Yakiniku Seoul

Some restaurants ride on nostalgia. This one earns its reputation fresh every single visit. I've been coming here for 30 years — long enough to watch countless restaurants open, hype, and disappear — and this place just keeps delivering. That's not luck. That's good food. As someone with over two decades in the restaurant business, I notice the details most diners take for granted. The service here is attentive without being intrusive, the pacing is thoughtful, and the kitchen clearly takes pride in every component on the table. They serve award-winning Tamaki Gold rice — a small thing that quietly signals how seriously this kitchen takes quality. My 12 year old daughter asked for a second serving of the rice. I always go for the Prime Boneless Shortrib, the Ginseng Chicken Soup, and the Pan-fried Hawaiian Butter Fish. These dishes are must-orders. The shortrib is the kind of centerpiece that defines a great Korean BBQ — buttery and perfectly marbled. The ginseng chicken soup is soulful and restorative, the sort of dish you didn't know you needed until it arrives in front of you. And the Pan-fried Butter Fish? Broke da mouth. If you're visiting Honolulu, this is not a maybe — it's a definitive stop for lunch or dinner. It's only a short drive from Waikiki. Forty years in, the standard hasn't slipped. That says everything.

Galbi soup is excellent, beef is tender and soup has a lot of depth. Highly recommended. I came back for a second time.

This place is an institution. Been at this location forever. We really enjoy their Yakiniku Seoul Special. There's enough food for at least 3 people, so it's great value! Please note that for the Special, they cook the food, not you. The side dishes are also delicious. The service here was very fast and friendly, even though it was a busy Friday evening.