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    22Kailua

    4.8 (143 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    22Kailua Photos

    Business Info

    22KAILUA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - 22Kailua

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    I felt very at home.

    I have never had such wonderful sushi and the chef and his wife are excellent, it's a small venue maybe eight people at a time and we had a wonderful experience. it is BYOB so be prepared for that but otherwise the staff is excellent and the food is above par. By far!

    Poke bowl for lunch
    Steven U.

    I always wanted to eat here for dinner but I found out they are open for lunch! This 'hidden' restaurant is in the same center as Cinnamon's and Manoa chocolate, on the street side (opposite side) of the center. Its just one door, so you have to kinda look for it. I went inside and there was just one employee. Lunch is just poke bowls, and you can either dine in or take out...and I chose to dine in. I ordered the bowl with green onion, ginger and shoyu sauce. It had 7oz of fresh ahi and sushi rice on it. It was really delicious and came with extra toppings like bubu arare. Made to order with fresh ingredients, it had nice flavors and great texture. There were a few bummers about my experience. Apparently, whether you dine in or take out, they serve you in a take out container. Kinda blows the experience when you are sitting in a nice restaurant at a sushi bar. Also, my poke bowl was $20.00. Now here in the islands, that is the average going price for lunch...but it didnt feel like an outstanding value for what was received. Overall, the poke bowl was good and I will be back try the dinner for sure.

    Jillian T.

    Quaint little shop located in Kailua. Do make reservations beforehand as they can only accommodate just about 12 people at the most. They're also open for lunch if you're looking for a more casual/take-out dining experience. Overall, the food is superb. Fresh, quality, flavorful. There wasn't a dish that I didn't like. It may seem like a little bit of food when you first start off the omakase experience, but each course adds up and before you know it, you're just about full at dessert; not overly stuffed. The service is also top-notch, to which they provide much care and consideration when serving. Would definitely come back again!

    Lisa N.

    Probably one of the coolest hidden gems I've found in Kailua town so far. It's definitely a challenge to find it, but once you do, you won't be sorry. It's quaint and tiny inside but it's beautiful and the food smells so good. It's cooked directly in front of you and cooked to absolute perfection. There is only a handful of seats at the bar to sit at so reservations are recommended if coming at a busy hour. If coming at night for Omakase, you must make a reservation. The food was SUPERB. 10/10

    Outside of the restaurant
    Faye Anne M.

    Ample free parking space since it's located in a commercial area. Easy to find despite the subtle restaurant front. There's only about 8-12 seats per reservation time. We got lucky for our anniversary on Halloween night because we were their only guests for the 8:00pm reservation. It is ran by a husband and wife duo. BYOB and we brought sake from the Sake Shop in Kakaako. They let us pick our own cup too. Don't forget to offer him and his wife a shot of sake as well! We got started eating almost immediately. The time in between dishes was good enough for us to drink, talk stories, and watch the chef to make our food. All dishes was so good! I'm not even a big mackerel fan but I like how he prepared it. He mostly used the usual shoyu and sesame oil ingredients all throughout the omakase. I am pleasantly surprised at how he used yuzu to elevate the dish. I will definitely want to come again to celebrate. The vibes was peaceful, they held up conversation really well, the restaurant was really clean, and they have their own bathroom.

    Hours and other info
    Risa L.

    The sushi chef was inviting and attentive during the lunch service for poke bowls. You can eat your poke bowl there or take it to go. Ordered the small, two-choice bowl with spicy mayo salmon and garlic shoyu ahi. I preferred the salmon to the ahi, both were fresh tasting. The spicy mayo sauce was thin and not very creamy. The ahi was a bit on the firmer side. They had a lot of included toppings (sesame, furikake, bubu arare, green onion) that did more for garnish than it did for taste. It was fun to see the sushi chef cut the fish cubes with such precision and weighing it on a scale. I would like to try their omakase later. All of the parking is metered in the lot.

    Chef was awesome!
    Vince I.

    Had the omakase at 22Kailua and it was absolutely unforgettable--easily one of the best dining experiences in Kailua. The sushi bar is intimate, so you have the chef's full attention and get to chat as each dish is presented. We went with the multi-course kaiseki omakase and loved every part of it, from the creativity and variety to the incredible quality of the ingredients, which even included imported Japanese eggs that brought flavors to a whole new level. Favorites of the night included the wagyu beef sukiyaki with egg foam, anagi over an egg roll, and the chawanmushi--all were next-level delicious and surprisingly complex. The chef and the staff were so personable that the night turned into a real shared experience. Reservations feel old-school and exclusive, with just 2-5 seats per night; definitely message them on Instagram early to snag a spot. The omakase runs from about $135 to $185 per person, but for the quality, intimacy, and overall experience, it's worth every penny. Also, it's BYOB, so bring your favorite sake or whiskey! If you want an authentic, gourmet omakase with a cozy neighborhood vibe, 22Kailua is the place.

    Toro (the best)
    Melissa W.

    Tried this spot on my recent vacation to Oahu. It was an excellent omakase experience. 3 of us were at the Kailua location (in the same area as Cinnamon's). Parking meters in the lot there are supposedly enforced all the time, but we found free street parking (technically a meter but it was Sunday). The place is small and intimate, I think a max of 10-11 seats only. We had two chefs that night, I believe Chef Yutaka and someone in the reviews said his wife? But not confirmed bc I never heard them say anything like that... Both were friendly and gave us delicious dishes! Chef Yutaka focuses more on the raw fish nigiri pieces, and the other chef focused on appetizers/cooked dishes/other. We had about 16 dishes. Everything was delicious, but my faves are always toro, uni, hotate...and they still were! I also love chawanmushi and the shrimp miso. The final piece: foie gras with truffle was a perfect ending also. Hoping this place continues to do well, so I can come back next year! Thank you, chefs, for a great dinner! Make reservations by texting their phone number. If you don't have the number, you can get it by DMing them on Instagram.

    Mariana S.

    This was an incredible omakase experience! It included a lot of courses and everything was really good. I was able to try a few items I've never had before and the service was spectacular.

    Alex L.

    I'm so glad we were able to get a reservation and do their Omakase. In order to get an RSVP you need to message them on their website or inquire via email. Once that is done, they will reply to you with a number you can text. There were three choices of Omakase based on pricing, $100, $150, $200 tier. We went with the $150 tier. It was a super intimate experience. It was my fiancé and I and there was another couple. The sushi chef is from Japan and he was super informative about his preparation for each fish. He was a former Eel Sushi Chef in Tokyo. Aside from all that he kept us pretty entertained and his assistant was on point. I'd say there was at least 15 pieces of fish that was prepared for the two of us. I can't say you will get the same pieces as us because it could vary depending on what they catch / source. I must say all the pieces we had were amazing. Super fresh and buttery. Texture range from melt in your mouth to high quality freshness haha. I can't really explain! It was a great experience. He was very detailed about his craft and shared with us exactly what was put together. Varied from certain salts, pepper, wasabi, caviar, sauces, garnish, etc. Couple of pieces I could remember were the toro pieces, blue fin tuna, ikura, scallop, salmon. Super fresh homemade wasabi. It was fun due to the attention we had and fyi it's BYOB. Bring your own beer haha. Great time, would definitely do this again at some point. We appreciate the hospitality.

    First dish - sake (salmon) & tako (octopus)
    Sophie F.

    Omakase in Kailua! I had heard rumors of this spot for years. They've been around for 6-7 years already and originally opened on Oneawa near Zippy's. I heard of a coffee shop in the am that offered small table sushi at night but I could never find out how to make a reservation. Now, they're much more accessible. They are opened for poke bowls during the day and BYOB omakase in the evening. The chef is really sweet and knowledgeable. It's a relaxing environment with quite a nice variety of sushi and Japanese dishes throughout the omakase experience. I forgot to take pictures of many of the pieces because I was so enveloped in the experience but they were all great! Don't forget to sign the guest book after

    Foie gras w/truffle
    Shari D.

    I love 22 Kailua and this was our first time trying their new Kailua location. So yes, it's been awhile. Chef Yutaka was great! He was very personable and the selection he prepared was amazing! This was the $185 omakase option and it was probably the best menu in all our times going there! Sorry no pic of the uni cuz I gave away. But if you are looking for an amazing sushi omakase then look no further than 22 Kailua! You won't be disappointed!

    Entrance (Look for 22)
    Suri S.

    Chef Yutaka-san gave us the most memorable anniversary experience filled with laughter, fun, and sharing Sake together! Very intimate and cozy spot. Nice ambiance with decorations around. Hidden gem located in Kailua. We were very lucky since we were the only ones for 5pm seating, so it felt like a private event with just us and the chef. There was even an origami with our name on it when we arrived. Chef's wife made it herself! How thoughtful. Our favorite omakase experience thus far. Everything was absolutely mind-blowing delicious! You must make a reservation! You can DM on Instagram or email for the number reservation. Follow the instructions on their website for exactly how to text them. You will tell them what dates you prefer, how many people in your party, what tier ($100, $150, $200), 5pm or 8pm seating, any allergies. BYOB so bring your choice of beverage. We chose to bring bottles of Sake to share. You will want to bring water too! Metered parking lot. Located in the same lot as Manoa Chocolate and Ganesh Dosa (on the other side though). We put some quarters in and the total time was about 1.5 hour to dine in. I can't recommend this place enough! You will have a great time sharing stories with Chef Yutaka-san.

    toro

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    The best omakase experience ever! The chef is so friendly and fun, and the sushi is phenomenal.

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    Page 3 of 4

    Ask the Community - 22Kailua

    Does the new location have coffee?

    Sorry as of right now we do not, maybe in the future we will be bringing it back. Please follow our instagram/Facebook @22kailua for updates.

    Where is your new location?

    326 Kuulei rd. same parking lot as cinnamons

    Can I make a reservation for 2p on 3/31 @ 6:00?

    Aloha! if you have Instagram @22kailua has info on our dinners. you can DM us there

    Is this place BYOB?

    Yes! bring what makes you most happy! do you have a reservation already?

    Do you have a phone number?

    aloha Yes we do. if you could message us on Instagram/facebook @22kailua or email us at 22kailua@gmail.com we will forward you the info there.… Read more

    Where does everyone park?

    municipal parking off of Aulike in between Uahi grill or street meter parking

    Does anyone know the store hours?

    Taka san, Kinda comes in "around" 10am. lol It all depends when he gets up. lol

    Do they have an email address or some way to contact?

    we have an Instagram and Facebook @22kailua and email is 22kailua@gmail.com.

    Do they offer free WiFi?

    at this moment we do not, maybe in the future we will add wifi. Once you meet Taka you'll realize hes a fun guy that likes to keep it old school.

    View All 10 Questions

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    Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya

    3.8
    (48 reviews)
    0.3 mi
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    Tanaka Ramen and Izakaya is a US ramen chain whose owner has ties to Hawaii. Tanaka started in…read moreChicago and matriculated to Kapolei in 2020...a precarious time. They now have a location in the Kailua Shopping Center where Taqueria El Gallo Rosa ( my favorite taco spot, alas, both Kailua and Ward Centre spots have closed ) used to occupy. I tried the Garlic Ramen with thick noodles - futomen - for an additional cost. Rich, creamy, and garlicky...very good. It is served with the usual accoutrements. I ordered online and my ramen was in a bag when I arrived just a minute early. I forgot to request utensils...something to keep in mind for the next occasion. I've only ate takeout from their Kapolei locale - and when I was still a vegetarian. Their vegan ramen is also excellent. Hours are 1100a to 900p daily. Plenty of stalls in the shopping center. There is a nice outside patio for outside dining.

    Maybe because we've been battered by rain and flash floods this weekend, I too wanted my food…read moredrowned in a sea of spicy ramen so it could suffer just as I had. I ordered the volcano garlic ramen as extra punishment to the floating pork and sunken noodles. Something about a dreary day will always elevate my rating of hot soups, ramens, and curries. The ramen was flavorful but wish I had made a custom bowl because the bowl felt a bit light on toppings. Lastly, what in the name of capitalism is charging more for spicier food? As you increase from spicy level 1 to 4 you incur an additional charge each level topping out at $2.00. Will you weigh the salt and pepper shakers afterwards too?

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    Simple eloquence.
    Simple eloquence.
    Goma Hiyashi  *limited 2025 summer
    Goma Hiyashi *limited 2025 summer
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    Kizuna Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi

    Kizuna Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi

    4.2
    (97 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Seated quickly, seems like we beat the dinner rush or just got lucky…read more Date night :) looks like several other couples enjoying a night out as well. I had to use trusty yelp photos (thanks guys) for a sake menu. The rolls we ordered were a delight. My favorite was the "rock n roll" that was also the server's suggestion. Osaka and Ruby rolls were nice as well. Kind of noisy with the chop-chop, slash/slash, clankity-clank of the hibachi situation on the other side of the restaurant but not so loud we couldn't hear one another.

    Came here last weekend to celebrate my husband and father-in-law on Father's Day. No reservations,…read morewalk ins only. Wait time was minimal because our family planned to get there a half hour before the party was scheduled to arrived. The group enjoyed the appetizers, particularly the ceviche tacos and assorted sushi rolls (river rock roll & crunchy roll). Decent choices for the kids: my boys ordered the chicken karaage and katsu Kitchen Bento boxes. The husband went with Kizuna Bento Box D (miso butterfish, beef teriyaki, and shrimp/veg tempura), I had Kizuna bento box C (tonkatsu and shrimp/veg tempura). The bento boxes were good, but nothing to write home about. The strength is in their appetizers and sushi rolls. Those were definitely the crowd faves. Splurge on the decorative sushi platters to share with large groups and everyone will leave with happy tummies!

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    Sit down for regular menu.
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    Kizuna Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
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    Bar area
    Rai Rai Ramen

    Rai Rai Ramen

    4.2
    (449 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Amazing!!! My 6 year old eats gyoza everywhere we go and he said this is the best he's ever…read morehad-incredible ratio of meat to veggies to spices he said! We asked and they make them fresh every day. I got veggie GF ramen and it's incredible. often veggie is not and it was incredible! The cabbage was cooked perfectly as well as the bok choy and the bean sprouts all of it! The bowl was gigantic and I ate all of it! My wife said it's the best she's ever had (she got the katsu chicken). It's family owned and the mom makes the garlic chili oil and we bought a container of it to add to all of our meals before we leave the island. So GOOOOOOD!

    Rai Rai Ramen in Kailua was busy and parking was limited out front. It was raining that day, so we…read morewere glad my cousin had a truck and could manage one of the tighter stalls. My cousin's two kids love this place and insisted it has the best fried rice. I'm usually not a big fried rice person, but I was curious and tried it. I can see why people like it. I ordered the shrimp katsu ramen with a shoyu egg. The broth and noodles were excellent and really the highlight of the dish. I wasn't a huge fan of the shrimp katsu on its own since it was a bit chewy, but once it soaked in the broth, it was much better. The portion size was just right, filling without being too much. Overall, a solid ramen spot, especially if you're already in Kailua.

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    Welcoming and comfortable.
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    Chicken Katsu Curry Ramen
    Chicken Katsu Curry Ramen
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    Kenko Ya

    Kenko Ya

    4.1
    (475 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    My parents aren't as mobile as they used to be. So after helping them all day, I came here to eat,…read morejust like old times. Kenko Ya will always have a special place in my heart. I was a little sad that my favorite server was not working. Maybe I'll see her next time! I decided on Udon. The broth is really good and warms the soul! I also got my usual, inari and an eel roll. Both very good! Would've had green tea, but it was late and it would've kept me up. The young servers working were all very friendly. I do remember when they were at the other smaller location, which was when I first discovered them. Good times! Mahalo again Kenko Ya!

    Kenko-Ya is probably one of my favorite restaurants on the windward side! A great Japanese…read morerestaurant with big portions. I usually order their combination meal with butterfish, mochiko chicken and shrimp & vegetable tempura. Their butterfish is moist and has great flavor. The mochiko chicken here is one of my favorites and they give you a lot! I have enough for leftovers the next day. The shrimp & vegetable tempura has a nice light and crispy batter and they give quite a lot of veggies with two big pieces of shrimp! At our recent visit with got spicy ahi which was quite spicy but still tasty! The service is really good, with the servers being very attentive. I definitely recommend this spot if you're craving Japanese food!

    Photos
    Combo 2 entrees. Teriyaki chicken and sushi.
    Combo 2 entrees. Teriyaki chicken and sushi.
    Ribeye with garlic butter cooked to my hubby's liking- medium. Also a generous portion!
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    Daiichi Ramen - Kailua

    Daiichi Ramen - Kailua

    3.8
    (338 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    1999 years in business

    I love Daiichi Ramen. All of the locations I have been to pretty much operate the EXACT same (Pearl…read moreCity and Kapolei). It's never been too busy when I've gone since it's always midday, after lunch and before dinner. The service is quick and I've never had to wait long at all to get my food. I usually get the Katsu Curry, in which the portions are big and the chicken katsu always stays crispy.

    The cleanliness at this restaurant is very poor. The moment my family and I walked in, we were hit…read morewith a strong urine smell. There were fly traps hanging from the ceiling, which was quite unpleasant to see while trying to eat. Strangely, the staff was mopping the floor right next to occupied tables during a busy late-night rush. The menus also smelled like a dirty bathroom; I couldn't hold mine for more than a minute without gagging. While the staff was quick and the food came out fast, the kitchen was disorganized. They forgot our miso soup and brought out edamame instead of the menma (bamboo shoots) we ordered. We had the gomoku ramen, spicy beef ramen, gyoza, lemon tea, a side of menma, and shrimp tempura udon. The gyoza and lemon tea were delicious, but they couldn't outweigh the negatives. According to my family, two out of the three soups tasted like dish soap. We were too exhausted after work to send them back, but it was honestly gross. To top it off, the single-stall unisex bathroom had that same foul odor. I wouldn't recommend Daiichi Ramen. Serving 'dish soap soup' is unacceptable in food service. You're better off heading to the nearby Burger King or Safeway for late-night eats.

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    Our most popular ramen dish, Tan Tan Ramen.
    Our most popular ramen dish, Tan Tan Ramen.
    Combo menu.
    Combo menu.
    One of my favorites:).

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    One of my favorites:).

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