Line drawing of a cafe named Little Kiki with outdoor trees and two women outside, one inside looking at the menu.

WE ARE NOW OPEN!

Online Ordering Begins July 20

Monday
Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Tuesday
Closed

Wednesday–Thursday
Lunch 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Friday–Saturday
Lunch 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday
Lunch 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Lunch Last Call 2:30PM
Dinner Last Call 9:00PM (Fri–Sat 9:30 PM)

*We do not offer lunch service on holidays

It all started with a curious cat.

At Little Kiki, we bring that spirit into everything we do. A modern Asian inspired katsu restaurant built around thoughtful food, warm hospitality, and a clean, intimate space that feels personal.

It all started with a cat — always curious, always exploring.

At Little Kiki, we brought that same spirit into our restaurant. We’re a modern Asian-inspired katsu restaurant built on good food, warm hospitality, and a space that feels comfortable and personal.

Small, intimate, and thoughtfully designed, we want you to feel at ease the moment you walk in — whether you’re here with friends, enjoying a date night, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself.

Come in curious. Leave satisfied.

reservation

Person using a wooden pestle to grind sesame seeds in a small bowl, with fried breaded meat cutlets and bowls of rice and cabbage salad in the background.

A plate of tempura shrimp and vegetables with dipping sauce, a glass of lime and mint drink, a candle in a glass holder, and a pair of chopsticks on a paper napkin on a wooden table.

Monday
Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Tuesday
Closed

Wednesday–Thursday
Lunch 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Friday–Saturday
Lunch 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday
Lunch 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Lunch Last Call 2:30PM
Dinner Last Call 9:00PM (Fri–Sat 9:30 PM)

*We do not offer lunch service on holidays

(760) 637-5020

2958 Madison St #101 Carlsbad, CA 92008

Japanese meal featuring sliced fried pork cutlet on a wire rack, a bowl of miso soup with seaweed and a spoon, a bowl of steamed white rice, a small dish of sesame seeds and a pestle, and a bowl of shredded cabbage salad topped with shredded cheese and dressing.

A teapot pouring tea into two matching teacups on a tray.

What is Katsu?

Katsu is a beloved Japanese dish featuring a panko-breaded cutlet fried to a light, golden crisp. Traditionally served with rice, cabbage, and sauce, katsu is known for its satisfying balance of crispy texture and rich flavor.

At Little Kiki, we honor this classic dish while elevating it through premium ingredients, careful preparation, and modern techniques.

Three layers of green and white sandwich, with fried chicken inside, on a black plate with pickles and tomatoes. A small bowl of dipping sauce with crushed peanuts is next to it on a wooden surface.

Our Ingredients

We believe exceptional katsu begins with exceptional ingredients. At Little Kiki, we proudly serve Berkshire Kurobuta pork, Jidori chicken, and Pacific cod, each selected for its distinctive flavor and quality. To further enhance texture and depth of flavor, all of our proteins are dry-aged in-house using a dedicated dry-aging refrigerator. By combining premium ingredients with thoughtful preparation, we create a katsu experience that is both refined and memorable.

see our menu

Dry-Aged Berkshire Kurobuta Pork

Dry-aged for enhanced flavor and tenderness, Berkshire Kurobuta pork is renowned for its abundant marbling and superior eating quality.

The result is exceptionally tender tonkatsu with a rich, buttery flavor.

Jidori Chicken

A premium Japanese free-range chicken known for its tender bite and concentrated flavor, offering a more refined taste than conventional chicken.

Dry-Aged Pacific Cod

Dry-aged to enhance its delicate texture and natural sweetness, this cod is prized for its flaky texture and clean, mild flavor. Light yet satisfying, it offers a refined alternative to heavier fried seafood.