Kobe Gyukatsu

I came here for the gyukatsu. I am a raw meat lover and I love panko breaded things. I’m surprised that I had to drive all the way from San Diego to try something like this, it’s a very niche food and I think that the only real downfall is the location, or at least the architecture of the building. It’s giving “Old Taco Bell before the new one moved across the street,” and I think that factor alone is what keeps this business from shining to its fullest. Otherwise, the candle grill was a really cool selling point, it’s definitely convenient when you want to have a casual korean/japanese bbq experience. But I really did come here for the gyukatsu and curry cream udon :) I loved them both and I’d love to come back one day if I don’t otherwise get to it first in Asia

Tiffany

COMFORT FOOD AT ITS FINEST. I've been to Japan three times and let me tell you this was the most comforting meal l've had since the last time I went in 2024. Was it EXACTLY like what you'd get in Japan? No, but it was pretty darn close, especially for being in America. Ordered the Beef Gyukatsu (cheapest meat option), Cheese Cutlet (katsu), and Potato Cream Curry Udon. You order on the tablets they have at the table, and my total for 3 entrees was $84.87 after taxes split between 2 people. A bit pricey, but worth it for the experience. The Beef Gyukatsu set comes with shredded cabbage salad, miso soup, rice, edamame, red pickled ginger, your choice of protein (mine was beef) with a sweet soy sauce, horseradish sauce, and wasabi to dip. The meat was okay. It was crispy on the outside and you can cook it to your preferred done-ness, however I would really recommend to ask for plain salt and pepper to dip the meat in. The sauces were good—my favorite was to add a bit of wasabi directly onto the meat and then dip it in the sweet soy sauce OR just dipping it in the horseradish sauce. However, sometimes eating meat with just salt and pepper is the best way to enjoy the natural flavor of beef so I'll be doing that next time. Rice came out piping hot, cabbage was super fresh and crunchy (just wish they added more dressing) and the pickled ginger was super crunchy! The Cheese Cutlet (katsu) here is DELICIOUS! It comes out super crispy, crunchy on the outside and nice and juicy on the inside! The cheese is also melty so long as you eat it right away. This set also comes with the same shredded cabbage salad, miso soup, rice, edamame, red pickled ginger and a katsu sauce with crushed peanuts. The katsu did not taste overly oily at all and it was a good protein portion! I would absolutely get this again. The Potato Cream Curry Udon was also good. The potato cream is whipped so well that it was essentially a thicker whipped cream consistency. That, combined with the very comforting curry udon made it a good meal. I wish the curry was slightly thicker and the udon noodles were al dente instead of slightly overcooked. I would also ask them for togarashi (chill spice blend) to add some spice. I most likely wouldn't get it again, but for the experience, it was great! Service was really good. I'm coming back solely because it reminded me of Japan.

Sarah

If I can go back every week I would. Everything was great and sooooo yummy, except bread around the meat kept falling apart and got burnt when we tried to grill them. Don't forget to get their cream udon too!

Aaron Meza

This was crazy good with lots of different flavors! The meat was great but what really shocked me was how good the side salad was! Its thinly sliced cabbage with an asian citrus dressing that isnt overpowering! The miso soup was awesome too! Definitely will be back

ScnGrimace

Amazing quality A5 and the beef gyukatsu was also so tasty. The sides and sauces were also good and portioned well. The creamy udon was rich and the curry flavor was strong but not too salty. We didn't try any appetizers but the portion was more than enough fpr two of us. We also ordered the wagyu with the aides and breaded beef katsu without sides which was still more than enough food for two. For drinks they did have some and a canned highball that looked good. We got an order of corn cheese that we didn't originally order but was given to us anyways and from now on, we will be ordering that whenever we go! The staff were very efficient and filled water glasses often. They also relit one of our stone grills that went out so we could cook the last of our meat. Came around 730 pm on a Saturday and waited maybe 15 minutes. The parking lot is small so at peak times it'll be packed. Plenty of street parking though.

Shar Aguilar

Delicious! Great price. Great amt of meat. They were really nice to us. It’s amazing how a small business like this gives such great heartwarming service. The creamy udon was amazing too! We will be back! 🥹

Abigail T

went on a random thursday night and it wasn’t crowded at all. food was good and servers were attentive and nice :)

Eエ

I came here for the gyukatsu. I am a raw meat lover and I love panko breaded things. I’m surprised that I had to drive all the way from San Diego to try something like this, it’s a very niche food and I think that the only real downfall is the location, or at least the architecture of the building. It’s giving “Old Taco Bell before the new one moved across the street,” and I think that factor alone is what keeps this business from shining to its fullest. Otherwise, the candle grill was a really cool selling point, it’s definitely convenient when you want to have a casual korean/japanese bbq experience. But I really did come here for the gyukatsu and curry cream udon :) I loved them both and I’d love to come back one day if I don’t otherwise get to it first in Asia

Donald C.

Went there for dinner and heard that it gets busy so we showed up around 6pm for a table for 6 with minimal wait time. Got their signature dish Beef Gyukatsu, curry pork cutlet and it did not disappoint. Service was quick and responsive. I would return.

Lee Strz (ExceptionL)

Having had this in Japan I was completely in awe there is a place like this here. It was surprisingly good to the point that the food had a way of getting better as I ate it more. All the sides were fantastic. The salad a pallette cleanser with a sweet kick to it. Portion size is just right and is definitely larger than what you get in Japan. Very happy with our food. Parking can be tough we got the last spot super lucky because if you don't get a spot in that small lot you are in for a bit of a walk. Meat melted like an m&m but instead of a shell it is a breaded panko.

Paolo Pizzi

Located in Buena Park, on Beach Blvd., just north of I-5, Kobe Gyukatsu is also known as Kobe Kyukatsu. Being a Japanese/Korean restaurant, they use those languages' different pronunciations of that same word. Word that means "beef cutlet," which is this place's specialty. They offer several levels of meat quality, all the way up to Wagyu A5, which will set you back $100 per person. Besides the expensive meat, they also offer much more affordable Japanese and Korean everyday foods, from Ramen to Udon, Bulgogi, all sorts of Donburi (rice bowl with beef, pork, chicken etc.) We had Katsu Curry (fried pork cutlet in curry sauce) and beef donburi (beef bowl with rice). The food was truly excellent. The meat was tender, and the portions were abundant. The cutlet was lightly fried and nanaged to be at the same time crispy and tender. Definitely one of the best Katsu Curry I've had in Orange County. Service was prompt and corteous. Highly recommended.

Xavier K

Kobe Gyukatsu is a charming Japanese eatery, nestled in a small space with a limited parking lot. However, its limited physical space is by no means indicative of the expansive flavors it offers. This place takes you on a culinary journey through a realm of Japanese cuisine that many, including myself, might not have explored extensively beyond the realms of sushi and sashimi. It was on a Sunday afternoon that my sister introduced me to this gem. The restaurant's cozy ambiance immediately appealed to me, setting the stage for what turned out to be an exceptional dining experience. The uniqueness of the dishes we tried added an exciting touch to the meal. Our choice for the day included the pork cutlet combo and the premium gyukatsu combo, both of which we shared. The quality, presentation, and taste of these dishes were exceptional. The premium gyukatsu, in particular, left an indelible mark on my taste buds. The tenderness and flavors were beyond compare – it practically melted in my mouth, and I found myself savoring each bite. This dining experience transformed an ordinary Sunday lunch into a memorable occasion spent with my sister. The allure of returning for another exceptional meal is undeniable; Kobe Gyukatsu has undoubtedly earned a place in my list of favorite Japanese restaurants.

Julian Velasquez

I've tried a few different items from their lunch special menu, the spicy Korean q don is very good as well as the katsu Don. I live nearby and I think this is my favorite place to eat in the area. It costs about 14 to 20 dollars for the lunch special bowls but they are very good quality, and come with miso soup

It was the first time I've had gyukatsu and it was a great experience! The employees were helpful and patient with their service. The sauces that came with the gyukatsu were so good. I also really liked the sauce on the salad that came with the set. I also had donkatsu and cream curry udon and they were both really good as well. Highly recommend. I want to try their cheese katsu next time I go.

Absolutely loved it! The food was delicious and every dish was packed with flavor. The service was also incredibly friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. Highly recommend!

I had an amazing experience at the Kobe Gyukatsu restaurant. From the moment I walked in, the service was truly outstanding—friendly, attentive, and welcoming without ever feeling rushed. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect, and it really made the whole dining experience special. The food itself was exceptional. The gyukatsu was cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside—and full of rich flavor. Every bite was satisfying and showed the care and quality that went into preparing it. Alongside the main dish, all the sides were fresh and balanced, complementing the meat beautifully. One of the highlights of the evening was the matcha beer. It was unique, refreshing, and surprisingly smooth, pairing wonderfully with the meal. It’s definitely something I would recommend trying if you visit. Overall, this restaurant combines excellent service with top-quality food and drinks. I left with a smile, completely satisfied, and already looking forward to my next visit. Highly recommended for anyone who loves great food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Yong

I had an amazing experience at the Kobe Gyukatsu restaurant. From the moment I walked in, the service was truly outstanding—friendly, attentive, and welcoming without ever feeling rushed. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect, and it really made the whole dining experience special. The food itself was exceptional. The gyukatsu was cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside—and full of rich flavor. Every bite was satisfying and showed the care and quality that went into preparing it. Alongside the main dish, all the sides were fresh and balanced, complementing the meat beautifully. One of the highlights of the evening was the matcha beer. It was unique, refreshing, and surprisingly smooth, pairing wonderfully with the meal. It’s definitely something I would recommend trying if you visit. Overall, this restaurant combines excellent service with top-quality food and drinks. I left with a smile, completely satisfied, and already looking forward to my next visit. Highly recommended for anyone who loves great food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

First off, you clearly don't go to Kobe Gyukatsu for the atmosphere. It looks to be a repurposed, old, perhaps very old, dive taco shop. Okay, now that's out of the way. One goes to any restaurant for the food. And this is where they excel. As it should be. As one might expect they offer many versions of katsu. My introduction to this dish was a hole in the wall spot on the island of Oahu. The pork cutlets were perfectly breaded. The dipping sauce was sublime. (Here they added sesame seeds to the sauce, which I quite liked.) The finely shredded cabbage was topped with an oh so light dressing that was both tangy and slightly sweet. These were accompanied by slightly sticky rice, which was perfect. Kobe Gyukatsu replicated this meal to perfection. They also added some pickled radish kimchi, and a bit of edamame. And come with either a large appetite or the idea that you're going to be taking half of your meal home for leftovers. They lose a star for service because each table comes with a tablet, which is how you place your order. I also threw in a couple images of the tablet showing ads which can, I suppose, be helpful sometimes. But as I often dine alone due to travel for work, I prefer to interact with a human being when I do go out to have my evening meal. If half stars were available, they might get half a star back for service. Why? Because not only did I get a to-go box, but I also got a container for my sauce, and another container for the remainder of my kimchi. So..... Good katsu for a reasonable price. And it doesn't require a 6-hour flight. I'll be back.

Went during the eve of July 4th was not a good choice. Only two servers around, all guests kept coming in, it took 15 minutes to wait for our seats as the server needed time to clean up the available tables, on top of another 20 minutes after a number of guests left after they had finished their meals. Overall, they did have great services, luckily the place was small, so the wait wasn't too long. We ordered the Haneshita Cutlet, Gyukatsu Soba and Cheese Cutlet, they came out pretty fast and they tasted great, extremely flavorful dishes. My wife and sons loved their meat and commented that we should come here again next time.

The food here was good and decent. The vibe was not memorable bc it felt more like a taco joint. They had one server which was kind of bad. The creamy chicken ramen was pretty good.

If you're a guy 5'10 and over and weigh about 170 lb or more and are active. You will definitely not be full but the food is very good. This is more of a social experience or novelty to come with friends and have a good time. If the portions were bigger I'd give them a 5 Star rating.

Solid food, solid service, lots of seating and parking. I went in hoping for a Gyukatsu Motomura-type experience, but it’s nothing like that. The steak here, although very tender and nice, falls apart with the breading. Sauces are good too, but just not the same. I was still a little hungry too afterward, so if you eat a lot, I’d recommend ordering something on top of the beef gyukatsu set. I’d def come again though if I lived in the neighborhood.

Ernie Hernandez

First off, you clearly don't go to Kobe Gyukatsu for the atmosphere. It looks to be a repurposed, old, perhaps very old, dive taco shop. Okay, now that's out of the way. One goes to any restaurant for the food. And this is where they excel. As it should be. As one might expect they offer many versions of katsu. My introduction to this dish was a hole in the wall spot on the island of Oahu. The pork cutlets were perfectly breaded. The dipping sauce was sublime. (Here they added sesame seeds to the sauce, which I quite liked.) The finely shredded cabbage was topped with an oh so light dressing that was both tangy and slightly sweet. These were accompanied by slightly sticky rice, which was perfect. Kobe Gyukatsu replicated this meal to perfection. They also added some pickled radish kimchi, and a bit of edamame. And come with either a large appetite or the idea that you're going to be taking half of your meal home for leftovers. They lose a star for service because each table comes with a tablet, which is how you place your order. I also threw in a couple images of the tablet showing ads which can, I suppose, be helpful sometimes. But as I often dine alone due to travel for work, I prefer to interact with a human being when I do go out to have my evening meal. If half stars were available, they might get half a star back for service. Why? Because not only did I get a to-go box, but I also got a container for my sauce, and another container for the remainder of my kimchi. So..... Good katsu for a reasonable price. And it doesn't require a 6-hour flight. I'll be back.

Julius Marzuki

Went during the eve of July 4th was not a good choice. Only two servers around, all guests kept coming in, it took 15 minutes to wait for our seats as the server needed time to clean up the available tables, on top of another 20 minutes after a number of guests left after they had finished their meals. Overall, they did have great services, luckily the place was small, so the wait wasn't too long. We ordered the Haneshita Cutlet, Gyukatsu Soba and Cheese Cutlet, they came out pretty fast and they tasted great, extremely flavorful dishes. My wife and sons loved their meat and commented that we should come here again next time.

Nick B

The food here was good and decent. The vibe was not memorable bc it felt more like a taco joint. They had one server which was kind of bad. The creamy chicken ramen was pretty good.

Andy Valdez

If you're a guy 5'10 and over and weigh about 170 lb or more and are active. You will definitely not be full but the food is very good. This is more of a social experience or novelty to come with friends and have a good time. If the portions were bigger I'd give them a 5 Star rating.

Paul You

Solid food, solid service, lots of seating and parking. I went in hoping for a Gyukatsu Motomura-type experience, but it’s nothing like that. The steak here, although very tender and nice, falls apart with the breading. Sauces are good too, but just not the same. I was still a little hungry too afterward, so if you eat a lot, I’d recommend ordering something on top of the beef gyukatsu set. I’d def come again though if I lived in the neighborhood.

Jonathan Man

Randomly googled gyukatsu and this place popped up. If you been to Japan and want the same setup from gyukatsu to curry udon and takoyaki this is the place. Food is not bad, service is excellent atmosphere is chill

I have always passed by this restaurant and thought I should stop by someday. On Sunday, I visited with my family. The interior was smaller than it appeared from the outside. The food looked so delicious in the pictures outside the restaurant, so we ordered based on that. However, don’t trust the pictures. The meat’s cutting and size were completely different from what was shown. The taste was just okay. I ordered the tempura udon, but it was so bad that I felt like it was a waste of money. The thing I value most in a restaurant is the restroom, and it was the worst. Immediate improvement is needed. I don’t think I’ll visit again.

leon song

I have always passed by this restaurant and thought I should stop by someday. On Sunday, I visited with my family. The interior was smaller than it appeared from the outside. The food looked so delicious in the pictures outside the restaurant, so we ordered based on that. However, don’t trust the pictures. The meat’s cutting and size were completely different from what was shown. The taste was just okay. I ordered the tempura udon, but it was so bad that I felt like it was a waste of money. The thing I value most in a restaurant is the restroom, and it was the worst. Immediate improvement is needed. I don’t think I’ll visit again.