Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Aloha Mamacita

    3.8 (628 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Order Aloha Mamacita Takeout or Delivery

    Aloha Mamacita Photos

    Business Info

    ALOHA MAMACITA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like Aloha Mamacita

    Recommended Reviews - Aloha Mamacita

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    So sad. The tacos used to fill my hand.
    Lilian R.

    Been enjoying Aloha Mamacita for years - since they were in Waipahu (who else misses the original Birria Bomb Bites?!). Went to order 2 Birria Taco sets for my husband's and my lunch today to go and was excited to get home to Ewa Beach from town. Got home, opened the delicious-smelling to-go boxes and have never been so disappointed in my life! Talk about shrinkflation! I was okay spending $7/taco and my daughter used to request (and I would fulfill) almost weekly - even after they started skimping on meet in the birria bombs and tacos. Today was the most shocking realization...the tacos frickin shrunk in size!!!! They should've just stayed in Waipahu or in a truck so they didn't need to skimp on quality and size. I can no longer support a business that is robbing their loyal customers.

    Thai fried chicken, fries, and onion rings
    Sammi L.

    We found Aloha Mamacita while watching a Niners game at the Row, where they allow outside food. We ordered onion rings, fries, and their Thai fried chicken. The fries and chicken were my favorites. For 3 people, all of it came out to around $30, too. Staff were super friendly, and the seating inside is nice. Parking is easy with the garage and validation. All in all, would definitely come back to try more items (like their horchata owers!)

    Pumpkin Spice Martini ($16)
    Alyssa G.

    Went here on a Saturday night to try the new holiday-themed drinks. I've visited Aloha Mamacita on a few other occasions, either going here just to enjoy their food or to enjoy whatever themed cocktails they have available. I've only been here on Saturdays, both during the day and night. If you plan on going here on a Saturday night, be prepared to wait anytime between 30 min. and 1 hour. Food-wise, I normally get their birria fries which come loaded with toppings such as onions, meat, cheese, and sour cream. It's definitely shareable between two people! It's a little greasy but man does it hit the spot. I have tried some of their desserts but it's personally too sweet for my taste. Aloha Mamacita does absolutely amazing with their themed cocktails though! This year, I've tried their Halloween-themed cocktails and Christmas-themed cocktails. The jello shots are fun to eat but can be a little strong. My favorite drink so far has been the Pumpkin Spice Martini which literally just tastes like a spiked pumpkin spice drink. You can feel the alcohol burn in your throat but I think the drink went down easily for me because of the whipped cream on top.

    Strawberry Banana Pudding
    Chez T.

    So after a positive experience a few months ago, we r back to the slowest service on earth. At one point we were the only people in the restaurant so I don't know what's taking so long. Food was ok but for the price and the wait, I would try something else. They validate parking and I think take out from here might be a better option then dine in. Bonus* - 5 stars to the interior Christmas decorator cuz the place looks amazing! If u have alot of time to wait for mediocre food it's super cute for ur IG.

    Strawberry cheesecake and banana pudding original
    Amy Y.

    This spot is usually packed, and the wait tends to be long. I'd heard mixed reviews about both the service and food, so I was a bit skeptical. I decided to stop by mainly because of their promotion and opted for takeout to avoid the wait. I tried their dessert promotion -- a BOGO free deal. Normally, one dessert costs around $6-$7, which is pretty pricey. I got the strawberry cheesecake and banana pudding. Unfortunately, I wasn't very impressed. Both were overly sweet, and most of the dessert seemed to be whipped cream on top. Overall, the desserts were just okay. Maybe the food is better, but I'm not sure I'd come back just for the sweets.

    Lychee Spritz (absolutely delish!) - VN
    Vince N.

    After almost 12 hours of waiting for the spouse who was at an appointment in Waterfront Plaza, I needed some F&B fuel. ATMOSPHERE: The otherwise ho-hum vibe was brightened by the live entertainment at the neighboring Row Bar. But, Aloha Mamacitas went all out on their Halloween decor as well as a fun drink menu that included a "Dracula's Blood Bag" which was a whiskey-based, red-hued drink served in an IV bag. MENU: A mishmash of Mexican, Thai and local Hawaiian dishes. No burritos. BEVERAGE: Lychee Spritz Damn, this was delish! It tasted like a fizzy mai tai, with sweet and creamy notes, garnished with a whole lychee. I definitely would've ordered another if I didn't have to leave! Highly recommended. FOOD: Birria Nachos I was so excited at the mention of "birria", I failed to read that the dish included nacho cheese (in addition to real cheese). While not a deal breaker, the use of entirely real cheese would've made this a 5-star experience. The shredded beef was moist and intensely infused with textbook birria flavors. I wished guac and olives came with, but only jalapeños were included. SERVICE: I was greeted by a friendly gal who turned out to be my server. Everyone was great. OVERALL: That lychee spritz is still on my mind...

    Red Curry
    Todd M.

    If you don't mind spending a little more for lunch...come check this place out. So far everything here is delicious. The service is fast and friendly. They also have a full bar, music stage and 4 dartboards. I wouldn't know but it looks like a cool place for after work drinks or just to hangout.

    Gingerbread and S'Mores Martini
    Sara L.

    I had been wanting to check out Aloha Mamacitas Grinchmas Bar, so we came on a Friday afternoon at around 4:00pm. It wasn't too crowded because they had a private event at 5:00pm and we really appreciated them seating us despite being busy. We ordered 2 of their holiday martinis: S'mores and Gingerbread. We also ordered the birria fries. The fries were nice and crispy, and loaded with melted cheese and birria. We also really liked the raw onion and jalapeño on top. The drinks were fun and festive but a bit watered down, however I have heard good things about their matcha and desserts, so I hope to come back sometime to try other options from their menu. Parking is available in the waterfront plaza garage. Unfortunately didn't realize they validated and I will have to remember that next time.

    Pad See Ew, Birria Crunch Wrap with Consomme, Pad Thai, Fried Chicken Bao Set
    Kyllie N.

    I've been to Mamacita several times for both lunch and dinner, and the experiences have been very hit or miss. The restaurant itself is pretty big. It can get pretty crowded there during both lunch & dinner hours. The one consistent issue has been the severe understaffing. During both lunch and dinner visits, our food arrived well before our drinks. The staff was clearly doing their best, but they were stretched thin--servers were rushing between tables, and there was only one bartender making drinks for the entire restaurant. The food itself is actually pretty good. I really enjoy their Thai dishes like the pad see ew, and their birria tacos and appetizers are solid as well. Their non-alcoholic drinks, like the matcha, are also tasty. The last two times I visited for dinner to try their holiday drinks, we ran into the same issue: the food came out long before the drinks because there was only one bartender. The service during dinner has consistently been terrible, even though the food is good. At this point, I would only return for lunch. I genuinely want to see this place succeed, especially since it started out as a small business, but they really need to hire more staff if they want to keep up with demand.

    Ann N.

    We pretty much come here for the desserts cheesecakes. There have been none of them which we disliked. They are so addicting and have us keep coming back for more. My favorite is between Ube and the ube banana. My kid loves cookie butter. We did try the curry and pad kee mao. Both were super salty for our liking. And we are Thai. there is free validated parking in the structure. We ordered to go although when we went in at 4 PM there were no customers. it's definitely a place you can do takeout and then sit at the row bar.

    Birria Crunch Wrap with Consomme Panang Curry
    Josh O.

    Parking: located in waterfront plaza with validated parking Service: table service Ambiance: love the holiday themes! right now it's decked out with holiday decor and have Christmas themed cocktails Food: would recommend the birria bomb bites, birria Crunchwrap, calamari, and panang curry

    Birria Crunch Wrap with Consomme
    Aidan A.

    This Birria Crunchwrap is BOMB!!! when i came with my two friends, the service was good and they sat us fast and the food came out fast considering there were a good amount of people there. My friend also ordered the Birria Loco Moco. At first, i was questionable about the combo but when i tried it, it was BOMB AS WELL. For drinks, i definitely recommend the ube horchata. it was very smooth and refreshing that i wanted to order another. if i were to come again, WHICH I DEFINITELY WILL, i would definitely recommend all items we ordered!

    Jenna R.

    Been here a few times located at Waterfront Plaza. Today I ordered the birria tacos, which were tasty as usual. Stopped in for the Halloween decorations and cocktails. There were out of most Halloween cocktails. :-(( We were told the Dracula's Blood Bag was out of stock but then saw another table order it and receive it. *sigh* My mom and I's cocktails were good and on theme. Servers are friendly but they could be more attentive. We parked in the structure and got our parking validated. Would come here again for their Taco Tuesday specials, Happy Hour, and Holiday Cocktail special.

    Birria Taco Set with Consommé. The consommé was fish sauce instead.

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chez T.
    135
    550
    1487

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Amy Y.
    439
    1243
    3980

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 4
    Photo of Vince N.
    663
    2425
    12674

    9 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 5

    7 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 4

    16 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 8
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Regina M.
    6
    48
    158

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim T.
    0
    12
    15

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Maria P.
    1026
    851
    13144

    1 year ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 4
    Love this 13
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M W.
    155
    43
    35

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Jam A.
    831
    334
    7317

    7 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 28
    Thanks 9
    Love this 29
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 16

    Aloha Mamacita Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Aloha Mamacita

    Do they take reservations?

    Yes for parties of 5 or more.

    What number building are you located?

    Suite 4A

    Is it byob?

    There's open outdoor seating at the central food court so I don't see why not. People bring their lunch from home and eat at the court all the time.

    How many tacos, bao or bomb bites are in each party tray? I can't figure out how many trays to order for 15 people.

    Birria Street Taco Platter is 50, Birria Taco Platter is 18, Birria Bao Platter is 18, Birria Bomb Bites is 50.

    Is the parking free?

    We validate for 3 hrs

    Did they close for good?

    This particular location... yes. But, her new restaurant location in Kakaako will be opening soon! Follow their IG for the announcement.

    Are they open on Thursdays at 6:30pm?

    Yes, till 8 pm.

    What are their hours and days?

    They don't necessarily have set hours and days. It's best to check their IG as they post ahead which days and locations they'll be at for the week. :)

    View All 9 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 27,888 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Chao

    Chao

    4.4
    (404 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Went here on a Thursday night which was more like a Friday because Friday is an observed holiday…read morefor us, around 7:45pm and was expecting it to be super busy but luckily for us, it wasn't. We walked in and the hostess was super sweet. She informed us that they were wiping down a table and we got seated within 10 minutes. It was our first time here and we've both heard and saw good things but we asked for extra time to look over the menu and our server was patient and gave us more time and offered some recommendations as well. We chose a handful of small plates and the softshell crab pasta with all the extra stuff and it was the perfect amount of food for us. We were more wanting drinks and pupus so our selections fit that but I'm sure if we wanted an actual dinner, we would have also be satisfied with the offerings they have. My only complaint about our overall meal is that the cocktails didn't complement the food. The drinks on its own were good and the food on its own was good, very good but together, bleh. The bone marrow had a slight sweetness to it that I didn't care for too much but it wasn't horrible and it was cooked perfectly, not over done including the crostini's. The octopus was cooked good (I would prefer it be a little softer) but still very enjoyable and the flavors were really good. The pasta and soft shell, cooked perfectly and flavors on point. So much so that I need the recipe so I can add this dish into my dinner rotation! The decor is nice.. when we first walked in, I thought we were gonna get a table right by the door, along the window, and I didn't want that, but we ended up getting a table closer to the bathroom (I think it was the bathroom?) and I liked that area. The area by the bathroom gives off chill, classy vibes, but the other area was giving me, fast food, sit down area vibes.

    I've been dying to go here & we finally made it for date night!…read more My Ranking so far: #1 - The beef carpaccio was a highlight of my visit, this is a must! #2/3 - My bf got the Whole Moi + chicken fat rice & he was a big fan! #2/3 - I personally preferred the Chicken wings w/ caramalized fish sauce. It was good but also on the smaller side in terms of portions. #4 - The Soft Shell Crab Pasta was very buttery & garlicky, nothing super crazy. I highly recommend adding spicy sauce (on the table) in there, it was much better after! Next time I really want to try the duck breast salad!!

    Photos
    Interior dining room with bamboo-like lighting
    Interior dining room with bamboo-like lighting
    Fried Spring Rolls - Ch Gi
    Fried Spring Rolls - Ch Gi
    Ube Dream

    See all

    Ube Dream
    Lucky Belly

    Lucky Belly

    4.2
    (2.2k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    So glad we ate here! Looks like there are lots of hip options in Chinatown, and we would have…read morewalked around and tried even more if we had had more time. We had a 4 hour layover in Honolulu and it was a quick 15 minute Lyft ride here to Lucky Belly. We were the only party here right at 5:30 pm. Loved the art and clean simple elegance of the exposed brick wall and wood tables. We were greeted and served by a very friendly host. We had the duck tacos, plus the special dim sum appetizer combo of pork belly bao, lobster dumplings and oxtail dumplings. We could not pick a favorite. The variety of textures was fantastic and each of the meat fillings were perfectly seasoned and tender, delicious! Each had a different sauce- just enough, not too much. Nothing was spicy but there was chili oil on the table if you wanted to add more heat. We got 2 nonalcoholic spritzers, one lilikoi and one hibiscus, which were each refreshing and complimented the meal. Since the service was so efficient, after eating, we still had time to zip over to Magic Island to stroll around, take in the scene and enjoy the sunset before heading back to the airport. Our last evening in Hawaii was really special thanks to this delightful restaurant!

    Service is always top notch with helpful and friendly people always on hand. The ambiance is pretty…read morenice, with paneled walls and nice spacious seating. The A/C was blowing on our table intermittently, but it was okay because the heat from the sun through the glass front windows at 5:30 PM was intense. I think the shades could be drawn down a bit more. The bi bim bap bowl was very substantial and the meat was nicely flavored, albeit a bit on the spicy side. Chicken and beet salads were also cool and refreshing, with the layered goat cheese and beet terrines being a nice touch. Karaage chicken on the salads was also nicely cooked and moist. The wafu stake was tasty and tender and with a side of rice it made a complete meal (well, no veggies, but...). Parking is available nearby at the lot on the corner of Smith and Pauahi or the underground lot with an entrance on Beretania near Nu'uanu.

    Photos
    Interior bar and dining room.
    Interior bar and dining room.
    Lobster Moco (Dec 2025 update)
    Lobster Moco (Dec 2025 update)
    Exterior front.

    See all

    Exterior front.
    Carte Blanche

    Carte Blanche

    4.5
    (80 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Luxury

    Took our friend here for her birthday and what a hidden gem this place was. Tucked away in the…read moreheart of Kaimuki, Carte Blanche was definitely a delightful surprise! When our party first walked in, we were a tiny bit skeptical because of the empty room (which was beautifully decorated). However as each course came out, we were blown away and didn't know how the restaurant was not way busier for a Saturday night! Each dish/course was well thought out and prepared to perfection. We were all taken by surprise in a great way. The head chef Anthony was very passionate and excited about his work and that was very refreshing! Overall a wonderful experience and we will be back!

    If you're looking for Kaimuki's most romantic date night spot, look no further than Carte Blanche…read more We recently experienced their summer prix fixe menu (which changes twice a year), and it was one of those meals you remember long after the plates are cleared. The progression of dishes felt thoughtful and creative-- * Crispy Salt & Vinegar Chicken Skin (the perfect starter crunch) * Soupe de Poisson (deep, comforting flavors) * Pina Colada Granita (a refreshing palate cleanser) * Pan Seared Scallops (my personal favorite--perfectly caramelized and tender) * Double Cut Rack of Lamb (succulent and cooked to perfection) * Lemon Crème Brûlée Tart (a sweet, bright finish) Every plate was elegant, well-executed, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere strikes a balance between sophisticated and welcoming. Dim lighting, intimate tables, and quiet elegance make you feel like you've stepped into a hidden gem in the middle of Kaimuki. Honestly, I felt like a celebrity dining here. Service was polished but never pretentious--our server was attentive, knowledgeable about the courses, and kept the pacing of the meal just right. For the level of creativity and execution, Carte Blanche feels like an affordable luxury in Honolulu's dining scene. Perfect for anniversaries, date nights, or anytime you want an elevated experience without flying to the mainland. Highly recommend booking a reservation--you'll want to savor every moment here.

    Photos
    Carte Blanche
    Carte Blanche
    Carte Blanche

    See all

    Roy's Waikiki

    Roy's Waikiki

    4.3
    (3.6k reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$$$

    Three of us ate at Roy's on Friday night May 29, 2026. The waiter took drink orders and he seemed…read morelike a little distracted. Came by with the wrong drink. He apologized and ran off and then brought my friend's mai tai. Dinner was very good. The Cesar salad with bacon was excellent, crispy baby romaine . My husband and I shared the 4 fish tasting. Was very good. We preordered the pineapple upside down cake. The presentation was not as good as the Roy's Eating House at the International Market place. This one looked like it 'fell' . Coffee: we all ordered decaf coffee and it was Luke warm. Waiter apologized and brought 3 more cups, it still was not hot enough. We offered to have regular, thinking that maybe that would be hotter. Waiter said that there must be something wrong with the machine, because the coffee he brought was just out of the machine. Still not hot. We will probably go back because the food is good. Hope they fix the coffee machine.

    4.5 stars rounding to 5 for the incredibly attentive service and wonderful dining experience…read moreespecially catered to kids -- they brought 2 kids small quesadillas to the table immediately when we sat down. And had lots of kids crayons, coloring pages and options Food here was fresh and tasty, loved the grilled salmon and seared tuna --- especially that they could accommodate dietary restrictions of not spicy, no dairy and no tree nuts. I have GERD, so the tuna was fresh and well cooked, with none of the spice it normally comes with. A bit pricey, but solid find for the Waikiki area!

    Photos
    Bar area happy hour
    Bar area happy hour
    The all time classic here and still one of the best
    The all time classic here and still one of the best
    Pineapple martini

    See all

    Pineapple martini
    Giovedi

    Giovedi

    4.3
    (196 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Think I may have just found a new favorite restaurant! It's hard to do fusion in my opinion, but…read moreGiovedi gets it right. - Onion dip: AMAZINGGGG NO NOTES HOLY get this!! - Capellini: 10/10 amazing. The noodles are like vermicelli-style egg noodles which surprised me at first but was very interesting and I grew to really like it. The Dungeness crab sauce was very light and delicious - Kampachi: 7/10, the fish was nice but sauce was too rich and a bit salty. Another downside is that it is the portion size is pretty small. With one shared appetizer and the main, I was still a bit hungry at the end of the night. For the price, I did expect there to be bigger portions.

    Interesting concept and glad we tried. Food was good but perhaps not something I need to try again…read more Service and food pacing terrific. Lotsa cheese shavings on dishes - love it! Had the lilikoi mocktail - sweet and my husband liked it. The salad - liked the endive, watercress less so. Appreciated that not too heavily dressed. . Ono crudo new on menu - unusual bc on white bean puree and topped with olives. Tasted fine. Prosciutto - our favorite. Unusual with the sesame pocket, prosciutto thinly sliced and not too salty, the perfect pickles, plenty of shaved cheese. You make little pocket sandwiches and this made for a delish bite. Fois gras torchon - rich, nice sweet sauce, onion confit, on sourdough grilled bread. This can't not be good. Dan mien - liked the consistency of noodles silky and chewy. But sauce was overwhelmingly salty w lup cheong. I couldn't eat more than two bites. Our server was so solicitous and friendly and our water was never empty. The food pacing came out one at a time in perfect order and kept us from inhaling our food. Overall I'm glad we tried it and it's worth going to. Just not sure I'd be a regular here. For all of the above with tip was about $180.

    Photos
    Outside
    Outside
    Capellini granchio.
    Capellini granchio.
    Dan mien vietnam amatriciana

    See all

    Dan mien vietnam amatriciana
    Morimoto Asia Waikiki

    Morimoto Asia Waikiki

    4.1
    (1.1k reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$$

    Morimoto Asia Waikiki was the perfect way to end my Hawaii trip, and it absolutely delivered. I…read moremade a reservation for a tuesday at 5:30 PM, and it wasn't busy at all -- which made for a relaxed, enjoyable experience and easy conversation. I was seated on the lanai with a beautiful ocean view and had the privilege of watching the sunset while dining, which truly elevated the entire evening. Sky and Ke-Von took exceptional care of me -- both were incredibly friendly, attentive, and thoughtful. My sparkling water was constantly refilled, service was prompt, and I never once felt rushed or overlooked. Dining solo felt completely comfortable and not awkward at all, which I really appreciated. I started with the lilikoi mocktail with tequila added, which was refreshing and well balanced. The hamachi tacos featured extremely fresh fish -- clean, high quality, and delicious, though I felt it could have used a bit more "oomph," but still very enjoyable. The sticky ribs, however, were absolutely phenomenal. Perfectly seasoned, unbelievably moist, and falling off the bone -- I was genuinely blown away and in disbelief at how good they were. Easily one of the standout dishes of the night. I ordered the hot and sour soup as a palate cleanser and to help with digestion, and it was excellent -- flavorful with a satisfying burn. The highlight of the entire meal was the A5 Ishiyaki Wagyu (3 oz). You're served 4-5 pieces; the first slice is cooked for you, and you cook the rest yourself (about 15-30 seconds). It's accompanied by chimichurri, sea salt, sweet ginger soy, and ponzu, and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Mine was A5 Miyazaki, Japan (Quality Grade 5) -- the real deal. I truly thought I'd had great Wagyu before, but this completely blew me out of the water. The richness, texture, and flavor were unreal, and it paired beautifully with the sweet ginger soy. Absolutely worth the splurge. For dessert, I ordered the malasadas (5 pcs) served with bananas foster and whipped cream. They were unbelievably light, fluffy, and served fresh -- perfectly sweet without being overly sugary or bitter. An absolutely delightful dessert and a flawless way to end the meal. Overall, this was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Beautiful ambiance, excellent service, world-class food, and a stunning lanai sunset view. I highly recommend making a reservation, as I hear it books up quickly. If you go, don't miss the sticky ribs, malasadas, and Wagyu. I was looking to end my Hawaii trip with a bang, and Morimoto Asia Waikiki exceeded every expectation. I'll definitely be back soon.

    My bad review is entirely based on how terrible the food was. For context, we ordered Tonkatsu…read moreramen and Tsukemen dipping ramen. Ramen, according to the server, was the most popular thing on the menu, so how likely could it get messed up? Tonkatsu: Rich, but lacked any salt or had very little. We requested some salt and that instantly made the ramen better. The noodles had enough salt to carry it, but the broth was not great. It tasted like the broth was watered down or reconstituted, however no seasoning was added to re-adjust the broth. Broth: Had little salt and lacked punch, umami, and was brown instead of white. Noodles: Had enough salt to taste good, but was slightly overcooked Pork: Extremely bland. Tasted like zero salt was added during cooking. Toppings: Greatly lacking in toppings Tsukemen: The Tsukemen had a lot of the same issues. Now being a dipping ramen, the broth should be even richer and more flavorful than any normal ramen. Tsukemen -- no matter where you have it in Japan, should be richer and saltier than most broths, but the broth here was severely lacking. For $26 a bowl this was worse than your DIY frozen ramen packs. Now I'm not asking for Japan-level of ramen mastery here, this is after all, just a tourist spot -- but if your Tonkatsu is the best selling item, you have to step it up. Our server did mention that some people complained about the amount of salt in ramen, so they adjusted it. But dare I say, instead of diluting the normal salt/seasoning amount for everyone, couldn't you just add a separate, flavor-light version for people inexperienced with ramen, instead of diluting the original for everyone else? If you're reading this Mr. Morimoto, I would highly encourage you to fly here and order the ramen. I think you and I would share the same opinions. P.S. I've also been to your other Morimoto spots and it was not this bad.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Black pepper beef
    Black pepper beef
    Morimoto Asia Waikiki Ocean Front Lanai Dining

    See all

    Morimoto Asia Waikiki Ocean Front Lanai Dining

    Aloha Mamacita - mexican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...