With 273 Japanese restaurants cataloged across Oahu, this list cuts through the noise and ranks the best by real visitor ratings submitted right here on NateEatsHawaii. Whether you're chasing a steaming bowl of udon in Waikiki, fresh sushi in Kailua, or a lively yakiniku dinner, there's something on this island for every craving.
Topping the chart is Marugame Udon in Waikiki — one of Nate's personal recommendations, known for fresh Sanuki-style noodles made in-store daily. Nate also recommends Midtown Eats, Honolulu's newest food hall in Ala Moana featuring 12 local restaurants ranging from sushi to BBQ. Further down the list, spots like Shingen Soba Izakaya at Stix and Banzai Sushi Bar on the North Shore earn high marks from visitors for their distinctive takes on Japanese dining.
Look for the NateEatsHawaii badge throughout the page — it marks the spots Nate personally recommends from his time eating around the island. Every other ranking is driven purely by the ratings real visitors have left on the site, so you can trust the list reflects what people are actually loving right now.
The ranking
Top pick1
Waikiki's most popular udon shop — fresh Sanuki-style noodles made in-store daily. Cafeteria-style ordering, famous Nikutama Udon ($12.99), crispy tempura counter. Two people eat for under $45. 14,000+ Yelp reviews. Read our full guide for menu prices, what to order, and how to beat the line.
2Honolulu's newest food hall featuring 12 local restaurants with diverse cuisines from sushi to BBQ to banh mi. Located at The Park on Keeaumoku with free validated parking. Note: While the bar stays open until posted hours, most food vendors close between 8–9 PM.
3Best sports bar in Honolulu with $3 happy hour sushi rolls, NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA & MLB packages, omakase dining, and dog-friendly patio at SALT Kakaako. Opens early for game days.
4$$Soba noodles are the main draw at this compact Japanese place that also serves tempura & udon.
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10$$Stylish spot for sushi & Japanese fare, plus a full bar, traditional floor seating & outdoor patio.
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13$$CAMADO RAMEN TAVERN brings ramen to Waikiki at a mid-range price point. Casual and welcoming atmosphere.
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22$$Modern Japanese gastropub specializing in craft cocktails, Izakaya cuisine & innovative sushi.
23Modern Japanese gastropub specializing in craft cocktails, Izakaya cuisine & innovative sushi.
24$$Modern Japanese gastropub specializing in craft cocktails, Izakaya cuisine & innovative sushi.
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27$$Family-owned delicatessen serving local-style Japanese cuisine & offering catering services.
28$$Snug sushi house for classic rolls, seafood salads & Japanese mains in colorful, homey quarters.
29$$Diners pluck sushi & maki rolls from a moving conveyor belt at this Japan-based chain outpost.
30$$Diners pluck sushi & maki rolls from a moving conveyor belt at this Japan-based chain outpost.
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FAQ
Based on real visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii, Marugame Udon in Waikiki currently sits at the top — it's Waikiki's most popular udon shop, serving fresh Sanuki-style noodles made in-store daily, and it also carries Nate's personal recommendation badge.
Several spots on this list are known for budget-friendly options — Pitch Sports Bar in Kakaako (a Nate recommendation) features $3 happy hour sushi rolls, and Marugame Udon is widely regarded as one of the most wallet-friendly udon spots in Waikiki.
The ranking is based on real visitor ratings collected on NateEatsHawaii and is refreshed regularly as new reviews come in, so the order can shift over time as the community weighs in.
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