Katsu Bar

I waited in eager anticipation for this place to open for months and when it finally did, it did not disappoint! I’ve tried 5 different dishes so far - my favorite is the katsu curry plate and the katsu rice bowl, but everything has been excellent. By far the best katsu on the westside. The owner is also super friendly and awesome. I’m so happy to have Katsu Bar as an addition to the neighborhood!

This place reminded me a lot of the amazing food+dishes I've had when I went to Japan...so that says a lot!! I highly recommend getting their katsu sando with waffle fries and adding a side of their curry sauce to dip it in. HEAVENLY!!! And definitely get their dill egg salad sando too.

Ordered Original Katsu sandwich and tteokbokki with Katsu. Both were very good. Food came out quickly. Staff was friendly and willing to answer questions.

Neville Vertsun

Best Korean food place in Los Angeles. Everything we tried was really tasty and fresh. The place is clean and cozy, with a relaxed vibe and friendly staff. I tried a few dishes, and some flavors were unusual for me personally, which made the experience even more interesting and enjoyable

felix barajas

Katsu Bar – Santa Monica 📍 3032 Wilshire Blvd, Suite C If you’re craving crispy perfection between two buns, Katsu Bar delivers in spades. I tried the Original Katsu Sandwich with waffle fries, and wow—each bite was a symphony of crunch, tang, and tenderness. The panko-crusted chicken was juicy, the berry sauce added a surprising sweet twist, and the pickles brought it all home. Bonus points for the fries: golden, seasoned, and addictive. The vibe? Casual but thoughtful—there’s even a mini-library where you can swap books while you eat. Service was fast, friendly, and the portions generous. Whether you’re a katsu connoisseur or just hungry in Santa Monica, this spot deserves a visit. Must-try: Rosemary Katsu Sando, Crisscut Rose Tteokbokki, and the Hot Chicken Sandwich (if you dare).

bo

One of my go to spots in Santa Monica. Great value, great taste, great service! There are bowls for $9.99 and it’s such good value 😳 The menu is big, ranging from noodles to sandwiches, and of course, Katsu! There’s also a free parking lot right next to the restaurant so it’s very convenient. 10/10!

Andy Leung

Highly recommended!! Probably the best Katsu I have ever had since I lived in LA. I ordered several fried appetizers and Katsu plate. All of them are freshly made and tasty. 1. Pork Katsu: unlike some other Katsu, this has light breading. The pork is juicy inside crispy outside. 2. The fried mushroom is same as the Katsu, very juicy inside and without compromise the crispness outside. 3. Waffle fries is not too much surprise tho as it is like other waffle fries you can get from somewhere else. With this price point, I will definitely come back for more!

Lauren Chung

The food here was amazing! The photos undershow how big the portions are. The fries and sandwiches were perfectly fried, and so was the mandu. Tried the shrimp and nashville hot chicken katsu sandwiches, probably some of the best Ive had in LA. Will definitely come back!

Andrew Aihara

The Matsui burger was amazing! My first impression was the size of the burger! It was big and the taste was incredible. What was more surprising was how good the chips were. The potato was thick and crunchy. I had a hard time finishing everything and should have taken some of it back home. However it was too good that I couldn’t stop!

Jessica Chon

This is hands down the best katsu spot in town! I had the curry udon with katsu, while my boys enjoyed two orders of the curry plate, and we absolutely loved every bite. The flavors were incredible! On top of that, the owner was incredibly kind and welcoming. I actually discovered this place on Threads and learned that during the Palisades fire, the owner generously offered free meals to first responders. Such a thoughtful and impressive gesture—it really shows the heart behind this restaurant. Highly recommend!

Tlalli Garcia-Necochea

Such a delicious place to eat. The food is delicious. And the fries are well seasoned and crispy. It was very quick with service and the owner is super sweet! Such an amazing atmosphere in this restaurant. Would definitely recommend!

Timmy Kyaw

Great vibes, great service and great food! Food: - Caprese Katsu Sando: Tastes just like what you think, a caprese in the form of a katsu sandwich. Wonderfully breaded chicken katsu with fresh sliced mozzarella and tomato. Enveloped by two slices of soft Japanese milk bread. Each bite is light and refreshing. Surprisingly was a big portion. - Egg Sando: perfectly cooked egg! Not over cooked or under cooked! The egg salad is also quite light and the hint of fresh dill only brings the whole egg Sando to the next level. - Draft Pineapple Cream Soda: I normally wouldn’t review the fountain drinks but this place has draft specialty drinks! I got the pineapple cream soda which was so refreshing on a hot LA summer day! - Ringo Sparkling water: got these complimentary and they are a light refreshing sparkling water with the taste of apple. - Waffle fries: crispy and perfect waffle fries! Was slightly skeptical at first but they are quite complimentary to the soft Japanese milk bread. Service: Amazing service, although it’s order via kiosk, the service staff was very attentive and checked in with their customers even after serving the food. Even gave out free complimentary Ringo sparkling water. 5/5 service. Setting: Great vibes, there is indoor and outdoor setting. Beautifully furnished and good tunes playing.

Missy Gerski

Great dishes! Friendly staff who make great recommendations. Quick service and well -prepared selections.

Desiree Ho

I waited in eager anticipation for this place to open for months and when it finally did, it did not disappoint! I’ve tried 5 different dishes so far - my favorite is the katsu curry plate and the katsu rice bowl, but everything has been excellent. By far the best katsu on the westside. The owner is also super friendly and awesome. I’m so happy to have Katsu Bar as an addition to the neighborhood!

Lena Lieu

This place reminded me a lot of the amazing food+dishes I've had when I went to Japan...so that says a lot!! I highly recommend getting their katsu sando with waffle fries and adding a side of their curry sauce to dip it in. HEAVENLY!!! And definitely get their dill egg salad sando too.

The place seemed very clean. The food was a large portion and reasonably priced (surprising for the area). It tasted good, nothing amazing but neat, tasty and fresh. The person at the cashier was super sweet and went out of his way to help us pick an item (since it was our first time). I recommend this place.

I think this is best bang for buck I've found in Santa Monica. All the bowls are delicious and surprisingly big. You could feed two light eaters with it. Also the friend chicken is a massive portion. I'd order the sauce on the side though.

Chris Athanasiadis

I think this is best bang for buck I've found in Santa Monica. All the bowls are delicious and surprisingly big. You could feed two light eaters with it. Also the friend chicken is a massive portion. I'd order the sauce on the side though.

A. O.

The place seemed very clean. The food was a large portion and reasonably priced (surprising for the area). It tasted good, nothing amazing but neat, tasty and fresh. The person at the cashier was super sweet and went out of his way to help us pick an item (since it was our first time). I recommend this place.

Linda N

I ordered the Korean kang Jung (chicken bites) and my husband ordered the chicken bowl (with rice and katsu bites). Portions were plentiful and delicious. When visiting the area again, we will not hesitate to order food here. It was excellent!

Fast casual spot serving katsu sandwiches and noodles. Came here for lunch on Saturday with my boyfriend, who wanted to try the Palms n’Patties next to it. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The restrooms are located in the building next door. You pay at the counter first and then receive your food. I had the katsu eggplant with udon noodles. Each piece was perfectly fried and the thick udon noodles complemented it perfectly. The food came out piping hot. They have lunch specials and credit cards accepted. Metered street parking.

THE PORTIONS ARE HUGE! Had to say that first because we order so much food ha! Their waffle fries are amazing! Dare I say better than Chick-Fil-A! They don’t have many gluten free options. According to the others, the bread just tasted like regular white bread. The cream and strawberry sandwich was not magical. This one was out of stock of many of the food and drink items. I will say try the strawberry milk!! So good! Not much seating except outside and one or two tables inside. I see an image on here where they have more tables inside against the orange wall, they are no longer there. Bathrooms were locked even when we asked them to use them. You get a good value for money when it comes to the portion sizes. Not sure I’ll go back but was worth the try 😊

Very friendly staff. Waffle fries is amazing, make sure to try the cherry sauce. Fried chicken was really good, crispy and surprisingly not greasy. Get stop for lunch or early dinner.

Shanelle S

Fast casual spot serving katsu sandwiches and noodles. Came here for lunch on Saturday with my boyfriend, who wanted to try the Palms n’Patties next to it. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The restrooms are located in the building next door. You pay at the counter first and then receive your food. I had the katsu eggplant with udon noodles. Each piece was perfectly fried and the thick udon noodles complemented it perfectly. The food came out piping hot. They have lunch specials and credit cards accepted. Metered street parking.

Rebecca

THE PORTIONS ARE HUGE! Had to say that first because we order so much food ha! Their waffle fries are amazing! Dare I say better than Chick-Fil-A! They don’t have many gluten free options. According to the others, the bread just tasted like regular white bread. The cream and strawberry sandwich was not magical. This one was out of stock of many of the food and drink items. I will say try the strawberry milk!! So good! Not much seating except outside and one or two tables inside. I see an image on here where they have more tables inside against the orange wall, they are no longer there. Bathrooms were locked even when we asked them to use them. You get a good value for money when it comes to the portion sizes. Not sure I’ll go back but was worth the try 😊

Amir Jad

Very friendly staff. Waffle fries is amazing, make sure to try the cherry sauce. Fried chicken was really good, crispy and surprisingly not greasy. Get stop for lunch or early dinner.

I’m going to give this restaurant 3 stars I was waiting at the front and nobody acknowledged no person to greet you and take your order. It’s like McDonald’s you have to place your order on a screen I think that lacked personal touch you would expect from a restaurant.

I got the curry katsu! The curry itself was super tasty with the rice. Katsu was a little thinner and drier than I enjoy. Also not a huge fan of the side dishes of macaroni salad, salad with a tomato slice on it, and red cabbage. A little more sour and acidic than I enjoy. Didn't really go well withthe curry katsu. The spicy curry is pretty spicy. I liked mixing a bit of the spicy with regular for my mild spice tolerance. REALLY cute aesthetic space!

Flor Flores

I’m going to give this restaurant 3 stars I was waiting at the front and nobody acknowledged no person to greet you and take your order. It’s like McDonald’s you have to place your order on a screen I think that lacked personal touch you would expect from a restaurant.

Mindy Chi

I got the curry katsu! The curry itself was super tasty with the rice. Katsu was a little thinner and drier than I enjoy. Also not a huge fan of the side dishes of macaroni salad, salad with a tomato slice on it, and red cabbage. A little more sour and acidic than I enjoy. Didn't really go well withthe curry katsu. The spicy curry is pretty spicy. I liked mixing a bit of the spicy with regular for my mild spice tolerance. REALLY cute aesthetic space!