Tsukuneya - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#414 of 1,740 Restaurants in Honolulu Japanese

Tsukuneya

4.1(57 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

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

A Hidden Yakitori Den in Moiliili

Stepping into Tsukuneya feels like finding a quiet, wood-paneled slice of Tokyo hidden away in the heart of Moiliili. The air is thick with the savory, charcoal-scented perfume of binchotan grills working overtime. It is a space designed for those who appreciate the slower pace of an izakaya, where the clinking of highballs and the low hum of conversation replace the frantic energy of Waikiki.

The Art of the Skewer

The namesake dish here is the tsukune—a handcrafted chicken meatball that defies expectations. Unlike the dry versions found elsewhere, these arrive with a delicate, juicy snap, often glazed in a rich tare sauce that balances salty and sweet notes. Beyond the signature skewers, the menu highlights the versatility of Japanese poultry preparation, ranging from crispy chicken skin to savory livers that convert even the most hesitant diners.

What to Expect

This is a spot for the intentional eater. The interior is intimate, and during peak hours, you might find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with regulars who have been frequenting this neighborhood haunt for years. Be prepared for a tight, cozy layout that demands a bit of patience—the trade-off is a level of authenticity that feels earned. The lighting is dimmed low, focusing your attention entirely on the small plates arriving steadily from the kitchen. It is an ideal refuge for a late-night bite after exploring the local streets or for those seeking a no-frills, high-flavor experience that avoids the tourist trail.

Photos

Tsukuneya - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tsukuneya - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tsukuneya - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tsukuneya - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tsukuneya - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tsukuneya - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tsukuneya - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tsukuneya - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

1442 University Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822-2415

Directions

Reviews

Showing 3 of 57 community reviews
A

Ariel W.Google Maps

Recently

Service is spotless. Everyone was extremely polite and friendly. Excellent service and atmosphere! Food, however. Was quite subpar. Miso pork tonkatsu was chewy and old. The plate wasn't even sizzling when it arrived on the table. Even though the menu said "sizzle". The tsukune was tasty, they do require to order 2 sticks at a time but the price on the menu is for 1 stick so that can be confusing. Fire cracker chicken bowl was also chewy. Like they just popped the chicken in the microwave or something. After 730pm is happy hour and you can select from a short list of drinks and food for discounted rates. The restaurant is in a residential area surrounded by houses. So if you can't park in that tiny parking lot you can probably find street parking.

Z

Zoe WeaverGoogle Maps

Recently

Loved it! A super relaxing atmosphere with a kind and attentive staff. The service was definitely a highlight. Loved having Sapporo on tap, The food was pretty good I had the fried okra and ramen. Both super simple plates, I would describe it as more classic than innovative, but nothing wrong with that!

J

Jeff NashGoogle Maps

Recently

The food was amazing. Great selection, very tasty and well executed presentation. I think their food is much better than Jenya. But the service! Yikes. Unfortunately, the service was horrible. I had to get up twice to find the server to ask for drinks to be refilled. Server was quick when initially seated but disappeared after first order. Even after going to the front to ask for the server it was another 10 min before he returned. They would sure make more money if they had attentive serving staff. I wanted to order more dishes but by the time the server came back from hiding my food had settled and I was full. Maybe a good thing for me… certainly not for the restaurant. Had the server been a little more attentive I would have given this a 5 star rating. I mean the place wasn’t packed. There was no reason to not attend to us. So, my experience was…. Excellent food but seriously poor execution of service. I will go back, hopeful that I just got a server on a bad night. The food is that good.

Comments & Reviews

Please sign in to write a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!

Frequently Asked Questions about Tsukuneya

Common questions from diners about Tsukuneya in Honolulu.

Yes, they provide table service.

Nearby Restaurants

Charleys Philly Steaks
$$
0.0(0)

Charleys Philly Steaks

Restaurant

Honolulu
O'sun Grill - Oahu Restaurant Image
$$
0.0(0)

O'sun Grill

Asian • Hawaiian

Honolulu
The Gatsby Hawaii - Oahu Restaurant Image
$$
0.0(1)

The Gatsby Hawaii

Mexican

Honolulu