Tanaka Saimin — Restaurant in Honolulu

I forgot to mention in my previous post that the service is excellent, fast, and most personable where front staff all get to know you and time permitting, will stop by to say hello. If you're yearning for that old time hospitality experience, look no further. And as a past restaurant manager, I am aware of the kitchen staff is normally very quick to prepare your orders. Prices have remained affordable and most selections even less than other local style family dining restaurants. Cleanliness is apparent from entry to restrooms.

Two words of most positive caution: The entrees are huge, so be prepared to take home leftovers. Due to dark film sun protection windows, from the outside, you have no idea how busy they are until you walk in and see the crowd waiting (prime time breakfast and lunch hours) in a huge waiting area. But the wait time is usually minimal (with a full restaurant and 6 parties ahead of us, we were seated in 12 minutes) other times usually less than that.

For fear of omitting someone, I believe the entire staff is great, most friendly, and special.

But there is one person that tops the list and must be recognized for her excellent accommodation and personable care for everyone that enters. Regular patrons between 6am - 3 pm will immediately know whom I'm speaking of: Yes, hostess, Carol. But she's much more than that. Customer Service(s) & Hospitality Coordinator fits the bill here. She is so amazing, fast, aware of the entire operation, and makes time to chat with return guests, as well as those waiting for tables. You can't miss her, or I should say: She...

This is OLD SCHOOL DINER VIBES ALL THE WAY!!! I was desiring/Ono for Saimin so came to Tanaka Saimin by suggestion. Got here and was tempted by the Prime Rib Special and the Ham shank special. I saw this order come up next to me and those folks look like they were getting Tanaka’s Deluxe treatment. However I ordered the Tanaka Wun Tun Special which is a huge Saimin noodle bowl with 6 tender pork Wuntun which also comes with a side of Teri beef strips, a giant shrimp tempura and you choice of mac salad or toss green salad. I chose to be healthy by getting the mac salad. Let me say my Wuntun Saimin worth the choice over prime rib and half the price. The broth was clean and made me have the best “NO TO RAMEN” vibes. Plus all the waitresses are local so pidgin English was the 1st language and I felt at home. The wait staff also gave me their professional recommendations, when I told the waitress I was having a hard time choosing between the Mac salad and toss greens her recommendation was clear and direct, “Brah, no Act. No bother with the toss salad you goin regret it. Just get the Mac salad.” So under the trance of her suggestion I just agreed and ultimately I have no food regret. One of my favorites tonight was the Teri beef and that giant tempura shrimp, especially the shrimp gives me Local Okazuya taste but memories. Both could’ve been part of a bento. JUST SAYIN’… I’ll be here next Saturday for...

We walked in and sign in. Our party of 3 was the next up. Apparently the host disregarded the sign in sheet and seats the 2 people that didn’t sign in. We noticed it and addressed it to her as she came back . She asked did you sign in ? We said yes and said under what name we told her the name . She said oh . Then she already knew who we were and just started yelling the name out continuously like we weren’t in front of her . Finally seated I asked for a manager . He came asked what happened Told him the story and his reply is that always happens . We have been coming for the past 10yrs and never have encountered such service . Then he says oh the host has anxiety she is like that . We said then she shouldn’t be in front poor customer service . Kept going on that we don’t know her like he does and like we should just let what happened go. Very very poor management and hostess . No sincere apologies from neither party. This is why I’m posting for people to see . I will address this to higher up and maybe they both need to be properly trained again for customer service . Manager HE ! Couldn’t have handled it in a better way but it felt Like customer was wrong cause we didn’t know she had anxiety!!! Unprofessional and...