cutlet and two shrimp fries, served with a mountain of shredded cabbage. The cabbage is finely shredded and has a fresh and crisp texture. The cutlets are fried well without feeling greasy, and the slight crispness adds to the appeal. The shrimp fries are long and slender, a bit oily but when paired with mayonnaise, they become a gentle and harmonious combination. Thank you for the delicious meal!

Akabanebashi Station, exit at the Nakano Bridge exit and walk about 3 minutes to find "Tonkatsu Hagino". This popular tonkatsu restaurant is a favorite among locals. The exterior is simple, located on a corner of a building. Inside, the atmosphere is traditional Japanese with a counter seating for 7 and a few tables for 4 and 2 people. Visited around 11:40 am, the place was about two-thirds full with available tables. The menu offers about 8 set meals including the classic tonkatsu and kushikatsu, with the option to add toppings. I decided to try the "Croquette Set Meal" which looked appealing. The place smelled of good oil, and the food arrived in about 10 minutes. The set included croquette, pork fillet cutlet, and shrimp fry, all delicious and well-prepared. The cabbage side was also fresh and tasty. Despite being distracted by some shocking news during the meal, I was satisfied with the delicious food. This place is only open on weekdays, but definitely worth a visit if you're curious. [Menu] - Croquette Set Meal: 1200 yen

The storefront seemed quite simple, so I hesitated to enter, but once I stepped inside, I was warmly welcomed. The shop has a clean and lovely atmosphere. The handwritten menu adds a nice touch. The Mini Set Meal with Pork Cutlet and Shrimp Fry for 1100 yen was delicious, served with freshly cooked rice and miso soup with kelp broth. The homemade pickles were crispy and tasty. In the evening, they also sell side dishes, making it a convenient spot for locals. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

Head to the old downtown area, Higashi-Azabu Shopping Street, at the foot of Tokyo Tower. Hidden in the back is a modest little shop called "Wafu Tonkatsu Hagino" where I had lunch. They are closed on weekends and holidays, so it's quite difficult to visit unless you live nearby. The clientele is mostly locals, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This family-run tonkatsu restaurant has been serving the community for a long time. It offers great value for money compared to other places in Minato-ku. The lunch menu features dishes made with domestic pork and rice. The set includes freshly cooked rice, homemade miso soup with kelp dashi, and homemade pickles. There are 20 seats at tables and counters. The lunch options include 8 choices, with the most popular being the "Rosukatsu set" for 1000 yen (tax included). The owner greets you before the meal, and the daughters serve the pickles, miso soup, and rice. The cabbage pile is beautifully presented. The miso soup with delicate tofu is delightful. I start with the tonkatsu sauce... the thick, rich sauce pairs perfectly with the succulent pork. The meat thickness and fat layer balance perfectly, resulting in a crispy yet juicy tonkatsu. It's amazing. Next, I try it with salt. The sweetness of the pork fat is enhanced, creating an exquisite taste. I then try it with mustard soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. All delicious, but I think I prefer it with salt. I finish every last bite, feeling satisfied. Afterward, I relax and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. It's true, the homely ambiance makes the food taste even better. It was a wonderful experience, and I will definitely come back again.

[Overall] - Tonkatsu restaurant located in Akabanebashi - Almost full around 12 PM on weekdays - Rice comes in normal size, which is actually a large portion - Cash only (Minato Ward Premium Product Vouchers accepted) [Dish] - Pork loin tonkatsu set meal for 1000 yen Comes with miso soup, pickles, and rice. The rice and cabbage portions are like a large size, so you can ask for a smaller portion when ordering. The tonkatsu is not too thick but wide and generously sized. The pork loin tonkatsu set meal was very satisfying with a great volume.

[Revisit] May 2021 lunch. Still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many shops in the Azabu Higashimachi area are closed. Upon entering, alcohol disinfection is done before taking a seat. I ordered the classic loin with a little rice. The loin was delicious with a perfect crispiness, just the right amount of fat, and flavor. The rice, miso soup, and pickles were also delicious.

Near Akabanebashi, during a full day of work, I felt too lazy to go all the way to Mita or Azabu-Juban for lunch, so I searched on Tabelog and found this place that gave off a good vibe. I took a side street from the Route 3 loop and entered a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle, where small shops and residential buildings mixed together. The local, long-standing vibe of this place made me hopeful. I was seated at a counter with proper disinfection measures and ample spacing, and upon the chef's signal, I ordered the signature dish - the pork cutlet set meal priced at 1,000 yen. After a short wait, the rice, miso soup, and pickles were served, followed by the freshly fried tonkatsu. The pork cutlet had a thickness of about 1.5 centimeters, plus a bit extra, and was generously sized. It was accompanied by a mountain of cabbage and a bowl filled with rice, providing a satisfying portion. The tonkatsu was piping hot and crispy on the outside, encasing flavorful and slightly fatty meat that was a guilty pleasure for any meat lover. The well-balanced and mellow sauce complemented the dish perfectly. The rice was so delicious that I couldn't stop eating it, and the cabbage, with its refreshing crunch, paired well with the mild sauce. Before I knew it, I had finished the cabbage before the tonkatsu. The miso soup, rich with plenty of tofu and kombu broth, and the light pickles provided a nice break between bites. By the time I finished my meal, the counter was full of customers, all dressed casually in a local style. They ordered with ease, customizing their meals to their liking without any pretense. The handwritten signs in the shop indicated their efforts to reduce food waste, showing a strong bond between the regulars and the establishment. I left feeling full and satisfied, having eaten my meal in a trance-like state. The next time, I've decided to revisit and order the cabbage with extra rice on the side.

【Revisit】As we head towards the end of 2020, with the rapid increase in coronavirus infections and an uncertain future, this year's year-end tonkatsu is a 1,000 yen pork loin. As expected, freshly fried tonkatsu eaten at the restaurant is delicious. In 2021, I hope for the pandemic to end so we can eat normally without having to constantly sanitize our hands, which causes them to become rough.

A tonkatsu restaurant near Akabanebashi. It's always crowded even though it's a bit far from here, so I finally visited. I had to wait a bit, but the staff were very polite. I ordered a mini pork fillet and shrimp fry set. The shrimp fry was huge. Very satisfied.

[Revisited] Confirmed reopening in July 2020 and had lunch there. Takeout is still available with advance reservation. Noticed that the katsudon was no longer on the menu. Used alcohol disinfectant before entering. Ordered the 1,000 yen pork cutlet. Maybe it's understandable that the katsudon didn't make it to the regular menu considering operation. Also, they have adapted to the new normal with sauce dispensers and individual mustard packets. It's really important to savor the happiness of eating freshly fried, hot food at the restaurant. Delicious. Both the rice and miso soup were great.

I went for lunch on a weekday. It was just before 1:00 PM, but the restaurant was full. Even after 1:00 PM, it was still packed, so it seems to be quite a popular place. I ordered the 1000 yen pork cutlet set. The pork cutlet was large and had just the right amount of fat, it was delicious. It was sliced thinly, making it easy to eat. The tonkatsu sauce was also delicious, I poured plenty of it on top. I tried a bite without the sauce at first, and I thought they must be using good quality pork because it had a rich flavor. I would like to go back if I have the chance. It was delicious.

Located just a few minutes from Akabanebashi Station, this restaurant is a great find in an area with not many dining options. It can get crowded during lunchtime, but it offers great value for the price. While the food may not be outstanding, it is a reliable and casual place to eat.

[Revisit] September 2019. Today, the second-generation owner's illustration welcomed me at the entrance. I ordered the loin for 980 yen. The loin was juicy and easy to eat in one bite. Lately, I've been asking for a smaller portion of rice. They kindly said, "If it's too little, please let us know later." The hot miso soup was also irresistible.

[Revisit] In April 2019, I had the loin cutlet lunch for 980 yen. Lately, I've been cutting back on rice portions. The lunchtime crowd is as lively as ever. Some neighbors enjoy fried food while sipping on beer during lunch. The loin cutlet at Hagino is elegantly thick. It's a tonkatsu with a good volume overall and great cost performance.

I visited the tonkatsu restaurant near Oedo Line Akabanebashi Station, about a 5-minute walk away, on a weekday before 1 pm. When I entered, the atmosphere was lively and the place was moderately crowded. I sat at a shared table and ordered the croquette set meal, which consisted of one pork cutlet, one shrimp fry, and one beef croquette. After about 10 minutes, the pickles were served, followed by a bowl full of white rice. Just as I was thinking of asking for half the portion, the seaweed and tofu miso soup arrived. Then, the croquette set arrived. There was homemade sauce on the table, so I poured it on and started eating, only to realize that I had forgotten to take a picture, so I hurriedly took one. The fried items had a crispy coating, the pork cutlet was cut into easy-to-eat bite-sized pieces and was tender, the shrimp fry was slightly overcooked but still tasty, and the beef croquette had a delicious beef flavor. As expected at a tonkatsu restaurant, there was plenty of fresh cabbage served with mayonnaise and lemon on the side, adding a nice flavor to the cabbage and fried items. As I left the restaurant, customers kept coming in without pause. It was a tonkatsu restaurant beloved by the locals.