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    Tonkatsu Tamafuji

    4.6 (2.5k reviews)
    PriceyJapanese
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Tonkatsu Tamafuji Photos

    Business Info

    TONKATSU TAMAFUJI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Tonkatsu Tamafuji

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    Amy L.

    I couldn't get a Rez when I lived in Hawaii lol. Luckily I snagged a Rez for my trip back home. Rez opens first of the month for that month. Jyukusei pork loin katsu set 180g $33 - as a first timer, I thought the price was too high but after my meal, I thought it was a good treat yourself moment. The set comes with rice, cabbage salad, miso soup, and the pickled veggies. The amount of meat was just right!

    Roger W.

    Very nice place, staff are very professional and helpful. Food is good. It can be 4.5 or 5 for others I think but personally it is a bit too much deep fried stuff for me. And going back to eat it again? Maybe I want to try different items from the menu.

    Kanako H.

    Tamafuji is honestly the king of tonkatsu on Oahu, and probably in Hawaii. I like other tonkatsu places on island but I (personally) don't believe anyone is playing in the same league. From their breading, meat quality, and ambiance, it's all fantastic. Compared to the upstairs restaurant, I felt like I could really enjoy my entire experience because I was less overwhelmed by noise and the small space. Their service is always great and friendly :-) I can't recommend this place enough!

    300 g pork tonkatsu which was very thick.
    Allen N.

    After recently visiting their new location, I'm happy to say that Tonkatsu Tamafuji is just as good as I remember. Despite moving to a larger space downstairs, the food and service haven't missed a beat. Still great! The tonkatsu was cooked perfectly. Thick, juicy, and tender and all of the sides were just as delicious as before. I had dinner with a friend, and we both really enjoyed our meals. The staff was friendly and attentive throughout the evening. Consistently checking in to be sure all was good. It's nice to see that after all these years, they're still maintaining the same quality that made them so popular in the first place. The restaurant remains busy, so I'd still recommend arriving early if you don't have a reservation. Even after the brief shutdown, this is still one of my favorite spots for tonkatsu in Honolulu.

    Rice from Hokkaido.
    Jerry E.

    This super-popular tonkatsu eatery is virtually impossible to make online reservations, notwithstanding the fact that reservations are supposedly available through its system. It is irrefutable that they offer many delectable dishes, particularly their fried shrimp and oysters; of course, their fried pork cutlets are their specialty. Their service is usually top-notch, especially when the experienced female servers are working rather than some of the newer male waiters. However, I had to downgrade my rating by one star after my last visit, when I had to ask repeatedly for water and refills of shredded cabbage--and there was no tea offered at all. Granted, they may have been too busy or simply inattentive to customers' needs. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and still tipped more than they probably deserved. With their booming business, my observations probably won't make much of a difference. Nevertheless, whenever you dine here, don't hesitate or feel bashful about politely calling their attention to any service issues.

    Wagyu
    Michelle V.

    Wow the food was amazing! The service took longer than expected but then again we were a party of 9. Seating is limited so be sure to have a reservation for large parties! We ordered the wagyu dish and a katsu sando.

    Pork tenderloin and oyster combo
    Jeff L.

    Tamafuji remains undefeated as the best tonkatsu in town. The breading is impossibly crispy, the pork tender and juicy, and this time I also got the fried oysters which were plump and fresh. This was my first visit to their new location, just downstairs from the old one. The new location is much more spacious and feels brighter than before. It feels a lot less cramped inside. I will say I think the restaurant may be having some growing pains in the new space. It took about an hour from when we were seated until we got our food - I don't really remember having to wait that long before - but all was forgiven when the food arrived. Service was friendly but a little bit absent during the wait, but for whatever reason improved dramatically once the food actually arrived (or maybe just my mood improved!). Like before, you can get free refills of rice and cabbage, and the different types of rice they have are all worth trying.

    Sizzling
    Sonya L.

    Not my first time here. We tried to get reservations but I think they had some glitches as they just recently reopened after expanding/moving to the new space. Since we didn't get reservations we had to do walk in. The waitlist didn't seem bad when we first signed up but it took forever to finally get a table. It was a hot day so we were waiting outside, for nearly an hour. There were only like two or three parties ahead of us on the waitlist. We finally got seated and the people right after us on the list got seated at the same time (they put their name 15 min after us). I would not recommend the waitlist, since it's not consistent. The food itself is always delicious. The new space was nice (and larger). Our server was very nice also. We both got tonkatsu. I got the mizore and my partner got the sizzling one. I appreciate the choices of rice and miso soup. I really enjoyed my Shiso rice and the white miso soup. I think even though I enjoyed the ground daikon but I also think I would've been happy with just a regular tonkatsu, similar for the sizzling platter.

    Nami P.

    We were really excited to try Tonkatsu Tamafuji since it's always so popular and busy, and we love Japanese food. The atmosphere and decor were great very warm and inviting and the service and overall vibe felt authentic. However, our experience with the food was disappointing this time. The tonkatsu we received was overcooked and slightly burnt, which gave it a bitter taste and made it hard to enjoy. For the price and reputation, we expected better consistency in quality. Overall, while we appreciate the ambience and understand why it's well-loved by many, this visit didn't meet our expectations, and it's not our favorite experience.

    Shrimp and pork katsu combo
    Nam S.

    I finally got a reservation for this place because I saw that they posted openings on their Instagram. First time going! I tried the shrimp and pork katsu combo. Amazing 10/10. It felt like I was in Japan- food quality wise and the atmosphere of the restaurant. Each bite was tender, delicious, and crispy. Every dish comes with a bowl of rice and miso soup of your choice. $35 for the dish I got, which is a bit on the pricier end... BUT well worth in my opinion. The portions had us full and satisfied, and everything was good quality. I will be going back again later this month!

    Pork Loin
    Jasmine Y.

    By far one of my favorite places I went on the island! Food was so yummy, loved the unlimited refills on sides. I highly recommend splurging on the pork loin, the fattier pieces are much more tasty and moist. The other tonkatsu is solid, no doubt, but the loin is chefs kiss. Very unique and so fun when I made my own sauce, freshly ground sesame is definitely a game changer. Our service was so quick and so friendly, and still let us have the chance to talk and not be overbearing. We came for lunch so it was bright, sunny, and open. However, I think this place is great at any time

    cabbage
    Leona V.

    I had soo much trouble with their reservation system that we ended up trying their waitlist. You have to book two months in advance on the first of the month, all reservations were gone in about 3 days. We waited an hour and were the last round of guests seated on a Thursday night. The restaurant is pretty small, which makes the copper cauldrons stand out that much more. I really enjoyed the whole experience from being able to see the kitchen to making my own katsu sauce. We both got the 180g jyukusei pork loin katsu set. The quality was amazing, the pork was so soft despite the pork being cooked fully through. The breading was light and airy, and went well with the pickled side dishes. I would have loved to try the other katsu items and could have definitely had more pork katsu. I would come here again, with a reservation and empty stomach.

    Entrance
    Jessi Lynne B.

    Dropped in as a walk-in as this spot has been on my list to try for awhile now. Didn't realize they took reservations but happily surprised that we waited maybe 30 minutes on a weekend evening and ecstatic to report that the wait was short and Tonkatsu Tamafuji did not disappoint. Nice to have experienced this location before they move downstairs to a bigger spot. Small lot downstairs $4 parking or opt for street parking in the area. The workers are attentive, courteous, and quick which all helps with the experience and offering a short wait time whether it be dining in or waiting to be seated. Although they offer take out, I definitely recommend dining in. I chose the seasoned mixed rice which complemented my recommended Jyukusei pork loin katsu set perfect. As suggested by yelp reviewers, I also got a side order of Oyster Katsu and that was delicious. They provide two choices of sauce (spicy or sweet) to go with your freshly ground sesame seeds as well as a sampling of gobo, seasoned cabbage, and pickled plum. The simple flavors also extend to the cabbage salad with a choice of sesame and/or yuzu dressing and this strong spicy mustard for the katsu that hits the spot. Everything complements each other so well. Overall, I'm over the moon about my experience here and recommend anyone to stop in! I miss Japan and this spot makes you feel like you're there! Will definitely be back!

    Bar/Service Area

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    Tonkatsu Tamafuji Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tonkatsu Tamafuji

    Is the reservation system working online?? I tried and nothing is available or open for reservations?

    Online might show no reservations because people make these up to a year out. It's better to call because they do answer the phone. Other option is to try your luck if you are there and wait to see if a spot opens up. We were there and got lucky… 

    Can I make a reservation for 2 for dinner on May 26?

    You should be able to make reservations on their web site - I have done that before. We've also walked in and waited so you might be able to do that if the reserved tables are full

    Is this place wheelchair acceptable?

    It's on the second floor - not sure if they have an elevator - you should call and check.

    If you call in for a takeout order can you pay over the phone, or only at pick up time?

    I believe only at pick up time.

    Is the cabbage still unlimited?

    Yes! Just went last night and cabbage is still unlimited, as well as the rice. Soup is not unlimited. The pickles, you have to ask.

    I'm very allergic to shrimp, do you know if they fry all the items in the same oil? Could there be an accommodation that the katsu be fried separately? I would love to eat here when I am on oahu in February.

    I am allergic to shrimp and never had any problems eating there multiple times. But I don't know if they fry in separate vats - I assume so since I never saw they throwing shrimps in the same oil when we ordered shrimps and tonkatsu.

    Does anyone know what kind of oil the restaurant uses? Kiddo is allergic to peanut oil want to know before making reservations. Tired calling unfortunately no one picked up

    i saw bottles of corn and vegetable oil on the shelves in the kitchen. i'd still keep calling to confirm.

    What on the menu is gluten/dairy free?

    Technically it's all dipped in egg then panko. Panko is not gluten free. I would say this isn't a good restaurant for dairy and gluten free. I think you'd just be left with salad/cabbage, tofu, rice, and edamame. Best of luck!

    Our group will be celebrating 3 birthdays here. Are we able to bring our own cupcakes?

    Do they take walk ins?

    Better to make reservation online. Normally its booked 2-3 months.

    Hello I'm trying to book a reservation for a month from now and haven't been able to get a phone call through or book through the link?

    The restaurant is small and books up quickly, but cancellations do show up. Keep checking back on the web link, you might get lucky.… 

    Does anyone know when their online reservation open for Aug Or Sept? Currently (May) it looks like they only book out to end of July.

    Does anyone know what kind of hot tea they serve? It's delicious!

    Hoji cha.

    Are walk ins available yet? (Feb 2022)

    They will ask you if you have a reservation but if you are lucky they may seat you if they have an opening. It happened to us. Good luck!😄

    Take out available?

    Definitely yes, but make sure to call ahead at least 45 minutes to one hour in advance., just to be sure you don't have to be stuck waiting for your orders. Bon appetite!

    Is walk in available?

    Nope. Reservations only as of time of writing this (11/28/21)

    Do they take reservations?

    Online reservation.

    The phone line doesn't seem to be working - is there another way to make a reservation?

    I called when it opened at 4pm Honolulu time. Reservations need to made in advance of at least three weeks of more prior to arrival.

    How early u need to make reservations in advance?

    When we were there a month ago, takeout reservations could be made early on the same day, though getting through can be a challenge. We kept calling back until someone answered. As far as eating in, they only have a few tables and we were unable to… 

    Do they have outdoor dining?

    I don't think so.

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    Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro

    Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro

    4.3
    (4.2k reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    Free parking
    19 years in business

    Every time our family is back here in Hawaii, immediately make reservations to come back here…read more Their speciality Kurobata pork is what makes coming here worth it. We came during happy hour this time and I was able to try their Buffalo Fried Chicken Tenders. The buffalo sauce was on the side which was nice since some of us didn't enjoy spicy food/sauces. I of course ordered the specialty pork set which came with cabbage, rice, and miso soup. The cabbage is refillable and definitely a must with the sesame dressing. The staff was great and made sure to check on our table often for any refillables or condiments. Definitely coming back here every time we're in the area.

    This was a very delicious dining experience on our recent Hawaiian trip!…read more It was a short and very pleasant walk along the beach to reach the restaurant from the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel. I highly recommend making a reservation as this place is very popular and is not very big inside. When you arrive, they have one side to check-in for reservations and one side to check-in for walkups. As I mentioned above, the inside is rather small and a bit cramped. However, the service is very friendly! I had the deluxe pork loin set which includes rice, salad, soup, and curry sauce. The meat was extremely tender, but the coating was a touch oiler than I am used to. The curry sauce was really tasty and was a nice addition to the katsu! I also love that they had fountain soft drinks with complimentary refills. This was a very tasting tonkatsu dining experience in Honolulu!

    Photos
    Tonkatsu, katsu-don, gyukatsu
    Tonkatsu, katsu-don, gyukatsu
    Special Katsu-don set
    Special Katsu-don set
    Katasu-don

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    Katasu-don
    Marugame Udon

    Marugame Udon

    4.5
    (14.1k reviews)
    0.8 mi
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    Absolutely amazing noodle spot! There was a long line when we arrived, but it moved incredibly…read morefast. As soon as we got inside, we knew this place was going to be something special. Being able to watch them make the noodles in the back, combined with the incredible smell throughout the restaurant, made the whole experience even better. I ordered the curry udon, while my wife got the creamy broth, and we also shared the tempura shrimp. Everything was absolutely delicious. Honestly, this was probably our best food stop on the island. I'll be thinking about this restaurant for a long time. Where we're from, there's nothing even close to a place like this. If you're visiting the island, this is definitely a spot you need to try!

    Where do I even begin?!?! This place is an absolute gem!!! Marugame Udon offers some of the…read morefreshest and finest- handmade Sanuki udon on the island! Their noodles are made in-house (following authentic Sanuki traditions from Japan) and cooked daily. Customers order their noodles at the counter, pick their tempura from a self-serve station, and pay at the end. What's even more impressive- patrons can watch the chefs make the food right in front of them (making for a cool dining experience). Highly recommend getting there early- lines are insane! But for the most part, the line moves fast because meals are dished out quickly and guests eat and leave in a timely manner. And prices are relatively low compared to other places. I ordered the #2 Creamy Broth- creamy chicken broth topped with juicy pork chashu and a flavorful seasoned egg 10/10! This was absolute fire!!! My wife ordered the Chicken Katsu- lightly battered, well seasoned and packed with flavor. We also ordered a side of Shrimp Tempura and Potato Croquettes. Both were equally delicious, but the potato croquettes hit the spot with a well seasoned potato mash, encased in a golden deep fried breadcrumb 10/10! It's an absolute must!

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    You can watch as they make your food!
    You can watch as they make your food!
    Kake Udon
    Kake Udon
    Dining Room!

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    Dining Room!
    ABURIYA IBUSHI

    ABURIYA IBUSHI

    4.5
    (451 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Whenever I passed by this place on Kapahulu, there's always a line, and line's don't lie, right?!…read moreMade reservations (highly recommended) and found street parking as they do not have a dedicated lot. Once inside, you are warmly greeted. It's a little dim inside during the day. No paper menus; you need to scan a QR code to see what you want to order. Our group ordered the teishoku set which came with the main entree, rice, oxtail broth, and 2 appetizers (we opted for tofu and eggplant). We opted for the Aburi flank steak which was very very tasty and the Aburi chicken. The chicken was a touch on the salty side, but it came with a spicy dipping sauce which was phenomenal! All the meats had the delicious smoky flavor from the grill. The oxtail broth was kinda bland. We also ordered the oxtail ramen which was also a hit. Finished off dinner with ice cream + mochi. The mochi is also grilled but know that it's not sweet mochi.

    So thankful for restaurants that open late. We thankfully found street parking and this was the…read moreonly place open. How lucky for us! Customer service was terrific. Since it was late, we noticed the back of house staff help the front. Everyone was so friendly and food comes out fast. The only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is because the food was a bit too flavorful - we all agreed that everything was slightly salty. I could also say portion of some items may not match price, but I understand inflation is increasing at an alarming rate. So I'll leave money out of this. Crushed cucumbers were interesting. We couldn't decide if eating it with chopsticks or spoon was better. With chopsticks, you might not get enough sauce. But you could taste the layers of flavor. With a spoon, you get too much saltiness. The spice hits at the end. The tako karaage were a little too chewy for us. Beef tongue was so tender. A definite must order. I dont think it needs rice though. We also ordered the late night nikumiso but it didn't come with an egg, which the menu said it should. We tried handful more items but we'll be back to try the oxtail items, as it sounds like that's their specialties, but takes extra time to prepare.

    Photos
    Storefront... just like we're in Japan!
    Storefront... just like we're in Japan!
    Their famous potato salad.
    Their famous potato salad.
    Potato Salad

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    Potato Salad
    I-NABA

    I-NABA

    4.4
    (807 reviews)
    2.0 mi
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    Came here for Sunday breakfast with the kiddies, and we arrived a little after 8:00 a.m. There was…read moreplenty of parking and seating available, and we were greeted and seated right away. We were promptly served water and hot tea while we looked over the menu. My boys love salmon, so they chose the Grilled Salted Salmon Set. Knowing they probably wouldn't finish their meals, I ordered the TKG Set and added natto and mentaiko on the side. Each set comes with miso soup, rice, and an assortment of delicious sides. Everything was so good! One of my favorite touches was at the end of the meal when our waitress brought out dashi with seaweed, wasabi, and green onions (comes with the Salmon Sets) for us to pour over the remaining rice. It was the perfect way to finish the meal. We cleaned our plates and enjoyed every bite. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back to try more of their breakfast dishes and to experience their lunch and dinner offerings as well.

    My favorite soba restaurant. I love that they offer so many different preparations/toppings/sides;…read morethey can always satisfy whatever I'm in the mood for (hot or cold). They also have excellent tempura and sashimi. My favorite is the 'Hana' (cold soba w/tororo-unu-ikura-wakkame-nori-negi) but add ume & natto, and a side order vegetable tempura. (They also have incredible unagi tempura and a kakiage over hot soba) - plus they have yuzu ginger sorbet!! Service is always polite and friendly which makes it easy to become a regular here. Prices are well worth it for the quality.

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    I-NABA
    Tempura Zaru soba with edamame rice
    Tempura Zaru soba with edamame rice
    Hana soba

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    Hana soba
    Little Plum

    Little Plum

    4.5
    (288 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Food was excellent, very tasty!!! Portion sizes were small but definitely worth going back to try…read moremore dishes! Corn, rib eye sticks, Kalbi bao buns!!!!

    Little Plum is always an enjoyable experience. First of all, the restaurant is quaint and…read morecomfortable. The dining area is one open area, the table setting is cozy with its crochet coaster and wooden chopsticks rest. There's an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs put love into each dish. My server even pointed out who will be making my crispy pork belly. The wait staff is so helpful and welcoming. They made sure our vegan friend was well-taken care of. She suggested the mushroom jook where they would put the chicken on the side. They even added more mushroom to elevate his dining experience! Today we ordered family style, which they happily accommodated for us. They served the rice on the side. Our menu included short rib bao and shiitake bao (vegan), ume tomato, namul, spicy miso eggplant, crispy pork belly, menchi katsu, and mushroom jook. The standouts were the crispy pork belly with its watercress tomato onion salad, the ume tomato on whipped tofu, and spicy miso eggplant. The mushroom jook is so comforting, hearty and full of flavor served with chicken confit and a soy egg. The two desserts offered are both winners. The mochi churro with kinako and anglaise is crispy, light and creamy. The pineapple orange pudding is so cool and refreshing. And, 100% of dessert sales go to the culinary team! What?! Love this place. Plus, with you check are some fun asian candies -white rabbit and haw flakes! I haven't been there for dinner yet. That'll be next.

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    Inside da restaurant......
    Inside da restaurant......
    Catch of the day
    Catch of the day
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    Tonkatsu Tamafuji - japanese - Updated August 2026

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