Tabelog ratingTonkatsu to Wine Nichigetsu (トンカツとワイン 日月) elevates the humble pork cutlet to a fine-dining event. At an intimate six-seat counter in Kobe, a female chef and sommelier presides over a tonkatsu omakase, a tasting menu dedicated to exploring the nuances of high-end pork. The experience is built around comparing different cuts (loin, fillet, rib loin) from various branded pigs like Hayashi SPF and Awariyuki Pork, each cooked with a precise low-temperature technique that results in a juicy interior and a light, crisp, almost white batter.
Guests consistently praise the flawless cooking and the clarity with which each pork breed's unique character shines through. The meal is paced with inventive small plates, such as a croque-monsieur or vegetable fries made with Senshu eggplant, which act as palate cleansers. The wine pairings are considered a highlight, thoughtfully selected to complement the pork. The meal concludes with a signature dish: a small goma (sesame) katsu-don that is then transformed into ochazuke with the addition of a delicate scallop dashi broth.
Diners should be aware of the strict format. Seating is timed, and all guests begin the course at the same time, making punctuality essential. Some find the pace brisk or even rushed, and while many praise the portioning as generous, others find it a bit heavy. Reviewers note that while the experience is expensive for tonkatsu, it offers excellent value for a unique, high-craftsmanship tasting menu.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥5,900 for the lunch omakase and ¥7,900 for dinner, with wine pairings adding ¥3,600–¥6,800. Total dinner bills often landed in the ¥10,000–¥15,000 range. An add-on croque-monsieur was seen for about ¥800.
- Booking: Reservations are mandatory and must be made online via Tabelog; phone or hotel bookings are not accepted. With only six seats, booking well in advance is essential.
- Getting There: The restaurant is on the 5th floor of the Zou Birudingu building in Kobe's Nakayamatedori district. It's a 7-minute walk from JR Sannomiya Station or a 10-minute walk from Hanshin Kobe Sannomiya Station. The restaurant advises searching for "Zou Birudingu" in map apps.
- Punctuality: Guests are seated at their reserved time, and there is no waiting area. The course starts simultaneously for all diners.
- Payment: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Diners Club are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Children: While there are no strict age restrictions, small children can only be accommodated if the entire restaurant is booked for private use.
- Seating: All seating is at the counter.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
