Honolulu, HI
For Japanese in Honolulu, the local food press points to Tonkatsu Tamafuji, Sushi Izakaya Gaku, and Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro. Picks from Honolulu Magazine, updated June 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Honolulu Magazine. Updated June 2026.
Tonkatsu Tamafuji · Kapahulu
Some of the best tonkatsu outside Japan — perfectly crisp panko around juicy kurobuta.
Sushi Izakaya Gaku · McCully
A reservation-only izakaya beloved for its precise sushi and seasonal small plates.
Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro · Waikiki
A Tokyo tonkatsu export turning out refined katsu sets in Waikiki.
Izakaya Naru Honolulu · Kapahulu
A cozy Kapahulu izakaya with a deep menu of sake-friendly Japanese plates.
What’s your #1 Japanese in Honolulu?
Rank your top five and be the first to set Honolulu's local ranking.