Seemor
TANAKATSUB+Worth Trying
10 Wakley St, London EC1V 7LT
· Japanese restaurant, Tonkatsu restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1642 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
A reliable spot for crispy katsu, teriyaki and solid lunch deals near Angel, with warm service and generous portions; sushi quality is more variable and delivery experiences are mixed.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Tanakatsu delivers reliable comfort dining through strong katsu execution and genuinely welcoming service, but inconsistent quality—particularly with sushi and occasional pork issues—prevents a higher grade. The Angel location and fair pricing make it competitive with respected neighborhood favorites, though it lacks the distinction or consistency to rank among the area's premier destinations.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, the kind of place locals duck into before a film in Angel. Servers are genuinely welcoming, with small touches like mint water and a parting cup of tea. One diner put it simply: "The pork cutlet had that perfect crunch with juicy meat inside." Lines do form at peak, and lunch rules are firm. The cooking leans classic Japanese comfort—katsu, curry, and teriyaki—executed with care rather than flash. It is tradition-forward: crisp panko, mild-sweet curry, and simple, fresh sides. Most acclaim centers on pork or chicken katsu and the house dressing; sushi draws mixed notes, so stick to hot dishes if you are selective. Portions are hearty and prices fair for the area, making it great value for a satisfying, unfussy meal. Families do well here: kids who like fried chicken, rice, and mild sauces will find plenty—from chicken katsu curry to teriyaki and edamame. There is no formal kids menu, but the food is approachable and shareable. If your crew prefers adventurous raw fish, manage expectations or focus on the cooked specialties.
At a Glance
- Benchmark-level katsu with generous portions and bottomless cabbage
- Friendly, attentive service with thoughtful touches like complimentary tea
- Good lunch value near Angel/Barbican with easy transit access
- Sushi quality is inconsistent compared to hot dishes
- Peak-time waits and firm lunch cutoffs can frustrate walk-ins
What Sets It Apart
- bottomless_cabbage_with_house_dressing
- consistently_crispy_katsu
- complimentary_tea_finish
- loyalty_stamp_card
What People Love
- That ultra-crisp katsu with juicy center
- The signature cabbage dressing and refills
- Kind staff who go the extra mile
- Complimentary tea to end the meal
- Portions that feel generous for the price
Points of Concern
- Sushi and delivery quality are less reliable than dine-in katsu and teriyaki (occasional freshness complaints)
- Service flow at lunch can be rigid (set ends at 3 pm; time limits reported at busy times)
- A few isolated hygiene and illness reports over several years (countered by many clean-as-a-pin mentions)
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (template responses present) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£32-44 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For safest hit: Pork or Chicken Katsu Curry (£17.95) with miso (£4-6)
- Vegetarian comfort: Pumpkin Croquette Curry (£17.95) plus edamame (£6)
- Seafood cooked option: Salmon Teriyaki (£17.95) if you prefer to skip raw fish
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre dinner near Angel
- Comfort-food cravings for crisp katsu
- Casual date night without fuss
- Solo bite at the counter before a movie
Location Insights
Area: Mixed commercial strip between Angel and Clerkenwell with offices, creatives, and residents; casual dining meets after-work crowd.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit with steady foot traffic in evenings.
Nearby: Close to Angel/Barbican theatres, cinemas and pubs; draws pre-theatre diners and local office workers.
ClerkenwellA trendy, historically industrial area known for its vibrant design scene, innovative restaurants, and converted warehouse spaces. Characterized by a blend of historic architecture and contemporary urban lifestyle.
FinsburyA compact urban enclave with a high concentration of creative agencies, design studios, and contemporary dining establishments.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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