Finally, a decent neighborhood restaurant has taken over the old Tube Station Sandwich space. Katoya has always been our favorite eatery in Weigongcun, so we’re thrilled they’ve opened a second branch on the east side. The restaurant is quaint and unpretentious, with delicious food at an affordable price.

The space is small but cozy, with simple postcards of Japanese women on the wall and happy hour prices and libations. Reserve the huge tatami room for parties of ten or more.

The fried pork tonkatsu with cheese (¥30) is the best Japanese hangover food we’ve ever tasted. This huge pork cutlet is fried to crisp perfection with a generous amount of cheese that stretches out with each bite. Don’t forget to add the special tonkatsu sauce found on each table—this simple condiment is savory and heightens the crunchy, gooey and delectable dish. The fried tofu (¥16) is the classic Japanese agedashi doufu, four lightly fried squares lying in a bed of light soy topped with fish flakes and green onion. The exterior is fried to a golden crisp with a silky smooth core, and the fish flakes make for a nice salty jolt with the umami soy. The roast eel (¥55) is a great portion for the price and perfectly cooked. The sauce is a bit sweet, but the chopped ginger pickled radish on the side adds a pungent flair of freshness. There is also an assortment of yakitori kebabs, and though it’s not date-appropriate, the roasted garlic (¥2) is delicious. The salmon rolls wrapped in seaweed (¥12/two) are also scrumptious.

Our rating: 4/5 stars

DETAILS

What: Katoya

Where: Across from 55 Xinzhong Jie, 新中街55中南门对面

Tel: 8447-2905

City Weekend is the only online magazine in Beijing to review restaurants according to a transparent process vetted by local food & beverage professionals. Check our Restaurant Review Process here.