Hamada General Store — Restaurant in Honolulu

Hamada General Store is our store’s fave lunch go-to! Thankfully, they are our neighbors, but that’s not why we eat there so much- it’s because it’s darn good! The food is consistently yummy, as proven that we’ve eaten there hundreds of times. The combinations of flavors range from home style to high-end restaurants and the special menu changes daily so it’s exciting to read 🤩

The food portions are generous, (we always share between 2-3 of us *please note we are not huge eaters but sometimes the plates weigh at least 2 pounds) and the quality of the meats and veggies are consistently ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! I don’t like meats with inedible gristle, or “yucky” parts, and this is never a problem there.

Honestly I could eat there every day (lol, Lyndon our neighbor on the other side does!!). Check out their daily specials on IG, as they can run out quickly. My advice- save time, and call in to reserve your plate lunch. They take cash and card and the staff are friendly and fast :). Ps. The kitchen is fully open, so you can also see them making your food- if that makes you feel more confident about food prep and execution!

PS. The chocolate chip cookies with Mac nuts at the front are an easy treat to grab. Vegetarian? They also have a tofu watercress (sourced locally) salad with homemade Shoyu based dressing in their regular menu (and you can add some fried salmon katsu protein if you are a fish eater) that’s one of my go-to’s on many days.

Visiting Oahu? Try their fresh fish dishes! Want a treat? Anything with their fried chicken or the salmon chazuke (my absolute fave from their Pineapple Room days) Yum! They also did the food at Home bar and grill.

Why did I wait three years for this review!! We love this place. We’ve recommended to hundreds of people, and hope you ❤️ it too.

Time to go. Gotta do my daily Hamada check. I’ll search my phone for photos to post but we always dig in and by the time we remember, the plate is decimated. My tips: SHARE! and always get from the special menu first and call in the morning if you really want something! PS. their poke/raw fish dishes are also really good! As well as their burgers and fries, yum yum! And the Tonkatsu sandwich was my go to for the first year. I must have eaten that...

Had high hopes for this place since they were the magic behind the former Home Bar & Grill, but my first visit was a little bit of a let down. I'm not worried though. They literally just opened so I think they are still working out the kinks. Got the Wafu Hamburger Steak (5 oz. Burger Patty, Tsukemono, Kabayaki Braised Onion & Mushrooms, Daikon Oroshi, Homemade Ponzu, Fried Onions, Potato Mac Salad, Fried Garlic Chips, Green Onion). Flavoring was a little on the salty side (bar food style) but pretty on point otherwise and the creativity was definitely there and what I'm used to from these guys. The Hamburger was a little overcooked and on the harder side though. Menu says "All burgers are cooked Medium-MW" so I suppose that was the intent...? Like I said though, I am not worried at all and is why I still give them 4 stars. I am excited to try the other things on their menu (a friend recommended the "Fish, Chips & Dip Sandwich" - Tempura Battered Swai, Toasted Hoagie, Caper Aioli, Tsuyu Dipping Sauce) and will definitely be back time and time again. It won't be long until they get in their groove and this becomes one of the hottest plate lunch stops in Hawaii. Rooting them on!...

Wanted to get out of Waikiki because all the popular places were too busy for breakfast/brunch.

Found this hidden gem on Google. 10 min drive from our hotel.

The good: Katsu curry plate was money. Breakfast jack burger was solid. Can't go wrong with a brioche bun. Very good portions Plenty of space to dine in Viet coffee, not too sweet, could be a bit stronger, 20oz good enough to share with the wife Plenty of free parking 🙌

The bad: None!

Honestly one of the best meals on this trip. Better than all the other restaurants that were pushed to my Insta feed.

Can't wait to come back and try other items...