Tabelog ratingNew Astoria (ニューアストリア) is a long-standing kissaten (a classic Japanese coffee shop) that has perfected a single, iconic dish: the pork katsu sando. Located in the basement of the Senchu Pal building connected to Senri Chuo Station, it's a place where the main attraction is watching the veteran staff work in perfect sync, griddle-toasting thick, handmade pork fillet sandwiches to order.
Reviewers almost unanimously praise the katsu sando for its juicy, tender pork cutlet, the satisfyingly crisp texture of the toasted bread, and the well-balanced sweet-and-savory sauce. Most recommend ordering it with vegetables (野菜入り) and pairing it with the equally famous fresh-blended mixed juice (ミックスジュース) or a strong coffee. The fast, practiced service and convenient station-side location are also frequently highlighted as major positives.
The experience is not without its quirks. The dining room is small and often cramped, with only about 20 seats, leading to frequent but fast-moving queues. A few isolated reports mention a brusque server or minor order mix-ups, but these are not common complaints. Note that the takeout version of the sandwich is served without vegetables.
Value is considered excellent. Reviewers in 2024–2026 typically paid around ¥750 for a katsu sando with vegetables, ¥500 for a mixed juice, and about ¥1,000 for a sandwich-and-drink set, finding it a very satisfying meal for the price.
- Booking: Walk-in only; reservations are not accepted. Queues are common, especially at peak times, but turnover is fast.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Getting There: Located on the B1 floor of the Senchu Pal building, with direct access from Senri Chuo Station (Kita-Osaka Kyuko and Osaka Monorail lines).
- Seating: 20 seats, including counter seating and a few small tables.
- Service: Takeout is available, but the katsu sando for takeout does not include vegetables. Staff may not speak English, so having your order in mind is helpful.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.