[Seoul] I chanced upon this Japanese Tonkatsu restaurant in Seoul when I saw a line of Koreans keying in their numbers when the Catchtable reservation system outside the restaurant was released.
I did what I did. I decided to join the line.
Foreigners without a Korean local number need to inform the staff, who will likely allocate a queue number and return time.
Illwall Katsu 일월카츠, located in the Anguk area, is a popular spot for Japanese-style pork cutlets.
The restaurant can described as minimalist, features a cosy layout with bar-style seating.
With only a few spots available, the wait can stretch uncomfortably long, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
The menu centres around two main offerings: Rosu Katsu (13,000 Won) and Hire Katsu (14,000 Won).
Rosu Katsu is made from pork loin, offering a tender texture with a layer of fat for added richness, while Hire Katsu uses pork fillet which is leaner.
Main dishes include the Pork Neck Cutlet (20,000 Won), Special Loin Cutlet (16,000 Won), Special Fillet Cutlet (16,000 Won), and Assorted Cutlet (15,000 Won).
For those looking to complement their meal, additional dishes such as Small Curry (4,000 Won), Cold or Hot Noodles (6,000 Won), Salad Bibim Noodles (6,000 Won), and Abura Bibim Noodles (6,000 Won) are available.
As I was sitting at the counter, I could see the preparation of the pork cutlets which demonstrated attention to detail.
The verdict: the crust is light and crispy without being greasy, while the meat inside remains juicy.
The frying process seems to be carefully controlled to maintain this balance.
At the table, diners are offered condiments like Maldon salt and freshly grated wasabi to enhance the flavours.
The house-made tonkatsu sauce is slightly sweet, offering another way to enjoy the dish for those who prefer bolder flavours.
Each dish comes with a side of shredded cabbage, rice, and pickled radish. These sides balance the richness of the pork, keeping the meal from feeling too heavy.
The staff are efficient and polite, though the service can feel rushed due to the high demand. The focus here is clearly on the food.
For those willing to queue, the meal generally lives up to its reputation.
The prices are reasonable for the quality, and I am glad to have tried really good Japanese Tonkatsu in Seoul.
Illwall Katsu 일월카츠
1F, 11, Bukchon-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
서울 종로구 북촌로1길 11 1층
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm (Tues – Sat), Closed Mon, Sun
Naver Maps – Illwall Katsu
17 Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
계동점 – 서울 종로구 계동길 17, 1층
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