WEST RIDGE — After 29 years of serving what many have described as some of the best and most authentic Japanese food in Chicago, Katsu Japanese Restaurant in West Ridge is set to close this fall, according to reports.
Owner and chef Katsu Imamura and his wife Haruko have set a tentative last day as Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving, to close the restaurant at 2651 W. Peterson Ave. The couple plans to retire, according to Chicago magazine.
Despite its inconspicuous Peterson Avenue location and simple storefront, Katsu has drawn critical acclaim for its fresh and flavorful food, authentic preparation and beautiful styling.
In 2014, it won the No. 1 spot on Zagat's survey of the city's 100 best restaurants, beating out other such highly touted establishments as Next and Alinea. The previous year, it took second place.
Zagat called the win "one of the year’s biggest surprises" for the Far North Side "hole-in-the-wall sushi spot."
Imamura could not immediately be reached.
