Natsunoya Tea House — Restaurant in Honolulu

Because the food and service is so good, I have to give it four stars. Also, the view, of course! How could I forget to mention that! I think there are a bunch of things that are a bummer about this place. The parking is one thing. First of all, it's in a residential area and the lot is so small. It's not a convenient place to get to because you go up and down hills, through narrow streets that curve and turn.. It's just not safe! Also, because there's not a lot of parking, chances are you'll have to street park. It's not easy to find parking since this area is so congested, so you'll have to park a bit further and walk here. Which.. doesn't feel safe, because again, the road is narrow and cars are zooming on by. However, the food was really delicious and I found myself taking some home because I liked it so much! The katsu, the noodles, the beef(?).. Yum! I really do see why people want to come here. Also, of course, the view is amazing. You see the sunset over the water. You see the buildings down below.. It's pretty breathtaking. I guess that's why it has to be up this high. However, it's still a bummer. I also have to say that the bathrooms are awful! Two stalls? Is that really it? It's so cramped and pretty old too.. Very uncomfortable especially during big parties. Alas, though, I think I definitely see the reason why this place has stuck around and will continue to stick around. It has some type of charm that other places...

Nestled amidst the lush backdrop of the Mānoa valley, Natsunoya Tea House stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of Japanese tradition and Hawaiian aloha spirit. The establishment's century-long heritage is palpable from the moment you step onto its grounds.

The traditional tea ceremonies offered here are an enlightening experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the intricate rituals and profound philosophies of Japanese tea culture. The meticulous attention to detail, from the whisking of the matcha to the arrangement of the tea utensils, reflects a deep reverence for the art.

Beyond the tea ceremonies, Natsunoya shines as a premier banquet facility. Whether you're marking a special occasion or just gathering for a meal, the culinary offerings are sublime. The sushi and sashimi are crafted with precision, using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the various kaiseki-style dishes are both visually stunning and delectably satisfying.

But perhaps the crowning glory of Natsunoya is its staff. Their unwavering commitment to upholding the establishment's storied traditions, coupled with genuine warmth and hospitality, ensures that every visit is memorable.

With its panoramic views of the city, serene ambiance, and exceptional service, Natsunoya Tea House is a cherished gem in Honolulu, offering a truly unique and...

While this tea house is steeped in history, it isn’t enough to overlook its issues. The parking situation is atrocious. $6 valet fee just to have the attendants play Tetris with your car since their lot is too tiny to hold enough cars for their building. Your car doesn’t even get parked in the shade. The roads leading to the tea house are winding and confusing, and prove tricky for street parking when their tiny lot inevitably fills up. While historic, the building is essentially just an old, large house and it feels like it once you get inside, despite the recent renovations. The view is average.

The food in their buffet line is, on the whole, pretty good. Their agedashi tofu, hibachi chicken, teri beef, and fried noodles are average to above average when compared to other local Japanese places. Their potato salad contains spaghetti noodles rather than macaroni, which is…interesting? And the shrimp and vegetable tempura, while tasty, has a sign next to the station instructing you to only take one of each while an employee stands guard. Feels pretty stingy.

To sum things up, the food is alright, but the location and parking situation is enough to make me dread attending events that...