Hako is a Japanese tonkatsu restaurant in Irvine that you cannot miss. Even though it's tucked away in small space in a Northwood Plaza, Hako stands out to be extremely popular. I'll start off with all the good notes first. The katsu here was fried to perfection. The crispy light fry on the batter combined with the cheese and pork contrasted well between crisp and juicy textures. There wasn't any excessive oil in the tonkatsu which contributed to its lightness and shows the expertise of Hako's frying. I woule say that I prefer less cheese in my cheese tonkatsu, but that's only my preference. All the sides are also a good experience and value. Comforting miso soup, salad to balance with the tonkatsu savoriness, sesame sauce and curry for a change of flavors and experiences for the tonkatsu, perfectly cooked rice, and some small banchan to finish it off. Although there are a lot of good experiences in the main tonkatsu meal, the bad experience was the gyoza. The gyoza quality was horrible. Oily. Too crispy- almost resembling a burnt chip-like texture. I'm not sure if someone in training deep fried these or not... But I do think a shallow fry with better heat and time control would be much better. Service was smooth. My friend and I waited around 45 min until we got called and seated. Servers were kind, straight to the punch, and considerate in checking if we were enjoying our meal. Despite the one bad experience, I'll say that the meal was still comforting and enjoyable. I would definitely come here again, especially for the tonkatsu. In my book I think it's a solid 3 or 3.5 compared to other similar Japanese food experiences. read more

From the moment we arrived at 11:10 a.m. on a bustling Sunday morning--just ten minutes after the doors opened--it was clear why this establishment is perpetually full. Every table was already occupied, yet fortune smiled on us and we were seated promptly. The welcome was warm and genuine; the staff, attentive without hovering, treated my family as though we were long-anticipated guests. Even in the midst of a packed house, multiple servers stopped by to check in, offering drink refills before we could even think to ask. But the true star here is the food. I sampled an array: spicy curry tonkatsu, chicken katsu, fish katsu, and shrimp tempura udon. The pork and chicken katsu were nothing short of revelatory--each cutlet impeccably crisp on the outside, yielding to a tender, succulent interior. While the accompanying sauce was pleasant, the alchemy happened when I dipped them into the spicy curry. The curry itself was masterfully balanced: rich, savory, and carrying just enough heat to leave a lingering warmth without overpowering the palate. The fish katsu, though served with tartar sauce (a somewhat unexpected pairing in this setting), stood confidently on its own--flaky, flavorful, and golden. My son devoured his udon, leaving not a single drop behind, while our shared plates of California rolls and gyoza proved equally satisfying. Portions here are generous--so much so that even I, a hearty eater, couldn't finish my plate. None of us could. And yet, as we left, I was already planning my return. This is a place that doesn't just serve food; it delivers an experience worth repeating. read more

i always love eating from hako. because of the wait times and long lines out the door, i've actually never had the chance to dine in since i'm way too impatient to wait for a seat, but it's always busy for a reason. that being said, even takeout is always perfect quality whenever i order! the employees are always really kind and efficient on the phone, and i'm usually able to pick up my order within about 15 minutes, which makes it such an easy spot for a quick meal pick-up. my go-to orders are the fish katsu box, a love roll, or the zaru soba, and i haven't strayed too far from those options because they hit every time. the portions in the fish katsu box go crazyyy. i can almost always save some for leftovers because of how big the fish is, which i definitely appreciate. it's always perfectly crispy on the outside but never dried out inside, and with the tartar sauce, it's honestly perfect. i'm also weirdly obsessed with the little cabbage salad they include with the thousand island dressing and always end up stealing my boyfriend's portion when he orders the chicken katsu (he's also a big fan of the potato croquettes). the zaru soba was actually my first time trying cold soba, and i went through a phase where i was obsessively ordering it because it was just that good. it's super refreshing with their dipping sauce, especially when you're not in the mood for something heavy. overall, hako is always such a solid choice for dinner, and i'll definitely keep coming back whenever the craving hits. read more

I recently visited Hako and had a delightful experience with their katsu dishes. The katsu was cooked well with a satisfying crunch and a juicy texture. I ordered the cheesecake pork katsu because I've never had it. However, if you prefer a more meaty taste, I wouldn't recommend it. Mostly because the cheese is way too overpowering, but its great if you want a glorified mozzarella stick! What sets Hako apart is that all their katsu plates come with a fresh salad and a variety of other Japanese side dishes. You definitely won't leave the restaurant feeling hungry. The potato croquette appetizer was also a highlight. It was flavorful and creamy. The only hiccup I experienced was the wait time. It was quite long, which was a bit frustrating. To kill time, my friend and I decided to go for a drive nearby. Just as we were enjoying our drive, we received a text message from the restaurant saying our table was ready. We rushed back, only to find out it was a mistake. Unfortunately, there was nothing anyone could do to fix the situation. I would make sure to double check your spot in line before rushing back. read more

Had the pleasure of dining at Hako Japanese Restaurant for lunch with some colleagues this past Friday, and it was a fantastic experience! I ordered the Chicken Katsu plate with extra curry sauce, and it did *not* disappoint. The crispy, perfectly breaded chicken katsu was golden and tender, while the curry sauce was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The combination was absolutely mouthwatering! What stood out even more was the attention to detail in both the presentation and the quality of ingredients. The curry sauce was just the right balance of savory with a slight sweetness, and the katsu was perfectly crispy, with no sogginess despite being covered in that delicious sauce. The portion sizes were generous, making it a satisfying meal that I didn't want to end. The atmosphere at Hako is warm and welcoming, and the staff were friendly and attentive. It's clear that they take pride in their food and service. We're definitely planning to come back soon, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone in the area looking for top-notch Japanese comfort food. Can't wait to try more items on the menu! read more

Hako is my go-to spot for tonkatsu in OC, and their food never disappoints. On this visit, I opted for pick-up, which was incredibly convenient--just a quick phone call to place my order, and it was ready in 15 minutes. I highly recommend pick-up to skip the usual lines for a table. The total for two curry tonkatsu and one Hako tonkatsu was $55, which felt reasonable for the quality and generous portions. I especially love their mild curry and would suggest paying a bit extra for it. The take-out bento box includes a large serving of perfectly fried tonkatsu, rice, fresh salad, sauces, and a side of yellow pickled radish, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Service was excellent--they were quick and efficient in handling my order. The restaurant was bustling, even on a weekday night, which speaks to its popularity. Despite being a relatively small establishment, there's plenty of parking available, as it's conveniently located near Zion Market. Overall, with its consistently delicious food and reliable service, Hako is a spot I'll keep coming back to. read more

I recently visited Hako Japanese restaurant and had a fantastic experience! The restaurant offers an impressive array of katsu options, with choices ranging from chicken to pork to seafood. What's more, you can order your katsu with a side of either regular or spicy Japanese curry for an additional $3. I opted for the spicy curry and was pleased to find that the heat level was just right - not too mild, but not overpowering either. The portions at Hako are quite generous, with large plates accompanied by sides like miso soup and cabbage salad. In addition to the curry sauce, there are also a variety of dipping sauces available, including tartar, peanut, and additional curry sauce. Everything was fresh and flavorful, and the presentation was impeccable. I was particularly impressed with the service at Hako. The staff were friendly and attentive, and our orders were delivered quickly and efficiently. Overall, I had a great experience at Hako and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for delicious Japanese cuisine and excellent service. read more

Hako has quickly become my favorite spot for cod or pork katsu. Having tried numerous katsu dishes across Orange County, I can confidently say that Hako serves some of the best. The katsu is always perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. One of the standout features of Hako is their generous portion sizes, which offer great value for the price, especially considering that it's located in Irvine. The takeout packaging is another highlight - the thick, sturdy boxes keep the food well-separated and intact, ensuring that the katsu remains crispy even after a 30-minute drive home. Even the to-go chopsticks are of good quality, a small but appreciated detail. Food comes out quickly, making the entire experience very efficient. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive experience. Parking is convenient as well, making it easy to pop in and pick up your order. Hako delivers consistently delicious and satisfying meals. Highly recommend! read more

**Review for Hako Restaurant** Hako Restaurant delivered an exceptional dining experience for my family of six. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy ambiance that set the tone for a memorable meal. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the Katsu. Each bite was a delightful blend of crispy, golden breading and tender, flavorful meat. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that everyone in our large group left feeling satisfied. The Katsu was perfectly seasoned, and the accompanying sauces added an extra layer of richness that elevated the dish even further. The attention to detail in both the presentation and preparation of the food was evident. The side dishes were fresh and complemented the main course beautifully. We particularly enjoyed the pickled vegetables and the miso soup, which were the perfect accompaniments to our meal. Overall, Hako Restaurant exceeded our expectations. read more

Hako is a fantastic tonkatsu spot that truly delivers on flavor and presentation. Their cheese tonkatsu is a standout, with the cheese perfectly melted, creating a rich and cheesy layer that complements the crispy, pork katsu beautifully. The portion sizes are generous, and the presentation is spot-on, reminiscent of authentic Japanese tonkatsu places. The tonkatsu itself is impressive, with the pork cutlet being both large and delicious. The breading is expertly crisped to a perfect golden-brown, seasoned just right, and the spicy curry sauce adds a delightful kick that enhances the dish. The atmosphere at Hako is welcoming and clean, and the service is notably fast and friendly. I couldn't help but notice the soba being served at other tables; it looked incredibly fresh and tempting, making me wish I had ordered it as well. Overall, Hako is a must-visit for its exceptional tonkatsu and enjoyable dining experience. read more

I came to Hako craving chicken katsu after having some amazing katsu in Hawaii, and this place absolutely lived up to the hype! The prices are super affordable--around $18--and the portions are huge. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, exactly how it should be. We added cheese on top, which was a great choice, but the real game-changer was the spicy curry sauce. I highly recommend getting it to dip your chicken--it takes the dish to another level! The soup and little salad that come with the meal are also tasty, adding a nice touch to the overall experience. Hako is a small place, so if you're dining with a larger group, be sure to make a reservation early. If you're grabbing takeout, the to-go boxes are adorable. The staff is super friendly, and the service is great. Overall, I highly recommend Hako for anyone craving delicious chicken katsu. It's a must-visit! read more

Alright, so I decided to give Hako a shot for my katsu fix. The first thing that struck me was the portion sizes - they're pretty generous. You definitely won't be leaving hungry, that's for sure. Now, onto the katsu. It's got that classic crispy exterior and tender chicken inside. Is it the best I've ever had? Not exactly, but it's solid enough to satisfy a craving. As for the curry, it's decent. There's a bit of heat to it, which I appreciate, but nothing too overwhelming. It pairs alright with the katsu, adding a bit of flavor contrast. In terms of atmosphere, Hako has a cozy vibe. It's nothing fancy, but it's comfortable enough for a casual meal. The staff were friendly and the service was pretty quick, which is always a plus. Overall, if you're in the mood for some straightforward katsu and curry, Hako is worth considering. It might not blow your mind, but it'll definitely hit the spot. read more

First time here at Hako and it is definitely worth checking out, even with the wait! The food is seriously delicious and the portions are very large. The service here is clean and very quick, similar to Japanese culture they help take your dirty dishes as you go so your table is pretty clear. Everyone is very friendly here! We got the curry katsu with California roll combo which was perfect - the katsu was crispy on the outside and juicy inside, and the curry sauce had just the right flavor. The cheese tonkatsu was another favorite... that melty cheese surprise inside the crispy coating is everything! The takoyaki appetizer was a super tasty start too - nice and hot with the right amount of toppings. Yeah, you'll probably have to wait a bit, but honestly once the food arrives you'll forget all about standing around. Come hungry and be patient - your taste buds will thank you!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​! read more

If you're looking for a warm, inviting spot to catch up with a friend over some incredible comfort food, Hako is the place to go! This small, cozy gem serves some of the best katsu and cheese katsu in SoCal, and you can tell they put a lot of love into their food. The katsu was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. The cheese katsu? Perfectly thin and golden -- melty, indulgent, and more than enough for a second meal. Every bite was a reminder of why this spot deserves its stellar reputation. Beyond the food, the staff was incredibly kind and attentive. Even though there was a long wait, they went above and beyond to make up for it by bringing us a plate on the house -- a thoughtful touch that really stood out. If you're craving high-quality katsu in a cozy setting, Hako is a must-try. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait -- but trust me, it's worth it! read more

Hako is a fantastic spot for Japanese-style tonkatsu. Their Hako Tonkatsu is especially delicious--the pork cutlet is perfectly fried to a crisp golden brown without being too oily. The texture is just right, crispy on the outside and tender inside. The portion size is generous, making it a satisfying meal. The best part? It feels light and easy on the stomach even after finishing the whole plate. The Tanuki Udon is also a solid choice. While not particularly outstanding, it's well-balanced, comforting, and enjoyable. The broth is flavorful, and the noodles have a nice texture. This place is always bustling with customers, which speaks to its popularity. If you're looking for a great tonkatsu experience with excellent flavors and good portion sizes, Hako is definitely worth a visit. read more

I recently dined at Hako and was blown away by the quality of their food. I ordered the cheese katsu curry and sushi, and both were simply fantastic! The katsu was perfectly fried, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the curry sauce was rich and flavorful. The sushi was also delicious, with fresh, high-quality ingredients that were expertly prepared. While the food was amazing, I must admit that the wait was a bit long. However, once the food arrived, it was clear that the wait was well worth it. Overall, I would highly recommend Hako to anyone looking for delicious Japanese cuisine in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Despite the wait, the food more than made up for it, and I will definitely be returning soon to try more of their amazing dishes! read more

Hako has quickly become my go-to spot for katsu! I've been here a few times and I've always left full and happy! We always order the cheese katsu and the chicken katsu with curry. The chicken katsu is so crispy with juicy meat, and the curry elevated the flavors perfectly. The cheese katsu was the real highlight though. The cheese pull is insane and if you love cheese like me, you'll be transported to cheese heaven. Plus, the pork adds an extra boost of protein. The service was friendly and attentive, making the experience even better. The atmosphere was lively, which made it a fun spot for a casual meal with friends. Overall, Hako is a must-visit if you're craving delicious, comforting katsu! I'll definitely be back! read more

They can do a better job at the front desk, we waited longer than it was promised. I think they are messing up with the wait lists. We felt rushed from the moment we were seated. The first server came up to us right after we were seated, less than a minute, and asked if we are ready to order. We had to ask her to give us 2 min to look at the menu at least. The food came out fast. Quality of the food was good, 8 out of10. However, towards the end we were still not finished with our food when the second server brought us the check. We felt rushed again. Just paid the bill and left. Ambiance there was none. Atmosphere was none and too noisy. Customer service 4 out of 10. One time place to go. Return, probably no. read more

Hako in Irvine is my favorite Katsu spot! It's great for both to-go or dine-in. The chicken is fried really crispy and is not drenched in oil despite being so fried. The texture of the chicken cutlet is perfect, maintaining a delightful crunch with each bite. What sets Hako apart is the balance they strike between the crispy exterior and the juicy, tender meat on the inside. It's clear they take great care in their preparation. The sauces are a perfect complement to the Katsu. The tonkatsu sauce adds a rich, savory sweetness, while the cabbage on the side provides a refreshing contrast! The ambiance inside the restaurant is welcoming, and the service is consistently friendly and efficient. Their udon is great too! read more