Tonkatsu Mange (とんかつ マンジェ) Yao

I finally had the long-awaited opportunity to have lunch at "Tonkatsu Mange" in Yao.This renowned restaurant has even ranked first on Tabelog in the past, and it's a place that no tonkatsu lover would be unfamiliar with.I managed to take a day off on a weekday, so I made a reservation early in the morning and was able to join the second seating.There were so many tempting options, but I decided on the Select Set A (JPY 4000) plus a set meal (JPY 730), and upgraded my tonkatsu to Super Golden Pork (JPY 520).The course was beautifully arranged, starting with the foie gras tonkatsu, which was absolutely exquisite. I was completely captivated from the first bite.The meal included salad, pickles, red miso soup, and rice. The pickles featured water eggplant topped with bonito flakes, making for a perfect palate cleanser!To my surprise, the red miso soup even contained tapioca.The second course featured the Premium Fillet Tonkatsu, which I enjoyed with white truffle salt. It was so tender that it felt otherworldly in its deliciousness.The Premium Loin Tonkatsu was also delightful, with a sweet richness in the fat. It paired wonderfully with olive oil and the house-made sauce.To finish off, the champagne sorbet was elegant and helped cleanse the palate from the richness of the fried dishes.There’s definitely a reason why this popular restaurant has such a great reputation.I already want to go back again! Less

I visited the renowned tonkatsu restaurant "Mange" on a rainy day. Despite the weather, I was able to get a table after about a 40-minute wait. I ordered the Super Golden Pork and Special Tenderloin set meals, and the light, crispy batter made them easy to enjoy. After the satisfying crunch, the rich flavor and sweetness of the pork burst in my mouth.The Super Golden Pork stood out for its sweet and high-quality fat, without feeling heavy at all. The Special Tenderloin was surprisingly moist and tender, with a juiciness that you wouldn’t expect from lean meat. Each dish had its own distinct character, making the comparison a delightful experience.The pickles that came with the set meal were also exceptional. They were so delicious that they went beyond just being a palate cleanser, pairing perfectly with the rice. Eating them between bites of tonkatsu refreshed my palate, allowing me to savor every last piece. It was a great meal! Less

I went to Yao to buy Momochan's rice crackers! Since I was already in Yao, I thought I’d grab a delicious lunch on my way back, so I stopped by "Tonkatsu Mange." I arrived safely before opening, but I was already the second name on the reservation list. This place is really popular! There’s no specific time for seating; they’ll call you when a table is available! After exploring the area for about two hours, I finally got to enter! While waiting, I received the menu at the waiting area. You can choose from a la carte, set meals, or courses, and there’s a wide variety of meats available! You can even try the legendary TOKYO-X and Himuro pork! The restaurant has only counter seating (12 seats). You can enjoy watching the cooking process while waiting for your meal. 【My Order】 ● Supreme Tonkatsu Assorted Platter (TOKYO-X & Special Tenderloin Tonkatsu) Set Meal This set allows you to choose your salt, so I went with truffle salt! First, a salad was served, which I enjoyed with their original dressing. Next, I thought it was bonito flakes, but underneath were pickles! Eggplant, cucumber, and Japanese radish appeared, retaining a great texture—so delicious! The eggplant pickles were particularly impressive! Then came the rice and red miso soup, and finally, the tonkatsu arrived. The presentation was beautiful! I enjoyed it with truffle salt, olive oil, tonkatsu sauce, and their original sauce. First up was the legendary TOKYO-X! It was so tender that it cut easily with my front teeth, yet I could really savor the meat! As I enjoyed the texture, a gentle sweetness from the fat spread in my mouth—so delicious! Next was the special tenderloin! As soon as I took a bite of the large cut, I was amazed by its tenderness and juiciness! So incredibly delicious! I tried different combinations of salt and sauce, naturally savoring each bite. Although tonkatsu usually makes you want to devour it quickly, I found myself enjoying it slowly instead (laughs). I’ve encountered the best tonkatsu of my life! I will definitely come back! I highly recommend it—please check it out! Less

Located about a 5-minute walk from Yao Station, Tonkatsu Mange is a popular restaurant that always has a line of customers. Known for its consistent presence in Tabelog Awards and as one of the top 100 restaurants, it’s a must-visit for any tonkatsu lover.The tonkatsu, cooked slowly at low temperatures, features an astonishingly light and crispy coating, while the meat is moist and tender, releasing rich flavors and sweetness with every bite. The variety of premium pork is impressive, allowing diners to enjoy the distinct tastes of different cuts. The pairing with rice and cabbage is excellent, making it enjoyable until the very last bite. The quality justifies the long wait, and it’s definitely worth it. Less

This is a tonkatsu restaurant located in Yao, Osaka. On the day I visited, there was a typhoon forecast, and even though they started taking names at 8:30, I was waiting alone at the front from 8:00. However, they offered to take care of my luggage, showing incredible hospitality that truly touched me. The classic tenderloin set, soaked overnight in milk, along with the Hirmu pork tenderloin, was fantastic, but the foie gras was simply outstanding. The rich and tender foie gras combined with the juiciness of the tenderloin created an amazing synergy. Also, the pickled turnips were surprisingly sweet and perfectly made. How do they make it so delicious? It's incredible! Less

I checked in at 9 AM and entered the restaurant at 2 PM, feeling quite hungry after lunchtime.Upon being seated in the back, I was disheartened to find a towering wall just 30 centimeters in front of me. While other tables were spacious and offered a view of the kitchen, my companion and I were crammed into a tiny space. It felt grotesque to pay the same price for such a cramped spot.The narrow aisle made it even worse; if a larger person walked by, it would be impossible to move.At this point, I was already quite disappointed, but the real nightmare began here. With a wall right in front of me, the restroom was alarmingly close by. The frequent foot traffic made me feel like I was dining in a restroom.To make matters worse, our tiny table was piled high with plates, making it extremely cramped. However, the fried asparagus was quite delicious. Despite ordering some of the best items on the menu, they didn’t match the price, leaving me feeling even more let down. I wondered if I should have just ordered something cheaper.The garlic-infused beef cutlet was overloaded with garlic to the point where I couldn’t tell which was the main ingredient. Each bite sent garlic bits falling off like sesame seeds from a bun—way too much.I ordered a sandwich to take home, but it was also overpriced. The katsu sandwich I could get on the Shinkansen might be tastier.I couldn’t understand why this place was so highly rated. If I ever return, I’d like to compare it with the cheaper lunch options, but I doubt I’ll be motivated to check in early again, especially if I end up in that cramped back corner. Less

⭐️ Tonkatsu MangeIt’s about a 7-8 minute walk from the North Exit of JR Yao Station. I finally visited the renowned Tonkatsu restaurant, Mange! ✨My friend made a reservation for us, so we arrived at 5 PM. ☺️The seating is only at the counter, and the space behind is quite narrow.We ordered the Tonkatsu Sampler, which costs JPY 12,800. It’s meant for 3-5 people and is very generous in portion.- Super Golden Pork: 300g- Kurobuta (Black Pork): 170g- Special Tenderloin: 300g- Aji Pork: 170gThe Special Tenderloin was undeniably delicious!As for the others...I won’t go into detail out of respect for my friend who made the reservation!I heard that the seating time is limited to one hour, so I hurriedly stuffed my face with tonkatsu and settled the bill. wPlease gauge my experience from the score. ☺️Even if invited again, I probably won’t return. ww Less

The tonkatsu here is on a level that’s beyond description, and I had the chance to indulge in it after a long time.I started with the deep-fried asparagus wrapped in pork, followed by the giant shrimp tempura.I compared Tokyo X pork with Himuro pork while enjoying the Special Tenderloin, and the taste was so incredible it felt like my brain was melting.Next came the foie gras tonkatsu, scallop roll tempura, and a unique onion tempura with burnt butter soy sauce.I finished off with pork ginger served with white rice, and the red miso soup was simply outstanding.If we’re talking about the pinnacle of tonkatsu, Tonkatsu Mange delivers not only in terms of ingredients but also in the frying technique, achieving a perfect result without any complaints.Personally, I love how the owner smiles at you with a grin when you make eye contact upon entering the restaurant. Less

I first learned about Tonkatsu Mange about 10 years ago. I had always wanted to visit, but the opportunity never arose until I received a wonderful invitation, making my visit possible. This restaurant does not accept reservations; instead, they have a system where you write your name on a waiting board displayed at 8:30 AM. You sign up in order of arrival for both lunch and dinner sessions. Since you can register for others, if someone ahead of you signs up for a large group, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll be seated in the first round. On this day, I joined those who had lined up early and managed to visit during the first round of the dinner session. I arrived at the restaurant at 5 PM. It’s about a 5-minute walk from JR Yao Station. Inside, there are only 12 counter seats. Guests are seated in order from the front. The menu is extensive, so I recommend checking it online beforehand to decide what to order. I wanted to try a variety of dishes, so I ordered the Select Set A and a Crab Cream Croquette. The Select Set is served in a course style, with each dish presented one by one. At this restaurant, all fried items are cooked at once, resulting in incredibly fast service. The plates are quite large, so if you eat slowly, it can lead to a bit of a backlog. I ordered a drink, but I was so focused on eating that I only managed to finish one glass. My stay lasted about 40 minutes. I might have never eaten so many fried items in such a short time before! It was a great meal. Prices include tax◎ Select Set A (JPY 4,000) ... A set including salad, foie gras tonkatsu, special premium filet tonkatsu, premium loin (Yamagata pork) tonkatsu, and champagne sorbet. The salad is served with any tonkatsu order, not just the set. You can also refill it up to three times. The salad, primarily made of cabbage, is enjoyed with salt and olive oil or homemade dressing. Once I finished the salad, the foie gras tonkatsu was served. It’s a decadent dish with foie gras sandwiched between pork and fried to perfection. The special premium filet tonkatsu was cooked just right, with a moist texture that was delicious. It’s tasty even without any sauce, but adding a bit of truffle salt enhances the flavor. The premium loin (Yamagata pork) tonkatsu is thinner and leaner, making it a lighter option. Personally, I prefer a slightly thinner batter. The champagne sorbet is refreshingly perfect after the fried dishes.○ Crab Cream Croquette (JPY 500) ... Contains a slightly loose béchamel with shredded crab meat. There’s sauce underneath the croquette, but I personally would have liked to try it without the sauce. Prices include tax・Hakushu Highball (JPY 850) Less

In June 2026, my friend stood in line early in the morning for a reservation at Tonkatsu Mange, thanks to which I was able to visit in the evening! (Thank you so much!)We arrived at the restaurant at 5 PM and were the first group to be seated for dinner. The menu had an incredible variety, but I had already made my choices:◯ Glass of red wine - JPY 880 ◯ Hirmuro Pork & Special Tenderloin Tonkatsu - JPY 4,970 * I chose white truffle salt ◯ Angel Shrimp Fry (1 piece) - JPY 510 ◯ Rice - JPY 270 Both the Hirmuro Pork & Special Tenderloin Tonkatsu and the shrimp fry were absolutely delicious! The meat was thick and satisfying. Even though the portions were quite generous, I still had some room left and wanted to order more. However, it seemed like everyone else finished their initial orders quickly and left, so it didn’t feel like there was an opportunity to add more to my order. (There were also new customers arriving for the second round.)It was a great meal.Next time I have the chance, I’d like to try the unique tonkatsu options, like the Echire butter or Gorgonzola tonkatsu. I'm really curious about those! Less

Finally made it to the famous Tonkatsu Mange! I wrote my name down at 8 AM and was able to enter at 1:30 PM. Despite it being a rainy day, the wait was longer than I expected. I was so hungry that I ended up ordering too much, but I was completely satisfied! The tonkatsu was, of course, amazing, but I was also surprised by the perfectly cooked fried scallops. I believe the red miso soup here is uniquely delicious. Personally, I might just stick to the tenderloin for my tonkatsu... (I forgot the brand, but when I ordered the most expensive one, the fat was so rich that it made me feel a bit heavy.) It was a great meal! Less

Today, I visited this extremely famous restaurant.They accept reservations for lunch and dinner starting from 8:30 AM on the same day.To secure a spot, you would need to leave quite early in the morning, making it a bit challenging to dine here.That said, I didn’t think they would fill up every day, so I hoped to get lucky and decided to go.I arrived at the restaurant at 10:50 AM on a Thursday.There were still available reservation slots, and I was number 42 in line (the staff mentioned it would be around 1 PM).With two hours to spare, I strolled around the Tennoji Station area to pass the time and arrived at JR Yao Station around 1 PM.I received a call from the restaurant around 1:30 PM and took a seat at the counter while deciding on the menu.The interior is quite narrow, featuring only a counter that extends from the entrance to the back.I ordered the Select Set B, which includes various types of tonkatsu, the set meal, and crab cream croquettes.The Select B consisted of Echire butter tonkatsu, special tenderloin tonkatsu, and premium loin tonkatsu (I opted for Aji pork), along with champagne sorbet and white truffle salt.The set meal included rice and salad.For the tonkatsu, I had options for sauces: salt (white truffle salt), olive oil, tonkatsu sauce, and original sauce.The olive oil was a nice complement to the white truffle salt, while the original sauce had a refreshing taste reminiscent of grated daikon ponzu.The tonkatsu sauce was milder than usual.The katsu was coated in coarser breadcrumbs and fried to a deep golden color.However, unlike the dark exterior, the inside was cooked just right and juicy.The flavor of the white truffle salt was distinctive and paired well with all the katsu.The Echire butter tonkatsu had a slice of Echire butter on top of the tenderloin, which spread its aroma in my mouth as I ate.The special tenderloin was juicy, and the loin katsu highlighted the deliciousness of the fat.The cabbage was served with dressing or olive oil and salt; I found the olive oil to be particularly tasty.The crab cream croquettes were filled with plenty of crab meat and were creamy and delicious.The pickles were generous and topped with plenty of bonito flakes, making them tasty as well.I finished with the refreshing sorbet, feeling completely full as I left the restaurant. Less

I visited Tonkatsu Mange, a well-known tonkatsu restaurant in Yao, Osaka, that I had been wanting to try. I had heard about their 0830 reservation system, so I arrived at 0750, only to find eight people ahead of me. By the time I registered at 0830, there were about 20 people behind me. As rumored, it’s a popular spot.After a short wait, I received a call to enter the restaurant, and after sitting down with the menu, I waited for about five minutes.The interior has a calm, warm lighting that creates a modern and luxurious atmosphere.I was planning to order either the Tokyo X or Himuro pork, but by the time I entered at 1140, they were already sold out. They open at 1100, and this was during the second round of customers. Since I didn’t come specifically for the brand-name pork, I didn’t mind and chose the signature "Mange Tonkatsu Shoulder Loin 200g" and "Special Fillet 200g" with a set meal for about JPY 4800. This was actually cheaper than ordering the brand-name pork.In front of me, the chef and four staff members were busy at work. The counter allowed me to observe the craftsmanship, and I had a prime seat right in front of the frying area. It was fascinating to see skewers pointing in different directions, a sight I had never seen before.The "Mange Tonkatsu" was quite large and relatively thin. The cross-section showed a thick coating of flour dipped in egg, which had a rich yellow color. The flour seemed to be sprinkled on lightly, creating an airy texture. The thick, crunchy coating was subtly sweet, and the egg-dipping process made it fluffy. As a result, some breadcrumbs spilled out before frying.The key is to fry the meat before the moisture transfers to the coating after applying the breadcrumbs.The cuts were thin, and I had to be careful holding the central part, as the coating could easily come off. It seemed to be fried in lard, giving it a wonderful aroma and a perfect crispiness. The pork had a strong flavor, not overly refined, but I enjoy that classic pork taste—it felt wild and robust.I tried three pieces without any sauce, and the salt and pepper were well-seasoned, making it delicious on its own. After that, I enjoyed it with salt, grated daikon, and sauce in that order. There was olive oil available, but I skipped it since I wanted to eat while it was still hot.The chef calculated the pace of the customers, and as soon as I finished, he promptly served the special fillet. He was frying about five portions at once, which was impressive.The special fillet was a large round cut, sliced in half, revealing a beautiful gradient of red meat towards the center. I noticed that other customers were also enjoying the fillet, and they all had the same color, which was remarkable.The fillet retained an astonishing amount of moisture, and the juiciness was incredible. So that’s why they avoid excess moisture in the coating. Despite its large diameter, it was cooked perfectly. This one had a very refined flavor, making me wonder if I had eaten it in the wrong order.Two pieces of tonkatsu cost about JPY 4000, and I was about 80% full at this point. As someone who prioritizes tonkatsu, I usually think that just the cutlet and cabbage would be enough for me. However, this restaurant seems to focus on quality beyond just the cutlet, aiming for a complete set meal.The rice was sweet and well-cooked, and the miso soup had an indescribably refined taste, likely due to a blend of various flavors. The pickles included turnip, eggplant, and cucumber, providing a refreshing contrast. The white bonito flakes on top added a nice flavor. After eating the cabbage, I was quite full. For JPY 740 for the set meal, it was a great deal.Other customers were enjoying beers, Yamazaki, and Hakushu 12-year whiskey, even though it was still before noon. At around JPY 1400, the drinks seemed incredibly cheap. I came all the way to Osaka just for this restaurant, and I was very satisfied to experience such high-quality tonkatsu. Less

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊Restaurant: Tonkatsu MangeAddress: Yao City, Osaka PrefectureNearest Station: JR Yao StationDish: Special Half & Half【Special Hire Tonkatsu (100g) + TOKYO-X (80g)】Price: JPY 2,970Option 1: Draft Beer: JPY 700Option 2: Set Meal: JPY 730＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊I visited for the first time. I took the train to Yao before 7 AM.Even though I arrived just after 7:40, I found out at 8:30 that I was barely in the first round...I was blown away by how delicious it was! I can hardly express it in words.Next, I want to try the Tonkatsu Revolution in Kawachi Yamamoto. Less

This tonkatsu restaurant requires you to write your name down early on weekdays if you want to eat here. It seems that quite a few people come from outside the prefecture just to try it. I went to put my name down around 9:30 AM and was number 18! The restaurant has only 14 seats, so I thought it might be hard to get in, but once it opened, I was told, "If you don’t mind, please come in as some guests haven’t arrived yet." I entered, feeling excited to finally be at Tonkatsu Mange! The prices are a bit high, but the food is indeed delicious. I felt a little more grown-up, but since I can’t say it’s a great value for money, I’ll give it this rating. Less

◆Visit Rating 4.01 Ranked 4th in Japan for Tonkatsu Ranked 2nd in Osaka for Tonkatsu ◆About the Restaurant This is an extremely popular tonkatsu specialty restaurant, acclaimed as the "best in Japan" by food enthusiasts nationwide. It used to hold the top spot for tonkatsu in the country for a long time. Reservations start at 8:30 AM for both lunch and dinner, where you write your name on the reservation board at the restaurant. After signing up, you can leave, but you will receive a call when your turn is approaching. You need to return to the restaurant within 10 minutes of the notification. The capacity is 60 for lunch and 40 for dinner (subject to change), and once these numbers are reached, reservations will close. Even on weekdays, there is often a long line starting early in the morning, so arriving early is essential. ◆Impressions I was fortunate to have a wonderful friend who made this visit possible. Due to the queue, I couldn't get in on the first round and entered on the second round, around noon. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is elegant, with only counter seating, and the service was attentive and excellent. They managed a large number of customers with great care and efficiency. We shared various dishes, but my favorite was the Hiyama Pork TOKYO X. The flavor from the fat was incredibly delicious. What impressed me the most was that even the non-fatty parts were very tasty. Usually, when the fat is strong, the lean parts can taste bland, but here they were delicious. Additionally, there were various ways to enjoy the dishes, such as with truffle salt, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I think going with a large group and sharing is the best way to enjoy this place. ◆Meal Cost (tax included) Approximately JPY 5000 (one piece each of 6 types of pork) ◆Dishes Ordered (food only, tax included) ✔️✔️✔️Pickles Still delicious even after some time since serving. ✔️✔️✔️TOKYO X Overwhelmingly delicious. ✔️✔️✔️Hiyama Pork The fat was incredibly tasty, and what was remarkable was the strong umami from the non-fatty parts as well. ✔️✔️Super Golden Pork ✔️✔️Nanshu Black Pork ✔️✔️Miyazaki Aji Pork All were reliably delicious. ✔️✔️✔️Kagoshima Sanmi Pork Special Tenderloin Very delicious, with a strong red meat flavor. ◆Notes ◆Disclaimer *The information from Michelin and Gault & Millau includes past and recent data. *Prices are listed with tax included. ⭐️Rating Criteria Based on dining experiences across the country, considering local characteristics, etc. For example, in Tokyo, slightly higher prices are understandable. The overall score is determined by the average of taste and cost performance. Ex. Taste 4.2, Cost Performance 3.8 would be 4.0. Taking the price into account: ⭐️3 or below: Satisfied with just one visit ⭐️3.5: Delicious, generally satisfied ⭐️4: Very delicious, would recommend ⭐️4.5: Exquisite/Will return/Highly recommend ⭐️5: The pinnacle of deliciousness/Will visit for life/Absolutely recommend *I carefully evaluate to the first decimal point. *If I notice any discrepancies in the criteria, I occasionally review past ratings. ◆I sincerely hope that my followers enjoy delicious meals at the restaurants I review. I place the highest importance on location and satisfaction relative to the amount paid. ◆I value the reliability and objectivity of the information provided, and I generally include the meal cost. Less

Today was so much fun with my usual group! ♡We lined up early in the morning, but by the time we arrived, we were already 6th in line! (ﾟﾛﾟ)The popularity is as strong as ever.This time, we shared the following:■ Kurobuta (Black Pork)■ Super Golden Pork■ Himuro Pork■ Tokyo X■ DX TenderloinOf course, we completed the collection of brand-name pork! ♡Overall, the flavors felt lighter than usual, making it easy to compare.Among them, I particularly enjoyed the Tokyo X this time.Usually, I find it heavy halfway through, but this time I could keep eating without any problem! ♡Each type has its own unique character, so comparing them is always enjoyable.Eating together with everyone makes the experience even more delicious.Once again, I was completely satisfied! ♡It was a great meal! (•́✧•̀) Less

After leaving the office, I headed to Tonkatsu Mange in Yao, as the rain had lightened up. When I arrived at the restaurant, there was just one seat available right at the front, so I was seated immediately. Today, they were out of the premium Super Golden Pork, so I opted for the Aji Pork ribeye with white truffle salt as a set meal. When it comes to tonkatsu, ribeye is always my first choice because of its delicious fat. I started with a bite without any seasoning, then tried it with the truffle salt. The meat was tender, the fat melted in my mouth, and the exterior was crispy. The first bite is always the best, and I feel like the taste diminishes over time, so I tend to finish my meal quickly every year. I enjoyed my meal today as well. It was a great meal. On weekdays, if I suddenly crave tonkatsu, I can easily go to Tonkatsu Mange, which is great. I hope it never becomes a place where reservations fill up in an instant, making it hard to get a table, no matter how delicious it is. Less

I apologize for mentioning another restaurant first, but personally, the best tonkatsu I've ever had is the hirekatsu from Maruichi in Keihin Kamata.As I've gotten older, I tend to order tenderloin instead of loin. Due to rising costs, tonkatsu prices have been increasing year by year. I feel that tonkatsu restaurants are now splitting into casual and high-end establishments, similar to yakitori, yakiniku, ramen, etc. If Maruichi is considered casual, then Tonkatsu Mange is undoubtedly a high-end restaurant. Honestly, this is the most expensive tonkatsu place I've ever been to.In conclusion, while the taste is indeed delicious, the price is hard to ignore. I understand that using high-quality pork drives up the cost. I can see the attention to detail in the overall experience, from the salad, salt, pickles, rice, and of course, the main dish of tonkatsu. However, when asked if it’s worth the effort to line up at 8:30 AM for this, my personal answer is NO. The high score on Tabelog raised my expectations significantly.Here are my impressions and the situation:I arrived at 9:10 AM on a weekday and was the sixth to register (the restaurant has 12 seats, and I was seated as the tenth). There is a dedicated parking lot for about 10 cars down the narrow road in front of the restaurant, and a Seven-Eleven nearby. If there are more than 12 people ahead of you when registering, you will be notified via mobile for the second round of seating.This time, I ordered the TOKYO-X and the Tokujou Hire Tonkatsu & Set Meal with White Truffle Salt (you can choose between Black Charcoal Salt or the two types).Personally, I believe that tonkatsu is best enjoyed with sauce, so I feel this aspect differs significantly from casual tonkatsu shops. I understand the appeal of dressing on salads or enjoying it with salt, but I have a strong preconceived notion about what pairs best, and I didn’t find the shock of changing that perspective.While it’s a given that the tonkatsu itself is delicious, the most surprising part was the miso soup, which left a lasting impression. It was a red miso soup with transparent tapioca-like bits that added a nice touch. The pickles and rice were also delicious. Everything was tasty, but if asked whether I would want to come back...This is my personal take. Of course, everyone has their own preferences, so I hope this serves as one opinion for your reference.This restaurant really made me think about what one generally seeks in a tonkatsu set meal. Less

Today, I visited this restaurant.I arrived around 7:10 AM on a Saturday, and I was the fifth in line, as the morning sign-up was quite competitive.By 8:00 AM, there were about 15 to 20 people waiting, so unless you're aiming for a long holiday or the first round, arriving later might be fine.Since I was in the first round, I gathered in front of the restaurant five minutes before opening, which was two and a half hours later.I was guided inside and my order arrived in about 20 minutes.There were reviews mentioning long wait times for food, but that wasn’t the case this time.Salad: The dressing wasn’t to my liking.Pickles: The onion had a yuzu flavor, which I enjoyed.Miso Soup: It had tapioca and sansho pepper, making it quite unique.Rice: When I requested a large serving, it was more like an extra-large portion.The Himuro pork isn’t overly fatty and has a slightly firmer texture, but the meat's flavor and sweetness are outstanding.The coating is well-seasoned with pepper, so it’s fine to eat it as is.- Truffle Salt: The aroma of truffle is intense, but it overpowers the pork a bit, making it a little too assertive.- Charcoal Salt: It doesn’t have much of a charcoal flavor and is closer to plain salt.- Olive Oil Salt: It’s mild but slightly heavy with a lighter saltiness.- Tonkatsu Sauce: The balance of sweetness and acidity is excellent; this is definitely the go-to for tonkatsu.- Original Sauce: Made with grated vegetables, it has a strong acidity and can be enjoyed like a grated ponzu.Overall Assessment:I had thought that fat equated to sweetness, but that was clearly not the case.My companion's Super Golden Pork was quite rich and heavy, while the fillet cutlet was tender and juicy but felt a bit lacking compared to the loin.The salad and miso soup seemed unnecessary.While it was exceptionally delicious, I couldn't tell if it was due to the quality of the ingredients or the chef's skills.However, the No. 1 award history is certainly not to be taken lightly.I will definitely return.It was a great meal! Less

Located in Yao, Osaka, this extremely popular tonkatsu restaurant is well-known for its excellence. It has received the "Tabelog Award 2025 Bronze" and has also been selected as one of the "Top 100 Tonkatsu Restaurants 2024," establishing its reputation as a nationally recognized establishment.The address is 2-3-22 Yokoen, Yao City, Osaka Prefecture, just a 5-minute walk from the north exit of Yao Station on the JR Yamatoji Line.(Official website: https://tonkatsumanger.com)*Reservations are not accepted, and both lunch and dinner operate on a first-come, first-served basis."Menu"【Premium Loin Tonkatsu】【Half Tenderloin】~A few thoughts~The tonkatsu offers a refined taste rather than a heavy one, showcasing a strong commitment to the quality of ingredients and frying techniques. This restaurant is not just riding on its popularity; it truly delivers satisfaction. Less

I visited with a friend."Tonkatsu Mange" is a highly acclaimed tonkatsu restaurant known nationwide. The batter is surprisingly light and crispy, while the meat is tender and juicy. With every bite, the sweetness and umami of the pork spread across my palate, allowing me to truly appreciate the quality of the ingredients. The fat is refined and not heavy, making it enjoyable until the very last bite. The ability to savor different flavors with sauce or salt is also a delightful feature. It's easy to understand why there's a line, as this restaurant offers a high level of satisfaction. Less

This time, I enjoyed the 110-monme (420g) pork loin tonkatsu set meal along with fried squid.The moment it was served, I was captivated by its impressive appearance. The 420g pork loin tonkatsu boasts an astonishing volume that raises expectations just by looking at it.First, I took a bite without any sauce. The crispy, light batter revealed the rich flavor of the meat and the sweetness of the high-quality fat. It was juicy, characteristic of loin cuts, yet the fat was not overwhelming, allowing me to savor it until the very end.The meat was surprisingly tender, bursting with flavor with every bite. Despite its size, it didn’t feel heavy, and before I knew it, I was eagerly reaching for more.Being a set meal, I was also pleased to enjoy it with rice and miso soup. The overall satisfaction level was high, allowing me to fully appreciate the deliciousness of the tonkatsu.The fried squid I ordered additionally was also exquisite. The batter was crispy, while the squid inside was tender and sweet, offering a different kind of deliciousness compared to the tonkatsu. Even with its generous portion, I enjoyed it without getting bored until the last bite.This is a must-try dish for any tonkatsu lover. I was thoroughly satisfied with the deliciousness, just as the rumors suggested.It was a great meal! Less

I visited after four years.On a holiday during Golden Week, I arrived at 8:10 AM and was the 37th in line after signing in. Since multiple people can register together, it’s hard to predict the waiting order based solely on the number of people in line.I received a call at 1 PM. (During the wait, I went to Munich. This might be the gourmet golden route!)When I reached the unique mirrored counter seats, I felt, "Ah, I’m back at Mange."Last time, I ordered a half-and-half, but the fat on the loin wasn’t impressive, so this time I opted for the special tenderloin set with shrimp and scallop fritters, plus a half portion of fried squid.The owner fries each item individually. The large tenderloin is characterized by a generous amount of pepper on its pink cross-section, making it quite satisfying. The original sauce is delicious as well. Additionally, the presentation of the other fried items is beautiful.I had higher expectations for the scallop and squid fritters, but they were just decent. They were served on a separate plate.The shrimp fritter came with tartar sauce and had a nice, firm texture. When I took a bite, it felt like the legs pierced my mouth! (laughs)Last time, the truffle salt was excellent, but this time it was a blended salt. Perhaps it wasn’t truffle salt because it wasn’t made from premium pork?The owner, along with what seemed to be family members, efficiently navigated the narrow counter space, working seamlessly together. Today, the owner was rather quiet. Less