Izakaya Nonbei

I booked this for a birthday lunch for my husband hosted by my mother. Pluses: 1-love the dedicated parking lot; 2-we were lucky to be one of 2 parties dining because usually you order only from the lunch menu but we could sample 2 things from the nighttime menu board (kisu kara and tsukune); 3-service was so attentive (refilling our tea and letting us know that dishes were on their way); 4-they gave us a small matcha warabi mochi with a candle for my husband. Improvement possibility is the liberal use of salt. I guess it might be that since this is an izakaya and since they have a nice list of sake options, the salted dishes are the best pairing. For those watching hypertension, it might be a little too salty.

If an old school Japanese experience is what you're looking for then this is the right place to dine. The menu features a big selection from fresh Sashimi, steamed/simmered Fish, broiled grilled meat, to perfectly fried items, and many other home-style dishes. Our party ordered Agedashi Tofu, Tori Kara, Hamachi Kama, Naso Kinoko, Yakitori, Sashimi platter, Green salad, Karei Karaage, and a few other items. This is my favorite way to eat, sharing small dishes with some nice Sake. The Karei Karaage (crispy fried flounder) was my favorite dish, but the Hamachi Kama, and Naso Kinoko were also delicious. The service was fast and friendly. My friend told me that the restaurant itself had been renovated, but it used to have a traditional Japanese feel. Overall a really nice experience and a ve

I check in 40 mins early but advise them I can return if they cannot accommodate me early. Nonbei is nearly empty. Girls checks me in and gives my party the very worst table in the house 2 ft from the entry door. We see several other tables away from the door plus we see there’s an upstairs as well. Girl checks upstairs and returns telling me I can’t have a table up there because they are for reservations only! What a slap in the face since we tell them we have a reservation! She takes us upstairs and it’s nearly empty! They give us menus and within 90 seconds, the same woman comes back and asks if we’re ready to order, rushing us to do that! We flustered through their several page menu and order including our drinks! This kind of disrespectful treatment goes on and on! Not only don’t we

Izakaya Nonbei – A Cozy Japanese Gem in Honolulu. Tucked away in Kapahulu, Izakaya Nonbei offers an authentic Japanese dining experience in a warm, intimate setting. With traditional tatami seating, a great sake selection, and expertly crafted small plates, this izakaya is a must-visit for Japanese food lovers. Misoyaki Butterfish – Buttery, flavorful, and perfectly marinated.. Wafu Steak – Juicy and umami-packed.. Agedashi Tofu – Lightly crispy with a delicate dashi broth. Sashimi Platter – Fresh, high-quality cuts of fish. Chicken Karaage – Crispy, juicy, and addictive. The service was not on point. Need to be more attentive. The exceptional food makes this spot perfect for date nights or small gatherings. Reservations recommended due to limited seating.

The food is really surprisingly bad. It only had the look. All other Japanese restaurant nearby needed us to wait so i chose here. Apparently It was wrong decision. A splinter was stuck in my mouth corner and took me 10 mins to get it out. It comes from the chopsticks provided. We ordered the cold tofu It was soooo salty The salad was included in the set and also too salty. The steak and grilled squid were the worst. So chewy and hard to eat, and the squid is overcooked i am not sure if i am eating an eraser. i have never had such bad Japanese food in recent years. The only thing was not bad is the sashimi. There are so many good place to eat nearby. Dont waste time and money on this one