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Chicken katsu and fried chicken in California

Made for those who are obsessed with the art of frying and want to explore the best versions of both chicken katsu and classic fried chicken.

Based on 813 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Katsu Sando - San Gabriel image 1
Katsu Sando - San Gabriel image 2
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Small, casual eatery combines minimalistic interior with loud pop music for an energetic yet unpolished vibe. Nostalgic 90s old-school atmosphere blends with a mini-mart style offering Japanese cold drinks and snacks. Menu focuses on crispy, juicy katsu sandwiches served in simple, fresh preparations.

Chicken katsu comes out crispy, juicy, and tender inside. The sandwich pairs well with a spicy sauce and sits on lightly toasted honey milk bread with coleslaw.

Superb panko fried chicken features prominently alongside a Japanese style curry. The menu offers a limited but well-executed selection of fried chicken sandwiches.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the pork katsu sando, is crispy and flavorful."

"The chicken katsu sandwich is so crispy and juicy."

"The fried chicken here is panko-crusted and perfectly fried."

Good to know

1

This place does not accept cash and only does electronic payments.

2

Parking can be difficult; consider dropping someone off first.

3

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

02
Urban Teri Kitchen image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Modern decor with Korean influence sets a casual, friendly vibe for groups and families. K-pop videos play for entertainment, adding to the lively atmosphere. The place stands out for generous portions and a Hawaiian-Korean fusion menu that draws a steady crowd.

Chicken katsu comes out light and crispy, with a flaky texture that is not greasy or heavy. The curry version is fresh and full of flavor, while the fries have an amazing crispy skin that stands out.

Sweet and savory flavors define the Korean fried chicken, offering a balance of citrus notes that melt in your mouth. The chicken has a mamaโ€™s touch that feels homemade and comforting.

People are saying

"The teriyaki chicken and beef combo was amazing."

"The Korean fried chicken here is fresh and full of flavor."

"The Chicken Katsu is light, crispy, and not greasy."

Good to know

1

Urban Teri Kitchen offers Korean, Japanese, and Hawaiian dishes.

2

Prices at Urban Teri Kitchen are reasonable and affordable.

3

Expect generous portions; they definitely don't skimp on food.

03
Yama Sushi Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small Japanese grocery store offers fresh sushi sliced on demand and a variety of sake selections. Busy atmosphere with limited indoor and outdoor seating creates a cozy, slightly cramped vibe. Customers follow Japanese customs, adding to an authentic market experience.

Hot chicken katsu comes with a yummy dipping sauce that complements the crispy texture. The chicken katsu stands out as incredibly delicious and well-prepared.

Fried chicken comes as karaage with a crispy, flavorful coating. It stands out as a family favorite alongside other dishes like nigiri and California rolls.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sashimi, is incredibly fresh and affordable."

"The Chicken Katsu here is perfectly crispy and delicious."

"I thought the fried chicken was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

A free parking lot is available.

2

Yama Sushi Marketplace can get pretty crowded during dinner time.

3

Yama Sushi Marketplace offers good affordable Japanese food.

04
Top Restaurant image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Takeout-only spot with a mom-and-pop, homey atmosphere and fusion of Chinese, Indonesian, and Hawaiian cuisines. The place draws a steady line at the drive-thru, known for crispy, juicy fried chicken and flavorful BBQ dishes. No indoor seating is available, but parking is ample.

Juicy and crispy chicken katsu comes consistently well prepared. The plate often pairs with BBQ chicken or curry, making it a solid choice for a hearty meal.

Crispy and juicy with a slight sweetness, the fried chicken stands out for its freshness and tasty flavor. It pairs well with Indonesian fried rice and is often called a must-get.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken was so crispy and flavorful."

"I loved the Indonesian fried rice here."

"The chicken katsu is super crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Top Restaurant is takeout only with no indoor seating available.

2

Expect about 20 minutes from ordering to pickup.

3

There is ample parking available at Top Restaurant.

05
Chubby Curry image 1
Japanese curry restaurant

Anime-themed decor with Manga replicas and anime figures creates a vibrant, fun atmosphere. Open-air layout with a second-floor dining area offers a welcoming, comfortable space. Tables include unique activities like board games and puzzles, adding a playful touch to the experience.

Tender, perfectly fried chicken katsu stands out with rich flavor and a crispy texture. The chicken katsu curry pairs well, delivering a packed flavor experience.

Fried chicken features a perfectly crispy texture and stays juicy inside. It pairs well with a rich, aromatic curry sauce that complements the dish.

People are saying

"The chicken katsu curry was amazing and perfectly fried."

"The chicken katsu curry here is packed with flavor."

"The fried chicken here is so crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

Membership is required to earn points on purchases at Chubby Curry.

2

Parking is available right in front of the restaurant.

3

A locals discount is offered for nearby residents.

06
LUV DDUK - K FOOD image 1
Korean restaurant

Small indoor space combines modern cozy decor with vintage Korean street food vibe and booths for large groups. Upbeat, loud techno and rave music create a lively, party-like atmosphere suited for groups and late-night hangouts. Busy weekends bring long waits, and parking can be challenging.

Huge portions of crispy chicken katsu come with a flaky outside and tender, juicy inside. It pairs with delicious katsu sauce and sometimes curry, though pickled radish is not always included.

Garlic fried chicken comes tender and juicy. The Chicken & Tteokbokki Combo includes a whole fried chicken, Luv Dduk, a boiled egg, house salad, and soda.

People are saying

"The Tteokbokki portions here are huge, easily feeding 3-4 people."

"The fried chicken is hot, crispy, and coated in delicious sauce."

"The Chicken Katsu here is giant, crispy, and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is hard to find during dinner hours.

2

The place gets busy on weekends, with wait times up to 2 hours.

3

Happy hour runs every day from 12 PM to 12 AM, except Friday and Saturday.

07
Tokido Craft Ramen - Ramen CA image 1

Small ramen restaurant with anime-themed decor and manga-style wall art creates a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Seating is limited and space feels cozy, contributing to a warm, inviting vibe. Music often features JRock, enhancing the casual, lively environment.

Crispy chicken katsu stays juicy inside and comes in a large portion. The curry sauce is savory and flavorful, pairing well with the chicken.

Crunchy texture stands out in the fried chicken, which comes with a crispy coating and a slightly sweet flavor. The spicy version adds a fiery kick that complements the crunch well.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is savory, rich, and perfectly seasoned."

"The spicy fried chicken here is so crispy and a little sweet."

"The chicken katsu is crispy and pairs well with the savory curry."

Good to know

1

There is limited seating at the restaurant.

2

Prices were very reasonable, and the portions were generous.

3

Parking was free and easy to find in a big plaza.

08
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - Torrance image 1
Japanese curry restaurant

Japanese curry restaurant offers casual atmosphere with loud acoustics and close seating including tables and bar counters. Tables feature call buttons for service and simple, clean decor resembles a regular cafe. Warm and welcoming vibe fills a small, crowded space.

Crispy breading tops the chicken katsu, often served with curry that can reach a spicy level of 7. The chicken katsu curry stands out as a popular dish, sometimes paired with vegetables for a balanced meal.

Spicy teriyaki fried chicken appears often, served alongside curry or naan. Fried chicken comes in different styles like spicy teriyaki and is paired with dishes such as fried chicken curry level 2 and keema omelet curry.

People are saying

"I love the customization options for the curry here."

"I found the chicken katsu curry to be super delicious."

"The spicy teriyaki fried chicken here is great."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Reservations are only accepted for parties of 8 or more.

3

The restaurant only accepts cash when their system is down.

09
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - Irvine image 1
Japanese curry restaurant

Japanese curry restaurant offers cozy ambiance with casual, comfortable seating that can feel cramped in smaller tables. The space is busy and loud, with music and echoing noise that may affect conversation. Tables feature service buzzers for quick staff attention, and outdoor seating is available for waiting.

Fried chicken katsu comes out crispy and tender. Chicken Katsu Curry matches the quality of Japanese CoCo's with consistent flavor and texture.

Spicy teriyaki fried chicken stands out with its bold flavor, often preferred over the cutlet. The menu offers customizable spice levels and toppings, featuring options like Korean fried chicken curry and fried chicken katsu.

People are saying

"I loved customizing my Japanese food with spice levels and toppings."

"I found the curry here to be simple and delicious."

"You can customize the spice level on the amazing fried chicken curry."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy in the evenings.

2

Expect long wait times during weekends and lunch hours on weekdays.

3

The kitchen closes at 9:50 PM, despite a 10:00 PM closing time.

10
King Katsu Land image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers cozy, casual atmosphere with simple decor and plastic chairs. Large portions of crispy, juicy katsu stand out, served alongside fresh pickles and rice. The place draws a steady crowd, known for fair prices and a unique placemat menu.

Chicken Katsu stands out with its Tender Juice white chicken and consistently solid quality. Pieces vary in size but maintain a better taste than Pork Katsu across servings.

Yang-nyem fried chicken offers a spicy, sweet glaze with a crispy texture. Korean-style fried chicken pairs well with chewy, spicy Zzolmyun noodles for a flavorful combo.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food, specifically the katsu, was excellent."

"The katsu here is so crispy and authentic, just like Korean-style."

"The chicken katsu here is large and among the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least one hour in advance for the Legendary Challenge.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes for lunch by 12:30pm.

3

Parking can be difficult during busy hours, so plan ahead.

11
HoAloha Hawaiian BBQ POMONA image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian restaurant with a clean, simple interior and friendly atmosphere. Offers generous portions of dishes like chicken katsu and tofu with authentic flavors reminiscent of Hawaii. Supports smart pay systems like Apple Pay for convenience.

Chicken katsu comes out crispy and tender with a good amount of meat. It pairs well with cabbage underneath and stands out alongside BBQ chicken and spam musubi on the plate.

Wait times reach 20 to 30 minutes for the fried chicken, which arrives in small portions. The chicken is notably unseasoned, leading to a bland flavor profile.

People are saying

"The Hawaiian food here is authentic and packed with flavor."

"The BBQ beef here is tender and packed with smoky flavor."

"I found the fried chicken to be an amazing dish."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $23.

2

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes for most dishes.

3

They serve at least 8 varieties of musubi.

12
Bonchon Petaluma - N McDowell Blvd image 1

Korean restaurant with crispy fried chicken and flavorful sauces offers a welcoming atmosphere and great music. It draws crowds early and stays busy, especially during peak times. The menu includes diverse Korean dishes like bulgogi tacos and fresh K-donuts.

Chicken Katsu comes with pickled radishes and is served alongside other fried chicken options. It stands out enough to check out before ordering.

Korean fried chicken wings and drumsticks come perfectly cooked with a soy garlic glaze that matches the style found in Korea. Smaller bone-in pieces offer an authentic taste and texture.

People are saying

"The food here is so crunchy and fresh."

"The fried chicken here is exquisitely crispy and delicious."

"I really enjoyed the Chicken Katsu and pickled radishes."

Good to know

1

Expect a total wait time of about one hour during lunchtime.

2

Parking is easy as it is next to Sourdough Sandwiches.

3

They offer $1 wings on Monday and Tuesday.

13
The Local Place Bakery and Cafe image 1

Small dining area features a tropical fish aquarium with colorful species. Atmosphere feels ohana style with a pleasant, crowded vibe and Hawaiian music playing. Regulars gather for casual conversation, creating a friendly, familiar environment.

Chicken katsu comes thin with a sweet sauce that can taste old. Curry chicken katsu has barely any curry on it, so asking for extra curry is common. The katsu is generally cooked well and flavorful when part of mixed plates.

Hawaiian fried chicken features prominently in combos with sides like mac salad. The Plantation Fried Chicken offers a tasty option alongside dishes like Miso Salmon. Some fried chicken servings can be undercooked.

People are saying

"The Dobash cake is a light chocolate chiffon cake."

"You have to try the fried chicken dinner combo."

"I found the chicken katsu to be good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The pies cost $35 each.

2

Parking spaces are tight and small.

3

The restaurant likely has a longer wait on weekends.

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