50 Best Japanese Restaurants in Honolulu

“Great service😊 Friendly staff ❤️“

“Food is so delicious and staff extremely helpful and attentive“

“Tempura Kiki was an amazing gem in Waikiki - the tempura was all cooked to order and presented with utmost precision and care. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive and couldn’t have been better. Such delicious foods and great people. I’d highly recommend coming here!“

“Today I got to try the Spicy Soup and it was great. The side dishes were extremely good also. The service was very friendly and helpful, but they seem to be short on workers as I had to wait some. But I would still give them 5 stars as I could see that they did their best.“

“Hands down the best sushi place I have ever been too! From the beginning we walked in with my family. We were greeted with a huge smile and got seated in a private booth. The service, the staff and atmosphere there is really nice and kid friendly! After we payed our meal. The host/server gave my son a free toy. Thank you so much for not rushing him because he couldn’t decide what to pick. We had a great time here and we can’t wait to be back again!!“

“So delicious“

“We had a lovely experience during our visit. The food is amazing, the sushi was very fresh and the fried rice was also very good. And the service was spectacular! Highly recommended!!

If you are a Korean and are traveling to Waikiki, definitely stop by!! It's really delicious and the owner is very kindㅜㅜ“

“We wanted Asian food for breakfast and googled this place. It’s hard to find because it’s tucked in a square. However it was worth it. The food is made fresh and replaced often due to the foot traffic. It taste amazing and the price is right. It’s not super pricey and it taste so good. It’s grab and go and there’s tables outside. Perfect to get picnic snacks.“

“Food is ALWAYS delicious and the staff is so kind and attentive! Katsu-san creates the most beautiful sashimi platters and omakase sushi!“

“We went to Marugame twice on this trip.
Best qualify udon and broth.
Loved assortment of tempura.
This location had lunch special under $10 for small udon with one tempura.
Very busy but efficiently running.
Can’t wait to go back!“

“お蕎麦はもちろん今回は雲丹、いくら、帆立の海鮮丼がとても美味しかったです。 ランチセットがリーズナブルです👍“

“The food was to die for! We ordered so many things odd the menu from karage chicken, shishitos tempura, poke and yukari fries. I would return just for the hamachi shashimi and the ichibo steak as it melts in your mouth! Loved the great ambiance and service. The greeter welcomed us and sat us quick even said happy birthday. Our servicer Emily was so friendly and so was the rest of the staff that brought out the amazing food!“

“Authentic Japanese food! It was great to be able to have it while vacationing in Hawaii. Brought back so many memories of living in Japan!“

“Please support your local businesses! This is a hidden gem and the food is delicious. The lady that waited on me was wonderful and informative. I had the Salmon Donburi (poke bowl) with the Miso soup (about 1/2 cup). For those of you who like the aesthetics of a meal, it was prepared in a delightful and beautiful manner. I felt bad that I had to eat the beautifully prepared dish. The soup was good and the Salmon donburi was salted to a perfection and the rest of the bowl (avocado, cabbage, greens) complemented it well.“

“Best tsukamem! Large portion of noodles with excellent dipping sauce. Neighbors eating fried chicken and fries which looked delicious. One wait staff took care of the entire place with great efficiency. Would go back again.“

“There's not enough space to right the good things about this place. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted and acknowledged by everyone, including the sushi chefs. Water and drink order is perfectly timed. Whether you order teishoku complete meals or sushi, the flavor and and portions are spot on. If you choose to sit at the sushi counter, the spread is just amazing. From white fish, tuna, to shellfish and sometimes even a fruit or plant to cleanse the pallet. I would recommend reservations as this place is always busy. Takeout is also very good!“

“Love the food. Delicious. Fresh and hot“

“This place was delicious! The Churry (curry/chili) was an interesting innovation that works out very well. The chicken katsu was sold out when we got there (only an hour after opening), so we got the Spam Katsu. If you order an extra side of small Churry you can share one plate with two people if you want to save money.“

“My wife brought me here for my birthday. We got the sashimi plate (for 2). While delicious, it was not enough really for 2 people, so we got a salad, some butterfish and some extra toro. All were delicious, but we definitely had more room for desserts, which were tasty as well. In all, it was a good sushi experience and the restaurant deserves its good reputation.“

“These are, without question, the best rice balls in Honolulu County — yes, the entire county. Period. Full stop.

Every single year I’m in Waikīkī, Nana Musubi is a must, and I come here at least three times in one week. These rice balls are beach-day perfection: I grab a few, head straight to the sand, and live my best life. Other days, I’ll take them right next door to Shanghai Bar in the same Asian food hall — elite pairing, no notes.

My go-to favorites:
• Pickled leaf with purple mixed rice (obsessed)
• Sour plum with white rice (perfectly balanced)
• Beef threads when I’m feeling savory

Honestly, every single one is amazing. I have yet to have a bad rice ball here — not one. I personally skip the tuna mayo only because I usually take these to the beach and don’t always eat them immediately, but everything else is absolutely good to go.

Simple. Fresh. Comforting. Addictive.

Five stars isn’t enough — I wish I could give five plus plus plus ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➕➕➕
And the best part? I’ll officially be moving here in Spring 2026, which means Nana Musubi will be available to me anytime I want. A dream.“

“A superb omakase experience awaited us at Tempura Ichiku. While my expectations were high, the staff and kitchen blew us away with unbelievably delicate, yet crispy and flavorful tempura selections. The shrimp (crispy heads, then the bodies) were sublime. The lotus root and potato selections were memorable. I must also rave about the gentle and attentive professionalism of the staff, who patiently answered all of of questions and provided impeccable service. About my only gripe was the relative lack of nearby parking.“

“Fresh made to order Masubi“

“A bit tricky to find. Its below ground level and located in a plaza that sells other asian food. This one was self service. You grab a tray, pick up your sides and then you order udon from a walk up window. Amazing udon, beats waiting in line for the other one down the street.“

“I was ono for some sushi and soki soup combo. So good.. just like baban used to make.?“

“Take and go musubi !! Second location both close by!!“

“お蕎麦はもちろん今回は雲丹、いくら、帆立の海鮮丼がとても美味しかったです。 ランチセットがリーズナブルです👍“

“It was the perfect rainy day to have shabu-shabu, and Mikiya did not disappoint. We chose the Silver Wagyu set, and the quality of the meat was really impressive. We tried all the different wagyu selections included, and every single one was so good, tender, flavorful, and high quality.

We also ordered the wagyu nigiri and wagyu tartare. The wagyu nigiri was my favorite, it literally melts in your mouth. So rich and buttery.

The set also comes with vegetables and seafood. Unfortunately, the oyster wasn’t available that day, which made me a little sad, but overall everything else was great.

As for the service, I understand they had just opened when we came in, but it did take quite a while for someone to assist us. It wasn’t busy, and we had to stand up just to get their attention since most of the staff were in the kitchen. I hope service improves over time because the food quality is definitely there.

This spot is definitely on the fancier side for shabu-shabu.“

“They had GOOD WAIT Services , FOOD WAS AUTHENTIC & DELICIOUS!!!I WILL RECOMMEND TO ALL MY FAMILY & FRIENDS TO DINE THERE!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏AWESOME COOKS & RECIPES!!!“

“Excellent paitan ramen (rich chicken broth) and made-to-order homemade gyoza with an eclectic interior (guest drawings on the walls + anime on the projector screen).

Got the Paitan red ramen. Super flavourful and umami bomb broth. Nicely tender pork slices, and well-prepared onsen tamago.

Got the pesto gyoza per our server’s recommendation. Nice bouncy texture on the skin, good garlic flavoured filling, and nice pesto flavour on the sauce with shaved parm on top.

Umeshu black super nice and refreshing drink.

Jellyfish with wood ear and cucum was fantastic. Slight kick from the chili pepper. Hidden gem side dish.

Very friendly staff and helpful.

Worth a visit. Should’ve tried the Taki Gyoza (10 gyoza in paitan broth) but wasn’t super hungry.“

“完璧な This is a favorite restaurant!“

“Intimate 9 seat only omakase, each course was delicious and well executed. Great Service and very attentive. We came as a party of 6 last year, all agreed one of best meals we had visiting Hawaii. Came back this year and we felt the omakase was even better!“

“everything is handmade, the ingredients are fresh and high quality, staff are friendly. this place is so unique and a great date spot!♡“

“First time here and it was delicious! We got the mapo tofu and garlic ahi steak, both with shisowakame rice and tossed salad. The staff was very friendly and patient with us while we ordered. They are located on the Auahi St side of SALT (close to Dis and Bark) and there's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. We will definitely be back to try their other menu options!“

“You really can’t beat the spam musubi as a quick cheap snack. Four stars because we wish the seaweed wrapped all the way around these, and that there was a bit more of it to keep the rice together. By the end it’s falling apart. The rice is cooked well though, not over or underdone. Also four stars because the shrimp tempura w avocado has a tiny sliver of avocado, wish it had more. The shrimp was great one day but then the next time we tried it, tasted more breaded for some reason.

We tried the classic teriyaki, the shrimp and avocado, and the yellow pickled daikon one. I like the pickled daikon one the most because you get sweetness and saltiness from the spam, and sourness from the pickle. Delicious! Would go back if in need of a snack to stay sated.“

“Sushi is so fresh and Good service“

“Nice restaurant. We will definitely be back, bringing friends and family.“

“What a lovely, small, and quaint spot! Every time I crave Japanese food, this place transports me right back to Japan. The food is consistently excellent; it truly never disappoints. My favorite items for a to-go plate are the incredible chicken karaage and the flavorful ginger pork. While I haven't had a chance to dine in yet, I feel confident giving it a strong rating. The staff is always so welcoming and friendly during every takeout experience.“

“Intimate 9 seat only omakase, each course was delicious and well executed. Great Service and very attentive. We came as a party of 6 last year, all agreed one of best meals we had visiting Hawaii. Came back this year and we felt the omakase was even better!“

“Love the variety of noodles n the texture n flavors yum!“

“Finally got back to this place on a lunch run in Kalihi. When you want a hearty local style brekkie plate with the famous garlic chicken that will leave a lasting reminder when you burp all day this is the place yessa?

The place moved a couple years ago to a newer shopping plaza with ample parking across New City Nissan, and now accepts credit card and they also answer the phone to take phone orders so that helps make the lines here shorter... Iykyk.

I always get the Breakfast Combo special deluxe with garlic chicken, 2 bacon, scrambled eggs and fried rice. A classic local brekkie when youre hungry. Prices have gone up so its around $13 bucks plus tax but its comfort food. Support local.... 5 stars??“

“Authentic Okinawa food. Friendly attentive servers. Hot delicious food. . Option for complete meal. Daily Specials. Generous servings. Affordable prices. Can make reservations.“

“Nice atmosphere and tasty food 🍱“

“Comfort home meals at a reasonable price never seen anywhere in a long time. Looks like prices have not gone up much in a few years. Food is truly taste like a home meal. Enough variety between rice bowls, ramen, sashimi, maki, salads, and a few other item I can't remember from the menu and a few desserts. Only one server. But, very fast and friendly service. A gem 💎. Reservations are recomened as walking for tables fill out fast. Specially during UH games. Or, come in earlier for sitting. Looks like only street parking.“

“very healthy for lunch and dinner. if you love sashimi with your salad check this place out. The white dressing is killahs.“

“The best plate lunch! Very much a hole in the wall kind of place! There is a difference between a mini vs regular meal. Curry katsu and bbq chicken are a must try. Also if you like a classic Mac salad this place has it!

Limited seating options.“

“everything about this is place is phenomenal...“

“It’s always a great experience at Tanaka of Tokyo East location! We had a table to ourselves this time which was lovely! We’ve seen the show many times so this was actually a nice change to just enjoy a nice meal. Joe and Eddie were great! Loved Eduard, the manager. Had a nice conversation about the old days when this was located at Kings Village. Thanks again!!“

“Excellent food. Friendly staff“

“It feels like a bar with lots of floor space. I had the impression that they were missing a billiard table or 2 in the middle of the restaurant, or perhaps a low height stage for karaoke. We went for lunch and sat at a table near the bar counter where 2 other patrons popped up onto stools and ordered wine with their sushi lunches. We chose the chirashi sushi. The quantity of food is unbelievable. I can see why local people love this place. The reason why I give this a 4 vs. a 5 is that the sashimi was of variable quality.“

“Amazing dining experience.“