Each time when I go there, the server is always ready without waiting for a long period for them to come to get your order. Although the restaurant is not very big, but it's cozy and feels like it's in Japan. It's one of a few authentic Japanese restaurants that's located in the Kalihi/Dillingham area, away from Ward/Kakaako. I've only been there during lunch time, so my go to is always the lunch box set. It comes with 2 choice of proteins + rice + miso soups + salad + tempura. The tempura vegetables is good! Very Crunchy and favorable. The shrimp tempura is not as good the vegetable tempura. The shrimp is soft inside which is like eating a mushy meat. The butterfish & salmon is pretty good portion, but it doesn't have enough flavor. The teriyaki ahi, I will not get that one. The ahi is overcooked that the fish texture is hard. It has no flavor. However, with this price that comes w/ 2 options of proteins + miso soups + other sides, it's a deal that can't find in town nowadays. It's reasonable and affordable. Overall, I will give it a 4/5 with the reasonable price that comes w/ a decent portion of the food for a lunch combo. read more

Kikuya - Misoyaki butterfish + grilled ahi + vegetables tempura - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I went with my bowling buddies to Kikuya. It's one of the few Japanese restaurants in Kalihi. It's located right behind Diners Upscale Hawaii. Lots of parking but there's also a lot of good food places to eat here. We got there about 1 and it was half full. I got the lunch box which comes with 2 choices and a piece of shrimp tempura, tossed salad and rice. I opted for their butterfish which is really good and ahi katsu. There are several choices to choose from. I should have taken a picture of the menu. Oh well. Next time. The lunch box also includes edamame, cabbage and pickled cabbage. Miso soup which is really good. You might say the portion size isn't huge but for me, it was good. For the price and the quality of food it's well worth it. I normally forget to ask what our server's name was but she was so nice that I did this time around. Her name is Cris. She's very nice and always smiling. She kept our water glasses filled as well as our hot Japanese tea. Really nice person. As for the ambiance it's like any other restaurant where everyone is talking story and us just having a good time. If you're in the mood for Japanese food or sushi/ sashimi this is a nice place to go to. My friend Karl had their chirashi bowl and it looks really good. I will get that the next time I'm there. read more

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My last review of Kikuya was 3 years ago. I've been coming here now for years. This restaurant has always stayed consistent with its food. Yes, prices have gone up like every other place, but the food quality and consistency has never wavered. It's still the same good food. The waitresses here are also friendly and kind. Too many restaurants opens and start off with a bang, but slowly regresses and lowers its quality and service. They can learn from Kikuya who hasn't changed! Kudos to Kikuya! A must try for sure! read more

It's been over seven years since my last review, and I'm happy to say this place is still great for both lunch and dinner. Kikuya offers a wide variety of items, and their lunch and dinner combo options are a popular choice. Being able to pick two or three items, makes it easy to try different dishes, and everything is serve served quickly without sacrificing quality. Prices remain very reasonable, and it's nice to run into familiar faces dining here. This really speaks to how much people enjoy this restaurant. Definitely a reliable go to if you're looking for a satisfying and efficient dining experience. Yumm! read more

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Each location has a different vibe, setup, etc. The King St. location is quaint, Japanese atmosphere. Lovely staff and the tempura plate is always wonderful. One of my favorites. Parking can get tight during busy hours. read more

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This restaurant was packed...no tables available inside. To our surprise they offered us to sit outside. That was the best table because it was very nice and quiet vs sitting inside. When it started to rain pretty hard, we were so lucky that they were prepared with a strong tarp & we didn't get wet at all. Great food options....so many choices. We will come back with reservations. read more

Kikuya - Lunch Box: choice of miso butterfish and teri fish. Next time, I'm going to order sashimi wirh miso butterfish. - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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2nd time here w/Mama. The 1st was with cuzzins M&D. Was so glad we came because we were hungry after a long day off work and shopping at Target LOL!!! Anyways, our order of the following combinations - Udon fish cake soup with Shrimp tempura Misoyaki Butterfish with Shrimpy & Vegetable tempura Ahi Katsu, Chicken Karrage with Misoyaki Butterfish Also Salmon Collar Kama Enjoyed the pickled sides with edamame. Ice water and Hot tea included. It was busy but not crowded, service was great from the beginning to the end. We enjoyed ourselves. It was cozy, friendly and comfortable. Next time we come, will try their other 2-3 combo and mix it up. Arigato Kikuya and we'll be back! read more

This is normally our go-to place for Japanese food close to home, and we usually have great experiences here, which is why this visit was disappointing. We're not sure if the staff was overwhelmed, but several things were off. We typically receive soybeans and pickled vegetables at the start of the meal, but they never came. One of the sushi entrées didn't taste very fresh, and our drinks were never served until we asked. Throughout the meal, we had to repeatedly ask for items that were ordered. Overall, this visit fell short of our usual experience, which was disappointing because we genuinely love coming here and hope this was just an off night. read more

Kikuya - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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We had a fabulous lunch and all 3 of us ordered the combo lunch special . We loved the shrimp tempura, toss Japanese salad . We love eating here..the staff are happy to see us read more

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I'm gonna be truthful, this is a very biased review. Me and my family have been going here forever and have gained a respect and love for this restaurant and the ladies that work there! We are known regulars. But, take into account a lot of what is said below: Very nice and homey dine in Japanese restaurant. I would say it's one of the better affordable sides. Good sushi, good dinner combos, and good seafood over all. Their three choice combos is one of the best deals, but any of their specialty rolls are great too! All the aunties will treat you well! Recommendation: -Super California -Caterpillar Roll -Kikuya Roll -Spicy Fish Stew (great for when you're sick) read more

Kikuya - Combination options: tonkatsu, miso butterfish, sashimi, nigiri (comes with miso soup, salad, and rice) Tempura Roll - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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04/07/25 Kids are in town so we wanted a good affordable Japanese restaurant. Keep Kikuyu is certainly it! Where else can you get a good 3 course meal plus romaine salad, miso soup m, tsukemono and tea all for $25.95. It was all delicious! I had the bbq beef, tempura and butterfish Loved it all read more

Debating between Chubby Boy and Diners, we saw Kikuya in the corner and decided to try something new. From the looks of the dining room, it was filled and lively. Coming in we were told a 10 min wait but a table cleared up as the rest of our party joined us. The service was great, coming by often to check on us. The young male server was great at answering our questions and giving us recommendations. I originally wanted the Grilled Hamachi Kama Special, but they were all out. The Ume Shiso roll also caught my eye, but I ordered it, only the Ume was available - which I ended up taking. I eventually ended with an Unagi Don and the Ume Roll. The Unagi Don was great. Very soft and the sauce that its grilled with was perfectly caramelized. But the Ume Roll was soooo so sour - making it almost inedible (to me). I had someone from our party try it and they had the same reaction. I wish I could give 4.5 stars overall! Will definitely come back to try other items! read more

Kikuya - Unagi Don - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Love coming here and getting my Japanese food!! They are on top of serving and super fresh. Small little place so make reservations. read more

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I found this restaurant through yelp. We actually eat at diners and Viet chubby boy a few times but never took notice of this restaurant. I was a little hesitant because of the mixed reviews. But we decided to give it a try. Went on a Friday night around 6:30pm, parking lot was pretty full, walked in and it was surprisingly not busy. Cute old school Japanese vibe. Service was great. Food was good. Price is just right. My mom and I shared a 3 choice combo and were full. My son wanted steak so we all shared. My husband got Tekka and vegetable tempura (which is a pretty good size basket). We all got salad, miso soup, rice, & green tea so it was really filling. Our tummy's were full and for 4 of us it came out to $95 which is not bad at all so my wallet was happy. We will definitely be back! A bonus the salad dressing was really good and they sell the dressing which I forgot to buy so I have an excuse to go back and get it :) read more

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Aloha, Kikuyu is my go-to Japanese lunch. Conveniently located on N King St. full service lunch with pickled veggies miso soup salad hot tea tempura and 2 main dishes. I had the Ahi and miso butterfish. So Ono. All of $19.95. Oishi! Enjoy! read more

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Business is in back of Diners Drive Inn. Parking is shared by many restaurants and businesses. My coworker ordered our food the day before. On day of event, there were 3 tables for 12 of us, 1 table by itself and 2 tables together. Our reservation was for 11:00 am when they opened. Food arrived around 11:30 am. My selection was miso butterfish, teriyaki beef, tempura, miso soup, and sides. Tea was free. Some of us felt that it was hard to talk and hear because it was noisy with other customers. read more

Kikuya - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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It's old school. A solid choice. No frills but delicious. Food is very good. Excellent value. Could use a good cleaning. Service was ok, perfunctory. read more

Love this place! Excellent service, delicious food (especially the shrimp tempura), enjoyable dining experience. Support local

Food was delicious, authentic Japanese, generous servings and reasonably priced It's a small restaurant and seating is tight! Just like in Japan read more

What happened???? We ate here a ton in the spring and told everyone about the delicious tempura and butterfish and salad etc. Fast forward to now. We were so excited to return and came at noon on a weekday. Only 1 other table was eating. What?? Ordered the same bento and nothing was good this time. Hubbies tonkatsu was burned and the miso soup had no miso in it and the entire lunch was just so disappointing and bad. I had zaru soba and it was awful, tempura was awful. We won't be back and now are going back to Teishoku for our Japanese bento fixes. Is this new management, new chef, what happened??? read more

I love hole in the wall spots as much as I love the fanciers spots. Kikuya is like an old friend that feels like home. It's not pretentious with furnishings that look like they haven't updated in decades. Don't let that fool you! The local grindz food is delicious with generous portions. Lots of local 'Ohana eating tonight. My buddy and I had the 3 item combos. You have about 10 different menu choices to choose from to complete your combo. All great choices but I loved the ahi Katsu! read more

Service is quick and sweet but the inside could use an update. The food is pretty good I wasn't feeling the spicy ahi. But the California roll is one of the best I have had. It's an older spot things inside are a bit runned down but you get past that when you eat because the food is pretty good. My hubs enjoys the garlic salt steak and he said the chicken katsu was juicy. I'm glad we randomly decided to eat here and try this place out. The seatings are pretty spaced out and they serve you tea right away. Which we love when we go to eat. read more

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The food was excellent, 2 choices for $19.95. Not bad for the amount of food - miso soup, 3 vegetables , tea, plus the rice, salad and 2 choices. The person who took our order was helpful and patient. The place is nice and quaint. read more

Kikuya - Tonkatsu and Teriyaki Beef set - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

everything! food & service are great. for a small family style restaurant, great variety and food so yummy. Everyone enjoys kikuya!

Food and service always on point, both in person and over the phone when calling in an order. I almost always get there 2 combo bento. If I'm feeling I want something different, I get the tenzaru soba or zaru udon w/tempura set, and maybe a side butterfish. There is a seating area, kind of tight but good enough to talk to your own party and eat. Parking can get full because it's a shared lot with other businesses and Diners. Lunch time, the lot gets busy, busy! read more

The food was pretty good, the ladies are nice, sushi is ok, but I have to say very good price for Japanese food which is normally expensive. I've been here several times and have recommended them to several friends. read more

Kikuya - Starter - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Consistent quality at a reasonable price for Japanese food. Dinner 3-choice combination of Tempura, miso butterfish, and steak is a go-to meal. Plus a couple of rolls of sushi. Shared family style with the wife. Quaint hole-in-the-wall local ambiance. read more

Nice affordable local style Japanese food. Located off king by diners. Lots of parking. Staff is friend and food is good. Enjoy the butterfish, teishoku and katsu Don. Sushi not bad read more

Kikuya - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kikuya is my go-to whenever I'm craving Japanese food! The food is consistently tasty, portions are satisfying, and the prices are super reasonable especially compared to other spots on the island. Service is usually great; friendly and efficient. The restaurant itself is very small and can get packed fast, so I usually try to go during off-hours or make reservations. It's also located in a pretty sketchy part of Kalihi, so just be aware of your surroundings. That said, the food makes it worth it every time. Hidden gem vibes for sure! read more

The food is excellent and portions are generous. Service is good and staff is friendly. Can't think of anything negative to say about this restaurant read more

Came here for lunch and they have such a good lunch special. It was very inexpensive for the items offered and delicious! My husband and I got the rice platter lunch specials and my son got the cold soba noodles. The rice platters came with miso soup, salad, shrimp tempura and your 2 items. I chose the ahi teriyaki and chicken teriyaki which I enjoyed. My husband got the ahi katsu and beef teriyaki. I thought my platter choices tasted better than his lol. Come here for lunch you'll get a bang for your buck! read more

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Soooooo... If you've got a lot of mouths to feed? Yes. If you're looking for the staff to remind you of Japan with their uniforms and restaurants interior designs? This is it. If you're looking for flavorful dishes that bring you back to Tokyo or Osaka, SKIP. Sushi? Hit or miss. Chicken karaage, tempura, gyoza? Delish. Sauces? Flavorless. Udon noodles? Average. Udon broth? Tasteless. This place is a bang for your buck, truly affordable considering the portion sizes. Quality is just subpar. Lots of parking available. Dining in hours are great for lunch and dinner. Staff are hospitable. read more

Got there just before the 5:00 p.m. dinner opening and there was already a line of people waiting. We sat at a window seat and was quickly brought the menus and water. We ordered the fish and katsu dinners. The food was brought out very quickly and nicely plated. Along with the main entree, there was miso soup, a sampling of pickled vegetables and soy beans. The restaurant is not fancy but very comfortable and homey. Will be going back again. read more

Ooh I almost don't want to write this review. This place is like a hidden secret. This restaurant has some good Japanese food for very affordable prices. I just pretty much found this place on Yelp through a search. We had a little trouble finding it but it's actually in the same parking lot of a Chinese restaurant that we went to once with a friend. There's a lot of parking but it can get crowded because they have a lot of restaurants in that complex. The restaurant reminds me of an old school kind of Japanese local restaurant. We entered and the people working there were so welcoming. They sat us quickly and brought out our water quickly too. We ordered some sushi and some combination plates. I got the butterfish and salmon. When it came out I didn't expect that much fish. It was really good portions. You pay a little extra for the butterfish but well worth it. The combinations come with miso soup, salad and rice. We all left the restaurant stuffed and were all happy that we really found this restaurant. We can't wait to be in the Kalihi area to try this place again. read more

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Quaint restaurant with wonderful staff! It was a busy night, but we were attended to promptly. Lots of great selections to choose from. We ended up with the tempura udon, California temaki, and tofu miso soup. The tsukemono and edamame were a nice start before the mains came out. All the food was delish! Great pricing and great service... we'll definitely be back! read more

5/5 -- Kalihi treasure, no question Kikuya's in Kalihi stays one of my go-to spots because they do it right -- fresh, honest, and real local flavor without trying too hard. Their fresh-caught sashimi is the star every single time: clean cuts, perfect texture, and you can taste that it didn't travel far. Hard to find sashimi this solid at lunch prices anywhere else. The lunch meal deals here are unbeatable. Generous portions, legit home-style taste, and everything comes out fast even when they're slammed. It's the kind of place where you eat good, feel taken care of, and don't walk out broke. If you want fresh fish, solid plates, and true Kalihi grindz without the fluff, Kikuya's is that spot. Strongly recommend. read more

Fresh, large portions of quality items at great prices. I don't mind paying when the food is good, generous portions, excellent quality! They have very fresh sashimi and their Shrimp Tempura is large with traditional tempura batter, light, crispy, fluffy and flavorful. Traditional green tea. The ladies that work there as a team and very gracious. Always consistent which is so important. read more

Probably one of the most disgusting dining experiences I've had in a while. The rag they used to wipe the table smelled like wet dog and the food I was served had a strong odor of kitchen cleaner. I should have just walked away when I caught whiff of the table but I didn't want to seem rude because the staff was very friendly. Horrible. read more

For the price the food is good. It's my anytime fast Japanese food place conveniently located.

This place is next to Kapalama post office and in the same complex as Diner's. It's been there for years. The last time I've been there was 10 years ago. I met a girlfriend for lunch. They have lunch box special. You get two choices of Japanese entree with one shrimp tempura or gyoza. The entree choices include 3 kinds of ahi, miso butterfish, or grilled salmon. It comes with miso soup, rice, and tossed greens all for $19.95. Everything is delicious. Kikuya is a wonderful Japanese restaurant that provides lots of delicious choices. And you won't leave hungry. read more