Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Tenkatori Hilo

    4.9 (132 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:30 pm

    Order Tenkatori Hilo Takeout or Delivery

    Tenkatori Hilo Photos

    TENKATORI HILO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Tenkatori Hilo

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Brian I.

    If you want really good Japanese style fried chicken while in Hilo you need to give this place a try. They provide generous size pieces that are cooked to order. They also have great side dishes. They have very limited table and counter space so you may have to do a take out order.

    Sauce and drink options.
    Trisha H.

    My sister found Tenkatori and treated us to dinner. We stopped in around 5p (they close at 5:30) and the employees were so kind! Most places would probably be upset with a full party of people dropping in right before close, but the owner's son was so friendly! We sat at the bar (total of 8 seats available) sins the two small tables only had 4 chairs and we had a party of 5. We ordered the 1KG (about 20 pieces) which came with 4 sauces (we chose Lilikoi Honey, Ginger Green Onion, Yuzu Aioli, and Sweet Spicy) and 3 sides of rice. It was the perfect amount for 5 adults and we even had leftovers. The ginger green onion was my absolute favorite! It was the perfect mixture and fresh. The Lilikoi Honey was very sweet (my husband loved it) and reminded me of the thickness of a standard sweet & sour sauce. My dad likes the sweet spicy - it has just the right amount of kick and was similar to a teriyaki sauce. The Yuzu aioli was similar to a garlic aioli - if you like cream based sauces, this is a great one. The chicken was hot, crispy, and so flavorful! The service was quick - we sat for maybe 5-7 minutes after placing the order. I would highly recommend stopping in. They did say that the weekends can be very busy, so be mindful since there is not a lot of seating in the shop.

    Teba curry wings and karaage.
    Chris T.

    I've written a review for this place before, but just wanted to share more photos. Now everytime we visit Hilo, we have to eat here!!! Great staff and service is always excellent. The food is made fresh and hot and tasty. Their dipping sauces are what you need.

    Karaage bento $17 sooooo goooood and curry wings 6pc $18
    Rebecca T.

    Hilo - Holy cow, I mean chicken, this is chicken karaage on another level. They're only on big island now in Hawaii. Hopefully one will open on O'ahu soon because I don't live in Hilo.... If perfect chicken karaage exists, it would be found here. Big, plump, juicy on the inside, perfect crisp on the outside, well seasoned, nothing more they need to do. Their wings were also out of this world. Love how they only serve the flats. The curry powder was so flavorful sprinkled onto the perfectly crisped skin. The whole bento was just delicious. The rice was well cooked. The sides were yummy. Ask staff from bathroom. They'll ask you to walk around as the Bathroom entrance is around and behind their kitchen through a side door. Not the most convenient so try to use the bathroom before coming here. Plenty of parking in the lot! I imagine it can get busy. We got there on a Saturday a little before 11am right before they opened. People kept coming in nonstop since then. It looks like it's a chain from Japan with other only us locations in California. I'm only sad because I can't have this more often as it requires me to fly to eat there... I'll definitely stop there when I'm in Hilo again!

    Lauren C.

    Tried this for the first time at their Kona location. AMAZING karaage, super juicy with perfectly crispy skin fried to perfection. We got the curry plate and Gyudon in addition to a 5 piece karaage set and we were stuffed. The Gyudon was also moist with great flavor, while the curry was also your typical Japanese curry, rich but with a great savory/sweet flavor profile. Their prices were a little higher in Hilo than their Kona location, but otherwise fast/friendly service. Small seating area inside too.

    Chicken Karaage bento
    Kayla M.

    Okay everyone...I've probably had the best karaage chicken EVER from Tenkatori Hilo. I will definitely come back whenever I'm in town! This was the best chicken I've had because... 1. the outside was very crispy & flavorful 2. the chicken was super juicy, tender & also flavorful This 4 piece karaage chicken bento also had a small serving of spaghetti and potato salad which was also delicious. This place definitely reminded me of Japan in Hilo. Friendly & quick service. Totally worth the price in my opinion! You won't regret it! Wish they had a location on Oahu :) Parking in the front building lot.

    Karaage Bento : Rice, Potato Salad, Spaghetti Napolitan, Egg and Umeboshi
    Elohim M.

    Karaage...Aside from Korean fried chicken or American Fried chicken the Japanese have made one of the most delicious fried chicken techniques ever created. And thats what you'll find in this little jem of a place in Hilo. The Staff are friendly and welcoming as soon and you pop into the door with the traditional welcome in Japanese "Irasshaimase" there attentive and hospitable without being all up in your face. The shop it self although small in size which kind of works with the whole Japanese corner shop you'd find in Japan is brite and well lite with natural light with a counter and a few tables if you want to eat in. Now let's get to the good stuff, the Food...More importantly the chicken! Plump....Juicy....Crispy...the three things you'll want in Karaage. Plump being damn these are some Big pieces of chicken Thighs. Juicy as in Oh My God I'm bout to die with all these flavors in my mouth. Crispy...The Crunch! Omg the crunch makes it all come together. Its an Amazing place with amazing chicken, good vibes and Amazing atmosphere. If fried isn't your thing...Yakitori is also available. What is that you asked? Its Japanese style grilled chicken, Think about lighter version of teriyaki without it being to strong. And though its traditional a street food served on skewers, they make it in Bowls. Now the reason am giving this a 4 stars instead of 5 are for two reasons. Reason 1. The serving of rice in there bowls and bent is kinda small and to add on more rice is going cost you a pretty penny. Reason 2. The price...yeah this place is a bit on the high price area. So if you feel like getting yourself a special treat for a special day or feel like treating yourself cause you deserve it go for it. With all that being said...its an Amazing place to stop by and grab a bite. Its the closest thing to Japan as you'll get here in Hawai'i, especially on the Big island.

    Curry chicken wings
    Nani S.

    Super sweet place and the chicken is amazing! I got curry wings! So good! 11/10! Generous sized wings and made fresh to order but the wait was not long. Delicious flavor with a little kick! Thank you! Would def come back! Super sweet a d friendly staff! Nice clean place!

    Karaage bento
    Sharon L.

    Unassuming spot but one of the best eats in all of Big Island! Best meal we had in Hilo. Karaage Bento: The karaage chicken was SUPER JUICY. Rice was fluffy and the "sides" were good too - cherry tomato, sweet spaghetti (like Jollibee), potato salad, tamago. Had to pay an extra $1.50 for sauce but the yuzu aloli is good. Wish they would include one sauce with the bento or make it $0.50 or $1 for a smaller sauce container because we used less than half. Chicken Cartilage: AMAZING! This wasn't on the main menu display, but handwritten next to the checkout. Didn't see it until after we paid but then I couldn't pass on chicken cartilage when I see it, so we placed another order just for that. It comes in a good size cup and it so perfectly crunchy and salted. Sooooo happy we got this! Plenty of parking. Indoor seating is kinda stuffy and hot (nicer outside if they had that option or had better airflow). Service was normal and food took a little time but that makes sense but everything was super hot and fresh!

    Japanese fried 10 Pieces Chicken Boneless Thigh

    What a great find! The wings aren't just good for the island... they're good for the mainland. Love the crunch and the dark meat combo. Note that the chicken is dark meat which makes it so juicy. When you place an order you get to add sauces. The yuzu aioli sauce was delicious. So was the miso spicy. The service was super friendly and the place was so clean. Also ordered sides... the cucumber was like a pickled cucumber and the tofu with spinach was a little odd... it was like mashed up tofu mixed with spinach. So far the best meal on the island.

    See all

    1 year ago

    Excellent food, friendly service. Solid place to visit when around Hilo. Gluten free option for those looking.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of James P.
    0
    49
    215

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Leia D.
    0
    12
    38

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 3
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kyle N.
    0
    32
    23

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Yum. Completely Yum. Nice people too. ;) Loved the neighborhood. Had Karaage Don, Cucumber Salad and Black Bean Barley Iced Tea. Yeah Baby!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Little expensive, but food was good, and service was great. Cute little shop, and they are open 7 days a week.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Delicious sides, nice soft drinks, yummy and light karaage. Lovely lady running this friendly place.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Super yummy chicken!! I looooved the bento and such sweet owners. I'll definitely be back.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anne R.
    0
    62
    17

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kiana A.
    17
    27
    97

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Denise A.
    2
    73
    583

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jon K.
    0
    20
    7

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Fred B.
    0
    23
    13

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    This place has a clean bright feel. The food is great and service is amazing!!!! Highly recommend this restraunt!!!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eva C.
    0
    13
    11

    2 years ago

    Fresh made and very juicy fried chicken thighs. Spicy and sweet sauce is the best combo. Love this Japanese fried chicken place in Hilo.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Been here twice and I will continue to come back! Very clean and esthetically pleasing, food is top notch and always hot and fresh!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ash M.
    0
    18
    6

    2 years ago

    Hot and fresh tasty chicken! Fast and friendly service. Will be back to try the curry.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of lily m.
    0
    56
    38

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick A.
    3
    176
    0

    2 years ago

    Exceptionally good! Way better than the $550 meal we had last night in Waikoloa. Best chicken Karraage i've had. Everything top notch.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R U.
    0
    28
    1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tj Y.
    0
    22
    3

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Todd S.
    0
    19
    15

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    First time here, service was excellent and the fried chicken thighs and wings in addition to the curry. Very tasty

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 4

    Tenkatori Hilo Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tenkatori Hilo

    You might also consider

    Hilo Town Tavern

    Hilo Town Tavern

    4.0
    (345 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Came here on a night where they had live Hawaiian music. The speakers were super loud, but the…read moremusic was fantastic. It took a while for the waitress to take our orders. One waitress said that she was going to come back and then didn't return for over 15 minutes plus. My friend got the Loco Loco over tater tots, which was very filling and delicious. I got the ribs. Initially the only rib that was hot was the end piece and as soon as I cut it, the remainder was ice cold. I told the waitress who took it back to the kitchen, and they reheated it. The ribs overall were tasty, though not the most tender ribs I've ever ever had. I did like the French fries though it was cold after they reheated my ribs.

    After spending some time at Lyman Museum, we desired lunch and a Yelp search led us to Hilo Town…read moreTavern. Walking through the entrance we were greeted by a server who also doubled as a bartender. We proceeded to order the following: Mai Tai's, Jamaican Jerk seasoned chicken tenders (wife) and the Lava burger (me)...both orders with the hand cut tavern fries. Since the restaurant was fairly empty, our orders came out fairly quickly. Both of our orders arrived hot and were very flavorful. As we enjoyed our meals and sipped our deliciously strong Mai Tai's, we enjoyed people watching and eavesdropping on the conversations held by locals. Throughout our visit, the server did a great job of checking in on us. If you're in Hilo and have a yearning for some delicious food and strong drinks, I recommend checking out Hilo Town Tavern. My only regret is that we did not visit during a karaoke night!

    Photos
    Dim lights and brew
    Dim lights and brew
    New owner!
    New owner!
    Hilo Town Tavern

    See all

    Cham Cham Korean BBQ

    Cham Cham Korean BBQ

    3.8
    (198 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    Stopped by recently on a Saturday afternoon. In years prior, you would be greeted nicely by staff…read more Instead, upon entering we were glanced at so we sat ourselves. The sole waitress was not friendly at all and seemed more preoccupied with leaving work on time than taking our order. Tried to order a couple of items and was told, "I don't think we have that?" The food is not the same quality or quantity as before. The banchan that was served to us was either overcooked or salty. Seafood pancake was flavorless. Spicy pork was not spicy at all. We placed a take-out order while eating our food. We drove all the way home only to find out that we were given someone else's order. Banchan choices for take-out and dine-in are limited. The only positive about our experience at Cham Cham was the shift change with the waitstaff. The waitress who took over was attentive and friendly. I would not recommend this place to anyone who enjoys Korean food or who is expecting the same Cham Cham as years prior.

    A small restaurant tucked away next to a lunch counter…read more Clean. The pancake is the reason to come here. Even with a party of two- we did not finish the pancake. I took half of it home. I wasn't as impressed with the entrees, but I was not mad at it. We took to go boxes, of the entrees. We really enjoyed the experience. I will definitely come back. Perfect for the price point. Plenty of food.

    Photos
    Cham Cham Korean BBQ
    Black Bean Noodles ~
    Black Bean Noodles ~
    Outside. You'll miss it.

    See all

    Outside. You'll miss it.

    Tenkatori Hilo - japanese - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...