A Hidden Tonkatsu Sanctuary in the Heart of Roppongi

Stepping down a quiet staircase, I found a garden, goldfish, and Yamato pork that transforms a simple meal into a sensory escape

The other day, I discovered a place in Roppongi that felt nothing like Roppongi. Just one minute from Roppongi Station, and about 15 minutes from Shibuya, we stepped down a staircase and suddenly entered what felt like a hidden retreat — almost like walking into a historic ryokan.

The sounds of the city disappeared, replaced by the quiet of a garden, and even a pond with goldfish at its center. Around it, private dining rooms created an atmosphere of calm, like a little sanctuary right in the middle of Tokyo.

The restaurant is called Onzoshi Kiyoyasu-tei Roppongi Main Store, specializing in tonkatsu and Japanese cuisine crafted with the precision of master chefs.

What makes this spot stand out is its use of Yamato pork, a premium brand that has earned the highest three-star rating from the International Taste Institute in Europe three years in a row. Tonkatsu — a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet beloved in Japan — is elevated here to the level of fine kaiseki. Coarsely ground breadcrumbs create a crisp texture, frying time and temperature are carefully balanced, and the result is a cutlet that’s juicy yet remarkably light.

I thought this is the perfect place if you want to experience a traditional Japanese setting, discover a rare quiet retreat in Tokyo, and savor culinary craftsmanship at its finest.

We ordered two set meals:

• Yamato Pork Loin Katsu Gozen — about $17
  Golden, crisp coating with tender, juicy pork inside. The natural sweetness of the meat paired perfectly with the rice. Served with four different condiments and flavors to enjoy the cutlet in different ways, plus three seasonal kobachi (small side dishes).

  

• Japanese Sirloin Rare Katsu Gozen — about $24
  This was unlike any tonkatsu I’ve ever had — the sirloin was lightly fried and still rare inside, melting in the mouth.

  

  The highlight was finishing it myself on a hot stone grill at the table, adjusting the doneness to my own taste. It felt interactive and luxurious, almost like being part of the cooking process.

  

Both meals came with a set of kobachi prepared by the chef. This time, we received:

• Fresh sashimi

• Lightly dressed spinach with sesame

• Creamy Japanese-style potato salad

• A fresh salad with a bright orange dressing

• Pickles on the side

It was the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making the lunch feel more like a multi-course meal than a simple tonkatsu set.

This wasn’t dinner, but lunch — and while the price might feel a little higher than a typical Japanese restaurant, the value is in the experience. Between the high-quality ingredients, the thoughtful seasonal sides, the private room, and the serene atmosphere that felt straight out of a traditional ryokan, I left convinced it was worth every yen.

It’s the kind of place where you don’t just eat — you pause, enjoy, and remember the whole experience.

I think this place is for people who want to enjoy Japanese craftsmanship in a calm, traditional setting, while discovering a rare retreat hidden in the middle of Roppongi. If that sounds like you, here are the details:

Address:
B1F Pacific Capital Plaza Bldg. 4-8-6, Roppongi, Minato-ku

Access:
1 minute from Roppongi station, exit 6

Telephone:
03-3408-4889

Hours:
Lunch: 11:30am–2:00pm (LO 1:30pm)
Dinner: 5:30pm–11:30pm (LO 10:30pm)

Seating:
70 seats (6 private rooms for 2–15 people)

Google Map