




Tokoname Restaurant
About
A Slice of Japan on the Windward Coast
Stepping into Tokoname in the heart of Kailua, you immediately notice a shift away from the island's bustling beach energy toward a quiet, disciplined focus on Japanese culinary tradition. This isn't a place for loud tiki drinks; it is a space designed for those who appreciate the quiet clatter of ceramic bowls and the sharp scent of shoyu and ginger wafting from the kitchen.
The Culinary Craft
Known locally as a reliable spot for authentic comfort food, the kitchen excels in traditional bento boxes and meticulously prepared sashimi. You will often find the fish selection reflects the daily catch from the Pacific, ensuring a freshness that stands out in the Windward Oahu dining scene. Whether you are ordering the chicken katsu, which arrives with a shatteringly crisp panko crust, or a simple misoshiru, the consistency here remains a staple for residents of the Kailua area.
What to Expect
The interior mirrors the minimalist aesthetic of its namesake Japanese city, famous for its pottery traditions. The atmosphere is unpretentious and stripped back, making it an excellent choice for a solo lunch or a low-key dinner where the conversation matters more than the decor. Be aware that the space is compact, and during the peak dinner rush, the small dining room can get quite intimate with the hum of nearby tables. Parking in this part of town requires a bit of patience, but the proximity to local boutiques makes it a perfect stop during a day exploring the Kailua shopping district.
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Amenities & Features
Location
442 Uluniu St, Kailua, Hawaii, 96734-2555
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 86 community reviewsGrace LeeGoogle Maps
Recently
Stumbled on to a stand at the Lokahi Kailua Market. We decided to give it a try which we are so glad we did. We ordered Macadamia Aburi Salmon. Wow, wow, wow...what a surprise! The food was excellent. What a dish! The seasoning that they used, my guess of one of the seasoning is sesame oil/seed. Wow just wow! Loved the dish! Would love to try other dishes from here.
Kelly WMGoogle Maps
Recently
Love the sushi, and teishokus here. The staff is also very friendly. Must try if you're in the mood for some yummy sushi and Japanese food.
Ronya H.Google Maps
Recently
We decided to try Tokoname tonight. The food was really good. Generous potions. Friendly staff. Street parking or paid parking lot nearby. They are very good for takeout during the pandemic as well.
Maggie NGoogle Maps
Recently
This was an incredible place to eat. I was just blown away how fun the service was. They did a great job. There was a special on toro that night and so I was able to get some extra. I left absolutely stuffed.
stan sGoogle Maps
Recently
Found this place on Google maps while looking for a dinner spot. Was able to get a reservation for a time we wanted. The place was great. We at outside were able to look at Ko'olau during our dinner. All the food we ordered was great. My Chirashi deluxe finally came out after everyone else had finished their meals. Which was a bit disappointing. But the manager did comp our drinks.
Myu FGoogle Maps
Recently
Food is amazing and server is great ! But…. Just gotta wait long time for your food when it’s crowded like 1 hour ….because short handed on chef Miso soup little too salty Salad dressing too sweet 😩, definitely suggesting to make new one to replace Steak not worth it Deluxe chirashi, expensive $60 but tasted great 👍 I would go like 5pm to be able to eat at 630pm
Dustin CrawfordGoogle Maps
Recently
Sushi was decent, but nothing special. Prices were a little high for not being fantastic sushi. Dynamite shrimp (or whatever it was called) was meh. Not recommended. Servers were friendly! Probably won't be back since we have other sushi places we prefer.
Christopher RoyGoogle Maps
Recently
Our family loved our meal here. Great, creative selection of rolls but not over the top. Super fresh sashimi. Refreshing mint/lime drinks. Fantastic service with all somehow with a traditional Japanese vibe.
Kai’ulaGoogle Maps
Recently
Great food and service. We both got the Nagoya bento plate. One with the teriyaki ribeye and furikake salmon, the other broiled saba with tempura shrimp and vegetables. Looked so good forgot to take pictures. But, able capture one our dessert, tempura ice cream, yum! Oh yea, kudos they’ve got the best waitresses.
Minh PhungGoogle Maps
Recently
A fantastic place to grab some Japanese cuisine for lunch or dinner. You can't go wrong with an teishoku entree, you will get a good amount of food for it. The service was great and food came out fairly quickly. I recommend this place for a quick bite or a sit-in with a few friends. The average price of eating here with a drink can easily go for $25 or more per person.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Tokoname Restaurant
Common questions from diners about Tokoname Restaurant in Kailua.
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