I Love Grill - Honolulu Restaurant Image

I Love Grill

4.4(60 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover I Love Grill, offering the best Grill experience in Kalihi / Nu'uanu. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Taste of Seoul in the Heart of Honolulu

Stepping into I Love Grill, you are immediately greeted by the sizzling sound of marinated meats hitting the hot plate. Located in the vibrant dining landscape of Honolulu, this spot strips away the pretense of high-end fusion to focus on the core of Korean comfort food. The aroma of toasted sesame oil and caramelized bulgogi hangs heavy in the air, signaling a meal that feels both indulgent and home-cooked.

The Experience

The interior is unpretentious and straightforward, catering to locals looking for a quick, hearty lunch or a reliable dinner spot after a day at the beach. You will find that the seating is functional, designed for the rapid turnover of hungry patrons rather than long, lingering sessions. It is the kind of place where the television is usually tuned to a K-pop channel or a local sports game, creating a lively, informal hum that defines the dining room.

Signature Bites

The menu leans heavily into classic BBQ staples. Their beef bulgogi is a standout, sliced thin and marinated in a balanced sauce that highlights the pear-infused sweetness typical of traditional recipes. Pair this with their house-made kimchi, which offers a sharp, fermented crunch that cuts through the richness of the grilled proteins. For those visiting from the surrounding neighborhoods of Kakaako or Ala Moana, it serves as a go-to for consistent, bold flavors.

A Note on the Visit

Be prepared for the atmosphere to get quite energetic during peak evening hours, as the sound of sizzling grills can make for a loud conversation environment. Parking in this part of town requires a bit of patience, so consider arriving a few minutes early to secure a spot nearby. If you appreciate honest food, fast service, and a lack of formalities, I Love Grill is a must-visit addition to your Honolulu culinary rotation.

Photos

I Love Grill - Honolulu Restaurant Image
I Love Grill - Honolulu Restaurant Image
I Love Grill - Honolulu Restaurant Image
I Love Grill - Honolulu Restaurant Image
I Love Grill - Honolulu Restaurant Image
I Love Grill - Honolulu Restaurant Image
I Love Grill - Honolulu Restaurant Image
I Love Grill - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

1336 North School Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 60 community reviews
D

Diana Rose CasalloGoogle Maps

Recently

It was my first time ordering from this place, and it exceeded my expectations! The food was great, big portions and the service was excellent! PS: cheaper than L&L which is great!

M

My QueenGoogle Maps

Recently

There's ample parking in a private lot. Lots of food selections. Prices are competitive. Some items are offered as mini plates. Check for daily specials ! Staff is friendly. I believe plates come with a free drink. Food is tasty ! Portions are excellent !

V

VinceGoogle Maps

Recently

This place is straightforward, delicious food served in big portions. Come hungry or share a combo. Wife and I got the Seafood Combo with chicken katsu and it was amazing. Fish was light and crunchy with great flavor, the shrimp and chicken as well.

R

reieirenGoogle Maps

Recently

Food- one thing I want to say about the food is it’s HEAVENLY!! It tastes so good I just want to buy more and come back, making it one of the places I would recommend to go again. The only thing I probably dislike is the prices, but maybe it’s because of the ingredients, yet it’s still good! Service- LOVELY! You should always bless them and be kind as they will treat you the same! When I first came in they let me take my time which is very helpful! Atmospheres- basic atmosphere but VERY CLEAN! They even have a tv, and it’s very spacious! 10/10, would recommend.

C

Carl Gabriel JoseGoogle Maps

Recently

I Love Grill is one of my go-to spots when I want good local food. The place is clean, the service is friendly, and the food always comes out hot and fresh. My favorite item is the laulau. It’s soft, flavorful, and tastes homemade. The meat is tender and the leaves are cooked just right. You can tell they take their time making it well. Portion sizes are generous, so you definitely get your money’s worth. The staff is also patient and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. If you’re craving solid local food, I Love Grill is a great choice. I’ll definitely keep coming back.

E

Eric CharltonGoogle Maps

Recently

The menu absolutely lived up to expectations. The chicken wings were packed with flavor and cooked just right, and the chili with rice was rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. We also tried the burgers and fries, which were equally impressive—fresh, well-seasoned, and perfectly prepared. Every dish felt thoughtfully made and full of taste. It’s clear that care goes into both the ingredients and the preparation. If you’re looking for a place where the food consistently delivers, this spot is definitely worth trying.

D

Dean MG PuruggananGoogle Maps

Recently

Hi I just wanted to share my first time experience. I super excited ordered a few plates. I got the mini chicken katsu, mini meat jun and the cheese burger plate. Chicken katsu wasn’t fresh, it tasted like it was sitting for a while. Meat jun tasted like it was ground beef, on the sweeter side, cheese burger tasted like yum burger at jollibee.

Z

Z BGoogle Maps

Recently

We got the fried fish filet plate and the fried garlic shrimp plate. Portions are very generous and the fried fish plate could easily be split between two people. We saw a review online and went in the same day. Very happy we did! Combo plates also come with a drink. My husband says this is the best fried fish he’s had on the island. He literally stopped me after a couple of bites and me try it. Breading is perfect. Our neighbor (who’s a professional cook) stopped by and said it was amazing as well. Fish didn’t even need sauce. Garlic is phenomenal. I licked that plate clean. After today we will no longer go to L&L BBQ.

K

kfmfe04Google Maps

Recently

Ordered the BBQ Mix and the Bento by phone to take out in 15 minutes. Service was friendly. Pork ribs were tender, chicken and beef teriyaki were not overly seasoned, but the standout was the fried fish fillet; it was cooked right and tasted fresh. Macaroni salad was fine and the steamed rice had the perfect texture. It was obvious that the cook cares about quality. I’ll be back to try their other plates. 4/27/25 update: ordered the chicken katsu curry, medium size, but it’s more than enough for most people. It was a bit too salty and really, indistinguishable from what you’d get from L&L. Service was fast and friendly, as usual.

S

Scot ReyesGoogle Maps

Recently

These folks are just opening up and you know what they got better and tastier food than Rainbow drive in across the street. These guys have all the video menus the place is revamped and updated from when it was Auntie Z’s. I look forward to their growth. I went for the letter A combo and their fried fish is very delicious. I plan to come back and try their BBQ mix plate. The crinkle fries are a hit! Their Mac salad is mayo and onion powder seasoned. They also do catering so next potluck I may utilize their services. Please come try I believe you won’t be disappointed.

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Frequently Asked Questions about I Love Grill

Common questions from diners about I Love Grill in Honolulu.

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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