Yagura Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
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Yagura Restaurant

4.3(9 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Yagura Restaurant, offering the best Japanese experience in Nu'uanu. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Japanese Comfort Food Staple in McCully

Stepping into Yagura Restaurant feels like walking into a slice of Showa-era Japan tucked away in the bustling McCully neighborhood of Honolulu. This isn’t a place for white-tablecloth pretense; it is a straightforward, no-frills kitchen where the focus remains entirely on the bowl in front of you. The interior is characterized by worn wooden booths and the constant, rhythmic clatter of ceramics from the open kitchen, creating an atmosphere that feels deeply personal and local.

The Heart of the Menu

Regulars come here for the consistency. The menu leans heavily into classic Japanese comfort food, specifically their deep, savory broth-based noodle dishes and teishoku sets. The Tonkatsu is a standout, featuring a perfectly breaded pork cutlet that retains its crunch even after a soak in house-made sauces. If you’re visiting during the warmer afternoons, their cold udon options offer a refreshing break from the tropical humidity. There is an unmistakable scent of dashi and toasted sesame that greets you the moment you push through the glass door, promising a meal prepared with steady, practiced hands.

The McCully Dining Experience

While the food is stellar, come prepared for the reality of dining in this dense pocket of the city: parking can be a bit of a puzzle. It is best to arrive with a bit of patience and an appetite for hearty, generous portions. This spot is perfect for solo diners looking for a quiet lunch or small groups of friends seeking an unpretentious dinner before hitting the nearby nightlife. It is the type of establishment that prioritizes local flavor over tourist trends, making it a reliable waypoint for anyone craving authentic, soulful Japanese cuisine in the heart of Honolulu.

Photos

Yagura Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Yagura Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Yagura Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Yagura Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Yagura Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Yagura Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Yagura Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Yagura Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

1655 Liliha St, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817-3154

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 9 community reviews
G

glenn sakaiGoogle Maps

Recently

We've been looking forward for a decent japanese food especially after reading many of the reviews. Mrs ordered the teri beef and pork tofu. Fresh ahi sashimi, tempura and pork tofu for me. Place is very clean and service was friendly. Food: miso was good although too salty for me. Tempura was fine, tasty and not oily; pork tofu was good with lots of vegetables. I would prefer more tofu than vegetables. Tsukemono was fine. I felt the macaroni salad was good, but it just felt out of place for japanese food; vegetable salad was fine seemed like pre-made. I ate just one bowl of rice. I've been to many japanese restaurants, here and abroad. Spent 2 years in japan and visited many times with my family. So that's the reason for my review rating on the food. Would I return ? Probably for the sashimi and I would order some other dishes.

G

Gerald IwaishiGoogle Maps

Recently

This place has stood the test of time. From the 1970s until now, they have remained the same. Different owners through the years but the food remains the consistent. This is my go to place for simple Japanese comfort food at least 3 times per month. The only drawback is that there are only 4 stalls in front of the restaurant.

H

Hiilani AhinaGoogle Maps

Recently

The teishoku set was delicious. The A set was yummy with grilled chicken, ton katsu, tempura and seasonal vegetable sides. Every thing was cooked well and tasted delicious.

S

Sang “JohnLee” MoonGoogle Maps

Recently

Today I got to try the Chicken Katsu Jyu at $15.95 and it really was good. Also, the service was very friendly and helpful.

F

Food for ThoughtGoogle Maps

Recently

Pitiful Yosenabe at high price! All Won Bok cabbage and only a bit of Salmon with lots of tiny bones. I have patronized Yagura for over forty years. Worst dish from them ever.

S

Sylvia YoungGoogle Maps

Recently

Haven't been to Yagura Restaurant in years until a friend said he is a frequent diner there. Wonderful dining service and portions were a generous for value. Will definitely return to try more items on menu.

S

Samuel McKendrickGoogle Maps

Recently

I ordered the spicy ahi and it was delicious! This is a great place to go that has that older Japanese vibe. The hostess was so sweet and tried to get to our table as much as possible during a big dinner time rush

D

Danyelle ReynoldsGoogle Maps

Recently

Amazing meal. The waitress was very kind and helpful. The food came out fast and took us longer to eat since there was so much of it. Definitely a hidden gem 10/10

K

kaleiGoogle Maps

Recently

Only take out available, call ahead. Walk up takes about 10-15 minutes. Not as good when it's take out for some reason it tastes better dining in. Bento B Shrimp tempura was great, the rest not so much, Teri Beef was not tender, Teri chicken not flavorful.

S

Susanna MostaghimGoogle Maps

Recently

This family run restaurant has amazing service. There are definitely regulars coming in and out for takeout that stopped by while I was eating. I got the yakenobe (seafood nabemono) for less than $20 pre-tax and tip, it comes with so much food that I definitely went home more than full (the black container behind the soup is full of rice and I had a couple small dishes with salad and macaroni salad included in my meal). This place has a comfy and homey vibe that I love, it’s a place I would definitely recommend if you find yourself in the area.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Yagura Restaurant

Common questions from diners about Yagura Restaurant in Honolulu.

They serve Japanese cuisine.

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