Top Japanese Restaurants in Waikiki for Sushi, Lunch, and Dinner

Waikiki is known for its great weather, famous surf, and friendly locals.

But, we’re here to tell you a little secret: the food scene is extraordinary!

The Hawaiian Islands appear as little dots on the map in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Located about halfway between the mainland United States and Asia, the East meets the West, which is apparent when you sit down to eat!

Get ready for mouth-watering gastronomy.

You’re in luck if you love Japanese cuisine.

It’ll be hard to decide where to eat because there’s no shortage of delicious Japanese restaurants in Waikiki.

Whether you’re craving fresh sushi, savory yakitori, or crispy tempura, it’s all here!

To help you on your delicious quest, we’ve created this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII HOTEL post!

Join us as we explore the best Japanese Restaurants in Waikiki for lunch and dinner.

The Top 3 Japanese Restaurants for Lunch in Waikiki

Take a break from the midday sunshine and sit down for a delicious bite.

Here are our top three Japanese restaurants in Waikiki for lunch!

Restaurant SUNTORY Honolulu

Treat yourself to an authentic Japanese dining experience in the heart of Waikiki.

Located on the third floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center, SUNTORY has been a go-to spot for over 40 years.

Take a seat at the sushi counter for freshly rolled delicacies.

Order the omakase menu for an exceptional experience.

Take a peek at the Teppanyaki and Washoku menus; you’ll find tasty bites including katsu, donburi, and udon to accompany the premium Japanese spirits.

Open daily for lunch from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and for dinner from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Marugame Udon

This spot is popular so expect a crowd out front.

Don’t worry, the line moves quickly, and it’s worth the wait.

Across from the International Marketplace, it’s steps from fantastic shopping.

Choose your favorite flavor combination and watch as they hand-pull the noodles for the Sanuki-style udon.

There are also fresh tempura, rice bowls, and vegan options.

Open daily 10 am to 10 pm.

Momosan Waikiki

Bite into the tasty creations of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto right on the main drag just steps from the beach.

The menu blends Japanese and American flavors but noodles are the star of the show here.

So, order a savory bowl of ramen and pair it with the signature sake.

There are also scrumptious appetizers, sushi rolls, and poke bowls!

Open daily 11 am to 9 pm.

The Top 3 Japanese Restaurants For Dinner in Waikiki

We’ve taste-tested our way through Waikiki to bring you our top three recommendations for Japanese Restaurants serving exceptional dinners!

Izakaya 855 Aloha

Looking for a good time? Japanese Izakaya meets Hawaii and it’s a party for your senses.

With names like “Godzilla Roll” and “Sho Me the Wagyu” you know you’re in for an enjoyable dining experience.

There’s something for every palate from handrolls and tableside teppanyaki to small plates and vegetarian dishes.

The late-night happy hour is a great way to end your day.

Open Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm to 12 am and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am.

Zigu

Showcasing some of Waikiki’s best Japanese-style cooking, this award-winning restaurant sources fresh, local ingredients.

The menu features carefully prepared small plates, deep-fried tempura, sushi, poke, noodles, and main dishes.

There’s a daily happy hour and a wide variety of sake.

Open daily from 4 pm to 12 am.

Chiba-ken Hawaii

Take your tastebuds to the next level at this authentic Japanese restaurant.

Tucked onto a side street on the Ala Moana side of Waikiki, you might miss it if you blink.

The sushi menu is extensive but there are so many tasty morsels from yakitori skewers hot off the grill and crunchy tempura to udon noodles.

There’s a late-night happy hour too!

Open Tuesday-Sunday 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

For Sushi Lovers: Best Sushi Restaurants in Waikiki

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, there’s amazing fresh fish to enjoy while in the islands.

These are our top restaurants for sushi in Waikiki!

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar

The menu here has a variety of mouthwatering selections including Crab Ramen and Miso Butterfish, but the sushi is the show stealer!

It’ll be hard to choose between contemporary sushi appetizers, specialty rolls, nigiri sushi, and sashimi.

On Sundays and Mondays, be sure to stop in for the early bird specials!

Open daily from 5 pm to 9:30 pm.

Fukurou

The award-winning Chef Miki Yanagihara offers an Omakase-style menu with a touch of Mexican flavor.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the curated 12-course gastronomic journey.

Established in 2022, this sushi bar is tucked inside Buho Cocina y Cantina.

After an unforgettable meal, step outside to the open-air rooftop bar with a lively nightlife.

Open Tuesday to Friday for two seatings from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and 8 pm to 10 pm.

Doraku Sushi Waikiki

Since 2008, Doraku has been a go-to sushi restaurant for locals and tourists alike.

On the third floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center, you’ll find an inviting atmosphere, an extensive menu, and whiskeys from around the world.

The creative deluxe rolls pair perfectly with the handcrafted cocktails.

There’s a spectacular weekly happy hour and two other locations on O’ahu.

Open Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 10 pm and Friday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 11 pm.

Thanks for Reading Our Guide to the Top Japanese Restaurants in Waikiki for Lunch and Dinner

We hope this guide has inspired your tastebuds!

There’s no shortage of delicious Japanese Restaurants in Waikiki.

No matter what time of the day it is, you can find delicious Japanese cuisine.

Come hungry and ready to eat!

For more guides, insider tips, and important information, check out FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII HOTEL’s Website.

If you’re ready to turn your Hawaiian travel dreams into a reality, contact us today.

We’ll see you in paradise!