We tried the pork fillet katsu curry and chicken cutlet nanban, and both were yummy! I personally preferred the chicken cutlet nanban--the combination of the crispy cutlet and tartar sauce was amazing!!! I also loved the sides that came with it, including the salad, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. The pork katsu was tasty as well, although I wish I had chosen a different cut of meat. The curry had a little bit of a kick rather than being on the sweeter side, which I enjoyed. Overall, I'd recommend this spot if you're in the area and craving a solid Japanese-style katsu! read more

Kagura - Pork filet cutlet with curry - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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We came here for family dinner just an hour before the closing of the store. It was so busy, we were lucky to get one of empty tables right away. The resultant had nice wooden minimalistic interior. The menu had lots of appetizers, curry, udon and katsu options. We started with the takoyaki, fried squid leg and fried oysters. First two were really good, but oyster one was mushy and soft inside, not what I was expecting. For entree we had the chicken katsu set with extra curry and sauce on the side. The curry, rice, chicken, miso soup and all side ingredients were tasty. Especially the curry, we loved it. The service was good and friendly. Before they closed the kitchen, they went around and asked each table if the guests wanted anything to order. As the closing time approached, they still didn't rush anyone. Our dishes also came out in short intervals, all within 10 minutes. Overall an excellent place to enjoy super delicious Japanese curry and rice. read more

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Love the fried oysters. Good flavor and they use the big juicy ones! It's so good with lemon. Fried octopus is also great. Not dry. Great flavor. Nice dipping sauce. Takoyaki is nicely put together. Didn't fall apart when I pick it up. First come first serve. No reservation. They will only seat you when the whole party is there. Parking lot at front and rear. Clean dining area. The staff are friendly and helpful. We came for small bites only. I wish I have a bigger stomach. read more

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I just tried the hamburger curry earlier today as it was good but the serving size was quite small for what I'm paying for. The pork had good flavor with grilled onions below the burger but it was like three bites and I was done. The rice was so small that I finished in four spoonful. Even the cabbage was more but the dressing wasn't enough for it. I was just disappointed with my serving size for the $23.81 I paid. Maybe I'm paying for quality but value wasn't there for me. Too bad there isn't a balance. The place is smallish and it was busy at 1pm ish. I didn't want to wait for a table so I ordered to go. Parking is sufficient for this place with a couple of stalls in front and more to right in the back. The place looks clean and service is sufficient but I probably won't be coming back anytime soon. read more

Kagura - Curry hamburger so tiny - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

I remember when they first opened, I was thinking to myself, "Hell yeah, finally it's closer to us and now I don't have to go all the way to like Torrance or something." Well that was ages ago and it wasn't until now that I was able to visit and try out their delicious katsu, which hands down, is super good! I went during National Library Card Month. During the month of September, the city of Monterey Park is running a special where if you have a MPK library card, you can get deals and freebies from businesses and you can get an iced or green tea from Kagura if you show them your library card. I got a cold canned green tea, added to a cup of ice, refreshing and great with the delicious katsu that I got. I did a walk in for a slightly later lunch after dropping by Asayoru Maid Cafe across the street for a drink during their morning Asa shift. I went on a Thursday and was seated immediately. Staff is very friendly and checked up on me several times. It's a smaller restaurant, but it's simple and elegant in it's own way. No extra frills or bells and whistles. There were a couple other tables dining there and pick up orders too, so I can imagine it'd be busy during the weekends and lunch/dinner rushes. They have a paper wait list outside for those times. Limited parking in front of the plaza, but there's a parking structure next door. For my lunch, I got their demi glace loin katsu. It comes with miso soup, a side of rice, huge helping of cabbage salad with dressing, hot mustard, and some small sides of a sweet carrot salad, cucumber pickles, and 2 pieces of potatoes. Each side added a nice balance to flavor. I mention this in some reviews and to my friends that usually you get full because you get tired of the same flavor and texture all of the time, so I really enjoyed the small bites of crunchy texture from sweet, sour, and savory. The katsu is really where Kagura shines, as it's what they're known for. Super moist pork katsu meat inside, deliciously tender delicate layers of meat. The crisp of the breading outside isn't too greasy, but has the perfect level of indulgent oiliness that balances out. All perfect with a fluffy bed of rice and the demi glace brown sauce added a deliciously savory, slightly sort of fruity ketchup-y flavor (added this to my rice too!). Definitely want to come back to try more of their menu! read more

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Kagura is my go-to place for chicken katsu! My husband and I have probably back been here 10+ times. I've dined in a couple of times, but I prefer calling in and getting take out since the place is small and can get busy during peak hours. They pack the to-go orders nicely, and all the workers are very kind. The chicken katsu is perfect every time - large pieces with a crispy exterior, and the chicken is flavorful, tender, and never dry. I also love the rice, miso soup, salad, and pickled veggies included with the meal. read more

Kagura - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

I have been going to this place pretty often since it opened, but yesterday put me off pretty badly. Theyre drastically expanded their menu, which is great but prices went up with it. But the issue was the service. My boyfriend finished his meal before me, and they took his tray away. I was still eating when they tried to take mine, I wasn't done yet! The woman looked confused when it was obvious there was still food on my tray, I eat slower than my boyfriend. Keep in mind it wasnt busy at that point. The place was over half empty! And they dont have a lumch closing on weekends. 5 minutes later the guy server came and brought my boyfriend's dessert and took my tray, while asking but I didn't get much chance to even answer. My boyfriend and I were left starring at each other like, what was the rush?! It was very confusing and rude. Its made me weary of returning anymore. read more

First time here and we tried the chicken katsu curry and it was sooo good! The chicken was savory and crispy, the curry was rich and a decent amount is given. One thing tho if you like spicy they do not have a spicy option but they do offer a chili spice at your table. I love that they offer miso soup and a salad as part of the meal as well, it was a good palette cleanser. Overall the service was great, reasonably priced, and we will be coming back and trying the pork katsu next. read more

Kagura - Chicken katsu curry - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Yeah, another biased review because I REALLY LIKE KATSU CURRY. The cleanliness, the staff, the aroma, the food - Kagura already had me at Hello from the door. Then came the katsu, katsudon, and curry, and suddenly everyone else's plate started looking like part of my order. My family may still have questions about how I ended up finishing their plates. Zero regrets. Every bite was worth the curry-ous behavior. I'm drooling while writing this review. Thank you, Kagura, for a wonderful meal. We shall meet again. And again. And probably several more times after that. read more

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We were so disappointed with our experience at Kagura Monterey Park today. For a long time, this restaurant had been our favorite place for katsu. It was one of the few places in town where we could enjoy high-quality katsu dishes reminiscent of the ones we used to have in Japan. Every time we visited, the restaurant was packed, with people often waiting outside for a table. However, things seem to have changed. Two weeks ago, we visited on a Saturday during peak lunch hours and were surprised to find the restaurant almost completely empty. There was no line, and we were seated immediately. At first, we thought we were simply lucky, but the restaurant remained nearly empty throughout our visit. Looking back, perhaps we should have taken that as a warning sign. The katsu was no longer as delicious and juicy as we remembered. The portion was smaller, and the meat tasted bland. It was still acceptable, but the quality was noticeably different from what we had come to expect. Unfortunately, our visit today was even more disappointing. We ordered our longtime favorite, the tare fillet katsu don. It took considerably longer to arrive than the other dishes, and when it finally did, we were shocked by how much smaller it was than the portion pictured on the menu. It also looked noticeably different from the dish we had been served on previous visits. There were only two pieces of katsu instead of the usual three, and both the bowl and the rice portion appeared smaller. When we brought this to the server's attention, he promptly apologized and later brought us an additional piece of katsu. We also asked another server why the dish now came with only two pieces. Her explanation was that the restaurant was under new management and had begun downsizing its portions. We understand that times are tough and that businesses face rising costs. Smaller portions at the same prices are, unfortunately, becoming increasingly common. We can accept that businesses need to make adjustments to stay profitable. What we cannot accept is a menu that shows one thing while serving something noticeably different. If the menu depicts a bowl with three pieces of katsu, that is what customers reasonably expect to receive. If the portion has been reduced, the menu should be updated accordingly. Otherwise, customers are being misled, and that is simply not acceptable. As a Japanese restaurant chain, we expected a more consistent standard of quality, presentation, and service. Sadly, the food no longer seems to live up to the reputation that made us loyal customers in the first place. Even the smallest details matter. Something as simple as a little green garnish can make a significant difference in how a dish looks. We eat with our eyes, too. While not every customer may pay attention to these details, they often reflect the care and pride that go into preparing and presenting a meal. Cost-cutting may help improve the bottom line in the short term, but customers notice when quality, portion sizes, and presentation begin to decline. And once customers lose confidence in a restaurant, winning them back is not easy. Based on what we have observed, we wonder whether other longtime customers are feeling the same way. It is truly a shame to see a restaurant we once loved change so much. We used to recommend Kagura Monterey Park for its katsu, but after these recent experiences, we can no longer do so with the same confidence. Kagura Monterey Park, please don't sacrifice the quality and consistency that earned your customers' loyalty in the first place. A good reputation takes time to build, but it doesn't take long to lose it. read more

Kagura - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Food. Grrreat. Ive been meaning to try this place but there's always a line outside except for 12:30 on a Sunday. We were a party of two and were given a choice of a table for two or a more comfy booth. Since my guest was my mom, comfy booth. She had the Don (bento) with fried pork wet on top of rice, with eggy soy sauce. ..I sampled it ... It was great 5/5. I had the chicken was crispy 5/5 not gready...chicken was tender yet crunchy panko breaking... with curry.. the curry had a slight bitter note but it was fine, and thick, it was a bit goopy on the pour... and had a thin skinlike layer which was odd but it ate fine 4/5 There's a free appetizer...choice of fried oyster or fried crab cream like a large round rangoon...I can't eat seafood, bit mom enjoyed it. She gave it 5/5. We both loved the salad, the pickled carrots and two cubesof sweet potato., and the pickled Persian cucumbers. Small tiny discreet portions of each but elegantly and a great palette cleanser...the salad dressing was tart and light. 5/5 The utensils are pre-set on the table and so is the sweet tonkatsu sauce in a small carafe also preset....there's not much interaction with the bust wait staff, but it was easy to catch their eye to ask questions, get the check, or clear the dishes...I had hot cup of green tea. But no checking for more. But I'm sure icould have flagged down a waiter had I really wanted more. They deliver the food and fly off, so don't ne afraid to stop them to make your requests...they are nice about it. You can also get a pitcher of Sapporo if you drink beer and are a larger parry which I thought was nice considering Sappora usual comes by the bottle. Parking is plentiful in the back...and free. We enjoyed. Very much. Just know 1) no desserts on menu. 2) yes there's a kids menu and 3) every protein is deep fried. read more

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My boyfriend came across Kagura in Monterey Park and wanted to check it out to try their curry katsu specialty. They are located in a small plaza off Atlantic with their own parking lot in front of the restaurant. The restaurant is small, about 10 tables of 2-4, so there may be a wait during peak meal hours. We wrote our name on their waitlist, but we were seated soon after. The seats aren't too comfortable since space is tight. Their menu had a lot of customizations with katsu and curry. There were many protein choices. My boyfriend ordered their Menchi Katsu Curry ($20.25) and I ordered the Pork Loin Katsu Curry ($21.45).Both were marked as items Chef Recommends. While we were waiting for our food to come out, I noticed their chopsticks lists their other locations and most seem to be in areas with high Japanese footprint: Torrance, El Segundo, Gardena, Costa Mesa, and Los Angeles. The food was ready within a reasonable amount of time. In previous photos I saw and appreciated the grill they put the katsu on to maintain crispiness on the bottom, but they are no longer using that. The meal also came with a side salad, miso soup, and a few small sides. This is pretty typical of similar businesses. The dressing on this side salad was really bad though. As much as I wanted to eat the vegetables to be healthy, I didn't like it at all. Not taking points away cause it's an included item, but just including my observation. The rice was okay... a bit dry for my liking. The katsu itself was really crispy and crunchy for both of us. I can see how its' their specialty. For my porkloin I liked one side of it more than the other. The curry was okay, but I don't find it cravable... not like the curries that are so good I'll take it home to eat with more white rice. I barely dipped my katsu into the curry. If my boyfriend wants to come back, I might just order the katsu without the curry. A nice addition for this area, but I'm spoiled with having tried better curry katsu spots so I'm a little picky. read more

Kagura - business front, exterior - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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The karaage is really good. For $11 it's kind of a small portion but it's super tender. Probably one of the best karaage in the SGV. The ika geso was also $11 and even tinier portion. It was okay. I wouldn't need to order this one again. Minus one star for the portion but overall I would come back because I live across the street. read more

Kagura - Tiny portion karaage $11 - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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I am definitely coming back here again! The food was so good! It was breaded and had the perfect crisp. The way it was fried it felt fresh and not old. The rice was also super fluffy. Demi Sauce: 5/5 a little more tart than the other sauces. Curry Sauce: 4/5 Katsu Pork Menchi: 4.5/5 Spicy Cheese Chicken: 4.5/5 Pork Loin Katsu: 3.5/5 It was a little too chewy for my taste. read more

Really great meal with great service. Love the look of the restaurant and quality of the food. Generous portions with very fair prices.

Sorry, I really don't get the hype for this place. Seeing lines outside all the time made me want to eat there. Finally got to try it at a very late lunch hour without a line. I got the pork Katsu curry. The pork was overcooked and dried. The salad dressing was way too garlicky. The side dishes were a joke, 2-3 tiny pieces of radish and cucumber. I do like the curry sauce and white rice though. That was it. read more

Kagura - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Date of visit: June 2025 They had just opened, and there was a long line during lunch. We had to write our name on a list, which was really hard to find. They were so busy that no one explained we had to write our name down. One of my friends recognized our server as the one from another location in Little Tokyo! She said she was helping out the new business on this side of town. I got the premium pork loin katsu $18.95. It was so good! I've seen thicker cuts before, so this wasn't overwhelming. It came with some cold dish appetizers, rice, and soup! Now that the hype has died down, hopefully there is no wait time anymore. I don't know of any other katsu place, so this is a good option if you're craving tonkatsu! -credit card accepted -bathroom available -free parking in lot read more

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This place is kinda a staple if youre craving japanese curry and katsu. No need to drive to little tokyo, this may be the best in terms of SGV. FOOD: Price: Mid tier, ~$18-21 per plate Shrimp Katsu Curry - $19.95 (5/5) Im a sucker for tempura and this tempura was actually really good. You wouldnt think 3 pieces of shrimp would fill you up, but paired with the curry and rice, that makes for a hefty meal. Overall pretty good. I wouldnt say its like mindblowingly the best tempura I ever tasted but I really have no complaints about this meal. Millefeuille Cheese Katsu - $20.95 (4/5) Yardy know ima try this one tho IT GOT CHEESE INSIDE! This was a pretty good one, the pork was very tender but sometimes it was dry. I think it would be great with some curry sauce. On both dishes, i think the side dishes were amazing. Very fulfillling meal and if i ever craved curry katsu then I would come to this restaurant to eat it. VIBES: The vibes here were great. Like the interiors are very aesthetic. There is a big lot outside for eassyy parking and a coffee shop right next door. They had this sauce on the tables for sauce lovers (MEEE) and that really sets this restaruant apart. SAUCE IS SO GOOD. I mean they didnt give free curry sauce (unfortunately) but the (i think tonkatsu) sauce was so yummy and u could dip ur chicken in there if it ever got too dry. read more

Kagura - Shrimp Katsu Curry - $19.95 - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Finally was able to try this place as the first time I tried to go with my bf, we didn't realize we had arrived at closing. Came sort of close this time too. Kagura is located along N Atlantic Blvd, just past the Mar Center Mall block of restaurants. The Smoking Tiger Lab is right next door. Parking is easy, can take your chances and get lucky with front parking or park in the back lot of the Mar Center Mall, dealer's choice. We came around 7:30pm on a Friday night and the place was full up (always a good sign). They had a wait list outside and we were one of two groups still waiting. We weren't sure we'd be able to get in as they close at 8:30pm and people had just gotten seated but we figured staff would have let us know they wouldn't be able to seat us and waited. We waited about 15 -20 mins or so until we were seated. The space is small so it's easy to fill up and get busy. Very bright with seating on the left and right as you walk in. I ordered the Mille-feuille Katsu curry, while my bf got the regular Pork Katsu Curry. Everything from the plate hit the spot, from the hot miso soup to the curry and katsu. The curry was so good, spiced just right with lots of umami. Katsu was perfectly crispy, you could see the layers of the Mille-feuille. Their katsu sauce was delicious as well which is sitting in a container on the table. Side of shredded cabbage with what I think is a ginger dressing added a nice fresh crunch in between bites...I ended up eating it like a salad and mixed some of the katsu sauce with it since the dressing already on it was minimal. I will give tons of credit to the staff as, they turn over tables so efficiently. After we were seated there were about 2 or 3 more (smaller) parties that added themselves to the wait list, and we were doubting they would be able to accommodate them. We ended up finishing our meal right at 8:30pm and to our surprise they got everyone waiting seated. Definitely give this place a try if you're looking for some good Katsu and Katsu curry. Definitely want to try some of their other items as well. read more

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We ordered the premium pork fillet katsu, chicken katsu curry, and the hamburger steak. The premium pork fillet katsu was super tender and juicy inside. You can tell they use good quality pork. The chicken katsu curry was also great, with a crunchy cutlet and rich, savory curry sauce that paired really well with the rice. The hamburger steak was another pleasant surprise. It was juicy, flavorful, and came with a really tasty sauce that made it feel like classic Japanese yoshoku comfort food. Service was friendly and the restaurant had a cozy, casual vibe that made it easy to relax and enjoy the meal. Everything tasted fresh and well prepared. Definitely a spot I'd come back to when the katsu craving hits. read more

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SUCH HUGE PORTION! The meat was very well seasoned and the takoyaki was delicious! So glad I stopped by this place while browsing. Wait was a bit long and parking was limited; however, the wait makes the food worth it! Servers were nice and accommodating. Id definitely come back :) read more

Kagura - Takoyaki - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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This is my favorite local katsu place. I've tried the karaage, katsu curry and katsudon so far, and they're all excellent. Everything is fried perfectly and the portions are really good. Their cabbage salad and miso soup pair perfectly will their katsu. read more

I always see a line in front of this place since it opened and I was finally able to try it out for myself. It's pretty small on the inside so no wonder there's always a lot of people waiting, there's very limited seating. When I arrived at around 6:30pm on a Saturday, there were only 2 groups ahead of me on the waitlist so we made pretty good time with that. Before our table was ready, someone came out to take our orders before we were able to be seated so that they could get it started. I ordered the Premium Pork Fillet Katsu ($18.95) and the Chicken Katsu ($17.75). I also tried the Shishito Peppers. The katsu was super crispy and crunchy on the outside, and the meat was still nice and juicy on the inside. There's also a pot of katsu sauce at the table, and that was also so good and much needed to pair with the katsu. I wasn't too much of a fan of the shishito peppers. It seemed a bit too oily and the spice was either a hit or miss. Some were just mild and others had a bit more of a medium kick to it. Service works quickly here, since they're trying to get tables moving in and out as quickly as possible. They brought everything that we asked for right away and once they start clearing out trays from your table they bring the check over. Sometimes I crave the katsu that I've tried in Japan. This place comes pretty close and does satisfy the craving while I'm still here. They have curries and katsu-don here as well so next time maybe I'll try one of those. read more

Kagura - Premium Pork Fillet Katsu - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Such a small but yummy katsu spot! They're open daily - Mon-Fri - 11:30am-2:30pm & 5:00pm-8:30pm - Sat & Sun - 11:30am-8:30pm Parking is ok since it's located in a small plaza but don't expect too much parking since the lot is shared with other businesses Inside was very small and very limited seating Service was very friendly and welcoming Menu had a good variety of pork/chicken katsu, combination, curry dishes, and appetizers! Pricing was reasonable and most dishes were $20+ The Takoyaki ($8.50) came with 6 pieces. It was so delicious, fresh, and crispy! It was fried perfectly and the filling was stuffed with a big piece of octopus! Really enjoyed this and this was definitely one of the best Takoyaki I've had so this was 10/10! Pork Katsu Curry ($19.95) was amazing! It came with a huge portion of pork katsu on top of white rice, as well as sides of pickled vegetables, bowl of shredded cabbage, and miso soup! The pork katsu was so phenomenal! It was deeply fried but wasn't too greasy and was very crispy! The pork was very tender and not too fatty! The miso soup was decent and not too salty! The rice was very soft and fresh. The pickled vegetables were good and paired very well with the set! The curry was very rich and packed with flavor without being too salty! Overall, I really enjoyed the food and my experience so I will definitely recommend and return! read more

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The chicken katsu curry was really good. The meat wasn't dry and the curry sauce was the right amount of spicy. The service was quick and super nice. The ambience was very bright and cute. Only complaint was that it was super warm in the restaurant. read more

Kagura - Chicken Katsu Curry - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

I had the Kagura in Torrance bookmarked and realized they had a location here in Monterey Park so decided to give it a shot Ordered: Premium Pork Fillet Katsu $18.95 Oh the crunchy and the juiciness The rice was the nice and pristine Japanese kind! straight up 9/10 ‍People: staff was very polite and always readily to help out if needed Vibes: I did go on a weekday for lunch so it was fairly quiet and chill which I love especially if I'm eating on my own Overall, yes yes I would definitely come back! I would also want to try their katsu with curry as I LOVE curry read more

Kagura - Premium Pork Fillet Katsu - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Stopped by finally after the buzz died down when it first opened. went on a Friday at 5:30pm and was sat immediately. Ordered the crab croquette and the katsu with cheese which were both excellent and the sauce mixed with the spicy chili flakes was very good. The vibes are very clean and the service is quick. We were served in 15 minutes and the staff was friendly and attentive. Would come back again to try more katsu dishes! read more

Kagura - Crab Crouquettes 2pc - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Family went at 7:30pm on a Wednesday night and got seated within 10 minutes! It's a super cozy place with decent amount of tables! Food came out relatively quickly after we ordered. I ordered the shrimp curry and it came with a side of miso soup, a side of lettuce with dressing, and a side dish with a mix of vegetables. The shrimp was delicious. The shrimp was juicy and wasn't dry at all. I wasn't too hungry going into dinner and this was a perfect portion. I tried a piece of pork katsu and it was perfectly fried. It wasn't dry at all. This would be on my list to go again! read more

Kagura - Shrimp Curry - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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It's a small hole in the wall Katsu place. What I love about it!? So much choices! Besides having the regular pork and chicken, they have seafood as well. I enjoyed their oyster, it was delectable. The place was clean though the table has a bit of unwanted odor . It looks like they just cleaning the table with plain water. They should at least use some sort of special cleaner so it won't be smelly. Service was just ok. I don't find them friendly as they hardly smile and seem to be very serious. They take your order, serve your order and you are on your own. Fast food style!? read more

Really solid Japanese food in Monterey Park. Not sure whether to call this place a hidden gem, but I think this a good place to take friends and get some katsu options. Having tried both pork and chicken katsu options, I can say both were pretty damn good - I can't choose one over the other. The takoyaki balls were also good. Although we had to wait longer than expected for a party of 5, we were allowed to order ahead do crime so that by the time we were seated, we got food within minutes. The servers were super friendly and the place was clean inside. I would go back! read more

Kagura - Takoyaki - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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I've been to Japan last year for many weeks and the food here tasted the same and it was just sooooo good and delicious in my belly. My family and friends came to visit and try this place out because this place is always buzzing and fully booked and we finally had the chance to really Dine-In here. The service was spot on and each and every staff here were very helpful and sweet to us and to all other customers. The ambiance was nice but small. If only there were more seatings and space in this place. But I would still highly recommend this place to all of you. Thank you KAGURA! read more

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Finally got to try Kagura now that they've made it to the 626!! We didn't wait too long on a Saturday afternoon. There's not many tables inside and the restaurant is quite small. We ordered a curry pork katsu set as well as a side of the crab cream croquettes. The croquettes were SO good. They're so creamy and there's a good amount of crab. The pork katsu was pretty good. It wasn't dry and the crust was good. The curry sauce was rich and flavorful. I LOVED the dressing on their cabbage. Docking 1 star bc the price is quite steep for katsu. $20 for a set but they do advertise it as "black pork" read more

This was my second visit to Kagura in Monterey Park, and I'm glad I gave it another shot because this time it didn't disappoint. My friend and I came for lunch, and it was pretty busy. I ordered the premium pork loin katsu, which was the right call. On my first visit, I tried the premium pork filet and found it a bit dry, but the loin was a big improvement. It was fried perfectly and stayed juicy inside. The mustard that came with the katsu was a nice touch, and the katsu sauce on the table was spot on. Not too salty and not too sweet. Service was just okay. They refilled my water once, and overall interaction was minimal. Nothing bad, just very straightforward. The ambiance was quiet enough for a normal conversation, which I appreciated. Parking can be challenging on weekends since the area is packed with restaurants and businesses, so plan a little extra time. Overall, I would still come back when I'm craving a good katsu. read more

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If you're looking for good tonkatsu, this is the place. Kagura mainly serves different types of katsu: pork, seafood, and chicken. I had their tonkatsu and it was very good. The batter was light and crispy. And the meat was tender. My parents got the seafood katsu and tonkatsu. We also order an appetizer, fried squid. That was the only thing we were a little disappointed with. But the service was good. They are very attentive and polite. The restaurant is small but it's clean. I definitely recommend and would come back. read more

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I ordered the Pork Katsu Curry set ($19.95). It's absurdly delicious. The pork katsu contains very thick, tender, & juicy slices. Its breading is flaky & crisp. I felt immediate satisfaction at its gentle crunch. Then, its curry sauce flows with flavorful seasoning and a gentle (but wild) heat. Each bite brought a euphoria of joy. This is perhaps one of the best pork katsu curries that I've ever feasted upon. The hype at Kagura (Monterey Park) is well-earned. I arrived at Kagura (Monterey Park) on Monday (around 6:20PM). Surprisingly, parking was convenient and simple. There's a nearby, adjacent lot labelled "additional parking." I quickly found a parking spot this evening. When I arrived, there was no wait. Customers are expected to write their "name" and "# of guests" on an outside pedestal. Staff immediately invited me in. However, Kagura (Monterey Park) is small and cramped. There's only seven tables. Around 6:50PM, I noticed a long line of customers (about 8) waiting outside for a seat. Staff is not very memorable; rather, staff felt more-so robotic. Staff is curt but courteous. Staff spoke very little, but staff was attentive. For example, staff very quickly filled my water cup when it became low. I ordered the Pork Katsu Curry set ($19.95). It took 13 minutes and 18 seconds. Fairly well-paced. As mentioned, I happily enjoyed my meal. The Pork Katsu Curry ($19.95) uses high-quality ingredients, and it's prepared well. Also, I appreciated its affordability. This is a very competitive price for its quality and portion-size. Its complimentary miso soup also tasted very fresh. However, if I had to nitpick, the rice felt a little mushy and gloopy. Fortunately, the rice's off-putting texture gets quickly resolved when doused in its savory, well-seasoned curry sauce. Concerning ambiance, Kagura (Monterey Park) is somewhat uncomfortable. The location is visibly cramped; however, its interior is also a little humid. Its air felt stuffy & sticky. I appreciated the soft jazz music, but the main noise at Kagura (Monterey Park) will be the customers' echoey chatter. Regarding decor, this small business is very sleek & modern. Also, I appreciated how the tables and floors were kept very clean despite the constant customer flow. Overall, Kagura (Monterey Park) offers affordable, large, and delectable meals. I absolutely adored my Pork Katsu Curry set ($19.95). "DELICIOUS!" I happily recommend. 4.9 out of 5 read more

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Came here for dinner and it was pretty packed. I ordered the Demi-Glace Chicken Katsu because I've only seen demi-glace sauce on videos but have never tasted it. We also ordered a Pork Katsu. Our orders came with the ordered meat, sauce, a side of rice, miso soup, and some small pickled vegetables. Aside from the sauce on your tray, they also provide additional curry sauce in a pour out container in case you want more. The chicken katsu was a little dry to me. The demi-glace sauce was ok. Curry sauce from the Pork Katsu was pretty good. For the price, the meat portions could be a little bigger. The pork katsu was also a little dry but both fried batter crusts were crunchy and I liked that. The cabbage salad was pretty good. The rice was a little dry. Service was good. Nice bright ambiance. Good spot for couples dining out and dates. Free parking in parking lot in front of restaurant and some more around nearby parking structure and street parking. Come here if you're craving katsu. read more

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This was my first time dining at Kagura, and my coach recommended we go and I'm so glad we did. My coach ordered the pork katsu while I had the chicken katsu, and both dishes were exceptional. The katsu was perfectly cooked, and the sauce was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Each plate came with miso soup, a fresh cabbage salad, and steamed white rice, creating a complete and satisfying meal. The customer service was excellent, polite, attentive, and very welcoming. The restaurant was spotless and charming, beautifully decorated with Christmas touches that made the atmosphere warm and inviting. Parking was also very convenient, with a lot located right by the entrance. Overall, it was a wonderful first experience at Kagura. I highly recommend it. read more

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Amazing katsu, croquettes and shrimp. The staff is very friendly and the restaurant is absolutely clean and bright. The katsu is so light and crispy. Add a tiny bit of mustard and dip in the katsu sauce! The croquettes were absolutely delicious, crispy outside and soft and savory inside. The miso soup is delicious and the gohan is very good. I would definitely recommend Kagura MP and will be coming back soon! read more

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Came to Kagura last month for dinner with a gf and forgot to write my review! As far as Katsu goes, it was okay & standard for what we can get around here. I am curious to try their Katsu Don & do wish their premium pork options came with the "curry" instead of having to order it on the side for $5. Their house Katsu sauce is available on the table & is the dark tangy sauce....but I don't really like this sauce. Portions are fair for the protein, but the side dishes were a little scrappy. Restaurant space is a bit small & clean. I wouldn't recommend for large groups, unless you're willing to wait or split. Parking is shared with other stores in the same plaza. Restrooms were fairly clean. read more

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SO COZY AND SMELLED DELICIOUS Checked out the new location in Monterey park for lunch and it hit the spot. The space is on the smaller end, so we appreciated them taking our orders before sitting down. Wait was a little long, so good luck when you decide to come! We both got the katsu pork loin which is more tender and fattier than the pork filet. The katsu was crispy to perfection and I had to dip every piece in the sweet, umami katsu sauce. Curry was so goood, a little kick for the spice. Delicious meal for all day long - note they do close for mid afternoon. read more

Kagura - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California