ASUKA — Restaurant in Honolulu

This place has potential. This was our first time visiting, with two friends who had been there before. They were very excited to show us. We had reservations, and were sat quickly. When we sat down we asked for a new set of tongs because there was food floating in the water. We were then asked immediately what we wanted to eat before having a chance to open the menu. So we said waters to start. When they came back and we asked how much food was in an order they said it was for one person. At this point the restuarant was very loud, and hard to hear anyone. Two people ordered Oolong tea. When it came back iced, when expecting hot (as is normally served, unless specified) they asked for it hot. The waiter replied "Yeah it will be 15 to 20 mins" and walked off. When the food arrived and we started cooking it was okay. The hot tea arrived in glass cups with no handles. The food only tasted okay. Even if I look beyond the bad service, the food wasn't as good of quality as I was expecting. Our friends even said that wasn't what it used to be. Seattle has...

We came without a reservation on Sunday night around 7:15pm and was told we probably had to wait until 8pm. The server was very nice and attentive, around 7:35pm he came to find us outside, and was able to seat us. So glad we waited! Food was worth it 🥰

We ordered 2 x Galbi + Ribeye Shabu Shabu Set. Meats were so tender, decently portioned. Would recommend this choice of meat.

For soup base we picked the · Asuka classic: very delicious!! Creamy miso with hint of sake. The veggies tasted extra good in the broth. Comes with butter and pepper on the side. I preferred the broth without butter and pepper at first, but then adding both to the broth and eating the broth over rice was tasty 🤤

· Spicy Osaka Sukiyaki: this one was my favourite with the meats, tofu and udon! Perfectly sweet and salty with a kick of slight spicy from chili.

Overall we had a great dinner experience here. Delicious food and kind service. Would come back and recommend it...

We showed up @8:30pm for dinner on Friday night. We were greeted by a man walking toward us crossing his arms in a large 'X' over his face saying, "We are closed!" I turned around to leave, but stopped when I remembered what it says online. I turned back confused and said, "Wait, it's only 8:30pm... Online it says you close @10pm?? Why are you closed?"

He replied stating that since Covid they close at 8:00pm... I'm sorry, but it's been 4 YEARS since the plandemic. If having customers is important to you, shouldn't you update the operational hours online four YEARS later??

If we are going to spend money out at a restaurant, it is important to us that we stay in our community and support our small local businesses. It would be appreciated if they would have the courtesy to change their operation hours online so we are not disappointed when we show up to support them, because after this we don't...