Kimukatsu is an extremely popular restaurant chain operating primarily in Japan. It has locations abroad and only a single location in the US. Fortunately, that location is on Sawtelle Blvd. in West LA. Kimukatsu specializes in deep-fried pork cutlet known as katsu. They also serve ramen.
The interior is upscale and stylish. They have walls and privacy dividers that create a more intimate dining experience. Even the single dining seats along the partitioned front window offer some semblance of privacy. Finally, there are a limited number of outdoor seats on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.
I was with a group of four and we were served a large mound of shredded cabbage with dressing on the side. Cabbage contains a compound commonly referred to as “Vitamin U”. This quasi vitamin is found in cabbage and it aids in digesting deep-fried food and helps prevent ulcers and heartburn.
Katsu Set – miso soup and takikomi rice 
View of the katsu inside
Kimukatsu claims to be the only restaurant in the world to offer 25-layer pork katsu. They refer to it as mille-feuille katsu because like French mille-feuille, it is made with multiple layers of puff pastry. They also provide a regular version made with non-layered pork loin, one with chicken and one with ground beef.
Their outdoor sign boasts that they have the best sushi rice in town. They use premium Koshihikari Rice. This Japanese rice variety is chosen by chefs for is pure pearly, white color and soft yet slightly sticky texture. In fact, there is no need to enhance the flavor with seasonings or sauces. Takikomi and brown rice are the two other rice options. Takikomi is white rice seasoned with dashi and soy sauce.
Other menu items include katsudon (katsu donburi), curry katsu and tempura. Ramen include their “Tokyo King’s Choice” topped with their signature katsu, ebisu (pork & chicken broth, spicy ramen made with ground beef and a vegetarian ramen with optional gluten-free ramen noodles.
The Koshihikari rice and the seasoning they used for their Katsudon was quite delicious. I made a mental note that I would select that the next time I visit. The fukujinzuke relish nicely complemented the curry katsu.
Desserts on the menu include a green tea cheesecake, a green tea tiramisu, a black sesame brulee and a couple of others.
Public street parking is extremely tough to find. Fortunately, this plaza offers free valet (tips appreciated).
Kimukatsu, 2121 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025; 310.477.1129
kimukatsu