“Tonkatsu ha Nomimono.” Ikebukuro (とんかつは飲み物。池袋店) is a popular spot just off Ikebukuro Station’s west exit for thick, hearty tonkatsu at wallet-friendly prices.
You can choose rice up to “Yama” (400 g) and pick three handmade side dishes for free — a combination that makes this restaurant a top pick for anyone who wants a cheap, filling meal.
It’s great for both lunch and dinner, and they also offer takeout and sometimes delivery, so it’s perfect for travelers or visitors searching for “cheap hearty dinner in Ikebukuro” or “thick katsu-don.”
This article covers access, menu breakdown, hands-on impressions, how to avoid crowds, and takeout tips.
目次-table of contents
- Quick facts — location, hours & seating
- What’s on the menu? (thick katsu, katsu-don & large portions)
- Free handmade side dishes — pick any 3
- Rice portions & refill policy
- Hands-on review — Upper Rosu Katsu set (Large) & Tamago-Sauce Katsu-don
- How to get the thick-katsu experience (ordering tips)
- Lunch vs Dinner — which to choose?
- Takeout & delivery
- Crowds & waiting — quick tips
- FAQ — quick answers for visitors
- Final summary
Quick facts — location, hours & seating
- Address: 2-53-11 Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo (東京都豊島区池袋2丁目53−11)
- Nearest exit: Ikebukuro Station, C6 exit, ~2–4 minutes on foot
- Seats: Counter 10 + Tables 4 (about 14 seats) — small and cozy
- Hours:
- Lunch: 11:00 – 15:30
- Dinner: 17:30 – 22:30 (closing time can vary)
- Takeout: Available (ask staff; some items may require confirmation)
- Notes: Small restaurant with quick turnover, but expect lines at peak times. Consider takeout or delivery if you want to skip waiting.
The menu centers on tonkatsu (pork cutlets) and variations: regular/upper-grade rosu (pork loin), hire (tenderloin), beef katsu, and the signature tamago-sauce katsu-don (egg + sauce over katsu and rice).
The shop emphasizes thicker cuts — ideal for customers looking for a filling, meat-forward meal.
Ordering is via a ticket machine, so it’s quick even if you’re new.
| Item | Price (¥) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rosu katsu set | 950 | Classic, great value |
| Rosu katsu 1.5x set | 1,170 | Extra meat |
| Oroshi rosu katsu set | 1,050 | Refreshing with grated radish |
| Miso rosu katsu set | 1,050 | Rich miso flavor |
| Rosu + Hire set | 1,420 | Best of both cuts |
| Man’s Mille-Feuille Katsu set | 2,580 | Layered beef + pork extravaganza |
| Upper Rosu katsu set | 1,440 | Thicker, juicier cut |
| Hire katsu set (2 pcs) | 1,340 | Tenderloin, leaner |
| Hire katsu set (3 pcs) | 1,810 | More hire |
| Beef katsu set | 1,330 | Red-meat flavor |
| Beef katsu 1.5x set | 1,650 | Extra beef |
| Rosu + Ebi Fry (1) | 1,330 | Surf & turf style |
| Rosu + Ebi Fry (2) | 1,710 | More prawns |
| Rosu + Ebi Fry (4) | 2,480 | Prawn feast |
| Tamago-sauce katsu-don | 1,050 | Signature thick katsu-don |
Prices and availability can change — confirm with the restaurant before you go.
Free handmade side dishes — pick any 3
Ordering a tonkatsu set allows you to choose 3 handmade side dishes for free.
These small sides add variety and balance to the rich tonkatsu.
| # | Side | Flavor notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shittori Tamago no Hana (soft egg) | Gentle, homey taste |
| 2 | Kirisen Daikon Nimono (simmered shredded daikon) | Umami, great palate cleanser |
| 3 | Spicy Mala Harusame (w/ cilantro) | Numbing-spicy kick |
| 4 | Wakame Vinegar Salad | Refreshing acidity |
| 5 | Potato Salad | Creamy, comforting |
| 6 | Hijiki Simmered Seaweed | Traditional, nutritious |
| 7 | Cucumber Pickles | Crisp, tangy |
| 8 | Raw Egg (for TKG) | Mix with rice for another experience |
| 9 | Yamagata-style Dashi Tofu | Chilled and savory |
| 10 | Mung Bean Sprout Namul | Light, healthy side |
Author’s picks: #1 Shittori Egg, #5 Potato Salad, #10 Mung Bean Sprout Namul — all mild and complementary to the tonkatsu.
#1 Shittori Egg
#5 Potato Salad
#10 Mung Bean Sprout Namul
Rice portions & refill policy
| Size | Amount | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 120 g | Free |
| Medium | 200 g | Free |
| Large | 300 g | Free |
| Yama (Mountain) | 400 g | Free |
| Refill | — | ¥150 (flat) |
The fact that Yama (400 g) is free makes this a go-to place for big eaters or anyone who needs a hearty meal without spending much more.
Hands-on review — Upper Rosu Katsu set (Large) & Tamago-Sauce Katsu-don
Upper Rosu Katsu set (Large — ¥1,440) — visit notes
- Time: Weeknight ~19:00; nearly full but seated without waiting.
- Order method: Ticket machine at entrance.
- Arrival: About 10 minutes.
- Appearance: Thick slices, visually substantial but not overwhelming.
- Breaded crust: Slightly moist rather than ultra-crisp — melts nicely with sauce.
- Meat: Juicy, fatty sweetness balanced so it’s not greasy.
- Sauce: Slightly sweet, goes well with rice; mustard adds brightness.
- Soup: Clam miso (shijimi) — savory, not overly salty, cleanses the palate.
Overall: meat-forward, very satisfying. Large rice (300 g) felt almost small — the sauce makes it go fast. Ideal for hungry diners.
Tamago-Sauce Katsu-don (¥1,050)
A katsu-don where egg and sauce are integrated, resulting in a moist, comforting bowl.
There’s shredded cabbage under the katsu for balance.
Texture is softer (bottom of cutlet becomes slightly soaked), and the finish is easy to eat — you may find yourself finishing it quickly.
How to get the thick-katsu experience (ordering tips)
- If you want thick meat: Choose Upper Rosu or the Man’s Mille-Feuille.
- If you want katsu-don that still feels meaty: Try the Tamago-Sauce Katsu-don (you can also order a heavier portion by choosing a larger rice size).
- Rice advice: Order Large or Yama (400 g) if you’re hungry.
- Side dish combo: pick one mild (egg), one acidic (wakame vinegar), and one creamy (potato salad) for balanced bites.
- Spicy lovers: include the Mala Harusame for contrast.
Lunch vs Dinner — which to choose?
- Lunch: Fast turnover, busy 12:00–13:30. Good for a quick, filling break between sightseeing or work.
- Dinner: More options for a relaxed, late meal. The prices remain friendly, so it’s great for solo diners or groups looking for a hearty cheap dinner.
- Crowd avoidance: Arrive right at opening (11:00) or just before lunch ends (~14:00–14:30) to avoid crowded lines.
Takeout & delivery
- Takeout: Supported — many menu items are OK for takeaway; check with staff.
- Delivery: Sometimes available depending on the day/platform. For convenience, pre-order via a delivery app or phone if you want to avoid waiting. Note: texture may change slightly in containers (soggier crust), but flavor remains satisfying.
Crowds & waiting — quick tips
- Peak times: Lunch 12:00–13:30; Dinner 18:30–20:00.
- Best times to visit: Opening time (11:00) or early dinner (just after 17:30).
- Ordering style: Ticket machine speeds things up — even if there’s a line, turnover tends to be quick. On busy weekends expect longer waits.
FAQ — quick answers for visitors
Q: Can I find a thick katsu-don in Ikebukuro?
A: Yes — Tonkatsu “Nomimono” is known for thick cuts and a filling tamago-sauce katsu-don.
Q: Is this a good spot for a cheap, filling solo dinner?
A: Definitely. Rice up to 400 g and three free sides make it perfect for one person who wants a big meal without spending a lot.
Q: Can I take katsu-don to go?
A: Yes — takeout is available; delivery may be available via apps on certain days.
Final summary
Tonkatsu “Nomimono.” Ikebukuro is an excellent choice when you want thick, juicy tonkatsu without breaking the bank.
The free side-dish selection and Yama (400 g) rice for free are standout features that make it ideal for hungry travelers, students, and anyone searching for cheap hearty meals in Ikebukuro.
Whether you’re hunting for a thick katsu-don, planning a late-night solo dinner, or want convenient takeout, this place deserves a spot on your Ikebukuro food list.
Don’t miss the 29th of each month (Meat Day), when rosu katsu sets sometimes get a free 1.5x meat increase.
