We had a reservations and we arrived 10 mins early. We got sat without waiting. The restaurant is not super busy. With that being said, we could have at least been greeted. We sat there for a good 10-15 mins with no one greeted us, no water and no one even bother to even stop by to acknowledge and give us a courtesy with “we will be with you shortly”. When other guests came in after us, they were greeted with, water was served and order was taken.
This is so rude!!!! Every customer deserves equal treatment. I do recommend the restaurant to reassess their courtesy to the guests!
Mark Nev
Food is awesome.....customer service is really good....plenty selection of good food and the portion is good with the price.....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tyler Arnstein
The food quality here is exceptional — everything tasted fresh, clean, and carefully prepared. The tempura came out perfectly crisp, the sides were balanced and flavorful, and the matcha dessert was a standout: smooth, refreshing, and beautifully presented with fresh fruit.
Service was quick, friendly, and professional. The staff made the experience easy and enjoyable, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming — perfect for a mid-day meal.
Highly recommend Rinka if you’re looking for great Japanese food in Honolulu. I’ll definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nate C
Delightful modern japanese restaurant in Honolulu. We should have made reservations, however stopped here on a whim to check it out. You can park in the Whole Foods parking garage.
Staff was welcoming, attentive, and courteous. Ordered sushi to see how fresh and how well they prepared the food. It was refreshingly light and presented well.
The salmon belly was also cooked to perfection. We tried to eat quickly because there were other reservations behind us. Portions were quite large.
Recommend for a special occasion, an ordinary date night, or if you are craving quality japanese food in Honolulu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vladimir C
Had a day trip to Oahu and wanted to try out Rinka after seeing a local foodie influencer mention that their lunch sets were pretty affordable.
I don’t recall which lunch set I got (probably the nigiri one) since their online menu is from last year and may not have their updated sets.
Atmosphere wise it was a bright open if not a little crowded dining room. I opted to sit at the counter since the only other option was outside but there was construction going on nearby. Went to the very end of the counter which I don’t mind since it lets me keep to myself but the view probably isn’t the best as seen in the photo.
The sashimi was all pretty fresh tasting with no off putting smells. I do have to rave about the ikura one. The salmon roe was really clean, each egg popping like a ball of sea water in the best way. It didn’t taste frozen or slimy or old.
The udon was nice and firm. Tempura was also delicious and added that nice crunchy texture amid all the soft nigiri and udon.
Would definitely go again to try more of the lunch sets.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Grachell Gonzales
Ambiance of the place is pleasant. Good food and service. Brought my friends and we enjoyed everything. Way to go Rinka!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rach T
Birthday lunch. Reservation of 5+ only seemed available over phone and not on resy. They have bar, indoor and outdoor seating. The menu online is the same in person. The table collectively fills out a paper with the side dishes to be brought out (these are premade chilled/room temp usually). The sets come out on a tray that takes up the whole table. We really enjoyed the matcha salt with the tempura. The chawanmushi was very silky. The sushi rice was room temp and very subtle.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Mingle USA
The food tasted just like the dishes I had in Japan. It was such an enjoyable experience. The staff were very friendly, and overall it was a very satisfying dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charles Cha
UPDATE: They improved service since last time, so I'm updating my review.
Service: The staff seem like they got good training.
Ended up there cause the place across the street had a 40 minute wait time. Nice place. Hostess was outside somewhere when we walked in. Sat us with everyone else when the place wasnt near half full. Waiter was ok but canned beer? If I was the manager I would be apologizing and giving it away. Food was pretty good but I wont be going back. Theres a place in Kailua thats much better.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Jacob Proffer
Very calm, relaxed and quiet, parking is very easy to find and free across the street.
The staff is friendly, personable and attentive I felt like I was in a very classy restaurant out of Okinawa from the level of hospitality they had.
Tons of aloha, and fresh quality food. If you've got some resi credits to burn, this is absolutely one of the best places on the island to do it.
I probably, would have never stumbled across this place if it wasn't for Resi and I will come back.
The only reason for 4 stars is some items are close but miss the mark, and details like using horseradish instead of actual wasabi on a $50 plate is a bit disappointing. And I know many places in Japan are anti spicy, and they follow suit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Taka H
This spot is a total sleeper hit — incredible quality Japanese food at great prices. Their lunch menu is straight-up FIRE! With how busy it’s gotten, I highly recommend making a reservation beforehand. We actually got turned away once because of the crowd!
Top Picks you can’t go wrong with: - Seafood Jewelry Box Set (海鮮宝石箱御膳) - Grilled Unagi Eel Set (うなぎ蒲焼き定食) - Seafood Chirashi Set (海鮮ちらし御膳) Each set comes with udon (うどん), chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し), and your choice of two small sides (小鉢二品). Absolute value and quality!
Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, plus bar spots for solo diners. Bathrooms are small single stalls, but there are enough of them so there’s no wait. Bonus: a private room in the back for gatherings or small parties.
Consistently attentive and friendly over the years — zero issues every visit.
Usually plenty of space in the old Dave & Buster’s parking lot just a short walk away.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yuri Lau
If you want REAL authentic Japanese food that I, a 100% Japanese, can wholeheartedly recommend, this is the place. The service, the dishes, the hospitality — everything makes you feel like you’re in Japan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyung Kim
Worst chirasi bowl and service I've ever had. Not worth the price you paying for the location not the quality.
We had a reservations and we arrived 10 mins early. We got sat without waiting. The restaurant is not super busy. With that being said, we could have at least been greeted. We sat there for a good 10-15 mins with no one greeted us, no water and no one even bother to even stop by to acknowledge and give us a courtesy with “we will be with you shortly”. When other guests came in after us, they were greeted with, water was served and order was taken.
This is so rude!!!! Every customer deserves equal treatment. I do recommend the restaurant to reassess their courtesy to the guests!
Food is awesome.....customer service is really good....plenty selection of good food and the portion is good with the price.....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food quality here is exceptional — everything tasted fresh, clean, and carefully prepared. The tempura came out perfectly crisp, the sides were balanced and flavorful, and the matcha dessert was a standout: smooth, refreshing, and beautifully presented with fresh fruit.
Service was quick, friendly, and professional. The staff made the experience easy and enjoyable, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming — perfect for a mid-day meal.
Highly recommend Rinka if you’re looking for great Japanese food in Honolulu. I’ll definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delightful modern japanese restaurant in Honolulu. We should have made reservations, however stopped here on a whim to check it out. You can park in the Whole Foods parking garage.
Staff was welcoming, attentive, and courteous. Ordered sushi to see how fresh and how well they prepared the food. It was refreshingly light and presented well.
The salmon belly was also cooked to perfection. We tried to eat quickly because there were other reservations behind us. Portions were quite large.
Recommend for a special occasion, an ordinary date night, or if you are craving quality japanese food in Honolulu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a day trip to Oahu and wanted to try out Rinka after seeing a local foodie influencer mention that their lunch sets were pretty affordable.
I don’t recall which lunch set I got (probably the nigiri one) since their online menu is from last year and may not have their updated sets.
Atmosphere wise it was a bright open if not a little crowded dining room. I opted to sit at the counter since the only other option was outside but there was construction going on nearby. Went to the very end of the counter which I don’t mind since it lets me keep to myself but the view probably isn’t the best as seen in the photo.
The sashimi was all pretty fresh tasting with no off putting smells. I do have to rave about the ikura one. The salmon roe was really clean, each egg popping like a ball of sea water in the best way. It didn’t taste frozen or slimy or old.
The udon was nice and firm. Tempura was also delicious and added that nice crunchy texture amid all the soft nigiri and udon.
Would definitely go again to try more of the lunch sets.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ambiance of the place is pleasant. Good food and service. Brought my friends and we enjoyed everything. Way to go Rinka!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Birthday lunch. Reservation of 5+ only seemed available over phone and not on resy. They have bar, indoor and outdoor seating. The menu online is the same in person. The table collectively fills out a paper with the side dishes to be brought out (these are premade chilled/room temp usually). The sets come out on a tray that takes up the whole table. We really enjoyed the matcha salt with the tempura. The chawanmushi was very silky. The sushi rice was room temp and very subtle.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The food tasted just like the dishes I had in Japan. It was such an enjoyable experience. The staff were very friendly, and overall it was a very satisfying dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
UPDATE: They improved service since last time, so I'm updating my review.
Service: The staff seem like they got good training.
Food: Good quality and presentation.
Price: $50-$70 per person.
Facility: Some bench seats are worn and cracking.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
I went here for lunch and it was great!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Ended up there cause the place across the street had a 40 minute wait time. Nice place. Hostess was outside somewhere when we walked in. Sat us with everyone else when the place wasnt near half full. Waiter was ok but canned beer? If I was the manager I would be apologizing and giving it away. Food was pretty good but I wont be going back. Theres a place in Kailua thats much better.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Very calm, relaxed and quiet, parking is very easy to find and free across the street.
The staff is friendly, personable and attentive I felt like I was in a very classy restaurant out of Okinawa from the level of hospitality they had.
Tons of aloha, and fresh quality food. If you've got some resi credits to burn, this is absolutely one of the best places on the island to do it.
I probably, would have never stumbled across this place if it wasn't for Resi and I will come back.
The only reason for 4 stars is some items are close but miss the mark, and details like using horseradish instead of actual wasabi on a $50 plate is a bit disappointing. And I know many places in Japan are anti spicy, and they follow suit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
This spot is a total sleeper hit — incredible quality Japanese food at great prices. Their lunch menu is straight-up FIRE! With how busy it’s gotten, I highly recommend making a reservation beforehand. We actually got turned away once because of the crowd!
Top Picks you can’t go wrong with:
- Seafood Jewelry Box Set (海鮮宝石箱御膳)
- Grilled Unagi Eel Set (うなぎ蒲焼き定食)
- Seafood Chirashi Set (海鮮ちらし御膳)
Each set comes with udon (うどん), chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し), and your choice of two small sides (小鉢二品). Absolute value and quality!
Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, plus bar spots for solo diners. Bathrooms are small single stalls, but there are enough of them so there’s no wait. Bonus: a private room in the back for gatherings or small parties.
Consistently attentive and friendly over the years — zero issues every visit.
Usually plenty of space in the old Dave & Buster’s parking lot just a short walk away.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you want REAL authentic Japanese food that I, a 100% Japanese, can wholeheartedly recommend, this is the place. The service, the dishes, the hospitality — everything makes you feel like you’re in Japan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Worst chirasi bowl and service I've ever had. Not worth the price you paying for the location not the quality.
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