"You could easily go to a different izakaya every day of the week in Honolulu, but here’s why you should prioritize Gaku. They do the classics well, like a dashimaki tamago, and they also add some twists to homemade tofu in the form of ikura and shoyu jelly. Even though it’s a casual spot with fish drying on bamboo racks, meals can get expensive fast, but it’s all worth it. Reservations are a must—Gaku opened almost 20 years ago, and it’s still the place for a nice dinner out and all types of special occasions." - martha cheng