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    Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill

    4.3 (847 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill Photos

    Business Info

    CHEZ KENZO BAR & GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Loud
    Happy hour specials
    Good for kids

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    Apparently Uni pasta, but no Uni
    Imanuel M.

    We ended up at this restaurant for one reason and one reason only: it was one of the few places still open late at night. Unfortunately, that turned out to be the only thing it had going for it. From the moment we walked in, the experience was terrible. The restaurant was overwhelmingly loud, with a nearby table screaming and carrying on to the point that it felt more like a nightclub than a dining establishment. When we politely asked to be moved, despite nearly half the restaurant being empty, our waiter acted as though we had asked him to rebuild the dining room from scratch. Then came the menu. I have eaten all over the world, from street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, and this may be one of the most confused menus I have ever encountered. Nothing seemed cohesive, nothing made sense, and when we asked for guidance, we were told it was "Asian fusion." If this was Asian fusion, then neither Asia nor fusion were informed. Following the waiter's recommendations, we ordered several dishes, including what was described as their best-selling uni pasta. When it arrived, I immediately noticed the obvious problem: there was essentially no uni in it. Not "a small amount." Not "subtle." Virtually none. Let's be honest here. Uni is expensive. Customers know that. Restaurants know that. Charging premium prices for a dish centered around uni while serving little to none of it feels misleading at best and dishonest at worst. When I tried to address the issue, things somehow got worse. The first staff member we spoke with immediately informed us that they "don't do exchanges" before even asking what was wrong with the dish. That response alone tells you everything you need to know about how this restaurant views customer service. Eventually, our waiter arrived, and instead of showing any concern whatsoever, he became defensive. He repeatedly insisted there was uni in the dish because he had personally supervised its preparation. At no point did he ask what was wrong. At no point did he attempt to understand the complaint. At no point did anyone seem remotely interested in whether we were enjoying our meal. The irony is that the missing uni wasn't even the biggest problem. The bigger problem was the attitude. Mistakes happen in restaurants every day. Good restaurants fix them. Bad restaurants argue with customers about them. I ordered a replacement pasta with shrimp and mussels simply because I wanted a dish where I could physically verify the main ingredients existed. The seafood was there, but somehow the kitchen still managed to produce a pasta dish almost completely devoid of flavor. By the end of the evening, our dissatisfaction could not have been more obvious. Yet nobody checked on us. Nobody asked what went wrong. Nobody cared. This place seems to have confused being expensive with being good. The food was mediocre, the service was dismissive, the menu was a mess, and the hospitality was nonexistent. There are countless restaurants in Hawaii competing for visitors' attention and money. This one does not deserve either. I will never return, and I would strongly recommend spending your time and money literally anywhere else.

    Mikey H.

    When we all could meet up, Cat suggested Kenzo since they have an awesome happy hour. The prices have gone up, but what hasn't in these times. I ordered a Sensy sake cocktail with a sake shot chaser. Sooooooo good! The deep fried fish cakes never disappoints! The quesadilla does need a little work. But when you chat, drink and snack, everything works very well! The staff is so cool and friendly! Really appreciated their service! The place filled up quickly with lots of locals! I should've ordered the hamburger steak cause I was reminded from a past review that it was delicious! Mahalo Kenzo! Until next time!

    Yaki Negitoro Don and Hello Kitty Cocktail
    Jenna R.

    Food: 4/5 Service: 3/5 Ambiance: 3.5/5 My party and I were looking for a place to eat and drink more drinks later at night. We walked in at around 10p and got seated right away. It was very smokey and dim inside. We waited a bit for someone to come and take our order. My party ordered a cocktail that was $8, wine, and a beer and then 3 yaki negitoro dons. I liked my Hello Kitty cocktail because it tasted fruity and the cranberry juice paired well. Our drinks came quick, but we waited about 10-15 minutes for one of our food items to come. We waited for the other 2 items but it never came. Our waiter thought we were sharing one don between the 3 of us but comped our drinks and gave us free shots of sake. At the end of the night, they discounted our check and gave us the other 2 bowls in takeout boxes. It is extremely loud in here and hard to have a conversation. It felt stuffy because of how smokey and packed in it was. Bathroom is also very weird and deceiving. It looks like they have multiple stalls but they only have one stall. Service wasn't great but they made it better by the end of the night. Menu is very extensive with different dishes so I would say it's worth the try!

    Sizzling Omurice
    Xin L.

    Gave this spot another shot this time especially since the first time wasn't terrible, just a questionable experience the second time. They were bustling with business but upon arrival, we were able to grab one of the tables outsides luckily. They have large menus, I assume they may be disposable as it is paper and gets dirty super fast. I feel like they should really try to laminate these things to avoid waste. WE got: * Garlic Bread with Mushroom Cream Sauce: 8/10. My friend that I was with said he really recommended it so we got it. It was a pretty solid appetizer, the bread was garlicky and buttery. The toasty bread paired well with the mushroom cream sauce. Even though it was good I personally wouldn't order it again just because I feel like there are much more unique/ interesting dishes on the expansive menu * Hane Cheese Gyoza: 10/10. No notes, this was amazing. Meaty and cheesy, perfectly satisfied my umami and cheesy craving. * Filet Katsu Curry: My friend got this, it looked very good and he said he really likes it so I assume it is a solid item as well. I didn't get the chance to try it. * Pasta Salmon with Cream Sauce: 8/10 I got this because I wanted to give their pastas another shot after not really liking their uni pasta... this was good. Personally wouldn't get it again though. I feel like they could cut down on the volume of noodles and possibly increase the amount of cream/sauce and even the salmon. As our meal progressed, it felt like it was getting less and less creamy as there weren't enough sauce to cling onto the remaining noodles I feel like I would definitely recommend this spot for happy hour, I heard their drink deals are good too (on top of their food HH). The cheese gyoza could single handedly bring me back, so I'm interested in exploring other dishes. Glad I was able to have a better experience this time around.

    HH drink menu
    Joycelyn C.

    Chez Kenzo is quickly becoming one of my favorite happy hour spots in town! Their $9 happy hour is an amazing deal, with plenty of delicious options to choose from. The highlights for us were the pesto pasta, omurice, and the pork kakuni -- all packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. They also offer great drink specials, making it an easy place to unwind after work. Happy hour runs from 5-7 pm, and it's honestly one of the best values around. The service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere is clean, trendy, and comfortable. I love that they offer both indoor and outdoor seating, depending on the vibe you're in the mood for. Validated parking in the lot is also a huge plus and makes visiting super convenient. Definitely a place I'll be coming back to again and again! Great spot of date night or friend hang out. Side room available for parties as well.

    Omurice - AWESOME!
    Katy A.

    Good - Omurice. Happy Hour prices on beer and other alcohol. Convenient location. Free parking after 4:00 pm. Friendly and attentive staff. They'll tell you if you order something that's not so good and comp food when there's a problem. Great energy in the space. Nice high tops outside when the weather is nice. Pasta dishes are generous. Not so good - If you don't order when they first come by they may get too busy to return right away. Pork belly Kakuni mediocre. Pasta dish we ordered took forever so server didn't charge us for it. Poke bowl a little mushy.

    Interior
    Lori W.

    I highly recommend Chef Kenzos Happy Hour, 5-7 pm on your way home from work, stop in for an early dinner and celebrate! Of course I just had to order the 'Hello Kitty" Cocktail. Wide selection of cocktails specialty shots and beers for $8 and under. These prices really make me happy! Ambiance: Happy local vibe Service: Outstanding! Food: Great selection of local favorites.

    Menchi LocoMoco
    Patrick R.

    I have to give 5 stars because the staff, the food, the drinks, the hustle, the cleanliness is top tier. This may be the best happy hour spot also, like $4 beers, cheap but amazing cocktails and the happy hour food will suite anyone because there is sooo many options! We had the pasta with garlic and chili pepper which was simply good. The Menchi Loco Moco which is mind blowing!! If you want a different style of LocoMoco the this is your go to, amazing. We also got their friend rock shrimp which was lightly fried and paired with a great sauce. The main thing about this place is the food comes out pipping hot and the drinks are insanely cold. It's the best of both worlds.

    Natto pasta and the original parfait!
    Kira K.

    This place has always been a favorite of mine to go out with friends! Amazing food, large drink menu.. what more could you want? Happy hour deals? Yup! They've got that too They have a Japanese/Italian fusion menu and some favorites are: ikura pasta, natto pasta (basically any of their pastas are very good! Perfectly cooked!), bacon & kabocha, their sizzling omurice with demi glacé (during happy hour)... and, their original parfait! Their service is friendly, but be warned - this place can get packed and loud. However, I think the food definitely justifies going anyways :)

    Rock shrimp deep fried
    Tasha K.

    Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill has some of the best happy hour deals on the island -- not to mention the best fusion izakaya food and drinks! My favorite is their Sizzling Omurice, which has a fluffy egg over seasoned rice with a rich semi-glaze sauce on top. If you're looking for somewhere to get great drinks and yummy food after work, this is the perfect spot! Vibe: The restaurant is large and has dimmed lighting. There's a somewhat private room for parties in the back of the restaurant, seating outside, and restrooms near the kitchen. The only downside about choosing to come here is that the inside can get so noisy that you have to practically yell at each other across the table. Parking: You have to check in to the small parking lot using QR codes that can be found outside and inside the restaurant. There's also street parking along South King Street.

    Steven Y.

    Late post from the other week. There were 7 of us for happy hour / dinner with an out of town friend. I called and secured reservation for same day. The place was busy as usual. Always recommend to get reservation before going there. The food was good as usual. We double ordered all of the happy hour dishes and also ordered some regular menu food. One of my favorite is the kabocha (pumpkin) and bacon. I also liked their omurice. The quesadillas turned out to be pretty good too. That was a first time try for most of us. They have plenty of parking and validate up to 5 hours. It can be quite loud as everyone is having a good time! Service was great. Came back to refill waters and order drinks multiple times and take away plates.

    Steak Diane (Feb 2026)
    Steven N.

    the hotspot for all locals alike! what more can I say? I rave for this place. if my pockets allowed, i would come here everyday! Food is amazing, drinks are spectacular, service is friendly to as much as almost like family. and best part Date night friendly, Family friendly, party friendly, Solo friendly. have been and will always come back. Menu is extensive and appetizing so order carefully or else you will ask for a lot of take out boxes. FYI, scan their QR code inside shop to have free parking otherwise you will get a ticket for not paying. PARKING IS FREE, just do the qr code stuff. if you're looking for me, this is where i'll be

    Lily T.

    Happy hour foods are all at $9 ($2 less than their regular menu). You can definitely get full from ordering off of their hh menu. Drinks are light as if no alcohol are in it but hey, I'm not complaining. They're still fun or order!

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    29 days ago

    Delicious Happy Hour Menu good for a few folks to share. Love this spot!! Get there early enough to get a table and parking though.

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    Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill

    Their phone number doesn't work. Is this place still open, and if so, how to make a reservation? I resorted to emailing but don't have much hope.

    It's still open! and pretty sure they don't take reservations unless you have a really big party 🎈

    Do they still take reservations? No one is picking up the phone and I called a bunch of times.

    Yes

    When is a good time to call to make reservations? I've tried to call to make reservations, 2 days in a row now, for Sunday Party of 12 @630. No one answers.

    I tried a calling a dozen times during opening hours, but got through today calling around 4pm.

    Are there any gluten free options here, looking at the menu and it doesn't look hopeful?

    The menu has multiple gluten free options all marked!

    Is the Happy Hour everyday?

    Yes! Well everyday it's open! Just note that it's a popular local spot: come early, make reservations, or have a plan B because it's always crowded.

    Are kids allowed?

    Yes they are

    Do they have outdoor seating?

    Yes

    Do they take reservation?

    Yes they do! Highly recommended to call for a reservation as this place is a popular local spot, especially for happy hour. Our table was reserved for us when we arrived!

    Where is the pay box? I got ticketed, and want to be sure to find it next time

    If you park on the same side of the restaurant (there's certain stalls) it's free. The stalls across just as you come in are paid parking for another building

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    Vintage Books

    Vintage Books

    4.4
    (185 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$$
    Gluten-free friendly
    Romantic vibe

    Came here to celebrate a birthday with a group of 7 people. It truly is like a vintage…read morelibrary-turned -speakeasy. The ambiance is very cozy, we had a table in the back corner which made it feel like we had our own area which I appreciated. If you like vodka-based drinks with some fruitiness, I highly recommend the Meet Cute cocktail. We ordered our food family style and had our server advise on the number of orders. Standouts were the rice cakes with crab, cowboy salad, kalbi steak, and steamed clams. Service was attentive and nice. FYI - there is a $14 outside dessert fee if you're bringing a birthday cake, etc.

    My fiance loves jazz music, so I thought Vintage Books would be the perfect spot for our…read moreanniversary dinner. The entrance is behind a bookcase, which gives it a fun speakeasy feel. Inside, the lighting is dim and cozy, and they have live music playing which really adds to the atmosphere. It felt intimate and perfect for a special night out. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the wait time for our food was very reasonable. One of our favorite things we tried was the kimchee flight, which was absolutely amazing. The real standouts of the night, though, were the drinks and desserts. Everything we ordered was delicious and beautifully presented. My only small critique is that I wish there were a few more appetizer options on the menu. Other than that, we had a wonderful experience and would definitely come back for another date night.

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    Bar & lounge
    Bar & lounge
    Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako
    Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako
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    Bar Leather Apron

    Bar Leather Apron

    4.5
    (476 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Date night? Hanging with friends? Pau hana with colleagues? Just want your own moment but you also…read moreenjoy history and well made drinks and pupus? This is your stop. Plan for reservations well in advance because you're going to want to sit at the bar. That's where the storytelling is center stage. From the outside, you'd easily miss it. But once you step inside, you realize you're stepping into an experience. Every drink comes with a unique story and the bartender is not simply a storyteller but an artist as well.

    Months before my trip to Oahu, I tried to book a reservation to Bar Leather Apron but was unable to…read moredo so because the reservations were immediately scooped up right as they were released. To my surprise, on a Sunday evening after having dinner nearby at Maze, my wife and I walked over to Bar Leather Apron and we were able to get seated right away! In fact, around 7:30 p.m. when we stopped by, there was actually a ton of seating available in the bar. Who would've guessed. If you're in the same boat as me and are unable to find a reservation for your upcoming visit, I would encourage you to stop by and try a walk-in. The first page of the menu lists a wide variety of whiskey based cocktails. Most -- if not all, of the cocktails are pre-fixed with BLA (Bar Leather Apron), and represent a collaboration with the named distillery. If you're fan of whiskey, you'll definitely have a difficult time picking only one. I ultimately ordered their "Take Warning" -- 2021 BLA Knob Creek BLA Single Barrel, Cynar, Carpano Antica, Mezcal, Bergamot Salt. Drinks here are not cheap -- averaging $20 to $25 per drink. Although my drink was very spirit forward, it still felt very well balanced. I appreciated the hint of smokiness from the mezcal that rounded out the end of a sip. Service here quick and friendly. When we received the check, a cute small chocolate snack was brought over as well, borrowed from the menu at Maze. Overall, I can see why Bar Leather Apron has earned so many accolades in its field. Definitely worth a stop by if you enjoy the art of mixology.

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    View from our seat
    View from our seat
    Matcha old fashioned
    Matcha old fashioned
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    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    4.5
    (48 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    Some places you find, others you have to earn, and 430 Parkway is one you'd miss if you weren't…read morelooking for it. Tucked on the second floor of a Piikoi Parkway building, it feels like stepping back in time, a true bespoke bar with vintage art, moody lighting, and comfy couches that make it perfect for couples or a night out with friends. We sat at the bar, which was a highlight, Michael and Tony were welcoming, easy to talk story with, and clearly know their craft. I went with the Barreled Old Man, a smooth, layered mix of bourbon, rye, and brandy that just worked, while my wife's Sesame Veil brought a nutty, balanced flavor that stood out. For round two, the Espressing My Love was a great take on an espresso martini, and Michael built my wife a custom drink off her favorite flavors and nailed it again. We paired it with the smoked mozzarella and salami grilled cheese and Ho Farms tomato soup, and this is where it really hit. The sandwich came out hot and crisp, and when you took a bite the cheese pulled away just right, that perfect melt, with the salami adding a savory kick. The tomato soup was fresh, bright, and made for dipping you didn't want to stop. We were welcomed with a table that had our name on it, a small touch that goes a long way. Prices are on point for the quality and experience you're getting. It's a bit of a hidden, hip spot, not for a quick drink but for when you want to sit, relax, and enjoy it. Parking is tight, but you can park at Ala Moana and walk over, and it's worth it. Next time we're coming back for Grandma's Old Fashioned and the pork belly bao buns. This isn't a bar you stumble into, it's one you come back to.

    I went here for my birthday and didn't realize I should've made a reservation for a larger group,…read moreespecially since it was my first time. Thankfully, Michael and his team were able to accommodate us, which I really appreciated. From the moment we walked in, the place had a great vibe, the interior is beautiful. Throughout the night, the staff and Michael (the owner) were incredibly welcoming, funny and attentive. The cocktails were amazing. I had the expressing my love all night and even though the place was busy and there was a bit of a wait for food, it was honestly worth it. We had the crab dynamite, the ahi brioche, and the prosciutto and burrata. SO GOOD! My friends and I had such a great time and will definitely be back.

    Photos
    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU
    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU
    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!
    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!
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    Hideout

    Hideout

    4.2
    (1.4k reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Great service and yummy food... Tucked away at the Laylow…read morehotel, is a chill restaurant with fun Hawaiian vibes. We started our vacation with dinner at the Hideout, and upon entering you could immediately hear live music. We received a warm welcome, and brought over to our booth where our server Kai was quick to greet us. We ordered cocktails (I don't remember the name of mine. It's something spritz, and my husband tried the banana bread old fashioned) and we shared the appetizer platter (brussel sprouts with pork belly, kalua pork egg rolls, poke tacos, and edamame)to share. We also ordered the garlic shrimp dumplings. Everything was super tasty. Lots of other items on the menu that I want to try during another visit to the island.

    I loved finding this spot! I looked at the coffee situation at my hotel (Hilton Garden Inn) and the…read morelack of anything but powered creamer (yuck) so immediately went on the hunt for something better. I initially tried the bakery directly across the street at the International Marketplace, but they didn't open until 7am. I began to walk towards a distant Starbucks I found on Google and noticed an active escalator and signage pointing towards the open Hideout at the Laylow. Advertising local coffee, I immediately took the ride upstairs and was greeted by two young ladies full of smiles and Aloha spirit! Being summertime and hot (even at 6am) I ordered a large iced latte and decided to drink it on their large open lanai. I'm glad I did. The breezes up there were perfect and watching the daylight get brighter with local birds chirping and fluttering about made for a very nice wake-up! This became my go-to stop every morning of my visit! I only ordered breakfast once and kept it low-carb so I had cheesy eggs and Portuguese sausage. Perfect and hit the spot. If staying at the Laylow (Marriott product) or close by, I'd recommend this as your morning wake-up as well! Enjoy!

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    Wonton Poke Tacos are great! Especially during happy hour.
    Wonton Poke Tacos are great! Especially during happy hour.
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    Citrus Swell
    RM 38

    RM 38

    4.8
    (74 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    This spot is the place to be in Waikiki! Definitely make a reservation because this place fills up…read morefast, especially later into the night. What surprised me most was how good the food was for the price. Usually spots with this kind of atmosphere rely on the drinks to carry the experience, but every dish actually delivered. The chicken karaage was crispy and packed with flavor, the beef takoyaki disappeared almost instantly, and the taro chips with mascarpone were such a unique combination. Between the cocktails, food, service, and atmosphere, everything just worked.

    We dropped by speakeasy RM 38 (Room 38) inside the Imperial Hotel on Lewers in Waikīkī. We were…read morevery glad we did. The owner is Steve Aoki, of Aoki Group, and son of daredevil and entrepreneur, Rocky Aoki. The staff were super nice. The brunette (Ellie?) working Sat, 4/25 was super friendly, and worked her ass off. The Azn fellow who also took care of us let us look at the bottles of special bourbon we drank: Four Roses & Blantons both tr the Aoki Collection. Regarding the ambiance its whimsical inside. I didn't look on the lanai, but I understand you can smoke cigars out there. The background music was jazz and the occasional Motown hit (Stylistics). My cuz who lives in Kaimukī has neva been to RM 38. I promised to add him to the res next time. Its a lot easier to get in vs another speakeasy in Chinatown, and its walking distance from where I always stay at the Moana.

    Photos
    Lounge area
    Lounge area
    Ahi
    Ahi
    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

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    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

    Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill - japanese - Updated June 2026

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