Matsumoto’s Okazuya & Restaurant

Today I had the most awesome experience here. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner’s son. It’s too bad I didn’t get his name because he was such a charming young man. He probably is around 12 or 13 years old. He offered all of the menus, explained what the popular items are, explained the catering and sushi bar. He even offered me a glass of water while I was waiting. His friendly, hospitable and very welcoming demeanor is purely magical. The butterfish miso came with rice, tossed salad, miso soup and pickled vegetables. Cost plus tax totaled around $ 11.50. I love their chow funn. Keep a look out for the day special board because they have pretty interesting stuff. Today was Hamachi collar.

Girl w/​glasses was totally stuck up. Did not greet us even if I said «Hi», smile… NOTHING but «what can I get for u?» While deciding on what I wanted (we were the only ones in there) she stared with impatience & kept asking «anything else?» On top of that, she scratches her head, touches her hair & doesnt wash her hands before serving food!!! Gross… so unsanitary! Other girl with her on the other hand was friendly

First time trying out this place… definitely the cheapest okazu so far. Went at 9 on a Saturday… was pleasantly surprised with the friendly girls that work there. Next time will come earlier for more selection. Enjoyed what I got but was disappointed on the cornbeef hash… it was weird. The Teri beef was very good… how I like it and the gobo too was great. Took a pic of our food… only paid $ 15!

I was apprehensive at first — worried that it might be old and dirty.
GLadly, I had nothing to worry about. The restaurant is clean, service is good and the food is great. Prices are better than reasonable. They do all kinds of sushi rolls — Need to call ahead for some.
There is parking in front or some in areas up and down the street.

Food was great and cheap but had bad experience… ordered from counter didn’t have much and it’s only 11 am so I ordered chow fun and off the menu on the wall it was raining so we ate in when I sat another menu with so much more why wasn’t I told duh… sell your stuff anyway found out they give complimentary miso soup with daikon and something else didn’t see cause she ready to place it on our table look at us turned gave it to the customer thinking she’ll grab more but does not return at all what we have a certain kind of look that we don’t deserve like the others… won’t be returning ever

I am reluctantly writing this review because what I got to say will make this place busier than I would like it to be. This place has the MEANEST fried chicken in the whole wide world! Their chow fun is killer! Potato, shrimp, ALL of their okazuya stuff is super tasty! If you want to order from the menu and sit down they have some awesome selections for entrees. You wanna know what the best part about this is? The price!!! Cheapeats and high quality thats the best part! Reminds me of when I was growing up in Wahiawa and mom would buy me a box lunch for field trip from the squeaky screen door of the okazuya place on California Avenue, same ambience at Matsumoto and same great food!!! Old School bra, this place is bad ass ! I could eat there every single day no lie! Much love to the owner and staff they are quick, food is tasty and reasonably priced!!!

Dirt cheap local japanese food, similar to Gyotaku quality but half the price. You can get a two choice bento box for only $ 8.50 and the portions are generous too! Here is the rundown:
Fried Chicken ($ 1.40 each) — fried well with crispy skin and very moist inside, note the peppery seasoning.
Cone Sushi ($ 1) — nothing really special, plain rice with a high vinegar content.
Spicy Ahi Poke Bowl ($ 7.95) — decent sized bowl with generous bits of ahi. Note that this dish doesn’t use much mayo. A good choice.
Two Choice Bento Box ($ 8.50 chicken katsu and tempura) — this is not your plate lunch chicken katsu, right ratio of batter and chicken meat. Katsu sauce is standard. Tempura had slighly more batter but the portions was very generous, they gave two shrimp and two pieces of veggies. Comes with miso soup, but it’s on the salty side.
Note that you would have to find street parking and cash only. Service is excellent and friendly.

I think I’m missing something here, or I’m simply left with the average stuff when I drop by…
MATSUMOTO’S OKAZUYA & RESTAURANT!
Don’t get me wrong it’s not bad, but not exactly the best I’ve had either. Maybe because I’ve never tried anything but the Okazuya?! That might be it. So, in fairness this review is only based on the very average «finger foods» I’ve had here!
After a morning of kayaking I decide to trek to Kalihi to get my Okazuya on! The restaurant is a throwback to 40 – 50 years ago, but very clean. It’s small, but efficient. Yada, yada. Oddly, not much Okazuya was available this time around. I admit I’m partial to blame knowing the rules of Okazuya and how anything after 12 noon is what no one else wanted earlier. Oh well. So, I order what is available…
Spam Musubi ©, Hamburger patty ©, Hash ©, Vegetable Croquette (B), «Da last» Fried Chicken (B).
The prices fair and service friendly, but the food was only average to me. Hmm. So, even though my last visit here was average… I still will not hesitate recommending…
MATSUMOTO’S OKAZUYA & RESTAURANT!
Hey, I’m all about «mom & pop!» I’ll be back, but might skip the Okazuya entirely and sit down and actually eat something from the restaurant menu… Maybe that’s the key on winning my heart here. Yet, I’m in no rush to get back!
OVERALL GRADE: 3.2-STARS!
Unilocal REVIEW #461/​500

Been going to Matsumoto’s since I moved in to Kalihi about a year ago. The BEST! So cheap! I come here normally if I work and want breakfast. Everything is soooo good! I normally get the teri chicken with fried rice. Chicken is so most and flavorful! The fried rice compliments the chicken as well. On special days when they serve spicy ahi, I get that instead. They put a lot compared to others and cost less! I wish they accepted card though because I hardly carry cash other than that, TOTALLY RECOMMEND!

the girls here are the best ! The food is great. this is one of the only places I’ll actually eat or order chow fun willingly ! Been coming here for years & it’s always been the same !

I am loving these Kalihi great restaurant finds!
I got bored of eating at Gulick delicatessen across the street so I stumbled upon this one, and I’m so glad I did.
First off, the people are ridiculously nice. I didn’t have cash one day (don’t make the same mistake I did) and the waitress let me leave and go to the ATM. No, not to an ATM right next door but to an ATM that I had to DRIVE to. I wanted to leave her my license, my purse, my life because I was so embarrassed but she refused to take anything to hold hostage. Talk about trust.
They always greet you when you walk in and I love eating inside because you get spoiled. Last time I went, I got a huge serving of fish and some tangerines from the owner’s yard. I felt like I was eating at a cousin’s house with the treatment that I was given. :)
The okazuya is cheap, good, and made in small batches! I also like the teishoku’s (the grilled salmon was a bit salty) because it comes with all the sides. My favorite is the sukiyaki. Perfect broth and tastes like grandma’s cooking.
I will continue to support local businesses like this and I hope their success continues! :)

Love it here! Ever since I moved to my boyfriends house near matsumutos, I have been grabbing food here since!
Awesome prices! You can never beat a $ 5 meal any day (I can’t even finish my food). I always usually get fried rice and Teri chicken. It’s soooo yummy!
Very affordable, very satisfying, and very yummy!

When in the kalihi hood, I stop at matsumoto’s for the saimin… simple but hard to beat!!! Prices are reasonable service is good, friendly counter staff and Todd is always there.

My fiancé and I love this place. I actually found it while looking on Unilocal.The owner is very nice and so are the girls that work there. We really enjoyed the teriyaki chicken and beef and reminded my fiancé of his childhood. The chow fun is pretty good too!

I am always on the hunt for solid okazuya because it’s my personal obsession. Growing up, my father used to take me to a now extinct okazuya in Kalihi where the owner was a little old Japanese woman who made the most amazing gobo, chicken wings and ume musubi. In a way she ruined all okazuya in the future because I’ve never been able to find a place which put the same amount of love into its dishes. i don’t know if it’s a generational thing, but folks from my grandparents generation were meticulous and you just don’t find that same level of perfection these days.
Located on Gulick, amongst rows of houses, Matsumoto’s is a genuine neighborhood okazuya. There’s a window where you can view all the items and everything is ala carte. I got a mini plate with musubi, potato hash, chow fun and fried chicken. I guess the chow fun is really popular but it didn’t stand out in my mind. What is worth coming back for however is the FRIED CHICKEN! Seriously friends, it is seasoned perfectly and the taste is amazing. As I consumed my chicken and musubi, I mentally kicked myself for not getting a second piece. It was that good!
Mainly takeout but they do have some table seating. Parking is an issue as it’s all neighborhood and that means it’s best to bring a buddy to wait in the car. Happy okazuya hunting!

I remembered Naka’s chow fun when I was a kid. Honestly, Matsumoto’s is kind of similar. Sometimes it’s on point and other days there’s no taste at all. My bf and I dined in once, their servers are nice. Kind of buss up but the food, prices, and good hospitality make up for it. Todd is really nice. If he’s in the kitchen, you know the food will taste just a little bit better.
I recently was rushing to work but was super hungry so I stopped by Matsumotos and ordered a mini chow fun with chicken. I was lucky because the chow fun was hot but the chicken was cold and a little undercooked so I just tossed the chicken but ate the noodles.
Overall, hole in the wall place but once again the food and prices make up for it

One of the most affordable and authentic best eats out there!
This restaurant offers a VARIETY from bento lunch boxes to okazuya (pick your own), curry, fish/​seafood, sushi, sashimi, donburi, soups, ramen, udon and so much more.
Many people come for the okazuya because you get to choose from a variety of food choices such as teri beef, fried chicken, look fun noodle, spam musubi, shrimp/​vegetable tempura, egg foo young, and so much more at just $ 1-​$ 2/​piece. Great for on the go! They also offer dine in services. I love to eat their yummy combination boxes (only $ 8.95!) and it comes with seaweed or miso soup. Their butterfish with lemon tastes really delicious as well as I think almost everything else on the menu. In addition, you can also phone in orders for pick up and they have a catering menu as well. This is great for field trips, business events, parties, etc…
The restaurant is conveniently located in town for me, but the only downside is the parking. You have to find street parking but I think it’s worth it. Tod, the restaurant owner is really nice and likes to get to know his customers, which I think is a nice personal touch. Overall, I really love eating at this restaurant for the affordable prices and for the quality of the food.

Whenever I’m playing hookie from work (or taking a vacation day) on a week day I like to explore new (to me) places that I normally wouldn’t have access to during the work day. One such day I found myself craving some good old fashioned okazuya food. With my trusty Unilocal app opened up on my phones I came across this little Kalihi gem.
I was surprised how close this place was to Gullick Deli (right down the street!), and I’ve never even knew they were here before! I walked in to this tiny place and noticed immediately to the left was their okazuya counter, and to the right was a small dining room. The set-​up is similar in style to Sekiya’s, but smaller. They’ve also got dine in menu items that you can order, but I was here to satisfy my okazuya craving.
I pointed to this and to that, and got one of these, and another one of those… You know how it goes! I ended up with a plate that looked like this:
Not bad for just about $ 10!
Comparing to their 800-​lb gorilla okazuya neighbor up the street they don’t have quite as big of a selection, and the flavors of their food are more subdued (not overloaded with salt, shoyu and garlic), but they are a lot cheaper, and the food they serve is more down to earth and old school. Exactly what okazuya food should be!
For parking you’re left to wander the streets looking for a stall, but during their business hours you shouldn’t run into any problems. Would I return? HELLS YES!!! Would anyone like to join me the next time I’m playing hookie… err… I mean… taking a staycation day off from work? :D

Oh. MY. GOD. Not that this review is going to suck, but you should stop reading and make your way to this place STAT! I don’t have any words to describe the best and only experience I had at this wonderful place. I wish I lived in Hawaii so I could go again, but alas it shall be my go-​to place when I visit beautiful Oahu again.
We came right before they were about to close for the day, about 20 minutes before. We were greeted upon entering and seated right away. We were the only people in here, but it was a week day and close to closing so I’m really not surprised. This place was recommended by one of my friends who swore by it. And boy, was he right! Everything we ate was delicious!
We were waited on by the OWNER, Todd Matsumoto, who was the sweetest, most generous person! He heard we were first timers and threw in a couple items on the house, which was pretty darn cool. He gave us a couple pieces of Fried Chicken, an Ahi Tuna appetizer and put extra Salmon in my order of the Butteryaki Salmon Belly! This dish is a MUST-​TRY! There is an article written about how delicious and wonderful this dish is. Hands down the BEST salmon belly I’ve ever had. Crispy, juicy, lightly battered salmon belly served atop steaming white rice! Probably not the healthiest thing out there, but definitely the most tasty!!! We also ordered the Chicken Katsu which had generous portions and came with two sides.
Todd and his daughter were extremely welcoming and sweet people. They recommended some great places to grab drinks and shaved ice and even recommended other restaurants in the area where the locals go! So cool to have the inside scoop on where to go instead of going to some chain recommended by our hotel who CLEARLY did not have any good recommendations for «soaking up local color.» Silly…
Thank you Todd for an amazing dining experience! We wish you the best of luck in the future and we WILL be back!!! Keep up the great service with a smile! =)

I’m surprised that there’s not more reviews for this place. Matsumoto’s is another hidden gem & a great spot to hit up for some tasty okazuya items.
They’re located on Gulick Ave, across the street from the original Gulick Delicatessen & Coffee Shop. The parking situation is a pain, there’s only street parking in that already-​crowded street. Welcome to Kalihi!
Open Monday-​Saturday, from 5:30am– 2pm (or whenever they run out of food). I don’t usually get there till after 8am after all the construction workers, etc empties out the place. Fortunately, Chef Todd was cooking up extra batches of chow fun when I got there the other day.
CHOW FUN ($ 1.30):
The chow fun noodles were piping hot and still steaming when I got home. It was flavorful and seasoned just right. I liked that the pieces of pork was also slightly seasoned and not overcooked.
I did get a couple strands that were too thick (and stuck together) so a few bites were too chewy & a little undercooked. No biggie, I devoured it anyways.
SPAM MUSUBI ($ 1.25):
Just a slice of fried spam on a furikake musubi. Rice was cooked just right, but I would’ve preferred some sort of sauce on the spam because the meat was dry.
FRIED CHICKEN ($ 1.45):
I LOVE their fried chicken! Crispy deliciousness right down to the last bite. Matsumoto’s probably marinates theirs because the flavors didn’t end at the skin/​batter, it was tasty right down to the bone.
EGG OMELETE ($ 1.25):
Reminds me of Gulick’s egg omelete, but slightly sweeter. Filled with chopped veggies, spam and kamaboko (processed fish cake). A nice balance to all the savory items I got.
TERI CHICKEN ($ 1.45):
Just your basic teriyaki chicken recipe. Over-​salted, but tasty.
Good portion given and cooked just right.
Plate #1:
TERI BEEF ($ 1.35):
I was pleasantly surprised of it’s juiciness and tenderness, despite the thin appearance. Just think Zippy’s teri beef, but more flavorful (could taste the ginger in it).
Like the teri chicken, it was a little salty from sitting in the sauce too long. Just make sure you get extra chow fun and/​or musubis to counter that.
Plate #2: