The food and service were good. However, I didn't like that there was a time limit for our reservation. We were only given 1 hour and 30 minutes to dine, and the lady reminded us that our time was up. I felt a little rushed, especially since we were celebrating a birthday. read more

We walked in for lunch on a Saturday right at opening (11am), no reservations, but were seated immediately. The hostess and wait staff were all friendly and very accommodating. We went in hoping to order a bunch of stuff, unfortunately, the lunch menu is more limited than the dinner menu. No matter, this was a blessing in disguise We ordered the deluxe teishoku set and the premium trio bowl. We initially wanted to get the uni/ikura bowl (dinner menu only) so we ordered a separate uni sashimi since the deluxe teishoku set came with an ikura bowl. This was definitely a splurge. The deluxe teishoku set is one of the best deals I think you can get for the price and quality. It gives you a little taste of everything and the quality was superb. Definitely would come back for lunch and dinner! read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Deluxe Teishoku Set + Uni Sashimi (separate order) - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Traditional Japanese style, imported ingredients with a lively atmosphere. The Negitoro was generous and the nori was crisp. Very high quality fish, the hamachi sashimi was really good. The Wagyu beef bowl was a good portion size and had good flavor. Overall a little pricy, but the quality was unmatched. Close quarters seating and a little loud. A great spot for trying new things. Not a very fancy restaurant but it was more of a homey atmosphere. Great service and it was nice sitting at the bar. read more

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Izakaya Tenkichi Japanese Izakaya Restaurant Overall: 8.6/10 Food: 9.2/10 Service: 8.5/10 Ambiance: 9/10 Value: 7.7/10 Izakaya Tenkichi was a perfect way to spend a late Friday night dinner. You instantly feel like you're teleported to Japan once you step inside. The atmosphere is lively and the staff are all very friendly. We ordered the Seared Mackerel, Garlic Shoyu Cabbage with Crispy Noodle, Pork Belly Tempura, Maitake Mushroom Tempura, Seared Salmon Belly Handroll, Negitoro Avocado Handroll, Seared Scallop Handroll, Negitoro Bowl, and Yuzu Draft Beer. Everything was amazing , but the highlights were the pork belly tempura with yuzu shiokosho, Maitake tempura, Negitoro bowl, and the yuzu draft beer. This is a yuzu lovers dream! They also provide three types of salt to use on the tempura. The servers were very attentive and sweet. The price of the dishes are a little higher but is normal for an late night izakaya. Can't wait to come again! read more

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Tempura teishoku! I thought I wasn't going get full, but it was surprisingly filling and super tasty! The tempura was very fresh and the ambience was reminiscent of Japan. The service was great and I look forward to trying again ! read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Tempura teishoku - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

A smaller restaurant in Moiliili located upstairs by Tori Ton. Going up a flight of stairs took us to the restaurant. The place itself had some counter seating and tables. With an interior that was mostly wooden and black, it felt clean and simple. We had a reservation so we were seated when we arrived. The service was super prompt and everyone was professional. We decided to order garlic shoyu cabbage with crispy noodles, shrimp tempura roll, spam rolls, eel rolls, beef sukiyaki udon, tempura, and some drinks. We were pleasantly surprised by the cabbage, as the dressing was quite good. The rest was also yummy, and filled us up. It reminds us of some of the restaurants we went to in Japan. With different options on the menu, we would be excited to go back and try some different options too! read more

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Amazing experience!! Definitely 5 stars and above! First time trying this place and everything we ordered was so delicious and authentic. The staff were great. It was our friend's birthday and the staff were so adorable and truly so sweet when singing to our friend. Prices are very reasonable with a simple straightforward menu. Restaurant is so cute and welcoming. Feee parking in lot. Only thing to keep in mind is the restaurant is on the second floor and only can be accessed with stair read more

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Seen this place from an influencer on IG. It's a cute little place upstairs from another Japanese restaurant. The complex also has a few other restaurants downstairs. I didn't make a reservation but it seemed like they highly recommended it because we got seated at a bar style seating instead of a table which was fine with us. They had great options with the food. Hand rolls, sashimi style dishes, udon, and your normal Japanese bar food. We ordered the salmon (sashimi cut) with green onion and some kind of sauce, Hamachi (sashimi style) with home made soy sauce, albacore (sashimi style) with it's own sauce and fixing, salmon belly hand roll, scallop/ikura hand roll, uni roll, brie tempura, and a crunch salad. My Daughter tried the shrimp tempura and udon and she loved it! Everything we ordered was also really good. The brief tempura sounds weird but it was actually pretty good. I'll definitely be back. Our server was also very attentive. The only things we never really cared for was the calpico drinks which was really sour and grapefruit which is bitter. They share the parking lot with other restaurants so it could get full. read more

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What can I say about Izakaya Tenkichi?? Everything is AMAZING. I've been there twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. It hits every single time. It was much busier at dinner. I recommend making a reservation, because the space is small. The service is top tier. The servers encourage a good time. They even have a drink menu of server favorites. Think of them as party hosts. Every single thing I've eaten there is amazing. From the avocado to the tempura to the massive ikura bowl that serves 4. I can't recommend one thing in particular. I do encourage you to try anything seasonal. I promise. They won't disappoint. read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Soju and yuzu beer - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Came here on a Thursday night around 6:30 for dinner. I had to circle around the parking lot to find a stall, and I believe they recently added a QR code to pay for parking. I'm not really sure how the validation works for it though. We didn't have reservations but were seated right away. To start off, I got the shikuwasa calpico drink. I feel like a lot of places don't have shikuwasa, so I'm really glad I can get it here. They also had a lot of other fun drinks on their menu that I would love to come back and try. For three of us, we ordered a bunch of small things to share. We got the brie, cold chicken dynamite, sweet potato, and hamachi roll. It also came with different types of salt to dip it in. All the food was delicious, but my favorite was the brie. This restaurant is fun and high energy. Service was excellent and super helpful. I would definitely recommend coming here! read more

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My brother has been recommending this place so I am glad I finally got to go for dinner! We got a mix of regular and seasonal menu items. The hamachi with sesame sauce was ok, I prefer hamachi cooked though. The negitoro avocado rolls were tiny but decent and fresh tasting. The 5 types of tempura had a light crispy batter and were good. My favorites were the seasonal specials of hamachi kama (huge, meaty piece!), spicy chicken, and sukiyaki tofu. The spicy chicken was not very spicy at all, maybe a 1 or 2 out of 5 stars. It was refreshing and reminded me of Chinese chicken salad with the Chinese parsley and peanuts. The sukiyaki tofu was simple but good and not too sweet. The ambiance made me feel like I was in Japan and the staff were very attentive. Great service! The people preparing the food are right in the center and they are a well oiled machine cranking out dishes without breaking a sweat or raising their voices. The noise level can get a bit loud from diners having a good time. read more

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If you're looking for an authentic Japanese izakaya experience, Izakaya Tenkichi is a must-visit. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance transports you straight to Japan. The cozy atmosphere, traditional decor, and lively energy make it feel like a neighborhood izakaya you'd stumble upon while exploring Tokyo. The food was outstanding. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, and the tempura was fried to perfection, light, crispy, and never greasy. Some of our favorite dishes included the scallop sashimi, which was sweet and delicate, the assorted vegetable tempura, and the ikura & uni bowl, packed with rich flavors and premium ingredients. We also enjoyed several of their side dishes, each prepared with the same attention to quality and authenticity. Great food, great atmosphere, and a truly authentic dining experience. We can't wait to come back and try more of the menu! read more

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Excellent food service and ambiance! Popped in for an early dinner and we loved it! Ordered a variety of tempura, atemaki, and udon. Cant wait to come back again. read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Atemaki and tempura - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Tokyo like izakaya spot! Most things were good, tempura wasn't oily. My favorite dishes were the Hamachi w/sesame soy sauce and Kabocha tempura. Didn't care for the uni, too oceaney for me. Lots of parking, upstairs of Tori Ton. Good place for birthdays; they put on a fun celebration! . read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Spread - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First time here. Shared Parking lot with other businesses and eateries. You could also park on the street. This establishment is upstairs on the second level. We were seated around the cooking area and it can get very warm. The food was very tasty and the staff were incredibly. We shared a bunch of items from sushi to marinated beef. We will be back again. read more

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Overall delicious and good quality. I felt the tempura a little bit oily. Hamachi was fresh . The dressing for the salad a bit salty. Service was really good though. read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Hamachi - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Food is really good. It's casual place. We went on Thursday night and that place was packed. Server was attentive. Will be back soon! 4 1/2 star read more

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Love the energy in the environment. Very entertaining. I like that its kind of hidden away too. The wagyu is good too

The atmosphere was very fun and laid back! It's a great place to get drinks with family and friends and pick on izakaya and sushi dishes. Fun tip: If you purchase a bottle of sake, you get to randomly draw a prize! Prizes range from a free scallop sashimi to a "hug" from a staff member lol the staff members were all super friendly, but were a bit busy and rushed. The food was good. The dish they're known for, the ikura bowl, was the best standout dish to order. The other items were good but were a bit pricey for the quality and the portion. Overall, a spot I would return to again to try other dishes. My family had a good time there. Tips: the staircase getting up to the restaurant is steep, watch you step and be careful if drinking alcohol lol parking lot is paid and can fill up fast during prime dinner time. Street parking is hit or miss. Reservations are highly recommended. read more

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Service - 5 stars Ambiance - 5 stars Food- 5 stars This is my 3rd or 4th visit to Izakaya Tenkichi and I still feel like a kid at Disneyland whenever I walk in. I grew up with strong Japanese influence and always felt a strong sense of pride for that because I am Filipino, Chinese and part Hawaiian. Visiting this spot always brings me back to my first visit to Japan and offers all the nostalgia. The first thing I always order is their delish Yuzu beer. It's top of the line draft beer in my opinion and is not too heavy ! I also ordered the Hamachi sashimi (happy girl), the cucumber rolls, salmon rolls and the Roast beef tempura and Hamachi tempura. I recommend the Hamachi sashimi of course and of course the Yuzu beer. The staff is always so welcoming and entertaining at the same time. I can't wait to be back! read more

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Given that I've been here three times in the last month, I think it would be safe to say that Izakaya Tenkichi is one of my favorite restaurants. The first thing you'll notice when coming here (during a busy dinner time) is that it's really noisy, in a fun way!! The staff is super friendly! There are basically three options for seating.... booths that seat about 4 comfortably, tables on the bottom that can accommodate small or large groups, and bar seating. I've done them all and they are all comfortable. You'll find way more specials at dinner time. The food is really high quality, and super consistent too! My favorites are the yummy cucumber and the garlic cabbage salad, and the tempura and sushi/sashimi/donburi are all great too. Oh, and don't sleep on the hamachi kama. The tempura batter is light and airy and you have the option of tempura sauce, tare, or different kinds of salt. They're all really nice!! Great desserts and alcohol selection too!! Parking is a breeze next door at the old stadium mall, but warning that it may be pretty full at night. You can always find street parking along King Street though. I highly recommend this place for small and big parties alike!! But make reservations for dinnertime because walk-ins are probably not gonna happen. read more

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My boyfriend and I have been such a big fan of Tori Ton, we love supporting their sister restaurants and Tenkichi is conveniently upstairs! Vibes are super cute, it truly feels like you're in Japan. I've been to Tenkichi for dinner a couple times, but I think their lunch special is so worth checking out! Great portions and honestly great food. Who doesn't love sashimi, tempura, and udon? Honestly, their udon is pretty simple, but it is sooo good! Service is always great and I can't wait to return! follow my foodie adventures on ig: smolgirlfatass read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We went in the with no reservations but they were able to sit us down for a bit to grab some drinks and a few appetizers. This place took me back to Japan! The employees were awesome and attentive and had good recommendations. I got a calpico grapefruit soda with alcohol. It was delicious, but pretty sweet. Definitely worth a try if you like sweet drinks. My favorite was the calpico shikuwasa soda with Soju! It was so delicious. It was sour and sweet in the perfect way. Tasted like a creamy sour lemonade. I would come back just for this drink! I also really enjoyed their rolls and sushi. I got a few rolls and hand roll and they were all delicious and fresh. I cannot wait to return again! read more

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I have wanted to try here for forever and finally made it in for their lunch menu. I love tendon and was eager to give theirs a try. On a Saturday, I was the first one in the door at 11am and the spot was full within 30 minutes. Staff handled the crowd with grace and the kitchen got my food out quickly despite the crowd. I had the Tokujo Don which came with the tendon with all the goods. The veggies were yummy, the unagi was meaty, and the two shrimps were HUGE. The tendon sauce was tasty but pretty delicate. I was glad there were bottles of tare on the counter so I could amp up the flavor. The surprise star of my meal was the miso soup! Hearty, full bodied, absolutely soul warming. Seriously one of the best I've ever had. Craving satisfied. read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Izakaya Tenkichi in McCully was opened by the local Funergy Group on 2/13/24 that also owns Totoya (negitori bowls), Tori Ton (grilling) and Marujuu ((hamburg). It specializes in tempura and atemaki hand rolls. "Tenkichi" is likely an unique name chosen for this restaurant meaning "heavenly fortune", creating a spot for authentic Japanese food like tempura and sushi sides in a Japanese style atmosphere in Honolulu. An "izakaya" is a casual Japanese pub serving smaller plates and drinks. One of the few izakayas in Honolulu that has been open for lunch since early 2025, its lunch menu offers teishoku sets, tempura bowls, seafood bowls, beef bowls, and udon. Its dinner menu offers a more varied selection of sashimi, soup/noodle bowls, tempura, and atemaki rolls. Pupus and desserts are offered for both lunch and dinner. As we were nearby during the lunch hours, it was a good time to try Izakaya Tenkichi for lunch. While they opened at 11a, we arrived about 12:30p, with the last call at 2p. There were still some empty tables, so we assumed that diners may have already eaten and left. We shared a lunch set and added a half udon. The set selections were varied and delicious; however, we noted that probably because we were there at the end of the lunch hours, some of the items were pre-made and not served piping hot. I think next time, we should be there when it opens to eat them when they are freshly made. We shared the recommended Tempura & Sashimi Teishoku that included: * Hamachi and salmon sashimi. They were fresh and melted in your mouth! * Tempura - shrimp, fish, sweet potato, eggplant, pumpkin. So delicious, light, crispy, non-oily! * Beef sukiyaki with tofu. A delicious blend of sweet marinated tender beef with tofu. * Rice. This was sweet and fluffy! * Daikon & cucumbers. Went well with the rice. * Tonjiru soup. Very flavorful with daikon, tofu, and pork. * Udon. This had a lot of wakame and shrimp flakes. We added on a half bowl of udon. There was also Kauai red sea salt, konbu salt, and yuzu salt on the table that you can dip the tempura in with the sauce to get different flavors. Customer service is polite, attentive, and very friendly. A hearty welcome is given when you arrive and a resounding thank you from staff when you leave. Located on the 2nd floor of Tori Ten, be warned that there are 19 steps to the restaurant, so it may be difficult for those having difficulty climbing stairs. But once you're at the top, you're transported to a cozy Japanese eatery with a loud, fun, lively ambiance encouraged by the friendly and attentive staff wanting you to have a good time! Birthday celebrations are popular here, with the staff providing the birthday person with a hat and hearty singing of happy birthday, while encouraging the restaurant diners to chime in; a free yuzu cheesecake with candle is given and a polaroid pic posed on the wall. The small eatery had wooden bar seating, booths, and tables. The bar seating is intended for couples, the window booths for a larger number of people and the tables and be reconfigured to the number people available. The ambiance and décor replicate an authentic Japan izakaya. Lunch is from Wed to Sun 11a to 2:30p, and dinner daily from 5p to 10:30p. There is a 2-hour dining limit. Because the restaurant is small, reservations are highly recommended. Located on the 2nd floor above Tori Ton on So. King St. across from the Old Stadium Park, up to 1-hour free parking is available in the next complex shared with other businesses. Free metered street parking is available after 6p. We look forward in returning to Izakaya Tenkichi for having good food and a good time! We only wished we had done this 2 years ago when they first opened, but better late than never! read more

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Finally got to try Izakaya Tenkichi! I tried to make a reservation online but there were very minimal reservation time slots available so I ended up calling them. They were so nice and accommodated the time I wanted. I didn't realize how small that place is (just like Japan). You walk up the stairs to the second floor and all the seats are crammed in. We waited a little while to get seated. But once we got seated we were able to order and get our food really quickly. We ordered the hamachi sashimi, salmon sashimi, garlic shoyu cabbage with crispy noodle (this was my fav!), yummy cucumbers, and ikura roll and a couple other hand rolls. All of the food was sooo good and definitely reminds me of Japan. Our waiter was so so nice and all the staff there were very friendly too. I definitely want to come back again! I definitely recommend making reservations way ahead of time because sometimes they seem to get really busy. But so worth it! read more

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Fun place to go with a group and just order anything that looks good! We also went with highballs and it was so so good! read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Delicious food at this izakaya spot and I felt like I was back in Japan! We tried a lot of dishes and they're all very good! I didn't make a reservation. One day we're driving around and this was a spot I always wanted to try especially after my coworker told me about it. It's 5pm and I was hoping maybe they would do walk-ins this early? I called at least and the lady said as long as we are done by 7pm then we can come. Great that they're accommodating because I know some places don't take walk-ins even if they're not busy, some strange policy, but not at this place fortunately. We tried their negitoro maki rolls, ankimo, uni ikura hand roll, scallop hand roll, mushroom tempura, hamachi, sweet potato, udon and spam maki rolls for the kid. Everything tasted good! The sashimi was fresh, and their seasoning was on point too. Not to mention service was very friendly. The restaurant was also quite spacious, unlike in Tokyo where most shops are tiny, so you get the authentic Japanese decor without the tight quarters haha. The booth seats by the window were also raised adding a different dimension to the ambiance of the restaurant. Located on the 2nd floor above Tori Ton. There's a large private lot that you can park at. It's easy to find parking if it's early in the evening but I'd image it can be a bit challenging at prime dinner time because there are a bunch of eateries in the plaza. read more

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I'm so happy we finally got a reservation with Izakaya Tenkichi! It took multiple attempts before we were able to make a reservation but I was determined to find out why. This restaurant is small but is packed with great staff and delicious Japanese tempuras and Izakaya dishes. This place also gives that lively Japanese vibe that I've experienced in Japan. What we really like about the tempura's was the batter. It's thin, not oily and packed with flavors! You can really taste and enjoy the flavors of the meats and vegetables with just a hint of the tempura batter. The house dipping sauce is also yummm! If you have been thinking of trying Izakaya Tenkichi, I'd say think no more and make that reservation. It's definitely a place to try and we're definitely coming back for more. Thank you for reading my post. Happy ALOHA Friday! read more

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Wow, I had never heard of this place before. It's definitely a hole‑in‑the‑wall spot, but the food is so good. The menu has a huge variety and everything tastes incredibly authentic. The servers were really sweet and accommodating -- they even surprised my friend with a birthday hat and dessert. We came with a big group, and even though the restaurant is small, they still managed to fit all of us comfortably. I'll definitely be coming back now that I know it's here! read more

TL;DR Solid izakaya option in Mo'ili'ili. ----- Izakaya Tenkichi occupies the space above Tori Ton in Old Stadium Square. They are both izakayas but offer strikingly different menus. While Tori Ton focuses on grilled offerings, Tenkichi specializes in tempura and seafood/sushi. My family ordered the following dishes: - Toriton's Marinated Avocado - Garlic Shoyu Cabbage with Crispy Noodles - Fresh Salmon Topped with Green Onion and Ponzu - Wagyu-Beef Tataki - Udon Noodles - Tempura: Brie Cheese, Shrimp and Sweet Onion Mixed Kakiage, Shrimp, Eggplant, Sweet Potato, Maitake Mushroom - Negitoro Roll, Wasabi Scallop Roll (special) We also ordered, beer, wine, sake, and a few other off-menu specials that I can't fully recall. All the food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the cabbage, beef tataki, udon, and the variety of tempura. If you're craving fried food, this place will definitely satisfy you. But that is also the source of my only complaint. The menu at Tenkichi feels slightly limited, with a significant majority of the menu items either tempura or hand rolls. If you're in the mood for either of those things, though, this is definitely a high quality and convenient option in Honolulu. I'll definitely be back! read more

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I've been here a handful of times for dinner service and it's always so much fun! The staff is very friendly and lively, it feels like a party every time you go! My favorites: wagyu-beef tataki and eggplant tempura I've tried the shikuwasa calpico sour before this visit, but I like the soda version because it has a more prominent shikuwasa taste. I also prefer the fresh hamachi with sesame soy sauce appetizer over the handroll because you can taste all of the flavor profiles better. Overall, you really can't go wrong with any of their menu items, they're all so delicious! Everyone should try this place at least once.. but you may not be able to stop! :-) read more

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Went for lunch. Service and food is amazing!!!! So tasty!! There is 1 hour free parking. How it works, park, go to restaurant, use QR in restaurant at the 1 hour mark to register car and start paying for parking. We did not need more than an hour. Quick service!! Recommend!!!! read more

Izakaya Tenkichi - Lunch special tempura with udon. Less than $20!!! - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Was so hungry after going to a No Dictators protest and was starving! Didn't realize they'd close the kitchen about half hour before closing but thankfully we eat quick. Got the Deluxe Teishoku, Matsu Don w/ half order udon, half size beef bowl, and the fried mochi ice cream. Food was quick, tasted fresh, and overall delicious. Tempura was crunchy and not overly battered. Hit the spot. Definitely want to come back again when we have more time to order and try their dinner menu too. Service was good too! Super small shop but I kind of loved that about it. read more

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What a great spot! Super friendly and accommodating service, great food and sake selection. Reservations highly recommended. They have parking lot with 1st hour free, the pay...greedy landlords. Also street parking. Medium sized inside with flexible seating and booths. As for da food, all excellent and fresh. Cannot go wrong. read more

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Nice, chill ambiance Service is great. Go around 8:30 on a weeknight so it won't be as crowded. By 9 most people were gone. Food was awesome and it's easy to snack and try different things. Price was very reasonable. Would definitely be back. read more

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Sadly the restaurant hostess (the lady in charge of assigned our table) was super rude. The food still good, our waiter Masa is nice. I don't know what's wrong with that lady. We arrived at 6:40 and our reservation at 6:45, so we're a little early and she told me to wait outside. People who's been here know there's no "outside". Unless she meant to go downstairs?? Second time the same lady tried to rush us, taking my bowl which still has udon soup in it. By that time I realized she only did this to us and not to others. Third time, she came back again bring the check out machine to pay. I didn't even ask for the check because we're not done eating. I told her that we're still waiting for our dessert then she left without saying anything. Really disappointed of the service today, we spent $184 for 3 people, not cheap for getting this bad service. I probably will take a break from eating at this restaurant. read more

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This place has officially become one of my favorite izakaya spots! Reservations are highly recommended -- seating is limited, and honestly, I wouldn't come without one. My girls and I are always on the hunt for a good, chill spot with great food and prices that aren't ridiculous... and this was 100% the place to be! We just kept ordering dish after dish (and drinks too, of course ), because everything looked so good -- and tasted even better. I didn't get pics of all the food (we were too busy enjoying it ), but I got most of it. The sushi was super fresh, and everything we had was absolutely delectable. It also has that cozy, authentic Japanese vibe when you walk in -- you really feel like you've been transported. They also took a pic of us with a Polaroid, soooo cute. I would come back here again and again. read more

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I LOOOOVEE THIS PLACE!!!! I really love this place for lunch too! Normally good places like this are only open for dinner. I'm sooooo glad this place is open for lunch. I've been here several times already for lunch and for dinner and I love both! I recommend making a reservation because it gets busy. Plus there's only limited seating at the counter and a few tables. I love the welcoming feeling as you walk in. Everyone greets you! Irasshaimase! いらっしゃいませ which means "welcome""!" The ambience is differs from lunch and dinner. Lunch... is a little less hype, but still pleasant. Dinner time, if you buy a bottle of sake, they celebrate with a raffle! One of the options is a hug. On one occasion I got free scallops! I scored big! ALL the food here is made fresh. The tempura is crispy, the fish is fresh, the Wagyu is tender, the cabbage salad is crispy and tasty (must have), and the sake is thirst quenching. I don't have a specific recommendation on food here because o honestly enjoy everything here. Depending on my mood. I may go sake and pupu heavy. Some days I do their Wagyu bowl lunch set. Other days I do their ikura bowl (another "fun" order). Now for the boring stuff... parking. Come pre-dinner rush because parking can be a hectic here. There's some street parking and there's also a small parking lot that they share with multiple other businesses. Overall, this place is #1 in my book.... Lunch, dinner, date, birthday celebration, just because.... Definitely one of my favorites read more

I never expected this dive izakaya to become one of my favorites. Tenkichi has a lot of things going on I don't care for that make the food low end. But the atmosphere, service, and friendliness of the staff has won me over. Up the stairs above sister restaurant Tori Ton you'll find the kind of place you'd stumble upon under Tokyo train track near a smaller JR station. There's two sections of raised booths and counter seats. All the walls are filled with Polaroids of customers or staff. The smell of oil in the air is unmistakable. This is an izakaya so you are going in the wrong direction looking for high quality seafood or tempura here. The best alcohol is the lower grade nihonshu - anything without "ginjo" in the name. It won't necessarily be the least expensive but it will be the most appropriate food friendly choice for this level of food. The Kikumasamune Taru Junmai is the least expensive, but Kikumasamune's kimoto brewed house nihonshu is light, dry, robust, and enjoyable with any food. At the higher end, Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai is a dryer, round, soft, award winning Iwate nihonshu made from Gin Otome rice grown just for this flagship offering. Right in between is my favorite, Suigei Tokubetsu Junmai, a dry, pleasantly acidic and clean drink with the unmissable whale on the label. If you purchase a bottle the staff will come by with a "raffle" box of colored balls. After some noise and fanfare you choose one - it gets you a free side dish. If all you "win" is a bowl of edamame, don't fret, it is a welcome freebie once you start drinking. Small plates are the way to go for food. Think, aburi seared metaiko w shiso leaf and daikon oroshi. There are expensive chirashi bowls of ikura and ikura/uni - but stick with the ikura daikon oroshi for best value. Order the hamachi/salmon/scallop as sashimi or with ponzu - but only choose whatever they recommend. The beef sukiyaki w tofu is a consistent winner to go with your drinks. The maki sushi is machine rolled with just a sliver of whatever you ordered as protein. The seafood or beef handrolls? If you must. If you can watch them cooking the tempura you'll see the food being ladled out of the oil and on to a drip tray accompanied by a good half cup of excess oil. That excess oil will soon go right back into the main batch - this is nothing close to quality battered and cooked tempura but it tastes fine (with drinks). Just spoon out some flavored salt onto your plate for your tempura or drown it in the daikon oroshi if that's your thing. Temper your expectations. There is better food elsewhere nearby. Despite that I really enjoy this place. The friendliness of the staff rivals the opening staff of Tori Ton - and that's why I'll go back. read more

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