Katsu is a japanese curry restaurant in Merchant City, Glasgow. Rated 4.6 stars from 557 Google reviews. Known for authentic katsu curry and generous portions at fair price. Best for solo dining and quick lunch. Price range: £10–20.
Rankings updated May 2026
Katsu
Across 554 Google reviews, 91% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
Katsu is Glasgow's go-to for authentic, affordable Japanese curry—best experienced solo or in pairs at the counter, with exceptional value and speed.
You want the best katsu curry in Glasgow at a fair price, and you're comfortable in a small, lively counter setting.
About Katsu
Katsu is a compact Japanese curry specialist in Merchant City that has earned a devoted following for its fresh, flavourful katsu—fried to order with a delicate crust—and deeply satisfying curry sauces that reviewers describe as "a warm hug in a bowl". The chicken and duck tonkatsu are standouts, arriving piping hot with generous portions that belie the modest £10–20 price point. Counter-style seating puts diners within clear view of the open kitchen, creating an intimate, lively atmosphere that feels authentic and unpretentious. Staff are consistently praised as warm, welcoming, and helpful with the menu, and the space has been thoughtfully decorated with a trendy vibe. While the venue is small and seating is tight—best suited to solo diners or pairs—the speed of service and quality of the food make it a natural draw for lunch, dinner, and late-night cravings. Free soup arrives with meals, and the kitchen accommodates off-menu requests with ease.
What Stands Out
Authentic katsu curry
Reviewers consistently call it 'the best katsu curry' in Glasgow, with curry bases described as 'one of the best I've ever had' and perfectly fried, delicate crusts on chicken and duck tonkatsu.
Generous portions at fair price
Multiple reviews highlight 'big portions', 'amazing portion sizes', and 'great price, portions and taste' for £10–20, with one reviewer calling it 'great value'.
Warm, attentive staff and welcoming vibe
Staff are repeatedly described as 'lovely', 'friendly', 'warm and welcoming', and 'professional and accommodating', with one reviewer noting a personal Valentine's Day rose.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Lovely japanese atmosphere, perfect service and delicious food for a good price.”
“Such a cute place, great food, lovely staff, superb choice of music.”
“We ordered Tofu Katsu Curry with rice and Sweet potato Katsu Curry with rice.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is Katsu?
Across 554 Google reviews, 91% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing Katsu among Merchant City's most reliably rated japanese curry restaurants.
Do you need to book Katsu in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for meals — Katsu is a popular choice in Merchant City and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Does Katsu have outdoor seating?
Yes — Katsu offers outdoor seating. Outdoor tables are popular during warmer months so arriving early or booking ahead helps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Katsu
Yes—bar-style seating is ideal for solo diners, and reviewers specifically praise the welcoming atmosphere for eating alone. Staff are warm and accommodating, and the quick service suits a solo lunch or dinner perfectly.
Service is fast; most reviews note food arrives quickly. The restaurant is busy, especially at lunch, so expect a short wait during peak times, but it moves efficiently.
The chicken and duck katsu are standouts, fried to order with a delicate crust and served with exceptional curry sauce. Pork gyoza and salt-and-chilli wings are also highly praised.
Yes—the menu includes vegetarian and vegan options, and the kitchen will make off-menu requests like tempura vegetables with care.
Reservations are accepted and required during busy periods. Counter seating is limited, so booking ahead is recommended, especially for groups.
Parking in Merchant City is usually difficult to find, so public transport or a taxi is recommended.
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Rankings are recalculated monthly 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 month.
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