Here we are back at Kikuya. Our waitress wasn't Cris who was there but was busy with other customers. Lee served us today. I didn't forget as I said i would take pictures of the current menu and I did. I also said that i would try the chirashi and I did. I'm very glad I did. It was very good with fresh fish. I will attempt to name all the sashimi that went into making the chirashi. Forgive me if I'm wrong. Let's start off with the easy one first which would be maguro. Then there's tamago, ebi, hamachi, tako, sake, Tobiko and tai. Oh ok. I understand. Ahi (yellow fish), egg, shrimp, Yellow tail, octopus, salmon, flying fish eggs and red snapper or sea bream. The chirashi comes with Miso soup, edamame, cabbage and pickled onions(?). The place was crowded when we came in. Harder to sit a group of five people. My bowling mates all opted for the lunch box which is a great deal. It comes with everything that I got with my chirashi. You can select 2 choices and a piece of either vegetable tempura or shrimp tempura or 2 pieces of gyoza. I'd recommend the shrimp tempura. All of this for just $22.95. That's a good price for Japanese food and the amount given. My chirashi was $25.95. If you're looking for Japanese food and on a budget, give this place a try. Ask for Cris and tell her the Monday bowlers sent you. She will get a kick out of that. Mahalo gang and have a nice day. read more

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Two or three co-workers and I go to Kikuya, behind Diners Drive Inn in Kalihi whenever we want Japanese food. We usually have the two-choice Lunch Box, which is now $22.95, 10% higher than on my last visit. Hah, we're old, we can remember when it cost less than $10. You get your choice of two mains: Sashimi, Katsu (pork, ahi, chicken), Teriyaki (beef, chicken, ahi), Butterfish Misoyaki, BBQ (chicken, pork rib), and Grilled Salmon. It comes on a teishoku platter, with a bowl of rice, one shrimp tempura, green salad, a dish with tsukemomo, and a bowl of miso soup. I wasn't very hungry, so I ordered the Katsu Don ($17.95). A nice piece of tonkatsu, vegetables and egg over a large bowl of rice. It came with tsukemono and miso soup. The food is consistently good, plentiful, and the restaurant is usually crowded. We were surprised to find just seven diners, including the four of us), in the restaurant at noon on Wednesday. Was it a result of the increased prices? We've seen that happen at other places; a temporary downturn in business until customers get over the sticker shock and realize that prices increased everywhere. As it stands, we will continue to patronize Kikuya. read more

This was my first time eating at this restaurant. It was suggested by one of our group. We had reservations for 11 am, opening time. I used Google map to find the restaurant. It's hidden from the street. They have a good selection of traditional style Japanese comfort foods. The price is good and the food was tasty and plentiful. It got quite crowded by noon. We'll be sure to visit Kikuya again. read more

Ruh Roh. Today we took another couple to Kikuya for lunch and t was massively disappointing. We had so little food that we had to order another lunch for the couple to have so they wouldn't be hungry. Two of us ordered the butterfish combination and the butterfish was paper thin, not cooked properly or evenly, one piece overcooked and the other not browned. Soo embarrassing for us as hosts. Two of us got the Ten Zaru, cold green soba noodles with tenpura and it was good, but not enough soba to get full. We are so sad--this happened to us last year---all of a sudden the quality and quantity declined and we quit coming instead of weekly--we took a 8 month break. Guess we will go back to Teishoku for their butterfish, or even Don Quijote. We are very sad to report this change in Kikuya's butterfish portion size and preparation. read more

Stopping by at one of my favorite places to eat Japanese food. Got the ten sari soba The food was great and service was awesome read more

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Great shrimp tempura. Sushi is tasty. Not too much variety. Simple. Can tell its quality without the bells and whistles. The servers were on top of it. Any time my water is filled without me needing to ask is a win in my book. Small area. Get there before the rush. read more

Kikuya - Kikuya Roll - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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No frills, Japanese restaurant in kalihi that offers teishoku, sushi, and many other options at a great price! I always get the 3 option combo. Hard to find a spot that doesn't charge extra for butter fish. Lots of food, so you'll walk out leaving full. Highlights are the chicken katsu, teriyaki beef, and spicy tuna rolls and shrimp tempura. Perfect for satisfying if you are craving Japanese food. read more

Kikuya - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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A friend recommended this place and the shrimp tempura. Located in Kalihi, my husband and I decided to give it a go. Parking lot and spaces are compact but it didn't deter us. Upon arrival, it had a very casual atmosphere and we were seated and served with hot tea and water right away. The wait staff was prompt and friendly in taking our order. Our dishes didn't disappoint. I ordered the combination that included shrimp tempura and miso butterfish. Tempura was light and crispy and butterfish was two generous pieces and saturated in flavor. My husband ordered sushi, which came out quick and was fresh and delicious. This place is a great find and we will be coming here regularly. read more

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Excellent quick service in a nice small but spacious ambiance. We are little close in tables but we still can have a conversation within ourselves. The food was so Ono. We had the Kikuya roll with scallops. My husband had 2 choices as I had 3 choice combo meals. Our choices were miso butterfish that came with 2 nice decent size servings, the shrimp tempura with vegetables was nice and big, the New York steak and grilled saba with rice. Before our meal we had pickled veggies and soy beans and miso soup, some kind of a Japanese hot tea that had a faint taste of toasty something and green salad. The dressing was really good. Not tart at all. All within a pretty good reasonable price. We were so full that we had to take our leftovers home for lunch tmrw. We will definitely come back here to eat! read more

Authentic Japanese food. They have a sushi chef so sushi comes out quickly. Clean with lots of table seating. Prices are reasonable. The food is on par with the quality you'll find in Japan. Highly recommended. read more

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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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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

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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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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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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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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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

this is a solid 3 star place. Very mediocre, very average in many ways. Hear me out; it's not a bad restaurant. We have a party of 4, and all of us tried different dishes. We got salmon, butterfish, sushi, sashimi, katsu, and some appetizers. The sashimi was not fresh; there was a frozen aftertaste and the tuna tasted fishy. Salmon was dry; butterfish was bland. Katsu wasn't tender either. I know this reviews sounds bad but the portions are at least filling. The restaurant was 50% full when we went on a weekend evening, so it was clean, spacious, and the servers were attentive. Will I come back, very unlikely, especially since there is no shortage of good Japanese restaurants on the island. But there are only a handful in Kalihi, so perhaps that's the reason why it continues to get sufficient patronage. 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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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

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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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

It was totally worth driving out to Kalihi the food was delicious well prepared the establishment was clean there prices were affordable everything was good reminder this old school Japanese restaurant it reminded me of Kabuki's I would recommend this establishment read more

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

Went to try out Kikuya with the family for the first time. Pretty good portions for the price. A three-choice dinner combo is around $28, but portions are pretty decent. They do have a pretty big selection to choose from, but guaranteed going to come back again. A lot of the food is made-to-order, especially the sashimi. But there was barely any one there, so maybe that's why too? Overall 10/10 for the price, quality and portions. Definitely recommend to anyone visiting or just looking for one nice spot to have lunch or dinner. Btw the staff was very welcoming and friendly. 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

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

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

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

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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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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1 star because service was shitty today.guess i don't look asain..didn't even ask if I wanted more tea or anything else but sure helped everybody else..as far as food ..thats why you got a shitty tip..lucky I left any.. read more

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