When visiting Akihabara, of course you can’t miss Marugo, this popular tonkatsu restaurant! There’s always a crowd lined up outside. We made a special trip to try it this time, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
The restaurant has two floors, and the two of us were seated at the counter on the first floor, where we could watch the chefs cook up close. I was worried that sitting in front of the fry station would leave us surrounded by the smell of oil, but there was none at all, which really surprised me.
Besides the delicious food, the service also made us feel very comfortable. The staff were extremely friendly and attentive. As soon as they noticed that our teacups were empty, they immediately refilled them without being asked. The whole dining experience felt warm and welcoming.
The star of the meal, the tonkatsu, was also very satisfying! The breading was golden and crispy, while the meat inside was extremely tender and not dry at all. It wasn’t greasy either, and it went perfectly with the piping-hot white rice.
It also came with shredded cabbage salad and a lime wedge. I especially liked squeezing the lime juice over the shredded cabbage. The tangy, refreshing flavor went well with the tonkatsu, cutting through the richness and whetting the appetite.
By the end of the meal, everything from the food to the service had left a very good impression. No wonder this restaurant always has a long line. If you like Japanese tonkatsu, it’s definitely worth adding to your Akihabara itinerary!
