Seemor
Kakki KatsuBWorth Trying
13 Balls Pond Rd, London N1 4AX
· Japanese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (268 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Affordable, generously portioned Japanese katsu and rice bowls with friendly service; best for quick dine-in or takeaway rather than a long sit-down.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Kakki Katsu delivers reliable katsu and donburi with strong food quality and attentive service, earning a solid grade B performance. However, inconsistent execution—particularly dry chicken and sauce variance on delivery orders—prevents a higher grade, while the small, functional space limits appeal beyond quick casual dining. Best suited for value-conscious diners seeking reliable comfort food rather than a destination experience.
Restaurant Summary
From the outside it reads like a takeaway, but inside you will find a small room with friendly, upbeat staff turning out steaming plates of katsu and donburi. Diners talk about "crispy chicken and a rich curry sauce" and portions that feel seriously generous. The vibe is quick-casual, with app or QR ordering common and an open kitchen adding a bit of buzz. The cooking leans classic Japanese comfort: katsu curry, katsu don, teriyaki, and yakisoba, with several vegan and vegetarian sets. The culinary approach is elevated traditional rather than experimental, so you come for warmth and consistency more than fireworks. Most praise the crispy fry work and hearty sauces, though a few mention dry chicken or sauce that lacks punch, especially via delivery; overall it suits value seekers and anyone craving a reliable katsu fix. For families, it is easy to feed kids with familiar choices like chicken katsu, teriyaki, or plain yakisoba. The menu shows vegan sets and ramen for plant-based diners, but the room is small and more functional than cozy, so consider a quick sit-down or takeaway. Portions are big enough to share, which keeps costs in check for family meals.
At a Glance
- Big portions and good value, especially for collection
- Reliable katsu and donburi staples with vegan options
- Small, takeaway-first space; dine-in comfort is limited
- Occasional inconsistency (dry chicken, bland sauce) more common on delivery
- A few isolated food safety complaints contrasted by many normal experiences
What Sets It Apart
- katsu-focused-menu
- large-portions-value
- broad-vegan-vegetarian-sets
What People Love
- Crispy katsu with rich curry sauce
- Massive portions that feel like a bargain
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Vegan and vegetarian sets that satisfy
Points of Concern
- Small room can feel cramped or cold; better for quick visits than lingering
- A few reports of dry chicken and underpowered sauce, especially via delivery
- Occasional long waits or delivery mishaps during busy periods
- Review patterns show a mix of hyperbolic praise and credible critiques; treat extremes with context
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost£22-32 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For plant-based diners, the Vegan Katsu Set or Vegan Miso Ramen provides a full meal without compromise
- If sharing, pair one katsu curry with gyoza and a yakisoba to diversify textures at a good price
Perfect For
- A fast, filling katsu after work
- Affordable casual lunch near Dalston Junction
- Low-fuss family meal with shareable portions
- Solo quick bite with dependable comfort food
Location Insights
Area: Lively inner-north-east London strip serving locals and passersby near the Islington/Hackney border; casual, youthful footfall.
Safety: Generally busy high street with steady foot traffic; typical urban safety awareness advised.
Nearby: Near Dalston Junction; cluster of cafes, takeaways, and small restaurants; strong delivery app presence.
IslingtonA trendy and dynamic inner-city neighborhood with a rich architectural heritage, featuring numerous gastropubs, independent restaurants, and a sophisticated dining scene that blends traditional London charm with modern culinary trends.
De Beauvoir TownA distinctive pocket within Islington known for its Victorian townhouses, creative atmosphere, and emerging food and drink establishments that reflect a bohemian, artisan-focused lifestyle.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →