Katsu-Hama

Hey New Yorkers! When that specific craving hits for something deeply satisfying, crispy, and undeniably delicious, where do you go? For many in the know, especially those in Midtown, the answer is often Katsu-Hama. This beloved Japanese restaurant has been a fixture in the neighborhood for years, specializing in the art of katsu – perfectly breaded and deep-fried cutlets that are a cornerstone of Japanese comfort food. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of authentic katsu, Katsu-Hama offers a consistently "yummy" experience that keeps locals and even out-of-town visitors coming back for more.

Katsu-Hama isn't just about the food; it's about a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like a genuine slice of Japan in the heart of our bustling city. It's a place where the sounds of tenderizing pork and chicken signal the meticulous preparation behind each dish. Even on a "very busy day," the commitment to quality ingredients and respectful, hospitable service shines through, ensuring that every visit is a memorable one. If you're looking for that perfect combination of "insanely crispy skin with juicy inside" and authentic Japanese flavors, Katsu-Hama is definitely a spot to add to your must-try list.

Katsu-Hama is conveniently located at 11 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017, USA. This prime address in Midtown East makes it incredibly accessible for a wide range of New Yorkers. Whether you work in the corporate towers surrounding Grand Central, live in the vibrant residential pockets of Midtown, or are simply passing through Manhattan, Katsu-Hama is easy to reach.

The restaurant's proximity to major transportation hubs is a significant advantage. It's just a short walk from Grand Central Terminal, providing access to Metro-North and multiple subway lines (4, 5, 6, 7, S trains). Additionally, other nearby subway stations include the B, D, F, M trains at 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center, and the E, M trains at 53rd Street/Lexington Avenue. Numerous bus routes also service 47th Street and the surrounding avenues, making it a breeze to get to from almost any part of the borough. Its location amidst shops, offices, and other dining establishments adds to the convenience, making it an ideal spot for a lunch break, a quick dinner, or a meal with out-of-town guests looking for an authentic New York experience.

• Specialty Katsu Dishes: Katsu-Hama is renowned for its wide variety of katsu. Their menu includes various cuts of pork katsu (Pork Loin, Pork Tenderloin, Berkshire Pork Loin), as well as Chicken Katsu, Salmon Katsu, Shrimp Katsu, and Vegetable Katsu (seasonal). These can be ordered a la carte or as part of set meals (Teishoku or Gozen sets) that come with rice, shredded cabbage salad, miso soup, and pickles.
• Katsu Curry: A popular offering is their katsu curry, featuring a choice of pork loin, pork tenderloin, or chicken katsu served over rice with a rich curry sauce. They offer various set meal options for their curry dishes as well.
• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Katsu-Hama also offers a selection of donburi, including Pork Loin Cutlet Don, Pork Tenderloin Cutlet Don, Chicken Cutlet Don, and Fried Chicken Don, all served over rice, often with egg and onion.
• Japanese Bar Food & Appetizers: Beyond katsu, the menu includes a range of other authentic Japanese comfort foods and appetizers such as Takoyaki (fried octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), Gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings), Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Edamame, Shumai, various croquettes, and more.
• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a "cozy wooden interior" and an "authentic Japanese decor" creating an "immersive dining experience." It is described as a "casual dining" establishment.
• Takeout & Delivery: For the convenience of busy New Yorkers, Katsu-Hama partners with various prominent online ordering platforms like Grubhub, Seamless, Doordash, and Trycaviar for both pickup and delivery services.
• Beverage Selection: They offer a selection of Japanese beers, sake, wine, and cocktails to complement your meal.
• Unlimited Cabbage & Rice Refills: Many Katsu-Hama set meals traditionally come with unlimited refills of shredded cabbage salad (with a house-made citrus dressing) and rice, a generous offering that enhances the value of the meal.

• Perfectly Cooked Katsu: This is the absolute standout feature. Customers consistently praise the "insanely crispy skin with juicy inside" for the pork katsu and "tender and juicy cooked to perfection" chicken katsu. The quality of the breading (panko) and frying technique is highly regarded.
• Authentic Japanese Flavor: Katsu-Hama is celebrated for offering "authentic Japanese cuisine" and a "true taste of Japan," particularly in its tonkatsu and other traditional dishes. It avoids being overly Americanized.
• Variety of Katsu Options: From Berkshire pork to salmon and chicken, with various cuts and preparation styles (like miso katsu or oroshi katsu with grated radish), there's a katsu dish to satisfy different preferences.
• Generous Portions: The set meals, often coming with unlimited rice and cabbage, ensure that diners leave feeling fully satisfied, offering excellent value.
• Hospitable and Respectful Service: Despite being busy, the staff is described as "very nice, the waiter is very respectful and hospitable," contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
• Comforting Ambiance: The "cozy traditional" and "all wood furniture" interior creates a welcoming and immersive Japanese dining environment.
• Popularity Among Locals and Visitors: The restaurant is frequently busy and has a strong reputation, with locals bringing "out of town visitors" to experience it, indicating its status as a trusted and beloved spot.
• Well-Rounded Japanese Menu: Beyond katsu, offerings like "decent" Takoyaki and a range of appetizers and donburi make it a versatile spot for different cravings.

Based on available information, Katsu-Hama is known for offering value through its comprehensive set meals and generous portions, rather than frequent, deeply discounted promotions. However, there are a few points to note that serve as ongoing special offers or good value opportunities for New Yorkers:

• Lunch Specials: While not explicitly detailed in the provided customer reviews, other public data indicates that Katsu-Hama offers "daily changing lunch and dinner specials." These lunch specials typically present a more affordable way to enjoy their signature katsu dishes and other Japanese comfort foods during the midday hours. It's always advisable to inquire about their current lunch specials when visiting or calling.
• Gozen and Teishoku Sets: These set meals, which include your choice of katsu, rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup, and often potato salad, represent excellent value. The option for "unlimited refills" on the shredded cabbage salad and rice significantly enhances the meal's value, allowing diners to eat to their full satisfaction.
• Happy Hour: While less prominently advertised than their katsu, some older information indicates that Katsu-Hama has offered happy hour deals in the past, such as discounted beers. It's worth calling the restaurant directly at (212) 758-5909 to confirm if any current happy hour specials are active for beverages or appetizers.
• Combo Dishes: Many menu items are combinations, such as the "Half&Half" katsu options (e.g., pork tenderloin and chicken) or "Mix Seafood" katsu, allowing diners to sample a variety of their fried specialties at a combined price.

Given its popularity and the consistent praise for its food quality, Katsu-Hama's inherent value often comes from the satisfying portions and authentic flavors, making it a worthwhile visit even without explicit promotional discounts.

Ready to dive into a crispy, juicy katsu meal at Katsu-Hama? Here’s how you can get in touch or find them:

Address: 11 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

Phone: (212) 758-5909

For direct calls from your mobile phone, you can also use: +1 212-758-5909

Given that the restaurant can be "very busy" and packed, especially during peak meal times, it's advisable to factor in a potential wait time (as noted, around 20 minutes for a table on a busy day). While reservations aren't explicitly highlighted in the reviews, some online platforms suggest you can reserve a table by phone, which might be a good idea for larger parties or if you're on a tight schedule. They also offer convenient takeout and delivery options through various apps.

For New Yorkers seeking a truly authentic, satisfying, and high-quality Japanese comfort food experience, Katsu-Hama is an outstanding choice. Its enduring presence at 11 E 47th St in Midtown East speaks volumes about its consistent appeal and trusted reputation among locals. This isn't just a place that serves katsu; it's a dedicated specialist in the craft, delivering "insanely crispy skin with juicy inside" pork and "tender and juicy cooked to perfection" chicken that sets a high bar.

The broad menu, extending beyond just pork katsu to include chicken, salmon, shrimp, and even vegetarian options, ensures that there's a delicious meal for virtually every palate. The inclusion of traditional Japanese appetizers like takoyaki and okonomiyaki further enriches the dining experience, offering a comprehensive taste of Japanese homestyle cooking. The generous portions, often accompanied by unlimited refills of rice and cabbage, provide excellent value, making it a go-to spot for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Even on busy days, the "very nice, respectful and hospitable" service creates a welcoming atmosphere. The "cozy traditional" and "Japanese themed" decor enhances the feeling of authenticity, transporting diners away from the city's hustle and bustle. Katsu-Hama is the kind of neighborhood gem that locals confidently bring their "out of town visitors" to, knowing they'll receive a genuine and delicious meal. For anyone in New York craving expertly prepared katsu and a warm, authentic Japanese dining experience, Katsu-Hama is not just suitable – it's a long-standing favorite that continues to impress.

Katsu-Hama

11 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017, USA