Tabelog ratingPretty Pork Factory & Katsu Puripo (PRETTY PORK FACTORY & KATSUプリポー) is a pork-focused restaurant on the 5th floor of the Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado building. Its unique draw is the opportunity to taste and compare over a dozen rare breeds of pork, including high-end varieties like Amagi Kurobuta, TOKYO X, and Mangalitza. The meat is served in one of three styles: as tonkatsu, shabu-shabu, or a plated Korean-style samgyeopsal.
Guests consistently praise the core concept of a breed-by-breed tasting. The tonkatsu is noted for its light, crisp, double-fried batter and is often served juicy and pink in the centre. Meals are accompanied by rice cooked to order for your table in an earthenware pot (donabe) and a shijimi clam soup, both of which receive positive mentions. Some reviewers also single out attentive, English-speaking staff members who enhance the experience.
However, visitors should be aware of significant and recurring issues. Many non-Japanese reviewers report pushy upselling, with staff claiming cheaper cuts are 'sold out' to steer them towards more expensive items. Service can be inconsistent, ranging from friendly to inattentive. Most seriously, there have been several independent allegations of food poisoning from diners. For those concerned, the boiled shabu-shabu option may be a safer choice.
Expect to spend around ¥3,000–¥4,000 for lunch and ¥8,000–¥10,000 for dinner. Reviewers in 2024-2026 paid about ¥3,600 for a two-piece fillet tonkatsu set, ¥7,150 for a Saddleback loin, and up to ¥11,000 for premium Mangalitza cuts. While it can be a rewarding experience for pork connoisseurs, the high prices and reported inconsistencies make it a risky choice for a casual meal.
- Booking: Reservations are recommended, especially for peak times.
- Location: On the 5th floor of the Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado building, with direct access from Meiji-Jingumae Station.
- Wait Times: The restaurant states that tonkatsu is fried to order and can take 30 to 60 minutes to prepare.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX), electronic money, and QR code payments are accepted.
- Charges: A 10% service charge is added to the bill. Some guests have reported a mandatory per-person drink or cover charge.
- Seating: 70 seats, including counter seating, tables, and semi-private rooms.
- Family: Children and strollers are welcome.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: Paid parking is available in the building's lot.
