If you’re looking for tonkatsu in Burnaby, there honestly aren’t that many dedicated spots to choose from, especially around Metrotown. So when Fortune Katsu opened just across from Metrotown Station, it immediately caught my attention.
This new Japanese restaurant in Burnaby specializes in crispy pork katsu, ebi fry and Japanese curry, with katsu very much the main event. Think thick pork cutlets fried until golden and crispy, fluffy rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and Japanese pickles. Basically, the comforting Japanese set meal I’m always craving.
Quick Facts: Fortune Katsu Burnaby
What: Japanese tonkatsu restaurant
Where: 4386 Beresford Street, Burnaby, BC
Neighbourhood: Metrotown
Cuisine: Japanese / Tonkatsu
Price: Katsu sets from $23
Good for: Casual dinners, Japanese comfort food, tonkatsu near Metrotown
Closed: Mondays
A New Tonkatsu Restaurant Near Metrotown
Metrotown definitely isn’t short on Japanese food in Burnaby. There are plenty of places for sushi, ramen and donburi, but dedicated tonkatsu restaurants are surprisingly harder to find.
Fortune Katsu is looking to fill that gap.
The restaurant opened in the former Sushi Toki space along Beresford Street, conveniently located across from Metrotown SkyTrain Station. The concept is refreshingly focused: Japanese fried cutlets and the classic set meals that go with them.
The core menu includes Pork Loin Katsu, Pork Tenderloin Katsu and Tenderloin Medallions, along with Ebi Fry and several combination sets if you can’t decide on just one. Each of the regular katsu sets comes with rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles and shredded cabbage, giving you that proper teishoku-style meal rather than simply a plate of fried pork. The sides are all refillable, and the servers are very prompt in checking in for refills.
What We Ordered at Fortune Katsu
We came hungry, so naturally we ended up trying three different sets. A chicken option also appears to be in the works, although it wasn’t available when we visited.
- Mini Pork Loin & Ebi Fry Combo Set ($25.00)
- Ebi Fry Set $26.00
- Pork Loin Katsu Set $23.00
If you’re visiting Fortune Katsu for the first time and can’t decide between pork and seafood, the Mini Pork Loin & Ebi Fry Combo Set gives you the best of both worlds. You get a smaller portion of their pork loin katsu alongside crispy ebi fry, making this a great way to try two of Fortune Katsu’s specialties in one meal. The pork loin is juicy and savoury with that golden panko crust. The prawn brings a slightly sweeter, lighter bite to the plate. I’d recommend this one if you want some variety, especially if it’s your first visit.
I was actually surprised by how substantial the Ebi Fry Set was. Fortune Katsu uses raw Black Tiger prawns, with approximately 150g included in the set. The prawns arrive encased in that same golden panko coating, giving you a satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the prawn itself juicy and naturally sweet. If pork isn’t your thing, or you just really love prawns, the Ebi Fry Set is a great alternative to the traditional tonkatsu sets.
And, of course, we had to try the classic. The Pork Loin Katsu Set is the one to order if you want the full tonkatsu experience. Pork loin has a richer, juicier bite, with enough fat running through the meat to give it plenty of flavour underneath the crispy panko crust. It’s simple, classic and really lets the katsu itself be the star.
All three sets come with the traditional accompaniments, making for a satisfyingly complete Japanese meal. If you’re coming with a few people, I’d recommend ordering a mix like we did so you can try both the pork loin and ebi fry.
Katsu Curry in Burnaby
If you’re looking for katsu curry in Burnaby, Fortune Katsu also has a dedicated Japanese curry section. Current options include Pork Loin Katsu Curry Rice ($23), Tenderloin Medallion Katsu Curry Rice ($23) and Ebi Fry Curry Rice ($24), each served with miso soup, Japanese pickles and shredded cabbage.
We didn’t get a chance to try the curry on this visit, but it’s definitely another option for anyone craving Japanese comfort food near Metrotown.
What Else Is on the Menu?
While fried pork is obviously the reason to come, there are a handful of smaller dishes if you want something on the side.
The current menu includes Tako Wasabi ($6), Mala Asari Spicy Clams ($6), Seasoned Crawfish Salad ($6) and Wakame Salad ($4).
There are also some fun Japanese drinks, including ITO EN Oi Ocha Green Tea, Golden Oolong Tea and Calpico.
Interestingly, they also serve a Fruit Americano, which combines espresso with fruit juice.
Is Fortune Katsu Worth Trying?
For a neighbourhood with no shortage of Japanese restaurants, it’s nice to see something more specialized arrive near Metrotown. Fortune Katsu isn’t trying to cover sushi, ramen, donburi and everything in between. The focus here is firmly on crispy Japanese katsu and the classic set meals that go with it.
Of the three sets we tried, I’d start with the Pork Loin Katsu Set if you want the classic tonkatsu experience, while the Mini Pork Loin & Ebi Fry Combo is a great choice if you want to try a little of both.
If you’ve been searching for tonkatsu in Burnaby or simply want a new spot for Japanese food near Metrotown, Fortune Katsu is one to add to your list. Being directly across from Metrotown Station certainly doesn’t hurt either.
Fortune Katsu
Address: 4386 Beresford Street, Burnaby, BC V5H 2Y4
Website: https://fortunekatsu.com/en