Shimbashi Tonkatsu Horiichi: Michelin Bib Gourmand Kurobuta in Tokyo
Tokyo Mate
Shimbashi's hidden kurobuta tonkatsu gem.
Michelin quality in a 12-seat space.
Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi — the real tonkatsu experience.
Tucked away in the basement of a Shimbashi building, this tiny shop is easy to miss — the signage is barely visible. Yet it earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition in both 2023 and 2024, making it a true sanctuary for kurobuta (black pork) tonkatsu lovers.
If you're planning a visit to Horiichi, check out our complete guide to nearby Shimbashi and Shiodome attractions and night views to plan a full day course:
👉 Shimbashi & Shiodome Evening Course: Past Meets Future Walking Guide
Business Information
| Google Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 (210 reviews) |
| Awards | Michelin Bib Gourmand (2023, 2024) Tabelog Tonkatsu Top 100 (2024) |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Tuesday, Sunday + irregular holidays ⚠️ Always check before visiting! |
| Hours | Lunch: 11:10 AM – 3:00 PM Dinner: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (last entry 7:30 PM) ※ Dinner hours are irregular |
| Payment | Credit cards accepted |
| Access | 4 min walk from Shimbashi Station 6 min walk from Uchisaiwaicho Station |
| Address | Le Gratteciel B1F, 3-8-5 Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0004 |
| Map | 📍 View on Google Maps |
How to Reserve
With only 12 seats and irregular holidays, reservations are strongly recommended.
Lunch operates in 4 time slots: 11:10 / 12:10 / 13:10 / 14:10.
1. Online Reservation
Online bookings are accepted until 10:00 AM on the same day.
🔗 Book Online (Official Reservation Page)
⚠️ Reservations are automatically cancelled if you arrive more than 10 minutes late!
2. Walk-in Reservation
If same-day seats are available, walk-in reservations are possible. Look for cards in the pocket display outside the restaurant — each card represents an available time slot. Take a card and present it to staff when your time comes. (Entry available 5 minutes before your slot.)
Menu & Prices
All set meals include rice, pork miso soup, and cabbage. Rice and cabbage come with one free refill.
| Set Menu | Size / Price |
|---|---|
| A. Kurobuta Rosu Katsu Set | 110g ¥1,900 / 130g ¥2,200 / 180g ¥2,800 |
| B. Kurobuta Hire Katsu Set | 120g ¥2,100 / 180g ¥2,800 |
| C. Kurobuta Rosu & Hire Katsu Set | 130g+60g ¥2,500 / 180g+60g ¥2,900 |
| D. Abel Kurobuta Rosu Katsu Set | 130g ¥3,400 / 180g ¥3,800 |
| E. Abel Kurobuta Hire Katsu Set | 120g ¥3,200 / 180g ¥3,800 |
| F. Abel Kurobuta Rosu & Hire Katsu Set | 130g+60g ¥3,300 / 180g+60g ¥3,800 |
| G. Shrimp Tempura Set | ¥2,800 |
The Shrimp Tempura Set includes 2 shrimp with tartar sauce, plus cabbage, rice, and pork miso soup.
✔️ Add-on: Single shrimp tempura — ¥1,200
How to Enjoy Your Tonkatsu
This is the Kurobuta Rosu & Hire Katsu Set.
For the rosu katsu, start with the small end piece — that's said to be the best way to enjoy it.
Horiichi fries their tonkatsu in rice oil, giving it a crispy coating without any greasiness. The kurobuta pork underneath is tender with a sweet, rich fat.
For your first piece, dip it lightly in salt to taste the natural sweetness of the pork.
Then try the house-made tonkatsu sauce for a rich, sweet, and savory flavor.
Rice and cabbage come with one free refill.
In Japan, the word "katsu" (かつ) in tonkatsu sounds the same as "katsu" (勝つ), meaning "to win." That's why tonkatsu is loved as a good-luck food — people eat it before exams and big events to wish for success and victory.
In this small, quiet space, every bite reveals the sweet, clean flavor of kurobuta pork. Visit Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi to discover what authentic Shimbashi tonkatsu tastes like.
Do you dip your tonkatsu in salt, or in sauce?
Editor's Note
This article is based on the author's actual experiences and original content from blog.naver.com/tokyomate. It has been translated and adapted to provide authentic travel information about Tokyo for global readers.