IKKYU Ramen — Restaurant in Hawaii

From the moment we stepped into IKKYU Ramen, the warm, clean, inviting atmosphere immediately set the tone for an authentic Japanese dining experience. The staff was attentive and welcoming, guiding us through a well-curated menu brimming with comforting staples and inventive takes on traditional ramen and curry.

My girlfriend ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen, and it was nothing short of exceptional. The broth had an intoxicating depth of flavor, striking the perfect balance between heat and umami. Each spoonful revealed a rich complexity, with layers of miso, chili, and subtle undertones of ginger and garlic harmonizing beautifully. The noodles were cooked to perfection—firm, with just the right amount of chew, effortlessly soaking up the bold flavors of the broth.

What truly elevated the dish was the meat. Moist and tender, the slices of pork melted in the mouth with a savory richness that complemented the spiciness of the ramen. The texture and seasoning of the pork were impeccable—each bite was succulent, perfectly cooked, and undoubtedly a testament to the chef's precision. The soft-boiled egg, with its delicate yolk, added another luxurious layer to an already superb dish.

For my entrée, I opted for the Chicken Katsu Curry. While the dish itself was visually appealing, with a golden, crispy katsu nestled atop a bed of rice and drizzled with curry sauce, the execution was mixed. The chicken katsu was a standout—crisp on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside. The breading was light and seasoned just enough to enhance the flavor of the chicken without overpowering it. The accompanying curry sauce was velvety, with a pleasant hint of sweetness and spice that paired beautifully with the katsu, providing a comforting and savory experience.

However, the rice left something to be desired. Despite its role as a neutral base for the curry, it lacked the delicate seasoning or texture that could have elevated the dish further. A touch of salt or better rice quality might have enhanced the overall harmony of flavors.

In summary, IKKYU Ramen excels at creating dishes with bold, authentic flavors and showcases a thoughtful approach to traditional Japanese fare. The Spicy Miso Ramen was phenomenal and, in my opinion, the highlight of the meal, while the Chicken Katsu Curry had its moments of brilliance with a slight shortcoming in the rice. Overall, the experience was highly satisfying, and I would certainly return to explore more of their menu offerings. If you’re a fan of ramen or katsu, this place is well...

I got a combo A: Tonkatsu and mochiko chicken and my significant other got a black garlic oil Tonkatsu. Removed a couple stars because the service was horrible. We got there before it was busy; requested a coke and Dr Pepper and she only brought the Dr Pepper. Things happen and people forget so we let it go, but when my significant other got up to grab the coke out of the fridge he recieved a dirty look from the waitress. She checked in once, we had to ask the gentleman in the front for basic things like straws and cups of ice.

Whats even worse is when we were still eating she brought the check (at that point only had our food for a few minutes). We noticed she did not do this to other tables. When we were done eating she would walk by our table to see if we put funds/card for the tab.. did this 4x and said nothing. She didn't even ask if we wanted boxes, which we ended up asking for. We're visiting the island and this is by far the worst service we've recieved since being here. Im not sure if its because we dressed down tonight (sweater/leggings, sweater/shorts) and didn't look super tourist-y, but the differential treatment was apparent.

Food was good, the guy working the front was really nice. Maybe the young woman was having...

We visited Ikkyu Ramen and I ordered the unagi set—not realizing at first that it meant eel. That explained why the texture was so different from what I expected! The consistency wasn’t what I usually like, and honestly, if I had known it was eel, I probably wouldn’t have ordered it. That said, it was prepared well— and flavorful—and definitely unique. The rest of my family really enjoyed their dishes.

Service could be improved. We had to ask for water refills, which I think should be a basic part of the dining experience. Also, the bill was placed on our table before we even requested it, which felt a little rushed.

Overall, not a bad experience. The food quality was good, just not my personal preference with the eel. With a bit more attentiveness from the staff, it could have been a much better...