From Humble Pop-Ups to a Thriving Culinary Destination
At Tanakatsu®, our journey began with a shared love for exceptional food and authentic hospitality. Before opening our doors in Angel, we honed our craft through successful pop-ups in Camden Market and Farringdon, where our menu won over loyal customers and laid the foundation for what was to come. Our name is a playful nod to our roots—combining Koko’s surname, Tanaka, with katsu, the dish at the heart of our menu.
The story behind Tanakatsu is also one of friendship and fate. Back in 2008, while working as Head Chef at the Bella Luce Hotel in Guernsey, Joe hired Jakub as a commis chef. Their professional relationship quickly grew into a genuine friendship. After two years, Jakub moved on to London’s prestigious North Hall restaurant at the Corinthia Hotel, and later took the reins at some of the city’s most celebrated establishments—including Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and the iconic Le Pont de la Tour.
In 2021, after five successful years running Tanakatsu in Angel, Joe and Koko invited Jakub to join as a business partner. Since then, our partnership has flourished—bringing together years of culinary expertise, shared vision, and an unwavering passion for delivering unforgettable dining experiences.
From our earliest pop-ups to our bustling restaurant today, Tanakatsu® remains true to its mission: serving beautifully prepared dishes with heart, heritage, and a touch of playful creativity.
