Top pick1
Kanoya Sushi Grill and Bar
Ala Moana Area·Sushi Restaurant
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Ala Moana is one of Honolulu's richest neighborhoods for Japanese food, with options ranging from steaming bowls of ramen to inventive sushi rolls and everything in between. I pulled together this guide from all 16 qualifying Japanese spots in the area — leading with my own verified recommendations, then rounding out the list with the best-rated places worth knowing.
At the top of the list is Kanoya Sushi Grill and Bar, which carries the NateEatsHawaii badge as one of Nate's hand-picked recommendations. Beyond that, the area has a lot going for it: Goma Tei Ramen Ala Moana is well known for its spicy Tokyo-style ramen and draft beers in a casual Ala Moana Center setting, while Sushi ii has earned a reputation for inventive rolls and an omakase menu tucked into a strip-mall nook.
Spots that Nate has personally visited are marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge on each listing page. Whether you're after a quick ramen lunch, an all-you-can-eat sushi session, or a laid-back izakaya dinner, this guide covers the Japanese dining scene in Ala Moana.
The ranking
Top pick1
2$$Spicy Tokyo-style ramen & draft beers are served up in a casual locale at the Ala Moana Center.
3$$Tucked into Ala Moana, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka serves ramen at mid-range prices. Look for reservations — known as a well-loved spot.
4$$
5KAMUKURA RAMEN is a ramen spot in Ala Moana. Locals consider it a reliable choice with takeout.
6
7$$Japanese & Hawaiian small plates & ramen in a relaxed setting with Asian art & interior details.
8Korean fare in Ala Moana. Musubi Cafe IYASUME Ala Moana / Lanai draws a steady crowd.
9$Seafood fare in Ala Moana. Paradise Poke Hawaii at Ilikai is a solid pick and offers outdoor seating.
10
11$$Inventive rolls, deep-fried fish & an omakase menu offered in an unassuming strip-mall nook.
12$$Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya brings ramen to Ala Moana at a mid-range price point. Lively atmosphere perfect for groups and celebrations.
13$$$Tiny, late-night restaurant offering a menu of sushi & other standard Japanese eats.
14$
15
16Intimate sushi bar serving a mix of à la carte Japanese dishes including rice bowls called donburi.
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FAQ
Kanoya Sushi Grill and Bar earns the top spot as Nate's personally verified pick in the area, carrying the NateEatsHawaii badge. The broader list also includes highly regarded options like Goma Tei Ramen Ala Moana and Hokkaido Ramen Santouka for ramen lovers, and Sushi ii for creative sushi.
Several spots on this list are known for mid-range pricing — Hokkaido Ramen Santouka and Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya are both noted for accessible price points, and Sumo AYCE Sushi is popular for its all-you-can-eat format, which can be a great value for big appetites.
This is a curated BEST guide: Nate's personally verified picks appear first, followed by the highest-rated Japanese restaurants in Ala Moana based on visitor ratings collected on NateEatsHawaii. The list is reviewed regularly as new ratings come in and new spots open on Oahu.
Ala Moana