Tanaka of Tokyo West

Since I was a kid, I’ve always seen the Tanaka of Tokyo restaurant sign over the top floor of Ala Moana and wondered what it was like. I managed to grab one of the last available reservations for Valentine’s Day and had my first Teppanyaki/Hibachi experience here. I had a full-course steak, shrimp, scallop and lobster meal, at a very reasonable price. They had real Japanese A5 Wagyu available too. We could tell the restaurant was a well-oiled machine with highly competent staff in every role and level. There was a noticeable air of polish and rehearsal to every step of the experience from check in until literally the moment I was out the door. The next occasion I have, I will definitely be back!

Okay not as good as I recall, but fulfilled my TofT craving. Jacob did a good job of entertaining. Only disappointment in the food were the kuzu cuts of rib rye, for that price? Filet, shrimp and fried rice were decent. I feel like the wait staff sort of rushed our table mates from Japan. I don’t think they are used to being asked if they want a take out container while they were still enjoying their meal. Shouldn’t rush them to eat! Auwee. We will be back to support my dear friend, but not for awhile.

Fun and delicious experience! Prices are reasonable considering locations and service. We tried filet steak and chicken. Both were good and more than enough quantity after also getting veggies and rice to start. Be prepared for a lot of markups for drinks, fried rice, family photo, etc. but you can say no most of those without issue. You’ll likely be sitting with some strangers so be ready to chat a bit. We made a reservation for a Saturday evening. Seemed like those without reservations and only 2 people were able to get in relatively quickly.

It was pretty empty when we came (it was a Thursday evening) and it was only me and my husband on our table BUT our chef Keanu (Reeves) made it funny. Our server Jordan was also very nice! Food was amazing.

I visited Tanaka of Tokyo West at Ala Moana Center and it was one of those dining experiences that is just as much about the entertainment as it is about the food. The restaurant specializes in teppanyaki-style cooking where chefs prepare the entire meal directly in front of you on a large flat grill. The experience starts once everyone at the table is seated and the chef begins preparing the meal. Watching the chef cook is part of the fun. The performance includes knife skills, precise grilling techniques, and interactive moments that keep the table engaged throughout the meal. The menu focuses on classic teppanyaki combinations like steak, shrimp, chicken, and fried rice. The ingredients are cooked fresh on the grill and seasoned simply, allowing the natural flavors of the meat and sea