Tonkatsu Tamafuji

I’ve been here on three different trips and I’ve never been disappointed! The crunch on this tempura is truly like no other, and the oil flavor is very clean. I’d recommend dining in over getting takeout (pictured), but if you have limited time/don’t want to wait 1+ hour during peak wait times, takeout is a good option. The only con is that the crunch quickly gets soggy in the takeout box and you don’t get the special rice or soup that’s included in the dine-in experience. It’s definitely worth it to wait if you have the time. Another pro to dining in is the sesame seed grinding for your tonkatsu sauce. The aroma is very fresh and unique! You can choose between the sweet and savory sauce to dip, and I liked a combination of both. We ordered a 5pc shrimp katsu set (pictured), 1pc pork katsu, 1pc oyster katsu, clam miso soup (seasonal), and the seaweed rice. The shrimp tempura is a shared favorite between my mom and I, but the pork and oyster are great too. For drinks, I’d recommend the grapefruit shochu as a fresh, fruity cocktail to enjoy alongside the katsu. It’s manufactured in California so you can probably find it on the mainland as well, but I think any fizzy drink will complement the fried tempura nicely. Staff and atmosphere are friendly, clean, and pleasant. While dining in, the servers walk around with a basket of shredded cabbage and were kind enough to give me 3 extra handfuls to enjoy with their delicious sesame dressing. I will be coming back for my 4th visit soon!

It was good. I like the different types of rice and miso soup options (shiso rice was delicious). Meat was moist and batter was crunchy. We waited 2 hours, not worth waiting that long for. Would only recommend if there's no wait.

I only speak on behalf of ourselves but the hour wait was worth it. I probably wouldn’t wait for more than that. We arrived a little before 4pm and there was already a line so definitely recommend going 15 mins beforehand to possibly get a seat during the first round. Once the restaurant is filled, it’s about 45 mins - an hour wait before you’re seated. Tip: if you’re wait is minimum 1 hour and you really want to dine here suggest going next door to the Thai massage to kill some time. Prices there are very reasonable but can’t comment on whether it’s good. Now to the important part - the food. Once we sat down, they take your order (we got the 300gm tonkatsu (enough to split between two). It comes with miso soup, side of cabbage and rice. They then provide you a hot towel to wipe your hands with and then they bring out some appetisers and a small bowl of sesame for you to grind (great activity esp when you’re waiting for your food!) The pork was crumbed well and did not taste overly oily however the meat itself was a bit on the dry lean side. Overall, great service and great food! There’s a parking lot downstairs - if you enter before 4pm it’s US$1 per hour for the first 2 hours if you get your ticket validated at the restaurant and US$1.50 every 30 mins thereafter. If you enter the carpark from 4pm onwards it’s US$4 per hour

We came here tonight as walk-ins and were told it would be about a 30-minute wait, then to come back at 8:15. When we asked if they could take our number to call when a table was ready, the host (Ethan) said no, but confirmed we could leave and return then. We came back at 8:10 to find multiple parties who arrived after us already seated. He claimed he had called our names—even though he explicitly told us we could step out. I gave him direct feedback that if they don’t take phone numbers, it’s his responsibility to tell guests not to leave. There was no effort to be accommodating, no accountability, and no urgency to seat us even as several tables sat empty long after “reservations” were supposedly due. It felt dismissive—and frankly, it only seemed to matter once I pointed out how this might look given that we were the only people of color in the room. Once seated, our server was great and the food was good, but the way we were treated at the door left a sour taste. There’s plenty of great tonkatsu on Oʻahu; I’d recommend finding a place that treats all guests with basic respect. Ps, see pictures for tables that remained empty long after we were seated. I think Ethan enjoyed making us wait & if we had another option open nearby, we wouldn’t have given him the satisfaction.

The tonkatsu here is absolutely insane — seriously, one of the best I’ve had. It’s done proper Japanese-style, super crispy and perfectly cooked. I live in New Jersey, and honestly, it’s hard to find something this good even in NYC. The rice and miso soup are unlimited too, which is a nice bonus. I’m definitely coming back the next time I’m in Hawaii. Just thinking about it makes me crave tonkatsu again.

This place was a great experience. Service and food was great. My daughter brought us here and reservations were fully booked. We came here about an hour before they opened and was able to get seated. Once they open, they were full. A quiet restaurant which is nice. We had different kind of Tonkatsu and they were cooked nicely. As an experience, we made our own sauce by grinding the sesame seeds and pouring the sauce. Overall we enjoyed the meal.

If you're looking for a restaurant that transports you to Japan, Tonkatsu Tamafuji is the perfect choice. From the warm welcome of the upbeat staff to the fragrant aroma of bamboo upon entering, it truly feels like you’ve stepped into Japan once again. While the service and ambiance are excellent, the food is what truly sets this place apart. We ordered the Pork Loin Katsu, the Oyster and Tenderloin Combo, and I opted for the Cheese Pork Loin Katsu with a side of Menchi Katsu. You can clearly appreciate the quality of the pork and the oil used for frying. Interestingly, the panko breadcrumbs they use are far superior to those found in stores. Additionally, the Red Miso soup that accompanied the meal was rich and comforting. Securing a reservation can be quite challenging, but you might find a chance to be seated after the initial rush by adding your name to the waitlist. Overall, this is yet another outstanding restaurant in Honolulu.

Friendly and attentive staff. I was initially hesitant about the price since meals were around $30, but that concern quickly disappeared once the food arrived. I ordered the mixed katsu, which let me sample a little bit of everything. It came with three choices of rice, miso soup, and a small assortment of pickled vegetables. They also provided sesame seeds for you to grind and use as a dipping sauce, which added a nice touch. Overall, a great experience and a delicious, satisfying meal.

Omg I ate with my eyes when I ordered! I got the largest portion (300g) of the tonkatsu set and one of oyster katsu and it was a lot! I couldn't finish all my food. My family also got the katsu sandwich and the sizzling katsu toji. Everything was 5/5! Service was great! They will also refill your salad and rice for free. Another thing I loved is that they let you ground up the sesame seeds for the dipping sauce, so my kiddo was enjoying that experience. At the end of the meal, the server will offer you a green tea to wash it all down. And the tea was so fragrant! It was perfect to end the meal. I will be back for sure!

Reservation or wait!!! The wait is insanely long still but the quality of the food is soooo great. First come first served if you plan on waiting, but the katsu is so amazing. Crispy outside and juicy inside. You can get oysters as a katsu here, something not offered in many other restaurants!!! Delicious!! With seafood miso soup!!

Luckily we're able to snag some reservations in! The go to .... Tenderloin because it's so tender, although it feels like the pieces are getting smaller. Always love the seasoned mixed rice today it was scallops and had so many scallops in the rice! Husband likes to try all the different ones, miso set, egg toji set, both with pork loin and tenderloin and he loves them all. Also love the oysters and the shrimp sets! Even with all the new Katsu places popping up tonkatsu Tamafuji seems to still have the best breading and fry texture. By 11 am upstairs was packed for a Sunday, lots of reservations and had about 10 walk ins already on the sign in sheet. Service is always great, you can get unlimited rice and cabbage. Although just realized that we didn't get the ending hot tea, not sure if you have to ask for it now. It's always a good ending to a deep fried meal. Parking with validation was only $1! For night time it's $4 flat rate after 4 pm. Amazing how their quality year after year stays the same though and packed as ever! Glad that we get to enjoy the Katsu once in awhile.

Heard so much about this place so when we were able to end work earlier, we arrived around 3:30 PM to put our name down on the waitlist. We were the 9th group in line and the last group to make it in for the 4 PM dining hour. We ordered the mixed katsu set along with the 1 lb katsu. The waitress went around giving us hand towels and then delivered us the side dishes (pickled cucumbers, ume and cabbage). Our sesame seeds arrived and we quickly got to grinding and adding in our tonkatsu sauce. Our katsu took about 15-20 minutes to arrive and we really enjoyed it with the tonkatsu sauce in the red container. The other one was a bit too salty for us (so keep that in mind!) Some sound out dishes besides the katsu itself were the Shiso seaweed rice as well as the red miso soup with clams. The red miso had a nice tang to it compared to the white miso. Overall, it was a great experience!

A very kind friend snagged me a reservation at Tonkatsu Tamafuji (we think it might've been a last-minute cancellation) and I'm so grateful, because this restaurant is AMAZING. Food: I ordered the 180g jyukusei pork loin katsu set, and it was so good. It tasted like katsu I had when I visited Japan. It's crisp, tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, and it doesn't taste too heavy or oily at all. I loved getting to grind the sesame seeds and mix our own katsu sauce - the fresh ground sesame made a big difference in the taste. The katsu sauce had the perfect sweetness and tang to uplift the katsu. Adding a tiny bit of the mustard gave it a nice kick, too. The set also comes with choice of miso soup, choice of rice, and a set of pickled vegetables. I chose the red miso with tofu and seaweed and the seasoned mixed rice. The miso was bold in flavor and so comforting. The mixed rice was a nice blend of textures and flavors that still paired well with the katsu. The pickled veg were all good, but the gobo was my favorite. The cabbage is so tasty, too - the thin strips give it a light, crisp texture that carries the roasted sesame dressing so well. The hojicha at the end of the meal was so good. It had a deep, roasted, nutty flavor and felt almost cleansing at the end of the meal. Service: The staff was very attentive, greeting us as we entered, giving us a hot towel for our hands, answering any questions we had, and coming back to refill our cabbage. Ambiance: Casual with a charming vibe. It's pretty crowded with tables, which are always full, of course, but it still isn't too loud in there somehow! It's a good spot to catch up with a friend and enjoy a wonderful meal :-) Etc: Parking available under the building for a small fee

The line for dine in was over two hours so we opted for take out. Came back at 5pm for our order which took about 25 minutes. The tempura shrimp was our favorite. The tonkatsu unfortunately was very soggy at the bottom but crispy on top, we had picked it up and ate it right away. I would definitely give this place five stars if we ate inside, because I see they have the tonkatsu elevated on a little rack, and I believe that keeps it from getting soggy! The cabbage salad was delicious and finely shredded just how I like it! I loved the pickled veggies it comes with and inside the restaurant they have them available at the tables to grab as much as you want :)

My favorite dish here was the tenderloin. While the variety is great, Tonkatsu Ginza remains my top choice because I prefer their pork and find it to be crispier on the outside. The kids thought the shrimp was just okay, but it was one of my favorites. Just like at Ginza, the kids really enjoyed the cabbage salad! I'd definitely recommend making reservations. However, if you only have one chance to get tonkatsu, I would suggest Tonkatsu Ginza over this popular spot. A quick note: parking here is underground and costs $4 if you don't validate.

Last year I got to try Ginza. This year I got to try Tonkatsu Tamafuji and wow! There's definitely a difference. We couldn't get a reservation so we got there an hour before opening to put down our name. It was absolutely worth it. It seems like they sit tables in waves. If you're not part of the first group that gets seated, you might have to wait another hour. Make sure you're physically present with your whole group of else they won't sit you. I believe it was only street parking. We parked in front by a meter. The servers were so nice and checked on us frequently. They come around often to offer a refill on the cabbage. Highly recommend adding the sesame sauce and yuzu on the cabbage. -8.5oz Jyukusei pork loin set: 5/5!! My boyfriend and I shared the platter. We definitely could've gotten the bigger one. If you want to share, you should get another set of the miso soup and rice. The Hokkaido rice was white rice. The red miso soup was saltier while the white miso soup was lighter in flavor. The pork was soo crispy on the outside but unbelievably tender on the inside. The quality of the pork was top tier. -shrimp katsu: 5/5, I usually dislike the breading at some places because it's thick and not crispy. The breading on this was light, crispy, and it paired nicely with the shrimp. -pork tenderloin katsu sandwich: 5/5, we took this to go as a snack for later and oh my goodness. SO GOOD. The bread is nice and soft with a delicious katsu sauce. Then the pork itself was super tender.

Located just off the Waikiki strip, this Tonkatsu spot is a small hidden gem tucked away in a commercial business complex. Heads up: the restrooms are shared and outside, so plan accordingly. Reservations are tough to get. We showed up 45 minutes before opening to put our name down but were already around the 10th party in line. Definitely recommend arriving early--and if you have to wait, check out the bar downstairs to pass the time. I personally prefer this place over Ginza Barin. The tonkatsu here comes in thick, juicy cuts that really deliver on flavor. Plus, they offer unlimited cabbage and rice, which is always a bonus. Don't sleep on their oyster katsu--it's a must-try! The staff were friendly and accommodating, rounding out a great dining experience. If you're craving authentic tonkatsu in Waikiki, this is the spot.

Make reservations online because this place gets packed! Love that we got to grind our own sesame seeds and make our own dipping sauce. It reminded me of being back in Japan. Their katsu had a nice crispy breading on the outside and the meal was balanced well with the side cabbage salad, miso soup of your choice and rice of your choice. I like that the waitress comes by half way through the meal asking if we needed a refill on the cabbage salad. Overall, a very well balanced meal that we enjoyed very much while visiting Honolulu. Highly recommend.

Tonkatsu Tamafuji is one of the only restaurants I go to every time I'm in Oahu and I make it my mission every time to either try to secure a reservation online or wait in line. This restaurant has been consistently delicious while upholding the highest quality of ingredients. Cheese tonkatsu (5/5)- Decadent, crispy and cheesy. The katsu is always perfectly fried where each bite is bursting from the juiciness of the pork. Minced beef ball (5/5)- This is a must get because the beef is succulent and jam packed with flavor! Fried oysters (5/5)- juicy and very meaty. One of my boyfriend's favorite dishes here. If you haven't already checked out Tonkatsu Tamafuji, I highly recommend you change that.

Booked reservations the day reservations were available and still was only able to get a 4pm slot! We planned for it though, and just did a brunch and made it an early dinner day. Tonkatsu Tamafuji is probably one of the best tonkatsu places you'll get to try outside Japan! The katsu here is perfectly cooked with the light and crispy coating over a perfectly cooked pork. You grind your own sesame seeds for the sauce, and then pour a sauce of your choice (spicy or non-spicy) to blend. They also start you off with some pickled veggies which pairs well with the Katsu. Service was polite but unmemorable. Overall, worth trying while in Oahu but I don't think I'd wait hours here if I couldn't get reservations.

I've visited Japan several times, and Tonkatsu is hands-down one of my favorite Japanese dishes - I even named my dog after it - so I had high expectations coming in. I read all the rave reviews about how this spot is a must-visit for Tonkatsu lovers and how tough it can be to get a reservation. On our last day in Oahu, we decided to take a chance and showed up 30 minutes before they opened for dinner. There were already about seven parties ahead of us, but luckily, we were the last ones seated. I'd recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early - especially if you're in a larger group. The service was incredibly efficient and attentive, and the whole experience transported me back to Japan. They were very generous with sides and sauces (multiple miso soup options, which I've never seen before), and I really appreciated the unlimited cabbage salad - it's always the perfect balance to the richness of Tonkatsu. They also offer two types of rice, which is a nice touch. Personally, I prefer the simplicity of Japanese white rice, but I can see how others might enjoy the variety. I ordered the 180g Jyukusei Pork Loin Katsu Set. It was solid, but just okay for me I like my pork loin with a bit more fat and texture. While it wasn't the best I've ever had, it was still a respectable option, especially outside of Japan. Overall, it's a good spot. Well-executed and worth trying if you're nearby. I wouldn't necessarily center your itinerary around it, but if the timing works out, it's definitely a great option for a satisfying Tonkatsu fix.

When people talk about tonkatsu in Hawaii, Tamafuji is usually the first place people will recommend. It's difficult to get a reservation though and I was lucky that a friend had gotten one and invited me :) The tonkatsu here is of good quality and cooked perfectly. It's fried but you don't get that greasy feeling after eating fried food. There's refills on the rice and cabbage, and they have different rice you can choose from (all really great). Hands down my favorite tonkatsu on the island.

Overhyped, Just Okay My party of four was pleasantly surprised when we called to ask about walk-ins. Considering the reservation waitlist is supposedly over a year, we were shocked they could seat us at all. The wait for a walk-in was about 45 minutes, which honestly felt the same as any other popular spot, so I don't understand why people complain so much about it. The restaurant itself has a cute ambience, and you can see them frying katsu in big copper pots, which definitely added to the excitement. I ordered the aged pork (medium size). They first brought us sesame seeds with a rustic grinder stick to make the sauce, plus hot towels before the meal, which I appreciated as a nice authentic Japanese touch. That said, from the time we got our sesame seeds until our food actually arrived was very long... almost another 45 minutes. And when it did arrive, the katsu was... just okay. I expected it to be crispier. Maybe my expectations were too high since I had Nana Ai Katsu the week before, which was hands-down the crispiest katsu I've had on the island (and a less hyped spot). The aged pork tasted like any other pork (nothing special) and it was a bit dry. My husband got the mixed katsu plate, and I tried the oyster katsu. That was actually the standout of the whole meal. I would consider coming back just for that. Overall, I don't really get the hype. Service wasn't great either. The lady serving us was a bit harsh and rushed us through our orders. For the long wait, average food, and underwhelming service, I'd say save your money and try one of the many other katsu places on the island. There are tons of options that deliver just as good (if not better) food without the fuss.

This place was phenomenal! I love how from the moment you step in, you are transported straight out of Hawaii and into Japan! The service was fast and efficient and I love how they spoke Japanese to us and then translated in English. It's a small touch but it made the experience that much more authentic. The decoration was authentic as well! Ok now the food! They started us with a pickled veggies and salty plums. I loved the veggies, the salty plum might be an acquired taste. It was quite salty. The tonkatsu pork was the star of the night! The outside was light and flaky and the inside was juicy and perfectly cooked. They give you a sesame grinder and sauce to use with the pork. I'd highly recommend the place but the reservation system is 2-3 months in advance. Book early!

Beware - this place is popular and wait times can be up to 1.5 hours without reservation!! I randomly chose this restaurant without reading reviews. I came with my husband late on a weekday night. There's some street parking available but looks like there might be a paid lot available. The restaurant is on the top floor of the building and there's a clipboard to add yourself to the waitlist. I was surprised watching everyone come out with lots of leftovers in big brown bags after eating. I cannot get over this experience. I've had katsu before but not at this level! First you decide which katsu entree you want then you decide what rice and soup combination you prefer. I didn't know what rice to pick and the server offered to get me one of each kind of rice. My husband and I picked one of each kind of miso (white & red). After the order was placed, the servers provide a hot towel to wipe your hands. They then bring the pickled veggies and sesame seeds to grind. When the food came out of the kitchen, the table side service from the servers was so friendly and professional. The attention to detail these servers give was top notch. Just the gesture of the server putting a napkin over you to prevent the sauce from splattering you really impressed me. The rice & cabbage salad were refillable which the servers were very observant when you were getting low. Now I understand why people were coming out with lots of leftovers when there's so much to eat! Luckily my husband & I came hungry and ate everything provided to us. Overall a great experience to have! This definitely sets the bar high for future katsu experiences.

If you don't have a reservation, but don't mind waiting, you can get in!! On Memorial weekend, Sunday, I had a party of 5. We arrived at 5:10 PM and put our name on the list. There were about 8 smaller parties ahead of us, and we waited 1 hr and 45 minutes to be seated. Parking in the lot below is $4. Honestly the wait is worth it. If you don't mind waiting, don't stress about reservations, and just do walk in. In my opinion, Tonkatsu Tamafuji has better katsu than places I've had in Japan.

We were lucky enough to get reservations! I kept checking months in advance to try to get one so I can finally try this place out. Something finally opened up and I was so excited! We arrived 15 min before our reservation and checked in. We immediately were seated at our table. We ordered right away. It was my first time so I wasn't sure what to do with the sesame seeds but the people I was with went before and explained that you have to grind it down fine and then add your katsu sauce to it. I ordered the katsu pork with the oysters. The breading was light and the meat and oysters were just perfect! My favorite was the oysters. I would go back again just for that. I also had no idea they did bento take out orders! That's such a great option for when you are wanting a plate but aren't able to get reservations.

FOOD: 3 SERVICE: 4 AMBIANCE: 3 VALUE: 4 Honestly, this place is OK, the tonkatsu was good (not great) and the service was good. We arrived just before 4PM, put our name down for a table of 2. We were number 9 on the walk-in waitlist. When they opened at 4PM, they let all the "reservations" in plus "walk-ins" up to number 7. We, #9, had to wait 2hrs before we were seated. Honestly, there were several empty tables for 2 available 1/2 hour before we were seated. We both ordered their Jjukusei Pork Loin set (6.4oz/180g) set. You get unlimited pickled set (plum/cabbage/combu), your choice of rice, miso soup and unlimited shaved cabbage. The pork tonkatsu itself was a little thick, which required a little more frying time to beyond golden and a little more brown. The meat was neither tender nor tough, but also nothing special. The beading was not particularly memorable, not too thick. Overall, the tonkatsu was good, just not spectacular and definitely not worth waiting 2 hours for. Try to score a reservation or come early enough to be waitlist #6 or lower.

Make reservations even if it's months out!!! So u don't need to wait in line. Food was so good! Staff was so quick and friendly. Fast paced but pretty chill environment. I was sitting close to the party next to me but I couldn't read the txt on their phone so I guess not that close . Must go at least once in your life. The food is pretty much deep fried if ur in a diet don't go there and complain.

What makes Tonkatsu Tamafuji stand out, even aside from its world class tonkatsu, is that everything from the appetizers to the salad dressing to the tonkatsu sauce is amazing and made with so much care and attention. There are no short cuts and you can tell it's all made in house. Their tonkatsu sauce is excellent. They give you a little bowl of sesame seeds and let you grind it up yourself at the table, which was a fun activity for my kids and kept them occupied for five minutes, ha. Then you mix a little bit of tonkatsu sauce in from the two jars on the table: one sauce is saltier and one is slightly sweet. I liked the one that was slightly sweet best, which pairs perfectly with all the katsu. My 3 year old probably consumed an entire bowl of just the sauce; it was that good. Each tonkatsu set comes with a bowl of miso soup and after my first sip, I realized it's been a long time since I had had miso soup that didn't come a package. It was light, flavor-packed and comforting. Now to the mains: we got the pork loin 10 oz size, the pork tenderloin, and the chicken katsu. Our favorite of the two pork dishes was the pork loin, which was juicy and tender. Their breading is amazingly flaky and light tasting, in spite of being fried. I really don't know how to make it so flaky. Our kids were fans of the chicken. Each main dish comes with a generous portion of delicately shredded cabbage, which you can then douse with either a house-made sesame based dressing or a ponzu dressing. Both were delicious, and they have unlimited refills of the cabbage salad! If I could, I'd eat here every time we visit Oahu! For us, it helped to go early to put our name down so we wouldn't have to wait as long with our kids. They also do takeout for those who don't want to brave the line!

Tonkatsu was scrumptious along with every delicious part of our meal. Staff was friendly and courteous. We made reservations online and were promptly seated for our dinner when we arrived. The restaurant was cozy and great for a date! Thanks!

Plan ahead with reservation. Quaint restaurant with very courteous service. Not rushed or packed. The dining experience is very enjoyable. The staff answered my question about the menu and is so polite and genuine. Food is delicious. Pork tonkatsu has great crunch, oyster is flakey battered, shrimp also flakey. Loved the shredded salad with the sesame dressing. The white miso with seafood is also tasty and smooth. The whole meal is excellent and flavors so tasty. It's fun to grind own sesame bowl for the tonkatsu sauce. The aroma is strong. Recommend to come on any visit on this island.

We decided to order take out on a Sunday afternoon. Food was delicious. We got our food right away when we go there. Service was excellent as usual. Great place to go to when you want tonkatsu.

I never like Japanese pork chop before I came to try this Tamafuji. The outside coating is light and fluffy . Inside the pork tenderloin is juicy and flavorful. We tried their fried oyster too and it is absolutely delicious! I wish I could eat more ... but I couldn't! Reservation was made 6 months ago cause we have a big table for 8 people . The pork loin is not as tender and juicy as the pork tenderloin. The process of grinding your own sesame and added the solution to make a paste are very different experiences. The meat comes with unlimited supply of rice ( 3 kinds to choose from ) . Soup is white miso with seafood ! We were in heaven !

Had the opportunity to try Tamafuji fresh as opposed to take out like last time and well worth the effort. Parking underneath the building after 4 pm is $4 flat rate. Service was excellent. Incredibly attentive without being overbearing, when I dropped my chopsticks, a new pair arrived immediately. Consistently checked if we wanted more rice or cabbage. Tonkatsu was perfectly fried--delicious, dark and crispy. The tsukemono (Japanese house pickled vegetables). Inside the restaurant, the decor is simple but gives you a flavor of what it's like to eat in an authentic Japanese restaurant. Debating making a reservation soon. If you don't have one, it can be over a two hour wait. Would absolutely go back.

The wait was a little long so we to go ordered and the quality was still really good. A classic and simple meal, but hit the spot. The katsu wasn't dry, it was crispy, and in my opinion, a good thickness. It came with a katsu sauce and a mustard. A small dip in the mustard then katsu sauce was the ultimate combo. Came with some pickled veggies, miso soup, and cabbage salad. I loved their cabbage salad! Their dressing for that was really good and it helped balance out the meal.

One of my favorite stops in Oahu. Luckily my friends made a reservation, but they take walk-ins as well. For the quality, details, and overall experience - the price is very fair! This place must be on your Oahu plans. It was ~30 per katsu set. I got the Shrimp and Oyster option, and traded a piece of tenderloin for an oyster with my friend. 100/10 option for a seafood girly. The sauces were perfect pairings and the katsu was amazing. Our group was too happy about the unlimited cabbage salad as well, I'm always sad about skimpy vegetables when dining out.

Came here on Sunday for lunch. I was able to get a seat after a 15 min wait without a reservation. I think weekend lunch is best bet without a reservation. I heard otherwise you have to reserve 6 months - 1 year in advance.... I got the pork loin Katsu Teishoku and the homemade minced pork Katsu. Both were delicious with a crispy outside and the meat was very soft and juicy. You get a variety of picked food which included burdock root, pickled plum, and picked cabbage. It also comes with miso soup and rice which you choose the type. I got the seasoned mixed rice and akadashi miso soup with seaweed and tofu.. The inside was clean and spacious. The waiting staff was very friendly.

My family loves this place. Their online reservations can be hectic where they are booked up for 2 years. We recently were able to snag a reservation for dinner. Their tonkatsu are good and fresh. However they did got noticeably smaller in size. The portion got a little smaller and the price for a dish did raise up quite a bit. The wait for our order was also pretty long, around 30+ minutes.

This was our first time at Tonkatsu Tamafuji, and let me just say--it absolutely lived up to the hype. We waited about an hour as walk-ins, but it was more than worth it. From the moment we were greeted, the staff was warm, attentive, and incredibly helpful. The cozy, minimalist space adds to the charm--small but thoughtfully designed, with an inviting, authentic atmosphere. Now, onto the food--the true highlight. The meal began with a refreshing trio: lightly pickled cucumber, plum, and cabbage. Each bite had a gentle tang that cleansed the palate without overpowering--simple, delicate, and packed with flavor. We were able to choose one rice and miso soup each with our entrée. Both my husband and I went with the seaweed rice, which was savory with a subtle sweetness that paired beautifully with the richness of the katsu. For soup, I opted for the white miso with tofu and seaweed--mild, silky, and comforting. My husband chose the red miso with clams, which offered a deeper, more umami-forward flavor. Both were excellent in their own way. For mains, I had the pork loin and chicken katsu with cheese--perfectly fried with a crunchy, golden crust and juicy interior. The cheese on the chicken added a creamy richness that was next-level. My husband ordered the fried oysters and pork tenderloin, and both were flawless--the oysters crisp on the outside, briny and tender inside; the tenderloin melt-in-your-mouth soft. We couldn't resist ordering the pork katsu sando on the side, and I'm so glad we did. Buttery soft milk bread, crisp pork cutlet, and a touch of sauce--simple, satisfying, and addictive. This spot is officially a staple for us whenever we visit Oahu. If you're craving top-tier tonkatsu with thoughtful details and standout sides, Tonkatsu Tamafuji should be at the top of your list.

Had dinner with my boyfriend at Tonkatsu Tamafuji and the food never disappoints! We made these reservations about 5months in advance and just hoped the date would end up working out. To make reservations you just need to check their website randomly. Without reservations expect to wait at 1-3hours on any given day. The restaurant is pretty small so the walk-ins are pretty limited. Food- katsu was tender and juicy. Panko is super flakey. Very comparable to what you would get in Japan. You also get unlimited cabbage and rice. There are also picked veggies as a starter that gets placed on each table. Two different katsu sauces to choose from and you get to grate your own sesame seeds. Service- there are a lot of servers and food came out pretty fast. This wasn't my first visit and will definitely not be the last!

Food is amazing but the waitlist system is pretty inefficient. We had 4 parties ahead of us when we arrived and waited 3.5 hours to eat. They left a lot of tables empty for good periods of time just to be available for reservations and they also seemed extremely short staffed. The tonkatsu was really tender and juicy and I loved the katsu sauce. I enjoyed the white miso more than the red, and felt the portion of rice they served was really small even for someone who eats less than average. I probably wouldn't wait 3.5 hours again for this although it was a very very good katsu. Reservations otherwise are extremely difficult to get.

It's nearly impossible to get a reservation because they get booked out months in advance BUT if you get there ~1 hour 15 min before opening to put your name on the waitlist you'll likely get in the first wave of seating! My boyfriend and I were #2 on the walk-in waitlist we barely made the cut for first seating. Might feel a little crazy for going that early until you see all the other foodies who didn't get a resy also waiting :) Not to be dramatic but the oyster katsu changed my life wow. The tenderloin katsu melts in your mouth like no other. Better than ginza bairin. You can choose different types of rice and red/white miso soup with the sets. Comes out to ~$30 per katsu set before tax/tip. Go here!

This place absolutely lives up to the hype! I made a reservation here months and months ago, there were a few walk ins I noticed but this is a place where I would want a reservation! The katsu was light and perfect, came with miso soup and rice. Also came with some fun pickled vegetables! Service was super quick and efficient! We parked in the small parking garage, $4 cash or there is a QR code to pay for parking if you don't carry cash.

Ordered tonkatsu meal set, it took a while to serve. Then it was very soggy on the bottom, it was quite unacceptable, told two servers and they did nothing. My wife ordered the tempura and it was good. When we get back, found they over charged to 180 instead of 100. Given this is a popular restaurant, this is quite terrible.

The food was delicious and great service! me and my friend loved it so much, best tonkatsu place in Hon

Res recommended. One of our favorite meals in Oahu. There is an elevator off to the side (we had a stroller). It was super hot waiting outside for our table (walk-in), quoted 15-20 but we were sat closer to 30 mins. We tried the combos w pork and oyster, pork and shrimp. The tonkatsu tastes extra crispy and yet the meat is still so tender, they were short staffed on a weekday evening but peak time, there are plenty of customers willing to wait for a table. It's worth it!

Wow, best tonkatsu ever! I ordered the 2 pork loin with 2 shrimp tonkatsu meal. The tonkatsu was crispy and light. Both the pork tenderloin and shrimp were moist with every bite. The meal came with a choice of rice (Ume, white or brown, or an Edamame mixture. The thinly shredded cabbage salad was delicious paired with their house made miso dressing. They also serve burdock root (gobo), a mild type of kim chee, and ume plum to add to your dish. The fun part was mixing the sesame seeds in a little bowl to create your tonkatsu sauce. This place is a must try if you're in the Waikiki area. Try to make a reservation or you will be waiting a while. Or do what I did, arrive a little before they open and add your name to the waitlist. Cheers!

From the two Tonkatsu-specialty restaurants my girlfriend and I tried on our trip to Oahu, Tonkatsu Tamafuji was by far better in terms of taste, service, and price. Located on the second floor of a small shopping center, Tamafuji is a small and quaint restaurant that seats ~12 tables. We came in on a Monday at 4:30 and luckily were seated right away. By the time we finished our meal, there was a large crowd outside so I suggest coming early if you didn't get a reservation. Before the tonkatsu came out, we were given a suribachi (pestle and mortar) with sesame seeds to which we grinded them and added a tonkatsu sauce of our choice, either the sweet or original. Small sides (tsukemono) of pickled plum, cabbage, and roasted burdock root were set tableside, with the burdock root being our favorite. We ordered the Jyukusei Pork Loin Katsu (300 g) and the Sizzling Plate Miso Sauce Loin Set. Each set came with a choice of rice and miso soup. I chose the red miso clam and shiso/seaweed rice while my girlfriend got the white miso clam and Nanatsuboshi rice. While the soups were excellent, the highlights of the dinner were of course the tonkatsu. The juicy and refined aged flavor of the pork, with the contrasting crunch from the perfectly fried panko, to the slight sourness and nuttiness of the sesame-tonkatsu sauce worked together in harmony to give each bite a flavor explosion. This paired with the fresh cabbage, rice, and tsukemono made each bite more irresistable. The miso sauce wasn't as heavy or salty as I expected it to be; rather it was a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slight smokiness from the sizzling plate. This was easily the best tonkatsu I have ever had in my life. 9.8/10 The service was amazing as well. We were seated immediately (since we arrived early) and were given a detailed explanation about how to order, what the suribachi was for, and what the tsukemono options were. I loved how frequently they came to refill our cabbage and rice during the meal. 9.5/10 This is one of two places I will 100% come back to if I'm ever in Oahu again. Overall: 9.6/10

Artisanal.... That's how I would describe this restaurant, The panko is freshly made, the pork is aged, the copper pots and in house oil blend used for frying come together to create a masterful tonkatsu experience. The accompanying rice, miso, sides and sauces brings the whole experience together. Reservations are recommended to be made in advance. Street parking. Casual. Good service. Please come and create your own experience.

I have been to tonkatsu tamafuji one other time many years ago when they only had a walk in option with minimum 2-3 hour wait. Well this Wednesday, some friends remembered they had made reservations over 6 months ago for four and we got to bypass the line and res queue! We had the 7pm slot, and were seated around 7:20pm once all the 5pm reservations were cleared. Aside from our clothes smelling like fry oil upon the end of the meal, the ambiance and small cozy eatery feel was awesome. The tonkatsu plates are not cheap, but they do offer 3 different pork sizes, and the bottomless salad and rice make the largest (300g) loin a great deal--I took home half my meal and sides for lunch the next day! As always, the mortaring your own sesame seeds for katsu sauce is a great interactive activity. Prior to our meal, we were also served a variety of pickled vegetables, miso soup, and a diverse beer list. The tonkatsu itself was crispy, juicy and flavorful--allegedly because of their copper woks and oil--but you can be the judge. My understanding is you can make reservations now 2 months in advance, which will help to not misplaced them!! Or walk in and wait like the rest of the peasants lol.

Friends have suggested this place and hyped this place up and it is totally worth the hype. They release reservations about a month in advance so I tried my best to snag one when they were released. I managed to get an 8:30 pm reservation for two. We arrived there earlier than our reservation time, checked in with the hope of being seated earlier, and thankfully we were seated after five minutes. I was under the impression that they only did reservations, but it looked like there were people walking in and waiting outside to be seated. The restaurant is small and the service is spectacular. We loved the experience and it was so similar to the hospitality in Japan. We ordered the mizore pork loin katsu with white miso and mixed rice and the oyster/shrimp katsu set with red miso and mixed rice. The food was delicious and we enjoyed the sides before the meal was served. The prices are also pretty affordable for what you get. We were stuffed by the end of it. We definitely would go again.

Another amazing dinner at Tonkatso Tamafuji. we were lucky to score reservations for this day on the online reservation system. And , that is not an easy task. Those waiting for "walk up" were there for about 2 hours to get a table according to them. When we were seated, we got a hot towel for our hands and an introduction to the menu. Service was nice, unpretentious and very Japanese formal. The condiments were explained and served as well as the sesame seeds which you personally hand grind at the table. Side salad and rice (3 choices) were unlimited if you want more. The tonkatsu was excellent and this time I ordered the Sizzling Plate Miso Sauce Pork Loin Katsu Set. About 5 pieces of pork on a super hot sizzing platter. the taste was so wonderful and cooked perfectly. No need to add any sauce really, but there were two kinds of sauce to add to your liking. Again, service was great, and the place was super reminiscent of the traditional places that we have been in Japan so you feel like you have been transported if at least for a few hours. Highly recommend if you have the chance to score reservations.

A two hour wait worth waiting for...the oyster katsu was SO worth it. We arrived Monday night around 6pm, and didn't expect the wait to be 2 hours but there were lots of reservations & take-outs which extended our wait. Service was great but busy - free refills on rice and cabbage salad. The miso soup (choose out of 4 options), tonkatsu sauce and pickled sides were delicious to enjoy with the main meal - the oyster and pork loin combo was delicious! The tempura is fried to perfection, SO crispy and hot ..and the katsu sauce adds a sweet and sour tang! We were STUFFED , esp w the cabbage refills, but so satisfied!

Second time around is better than the first time and the time after that for this awesome tonkatsu eatery in Honolulu! Two months before going we tried to get a reservation with no luck so went an hour early and put our name down on the wait list. Got lucky and a cancellation got us on the first wave during a busy Sunday. Love the presentation of the food and great service by the staff here. I had the pork tenderloin katsu set that comes with three tender pieces of pork with a very nice panko batter covering the juicy pieces of pork. Each set comes with a choice of three varieties of miso soup (I always lean toward the red miso), three different styles of rice (we like the seasoned mix rice with tiny chopped pieces of fresh veggies) and a pile of cabbage (refills are free!). We also got the mizore (oroshi grated daikon) pork loin katsu set. No matter what dish you get and we've had several in the past you can't go wrong! The interior of the restaurant is no huge and I really like the open kitchen concept where you can watch the cooks in action. If you go at peak hours expect to wait but time it right after each wave and you might score a table quicker than you think!

So we were on our annual trip to Hawaii and decided we wanted to try a tonkatsu place that we had not been to. We had heard about Tamafuji for a while but had never made our way so we finally bit the bullet and showed up 45 minutes before open time (because of the lines we heard about). Parking can be done on the street and they also have a parking lot under the complex that offers discounted parking when you get a stamp at the restaurant. We made our way to the second floor and saw a sign in board where we were able to put down our names. We were not first on the list but it wasn't nearly as bad as i thought. The line certainly did pick up exponentially each 5- 10 minute increment so probably still a good idea to show up at least 30 minutes before open time if you want to be seated in the first batch. The service was friendly/efficient and the moment you step in you can smell the delicious katsu smell in those large copper pots. The menu is pretty vast and broken down by cuts of meat, seafood and even styles (cooked in dashi or having grated daikon on top). We ordered the tender loin 4 pc set and the pork loin katsu 240 g set. the joint provides Japanese pickles (delish) as a part of the meal and each set comes with rice and your choice of miso soup (we chose red). The Katsu is so fluffy and the batter so light while the meat being so tender. honestly insane. the rice is also crazy super quality rice and absolutely delicious with the red miso being deep in its flavors and contrasting well against the katsu. honestly words will not describe how delicious this place is. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this joint for anyone looking for proper katsu. skip Ginza bairin and come here to check it out. One item on a side note... whatever you wear will smell like katsu for the day :). not a big deal but just for those who are sensitive to smell! Check it out!

If you can't make a reservation 6 months out, then I definitely recommend coming right as they open to our your name down! We put our names down a little before 5pm (they open at 4pm) on a Thursday and it was about a 2hr wait for 5 people. So we went and did some shopping and then came back around the time they told us to. They don't give you a phone call or anything, they just give you a 15min time frame for when to check back in. We planned ahead knowing it was going to be a long wait time and thankfully still ate around a reasonable dinner time. The service was super quick and friendly and the food was delicious!