I had been fasting all day and just came from a harrowing procedure ( to me anyway!) and follow up tests. Mark Y. and I were starving. We walked the block to go get lunch at Nicky's food truck. As luck would have it there was no food truck to be found. So Mark suggested Irifune. Irifune is a plate lunch take out window in downtown. There is seating in front. And , btw, who doesn't love a sign saying "shut up and eat"?! We placed our order and waited. They informed diners via a small oddly placed sign that there is 1 cook and 1 helper so the wait could be 15 minutes. Plenty of folks ahead of us and all were waiting patiently. When our number was called ( which we could barely hear) we grabbed our boxes and walked back around the block. I ordered the ginger pork. It was served with a little dollop of spinach/garlic/ginger paste on top. The paste was super concentrated so a little went a long way...good thing because there was a hefty portion of sliced pork. Also included in the plate lunch was rice (of course) , green salad, and little dessert of mango and papaya in a light cream sauce. Mark had the katsu curry with rice and greens. Very tasty . He was a bit bummed to not get dessert. And to be honest we both would have liked Mac salad as a substitution for the greens. Overall everything was very good, price was reasonable, and the location is super close. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Ginger pork with spinach garlic - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Stopped here today for the first time with Joe K. We were planning on grabbing a plate lunch from Nicky's Lunch Wagon but they weren't there, they must've ran an out of food early. My memory of Irifune is eating at the restaurant when they were in Kapahulu and always had a love for their Garlic Ahi, that dish was AMAZING! I was sad when they closed. Today's meal was pretty great too. I had the Chicken Katsu Curry and Joe had the Ginger Pork. Both plates had a hefty amount of food so it hit the spot since we were both starving. A couple of nits I have is the lettuce in the tossed salad was still very wet, which drastically watered down the dressing and made it very bland. The greens itself was fresh though. I really wish they gave the option of having a mac salad instead of the toss. They might but there was no mention of it on any of the menus? All in all a good lunch spot in downtown and it's only about a 1 minute or so walk from where I live, I have no excuse for not coming back! read more

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The food is great here; they are only open for lunch. This is the second time we're here. We have the seared ahi and the karaage and sashimi combo, the ahi was cooked perfectly medium rare with shredded daikon and fried capers, and the karaage was so crispy and covered with a sweet glaze, plus the sashimi was fresh with a ponzu daikon sauce. The prices are so reasonable, about $18 for the ahi and $15 for the combo. The last time, we had the hamburger steak with ponzu sauce and the fried tofu plates; they were excellent and very delicious as well. There are four tables under the cover and another four tables with umbrellas outside. It looks like most of the customers are ordering takeouts. There are only street parkings, so it can be a hit or miss. If I am in the area again, I would definitely be back to try the other dishes. read more

One of the best Japanese plate lunches in Downtown. It's always made fresh to order so the wait can be over 10 minutes especially during lunch rush hour. Food: highly recommend their chicken karaage and hambagu with ponzu sauce. The chicken karaage is well marinated and moist. It's a bit different from the typical chicken karaage. The batter is light and crispy. I believe they use cornstarch instead of flour. Also, they drizzle sweet and spicy Thai sauce along with a light mayo. They pair so WELL! The toss salad on the side is always fresh, clean, and crisp. I would also recommend their hambagu with ponzu sauce. It comes with an egg, a side of toss salad, and French fries. The ponzu sauce acidic citrusy taste makes the patty less greasy. It's my go-to order. Just a bit sad that it's only available on Thursdays and Fridays. Service: Always friendly service every time I go! Atmosphere: it's only take-out, but there's outdoor seating for you to eat. read more

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Located downtown right next to the HGEA building. Limited outdoor seating. I wanted the seared ahi but they sold out, it was around 1:00pm. Food came out of the kitchen fairly quickly. The sauce of the shrimp stir fry was flavorful and savory. Too many onions in the dish for me but I loved the cabbage and shrimp. The salad had a good light dressing. They serve canned juice or tap water. Watch out for the mosquitos. I had one attacking me! After all...you are sitting outside. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Shrimp stir fry - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Wow great lunch food with prices around $15. Friendly service, not necessarily quick if you're in a hurry because the food was all made to order which is great! Got to try their chicken karaage ahí combo. Wow the karaage was fried to perfection. Hot crispy and juicy, with a sweet drizzle of sauce on top. The ahi was fresh and it's delicious with the ponzu dressing. A small lettuce salad was included. At least I got a bit of veggies in my meal. Only outdoor seating. The public concrete benches outside always had flies, just glad there were no flies at the tables bothering customers. They also emptied the trash can pretty promptly once it's full. Clean and well maintained grounds. read more

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Wow!!!! This place is better than I could've imagined! Cute Japanese takeout spot in the downtown area. Food: I got the karaage chicken and sashimi combo. With tax and tip, total was $15. Great deal for what you get- quality and quantity! Chicken was crispy and juicy and fresh. Has a sweet chili flavor. Sashimi was buttery and savory. Perfecto! Service: Ran by a friendly Japanese couple. The chicken is fried to order (I heard the fryer!) but also really quick. I don't think I waited longer than 5 minutes for my food. Free self serve cold water. Ambiance: Great spot with lots of wind coming through. Awesome vibes, super down to earth. They have quiet jazz playing that adds to the ambiance. Can't wait to come back for the daily specials!! read more

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This is an awesome Japanese lunch spot. Everything here is delicious. There is always a line so if you know what you want and don't want to wait, call it in! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Bento. This is such a fantastic deal at $14 - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Irifune is a great eats that is a small walk off the normal downtown strip. I've been here every so often and they have never disappointed me in terms of price and quantity. Their servings are large to make me full without putting me into a food coma. Their prices have changed a little with time but are still reasonable - especially for what you get. Karaage Chicken & Sashimi Combo: 7/10. Yes, this is one of their standard lunches and as of 8/1/25 is still $14.50. The Sashimi is sitting in a pre-mixed shoyu ginger sauce with diamonds slices. The Karaage has a slightly sweet chili sauce that complements the chicken well. Lastly, they have a standard salad with that slightly tart white dressing. This amount of food for $14.50 is great. While it is a bit further away that most eating establishments and it takes a little bit for them to cook- the food here is worth your time. read more

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Small local mom and pop store with that hole in the wall taste can't find anywhere else. Best karaage plate lunch I've had so far on island MUST TRY That and the ahi ‍ read more

Irifune Restaurant - Karaage chicken combo with Ahi Sashimi $14 - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Seared ahi steak = phenomenal Chicken Karaage & Sashimi Combo = amazing Service was pretty quick and very nice. Ambience was quaint and quiet. I can't believe I haven't been here earlier. I can't wait to try more food.... ‍ read more

Irifune Restaurant - Menu - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is my go-to lunch spot if I want a well-balanced meal, if I can't decide what to eat, if I'm craving tempura, and for every other reason. I usually order the bento because it has nearly all the food groups: protein, veggies, and grains. The shrimp tempura combo is also near perfection and better than what you can get at an overpriced Japanese restaurant. This isn't a sit-down restaurant. It's not even indoors. All of the tables and chairs are outside, tucked away from the traffic on Queen St. It's also very shady and feels great on days with gentle breezes. read more

When I get a chance, I head over to Irifune for lunch. Get there early because they get busy and run out of some items on the menu. I got the hamburger steak with ponzu sauce and my friend got the ginger pork. My hamburger steak was delicious. The ponzu sauce complimented the hamburger steak. The portion was a good size. It also came with rice, fries, and veggies. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Hamburger steak with ponzu sauce - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I haven't been here for a year, but every time I've been here, the food is always so delicious. I had the Katsu Curry Yum. Tender chicken and the curry, if you like Japanese curry , is sweet and ono. read more

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Shut up there here! Well they've been tell us to eat since 1974 but had no idea they relocated to downtown and was thrown to see them and just had to give them a hey! Menu filled with all the local Japanese favorites like Mushroom Chicken, Ginger Pork and Chicken Katsu Curry deciding on what to order isn't the easiest when you're hungry though the Hamburger Steak simply had me drooling as it's made with ponzu sauce and at $10.75 you just can't complain. Wow my gosh cute chunk of hamburger. Had an egg on top... an over easy egg to be precise with a daikon oroshi or grated radish with ponzu a classic way to enjoy meat for Japanese came with a few side of fries three pieces of green beans, a scoop of hapa rice, and salad with vinaigrette. I did wish that I knew about the egg because I don't like mines over easy but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. This laid back open patio works amazing with the cool breeze though the decor isn't what you're here for, the patio style seating does just what you're here for to just shut up and eat. Thank you! read more

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This is takeout place with some outdoor sitting near HGEA office in Mililani Street in downtown. It was probably just me but I was pretty confused reading their menu. I wish that they clarify what entree includes like some side salad and big portion of white rice. Initially I was going to order the bento but changed to tofu stir fry. The counter lady wasn't too happy when I did that. Tofu stir fry came tofu, round onions, and seemed like left over stem from Choy Sum for $11 something. It was an affordable lunch but I rather pay little more for better food. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Food is always tasty here. The ginger chicken was yummy. We got the ahi as well. There are a few tables outside to enjoy your meal.

I just purchased and entirely inedible bento box for $14. I should have opened it before I got back to the office. The batter is laden with grease and still managed to be completely doughy and uncooked. There is also only 1 shrimp. They knew when they put it in the box they were wrong for this. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Shrimp and vegetable tempura dripping with grease and uncooked. - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Quality Japanese restaurant food for a decent price! The wait can be very long since lots of downtown employees come here for lunch. I got the bento for $12. The tempura was incredible and so fresh. I especially liked the fish tempura. Great service too. I recommend coming before or after 12-1 pm because the line can get long and the tables fill up quickly. I would definitely eat here again! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Bento $12 - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Definitely a great lunch time option! Located at the edge of downtown the prices are definitely less and the food very tasty. The menu boosts Japanese favorites at reasonable prices. I have tried the chicken katsu curry and found the katsu with its crispy texture, salad and rice at just the right portion size. The tofu plate is my favorite as the exterior is fried with perfection with sauce dribbled over the top. Everything is delicious and about $10 a plate which is much cheaper than the places around the downtown area. There are daily lunch specials and everything is fresh . Will definitely return! read more

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I work nearby and on the days that I don't bring home lunch this is one of my favorite places to go. It's a hole in the wall place thats easy to miss. And the service is quick. Fish can be expensive but the prices here are super reasonable. I normally get either the bento or the chicken katsu curry. Both are really flavorful. Both dishes used to be $10 but they recently raised it to $12. Which is still such a steal in today's economy. They do have outdoor seating which is nice because not many places do. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Bento - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See photos for comments on food. Good food! Only negatives is my itchy feet from sitting there. Maybe mosquitos or fleas or something biting me. lol read more

Irifune Restaurant - Chicken Katsu Rice is good quality, or is it cooked in a good manner. Curry is good has stuff it in. Tastes Good! - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Hoooo just came from there ordered the Unagi. The food is prices right. The Ungai was so soft and delicious prepared perfectly. The sides was just perfect. Really enjoyed my lunch and the gentleman who took my order was so pleasant he took my order even though they was closed. Great customer service and awesome experience! Guarantee going back!!! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Cute little spot in Punchbowl area. Perfect for lunch in my opinion! I got the chicken katsu curry and my coworker got the breaded tofu... all yummyyy! And the lady is so nice, she's the sweetest. Definitely come here! read more

Ono Grindz and Good Deal! When I visited our main HQ office building in Honolulu my local co-worker suggested we go to lunch. We walked a couple of blocks down from the Pacific Guardian Building on Bishop St to this little restaurant, an open outdoor patio setting with table seating under large umbrellas. We placed our orders at the front counter. I ordered the Bento which included an assortment of tempura (shrimp, pumpkin, egg plant), fish (salmon), and salad. It was supposed to come with sashimi but I substituted for the salmon. Light and delicious. My hubby, who doesn't like fish (except for fish sticks) enjoyed the serving, we had the same bento item. When your order is ready they call the number on your ticket/receipt. Glad we made it here... they are only open Mon-Fri for three hours from 11:00a to 2:00p. They are closed on weekends. During our time in Oahu, the island was feeling the impact of a weakening tropical storm Darby so it rained a little bit... lucky for those big umbrellas. Thank you, Sandy, for the treat! Cheap good food... what more can you ask for. Review #2625 read more

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Quiet little place with patio chairs. Food is not bad. Food took a while so it's not a ready made. Had a lunch date in downtown with my honey. I recommend the breaded tofu. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Shared the chicken sashimi and breaded tofu. - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Many weeks ago, a co-worker handed me a small to-go container that was still warm to the touch. I had already eaten lunch, and was full. However, I was told to peek inside and to give it a try. I will admit, I was hesitant at first, but I said I would try it and I'm a man of my word. What was inside was (most) of Irifune's breaded tofu. HOLY SHIT was it amazing. Crunchy, solid, (warm) and with a tasty sauce. I thought about it for weeks. I've since returned to Irifune a handful of times and each time was memorable. First, I've ordered the breaded tofu EVERY TIME- IT'S THAT GOOD. Other dishes have been eaten and enjoyed, but for this guy, the breaded tofu is the SHIT. thank you read more

I was shocked that the line wasn't long and we got our food within minutes of ordering it. The food itself was amazing! The tofu was perfectly seasoned and the vegetables were still crunchy; they weren't mushy. I will definitely be back when I'm in the area and craving good stir fry. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Garlic Tofu Stir Fry - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Todays lunch was good but hella small. The flavor was good and it was yummy. But the entree portion was so small. The plate was a big scoop of rice, salad, and mac salad. And a tiny portion of chicken and mushroom. The only way to be full after this is if you ate all the hapa rice. Definitely will not be eating this again read more

Irifune Restaurant - Garlic shrimp stir fry - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The Good: * Their bento/plate lunches are the perfect size. Always served with a side of salad. * I usually get the garlic mushroom chicken -- delish! * My friends usually get the chicken katsu curry and karaage chicken -- both are yummy too * You really can't go wrong with your choices here The Weird: * I am trying to remember where else Irifune existed. I'm thinking it was near UH. I just remember it a long time ago.... but I can't place my finger on it.. The Bad: * Nothing bad except I don't know where I would park if I wasn't working in downtown to eat here! haha read more

Very friendly, great flavors. Can get busy at times, but the wait isn't too bad. Food is good. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Hamburger steak with their ponzu sauce, and an egg. Came with tempura onion rings. - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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My favorite is the fried tofu plate, served with hapa rice and salad. It's amazing! Texture of tofu is firm, lightly bread like katsu, and is crispy! And the sauce they provide is amazing! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Fried tofu plate...ONO! - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Most items are not my kind of Japanese food and also a bit pricey for the regular lunch accompaniment, but I did try their apple pie for $4! It didn't taste how'd I'd expect a typical apple pie to taste and there was some kind of yogurt-based dollop on top with two strawberry Pocky sticks, but it tasted clean and I ended up eating almost all of it... except the extra crust parts! The staff are super enthusiastic and friendly and cheerful, which I appreciate and enjoyed. It's a little bit dusty there though so I don't think I'll risk trying their other dishes, especially given the higher price (for a regular lunch)! read more

"Shut up and eat!" I saw this humorous sign and I had to check it out! Located next to the HGEA (Hawaii Government Employees Association) Building on Mililani Street in Downtown Honolulu, this little takeout window is serving up some tasty meals! Irifune used to be a restaurant in Kapahulu. I had never been there because of the challenging parking. I did pass by it many, many times. Now that I've found their new location, I'll probably be back! Known for their garlic ahi, I ordered the $10 bento which includes this famous dish! The styrofoam container also had nicely presented Seared ahi, a fresh green salad with a slice of tomato, and an assortment of tempura. I really liked the light batter which enhanced the fish and veggies! The dipping sauce was so good that i added it to the rice and gobbled everything up! The small container of okara was a nice touch! Wow! What a wonderful takeout meal! The five stars rating is because of the exceptional service. The woman at the cash register was efficient, pleasant, and said, "Enjoy!" to each customer as she cheerfully smiled and distributed the meals! She's a breath of fresh air! Note: The new location also had a few tables and chairs for outdoor dining. Itadakimasu! read more

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One of my lunch spots for work their fast and have good portions size to keep you full throughout lunch. I will always order my go to which the chicken karaage & sashimi combo. The drizzle sauce on the chicken really makes it! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is my go-to hole in the wall. Amazing garlic lobster. I always recommend folks try it out when visiting. The island has some nice high end options but there are so many other places to enjoy. This would be one of them. read more

This place is yummy! Great prices too! Wish they open on weekends too! I got their chicken katsu curry plate that comes with rice and salad. Totally hit the spot! Pretty much everything here is yummy! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Chicken Katsu curry - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Irifune is a great location in downtown Honolulu. A perfect spot for lunch open from 11-2pm. Great seating area too. Good food for a great deal of- $13.50 for a combo plate. Mahalo Irifune! read more

Irifune Restaurant - chicken karaage and sashimi combo plate - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Yummy, comfort food. Simple ingredients and menu. Staff is so polite. Price is reasonable.

"Shut up and eat" - Irifune sign. I totally lol'd when I saw that on their sign. For the longest time, I would always pass by the Kapahulu location, but I never went. Parking seemed like it would've been a nightmare, so I didn't chance it. I share Chris K.'s excitement and happiness that they're in downtown! I could finally get to try them! I've tried a couple items from their menu: - Chicken katsu curry: It's your typical Japanese style curry served with crispy chicken katsu and rice. - Bento: The bento I got had seared sashimi, tempura, salad and rice. Overall, the food is tasty and decently priced. The menu seems to change, but if you look at some of the pictures, you kind of get an idea of what they have. It'd be awesome if they could post their specials online... Every time I've visited, I didn't wait more than five minutes for my food, so its perfect place for lunch during work. They also have a few tables and chairs. If you're eating there, there mayyy be mosquitos. In general, there are other menu items that I do look forward to trying. read more