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Mr Ojisan Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
1016 Kapahulu AveSte 140
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 735-4455
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 pm
Mon-Thu 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5:30 pm - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
94 reviews for Mr Ojisan Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Had the wafu steak, it was delicious."
(in 14 reviews)
"green tea ice cream- creamy, smooth, and the best green tea..."
(in 9 reviews)
"...the combo teishoku with miso butterfish and tempura combo."
(in 11 reviews)
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94 reviews in English
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Review from Johnny d.
Honolulu, HI
1/7/2012
In a word YUM!
Very good service, good food & you won't likely leave hungry !
Great place to take a date ... -
Review from Kwase M.
Honolulu, HI
1/4/2012
It says takes reservations but don't count on it. we had a reservation and still waited over 30 minutes and it would have been longer if I didn't complain. After 30 minutes they were going to seat us at 2 separate tables which is ridiculous seeing how they already gave away numerous 2 tops and 4 tops before that so if we were going to sit separate they should have sat us when we got there. The people who came after us had a reservation too and were asked to wait outside despite there being an empty 2 top available. The waitress probably would have forgotten about them if they hadn't come back in annoyed by their wait.
Salad was okay. Then I got my meal (just me...all our food came out at different times but mine came out at least 5 minutes before the next person) so I had to ask "don't we get miso soup". So then they brought out the soup so I was torn...let my soup get cold or my food. The soup was junk. The recipe on the miso container tastes better than this one. I got the seafood tempura which was the only thing good about this place. That's the only reason they got a star at all.
My husband and dad had Teri beef/tempura combo. Both of their Teri beef came out cold, like refrigerator cold. When my husband complained they just took it in the back and nuked the whole plate so after that the tempura was soggy. The Teri sauce tastes familiar like a Teri sauce from a bottle from Safeway.
The service absolutely sucks! The lady was totally rude about having us wait for 30 minutes even though we had a reservation. She never even apoligized. They didnt bring hot tea until I asked. When I asked for a refill she only refilled my glass and not my mom's despite hers being next to mine and empty. Never filled anybody's water glass despite them all being empty. Had to ask twice to get our check.
I will never go back again. If you see a groupon don't buy it. The half off savings isn't worth the headache. -
Review from Mari F.
Pearl City, HI
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I got a gift certificate for the place from someone I work for. I've never heard of this place before, but I now had a reason to try it! I made reservations which I'm very thankful for because the place is quite small! My friend and I were placed quite close to another couple, but that is ok, it was cozy. I had the hamburger katsu teishoku and I loved it, but then again, I love hamburger! Hee, hee I want to try the hamburger katsu curry loco moco which the lady next to me had. She said it was really good.
The service was slightly sub-par. The people working there were friendly, but they forgot to put in my order for the gyoza appetizer. They were apologetic for it, but I ended up canceling my order because my main dish had already come.
Overall, I would go back because of the novelty of the hamburger katsu! -
Review from Kylie O.
A total spur on the moment decision to check out this place, but I am so glad that i did!
Tell me not, a ton of you who have been down Kapahulu avenue will just glance over, and continue driving, without ever stopping by. Well, I am telling you now, you really should. Totally worth it!
This place is pretty small, and I would say that only about ten parties can be served at a time, even less when big parties are there, so I suggest if the dinner is planned, make a reservation, it won't hurt. Although, if it spontaneous like I, the wait won't be too long, they told me half an hour, but my party and I were seated in no time.
The service is a little slow due to the restaurant being understaffed, but they are extremely friendly and try to meet your every need efficiently as possible. Now the food, is great. The prices are extremely reasonable, especially the combination platters. I ordered the tonkatsu + sashimi combination and I found the price of $18 to be of a great price. I was even more shocked when I saw the amount of food they give. It's the perfect portion, and probably the best part was the fact that the sashimi wasn't just regular old ahi sashimi, but it also had extremely fresh pieces of salmon and hamachi sashimi. Five stars alone right there! The tonkatsu was also very flavorful and the batter wasn't too much like other places. I highly recommend it.
I found this restaurant to be of great quality. Now the only reason I wouldn't give it five stars is due to their service. If they could possibly hire a few more people I think our wait before and after dinner wouldn't be so long. Other than that, you'll be seeing me at Mr. Ojisan again.Listed in: Food Bliss
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Review from Shoeshine B.
Honolulu, HI
1/7/2012
My partner and I went here because I had purchased a Groupon that was about to expire. I'm glad we did!
I ordered the mixed tempura, and he ordered the teriyaki chicken. Both were served with miso soup (delicious, not watery at all), rice and assorted (very small) sides. My tempura was just great. Three large shrimp, perfectly cooked! Also eggplant, mushroom, onion and green beans. All perfect. The batter was light and airy.
My partner's teriyaki chicken was, well, it was teriyaki chicken. He's not the most adventurous eater, what can I say? It was juicy, flavorful and perfectly cooked. It was also a VERY large portion. He didn't care for the potato salad side, but I thought it was interesting.
As others have noted, the place is quite small. We went around 2PM, so it wasn't busy. I can image prime lunch or dinner hours would be quite crowded.
We didn't partake, but they also have a fairly extensive sake selection.
Service was friendly but a bit slow. We were in no hurry, so it wasn't a real issue. Waters were refilled, and we were checked on regularly.
This is truly a case where a Groupon brought us in, but we'll definitely return! -
Review from Ryan M.
9/15/2011 1 photo
Small little place on Kapahulu seem to have many regulars, as they greet some people by name as they enter.
The food is fresh and tasty but a bit on the pricy side and portions smaller but i guess you have to take into consideration that you're not in a bento place. Lunch is $1 - $2 cheeper.
2 choice combination dinner runs about $19, the portion seems a bit small but actually its just the right amount as you get a salad (tiny), miso soup, and dessert. By then end of the meal you are perfectly satisfied.
We each had the tempura which was masterfully cooked. The shrimp was really tender, and cooked perfectly where its just barely done.
Teri beef was described as just average, Miso Butter fish was good as always, it's so fatty really hard to mess it up.
The chirashi sushi and tempura ($24) was really good, maguro, salmon, hamachi, unagi, tako, ebi, ika, tamago. All the fish was fresh and tasty, what i was impressed with was the Ika, it was crosshatched and cut into thin noodles and topped with tobikko to give it texture so you don't have so much of the chewy feel in your mouth.
The two combos came with dessert, Coffee or Green Tea ice Cream. I suggest you get the Green Tea ice cream, (even if you don't like green tea!) As soon as it hit my tongue, I immediately identified it as Daves Ice Cream (Made in Hawaii) it has a really mild green tea taste and almost taste like Chocolate ice cream.
Attentive and friendly service.
Just wish the portions were larger.
3.5 stars
Tips:
1. Theres a parking lot in the back i think you get there from Kihei Pl
2. Make a reservation the place is tiny and seems to have its regulars.
3. Green Tea Ice Cream (Daves) taste like chocolate (sort of), you just have to try it yourself!
4. Bathroom is outside, in the back, the keys are attached to the spatulas hanging on the wall.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
They don't have any evidence of being used in the kitchen! -
Review from Mirina K.
Honolulu, HI
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think Mr Ojisan means delicious in Japanese.
The only reason for 4/5 stars was because it took
20 minutes for our family to pay the bill and leave
the restaurant. -
Review from Angela M.
9/19/2011
Dear Mr. Ojisan,
You are so much smaller than I expected but, as is not the case in certain situations, this is a good thing. You are cozy and comfortable and your friendly staff made us feel as though we were dining in someone's home. The women happily spoke to my husband in Japanese instead of insisting on responding to his Japanese in English because he's Haole. We appreciate this.
My husband raved about your shoyu ramen saying it's the best he's had on the island, which is a stunning compliment as his usual response to shoyu ramen (and to most Japanese foods) is that is lousy and nothing like Japan. Your Katsu donburi was delicious, though a bit dry, and had a flavor that seemed "fresher" than the average katsu donburi.
My teri chicken/tempura combo was reasonably good with the exception of the tempura lacking crispness. However, the gyoza was mediocre but I ate them all anyway because I am a gyoza whore. For me to abandon a fried gyoza it has to taste like sewage. It's an illness.
Though your food didn't completely blow us away we will be back. My husband is eager to try your tan tan ramen and I am looking forward to ordering your oyako donburi. I may even order gyoza again. Like I said, it's an illness. I'm not even supposed to eat wheat.
Thanks,
Angela -
Review from Rosie P.
Honolulu, HI
12/27/2011
The food and sake here is as great as other good Japanese places like akinono or izakaya naru. Maybe serving sizings are a little bigger and in the same price range. Ambience is hit or miss because it's a small one room restaurant with Karaoke... so if a group shows up and starts singing it sucks trying to be there Ina date. Go weekdays and you'll be fine.
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Review from Dustin E.
Kapolei, HI
9/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
NICE!!! The ambience of this little hole in the wall restaurant in Kapahulu is very nice. I like the colors on the walls, the artwork. My sister even had to brag about the women's restroom. (Yah, I had to see it because she insists it's a work of art! It is.) The place is small, cozy, and not crowded because we had a late Thursday night dinner at 8 pm. I heard that the groupon was so popular that it was so crowded for a while.
Salted edamame ~ perfect. Asahi beer on tap! ~ my favorite. spicy tuna roll ~ very tasty and nice presentation. I had the sashimi and tonkatsu combo, but next time I have to have the wafu steak on sizzling platter. I think that is one of the best tasting steak dishes ever! Topped it off with kona coffee ice cream and I was very, very satisfied!
No bad things to say, only that we went on a Thursday at a later time, and it was not too crowded. If they were busier, I think we would have waited a long time for the food. They were limited on wait help, but he was very courteous, got our order correct and kept refilling our water. Thank you Mr. Ojisan for help us entertain cousin Karen and Eric from Los Angeles. They were very impressed, overwhelmed by the good food, and a little bit happy-happy from the cold sake and asahi beer.
I will be back! I didn't have my yaki-onigiri yet.
Yelp 365 challenge #13/365Listed in: Yelp 365 Challenge
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Review from Mari S.
Mr. Ojisan is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Honolulu.
This cozy little restaurant is tucked in Kilohana Square, a little plaza with a variety of shops and restaurants in Kapahulu.
While I only dined at Mr. Ojisan once, I was very impressed with the quality AND quantity of food. I ordered the tempura and sashimi teishoku. With that came salad, edamame, Japanese pickles, rice, miso soup and a dessert! The tempura was cooked to perfection - cripsy, flavorful and not too oily. The sashimi was fresh and melted in my mouth. My BF ordered the tempura and miso butterfish teishoku. We were both very happy with our meals and left satisfied and impressed.
The price is about $17 - $20 for a teishoku meal; it is about the same price one would pay at another Japanese restaurant. However, it is the QUALITY of the food which makes the difference and raises the bar from its competitors.
If you are a fan of Japanese food and love teishoku-style meals, I'd definitely give Mr. Ojisan a shot. You will not be disappointed!Listed in: Where the Locals go!, My fav. "hole-in-the-walls"!
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Review from David J.
8/25/2011 3 photos
Had a blast coming over here and it might've been due to the great company I was with. Mr. Ojisan is tucked away on Kapuhulu Ave and also an Okinawan owned business (I had to note this!) so I've always wanted to try. I had a groupon for this place, so I had a great excuse to go.
Anyways, the owner was very accomodating from the start. I had a party of about 15 or so and needed a decent Japanese restaurant to go to. I gave them and call and they seem a little nervous at first, but was more than happy to have us. The restaurant is really small and we must've taken out half the space! Inside is decorated like a typical Japanese restaurant and is very clean.
The menu is a typical Japanese variety with few choices of Okinawan dishes such as Goya Champuru. I had the Tonkatsu teishoku and it was really good as far as Japanese restaurant goes. My friend had a Japanese Curry Loco Moco which was nicely presented and was really good. They also have a wide selection of Japanese Sake and of course Orion Beer! (Okinawan beer.)
What made this place over the top for me was the Karaoke machine. After we ate, some of us started karaoke'ing and it was all game over for us. We all sang and laughed until 2 o'clock in the morning! The place actually closes at 12:00 AM!!! So again, the owner was super accomodating to us and service was excellent. Sorry for keeping you guys up so late and putting up with our rowdy singing!
I highly recommend this place for the good food, atmosphere, and the singing! Warning, don't go on a night where they have horrible singing! Might actually spoil your experiene! -
Review from LesliAnn K.
Honolulu, HI
7/26/2011
Ok, so I liked it! I think everyone is coming in with these Groupon coupons. Rather than going for the teishoku (set meals), we ordered family style and got to have a little bit of everything. First off, its such a cute place and has nice ambiance, the floors are clean, new, and I don't know, I just like it. I felt comfy. Hole in the wall as in tiny, but not really literally, because its actually kinda chic but not too much. Just right. Steady flow of people on a Monday night so would recommend reservations if you've got more than two.
So, the food. We just ordered from ala carte and appetizers. Maguro natto, and sushi, always presented nicely, fresh, simple, consistently good. Standards done well. Hamachi - now if fish could be beautiful, this was it. Veggie tempura good because not too much batter, not soggy, light, and the touch of daikon oroshi made it just a tad more authentic. Details, I appreciate details. The pleasant surprise of the nice, hamburger katsu! TRY IT. Thin crispy outside with moist insides.
Top it off with sake, and forget the long, hard work day! -
Review from Terry K.
7/20/2011
Had my lunch there today and used my groupon. I will preface my review by saying I would give Mr. Ojisan 5 stars.... the food was excellent but I read through the 64 reviews already posted and have to agree with a few comments on the hospitality. The servers and management are nice people no doubt; but I need to agree with a few other Yelpers that management has selective memory and that said, I am givng them 4 stars. Now, on to the good stuff- the food
I usually have their teishoku which is always of the freshest food and for the deep fried stuff, their oil is clean. It shows in the product, like their shrimp or veggie tempura: always crisp and clean; not oily if you can imagine that.
But today, I had their mini vegetable ramen with 4 pcs gyoza. First time for me trying the gyoza. The gyoza (Mr. Ojisan made!) is excellent! And even the gyoza was crisp and clean. They must chage their oil more often than not. The mini ramen was okay. vegetables done just right and the broth!!! The broth!!!! Another gift to the pallet.
I will have to go there for dinner one night and have their special whatever their special may be. I am guessing it will be fresh, clean and good! -
Review from gary n.
It was my first visit here at Mr. Ojisan Restaurant and I have to say that I will be going back. I am so used to eating at Sushi King and Yanagi Sushi, that eating at another Japanese restaurant is a lot different experience. Instead of more of the norm, this place is a little different in a good way.
When I arrived, it was to an empty restaurant. The restaurant had just opened promptly at 11 am. My friend met up with my shortly after and we decided what to order after pondering the menu and Yelp's quick tips. I wanted the Wafu Steak because I have not had steak in a long time and my friend ordered the Hamburger Katsu Curry Moco dish.
I was served miso soup, oshinko, and a dish that I always see at Japanese restaurants, but never know what it's called. It felt a little one-sided briefly as I had food and my friend didn't. The gap was closed as both of our main dishes were served to us.
I have had Wafu steak before, but nothing quite like this. I have definitely become a fan and have been won over by this wonderful dish. I was impressed by the presentation of the whole thing. If I had to guess, I would say it was about 8 ounces. The steak was topped with grated daikon, garlic chips, and green onions and was laid to rest on a bed of sauteed, buttered onions. It was sizzling as it arrived.
The Hamburger Katsu Curry Moco was also impressive. There was a sea of curry with an island of rice in the middle. Topping the island were a hamburger katsu, scrambled egg, and shredded sushi nori.
As we settled into our food, the restaurant was quickly filling up with mostly older customers. It appeared that lunch time here was popular with the senior crowd. Two of them wanted to order the Oxtail Soup special, but only one was available (strange because it was only the start of the day).
The Wafu Steak was as delicious as it looked! I like subtle flavors and this dish had many subtle flavors with a slight salty taste. I tried a little bit of the Hamburger Katsu Curry Moco and it was very good too. I never thought that breading a hamburger patty would taste good. Panko breading is perfect and I prefer it over regular flour breading.
Parking is located both behind the restaurant and in front, but the parking in the front is metered parking. Reservations are recommended because the restaurant is a little small. Excellent and friendly service and good food will keep me coming back for sure!
#Yelp 365 - 18/365 -
Review from Mike O.
6/10/2011
I really like this place as the food and service is very good. I had the combo teishoku with miso butterfish and tempura combo. Both were excellent especially the butterfish. I also had 3 pieces of hamachi nigiri. The hamachi is only $1.95 per piece but the fish was small and taste was only ok.
My wife had the grilled saba which was still raw in the middle. We advised our server, who was sincerely apologetic and brought out some appetizers while a new saba was cooked. The new one was good, but my wife kinda lost her appetite waiting.
The servers were really attentive throughout our service. They did not charge us for the saba, which shows great service and wish more restaurants would recognize when a customer did not enjoy their food. I am still giving this place 5 stars even though my wife experience was not. They corrected their error perfectly and still deserve the excellent rating. We will definitely come back soon.Listed in: McCully, Moiliili, and lower…
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Review from Julia L.
San Jose, CA
7/13/2011
This place was OK. I had the two choice combination, broiled salmon and sashimi. I thought it was good, however there were some random sides I've never had before and they were small portioned. Some were bland and the edimame was tasteless (3 pieces only). If it wasn't for our groupon, I definitely would not pay the regular price that they charge. I thought it was way overpriced!!! $12 for a 8 piece california roll!?! That's outrageous and it wasn't even anything special. I've had better with better pricing.
Service was great, I'll give them that much, but the portion was definitely overpriced and not worth it. -
Review from jason y.
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here twice, only because each time I had gift certificates. But I'm glad I got to try it. I didn't realize this place has been her for so long.
The first time, I tried their ramen and sushi. It was pretty good, just nice comfort japanese food. The sushi was good too, made fresh and the bar.
The second time, went with out of town guest, so went with the tempura teishoku which came with sashimi and all the fixings. The tempura was good, nice and crispy, not at all oily. We also tried the wafu steak and grated daikon and ponzu sauce. It was good, not out of this world awesome, but pretty good.
Nice little place, can be crowded so probably best to make reservations. Parking is easy in the back lot for free or on the street. I would go back just for the ramen, it's good and you can get sushi with it reasonably priced too. -
Review from Jonn D.
Honolulu, HI
Updated - 6/22/2011
Rating: 4/5
Date visited: 6/21/2011
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Price: 3.5/5
Parking: 3/5
I haven't been here in a while, and when I do get a chance to go here, it's like getting together with an old girlfriend. LOL! The same great food continues to be served. I like the new paint job they have, which has been there now for over a year or two.
I was really surprised that I was able to walk in w/out a reservation. It was great. I was even served by the owner. She is so sweet.
My ratings will stay the same, and I will definitely be back.Listed in: Best of the Best - Hawaii
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/14/2010
Rating: 4.5/5
Date(s) visited: 2007, 08, 09, 2010, many many times
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Atmosphere:… Read more »
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Review from Cindy L.
8/22/2011 3 photos
3.5 stars. GREAT SERVICE. We came here with our one-month old baby. I only made reservation for two since only two adults were eating, totally forgot about the baby. We walked in with the baby car-seat, and we knew we forgot to ask for extra space, but the waitress saw us and made immediate accomodation for us. If you never been here, it's a tiny little restaurant. So be sure to make reservations. Thinking back, it was very brave of us to go there, imagine if our baby started crying, it will ring up the whole restaurant and no one can enjoy a peaceful meal.
We had the sushi moriwase and chirashi moriwase (about $25 each). The chirashi was excellent, lots of sashimi and it also came with a side of shrimp and vegetable tempura. The desserts are a bit pricey at $5 each, and only serves ice cream. I tried their red bean with mochi soup dessert, but it was just okay.
However, the service was excellent. Food quality was good. Atmosphere was homey. -
Review from Jana P.
Honolulu, HI
5/26/2011
My three friends all had the Katsu Curry and I had the Tan Tan Ramen which was on special at $11 for the evening. We also tried the Grilled Rice Ball which comes as a set of 2 in either shoyu or miso flavors. We got one shoyu (preferable), one miso. My friends all cleaned their plates clean so I'm pretty sure they enjoyed the Katsu Curry. I also liked the Ramen.
Our meal went smoothly until....I saw a black thing with a tail streak across the floor! I initially thought it was a huge lizard but it popped out again and saw that it was a good-sized rat!
We mentioned it to the waitress who had a super funny response. Basically, she gave no response and acted speechless and shocked. I guess she was embarrassed and didn't know what to say. So we just kindly suggested that she start setting rat traps.
Nevertheless, I actually don't think it's all that rare to find a rat in a food establishment. It's just pretty gnarly to be see it creeping around customers. But I'll be back, it hasn't really deterred me. -
Review from Spencer T.
Honolulu, HI
7/11/2011
Semi-inebriated review:
I thought Mr. Ojisan was good, not great. I'd prefer if I could give it 3.5 stars, because it's slightly better than a 3, not quite a 4.
I was lucky enough to attend the restaurant with my beautiful friend, Liz. She's super pretty. Oh wait. Food. Yes. We ended up ordering the exact same thing; the combination plate consisting of Misoyaki butterfish and chicken katsu. It was good.
I believe "good" is the adjective most appropriate for Mr. Ojisan. The butterfish was tender and delicate, though I prefer mine with just a hint of crisp on the edges. The chicken katsu was as close to perfect as one can get, but I've had plenty of "near perfect" chicken katsu, so I can't award too many points there. Service was pleasant. Atmosphere was good.
Not sure what else I can say. This place is solid. It doesn't impress. It won't force you into withdrawal fits if you don't go there, but it's a solid, standard place for good food.
Of course, my reviews would be remiss if I didn't have some sort of off the wall analogy as accompaniment. Mr. Ojisan is that good looking girl in high school that wasn't ridiculous pretty (like Liz or Joo Hee (how'd she end up in this review?)), but was attractive. Regardless, she lacked that zazz that made you want to topple empires in her name. She was your backup date for winter ball, and when you went you had a good time, but your heart didn't weigh you down the way it does when you know you're in love. I just compared Mr. Ojisan to a woman. Weird. -
Review from Shannon C.
Westlake Village, CA
8/25/2011
It's a small restaurant, so make sure you make reservations, just in case.
I shared the deluxe meal, which was average. I mean, it was good, just nothing spectacular. Like the other menu item I also had a sampling of. They all tasted good, but I knew there's probably a lot of other Japanese restaurants that could provide the same quality food at the same price. -
Review from Kayla A.
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I visited Mr. Ojisan Restaurant because I bought the $30 credit for $15 groupon. I am a big fan of Japanese food so I was really excited to try it out.
My roommates and I made reservations for 7:30pm, but we were running late. The staff was really nice and accommodated us even though we were about 10 minutes late & there were a lot of people waiting to be seated.
It took the waitress awhile to take our order, which was understandable because it was really busy. I ordered the two-entree combination course which was delicious. You had a choice of tempura, miso butterfish, saba, deep fried soft shell crab, chicken katsu, teriyaki chicken, and many more! The chicken katsu is your typical chicken katsu. Their deep fried soft shell crab was delicious! However, if you don't like the idea of eating crab w/ its shell, this choice isn't for you. My boyfriend ordered tempura, which was very delicious!
Aside from picking two-entrees you get a side salad, miso soup, and dessert.
My roommate's boyfriend's order came out wrong, but they were really nice about it. They allowed him to keep the wrong order and they brought out his right order. So he got an entree for free.
This place is really small, very modernized and clean, but I believe that their prices are on the pricier side. It's definitely not a place you can eat at everyday. -
Review from Anna T.
Honolulu, HI
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here because I bought a Groupon.
It was a very reasonable price teishoku style JP restaurant. Food was really good too. They sent the wrong Entree to the table next to ours and they end up getting it for free. I was very impressed with their service. Excellent! I will definitely come again.
Tip: Reservation is recommended. They could be busy @ dinner time if you don't wanna wait. -
Review from Shelley K.
Honolulu, HI
10/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place! The food is always good whenever I go there. The teishokus always fill me up and they always give great service! What more can you ask for?!
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Review from Krystn Y.
6/20/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I came here with my family for an early Father's Day celebration dinner. We had a party of 6 people, had reservations for 7:15pm. This made it really easy because we just walked in and were seated at our already-ready table.
My dad and his girlfriend REALLY like this place. They always say "it's a small small place, but the food is really good."
I must agree with them completely. It's small, but fancier looking inside. You could dress nicely, and not feel out of place, or dress a little more down and still feel okay.The food was EXCELLENT. Most of us got the 2 choice combo plates. It comes with salad, miso soup, a tray of your two choices and sides like potato salad, and tsukemono. It was tasty, the portions were a little larger than most Japanese style restaurants (that give micro portions), and everything was very filling.
I got the saba and deep fried soft shell crab as a combo. It was delicious! We also had the steak appetizer, the side order of gobo, salted soybeans, and we all shared a fried oyster entree. EVERYTHING was delicious!
The place was packed the night we went, so service was a little slow. The waiters/waitresses were helpful and nice, but seemed more concerned about cleaning the next table than taking our dessert orders and clearing our dishes. (And they weren't prepping the table for anyone or anything, they were just wiping it down.) We had been waiting around for about 20 minutes after finishing our meal, and were trying to make eye contact or flag down a waitress. (And this is after the crowd died down too.)
HOWEVER, my dad and his girlfriend come almost every week, and they said that the service is usually VERY quick, and that it's unusual for the service to be slow.
Parking is in the little lot in the back area of the restaurant where there's a bunch of other eating places. There was hardly any cars parked when we went (both upon arrival and departure)... I don't know why, but there was a lot of parking when we went and it was Saturday night and the night before Father's Day.
After everything, I still REALLLLLY want to come back. I'm looking forward to it, and think I have found a new favorite place to eat. -
Review from Sara S.
4/25/2011
Eh Mr. Uncle, give me teishoku pleaseeee!
Yes Ojisan means "uncle" in Japanese, and this place pretty much lives up to its homey name. The service is friendly and the place gives off family vibes.
You must get teishoku. Be sure to check out the daily specials. One time I was fortunate enough to be there when the special was spicy ahi don and tempura teishoku. I would like to call myself a self-proclaimed spicy ahi don expert of sorts since I basically try it anywhere it's available...
Ojisan did not disappoint, however, I have had better. This spicy ahi don was on the spicier side with more of a hint of siracha which I usually HATE but loved in this case. Definitely a generous portion too! The tempura was nothing to write home about, just the usual.The teishoku of course comes with miso soup, rice, tsukemono and ice cream!! YAYYYYYY.
It's on the pricier side but I don't mind coming here now and then. I ordered the salmon teishoku once which was actually kind of average to be truthful. The hamburger steak is also good (though non-traditional Japanese).
You should make reservations for a big party, and if you're walking in on a busy night (Fri or Sat) be prepared to wait a little especially if you come during peak hours! Yup, at least in the realm of teishoku, Mr. Ojisan is comparable to Yanagi Sushi and the newer Hinone Mizunone but the smaller and older (not sure if it's any wiser?) "Uncle."Listed in: I'm Japanese and I eat like…, Woohoo Kapahulu!!, SPICY AHI
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Review from Robyn E.
Honolulu, HI
Mr. Ojisan, why did I ever wait SO LONG to finally visit?
We made last minute reservations on a Sunday for dinner. I assumed that the place was going to be full, but a nice lady informed me there were still tables open so I went ahead and reserved a table for 5. Anyone who's been can tell you this place is SMALL. I believe the previous restaurant that occupied this spot was also a japanese restaurant (Gonbei?) so I was familiar at least with the size of the restaurant. I would've never guessed that the food and service would have been as good as it turned out to be!
We arrived a bit early but only waited a few minutes to be seated. The place was PACKED. Im talking 'can't walk through without bumping into people' packed so I was amazed that we actually got reservations on such short notice. The staff seemed to be moving at a quick pace and a lot of the diners were pretty much done with their meals so I'm guessing that this place must be like Zippys. heh.
We started off w/ an order of Ahi Sashimi--the fish was beautiful! Haven't seen sashimi so fresh in a while! 3 of us had the combination dinners and my son had a side tempura (5 pieces) while my husband ordered the 'hamburbger katsu curry moco'. wow, thats a mouthful.
The food came QUICK. And I mean, fast as drive thru QUICK. Everything was volcanic hot so you know it was fresh and everything tasted so GOOD! I had the combo tonkatsu & teri beef which were both stellar. They have some of the best Katsu I've tasted on the island. Each combo comes with salad, miso soup, assorted tsukemono & potato salad. SO YUMMY. My son's side order tempura was so much for him, I had to help him finish--and their tempura is DELISH! Perfect crispy coating outside but not over-cooked inside--the shrimp was sweet & succulent. My husbands hamburger katsu curry moco was TO DIE. Anyone whos not on a diet needs to eat that. But the best was yet to come...
The combinations also come w/ dessert so we ordered the green tea icecream. OH-EM-GEE this was the creamiest, richest, most ORGASMIC green tea icecream EVAR. Now, I'm partial to Dave's Ice Cream's green tea, but this one was PERFECTION! My husband HATES green tea ice cream and even he asked for more after tasting ours!! I'd seriously go back just to eat the ice cream haha!
I have nothing but good things to say about Mr. Ojisan--the only reason i couldnt give 5 stars is because when we got there, it felt as if the AC wasn't on high enough and we were sweating in our booth. Other than that, this place is on my list of top 5 japanese restaurants here in Hawaii. If you haven't been yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!! -
Review from Amanda D.
Honolulu, HI
7/15/2011
I decided to try this restaurant out after purchasing a Groupon. Although I am a fan of Japanese food, my fiance was not so thrilled about this Groupon deal.
We went for lunch on a weekday so there was ample street parking. Even though we made a reservation (like the Groupon said), we walked in 10 minutes prior to our reservation and they told us to sit anywhere (there were only 2 other tables seated) without taking our names.
I ordered the kitsune udon and asked to add wakame, which they charged a little extra for. My fiance settled for the salmon teishoku. He was hoping it wouldn't be too filling since we were planning on having a big dinner... his worries were put to rest when his meal came - a bowl of miso soup, a tiny (I mean one-bite full) portion of tsukemono, a side of mystery something vegetable, and one piece of plain, boiled salmon.
Though I definitely enjoyed my udon (the noodles tasted very fresh), my fiance's order looked/tasted rather.... sad, to say the least. Needless to say, we stopped off at Jack in the Box on the way home. -
Review from Kat H.
Los Angeles, CA
12/23/2011
I love Mr. Ojisan's. The food, sake, & service are great.
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Review from Wendy M.
Oakland, CA
5/28/2011
A group of 7 of us came here for dinner (made reservations since the place is quite small)
I ordered the wafu steak since it was their house specialty. Wafu apparently means japanese style. I asked the server what part of the cow the wafu steak was and she said it was rib-eye. It came on a skillet, cut into pieces with dikon spread on top.
Unfortunately, the steak didn't meet the expectations of a house special (for me). I thought it was quite flavorless and didn't have that WOW factor I would expect from the house special.
My mother commented that she thought it was good, so maybe my taste buds just need a little more. My mom's friend always goes there and she orders the Miso Butterfish EVERY time. My dad had the katsu-don and after his first bite he said, "oh so good."
The saving grace for my dinner was the dessert. I had the zenzai, sweet azuki bean soup with mochi. Soooooooooo good!
Service was excellent, waitresses were friendly, parking was ample (there IS parking in the back. Most of the other businesses are closed at night so it's pretty much wide open there). -
Review from Chanda H.
Honolulu, HI
5/25/2011 1 photo
Two words: MISO BUTTERFISH!
I love me some miso butterfish, so of course I ordered that and shrimp tempura. Everything was good and in nice proportions :) I even ended up taking home some tempura because im couldn't finish it.
Service was good although I felt like the waitresses were hovering over us at times. The place is cute, small & quiet.
Also, we parked in the front which I think there was only 3 meter parking, not sure if there's more parking in back?? -
Review from Justin S.
I'm partial to Mr. Ojisan for two reasons: it's the second closest (and first best) restaurant to my house, and MISO BUTTERFISH.
Peek inside this humble restaurant and you'll see a range of local aunties and uncles, young couples, and native Japanese groups. The food and drink are inviting to everyone, and the prices are set in a way that feels right.
It looks, sounds, and tastes a lot like your average izakaya, but it's a little different. Sure, you can buy yourself a nice big bottle of shochu and leave it on display. You can also have one of many pupus and drinks with a group of friends or coworkers, instead of eating big. And yet, the biggest draw for me is the amazing teishoku, and the daily specials that come with it.
If you love butterfish (and I don't know too many people who don't), you need to make that your initial order. It's less than $20 for the teishoku, and you'll get your rice, tsukemono, a salad, and miso in the whole package. The incredible thing about the miso butterfish is the portion and the quality.
Almost every other place I've had butterfish has plated a small, cross-cut section (or two) of the fish, and can be called "cutely sized" at best. At Mr. Ojisan, they put out two gorgeous filets with a little bit of that skin attached, and the flaky, whitefish goodness is almost overwhelming. I can't talk about it any more. Just buy it.
The ramen is something I haven't tried yet, but I have heard that it's not a specialty of theirs.
Why I come back: fairly priced drinks, great teishoku and amazing fishListed in: Consistently Amazing Service…
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Review from Kai D.
Honolulu, HI
10/9/2011
Call early and make a reservation for this place, as it is VERY busy and we had to eat later than we like to because it was booked up. Maybe it's just that way on Saturday nights.
Ambiance: Parking is VERY easy at night. The restaurant is very cute and clean-looking. The servers are VERY friendly and make you feel welcome.
The food: They have Asahi on draft, which sounded great to us, however the price ($5) was much too high for what you get (a small, 12 oz. glass). They brought small salads out for both of us, even though I only ordered sushi, which was very nice.
My husband ordered the combo meal tempura and salmon, which was delicious. I only ordered the spicy ahi sushi, which was pretty good but I've had better.
The prices were very high--if we had not had our Groupon coupon, it would have cost us nearly $50 after tipping--and our total meal only included two beers (one each), one entree and sushi between the two of us.
We would return again, but only with a substantial coupon. -
Review from Raych D.
7/7/2011 3 photos
Since I'm such a big fan of groupon and when I saw this groupon special for here at $15 for $30 worth of dinner I knew I had to get it because Japanese food is already pricey and because I've never been so it was a way to venture out and try something new.
It's located in the beginning of Kapahulu right before the freeway, under the bridge so finding it was simple and because the "Mr Ojisan" sign was hanging right in front. The difficult spot was finding parking! Me n the bf called in around 7 last night to make rsvp and we got it at 8:30pm. Although parking was hard to find we eventually lucked out and found street parking a few steps away from the restaurant. The place looked fairly small and uninviting from the outside but it was a good size and comfy feeling in the inside. Last night was really busy so I was glad we made rsvp and got seated in the back corner with the rsvp sign on the table. The specials was written on a board near the entrance and immediately after seeing the tan tan ramen special for $12 I knew I had to get it, since I'm always on the look out for good ramen. We also got the butterfish dinner which comes with 2 huge pieces of butter fish, side daikon and cabbage for $21. And the spicy tuna roll for $10 which was really HUGE and good and spicy! not everyone can make good spicy tuna but they sure did and they where not selfish on the spiciness! All of the food was really good even my tan tan ramen but still not as good as Goma Tei's version but it is better than Tenkaippin's version. I like how it had ground meat, green onions, and bean sprouts in the ramen which gave it more flavor, crunch and texture. But my favorite would have to be the butterfish which was on top of this sweet sauce that made the combination divine! The side salad they gave for both of us was also good, it was with a vinaigrette type of dressing. The workers where also really nice and the seats was comfortable considering me and the bf both have bad backs. Our meal altogether was $45 and with the groupon we only paid $15 for the coupon and $14 last night so we saved $15 and found someplace new to eat at!
Before eating here I asked a friend of mine if his been here and his reply was it was alright and he didn't care for it, so I'm shocked as to finding this place good...maybe we just have different taste? I'm glad I found out about this place, because now it's another one of those restaurants to add onto my eating list! -
Review from Mia N.
Honolulu, HI
3/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very good food, not too expensive. Clean and friendly service.
If you're in the mood for steak, you can order the Wafu steak. It's a Japanese version of a steak that comes on a hot plate sizzling to your table. It has garlic chips and shredded daikon (radish) on it and when it arrives just pour a little bit of shoyu (soy sauce) over it. It's delicious. -
Review from Jayson N.
9/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Did you know Ojisan means uncle? and whoever this uncle is, needs to be an uncle of mine. Dude seriously knows his stuff!!
Today I went with all my coworkers and the homies from downstairs in our building. My boss pre-ordered me what he described as "heart attack in a box," but i prefer my description, "BAMF on a plate!"
Seriously, this is ojisan's take on a loco moco, but i like this version much much more.. My plate seriously looked like a castle surrounded by a moat of curry. I should have taken a picture but I was too busy Nom Noming to stop.
The castle consisted with a rice mound for a base then a patty of hamburger in almost a corquette style panko crust with a over easy egg on top.
SO FULL, SOO GOOD, SOOO OJISAN!!!!
Try it, you'll be worshiping uncle too! -
Review from Nat N.
12/13/2010
I've always driven past this place but never tried it. My boss always depends on me to choose the restaurant for our office Xmas luncheon (our office only consists of 4 people), and we are all fans of Japanese food, so I thought we'd give Mr. Ojisan a try.
We went at around 11:45. The restaurant was empty except for one other table of 3 gentlemen who appeared to be regulars.
The menu has a wide variety of items to choose from - udon, ramen, sushi, or teishoku items.
One of my co-workers ordered the daily special - teriyaki ahi. It came with 3 large cubes of ahi, miso soup, and rice. $14.95
My boss and I both ordered the two choice combination lunch ($16.95). He ordered the beef teriyaki and assorted tempura, and I ordered the chicken teriyaki and assorted tempura. The combination lunches come with soup, salad, oshinko, kobachi, and rice.
The food came out quick, and hot. We were all impressed with the quality and quantity. My boss thought it was the best Japanese restaurant out of the others that we've gone to (Sushi King, Hanamaru, Gyotaku). I'm definitely coming back! -
Review from Hillary H.
Honolulu, HI
4/17/2011
I've eaten here about a gazillion times and it is always consistently great.
I could eat anything from there, but my favorite is the chirashi sushi. The sashimi on top is to die for! The waitresses are also always very nice and very personable. I came here last night around 9pm and it was perfect - not too crowded that you have to keep your elbows glued to your side, but not too empty that you feel like you can't talk louder than a whisper. My food took a while to come out (my boyfriend was practically done eating by the time I got my food), but the young waitress was very apologetic and my meal was definitely worth the wait. She even comped me a green tea ice cream at the end of dinner to make up for it.
I'll definitely come back another gazillion times :)
