SHOWA Le Gourmet Tonkatsu

My partner and I went here for dinner tonight for a belated celebration of our anniversary - I’ve been eyeing this place for a while, and it was easily worth the wait!

The service and ambiance was among the warmest & friendliest I’ve experience in SF (and I eat out a LOT). Lots of small details in the decor and presentation that really elevated the experience and transported us back to Japan - even to the presentation of the check.

Our favorite courses were the caprese-like tofu, uni toro ikura handroll, and tonkatau pork loin. The ume sour and dessert were also delicious!!

Highly recommend and I’m excited to be back soon :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I don't write many reviews, but this was a memorable birthday dinner: the impressive reviews aren't wrong, the food was absolutely impressive - and not unreasonably priced for a prix fixe menu in San Francisco, and the space makes quite an impression, including the monochrome color scheme of the toilet :) Some highlights for me were the tofu mochi starter, the crab starter, the impeccable katsus, and the super-clean dashi broth. However, what we'll remember most is the high-level, yet heartfelt service that elevated the entire experience. We got to the restaurant quite early, but Joe immediately greeted us and his very warm welcome set the tone for the evening - thank you for a truly special night!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best Pork Katsu, inside or outside of Japan

Fantastic Food and Atmosphere!
We recently dined at SHOWA Le Gourmet Tonkatsu, and it was a fantastic experience. The food was outstanding—each dish was bursting with flavor and expertly prepared. The atmosphere was charming and comfortable, creating a perfect backdrop for our meal. The service was top-notch; the staff were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will definitely be returning.
Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A really enjoyable night out. The service was great and each dish was really interesting and flavourful. I really enjoyed each fried dish especially the dry age pork tonkatsu

I’m so glad to be a part of this beautiful experience at SHŌWA! Thank you Joe and Koji for creating this amazing place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It’s not only about food, but also the experience. From the beautiful dinnerware, to the lighting, to the thoughtful and chill vibe, to the ingredients selection, I love love this restaurant! We love Joe!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I only got one thing to say: best food experience money can buy in San Francisco.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was such a creative and delicious meal. My favorites were the menchi katsu and the watermelon shave ice. It’s super cool how they use different panko types across the different courses. Thank you Chef Endo and Joe!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is easily one of the best meals I've ever had in San Francisco. As others have mentioned, it felt like I was dining in Japan. Everything was exceptional: the service, the ambiance, the food, and the overall experience. It's so hard to pick what I liked best from the whole meal because it was...just...that...good.

The progression of dishes worked well; it seemed like they read my mind and knew exactly what I enjoyed most in Japanese cuisine. All the ingredients were top shelf, fresh, and shined through the dishes. Some of the dishes involved interaction, which Joe enthusiastically was a part of, making the whole meal enjoyable. There was a perfect balance of providing high quality without all the pretentiousness. Joe and the team made us feel like welcomed guests in their homes and not just patrons.

Very few establishments have left such an impression similar to Showa. The team hit it out of the park with this one. I want to keep this place a secret, but it's too good not to share.

Thank you, Joe and Koji-san, for this memorable experience! I'm spreading the word!

P.S. Check out the bathroom! :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing food, wonderful experience. Fresh, neat, impeccable atmosphere and aesthetics. Several dishes were really innovative and the katsu dishes are impressive as well. Homemade sesame tofu was ?, sea bass katsu and pork katsu were just . 10/10 would recommend!

I felt like I was transported to Tokyo. There are so many small details that make Showa so special, from the space, glassware, bathroom, floral arrangements to the cookery. As a fried food lover, this place will not disappoint. The variety of panko breading for the various “courses” were excellent. The details in the sauces make each course unique from other Japanese restaurants in San Francisco. The best part is Joe. His hospitality is truly what sets Showa in a class of its own. I will be back soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent experience at SHŌWA. Beautiful attention to detail. The front of house staff was very friendly and personable. It felt like going to a fancy dinner at a friend’s well-loved home. Food was well portioned, delicious, and enjoyable to eat.

Beautifully crafted space with an excellent tour of Japanese cuisine. The owners are incredible kind and hospitable, and the food was excellent. Gorgeous presentations, very fresh flavors, and impeccable service. We will 100% be back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I found this new tonkatsu place in SF, and I was so excited to tried this place. It was about 10 tables inside and decorated as we are in Japan. The chef and his partner Joe, welcomed as we entered restaurant. Joe provided us exceptional service. Tonkatsu and other dishes were very delicious! Especially giant shrimp tasted like a lobster. Somen had super clean taste with deep broth and desert was hand made by chef, and it was remarkable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5