Saku

To start off there aren't a lot of places in Vancouver that do just katsu cuts. There's the Korean chain Daeji which is pretty good (although their fried chicken is better), and for Japanese katsu places most of them are doing curry katsu like Suika, Marulilu and ZacZac. I love à good curry katsu but I've got no hate for a place that just wants to do katsu. Saku is a place that just wants to do katsu.

The menu is simple, the ingredients are high quality, and the staff are friendly. It's an expensive joint when you're dropping $16-$20 for a katsu set but the quality of the pork cuts and jumbo prawn are really nice.

This place would have been a 5* spot for me if the pork wasn't overcooked however. The meat was a bit dry and that's a shame because the loin cuts can be super juicy when prepared right.

Next time I'd try the curry katsu set because the curry sauce might help offset a drier cut of pork.

Ah Saku. I took my family here to celebrate my daughter's birthday - she wanted nothing more than unlimited miso soup. Yes it's true - it's very cool hnlimited rice soup and salad!

Prompt and courteous service.
Great food.
Unlimited extras. What more could you want?

The cutlet is great. The curry is really good - my son wouldn't let me try it - it was hard to get some to sample. I ordered the Nabe which I liked - egg onion soup mixture was really tasty.

You can't go wrong and you'll leave very full. This is an absolutely satisfying experience!

We just tried a rosu pork katsu to go because my kid was really wanting Katsu. The inside was super cute, everyone's food looked delicious, they were super nice, a bit pricy especially for one piece alacarte but 15 min later off we went.

My kid ended up eating a few pieces (and a bite for me to sample obviously) on the side right away because hello, fried food is always better on the spot! The crispiness and tenderness was on point, but the end piece I tried was quite fatty and chewy so not a great first impression. The other bite I tried was way better. My kid definitely enjoyed it!

I need to go back so we can get the sit down experience with the unlimited cabbage, rice, soup, and yummy sauce! I'm sure that's more worth the cost and fresher!

Saku is a place with juicy katsu, unlimited rice, miso soup, and cabbage refill. Honestly, we need more of these!!!

The Zenbu katsu is a great deal and enough to feed 2 people honestly. The portions here are HUGE and as someone who loves the cabbage, I could literally eat 3 of these nonstop.

Overall, I'd definitely come again! But beware of the line! I wouldn't say the line moves particularly fast but the Richmond location definitely has a lot of seats (but also a lot of demand).

One of the best Japanese curries I have ever had! So close to the curry in Japan.
We got the Chicken Katsu curry and the Curry Udon (with pork). Everything was extremely fresh, service was great, and the salad was one of the best salads I have ever had. Extremely cute restaurant and will be back!

Saku had to be one of my best meals in Vancouver. They specialize in katsu (deep fried meat cutlet), and their katsu sets include tonjiru, cabbage salad, rice, pickles, and several condiments. Not a katsu person? Saku also offers udon.

I ordered the Hire Katsu (pork fillet) for CA$26 and substituted the tonjiru for kake udon for additional CA$4 and added a jumbo ebi for additional CA$6.

Presentation was on point. Everything was in its own dish or bowl and served neatly on a wooden tray. The katsu was elevated on a metal grate to allow bottom airflow, minimizing condensation that would otherwise cause soggy batter.

Everything was absolutely delicious! The pork fillet was very moist and flavorful, and the batter was light and crispy. With the variety of condiments provided, you can dress up each slice of meat differently: tangy Japanese mayo, umami katsu sauce +/- nutty white sesame seeds, or simple salt. The ebi was meaty and had a nice crunch. Udon noodles had a good chew, and the dashi broth was light. The house made sesame dressing for the cabbage salad was divine! I would buy a bottle of it if Saku sold it. Overall portion size was just right as I came hungry.

Service was also very pleasant. I was checked in twice and asked about dietary restrictions. The restaurant is also relatively large, spacious, and bright with natural lighting from the windows.

Saku is open everyday for lunch and dinner and there's four locations: two in Vancouver, one in Richmond, and one in Coquitlam. I highly recommend Saku and would revisit if I'm back in BC!

Saku is THE place to get pork katsu in Vancouver! I'd say it's pretty close to what you would find in Japan. Located on a quiet, quaint street in the heart of Vancouver, the restaurant has peaceful and bright interiors and is easily accessible via public transportation and by foot.

The menu features all sorts of pork dishes, but I got the curry pork katsu which came with a soup, a generous portion of white rice (they even refilled it), and some pickles on the side. The smell and presentation were heavenly, and I devoured my meal while enjoying a nice view. I've heard good things about their ebi and pork-wrapped mozzarella but didn't have a chance to try them myself.

Was recommended this place by a friend and will be recommending it to anyone who visits Vancouver.

If you are a fan of tonkatsu, you will love Saku in Richmond. The tonkatsu was tender, juicy, and crunchy, with a perfect balance of meat and fat. It came with a tangy and savory sauce, a refreshing cabbage salad, and a bowl of steamed rice (that has free refills!). The portion was huge and satisfying, and the price was very reasonable for the quality. We also ordered the Ebi Katsu to share. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Our server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The restaurant was clean, comfortable, and had a relaxing atmosphere.

We had a great experience at Saku and we will definitely be back. If you are looking for a place to indulge in some delicious tonkatsu , you should give Saku a try.

I happened to see a reel on Instagram for Saku just before our trip and made it a point to get here on our first day. We showed up just before opening time and the staff graciously let us wait inside since it was raining out.

They pointed us to the menu and asked us to decide ahead of time while they got the restaurant ready. I opted for the Ebi Hotate Katsu and my partner got the Hire Katsu Curry. I still dream about mine LOL The tempura was fried to perfection - a spot-on ratio of breading to filling. HUGE pieces of shrimp, plentiful sides (free refill for soup, rice, and cabbage), and beautiful presentation to match. Your meal is brought to you on a huge wooden tray with each part thoughtfully arranged

The service was also fantastic. I think they were training the waitress helping us, and she was so thoughtful and attentive. I overheard them checking in with many other tables that filled up very quickly after opening.

Inside the restaurant was very clean and spacious with a modern feel to it. I really enjoyed it! I'd even say the katsu here rivals what I've had in Japan, except much closer. I'll definitely be back!!

Well know for their katsu - I usually get their pork version - either the fillet or loin. There are a lot of side dishes that have unlimited refills (miso, rice, salad) and the portion sizes are quite filling. We came here on a weekday evening and there was no wait although they do not seat you until everyone in your party is here. You can also join the waitlist virtually which is nice if having to make plans ahead of time. Lots of spacious seating. Would recommend!

Probably one of the best Tonkatsu I have had comparing with the ones I had in Japan and Hawaii!

Modern interior decor, friendly staffs, non-greasy but juicy pork fillets and loins. We ordered: the premium katsu, the option with the shaved daikon, the Hire Katsu (most lean, fillet) and a kids menu. Everything was great and I think we like the Hire Katsu the most because lean yet still juicy.

Highly recommended for anyone craving for Tonkatsu around the area (they have 3 stores in Vancouver areas, pls look for the one nearest to you)