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Tenkatori Hilo

4.9 (123 reviews)
Open 11:00 am - 5:30 pm

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What's the vibe?
Casual
Dogs allowed

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Entrance to TENKATORI
F S.

Small authentic Japanese restaurant that specializes in chicken dishes but also has other items. We tried their KARAAGE (deep fried) chicken which was fantastic. Small counter that sears just 7 people and 2 small 4 top tables. Cozy place and very much Japanese (not second generation Japanese). Like I stepped into Japan! We'll be back next time we drive over to Hilo.

Bento 5 Pieces Chicken Boneless Thigh 6 Pieces Teba-Wings Regular

Hands-down some of the best fried chicken I've ever had in my life. The thigh pieces are huge, crunchy, AND juicy, and the marinade tastes authentic. The yuzu aioli is absolutely bursting with creamy / tangy citrus flavor and a perfect compliment to the chicken. The interior is also clean and pristine and the owner / staff are very kind and polite.

Cody F.

The chicken karaage was the most juiciest, crispy and thickest I've ever had. At times it was a bit hard to chew but it was great. They have different sauces for them. I got the sweet and sour which was okay. I wish I tried the other sauces. The inside was clean and spacious but a bit hot inside. The staff were friendly and attentive especially in giving water frequently. I'd definitely come again

Croquette
Iris W.

We stopped here for a snack on our way back from volcanoes park. The establishment is a bit more fast food vibe--order at the counter and you can eat in (bar seating and a few sit down tables) or take out. The space is nice and clean and the service was prompt and kind. The food was delicious! The curry wings had excellent flavor and the both that and the kaarage were perfectly fried with a light crispy coating. The only reason to lose really half to a full star is the price-- the wings were 3/$18, they sold sauces for extra (none came w our orders) and sides were extra as well. Definitely not a cheap fast food but a delicious one!

Karaage Chicken Thighs

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2 years ago

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

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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!

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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.

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2 years ago

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

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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.

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2 years ago

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

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

Their karaage chicken is fabulous, l would like to try other things on Their menu. When will they be open?

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2 years ago

Service is excellent cute little Japanese fast food. All of their food is excellent only complaint is it is a little pricy.

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2 years ago

High quality food! Chicken was super juicy and delicious. Would definitely come here again(:

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3 years ago

Fantastic food, great service and a brand new location. Will be back very often, it's my new favorite place to eat

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4.2(617 reviews)
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Love this place! We visited this local favorite on a trip to Hilo. We went for an early weekday…read morelunch, so it wasn't busy. There was parking in the shared lot, but spaces are tiny. Booth seating was perfect for us. The wait staff were super nice and patient with us. Their menu is huge and has a lot of options for customizing. Fortunately, there are diagrams on the wall to help you decide. I got a Miso Standard ramen ($20 with an Ajitama (seasoned soft boiled egg), hard texture, fried garlic, extra noodles. It was fabulous! Really hit the spot. Loved the chewier noodles and the rich, flavorful broth. DH got THE Garlic ramen ($26.50) also with an Ajitama, pork belly, and extra noodles, regular firmness. The kids wanted extra Naruto (fish cakes), 75 cents for 2 small pieces. One of our kids is under age 5, so we got a Miso mini ramen ($9.50 value) for free! Wow! Little one said he did not like the flavor of the seasoned egg. Noodles were very soft, but stayed together, and soaked up a ton of broth so they were flavorful. He said the Miso Mini comes with corn instead of fish cake. We loved all of the toppings. The pork belly was excellent! Portion sizes are great. We had some leftovers to take back. Overall, a fantastic place to satisfy those ramen cravings!

Best ramen in Hilo. I like how you can pick exactly how you want your bowl of ramen to be. My go-to…read moreis the miso ramen with the ajitama egg and spicy ball. If prices were a little lower for some other items on the menu, I would be willing to try more things. When they had the sushi available, it was really good too! Hopefully you bring back sushi again!

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Restaurant Kenichi

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4.1(492 reviews)
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ALWAYS A GREAT DECISION TO COME HERE!!…read more The food and service is always on point. Really cool locally owned restaurant. We usually get the sizzling steak and/or korean chicken salad. Never disappoints. Mahalo kenichi crew

Our high school club chose to eat here to support a local business for our end-of-year celebration,…read morebut the experience was unfortunately very stressful for our students and staff. We spent two and a half months planning this event. My club treasurer and I confirmed the price on seven different occasions--five times over the phone and twice in person. Each time, we were quoted just over $600 with about a $110 in tips, which we paid in full two days before the party. However, the day before the event, we were told there was a miscalculation and we needed to pay another $400. Because our students had only fundraised the amount we were originally quoted, we had to remove two people from our party and downgrade our menu which did not include drinks anymore. We requested to bring our own drinks due to the last-minute budget change, but we were told we could "only bring alcohol and no outside sodas and juices." It was disappointing that this was the only accommodation offered to a group of high school students. During the party, we also encountered several cleanliness issues. We found hair in the food and cockroaches in the rice, as well as on the walls and near the buffet area. I am totally not joking about the food; I was shocked by what we saw. The servers were very polite and apologized when we let them know, but it was a major concern for us. I understand that accidents happen, but this was a very difficult situation for our club after so much careful planning. Personally, I will not be eating here again for a long time.

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Tenkatori Hilo - japanese - Updated May 2026

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