Love&eel - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Love&eel

4.4(6,730 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Love&eel, offering the best Japanese experience in Waikiki. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Singular Focus on Unagi

Tucked away in the Kaimuki neighborhood, Love&eel is a masterclass in culinary precision. This intimate space treats freshwater eel with a reverence rarely seen in Honolulu. Unlike broad-menu izakayas, this kitchen centers its entire identity around the preparation of unagi, serving it over steaming, pearlescent rice with a lacquer-like tare sauce that hits the perfect balance of savory and sweet.

The Sensory Ritual

The moment you step inside, the charcoal smoke greets you—a sharp, savory aroma that promises the fish has been grilled to perfection. The skin features a delicate, glass-like crackle that gives way to tender, buttery flesh. You will hear the quiet scrape of metal against ceramic as diners work through their generous bowls. Be prepared for a tight dining footprint; the room is compact, creating a communal energy where you are often shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow eel enthusiasts. It is an ideal spot for a quick, focused lunch or a quiet dinner for those who appreciate ingredient-driven Japanese cuisine.

Local Kaimuki Charm

Located in a vibrant corridor known for its local flavor, the restaurant offers an unpretentious escape from the typical tourist heavy-hitters. The service is brisk and efficient, keeping the rotation steady in the small seating area. Pro-tip: arrive early, as the limited kitchen output means they occasionally close the doors once the daily supply of fresh eel is exhausted. It is a no-frills, high-reward dining experience that stands out in the Oʻahu food scene for its unapologetic commitment to a single, perfected craft.

Photos

Love&eel - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Love&eel - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Love&eel - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Love&eel - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Love&eel - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Love&eel - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Love&eel - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Love&eel - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

2250 Kalakaua Ave #12 Honolulu Hi, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815

Directions

Reviews

Showing 3 of 6730 community reviews
J

Juan PerezGoogle Maps

Recently

Had an amazing experience and if we had more time would come back repeatedly. All 3 of our dishes were perfectly executed. Our 3 drinks with the line up shots: exquisite. Ube cheesecake to top it off was phenomenal. Paulina was great and attentive and always checking up on us. Great talking with her and making sure we got everything we asked for. The person who brought out our food was also great. Multiple great views, food & service. Only thing would be to pick it up and take it back home

K

Kimberlie SmithGoogle Maps

Recently

Here's a polished review you could post: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our family thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere. Our waiter was pleasant, attentive, and provided excellent service throughout our visit. The food arrived promptly, hot, and beautifully plated. Our waiter was even kind enough to take a picture of our family. I ordered the chicken tenders with fries, which were very tasty and cooked perfectly. I also tried Lulu's Mai Tai, and I would highly recommend it—it was delicious and refreshing. Another big plus was that the restaurant was wheelchair accessible, which made our visit much more comfortable and enjoyable. Overall, we had a great experience and would gladly return.

A

Andy ChenGoogle Maps

Recently

What an absolute gem of a place! Every single one of our dishes came out so delicious I wish I could eat everything else on the menu. I had the miso buttered fish and the sweet chilli crispy cauliflower. Both dishes were DELICIOUS! The sauce on the crispy cauliflower was amazing and the cauliflower was just the perfect amount of crisp. The fish paired super well with the mashed potatoes so definitely get the mash. Our waitress Lilly was literally the best!! Super nice, friendly, and spot on with the recommendations. She was an absolute delight to interact with and I’m so thankful she was our waitress. The atmosphere was amazing! They had live music going and the performers were great!! Played a bunch of great songs and contributed to the amazing vibe the place had going on. We’re only here for a week but we will probably be coming back again which I think says a lot. I think this place is definitely worth your time to come try, I highly recommend anyone in the area (or even if you’re far) to eat at this restaurant.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Love&eel

Common questions from diners about Love&eel in Honolulu.

They are an unagi (eel) shop specializing in eel rice bowls.

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