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    Kuni Restaurant

    4.2 (572 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese, Lounges
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Kuni Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

    Kuni Restaurant Photos

    KUNI RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Karaoke
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Kuni Restaurant

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    Dolan T.

    This was always one of my favorites to eat at When it's the time of your birthday take your ID and get your free food the remodeling is great Service is good but sometimes slow I like the bar style steak always get that and the sashimi to salad is good if you haven't already been there then you need to go

    We enjoyed ourselves We enjoyed ourselves
    Faye Y.

    It was my first time there so didn't know what to expect but the waitstaff was so kind and the food was so good! Portions were huge too! If you're in a wheelchair, you can sit at the end of the table

    Back dining area
    Robyn S.

    First time trying Kuni! I've been discovering a lot of places since my mom moved back to this side of the island. I love variety in my meals so teishoku is always a must for me! In our group of three, we ordered a miso butterfish, miso butterfish/shoyu pork, and sizzling steak set respectively. The miso butterfish was nice and crispy with a sweet and salty miso sauce. I was surprised that it was fried because I'm so used to the broiled version. Honestly, I didn't look at the picture too closely so that was my fault. I still enjoyed it nonetheless! Shoyu pork was served in thick fatty cuts and was surprisingly pretty tender. Definitely had a lighter sweeter flavor that didn't over power the flavor of the pork. The sauce was very similar to a teriyaki sauce. The sizzling steak was well-seasoned, served with mushrooms and onions. Although, I will say some mushrooms were a little too salty for me but not much of an issue since I eat a lot of rice with each bite. Service was quick and friendly! We were sat almost immediately and food didn't take too long. I think we beat the dinner rush since we came around 3pm so it was really good timing for us. We definitely had lots of leftovers to take home but no complaints! For the amount of food, I thought that the teishoku was pretty reasonable for the price. I'm so used to paying $30 for a small single piece of butterfish so I left happy. Will return again soon!

    Sashimi
    Kevin W.

    Kuni Restaurant an island favorite for Japanese food . Good thing we made reservations for lunch. They were very busy for lunch today. We took our long time friends out for lunch. They have a "Special " on Wednesdays. Sizzling Ribeye Steak, served either Bar Style or Teriyaki (sides not included). We ordered the Special, Kuni's Special Saimin, a Teishoku with Teriyaki Pork and their famous Tofu Steak, and the Chicken Sukiyaki. The steak was perfectly prepared and came on a sizzling platter. The sauce for the Tofu steak was amazing . Loved the Chicken Sukiyaki lots Konyaku, Tofu, and Napa Cabbage. The sauce was delicious . Highly recommended.

    Ohana Style Meal
    Kylee T.

    This is definitely my favorite local Japanese restaurant! Came here to splurge and that we did. The food here is top notch, the workers feel like family, and the place has such a vibe. I absolutely love it! I believe the owner was walking around being so friendly to us and everyone else in this busy restaurant. They even gave us free concert tickets with our receipt. I come here often enough to say that everything you order here will be outstanding. 2 of us got the Ohana Style Meal and somehow finished everything it was so good.

    Grilled salmon and a side order of shrimp tempura.

    A recent IG post found us dining here on a Saturday night. It was my husband that had seen it and said "I wouldn't mind trying this place...it doesn't look bougie." I recall coming here as a child with my family decades ago. I also remember driving by and seeing the "Kuni Lounge", "Restaurant Kuni" on drives in and out of Waipahu. This has been a mainstay in that small strip of businesses. I learned that it had come under new ownership in 2023 and that the local owner did their best to stay true to the spirit of the establishment while also making changes to stay successful and competitive in a tough market. Seating/Reservations - I reserved a table through Open Table. We arrived about 15 minutes before and were quickly greeted and seated. It was almost 6PM and it seemed like dinner service was already underway. They also use an electronic sign in service if you did not have reservations. Ambiance - The interior set up is minimal, tasteful, and clean without the bougie vibes that a lot of places desperately give off these days. This place felt like a casual, friendly neighborhood restaurant - filled with chatter, music, and the occasional "Happy Birthday" being sung. It was loud but you could still hold a conversation without feeling like you have to raise your voice to be heard. Service - The service was attentive. We had a main server. She was good about letting us know how we can get more bang for our buck if we wanted to change two of our one choice meals that we ordered into complete meals since we also ordered two sodas. (We opted not to since we didn't think we'd have room for dessert.) There were other servers that would also check in as they walked by and noticed if a refill was needed or if empties needed to be cleared. One of them even entertained us with a cup flipping trick and joked with us before serving complimentary andagi after clearing our last plates. While service was attentive, there were some staff members that were very stoic in expression and speech. It could be because they were just focused on getting through the tasks of a busy shift but these things matter in a service and hosptitality environment where repeat patronage is often relied upon. Food - Tasty comfort food, simply seasoned and plated, and good portions. We ordered miso butterfish, grilled salmon, teri beef rib eye and sashimi, tonkatsu don, and a small order of shrimp tempura. It came with servings of miso soup, salad, steamed rice, and vegetables. The only criticism I have is that the salad had a bit too much dressing for my liking. Price/Value - Reasonably priced especially at a time when shrinkflation and gentrification food is everywhere, this was not the case here. The overall dining experience was pleasant and gave a hint of nostalgia that added to the value. Will definitely come again.

    Gwen C.

    Made a reservation for a party of 8 for tonite 2/13/2026 @730pm. It was easy and actually we were seated about 3 mins after we checked in. I didnt get the guys name (so sorry) but upon seating us he did mention that it will be a little slower tonite as they were short staff (someone didnt come in). I appreciated that because he did tell us ahead of time. The place was crowded, we were seated near the back by the bar, actually liked it back there. The only problem was, it was HOT, like the heater was on or something, but there was no air back there and felt like we were suffocating :(. My toddler was sweating just by being in her high chair. We braved through it. Now let me say, when he told us things were going to be a little slower, I didnt actually think like us having to wait over half an hour before we could even ask for water, as none was brought to us when we sat. It was so slow, that when we checked in we asked for a high chair, he said he would grab it, we waited about 20 mins till the baby was getting restless, so I just grabbed it myself, wasnt an issue. Let me just say tho, it was no fault to the workers for our experience tonite as they were working hard with a full house. I must say tho, towards the end of the evening they was just about done with dealing with people and you could tell, ill get to that towards the end. They arent able to accommodate large parties, so we were split on two different table. 2 of the 8 people got the Birthday deal of $21 off a Teishoku meal (they do verify its your bday, so be prepared to show them your id). The rest of us ordered everything as a side. Sorry I wasnt able to get all the pictures of what everyone ordered, like I mentioned we were sitting apart. The fried butterfish was so soft, it couldve used a little salt, but it was good. The shrimp tempura was nice and thick, not just batter, that was delicious. We ordered (2) 20 piece sashimi, but they only had enough for one so that was fine. We did have to wait about 30 mins for our tempura sauce to come out and had to ask MULITPLE times, with each person saying they are bringing it. The kids meal was nice, it was supposed to come with a juice and dessert. We never got the juice, only when we checked out and said something, as well as the dessert, they were out of pretty much everything and had ube ice cream left (i believe thats what the waiter said. We declined it as we were already leaving. The sad thing was you could tell the two workers were working so hard, I just felt bad asking for things we were waiting for that never came :(. We asked for xtra rice, we already ordered 4 scoops, they came back to let us know that they also ran out of rice. So we basically just ate everything like Pupu, lol... At this point, what were going to do, lol. At least the food came out quick. Mid dinner the waitress came up to us to let us know it was last call for food and drinks. I was surprised because I cant remember the last time I went to a restaurant and they told us they were taking last call for food, mid way. It wasnt even 830 and they close at 9 when they let us know. At the end, we were the last party to leave as we were in the back and honestly was waiting half the time for things to actually finish eating, but we went to the restroom, to come back to the table and literally they were just cleaning off our things, didnt even ask if we wanted a box for the little left over food we had left, nothing. You could tell they just wanted out already and I dont blame them. The sad thing is, these kids now days, no one wants to work and it makes the establishment look bad, because now you got over worked staff that you can clearly tell are trying their best to have a smile but they bussing their butts off. One of the aunties from the back was bringing food to our table was pretty much over it and while still talking to her she was walking away. I literally just had to brush it off and continue to enjoy our dinner. As were were leaving the front of the restaurant was cold and the ac felt great, what I didnt know was one of the staff told my husband that someone was complaining earlier that it was too cold in there, so they turned the ac down. When he told me that I was trippin. Ummmm you have a restaurant full with people and you turn the ac down for 1 person while the rest are pretty much dying like there is no air it was so hot. I mean it was nice of them to accommodate I guess?! We will be back, just hoping next time they are staffed and the ac is on, because honestly if the place feels like that all the time, I wouldnt return back. I am NOT exaggerating when I say it felt like we were in a sauna. When you have a full house like that it is NOT a good thing to turn the air off because it was the most uncomfortable way to eat dinner. With the waiting, the running out of items and the no air on, we just smiled thru it.

    Tempura shrimp and vegetablez
    Andrew N.

    Brah when you find a good deal you have to rave about it. Dropped in to this spot right near opening, there were multiple groups ahead of me which perked my interest even more. Scrolled thru the menu to find 50% off ribeye steak on hot plate on Wednesdays sold! Combo appetizers was a healthy amount. 20 piece sashimi fresh cuts hit the spot. Teriyaki chicken we took to go but covered in yummy sauce. The Tempura shrimp and vegetables were battered heavy which was very tasty. Good drink selection if you want to get your drink drink on. To add to this great meal an older gentleman asked if we wanted to see a surprise and all I can say is we both shouted Wow!!!! Lunch and a show. Check out this place for your next lunch date.

    My Teishoku meal... waiting for the main dish.
    Teri C.

    Big shout out to Kuni Restaurant for my complimentary birthday meal. Not many restaurants do this anymore... so an entire meal for your birthday is a huge treat. Went on the day of my birthday (show proof/ID) and enjoyed a misoyaki butterfish teishoku on the house ($21 credit towards a teishoku of your choice). My family really enjoyed lunch here. Tried going back 2wks later for my son's birthday (his choice) but it was packed on a Thursday night. Reservations highly recommended.

    Gohan
    Marielouise D.

    Kunis Japanese Restaurant and Bar has been part of Waipahu's identity for years, and the new ownership under Ray Jr. has only strengthened its legacy. The menu still delivers the generous portions locals love, and the quality has stayed top‑tier. Whether you're a longtime regular or a first‑timer, this spot is absolutely worth checking out. Reservations are recommended because it fills up fast. I'll definitely be returning. Marie

    Look at how much dishes they gave!!
    Ronnilyn C.

    We had the best time celebrating my dad's birthday here. The new renovation looks great and gives the place a really nice, refreshed vibe. Honestly, the service was so fast, and the staff was super attentive without being overwhelming. A huge plus--they gave my dad a free meal just for showing his ID, which was such a cool birthday perk. It is a really great spot for families too; the kids loved everything they ordered, and I'm still thinking about that miso butterfish.

    Ms LaLa D.

    First time that I have been back to Kuni's since the current owner took over. I like the Modern upgraded look. Came for lunch on a weekday. It wasn't very busy. Food was good. The Sashimi was Fresh Frozen. The Tofu Steak was delicious. My lunch partner enjoyed her Steak. Servers are young, unexperienced, and need to be retrained. Took order, dropped food, never saw them again. Que Sera Sera

    Takeout window
    Edge N.

    This is an old time restaurant that has been in waipahu for a long time. Located right in front Carquest (now napa) in a free standing building. The entrance is real old school with a covered entry way protruding from outside building. The insides looks to have been renovated but still maintaining a japanese modern bar feel with a few wall mounted Tvs. There are two sections one is the restaurant the other is the bar part of restaurant. They also have an in house clean bathroom in the bar. The staff is real attentive and cool. The menu is all japanese cuisine. The prices are reasonable and portions are okay (not chinzy but not abundant either) They even have a free one choice teshoku if its your birthday no purchase necessary. A really generious offering. A cool place that has been around a long time with reasonable portions and fair prices.

    Drinks and appetizers came out minutes after taking our order.  Really... About 1.5 to 2 minutes after our order... So fast!

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    They need a credit card to hold the reservation just in case if you're not show up, they charge you $25. Therefore, I don't like it.

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    Page 1 of 15

    Ask the Community - Kuni Restaurant

    How can I inquire about bento catering options for my daughter's high school Project Graduation in June 2023? Thank you.

    Hello! You may contact the restaurant directly at (808) 671-1100. One of our friendly staff members will be able to assist you. Thank you!

    What are your hours of operation?

    Lunch is from 11am-2pm and dinner is from 5pm-9pm

    View All 4 Questions

    eight50 - Pau Hana Dranks 11/16/2022

    eight50

    3.3(211 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    Would give negative stars if I could Random weekday killing…read moretime during pauhana. Few people at the bar and one table besides us and zero service whatsoever Friendly pretty girls but that's all they had going for them. Came out to check on the table once in the 2 hours we were there. Our food was sitting at the bar for a while, we grabbed it ourselves No sauce or anything came with it. Would not recommend this place to any one other than having a beer at the bar to kill time. Don't expect any service whatsoever

    I had a really frustrating experience at Eight50 Bar and won't be returning…read more From the start, service was off. Our waitress seemed far more focused on celebrating her birthday than actually doing her job. It showed. Orders were inconsistent and poorly handled. I ordered mozzarella sticks and chicken wings, and someone else in my party who ordered wings after me received their food first. It got worse. When the mozzarella sticks finally came out, the waitress took them to a completely different table--people who arrived after us. At that point, I had to track down another waitress just to figure out what was going on. To her credit, she stepped up, apologized, and comped both the mozzarella sticks and the chicken wings. She was the only bright spot in the whole experience. Then came the bill. It was loaded with items I never ordered. I pointed it out, and the same helpful waitress said she would fix it. She brought back a corrected bill for around $7, then later returned again with another version around $8 or $9. It seemed resolved at the time. But the next morning, I checked my bank account and saw that I was charged the full amount anyway. Between the inattentive service, incorrect food delivery, billing errors, and now being overcharged, this was a complete miss. The only reason this isn't a one-line review is because one staff member actually tried to make things right--but unfortunately, that wasn't enough to fix everything else that went wrong. I'd recommend double-checking your bill here... and honestly, considering going somewhere else.

    Photos
    eight50 - Bucket of Miller Lites, Boiled Peanuts and Beef Nachos

    Bucket of Miller Lites, Boiled Peanuts and Beef Nachos

    eight50
    eight50 - Jaimo and Stella pregaming

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    Jaimo and Stella pregaming

    Little Joe’s Steakhouse -Pearl City - Tenderloin Medallions

    Little Joe’s Steakhouse -Pearl City

    4.0(568 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$$

    Food is always great. Steak was seasoned to perfection, and made to my order, rare…read more Service was great. Alyssa did a great job with our table of 15. She displayed professionalism, outstanding hospitality and great communication. Ambience is always great here. Not too load, visually calm and well placed napkins.

    This makes me so sad because this was one of our favorite restaurants. Tonight we ordered a ribeye…read morefrom the happy hour menu and got a steak that looked and tasted like sirloin. We've ordered ribeye from the regular dinner menu and happy hour menu countless times. Our steak tonight had the flavor and texture of a sirloin. I only ever order ribeye, so I know what it should taste like and this tasted NOTHING like a ribeye. We mentioned to the server and said she would let the manager know. He came over and basically told us we were wrong and it was the way they cut it. The couple sitting next to us leaned over and said they didn't want to intervene but they had had the same issue with ordering a ribeye that tasted like sirloin. They didn't want to complain because they had a friend that worked there, but they did eventually let their server know because they felt bad that the manager disregarded our complaint. We were not offered a replacement steak and we're still charged even though we didn't get a ribeye and we didn't eat the steak that was served. Also, I took a picture and imported it into several AI websites that confirmed it was sirloin.

    Photos
    Little Joe’s Steakhouse -Pearl City - Spacious, modern, clean interior

    Spacious, modern, clean interior

    Little Joe’s Steakhouse -Pearl City - Amazing cocktails!

    Amazing cocktails!

    Little Joe’s Steakhouse -Pearl City - Bacon wrapped asparagus

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    Bacon wrapped asparagus

    Kuni Restaurant - japanese - Updated July 2026

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