Wako Donkatsu

Tucked into a Koreatown strip mall on Wilshire Boulevard, Wako Donkatsu has earned a devoted following for its singular focus on tonkatsu—the beloved Japanese breaded cutlet dish, reimagined through a Korean lens. This isn’t a flashy spot trying to be everything to everyone; it’s a no-frills destination that does one thing exceptionally well.

The star of the show is the pork tonkatsu, a generously sized cutlet with a perfectly crispy golden exterior giving way to succulent, tender meat inside. What sets Wako apart is the tableside ritual: before your cutlet arrives, you’re presented with a small mortar and pestle filled with sesame seeds. Grinding them yourself releases their fragrant oils, and when the tangy tonkatsu sauce joins the party, you’ve got a nutty, aromatic dipping experience that elevates the whole dish. Kimchi on every table reminds you exactly where you are.

Each plate comes as a complete meal with shredded cabbage salad, steaming miso soup, and rice—comfort food in its purest form. The portions are substantial enough that even those who swear they’ll only eat half find themselves scraping the plate clean, leaving with that satisfying fullness that only a great fried cutlet can deliver.

Whether you’re rolling deep with a group of friends or just need a reliable spot for a casual weeknight dinner, Wako Donkatsu delivers without pretense. It’s the kind of neighborhood gem that makes Koreatown one of LA’s best dining destinations.