Just a five-minute walk from the famous Ameya-Yokocho market in Ueno, Tokyo, there’s a legendary restaurant called “Ponta Honke.” In business for over a century, they specialize in yōshoku, Western-style dishes that have uniquely developed in Japan.
The venerable establishment’s impressive wooden nameplate stands out amidst the bustling buildings and eateries in the neighborhood.
At Ponta Honke, you can savor their signature pork “Cutlet” (katsuretsu in Japanese, breaded and deep-fried cutlet, sometimes shortened as katsu). Their recipe for the dish hasn’t changed since the restaurant’s founding in 1905.
“カツレツ” Cutlet à la carte 3,850 JPY (tax included)
Ueno’s iconic yōshoku restaurant and its signature Cutlet
One reason Ponta Honke has been beloved for so long is their commitment to consistent quality.
For their Cutlet, they use only the finest pork loin, personally selected by the fourth-generation owner, Yoshihiko Shimada, without limiting their choice to a specific region or brand.
Their tradition and commitment include using only the lean parts of the pork, meticulously trimmed of tendons and fat.
The thick slices of loin are pounded thin, coated in coarsely ground fresh breadcrumbs, and slowly fried at a low temperature.
The frying oil is homemade lard, made from the trimmed fat of the same pork used for the cutlets. Using the same type of pork deepens the richness and enhances the natural aroma of the meat.
Fried for over 10 minutes, the Cutlet has a satisfyingly crispy exterior. The meat is cooked slowly to retain its moisture, resulting in a tender texture.
From their selection of pork and frying oil to their frying technique, every detail of the dish showcases Ponta Honke’s dedication to quality.
Ponta Honke’s Cutlet is delicious all by itself
We recommend trying the dish first without any of the condiments provided at your table. With one bite, the natural aroma of the pork will unfurl on your palate, showcasing the high quality of the cutlet served at Ponta Honke.
The pork remains juicy despite having almost all of its fat removed, a delightful surprise. Each bite releases the rich umami of the meat, reflecting the meticulous care with which Mr. Shimada prepares the dish.
Ponta Honke also takes pride in their condiments. Their original Worcestershire sauce, a secret recipe, adds a gentle tartness to the Cutlet and transforms its taste.
We highly recommend the set meal with rice, pickles, and miso soup for 550 JPY (tax included).
The aroma of the Worcestershire sauce enhances your appetite, making the Cutlet and rice even more delicious.
Rice, pickles, and miso soup set available for 550 JPY (tax included)
Karashi (Japanese mustard) is another excellent complement to Ponta Honke’s Cutlet. Its sharp spiciness adds a refreshing finish.
Mr. Shimada confidently states that Ponta Honke’s pride, their signature Cutlet, is delicious even without any condiments.
However, the restaurant also offers their original Worcesteshire sauce and a variety of condiments, catering to different dining preferences. This flexibility is a testament to Ponta Honke’s long history of adapting to individual tastes.
Ponta Honke is perfect for special occasions
“Nothing has changed since our founding, except the plates.”
As Mr. Shimada explains, at Ponta Honke, everything from the ingredients to the preparation methods remains traditional. Though he says it with a laugh, Mr. Shimada’s words perfectly capture the 100-year history of this beloved establishment.
Fourth-generation owner Yoshihiko Shimada
In addition to the Cutlet, Ponta Honke offers a variety of other enticing dishes, such as a stew made with Kuroge wagyū beef tongue, and fried seafood like conger eel and Japanese tiger prawns.
Although these dishes are familiar and comforting classics of yoshoku cuisine, enjoying them at Ponta Honke makes them feel special.
This isn’t just due to the restaurant’s long-standing reputation. Mr. Shimada’s dedication as a craftsman is evident in every dish, bringing a unique flavor that truly stands out.
Ponta Honke’s exterior
Information
| Store name | ぽん多本家 Ponta Honke |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-23-3 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Okachimachi Station 2-minute walk from Okachimachi Station South Exit
Ueno-okachimachi Station 3-minute walk from Ueno-okamchimachi Station Exit A4
Ueno-hirokoji Station 3-minute walk from Ueno-hirokoji Station Exit A4
Ueno Station（UEN） 9-minute walk from Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit |
| Phone number | 03-3831-2351 |
| Reservations | Accepted for parties of 2 or more By phone |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | Service charge (including otōshi) 330 JPY (tax included) when ordering alcohol |
| Hours | Tue-Sat. & days before nat’l holidays 11:00-14:00（last order 13:45）, 16:30-20:20（last order 19:45） Sun. & nat’l holidays 11:00-14:00（last order 13:45）, 16:00-20:20（last order 19:45） |
| Closed | Monday Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 32 seats 3 counter seats, 20 table seats, 9 private dining room seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://r.gnavi.co.jp/g608200/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of August 2024.
