Very reasonable prices for a great tasting bento. Their decor is super adorable and gives me the home-style Japan vibes. Would definitely visit again. They have specials every month. Credit cards are accepted for orders above $10. If your order amount is less than that make sure you have cash on hand. read more

Great bentos here!! I've gotten a lot of different ones and they have always been good. They deliver as well!

Small portions but fresh. The service is quick and if you call it in, you won't wait too long. Looking forward to more visits.

We're in the mood for bento to take on our outing to Hanuma Bay. Our search led us here near UH. The menu has lots of selections. Our tonkatsu bento was yummy, especially loved the multigrain rice. Service was friendly and efficient. Many local customers ordered take-outs here. Make sure to bring a bag to carry your orders, unless you want to pay 50 cents for a brown paper bag. read more

See all

Great value and my customers were happy with selection of bentos. Order online and there plenty parking which makes for quick & easy pick ups. read more

Great bentos made to order! Very friendly japanese owned service. Choose a bunch of bentos to go: -ginger pork -chicken karaage -tonkatsu -beef terri Perfectly cooked sticky rice, nice side japanese pickles. Yum!! Parking in the back! Easy in and out. (Next door to dominos pizza) read more

See all

Bentos at Kokoro Tei 3 orders of Nori Shrimp Kara Deluxe It was delicious. Prices are pretty decent hopefully the prices and quality stays the same. We will have to try the other items on the menu read more

Kokoro-Tei - 3 orders of Nori Shrimp Kara Deluxe @ Kokoro Tei - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Ordered the super nori bento, love the food from here. This place is take out only and is very reasonable in pricing.

Kokoro-tei is a takeout only place. You can scan the QR code for the menu. Food portions very good and very tasty! Ala Carte, regular bento and Giga Bento options available. Would return again! read more

Kokoro-Tei - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is my first ever bookmark on yelp!!! I loved it! I got the tuna bento that also included various tempuras with a bed of tuna mayo on top of a piece of nori. My boyfriend got the chicken katsu bento! We normally go to iyasume for our bento needs but I think we found another one. We came around 11:30 which is still considered an early lunch and we had to wait quite a bit since there were people picking up orders for their work. I would come at an earlier or a later time, or put at least 30 minutes on the side for your bento needs! The ladies are so friendly and helped us guide through the menu since there were so many options. They also accept card! read more

Kokoro-Tei - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Whoa! This bento join is LEGIT YO! After reading my Yelp buddies - Nat N., Emi H., Judy C., Terry H., & Amanda Z.'s reviews, and looking at all the delicious pics of their bentos............I just had enough of drooling all over my laptop computer, and was compel to finally go here to try one of their delicious bentos! Kokoro-Tei is located just across the street from the Moiliili park........and it's in the same building as the Domino's Pizza, & Teddy's Bigger Burger in Moiliili. Upon walking into Kokoro-Tei, I could see that they specialize in bentos, and they offered a large variety of bentos. They also sold a few drinks like bottled water, & cold ice tea. Prices for the bentos are very reasonable, as the most inexpensive bento is just $4.85, and the higher end bento (Mega Bento) is just under the $15.00 range, which is still pretty reasonable too! Upon looking at the wall menu...........I had the hardest time deciding which bento I wanted because they all looked so yummy, but finally I decided to get the - "Nori Shrimp Kara Deluxe Bento". What is in the Nori Shrimp Kara Deluxe Bento? You get - (2) pieces of Chikawa Fish Cake, (2) pieces of Fried Shrimp, & (3) pieces of Karaage Fried Chicken on a bed of rice with (2) slices of Nori, & Bonito (fish flakes). On the side is some ginger & tsukemomo (I think it was gobo)? What can I say about the bento? I'm so glad I came here!!!! The bento came out hot & fresh, as the bentos here are made to order. All fried items came out hot, and for $6.98 + tax? How can you beat that???? The shop itself is kinda small, and most folks who come here will basically do a "grab & go". But if you choose to eat on site, there are 3 small tables & stools available should you choose to eat here. Parking is available, as you can park in the same parking lot as where you would park to go to Teddy's Bigger Burger & Domino's Pizza, but bear in mind..........during peak hours, the parking lot can get full (as there are only 20 parking spaces available). I must say Kokoro-Tei is a very nice find!!! If I'm ever jonesing for a bento, this is the place to be! read more

See all

My favorite Japanese Bento Spot!! well one of LOL. They are usually pretty fast and more importantly the food is pretty consistent. Parking is usually no problem. Same grouchy lady takes me order every time haha but its a small hurdle to get a good. bento. Side dishes change but it's always a surprise I look forward to see what I get! read more

I have ordered many Bentos from here and they have all been excellent. The portions are generous and the food is tasty and authentic. It has become my "go- to" place for bento! read more

Usually your hole in the wall kind of restaurants are dirty-ish, no parking and not nice at all. However this restaurant is a hole in the wall but not really?why? Cause the food is pretty good, really cheap and place is actually nice and it has Parking! Been here before but didnt have a chance to write a review so here we go this time! *Ambience: place is nice inside, not fancy but super clean. Only 3 small tables to sit. And yes! They have AC! *Service: girl in the counter was super nice and friendly. *Parking: street or parking lot in the back. *Food: Sukiyaki beef- Guy Don ($9.98) Plenty flavor! Cheap too! *Beef bowl with Salmon ($12.98) This time i added salmon to my beef, honestly salmon is good but a little bit on the dry side. Next time i will stick to my beef or i would get something else. Solid 4 stars for this place! read more

See all

Despite the high ratings, not impressed actually disappointed. Service was fantastic but to me the food was mediocre, forgettable. The ginger pork had a strange taste and the hamburger mushy like it contained too much breadcrumbs or something. But what really disappointed me was the chikuwa. The menu description states 2 pieces chikuwa but in reality it's 1 chikuwa cut in half. read more

The food was really delicious and the price is reasonable. The little lady at the front counter was friendly and welcoming.

Delicious, delicious, delicious. Probably the best Japanese style bento I have had in town! You have a variety of options to choose from. If you are vegetarian, the multi-grain rice is amazing. I usually get the nori shrimp kara deluxe, because I love the fried shrimp, fried fishcake (SO amazing), and karaage. I love how the rice has a ton of furikake and bonito flakes. But what really makes this place amazing is their pricing. It is so reasonable for a good amount of food. You can park on the street or in their parking lot, which they share with Teddy's. Service here is always great and they are quite quick. If it is busy, it can take a bit longer to get your bentos because they make them right after you place your order, so it tastes fresh and warm. I love getting the bentos to go, but they have a few seats inside to dine in. Already thinking about my next bento from here... read more

See all

This Place is just flat out good... Not expecting much from a Bento shop, But ... Their choices were many and different. The Shrimp and Karrage chicken is the bomb The food was hot fresh and Mmmmmm Great !!! Would recommend this place if You are looking for a Great bento !!! read more

I've always wanted to check out Kokoro-Tei. I've read great things about this place. For the longest time, I had this place bookmarked. How I finally made it here, Early January, I had an appointment at Longs' minute clinic and after my appointment, my car didn't start. I had to wait for the tow guy, which would be over an hour. I walked over for quick lunch and ever since my very first visit, I've been back numerous times. Seems like it was meant to be. My love for Kokoro-Tei. TIPs: If you are in a hurry, it is best to call in your order. ( I always call in my order) Kokoro-Tei opens at 11:00 am Credit card excepted with 10.00 purchase The rice comes with bonito, I'm not a fan, ( need to remember to request not to add) Get the tarter sauce for 25 cents more, its not your typical tartar sauce. ( If you have fish in your bento) Kokoro- Tei is located on S.Beretania St. The first shop after Domino's Pizza & Teddy's Burger. S. Beretania is a one way st. You may miss this business if you pass it or turn too early. Limited parking available or street parking. What makes Kokoro-Tei so special? Made to order bentos. I love fresh bentos. I don't like pre-made bento as it doesn't taste as fresh!! plus premium rice and everything is cooked to perfection and very tasty. Another reason why Kokoro-Tei is so special? The prices and the workers are so friendly. All my visits, I always get the Nori Kara bento, realized yesterday the Nori Kara bento comes in deluxe for 1.50 more. I usually get the mini Nori Kara bento which is 4.98. The Nori Kara deluxe is bigger and more of a deal. The Nori Kara comes with 1 piece of fish, 2 fried fish cake, 5 pieces of chicken, on a bed of rice with a huge piece of nori, and tsukemono. Tsukemono varies- yesterday was gobo. My lunch was tasty! I can't wait for my next visit. Stop at Kokoro-Tei before your trip. (So convenient) I picked up our bentos for my trip in February. Pick up a bento for the beach to see the sunset. Or for quick lunch/dinner or for your bento fix. This shop is very small and there are very few seats for dining in. Stop by Kokoro-Tei for fresh and tasty bento made to order at a reasonable price!! You won't be disappointed!! 2016 #51/100 Yelp Challenge read more

See all

Authentic, affordable Japanese bentos Pros + Most lunch items under $15 Cons - Fish portions were light. - Some of the sides were meh. read more

The top two reasons why I love this place is the price and that the bentos are made to order. Oh, and they taste great, so make that my top 3 reasons why I love this place. Today I bought two bentos - the Nori Salmon Deluxe ($5.80) and the regular Salmon Bento ($5). It's hard to believe that you can get a salmon bento at these prices. The regular Salmon Bento is perfect for those with small appetites. The Deluxe is a better choice for most people, and still reasonably priced at $5.80. The bentos are made to order, which is fine by me, because I'd rather eat a freshly made bento than one that has been sitting on the counter for who knows how long. It doesn't take them that long to make your bento, and if you don't want to wait, you can always call in your order before heading down there. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=rL-Rm_qaAt870OHZndKG9Q&userid=5iOId572Hr76oucpP1TNCg read more

Kokoro-Tei - Top- nori salmon deluxe bento. Bottom- salmon bento - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First time here, will be back! YOU MUST TRY IT! Food taste excellent, online ordering excellent, price is reasonable

Kokoro-Tei is a small affordable bento place with just a few tables inside. Kind of reminds me of being in Japan where this type of establishment is typical. Bento is made fresh to order. Got the typical hamburger steak, served with a side of pasta, & potato salad and rice. Beef was moist and delicious and all the sides tasted just as good. What is there not to love for $6.50 bento made fresh when you order. Kokoro-Tei is a cheap place to grab lunch or dinner without breaking the piggy bank. Now I only wish there was one in my neighborhood. read more

Kokoro-Tei - Hamburger Steak Bento $6.50 - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Bentos are yummy and not too expensive. I like the selections but my go to is the Nori Bentos. I especially LOVE the tempura fishcake. My FAV!!! read more

This is definitely my new go to place for made to order Japanese Bentos. Yelp reviews led me to try lunch here the other day. I got here when they opened and was a bit overwhelmed with the menu offerings. I finally decided on the Nori Kara Deluxe with a side order of Potato Salad. I didn't eat it right away and since it was fried items, it didn't quite hit the mark, but it was still tasty and filling. I should have eaten it immediately, but I waited about an hour. (My fault) I took a menu home with me to peruse and decided, I've got to go back and try some of their other offerings. Tonight I preordered a Mega Bento with the Chicken Yakitori and Yakiniku BBQ. I opted to pay extra for the Muilti Grain Rice. The meal exceeded my expectations, so delicious. There is parking in the lot near Teddy Burgers. Service is fast, friendly and attentive. You know I'll be back! read more

Kokoro-Tei - Nori Kara Deluxe with side order Potato Salad - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Finally tried the bentos at Kokoro-Tei and was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting "good for the price" bentos but my picky family members liked all that we got (hamburger steak, ginger pork, yakitori chicken, salmon and vegetables, and healthy vegetables), with my dad and sister saying the salmon and vegetable bento and healthy vegetable bento were the best bentos they've had. Not overly seasoned, side dishes were yum. Was easy to order by phone and park and pickup. I did watch how the bentos were rung up since one reviewer said he's been mischarged repeatedly, and caught that the salmon and vegetable bento was rung up twice instead of ringing up the healthy vegetables. Two dollar difference. Unintentional? I dunno. I'll just keep checking in the future. read more

Overpriced. Bentos used to be a cheap to-go meal but what has happened? $29 for two bentos? I tried this place and I thought food was decent but not the price. read more

We went to Mamaya for bentos last Saturday and it did not satisfy so we decided to try Kokoro-Tei the following day. Let me tell you, Kokoro-Tei is a million times better! We arrived at about 12:20 on a Sunday and there was plenty of parking. One star for free, available parking. There was only one person ahead of us but they were just picking up. We ordered the Tonkatsu Bento, the Gyu-Don with Salmon Bento and an already prepared container of Chicken Karaage w/ a side order of rice. It took a while to get our food since it's made-to-order. While we waited, we snacked on the Karaage. It was very good but I bet it would have tasted a lot better if it was warm and freshly prepared. I'll have to keep that in mind next time we come back. The Karaage was cheap though, ($3.98) and there was a lot of chicken. I really liked how my Gyu-Don and salmon tasted. While I have made both dishes at home before, their version tasted so much better. Maybe it's because the cooks are actually Japanese. Lol. I really should have purchased an extra order so I could have eaten it for dinner. Lol. In fact, I debated going there again today, but decided to try a different restaurant I've had bookmarked for a while. My daughter ate the Tonkatsu and she said it tasted ok but she liked her brother's Karaage more. Although the place wasn't crowded when we got there, there was a steady stream of people coming in to pick up to-go orders. There are two small tables by the door. Each table seats 2 people. I can't wait to go back and try other bentos. read more

Kokoro-Tei - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I am always pressed for time during my dinner (half) hour at work and refuse to make my own food (I know, my fault). I read the yelp reviews for Kokoro-tei and was excited because of the great food reviews and bento-style (read: fast) service. I also decided what I wanted to order first and called it in. The woman who answered the phone was friendly and when I went in to pick up my food, she was welcoming and smiley. I ordered a salmon bento. At $5.70, it seemed like a pretty great deal, especially when compared to other bento take out places. The piece of salmon was a little small, but the bento ended up filling me up and I was pretty satisfied. I was a little disappointed about my gobo. The photos on yelp didn't show gobo with the salmon bento, but I'm thinking the little vegetable side dishes change daily and I just happened to come on a gobo day. I hate gobo. Not kokoro-tei's fault. I wonder if I can ask for something other than gobo. The salad and pickles were great and I love ume with my rice. I like the new, clean and stylish interior. I compare the food to Iyasume, but the interior at Kokoro-tei is great and there is limited street parking right in front of the store. I suggest deciding on what you want before hand and calling in your order. Super friendly and fast service and great food is always a glorious conversation. And with relatively low prices, I will definitely be back to Kokoro-tei! read more

Kokoro-Tei - Salmon bento ($5.70) - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Had the tonkatsu bento today, yummy. Comes with serveral side dishes like gobo/carrots, hijiki, pickled ginger, grated cabbage, even noodles w/ a piece of bacon (japanese spaghetti?) hidden under the tonkatsu and rice with ume all for $7.02 tax incl. The place was packed, so there was about a 5-8 minute wait while what looked like around 8 worker bees preparing the bentos. Must be good because even had a Nijiya worker come here to buy lunch. Will go back tomorrow and maybe try the nori kara bento next which is under $5. read more

Kokoro-Tei - Tonkatsu Bento - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

My first time trying this place was through my professors having picked this place to get food for our class. The cuisine skews towards japanese, not local, but the prices skew towards local or dare I say reasonable. Good spot for a tradish-y bento. I would call ahead so you don't need to wait around in a potentially high traffic area. There is some parking out front. read more

I eat here religiously, about three or four times a week. This still is the ONLY place that makes Japanese food like the small hole in the wall bento place I used to go to when I lived in Japan. Quality is on point. Prices are cheap. I always call ahead to pickup. With COVID their wait line is always three or four people out the door. I love that they are posting their daily specials on Instagram. Hint: Their mochiko chicken daily special is amazing. No joke, I write it on the calendar to make sure I order. If you try call after 12pm on Mochiko Chicken special day, you will be out of luck. This one sells out fast. I wish they had Mochiko chicken on their everyday menu. read more

If you want a quick meal to go this is the place to choose. It's easy to order since they have pictures on the wall of most of the popular items. The food is delicious and healthy. The portions are just right size. Parking is pretty easy in front of the store or in the lot. Try it! read more

Kokoro-Tei - Vegetable Bento box - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Saturday, 11:30am. Pros: - easily accessed parking, ample - variety of bento available, including many specials. Also options for flavoring your rice (tuna mayo, Teri sauce) and can build your own bento - specials printed for current and following month - pretty fast prep time, waited maybe 15 minutes at most for our order - reasonably prices. Purchased 2 bento for less than $20 - We got the tuna mayo salmon and tuna mayo chicken, both tasty and filling without being super stuffed - ample parking at nearby lot Cons: - small store, can get crowded with 6+ people - bathroom out back, need a key (bathroom not labeled) - not a good place to dine in, better to order and take out Verdict: on the fence. Maybe if we were in the area and parking was available read more

See all

Finally, a bento place that's cheap, filling and hella tasty! - Hours: 11am- 2:30pm/4:30pm-7pm - Parking: Ample. They share a parking lot with Teddy's Burgers and Dominos. - Tip: Everything is made-to-order so wait time could take anywhere from 10-20mins, depending on how busy they are, so best to call in your order before you head down there. I've always called in my order and get there within 10mins to find my order waiting for me. NORI KARA DELUXE ($6.78 tax included): http://bit.ly/2z0IpyW For the price, I was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of food that was packed into my bento. Generous layers of rice, bonito flakes and a large piece of nori sushi were topped off with a plethora of fried goodness! - 5 pieces of chicken karaage (marinated in shoyu, ginger and mirin). I love all things karaage, and Kokoro-Tei does theirs the right way. How can you go wrong with perfectly fried chicken? - 2 pieces of fried Chikuwa. A fried fish cake made from processed fish paste called surimi. Basically fried kamaboko. A bit greasy but that's fried fishcake for you. - 1 piece of fried Hoki fish: Just a mild-tasting firm white fish that's covered in panko and fried. It's the exact same frozen fried fish you'd find in your McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sammie or Zippy's Zip Pac. HAMBURGER STEAK BENTO ($7.28 tax included): http://bit.ly/2lxdCH2 Choice of a sauce to top off your hamburger steak, a Japanese-style demi-glace (ketchup, worcestershire, red wine and butter) or Wafu dressing (rice vinegar, shoyu, sesame seeds). I went with the demi-glace because I didn't feel like having a vinegary acidic sauce overpowering my juicy meaty hamburger steak. The demi-glace was more like a thick gravy, but tasty nonetheless. The sides will vary, depending on what they feel like cooking that day. And no, you don't get to choose. My hamburger steak came with 3 different types of starches: rice, Japanese-style spaghetti and potato salad. It was a lot of carbs, but I ain't complaining! The single piece of Tamago (sweet egg omelete) was a nice touch, a sweet and savory ending to my meal. Can't wait to return to try out more of their other affordable tasty bentos! read more

Kokoro-Tei - HAMBURGER STEAK BENTO ($7.28 tax incl):Choice of Japanese-style demi-glace or wafu dressing for your steak. I went with the demi-glace. - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Hidden gem!! This place is awesome! Price is great! Portions are good, taste is unreal! Gotta try the wafu hamburger. It's killer!!! Saba, salmon is great tasting as well. Add 1.50 and you can upgrade it to a plate style. Call them and order your food. You will not regret it! Enjoy. read more

Having both parents that have come from Japan, I know I can be a picky snob when it comes to Japanese food; let's just say my choice of favorite Japanese eatery is "moms cooking". Kokoro-tei is one of the very very few places that are exceptions to this rule. The bentos are the ones that remind me of home in Japan; 日本でしか味わえないお弁当がやっとハワイで食べられる I absolutely love how their food isn't the typical "local" food, but what bentos would be back on the Motherland! read more

Kokoro-Tei is a great deal for some great food! Bentos take me back to my childhood when my mom would pack me a special bento for a school field trip, or we would pick one up when she didn't have time. Bento are Japanese and have become a local favorite! My buddy and I stopped into Kokoro-Tei for some dinner on Monday. It was my first time, but he's there basically every week. We both got some decent sized bentos for under $7 each. What a deal! We arrived a little after 5:30pm, and though there was a constant flow of people, there wasn't much of a line, and wait time for food was around 5 minutes. We both enjoyed our food! I got a karaage chicken bento. The chicken was crisp and came with a peppery sauce. Good meat-to-rice ratio. Also came with some Japanese sides like pickled radish. My buddy got the salmon, which was really good too. I'd definitely order both again. There's not a lot of seating - maybe 3 tables with 2 seats each, so plan to take your food out in case it's packed. Service is good. No complaints. Location is good on the beginning of Beretania by the old Star Market (now Longs), JCC, and Moiliili Park. Decent parking in a private lot by Teddy's Bigger Burgers or on the street. To me, the best thing about Kokoro-Tei is bang for your buck. Not a lot of places anymore that you can get a meal for under $7 that's tasty and filling. read more

See all

Authentic, affordable, and delicious!! Why have I not come here sooner? Food: I ordered the wafu hamburger steak bento. I loove Japanese style hamburger and Kokoro-Tei did not disappoint. The wafu sauce was similar to a ponzu with daikon. The plate was served with rice, spaghetti, tamago, pickles, and potato salad, I also ordered a side salad, which was a generous portion! They have endless options for bentos including salmon, beef, chicken, and vegetarian. Service/Ambiance/Price: Service was really fast, it only took about 7 minutes before out bentos came out. The cashier was friendly. Ambiance is casual, but very clean. There are only 3 small tables, but I think most people tend to take-out their bentos. Price is great! For most bentos it's ~$7 and my salad was only ~$3. Great price for Japanese food! Parking: Parking is ample in the lot adjacent to teddy's. read more

Kokoro-Tei - Wafu hamburger bento and a side salad. 10/10! - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Pretty darn authentic Japanese bentos...with a local twist! (referring to the Deluxe bentos) Kokoro-Tei has very affordable, super fresh and delicious bentos that are served with great customer service! The portions are reasonable by Japan standards. With all the sides, I would consider their bentos a well-balanced meal! This place is more of a take-out restaurant as they have limited seating and share the tiny lot with Dominos, Teddy's Bigger Burger and the nearby apartment complex. Call in your order if you're short on time. It's so worth the wait. read more

See all