Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar

This is our favorite late night snack place. The pupus here are always delicious, the atmosphere is always so fun and uplifting, and the contemporary décor is awesome!
But what makes this place stand up from others is service. We ordered sushi pizza, and it was really tasty. It had nori instead of crust, and the whole thing was simply delicious. The nori wasn’t cut completely which made it a bit difficult to eat. When I mentioned that to our server, Wade, he ordered a new dish for us, even though I only wanted it cut.
I love this place. By the way, the owner is really nice and really approachable too!

There was a time that shokudo was at its prime time. «Did you try their honey toast?!» I swear the first time I tried it, i thought to myself… Damn! I am in love! But is that the only thing shokudo is about?! Only for the honey toast ?! It’s sad to say but I feel that the honey toast is the only thing that makes me want to even go there.
I guess that I have been to so many sushi places, that the sushi here and even the yakisoba does not compare. It doesn’t satisfy my craving for sushi, and the yakisoba is just plain. Like a Japanese version of pancit. For some reason, I feel that the portions have become a lot smaller? Maybe it’s just me.
If you decide to try shokudo, you cannot end a meal without trying the honey toast. But only if you are whole heartedly in love with sweets. If you are… why not?

Food, prices, servers, and atmosphere was excellent.
But their hostess are always terrible. They never pick up the phone and when you enter the restaurant they never greet you. They make me feel like I’m such a burden on them. They look so unhappy working as a hostess. I’ve always ignored them since everything else has always been pleasant, but one night (1÷22÷16) just made be so angry.
As usual, they never picked up the phone and did not greet my boyfriend and me. We stood at the podium awkwardly for 2 minutes as they continued to write something down and talk to each other. Not even a «I’ll be with you in a second» or «one moment». The hostesses didn’t even thank us for waiting. We signed in and the hostess said that a table will be ready in 15 minutes. She asked us to wait outside until we are called. Just as we finished talking to her, a group of people were exiting. My boyfriend and I allowed the group to exit first (since they were already stepping out) to be courteous. That’s when the hostess started yelling at us. In a sassy and annoyed tone she said «I ASKED YOU GUYS TO WAIT OUTSIDE TO BE CALLED. CAN YOU PLEASE WAIT OUTSIDE.» I looked at her like in a are-​you-​kidding face. My boyfriend and I aren’t ghost. We can’t walk through objects. She then scoffs at me and walks away. I hope the hostess was just having a bad day and that isn’t her usual attitude.
We will not be eating here for while. It’s ashamed… I really like their kusai kudasai

We dined here for lunch today and really enjoyed its lunch menu. Served from 11:30−4pm, it includes chirashi/​sashimi bowls, udon, ramen and bento box options. Prices range from $ 10-​$ 20. Their menus have pictures, which is very helpful when deciding what to order.
We ordered:
Spicy Ahi Bowl ($ 12.95) and the Kaisen Bowl ($ 12.95). Miso soup and a small salad were included with both. The Spicy Ahi Bowl came with spicy ahi and avocado, served over rice and nori. The Kaisen Bowl came with assorted pieces of sashimi, also served over rice and nori. We enjoyed both dishes… The fish was fresh and yummy, and the portions were good. They were also on the healthy side, so we didn’t feel like piggies afterwards.
Unagi Rice «Ishiyaki» (hot stone bowl cooking) ($ 11.45). We ordered this off the regular menu and is one of my fave dishes here. We chose to use brown instead of white rice and it was delicious. The waiter presented it and mixed it at our table, ensuring that the rice got a little crunchy from the stone pot.
Other favorites of mines are: Tofu Salad, Sushi Pizza, and the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice. These are good to share.
The restaurant was not busy or loud today, and our waiter was excellent. He was very personable, approachable, and attentive.
Shokudo is conveniently located on Kapiolani Blvd, next to Ala Moana. The décor is modern, the food is tasty, the staff is fantastic. These facts alone make it easy to say that I’ll be back…

My 2^nd time in Hawaii and my 2^nd time here as well. This is my go-​to spot for some Japanese food. Delicious food and friendly staff.
I always order their pork chop– with pineapple onion sauté and water cress.
garlic shrimp rice mixed in a sizzling hot stone bowl– absolutely pleased my taste buds… So succulent and savory.
Their honey toast– thick Japanese white toast cutout and cubed drizzled with honey and topped with vanilla ice cream is indeed a slice of heaven. Updating my review is making me crave for some honey toast… yummm! Will be back next time we visit Hawaii.

I visited Shokudo a few weeks ago with a group of friends for the late night happy hour (10:00pm to close). Tonight I returned for dinner with some different friends. I must say that this place is fun and that is really the bottom line. This is the type of place I would come to if I were in the habit of dating. Big if there. Anyway, there were many couples patronizing Shokudo who obviously were. Yahoo for them.
There is a large drink menu featuring sake, shochu, saketini and shochu type specialty drinks and other cocktails. There is also a good selection of beers on tap with pitchers available. I am not ashamed to say that I took a liking to the vodka soda cocktails; so far I have tried the Grape Calipico, lilikoi and yuzu citrus honey flavors. There is a full bar to back all of that up. Drink prices were generally very decent. Shokudo’s bar alone has enough to get your party started.
On both of my recent visits service was very much on point from the young staff from start to finish — arrival through departure. I noted that they were savy when it came time to pick up the tab and who it should go to. All of this would be key in ensuring a date goes smoothly and more importantly, doesn’t throw a block… er, give your date a bad impression.
The honey toast is a must try. I would have a photo of it but people started eating it and the one the wife took was not up to standards.
Parking is in the structure to the rear of the restaurant, entrance from Kona Street. It is truck friendly and the spaces would be safe for a 7 series BMW.
There may be numerous better options in town for Japanese dining and/​or sushi. However, if you are doing the dating thing and unsure of where to start your night out, Shokudo is worth a shot.

Volcano roll was spectacular and the sauces drizzled everywhere really made me happy! The foot long chicken katsu was just perfect for the four of us to share and the agedashi tofu was AWESOME! Even if you don’t like tofu you might very well like this! My kids loved the edamame and even chewed the pods lol! My son, Justin, was singing and playing guitar outside so all of us who were enjoying the balmy weather had a real treat. I’m so proud of my boy *hearts* but yes, Shokudo was a great dining experience!

NOTE: This review is for their late night happy hour!
I’ve always loved coming to Shokudo for dinner but it can be bit pricy. Their happy hours are the right price and everything is delicious! I’ve come here a handful of times for their late night happy hour! It’s perfect for coming after a concert, play, etc.
This past Sunday I went with a BUNCH of friends and when I say a bunch, I mean like 40 people! Holy moly! They were very accommodating and we got 2 loooong tables parallel to each other.
The happy hour menu is broken down into sections by price ranging from $ 3 – 5! What a deal!
My usuals are the teri fries ($ 4). They’re fries covered in Teri sauce & mayo, it’s delicious! I also really like their teriyaki chicken quesadilla ($ 4). It comes with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, & pesto sauce. Lastly, my all time favorite thing: the Honey Toast Jr ($ 4)!!! Half the portion of the regular size. It’s thee perfect size. I was even more excited when I found out you can get any flavor for no extra charge! My friends and I all got the Oreo one.
The only downfall with groups at Shokudo are they only allow you to split the check 4 ways. You can sorta beat the system by doing cash then card on each check.
Can’t wait till the next time!

We came in at 11:40am and it was a perfect timing for me to celebrate my parent’s Pre-​Wedding Anniversary December 26 supposedly but today was December 25. Guam is a day advance than Hawaii so basically were celebrating double today and tomorrow. Anyways, ultimate reason was to share the experience with my parents eating at this place.
The staffs/​workers were nice. We ordered the Rainbow Roll, Caterpillar Roll, Deluxe Lunch Combination, Spicy Miso Ramen, Tokyo Shoyu Ramen, and the Strawberry Honey Toast, also Lychee Mojito Drink, and Oolong Tea all for $ 89! plus, left a $ 15 straight tip. Customer Service was good. My parents enjoyed it and liked it. We were very full. Thanks again for making us enjoy our stay. Happy Anniversary to my parents! Theres more to come to surprise them soon

The food here is pretty good. It’s got an american fusion twist on a lot of great Japanese favorites. What I love about Shokudo is the happy hour and atmosphere. They have great appetizer and drink specials for their happy hours, and as far as the atmosphere, its always busy there– which makes you want to be part of the fun.
The cons is mostly just the wait. There is ALWAYS a wait, even with reservations. Luckily, this is Hawaii so as long as it is not raining or starving, you’re good.
PLEASE TRY THE HONEY TOAST! Unique and delicious-​we sometimes come here just for desert.

RESTAURANT WEEK — SET MENU REVIEW
First off, as management promised… they would have a set menu for restaurant week; they did not disappoint.
For $ 40, very reasonable, I had a 6 course set and even tossed in a bottle of Hakkaisan Ginjo Sake for the table. Here are some of the highlights from the meal that were my favorite (see my picture for full menu):
Gunmaken Japan Uni, Soba Gelee
Aburi Shime Saba
Double Braised Kurobota Pork Kakuni
Great portion control and menu items hit multiple levels of salty, sour and sweet. Would have liked a more spicy component in one of thr dishes but its Japanese fusion so I don’t expect spicy; though the cerviche did have a jalapeño touch. Though I will say the menu was well put together. Timing was great allowing for our party of 6 to converse and digest.
Service was spectacular and drinks were never empty. Made a reservation for 800 so we walked straight to our table. I truly appreciate it when staff are knowledgeable and personable. Waitress, Leatrice, took the time to explain each course, as should be, with elegance and poise; even adding her own touch of favorites and comparisons.
Parking always the same and atmosphere was as great as always.
Only wish they could add a few of these items to their regular menu; especially the Kurobota. Food for thought.
Get here before restaurant week is done. For a set menu it’s worth the price.
Food ⁵⁄₅
Service ⁶⁄₅ (not a typo)
Atmosphere ⁵⁄₅
Parking ⁴⁄₅
Sidenotes: Items I will also recommend on other days
Karaage Chicken
Homemade Tofu
Honey Toast