Tried Okata Bento for the first time today. I ordered the Teri hamburger steak plate, extra sauce on one scoop rice (versus both scoops of rice). Good customer service, asking if I wanted extra sauce on my rice. The hamburger steak was delicious, made to order so there is a bit of a wait. Better to order ahead and just pick up! The teri sauce was too sweet for me, though the consistency was good. Wish it had more ginger and green onion taste and not so sweet. The mac salad came in a separate container and was chilled and tasty. read more

A small hole in the wall on Waialae Ave., but don't let its appearance fool you. This is one of my favorite places to grab a plate lunch in Kaimuki. Park either on the street or in one of the lots across the street (one is metered, the other is ticket stub). I always get the beef or chicken teriyaki plate. I like that all the fat is cut off and the meat is cut into bite-size pieces. Comes with two scoops of rice and mac salad. The plate lunches are $6.50 The amount you get is decent for the price. I feel like you get a little more meat when you order chicken versus beef. Haven't tried anything else, but that's because I love the beef/chicken teri plates so much. I usually call beforehand to place my order because it takes 15-20min to cook. read more

Okata Bento - Chicken Teriyaki Plate Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Okata Bento is my favorite spot for a plate lunch. Located in Kaimuki town, on the peak of Waialae Ave, across of Coffee Talk, nestled between the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra office and Asuka. The chef and owner takes great pride in the food he cooks and serves to all his customers. A two person operation -- the chef/owner, and his assistant who takes orders -- are both very friendly and helpful. Being that the owner is the only cook, the orders do take a good amount of time to be ready, but the food is definitely worth the wait. I do recommend calling in your orders. Okata Bento's menu is filled with local favorites, such as plate lunch options of chicken teriyaki, teri hamburger steak, chicken katsu (to name a few), donburi's and sandwiches. They do have mixed plates, with your choice of any two entrees. Interesting fact: he strips the fat from the chicken leaving very lean pieces of chicken. I love their chicken katsu donburi and chicken teriyaki plate. Okata Bento is a local mom-and-pop kind of eatery that hopefully remains a fixture in Kaimuki town for eternity. read more

Okata Bento - Chicken Teriyaki Plate - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I read some of the bad reviews and I seriously don't understand, they're dumb. Don't complain about how long it takes for your food it literally takes like 10-15 mins and that just means it's fresh and not already ready to order! Duh! You rather have it sitting there under a warmer? I don't think so! First of all don't judge a book by it's cover! You'll see this place just because of the little sign they have outside and the sign is a but work down & missing an A. It's literally a whole in the wall, there's only a order window with no inside or seats. So you just order your food, wait around, and leave. I got an oyako donburi and my boyfriend got a plate with teriyaki chicken and tonkatsu. The oyako don was good and not dry. I probably liked it even more because I love bamboo shoots, onions, and mushrooms. The teriyaki chicken is really good! Just enough sauce and you can definitely tell they marinated the chicken as well. The tonkatsu was good and thin, had no fat whatsoever, and came with legit katsu sauce. I also like the fact that they had green river which was pretty good. And may I add the lady there who I'm guessing is the owner is SO nice, she really is. It was a perfect meal and I would definitely go there again! read more

Okata Bento - Teriyaki chicken & tonkatsu plate - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I've been to Okata Bento many times on multiple trips to Oahu over the last ten years and what I love is the simplicity and consistency. My kama'aina friend introduced me to this hole in the wall, take out only place on one of my first trips here and it's been my go to for a quick meal, whether it be before or after a trip to the beach or when you want some good katsu that tastes like home cooking. My favorite is their bento because you choose the main protein and it comes with rice, lettuce, tamago, mahi, fish cake and daikon. A large is about $10 and comes with two servings of meat. The mini is one. The donburi is good too and comes with bamboo and mushrooms mixed in. Not typical, but tasty. It's cash only and you can call ahead to place your order. The Kaimuki area has boomed so sometimes it's hard to find parking. Bring quarters in case you need to park at a meter. Also, I eat it so fast, I always forget to take pictures ‍ read more

Okata Bento has the yummiest teri burgers. They make their own sauce and it drips just enough off the burger when you're eating it to let you know what you've got in your hands is down-home good! Make sure you call your order in ahead of time or you will wait about 15 minutes! read more

I saw this place featured on a local channel and decided I'd rather go here than eat at the tourist stops; this turned out to be a great choice. The small business just has a window where you place your order and then wait for him to call your name. There is no seating, so you eat standing outside or in your car (that's what I did). The meal itself was amazing! I went at around 3:00 PM after not eating since breakfast and was not disappointed. For my meal I paid probably less than half of what I would have paid at a comparable meal in the Waikiki area (about $11). This restaurant is located in a small strip of stores and parking wasn't hard to find when I was there, but bring quarters to pay for parking. Importantly, the restaurant only takes cash, but there's an ATM on the corner across the street. I really can't recommend this place enough if you want to get a taste of amazing local cooking. read more

Okata Bento - Large mixed bento Beef Teriyaki and Chicken Katsu. - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If you like one old school Teri cheeseburger or Teri beef sandwich this place is awesome! The guy who owns this place been cooking um up for 40 yrs" he's fast, nice, clean, homemade patties on a toasted bun Frickn ono! If you haven't been, GO it's amazingly affordable, delicious well worth the parking hassle. read more

Best chicken Katsu and mahi mahi!!!! It's been over 30 years and I still keep coming back!!! It's worth the wait cause it's pretty much a one man show!!! The owner (Lyndon) Cooks everything made to order!!! The price is definitely worth the quality and quantity of food!!!! read more

This place is really tucked away in Kaimuki town, and you would not know it till you actually was looking for it. I came to this place when I was a kid and discovered it while delivering newspapers in this part of Kaimuki and would come to Okata Bento and grab food after my route. But anyway, I came down here recently in between my commute home from work just to grab a taste of what I was missing from the good ol days where everything was more carefree and spirited. Like I did mention before, you would not know where it is unless you are looking for it. Directly across the St. Louis / Chaminade campuses, it is housed in the 2 story building that has the signage "St. Louis Drive In" There is a window for ordering, so that makes it stand out. There is a wait on the food here, so I suspect it is made when you order it. I used to eat the bentos when I was a kid, but lately, I come here and buy lunch on my off days. They give ridiculous portions and the prices are pretty reasonable for the amount. Often times, I would eat half and save half and bring it to work. It saves on the money when you do it that way. I definitely recommend this place, like all the Yelpers have done, if you haven't tried it. I yawn at the Zippy's and the L&L Barbeque, when you haven't tried this place. I do like this place, but too bad it's not in the immediate vicinity to where I am in Kaimuki. I wasn't a fan of anything dipped in teriyaki sauce, but Okata Bento made it more palatable, and I developed and discovered an new taste for them. The mahi benti was pretty good, although it could be better. Either way, I recommend this place to anyone who is tired of the old fast food fare and want to try something off the beaten path. While the food choices can be similar, it is the taste, customer care, and the quality of food that can't be beat. Parking is very limited. They have a small lot. Be advised! read more

A true gem. Feel so lucky to be able to grab a bento, sandwiches for the kiddos or teri burger from the folklored one-man show. A must for visitors & kama'aina alike No wonder it is so beloved and cherished! read more

Been coming here for years. Great place, excellent service and great food. Owner takes the time to put his passion in preparing the food that he serves. read more

This was a place I always looked forward to as a kid and not much has changed 25 years later. The menu, food and prices have hardly changed over the years. I hardly get to go nowadays, so I don't stray from my staple order of a double-teri deluxe burger. Best - by far - teri burger I've had anywhere. It's Japanese style, so please don't compare to W&M, which (to me) is like a glorified May's burger. The Okata teri burger has home-made patties that almost crumble when you bite into the burger. The teri sauce is on point, not too sweet and just gooey enough (think Yoshida). The shredded lettuce makes it easy to bite (hate it when you end up pulling out a whole piece) and the bun is chewy soft. I've also tried their bentos which are good, great if you consider the reasonable prices. The katsu don is exactly what you expect a donburi to be. The area looks run down and it is a hole in the wall like everyone else says, but the food is nothing but high quality, simple, nostalgic and inexpensive. Be prepared to phone order or walk around Kaimuki for a bit as this is NOT fast food. However, it is well worth the wait! read more

Okata Bento - You know it's a good Teri burger when the teri oozes out of the wrapping! - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Yum yum yum, Okata Bento is a hidden little gem. If you aren't looking for them, you will walk right past them. They have an ordering window which is hidden in a small alleyway. read more

Okata Bento - Double Teri Cheese with egg - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Best bentos and burgers on the island! This little hole in the wall is where it's at. I've been coming here for more than 30 yrs and the quality is still top notch. read more

So ono!! Everything is freshly made to order. My favorite is the hamburger steak with the best gravy! Also enjoyed the donburi and the bentos. Absolutely Delicious! read more

I wish I actually got to eat here. It's been several years since I last ate here, but was in the mood for donburi so stopped by. Waited 15 minutes in that little corridor, it was sweaty hot. No one came to the window to take an order. There was a guy in front of me who hadn't ordered yet either. Just left. There were a few people who lined up behind me, hope they got to eat. Waste time. read more

Came for lunch and got the mini chicken katsu bento. It completely matched its name. Everything was so cute and tiny. As everything is here, it was made to order. You have to wait a bit, but it is totally worth it. The katsu was not oily and seemed healthier than most other katsu. Maybe because of that trade off, it didn't seem to have so much flavor. Still, at $5, it was a good deal. Prices are very reasonable here. I would probably not get the katsu again, and I would probably get a larger size bento. The mini would be more for a child to take on a field trip or for someone with a light appetite. read more

Okata Bento - Mini chicken katsu bento - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I was going for Vietnamese today and when I got to Saigon's Restaurant it was closed; even though Yelp showed it as open . This, however, was a blessing in disguise as I rediscover Okata Bento. As others have mentioned, it's location is literally a hole in the wall. And like many hole in the wall places, the food is wonderful; it is made to order and of quality. I had the tonkatsu plate lunch which was cooked to perfection, not greasy, and cut into bite size pieces making it easy to eat. And the rice was delicious; it was cooked to perfection. [After years of working with Japanese nationals, I have come to understand and appreciate the importance of properly cooked rice. Japan is a rice culture and if the rice is not properly prepared the entire dish is for naught.]... Did I mention how reasonably priced the items are. read more

Kaimuki has been undergoing a lot of change lately. With flashy new places like Koko Head Cafe, Sprout, Mud Hen Water, and Brew'd popping up along the Waialae Avenue strip the old tried and true old school classics sometimes get overlooked and forgotten. Luckily Okata Bento is one of these old school places that is still around after so many decades. A little hole in the wall (litterally) tucked between the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra offices (Formerly a Toy's R Us Express, formerly Payless Shoes, formerly Thrifty Drug Store), and Asuka Nabe and Hot Pot, Okata Bento has been serving up local classics since before I can remember. I recently found myself walking around Kaimuki on a weekday, and decided to stop by to pick up a bento for lunch. Since I hadn't been there in forever, and I wasn't sure what to get I just picked a random bento. I would have checked Yelp for recommendations, but the Auntie behind the counter was staring at me waiting for my order, so I couldn't keep Auntie waiting. I ended up getting a mini bento with tonkatsu and char siu chicken. The bento was made to order, so it came out hot. The katsu was crispy, and the char siu chicken tasted like they make their own char siu sauce. I also got a grilled cheese sandwich since it was on the menu, and who doesn't love grilled cheese? I'm going to have to study some of the reviews from my fellow yelpers to see what some more recommended items would be, so that I'm ready to order next time Auntie is waiting for my order. Keep in mind: Like many of the best old school Hawaii joints, they're cash only, so make sure you've got some on you before you go. Also, everything they make is to order, so there will be a little bit of a wait, but the short wait is well worth it! read more

I was waxing nostalgic and caloric---as in, to heck with the diet one time---so decided to check out Okata Bento in Kaimuki. I'd never tried it before but I'd noticed its sign with the missing "N" several times before while on my way to Jewel or Juice or Hale Vietnam. Ordered a mixed plate of hamburger steak and teriyaki chicken. Wait was only 7 or 8 minutes as I was the first one there when it opened. A generous portion of simple, tasty food like I remember from days gone by. Decades actually as Okata Bento was established in 1981. For $8.25 tax included. And no extra charge for gravy all over like that other old-time and much more well-known plate lunch place down the road a ways in Kapahulu. A large lemon-lime drink aka "Green River" for $1.45. A good combo. For other less obvious reasons too. The 2 scoops of rice were made much more interesting soaked through with savory brown gravy on the top and sweet teriyaki sauce on the bottom. Each bite of food made much more interesting with finely shredded cabbage. Old time food. Old time taste. Old time good. The mac salad, thoughtfully served in a separate plastic cup 'cuz it couldn't fit on the loaded down plate, might be better than Brand R's. Okata Bento is like the girl next door you take for granted as nothing more than a friend. Or the role player on the team. Not flashy. Barely noticeable. But fundamentally sound, consistent, and reliable. I used to go to Kwong On next door for manapua and chow fun all the time in my younger days. Not once did I pay any mind to Okata Bento. I was even a regular at the other place for my hamburger steak plate for $1.80 (remember those days?). Okata Bento has got my attention now . It's earned a spot on my roster of "keeper's". read more

It's a strange climate out there, right now in Honolulu for the restaurant business. With new restaurants rapidly popping up contemporaneously with mom and pop shops disappearing left and right. But after 30 years Okata still stands strong on the now hipster, millennial Waialale Ave. It's a damn good reason it holds up. The prices are so fair, portions on point and the freedom to mix any of their delicious choices. (I give every option an A+). Bento's are one of the best bang for your buck on the whole island. L My go to is the 2 choice mix plate with Teri Hamburger Steak and Tonkatsu. I have always loved how they ask if I wanted the Teri sauce on the rice. They pour the pan sauce on the rice after finishing the perfectly cooked Hamburger. The Tonkatsu is crispy, juicy and succulent. They also give you the amazing Kagome sauce to drizzle on it too. It's heavenly folks. The mac salad is put in a separate dixie container which makes great for leftovers. :P Yes, parking is a pain in the ass. But the nostalgia, friendly owners and the timeless, tasty good ol' local food is totally worth it. And remember. Cash only. read more

This place has been around for years! I remember coming here in the 80's and I'm happy to still see it around. Everything is made to order here and they also trim the grime and fat from all of the meats they serve. Parking is street only and scarce but worth it. Recommend you calling your order in since it's made to order. That way you don't have to wait for your food if you order it there. Hard to recommend anything because errrrathing is good! Chicken Teri, Katsuie, beef Teri, hamburger steak etc. Do it all! Bento or plate lunch! read more

Okata Bento - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Awesome Teri cheeseburger old school style. My mix plate wasn't that great tho. I got Teri beef and char siu chicken. They were cut up in small pieces and I really couldn't tell what was what it was all covered In a dark sauce. Hard to tell what was Teri beef and what was char ski chicken. Cut same size. It was weird, portion size was a little skimpy for $9.75. But that burger was the real deal! read more

Just had lunch here the other day, and Okata Bento I will definitely revisit in the near future. This place is literally a "hole in the hall" (quoted from Kyle H.). Near Toys and Joys on Waialae, if you are in the area, looking for comfort bento/Japanese Local food come to this place. I ordered the chicken katsu don and originally I thought for under $7 this bento box is small. BUT, they pack that bento box SOOOOO tight, the amount of food is amazing! The food is cooked to order, which takes some time therefore the 4 stars versus 5 (call in your order, if can), but it's so fresh and tasty, the food is well worth the wait. The other thing that I loved about the katsu don was they cut the chicken into small bite size pieces and then mix it in with the egg and onions. When you don't have to cut your katsu don...1. your lunch disappears that much faster and 2. it tastes that much better and is more pleasant to eat. I definitely recommend everyone to try this place, if you haven't been here. Remember, the hole in the hall because you can walk pass it if you're not paying attention. On top of the great food and prices, we need to keep these mom and pop restaurants/stores open...they literally play an integral part in Hawaii's culture and spirit. read more

***MY 200th REVIEW*** When I used to work in Kaimuki, Okata Bento would be one of my favorite lunch spots on my break! Just make sure to call about 20 minutes before you plan on getting there, especially at prime lunch hours! I once called right after clocking out for lunch and the lady told me my katsudon would be ready in 45 minutes. That's 3/4 of my lunch hour!! The food is good though, cooked right after you order - so at least it's all hot and fresh. I just had their Mini Chicken Katsu Bento & it only took 10 minutes! It was around 1:30, but there were still about 5 people waiting around for their orders when I picked up my food. The bento had just enough food to satisfy me - chicken katsu (a small piece), egg, luncheon meat, ume, daikon, and fishcake with rice - of course! The owner, Lyndon is always nice and friendly! It's not the best food to eat on a regular basis, but when I am in Kaimuki - I like to stop by here to grab something and say "hi"! read more

This place is literally a hole in the wall. There's no door to walk in; basically, it's in a narrow little hallway by Toys n Joys & Payless Shoe store in Kaimuki. There's only a kitchen and an order counter. So, you just take the 4 steps it takes to get to the counter from the sidewalk, place your order, stand around and wait for your food, grab it and go. They serve standard plate lunch items, burgers, sandwiches of sorts, etc. Pretty darn good cheap eats. If you do plan on coming here, you can get street parking on Waialae Ave (and good luck with that!), the meter parking lot by 12th Ave Grill, or the Diamond Head Parking Lot behind First Hawaiian Bank, Cafe Laufer, Collectors Maniac, etc. read more

Worst service ever...and by the owner! I used to visit here when I worked in Kaimuki, like over 20 years ago and remember this place. I really liked it. Since moving back in this area, I've been dying to pickup a plate lunch here. But parking is bad - rare street parking or pay in the lot on the opposite side of the highway. Well, I lucked out one day and got street parking, asked for a hamburger steak plate, and the lady taking the order turns to someone out of view, who mumbles something back, and she says "It'll be 15 or 20 minutes. We're making rice." I asked could I get it without rice. I'll pay the same price. She asks the person out of view. He grumbles something. She tells me, sorry, but he said no. He's the owner. Sorry. What's up with that? Really? The experience was just so weird - to be treated so rudely by the owner for no apparent reason. This place is now on my "S" list. read more

Okata did 35 bento for a recent community event & I was responsible for ordering. They did a great job & were ready & boxed when I got there. Everyone enjoyed & complimented my choice of vendor - they were asking me where I bought. Dependable, nice people, ono - & good price. I'll be back. read more

Went here for the first time two days ago bc I found searching for a place to eat around my job. Cheap, delicious, home cooking. The cook and cashier are super nice. I tried a mini bento and a cheeseburger - totally yum!! I thought the $2.50 cheeseburger was better than W&M (yup, I said it). I'll def go back for lunch often...but next time I would call to pick up because they cook it on the spot so it takes a while. * Bonus: They had yum homemade potato chip & walnut cookies ($4) - let me tell you, crack in a tub. So yummy that I wrote a sign on them at work that said, "Very Bad Cookies," so no one would eat them. Gone in a day, what can I say. read more

Love this place....one of the best hole in the wall joints out here its kaimukis treasure a gem on the island.... Great place great service ono grinds read more

My office ordered food for a farewell gathering for one of our coworkers from here. She had chosen this as the place she wanted to try from the great reviews on yelp. I can honestly tell you they are well deserved!! Since we had such a large order, we called ahead of time to see what kind of time frame we should give. Our gathering was on Tuesday after a holiday, so we were advised to make sure to get the order in on Friday. We also received a fax copy of the menu with currents prices. Very long story short, our food was ready as ordered and at the time we had indicated we would pick it up. Everyone appreciated they their order warm and fresh. We all enjoyed our lunch and were pleasantly full. The portions were perfect!! The food was so delicious! We definitely will be eating there again. Unfortunately, there were so many things going on that I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the food. All I can tell you is everything was packaged clean and neat. There were utensils and napkins for everyone. Thank you for a great meal! The time and care you took to prepare our meal was definitely noticed and appreciated!! read more

Ok, so I saw the review about the cheeseburger and I love cheeseburgers. Plus I saw the comments on how long it takes to make a loving bento here and I had little time left for lunch. Since i only had their cheeseburger, I can only rate Okata based on their cheeseburger, service, and style so you may consider this a shallow review. Thanks to a fellow Yelper, I decided to check out these highly rated cheeseburgers. Yelper, you did not fail me! The cheeseburger was delish, and tasted exactly like the old Maui Dairy Queen cheeseburger (Maui people out there know what I'm talking about?)! I loved supporting this local business with its reasonable $2.50 cheeseburger. I can't wait to go back and try other yummy smoked meats! read more

I've gone here twice including today. The first time i went for the bento, after all it's Okata BENTO. I have no idea what i ate because it was like a year ago. However, i went today after reading the newspaper about their burgers. Also, my coworker was raving about their burgers, too. Anyway, the husband and i called ahead to order and they told us fifteen minutes. Like other people said, they make to order and you just hafta be patient. And they don't have fries, so find somewhere else to get some fries! We chose BCD but i'm sure there's other places. We walked over when it was time to pick it up and we got two teri cheeseburgers and two green river drinks. My coworker also raved about those drinks. So maybe i didn't grow up in the era of green river but they were okay. Good to quench your thirst and calm your nausea, at least for me anyway. However, the teri cheeses were awesome. They were kinda melt in your mouth goodness, if you ate one of their burgers, you'd understand. There's so much teriyaki sauce it just oozes out. Can you say that for a McDonald's McTeri? Of course not. They were delicioussssssss. The teri sauce was yummy too! So from now on, anytime i'm craving a burger during the hours of 11-4 at work, i'll get a burger from here. Otherwise i'll wait until it's that time again. Remember, cash only and get a teri cheeseburger at least once from here. read more

Haven't been here in a super long time. When I'm in the area , it's usually outside of the blocked business hours. It's inconvenient, but I get the limited hours is not made to annoy the customers but to do what's in the business owner's best interest. Seriously, the food is made with TLC based on consistent experience from visiting multiple times in the past. I see how they have a set routine that works well. I like that this place is a popular "whole in the wall" establishment that the community can enjoy!!! Not too many places can compare for a traditional plate lunch that arrives in a box. It's really something special... a gem to be located in the Kaimuki neighborhood. One odd thing I found was the business sign is covered by a cardboard box which makes it appear that the business is no longer in operations. I feel they need to correct this issue because it is very misleading. I arrived about 20th minutes prior to opening with no lights on. I debated if I should wait and possibly waste my time with not knowing the true business status. Then, the owner unlocked the gate to receive a delivery. She didn't even acknowledge me and as the delivery guy walked away, nd she proceeded to shut the entranxw gate. I questioned if they would be opening soon given open time 11am at it was already10:58am. Anyway, besides that it's a good place for locals or anyone to get a good fulfilling meal. And, can't forget the traditional flavored beverages on crushed ice as a fabulous option to help wash down the food. Grape is the BEST!!! read more

Everything I get from here is good, so I don't mind waiting 15 minutes for food. The only thing is that they take off every once in a while for weeks at a time. So it's best to call to see if they're there or Vegas or where ever they go. And when you call, place your order so you don't have to wait for your food as long! It's typical plate lunch food, but it's so yummy. You need to try it! read more

This take-out restaurant epitomizes "hole in the wall" for plate lunches here in town. If you blink driving up Waialae Avenue you will miss this place, so keep your eyes open and drive slow. The draw back is that there is no parking, like most of the shops along Waialae Avenue. The food here... the food! It is amazing in its simplicity, portion sizing and taste. I have not found a better tonkatsudon on the island. Period. The food is prepared without fat, skin, bones, etc. You get choice cuts and don't have to feel bad eating everything on your plate. The chicken katsu and teriyaki chicken plates are still amongst my favorites. You'll probably see me here twice a week... you really can't go wrong with the menu. If you like sauce and don't want to fuss with the cabbage that usually is under the food, ask for all rice. For an extra twist, have them smash the rice down and put the food on top. Trust me. It's great. read more

What do I say about Okata Bento? Oh yeah,Crappy service but 'ono food. Isn't that always the case? LOL! Even though their customer service skills suck I always come back for the food. I think they've been in business so long they have a take it or leave it attitude. I guess I'll take the abuse because I love the food. Hahahahaha. Char siu chicken bento is the bomb!!! read more

Okata Bento - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

A hole-in-da-wall in every sense of the word, Okata offers some of the tastiest plate lunches, bentos, and donburi. It's on the same block as Bankoh, parking truly sucks, and they can take up to 20 mins to prep your food. But if you can snag parking on the street or across Waialae at the muni lot, a jaunt here will make you a convert for sure. Okata's teriyaki sauce is one of the best. It's just the right amount of salt and sweet, and lightly seasons the meats. The katsu is thin, crisp, and not oily at all. The mahi is cooked to PERFECTION, crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside, well-seasoned, and not at all fishy. I won't eat mahi anywhere else except here (not even at Mavro if they offered it). The donburi is ono and just bursts with saucy flavor over a mound of rice. Call in the order before you pick up and save the wait. I haven't had the burgers yet because I'm hooked on their bentos and donburi. The mix bento is a good choice - get the beef teri and a katsu. And thank me later. By buying me lunch here. read more

As we were driving down Waialae Ave., my son said he wanted a bento. Log onto Yelp, do a search on "bento", and Okata Bento is listed and has great reviews. Meh. I've experienced better. Maybe I just ordered the wrong kinda bento. I figured, how can you go wrong with teriyaki chicken? I saw how it was made - the guy puts two boneless skinless chicken thighs on the flat top, cooks them, chops em up and puts teriyaki sauce on them. Quite possibly the meh-est teriyaki chicken I've ever eaten. My kids bentos were teri beef and suffered the same meh-ness. Points for effort though - it was nice to see a (literal) mom and pop business putting out made to order food. But the charm won't bring me back again. read more