The creamy udon is out of this world delicious. The udon itself was delicious. The tempura was good, but I did feel it could have used some salt when finishing. Lots of seating available and lines move quickly. The service was a bit lackluster but fine. read more

Udon on the mean streets of downtown? Why not! If you are not afraid of the tough territory in the center of downtown, this place is a real treat. I'm not joking about the area, it's pretty rough. Luckily, I was accompanied by an individual with a considerable amout of real muscle, so no one messed with me. The restaurant has a menu board just outside of the door and one just inside. As you walk in you let the chef know what noodle entrée you are having. The chef will prepare it up while you wait. Then you move down the line to the cooked items. I had a Nikutama Udon and a Curry Udon. Both were good. I also picked up some tempura items (mushrooms, zucchini, and chicken). They have a decent amount of seats if you choose to dine-in, but I took my hot Japanese cuisine to-go and cautiously scurried to my car. If you work or go to school in downtown, or are willing to endure the challenges of parking in downtown, trekking here can give you a small taste of the thick noods from the east, with no passport necessary. read more

Marugame Udon - Nikutama - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Waikiki is expensive to begin with, but you can't go wrong with this wallet friendly and portion generous option! Calling all noodle lovers out there, this is probably one of the best Marugame Udon locations to exist. Yes the parking is terrible, but if if you're already in the area, you might as well stop by. Do not let the line scare you. It moves super quickly and is an order first and then find a seat. You will find a seat and there are staff there to help direct people as well. If you are not a fan fair of dining in, they have expanded their space and have a dedicated to go window you can order and pick up from! The prices here are also cheaper than other locations that I have been to. Whatever they are doing here, they are absolutely doing it right. The noodles taste better and has such a great bounce! I'm a simple girl and always go with the Kake Udon (L). If this is your first time, there are instructions posted everywhere to help you order! You get in line, look over the wall menu outside, follow along the line and get another chance to look at the electronic menu inside. Grab a tray and let them know which udon you want and what size. Your bowl is complied in front of you and they add green onions and tempura flakes as your complimentary options - and they don't skimp! Following along, grab a plate or paper boat and load up on an assortment of freshly fried tempura! My favorite is the squid. You pay and then grab your utensils and find a seat and enjoy. So simple, yet so satisfying and budget friendly. read more

I'm f I could give stars I would . I've been coming here for years and things have been ok. However in the recent months , the quality of the food and presentation has really dropped . They serve your food on chipped and cracked bowls , the eggs are over cooked and probably weeks old, the noodles were soggy and clammy , the meat is literally still frozen when they place it on the broth, and these are the things I can see , who knows how their hygiene is behind costumers . When I commented to the staff their response was "well that's something they emphasize only in Waikiki " this infuriated me, I kept composure , no one apologized or agreed with me . Are you saying that for tourist the quality, presentation and over all safety of properly handle food is higher in Waikiki but for locals in Chinatown is not important. ? Really disappointed . Will tell all my friends never to go back . read more

Eating at restaurants that make fresh pasta are elite. There is a difference and you can taste just that here. I ordered the tan tan bowl and substituted to get it with sweet beef instead of the soy meat. The bowl was incredible. The broth's flavor was packed and the bok choy tasted fresh. I grabbed a shrimp tempura and a sweet potato one as well. The tempura batter is so good and nothing like how frozen ones taste. Satisfied with my meal and service and I understand why there's always a line at the location in Waikiki. We went to visit Iolani palace and this other location was nearby so I would recommend this one if you can. It was a quick experience and no line when we got there. read more

Marugame Udon - Tan tan but I substituted to get it with sweet beef. One shrimp tempura and one sweet potato tempura - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

When I feel like getting Udon and Tempura, this is my usual spot. Fast, fresh handmade noodles, no frills. I always parked at Safeway-Nuuanu and just do my regular walk as it's not that far. Food is always hot, the staff are always friendly and the Aunties are very accomodating. This location in downtown cannot be beat cause you don't have to fight for parking + tourist with their other location in Waikiki. They do not have a restroom inside but just let the Aunties know and they will guide you all the way to the back. Mahalo as always Eating at home today read more

Marugame Udon - Nikutama - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I love coming here for lunch. It can get super busy at times, especially during the weekday lunch rushes but it's normally quick and most people are on their way within 20 minutes. The staff here is always super friendly and the food is consistently good and priced reasonably well! I personally love eating the nikutama with a croquette. read more

Downtown on Sunday is awesome, no crowds, no line and fast service. Happen to be downtown for an appt and forgot this place was on fort street mall, wandered to check out what was still on fort street mall (haven't been down there in years). Walked in little after they opened at 11am and did a take out order of Tan Tan and Nikutama and side order of crab, tamago, zucchini, chicken tempura. Take out is interesting you have to self serve your take out on the side counter. Service was "fast" so I was very happy. Tan Tan and Nikutama was as I remembered when we first ate at the Waikiki location a few years ago, noodles is what makes this udon place it chewy like in Japan. The tempura was not dripping on oils and very tasty. The crab and tamago was interesting items we've never had before and was delish, the tempura sauce could use more flavor, kinda watered down from my taste buds. Next time you are in downtown on a sunday, check this place out, its not crowded or if you need a facial check our Moon Lilly across the street from Marugame Udon.i I read more

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If you're looking for an affordable lunch spot in downtown. This is it. Perfect for a rainy day or whenever your craving some comfort food. I work in the area so I don't have to worry about parking but the Walmart parking nearby validates with a $20 purchase. If the line during the lunch rush hour isn't an indication of how good the udon is then take a walk by and you can smell the amazing flavors in the broth emanating the building. I usually go with the kake, kitsune or ontama depending on my mood. Kake and kitsune are made hot while the ontama can be ordered hot or cold. They offer numbers tempura to add to your udon. My favorites are the potato croquette, shrimp tempura and calamari. The udon noodles are made fresh and the soup broth hits the spot everytime. read more

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Love this location no lines faster service and closer to home. I don't need to worry about waiting in a long line like the Waikiki vacation. Also usually they have their special food items only valid for this location. read more

The line is freaking worth it, absolutely delicious! They move quick, so you won't be waiting for long, but the food is so good, you won't regret it. Couldn't recommend the tonkotsu udon more! Super casual place. read more

Marugame Udon - Tonkotsu Ramen Gyoza Spam Musubi - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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2nd time hitting Marugame. 1st time got beef and a shrimp tempura - bomb. 2nd time, got Nikutama and a crab tempura - bomb. Pricing is well worth it too. read more

Good udon, but quite overrated given the insanely long lineups. We decided to try this place out having seen that they have a new vegan spicy tan tan udon ($11.95 for a regular; $13.50 for a large). You have to be strategic about when you show up, otherwise you could be waiting an hour or two. Once you get in, you grab a tray, place your order, and they give you your bowl within minutes. You can then decide upon any add-ons (single pieces of assorted tempura, Inari and other Nigiri), pay, and enjoy your meal. The tan tan udon was perhaps the oiliest noodle soup I've ever had in my life, absolutely drowning with oil. The flavours were decent, but way too reliant on the oil. You get a generous portions of udon noodles, along with bok choy, soy meat, and green onions. read more

Marugame Udon - Inari - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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It's good - ambiance is great. Music is nice. Noodles are amazing. Udon - choose your flavor and you can't go wrong. read more

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I love it here and we need more Marugame locations in the mainland especially in the Midwest. Also, no wait compared to the the busy streets of Wakiki. We were able to get our food very very quick and no line. Only downfall was how hot it was and we were eating a warm dish inside when the ac was broken. Also, downtown is a little sketch. But overall food was nonetheless delicious. read more

I have been here 3 times. Its always good. There will be a line but it moved quickly this time around. You can choose what you want udon, rice bowl and a salad. I always think I can eat the tempura also but I'm usually full after the udon. If you have a large party there is someone at the end looking for a table for you. Yes it's noisy, yes it's small but you know what you're in Hawaii! read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Food here is legit. It's cheap, fast and noodles are fresh made. You'll need to get there early, but if you fail to...wait is worth it. Check out their soups! read more

Food and the service is definitely great. They even started to serve beer! Just one thing,,,Beer has to be cold, This is not England. No one enjoys lukewarm beer in Hawaii Please serve cold beer! Then I will go back there every week. read more

Highly recommend this place over the Waikiki location as this one is always less crowded with same quality and taste! (We did not have to wait a single minute in line - walked right up to the counter whereas Waikiki you'll be waiting for about 30-90 minutes) The noodles are made right in front of you which is 1) entertaining and 2) makes them SO fresh! I appreciate the firmness of the noodles too. I have had some udon which felt over cooked and fell apart as you ate them. If you do not like udon, they do have a few small snacks such as musubi and tempura but I wouldn't say they have much to each other than udon. Service is great - kind of cafeteria-style as you get a tray and go down the line and pick your own table at the end. read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Very delicious!! Highly recommend to go during opening hours/lunch because the line gets absolutely crazy. read more

Marugame Udon - Udon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Food served right after you order. Broth is rich and tastes very good. Noodles cooked perfectly read more

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nikutama udon with zucchini tempura is my go-to!! only go here if you want really yummy and quick Japanese food

This is a solid goto when hangry. There was a fair share of students mixed with office lunch crowd. Looked like one tourist couple who stuck out a little and some blue collar workers in their masks hats and coveralls. The menu is simple: udon hot or cold, small or large. Then a variety of brother and toppings to choose from. If you've eaten at noodle stands or at a Japanese train station you will know the drill. If still hangry after you receive your tray, you can load up on fried tempura offerings or a musubi or two. Located on fort street mall on the bus line it is convenient and keeps you fueled to shop the area or see the galleries nearby. read more

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I first had Marukame Udon in Tokyo and fell in love! I had no idea fast food in Japan could be so delicious. When a location opened up nearby back at home, I wanted to go but honestly NOT worth the 2+ hour wait. Therefore, the husband and I took advantage of Marukame Udon in Hawai'i, as it was located nearby our hotel and best of all no wait. I ordered the Niku Udon and my husband got the Ontama Udon. We also shared shrimp tempuras and potato croquettes. Although the food could not compare to Japan, it was still tasty and satisfied my udon craving! Pro tip: come to this location instead of the Waikiki location; little to no wait time! read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Udon portion was more than enough. Every dish was the correct temperature. Tempura was fresh and hot. Service was excellent, the staff made suggestions and helped us make good choices for pairing drinks and sides. Cool interior design but, the doors were left opened by customers so, little birds got inside. (Lost a star for no public restroom and little birds inside). read more

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Came back! Had a craving for udon last week. I dunno why cause I was sweating my ass off when I got there but, I really wanted udon. This makes me laugh because I rarely crave noodles and I promise, no baby to incite funny-kine cravings. I got the regular size kake udon and chose my favorite 3 items: sweet potato and pumpkin tempura and a potato croquette. It's really easy to go over board with the tempura and I usually end up taking it home. I got it in a to-go container cause I knew I wouldn't finish it all and I had a time schedule for lunch. Thankfully there was no line when we came. I like to add the spicy chili flakes to my soup cause it gives it a nice kick. The broth was really good, No shrimp base, which I like. I may be getting more sensitive to my shrimp allergy cause they use the same oil for shrimp and veggies... and the tempura flakes are all mixed up. But yes, totally worth it. I really like the kake broth which I've been getting since I was not very excited about the curry last time.. We dined in and the tables are still nicely spread out. When you go early there's plenty seats! We should have sat outside cause I always forget we smell like a fry pan when we leave. But that fresh tempura is totally worth it! I know this is my go-to udon shop downtown! read more

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I stumbled upon the location downtown and was happy to find it since the location in Waikiki seems to always be packed, whereas there was no lineup here. Pretty much how it works here is you order your main food item from a staff member who prepares it for you fresh. Afterwards, you are welcome to pick up assorted fried items like tempura and croquettes which are waiting in a hot area, as well as some musubis. I got the curry nikutama udon. Noodles were good, not overcooked, had nice texture. The soup broth was not overpowering, just the right amount of curry flavour. There was a good amount of beef in the bowl, and the egg was nice and runny. There's self service station for water and tempura sauce. read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Oxymoron: Marugame Udon and empty restaurant. Remember those around the block lines of people waiting to get in Marugame Udon? Switch from Waikiki to downtown Honolulu, the only other location in the Hawaiian Islands. We walked here after visiting the Iolani Palace. First time here at this location on February 10, waiting 15 minutes for them to open at 11am. February 14, they expand their hours to open 10am. They close at 6pm and are closed on weekends, as they cater to the nearby business and government workers. Last May I had the no. 7 Curry, and wife had the 9 Garlic Chicken Salad at the Waikiki location. Grab a tray and order no. 6, the $8.25 Nikutama, up from $7.25 in May, and wife orders no. 5, the $6.75 Kitsune, up from $5.95 in May. The $8.25 Nikutama will cost $10.95 at Marugame Udon San Francisco or Los Angeles, and $11.45 at Marugame Udon Berkeley. Prices 32%-38% more expensive in CA than Hawaii. Unheard of! All the above locations require proof of vaccination, to comply with city and county ordinances. Not sure about the Glendale and Costa Mesa locations. New location in San Ramon, CA to open in March 2022. Associates add green onions, crunchy yellow tempura flakes, shredded beef, carmelized onions, house made udon noodles, and poached egg, right on the spot, assembly line style. Pay with credit card and grab a table, as all empty.   Only in Hawaii: Associate wearing shirt saying, "Slurp's Up". The broth is delicious, not too salty, and not too greasy for beef broth, complete with small bits of white and green onion.  Would have preferred a thicker broth.   Handmade thick udon noodles, chewy, but not too soft, cooked just right. Wife finds her Kitsune too salty. The sweet tofu looks large but is wafer thin with udon noodles, and green onions. I use chopsticks to slurp the noodles.  At the end, lift the bowl to my mouth with both hands, breaking every rule of good manners! Cheapest meal in Honolulu. At these prices, no restrooms available for customers. read more

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Based on the number of reviews, I knew this place would be busy. I didn't have anywhere to be so I walked down the street to eat here. The line was out the door and you know they are constantly busy as they have orange paint on the sidewalk to show you where the line is. The style sort of reminds me of high school cafeteria. You grab a lunch tray and tell the person behind the counter your order. Then you go down the line to select the tempura options you'd like. They have 10-12 options to pick from. I ordered the Beef Udon. For me, the beef tasted good but the texture was not for me. It was thinly shaved, stuck together and was chewy. I'm not sure what cut of beef it is but I would not get the beef again solely on the texture. I have an odd thing with textures. The options of tempura was surprisingly large. I was not expecting for them to be al a carte style where you just grab as many of what you wanted. With it being so busy, I felt rushed to make decisions but maybe other reviews had mentioned this previously. However, I quickly grabbed shrimp, sweet potato, potato croquette, zucchini, gyoza, egg, inari and a spam musubi. I wasn't sure what inari was but it's just rice with a sweet outer soft covering. Not what I was expecting and wouldn't get again. The egg was also sweet, while good, not for me. All the tempura items were very crispy and fresh which I appreciated. I think the shrimp was my favorite of all the tempura items I got. Beef Udon 7.5/10 - beef too chewy for my liking but broth and udon, great. Spam Musubi 6/10 - too much rice to meat ratio. Tempura Shrimp 8.5/10 - simple and crispy! Tempura Sweet Potato 7.5/10 Tempura Zucchini - 6.5/10 - needs a seasoning or sauce. Tempura Egg - 5/10 - while good, I wanted savory, not sweet. Gyoza 7.5/10 I'm giving this place 5 stars based on experience as I would return to try other items. I got a mix of things I really enjoyed and some I didn't. However, I know I do not have the same preferences as everyone else so definitely recommend! Prepare to wait in line and also prepare for the line to move quickly! Know what you want before you get there. read more

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Love it! Udon noodles were perfect. Noodle soup was delicious. I recommend getting all the toppings, the little crunch things are the best. #6 is the most popular and that's what I got. Wry good. They also have a tempura bar where you self serve what you want. Also a masubi bar. Prices shown. Pretty neat. The tempura stuff was okay. The chicken tempura is unique and very nice. Order as you enter and get your food cafeteria style. Then sit down. read more

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Stopped here after the gym for lunch. Too hot for udon so got 3 shrimp, 1 mushroom skewer and a chicken thigh tempura and a side of rice. For $14 not bad I actually had trouble finishing everything. Considering its not cooked to order the tempura was crispy enough and I did enjoy it. My only complaint is the tentsuya sauce was too watered down. More dashi, shoyu etc needed please. Anyway I do plan to return soon. read more

Marugame Udon - Not super crispy but not bad. - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Udon was very yummy. Fun experience waiting in line and ordering at the counter. Also fun to serve yourself tempura. The tempura itself was not that great. Overall good though. read more

Being someone who works downtown, this is the perfect lunch spot. Great spot to eat individually or as a group. Same great taste as the Waikiki location but without the crazy lines. I personally love the garlic chicken salad udon. It comes with cold udon topped with salad and garlic tempura chicken. Great portion size and the right balance of noodles and vegetables. My girlfriend always get the vegan udon since it sounds like the healthiest option and satisfies her udon cravings. We also love grabbing small add-ons like the shrimp tempura and musubis on the way to the cashier. For anyone in the area, Marugame downtown is always a great choice. read more

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I haven't worked in town for almost 2 years...used to buy my lunch from here a lot! I love that you get freshly made udon noodles. You can actually watch them making the noodles...pretty awesome! Was craving for my favorite Garlic Chicken Salad Udon so we made a special trip to town. It was worth it because that salad was oh-so-good! It comes with quite a few pieces of chicken, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, lettuce and cold udon noodles with a container of their delicious garlic dressing...very filling! The price went up but as a whole, their prices are still reasonable for the amount of food you get. My husband wanted their Chicken Katsu Curry with rice and a small Kake Udon. He enjoyed the udon...said it was very tasty! As for the curry, he said it was good but thought the rice was dry. This place is located on the corner of Hotel Street and Fort Street Mall. There's no parking so you can look for metered stalls close by or for me, my husband drops me off on Pauahi Street and Fort Street Mall and waits in the car. read more

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Marugame Udon was our first and last meal in Hawaii. We were in the Waikiki area for a week, and visited Marugame four times. It was TOO good. We often had "dessert udon" after dinner, while visiting. :) The noodles and broths are all made in-house, right in front of you. I found it to be really warm inside the restaurant, and so opted to order take out most times. The udon noodles are think, long, and pretty substantial. It's the best udon I've had in years. The tempura and chicken katsu were also great sides! If you plan to visit (many times, like we did), definitely download the app for rewards. Don't sleep on this one, folks. read more

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This place definitely lives up to the hype. I had never been to either location, but I had heard of it and I pass by this particular restaurant all the time. When my friend wanted to grab lunch, it was once place I suggested as wanting to check out. I am so glad I went with him, since I would have been that clueless person going in. It works a bit differently than normal udon places. You pick your broth and your noodles, and then you go down the line, cafeteria style and pick what you want, you get charged at the end. It's busy during lunch, but still super efficient and there are lots of place to sit. We had a great time and the food was delicious. read more

Preordered a lunch for 9 staff yesterday and again this morning (added more tempura). Super easy to order online, Christian called me 15 mins before pickup time to confirm. Walked up to the window and boom! Order was ready and service was quick! Order was very accurate and no one was missing their order. Food was delish! A few of us did heat up our soup broth but only because we like it HOT. Tempuras we're cooked nicely, still crispy. Was sad that their tempura selection was reduced and there were no fish cake and onion blooms. The outside online pickup order was fast and convenient. read more

Ok if your visiting Oahu you probably should read this ! Going to give y'all a little tip ... Located 2 blocks from Chinatown in what is known as the Honolulu downtown area. Tons of parking! Never a long line ! As good as the Waikiki one ! Same price ! After your done eating , take a stroll in Chinatown ..buy some fresh local fruits , grab a beer at one of the nearby bars or brewery! Korean 88 mart (grocery store across street, and you tourist do love your Waikiki Ross , got one across the street too. And you know a lot of you go hiking up the road at jack ass ginger, or lulumahu falls. Come here after and skip those lines ! read more

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As I was driving through Waikiki on Kuhio Ave, I saw a long line of people outside of this small restaurant. I always wondered 1. what they were waiting for and 2. if it's such a long line it must be good. I decided to bite the bullet and get in line. I didn't even know it was an udon restaurant. The menu is simple and the line was fast. As you get into the restaurant you can see the workers preparing the food right in front of you. After you tell them exactly what you like, you move on to the tempura station and you can pick from an assortment of tempura options. The soup hit the spot especially with the egg. I'm not an udon expert but if it makes my body dance it's got to be good. The only negative is that it is Waikiki and it is small and cramped so if you are a big party it's going to be hard to sit together. They do have outdoor seating in the back but it's not guaranteed. Definitely perfect for a party of 4 or less. That's why I had to give it a four star due to the space. Def worth the wait so brave the line and try it out! I'm telling you it's worth it! read more

Marugame Udon - Vegetable Tempura and shrimp tempura - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This place is the real deal. The food is great, the service spot on, and the prices are reasonable especially for Honolulu. You will not be disappointed. This is a place you'll go back to each time you are in Honolulu. read more