Nana Ai Katsu - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#647 of 1,740 Restaurants in Honolulu Japanese

Nana Ai Katsu

5.0(3 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Nana Ai Katsu, offering the best Japanese experience in Kaimuki / Kahala. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Crunch Above the Rest in Honolulu

Stepping into Nana Ai Katsu feels less like walking into a restaurant and more like discovering a neighborhood secret tucked away in the heart of Honolulu. The air is thick with the savory, toasted aroma of panko breadcrumbs hitting hot oil—a smell that promises the kind of crunch you can hear from across the room.

The Art of the Perfect Cutlet

This spot has built a loyal following by mastering the delicate balance of high-quality pork and consistent frying techniques. Their signature tonkatsu arrives with an impossibly golden, airy crust that shatters on impact, revealing tender, juicy meat that holds its own without needing a sea of sauce. Beyond the standard pork, the menu features thoughtful variations that cater to those looking for a lighter touch, including skillfully prepared seafood options that maintain the same uncompromising crispness.

Local Atmosphere and Practical Tips

The space is functional and no-frills, designed for focused eating rather than long, lingering conversations. It is a favorite for office workers grabbing a high-quality lunch and families hunting for a reliable, satisfying meal in the city. A small warning for those driving in: parking in this pocket of Honolulu can be a game of patience, so consider arriving a few minutes early or opting for a ride-share if you are on a tight schedule.

Everything here is plated with precision. While the service is efficient and direct, the kitchen’s attention to the temperature of the oil ensures every tray exiting the pass is top-tier. If you appreciate a meal that values technique over decor, Nana Ai Katsu is a mandatory stop on your Honolulu culinary circuit.

Photos

Nana Ai Katsu - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nana Ai Katsu - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nana Ai Katsu - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nana Ai Katsu - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nana Ai Katsu - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nana Ai Katsu - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nana Ai Katsu - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nana Ai Katsu - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

3585 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816

Directions

Reviews

Showing 9 of 3 community reviews
A

Ami Chen (Rockie)Google Maps

Recently

Hunby’s favorite place for tonkatsu. I love the takoyaki there. We also got the ebi burger but did not take a picture of it. Food is always delicious there. The service is excellent. Nice cozy place to dine in.

A

Amanda C. SunGoogle Maps

Recently

Came here from a local’s recommendation on their shrimp katsu burger. It was outstanding! The cashier was super sweet and friendly and I love the quaint decor — felt very authentic and Japanese. There’s even an honor system to paying for the candies and snacks inside the store too. We took the one burger to-go to try on our way to our other destinations and man it hit the spot! Freshly warm and crispy! Once you bite into it, the cheese starts melting with the heat inside; just yum☺️ watch out though, if you eat right after you get it, it can be a bit hot. It’s $10.99 not including tips. Highly recommend!

N

Nam NguyenGoogle Maps

Recently

Shrimp katsu burger and katsu spam musubi are so good! Highly recommend.

S

Sang “JohnLee” MoonGoogle Maps

Recently

Today I got to try the Chicken Katsu and it was very tasty. The restaurant is a boutique with very cute designs. The cashier/server was very friendly and helpful.

N

Nina VGoogle Maps

Recently

We arrived at 1:30pm just 30 minutes before closing so the host advised that we could only get take-out and it would take 20 minutes. It was worth it. The layer pork katsu is exceptional andn unique. The aji fry was also very good. And I know this is weird to comment on but their cooked rice was so delicious. Will be back to try other items on the menu.

S

Shelby CalvertGoogle Maps

Recently

Our favorite local katsu place. You can't go wrong with either tonkatsu or the shrimp katsu. The tonkatsu is layers and layers of tender pork. The shrimp katsu is chunks of shrimp in a patty, then coated with panko. The shrimp is always tender and never rubbery. The bentos come with rice, a small scoop of potato salad on a bed onf lettuce, hasu, edemame, takuwan, katsu sauce and toasted sesame seeds. The katsu comes on abed of finely shredded cabbage. Shrimp katsu comes with a remoulade type sauce.

S

Scale Model CarzGoogle Maps

Recently

Extremely delicious Tonkatsu!!! The layers of the paper thin pork and panko breading make this Japanese dish a must try. But, definitely call ahead because your order will take 20-30 minutes to prepare. I will without a doubt be back. 🤙

R

RoninGoogle Maps

Recently

Whether it's the shrimp katsu burger or the tonkatsu bento, the food is really good. Filling and favorable, the shrimp katsu burger is my go to lunch. The katsu is crispy, shrimp is moist and tender. The pork tonkatsu is like kimukatsu, where it's layered, not dry, and crispy. I'm still going through the menu so hopefully I'll add more. The service is not your typical restaurant. Order from the cashier, it's self pick up, kind of self service. Don't expect to sit down and wait till they come to you. The atmosphere is similar...mostly people sitting down, looking at the cashier in hopes your name is called so you can grab your food.

T

Tyler HGoogle Maps

Recently

A true gem in the Kaimuki community. This place has the love and touch of a family run eatery. The service is so kind and welcoming. The interior is well lit and always super clean. The prices are fair and competitive for the island. The food is amazing. Seriously transports me right back to Japan. The pork is juicy and crispy. The rice is fluffy. The sauce is tasty and has depth of flavor. Just incredible. The hours are a bit different than your normal restaurant but trust me the food is worth adjusting your schedule. Check Instagram for their specials and hours. There is parking behind and street parking out front. Seriously if you get even the small chance to eat here take it. It’s not to be missed!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nana Ai Katsu

Common questions from diners about Nana Ai Katsu in Honolulu.

Yes, takeout service is available.

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