Redmond, Washington, is best known for tech campuses and trail systems — but on Avondale Way, a quietly extraordinary Japanese dining experience has been winning over the Pacific Northwest one crispy cutlet at a time.
Kobuta & Ookami, a family-owned Japanese katsu and sake house, takes its name from the beloved story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Wolf 🐷🐺 — and from the very first bite, you’ll understand exactly why this cozy spot has earned its own kind of legendary status among the best Japanese restaurants in Redmond.
How Kobuta & Ookami Won Redmond’s Hearts
The family behind the restaurant drew inspiration from Japan’s beloved dining culture — specifically, the intimate, buzzing food alleys tucked beneath train tracks that make eating in Japan feel like a full-on adventure.
Growing up immersed in Japanese animation and traditions, and making numerous trips to Japan over the years, the owners set out to recreate that warmth and authenticity right in their own community in the Pacific Northwest. 🎌
The head chef brings over two decades of study, travel, and research across Japan and Vancouver, developing deeply original recipes that go far beyond typical restaurant fare.
Every katsu option is thoughtfully crafted, from the everyday pork loin to rare Spanish Iberico pork — acorn-fed and free-range — making this one of the most ingredient-intentional Japanese restaurants in all of Washington State. 🏆
What really locked in the loyal following, though, was simple: the food is just that good.
Regulars consistently single out the perfectly golden breading, the tender and juicy protein center, and the unexpected depth of the house-made curry — spiked with dark chocolate for a richness that catches first-timers completely off guard.
This is the kind of family-owned hidden gem restaurant that earns its regulars fast, because once you’ve tried it, returning isn’t optional — it’s inevitable. 😄
Every katsu set comes with rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage, and homemade pickles — a satisfying, complete meal that makes the whole experience feel like you’ve been invited to a family table.
For anyone seeking authentic Japanese food in Redmond, Kobuta & Ookami delivers something genuinely rare: a sense of place, pride, and purposeful cooking all rolled into one unforgettable meal. 🍜
Food Highlights
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Iberico Katsu: Premium acorn-fed, free-range Iberian pork from Spain, breaded and fried to a golden crisp, served with rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage, and homemade pickles. 👑
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Hire Katsu: Pork tenderloin cutlet — the leaner, cleaner cut — fried to perfect crispiness and served as a classic set with rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage, and house pickles.
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Kurobuta Katsu: Premium pork loin cutlet from the famed Kurobuta breed — often called the “Wagyu of pork” — served with all the classic accompaniments. 🐷
- Nanban Katsudon: A pork katsu cutlet served over rice and dressed with a tangy Nanban sauce, house-made tartar sauce, scallions, and a runny egg — a Southern Kyushu-style twist on the classic katsudon
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Mozzarella Katsu: Melted mozzarella cheese wrapped inside a thinly sliced pork tenderloin cutlet, breaded and fried until the cheese becomes gloriously molten. 🧀
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Hire Miso Katsu: Pork tenderloin cutlet finished with Nagoya-style sweet miso sauce, a regional Japanese classic that coats each bite in a deep, savory-sweet glaze. 🍯
- Ebi Katsu: Plump, golden-fried prawn cutlets served as part of a classic katsu set with rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage, and house pickles
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Katsu Curry (Hire): Pork tenderloin katsu served over rice with a house-made curry enriched with dark chocolate, alongside fukujinzuke homemade pickles. 🍛
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Jidori Chicken Katsu: Premium free-range Jidori chicken breast, breaded and fried to a crisp, served as a complete katsu set. 🐔
Atmosphere 🏮
Kobuta & Ookami captures the warmth and unpretentious energy of Japan’s beloved under-the-tracks dining alleys — cozy, lively, and completely unhurried.
The space is warmly furnished with clean, modern lines that create an inviting backdrop, whether you’re dining solo at the bar or sharing a table with friends.
The sake selection adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience, making it feel like a genuine izakaya evening rather than just a quick dinner stop.
It’s exactly the kind of neighborhood Japanese restaurant in Washington where you arrive hungry and leave already planning your next visit. 🍶
Bottom Line
Kobuta & Ookami is a family-built labor of love that brings the soul of Japan’s food alley culture to Redmond with extraordinary ingredient quality, masterful frying technique, and an unforgettable curry.
Whether it’s the Iberico pork, the mozzarella katsu, or the dark chocolate curry, this hidden gem delivers a world-class Japanese dining experience steps from home. 🙌
Address:
17026 Avondale Way, Redmond, WA 98052
📞 (425) 522-4612
🕔 Tue–Thu 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Sun 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Closed Mon)