Katsu is a japanese curry restaurant in Merchant City, Glasgow. Rated 4.6 stars from 541 Google reviews. Known for curry that tastes like it matters and portions that actually fill you. Best for solo dining at the counter and quick lunch under £20. Ranked #10 of 16 in Merchant City. Price range: £10–20.
Rankings updated April 2026
Katsu
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Merchant City
↑ Up 1 this week
Quick Verdict
Yes. Reviewers come back repeatedly for the food quality and value, and the staff genuinely seem to care—one customer received a rose on Valentine's Day. The tight seating is real, but it's not enough to stop people returning.
You want excellent Japanese curry and fried rice in the city centre without spending much, don't mind sitting elbow-to-elbow at a counter, and can arrive before the queue builds (arrive before 12:30 on weekends or wait).
About Katsu
Katsu is a tiny Japanese curry restaurant squeezed into Merchant City, where you'll sit at a counter bar watching the kitchen work while you eat. The space is tight—reviewers mention "somewhat small and tight seating"—but that's the trade-off for fresh food cooked in front of you and portions that arrive "piping hot and crispy" within minutes. The menu centres on katsu curries (chicken thigh, duck) and fried rice dishes, with off-menu options the kitchen will make if you ask. One reviewer got tempura veg that was "crispy without being greasy." The free soup that arrives at the start has been described as "absolutely unbelievable." Staff are consistently praised as "warm and welcoming" and "lovely and friendly," though solo diners on busy nights report feeling slightly rushed. This is counter-service Japanese comfort food at £10–20 per head, the kind of place that fills by early evening and has a queue on weekends.
What Stands Out
Curry that tastes like it matters
One reviewer called the chicken katsu curry "probably one of the best curry bases I've ever had" and described it as "a warm hug in a bowl." Another said the duck katsu was "phenomenal" with "every bite perfection." The salt and chilli wings were called "hands down the best katsu curry and salt and chilli wings I have ever had."
Portions that actually fill you
Multiple reviewers mention "generous" portions and food that's "really filling." One noted the food comes out "so quick" despite the size. Another said "the food comes in big portions and is really filling."
Staff who treat you like you belong
Reviewers consistently praise service as "amazing," "warm and welcoming," and "lovely and friendly." One customer received a personal touch (a rose on Valentine's Day). Another solo diner, initially hesitant about seating, felt welcome enough to return with their partner and call it "the perfect spot."
What Customers Say
Service was amazing would absolutely go again great food too 😋
This tiny restaurant is serving some of the best Japanese food in Glasgow.
Shrugged it off 'cause the food was tasty and I was probably just hallucinating after a long day of hiking.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Katsu
No. It's tiny and fills quickly. Expect to wait on weekends, especially after 12:30pm. Seating is all bar-style counter, so solo diners fit best, but groups of 2–4 work fine. Walk-ins only—no online booking.
The chicken thigh katsu and duck katsu are both praised as exceptional. One reviewer called the duck katsu "phenomenal" with "every bite perfection." The fried rice is also strong. Ask about off-menu options—the kitchen made tempura veg for one customer that was "crispy without being greasy."
£10–20 per person. Portions are large and filling, so you're unlikely to need more than one main. The free soup at the start is included.
All counter bar. It's tight—reviewers describe it as "somewhat small and tight seating" and "a squeeze to get in and out." But that's by design; you're sat within clear view of the kitchen. Best for solo diners or small groups, not larger parties.
Also in Merchant City
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Rankings are recalculated weekly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this week.
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