Overview
In the two years since its opening in 2022, popular Potts Point Japanese diner Bones Ramen has become a trusted go-to for fans of soupy noods. Now, Bones' head chef Jake Riwaka is branching out with a month-long pop-up exclusively serving the ultimate golden, crispy, deep-fried Japanese comfort food, alongside his brothers Conner and Kyle.
Much like its sister venue, Don's Katsu is an intimate space with seating for just 16 diners on Bayswater Road. This walk-ins-only concept has an unapologetically streamlined menu with just a single item: a katsu set featuring a pork loin coated in nama panko crumbs and fried till perfectly golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and succulent within.
Katsu is typically served with cabbage or curry and rice, but Don's is more ambitious with its sides, adding a rich pork, tofu and seaweed miso soup, cucumber and kombu pickles, smoked chilli and grated daikon to the traditional fennel and cabbage salad, and Japanese rice. Loins from free-range Berkshire pigs, sustainably sourced from regenerative Bundarra Farm in the Murray River region, are the star of meal and echoing the Japanese tradition of dish personalisation, diners are also offered a choice of different katsu portion sizes to suit their appetite, budget or preference.
The drinks selection is another highlight — floats blending ice cream with yuzu, cola and a striking Midori-hued melon are a must-try. Diners can also wash down their katsu with a selection of Japanese beers and saké.
Images: Lily Austin