ZIGU

The fishes were very fresh and good. Not super impressed with the special dishes and the cucumber salad. Overall it’s pretty good sushi place and I think their sushi/ sashimi special dish would be my suggestion since all the fishes we ordered were good. And their servers were really nice and exhausted, we had great time there

I think this is a fantastic restaurant with delicious food, great service, and reasonable prices for Honolulu! Everything we ordered was flavorful, especially the tuna, which was high quality. The tempura mushroom was outstanding—one of the best I’ve ever had—large, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The sushi was decent, but the other dishes stood out even more. Overall, a great dining experience!

I had sushi there and it was very good, also very much enjoyed the red wine. The location is good because we can walk around to see beautiful places after the meal. The lady who was taking care of my order, she was very nice, polite and friendly.

Seated quickly and greeted warmly. Frequent check ins. Unique local twist on Japanese cuisine. Has to be familiar enough for international visitors yet stellar enough to stand out for a vacation experience. They nailed it!

I recently had the chance to visit ZIGU and was truly impressed by the quality of service. The staff were not only friendly but also very attentive. One small but memorable moment was when a staff member noticed our family wanted to take a photo — they kindly offered to help and even brought a flash light to make sure the picture turned out great. That level of thoughtfulness is rare and greatly appreciated. As for the food, I especially loved the Hawaiian Ahi Cutlet – crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. Another standout was the Cold Spicy TanTan Kale Noodle – the mix of spicy and chilled flavors was refreshing and unique. ZIGU is not just a place to enjoy delicious food; it’s a place that helps create beautiful memories. If you ever visit Honolulu, don’t miss out on the experience here.

High praise to Zigu for using some local produce in their menu. Overall, recommended to try to taste the local flavors and fresh produce while staying at Waikīkī. Good: Zigu’s tofu was great! Probably one of the better homemade or local tofu I had in my life! But, the pork on top was way spicer than expected. Only for spicy connoisseurs. The local watercress is on point, everything you’d expect from the freshest watercress. The balance of yuzu and sesame oil was great along with crunchy and soft watercress. Must try for veggie lovers. If I can choose, I’d return to this restaurant for this alone if I am back in Waikiki. Okay: The cucumber was too mushy for my liking. Maybe it was a bad harvest or sat out too long for that day. I thought Hawaiian local cucumbers were juicy and crunchy,,, didn’t receive this impression at all. Ahi katsu didn’t really have any elements beyond what you’d expect(for what you are paying). The basics were covered with fresh tuna, decent breading, but once again, nothing mind blowing. Kale salad probably could be lightly broiled, dunked in cold water afterward for extra softness and slight crunch.

The best Japanese restaurant we have tried in Waikiki! We ordered a watercress salad, a spicy cold soba,and grilled salmon. All soooooo good! Will definitely come again.

Outstanding Japanese izakaya. Truly felt and tasted authentic. The spicy chilled soba was godly, the Hawaiian ahi cutlet was fresh, the spicy tuna roll with the blue fin tuna specifically (catch of the day) melted like butter, and the mochiko fried chicken was perfectly crisp. The service was excellent, and the waitstaff were incredibly knowledgeable and efficient. Tip to future patrons: the kitchen is obviously on the smaller side, so please don’t expect dishes to arrive simultaneously at the speed of light as you would expect from bigger restaurants. Patience is a virtue.

We love Zigu. Our first visit was five years ago, and we loved it so much we put it on the calendar for our next trip. This time we were in Waikiki for six nights and had dinner at Zigu three of them. Service is excellent, every time. We particularly liked sitting at the bar with other East coast Zigu-stans. Our favorites from the menu and specials: Ginger pork Ahi cutler with kale Tempura mushrooms Cucumber salad Egg rolled omelette And of course all of the sashimi Definitely a do not miss when in Waikiki.

The food looked really good on the previous reviews so we decided to give this place a try. We walked in and it looked pretty busy, the host told us it would be about a 10 minute wait but I think we waited less than 5 mins. Our server was very kind. (I think her name is Candace? or Cadence) To be honest the food looks better than it tasted but it wasn't bad. We ordered the hawaiian ahi cutlet and it was a bit dry. The kale tasted pretty good tho! We also ordered shrimp tempura and otoro. The otoro tasted the best out of the three :)

Cute spot for happy hour or dinner tucked away in the heart of Waikiki! The staff were very attentive and the food and drinks came out quickly. A lot of great izakaya dishes on the menu here with a farm to table approach and quite a few healthier items especially for vegetarians and pescatarians. Favorite dishes were Hawaiian Vegetable Roll, Local Farm Red Skin Sweet Potato Salad, Hawaiian Ahi Cutlet, and Chilled Kale Noodle. I'd say skip their Homemade Haupia Anmitsu...definitely not what I was expecting when it comes to the anmistu dessert I've had elsewhere.

Finally got to try this place after putting it off for the last year. Made a reservation through opentable, but they had a lot of open seats. The restaurant itself has a pretty cool and dark inside bar. We were seated outside, which was nice also. We ordered the mochiko chicken, shrimp & vegetable tempura, spicy chilled soba, & chilled natto soba. I would definitely recommend the spicy chilled soba if you like a little kick! Our server, David, was what made our first visit worthwhile. He was super friendly & you could tell he really loves his job. He did amazing at making us, and all his customers, feel welcome. I would definitely recommend asking for David as your server if you ever stop by. You won't regret it!

We came here during Happy Hour for the Mochiko chicken and ended up ordering the assorted shrimp and vegetable tempura and the pipikaula with potato salad (not on Happy Hour menu) too. Very few customers around 5 PM so no wait. Mochiko chicken wasn't particularly memorable but the smoked mayonnaise made a delicious dip. The pipikaula salad was a potato salad that came with thin slices of Naruto fish cakes, crispy root vegetable shreds, and 2 pieces of pipikaula (dried and salted beef jerky). The tempura consisted of 2 pieces of shrimp and vegetables that I think were bitter melon, cucumber, and possibly kabocha squash. These were appropriately crispy and came with a sweet soy sauce for dipping as well as mashed daikon on the side as a palate cleanser.

To make this experience memorable ASK TO SIT with DAVID ! He was amazing and made my dinning experience and birthday nothing short of phenomenal. His attention to detail and meticulousness in ensuring we had a great time WAS UNMATCHED!! Sake was exceptional I loved the tuxedo sake super smooth! Otoro special for sashimi was worth every penny ! Sadly they ran out of ahi steak but I heard it's bomb! This place is a definite must try!! Vibes or also on point! **** David brought out a freakin carousel of candles and a sparkler !? Who does that!? THE ULTIMATE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! *** How to make a great experience: 1. Sit with David. Your birthday will be the bomb; like mine was 2. Order the special sashimi of the day 3. Order chilled kale noodles so sexy and yummy 4. Get a spicy salmon or tuna roll Thank me later !

I understand why it was among the best izakaya in Hawaii in the Honolulu magazine. We appreciated they are a Japanese Izakaya using local products. It gave such a specific touch to the meals Service was amazing, our waiter was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. The cocktails were good and the islander saké is a must to try The food was amazing ! The fish was fresh and well paired in the rolls and the mochiko chicken was tasty I will go again, they had too many good food to try

Zigu is a cozy Japanese restaurant just off Seaside road. The place is clean but in a bit of disrepair. The chairs and seats are all wobbly (or maybe the floor is uneven). Either way, things get spilled. Anyway, the service is wonderful. Very friendly and fast (food came out in 5 mins or less). The food: Fried chicken was excellent. Served very hot and perfectly cooked. Tender with the right amount of breading and seasoning. The chilled spicy soba was fantastic and flavorful. We left the raw egg out, but the soba and meats in there were excellent. They're not kidding about spicy so be prepared. The ahi cutlet was good. The fish was fresh and the various sauces were good. Even the kale was good, and I'm really not a kale guy. The agedashi tofu was just ok. Way too much sauce and ginger overpowered the flavor. I probably wouldn't order this one again.

This adorable sushi place was buzzing with energy on a Saturday night, and it's easy to see why! We ordered a couple of dishes, sashimi, and a roll (the names slipped my mind, but you can see them in the pictures). Everything we tried was fresh and flavorful, showcasing the quality of their ingredients and attention to detail. The service was another highlight--the waiter was incredibly nice and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout the meal despite how busy it was. The only thing that didn't hit the mark for me was the rice sake (I think that's what it was). It just wasn't to my taste, and I ended up not finishing it. Overall, it's a cute spot worth visiting for the sushi, great vibes, and excellent service. Just maybe skip the rice sake if it's not your thing!

Came here for restaurant week, and it was my first time dining at this restaurant/izakaya. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, service, and the most important part... the FOOD! The only gripe I have is that the portion could've been a little bigger because the food was delicious so naturally anyone would want to indulge in more right? Btw the parking is located at the hyatt centric right after you pass Ross on seaside Avenue. Zigu will validate your parking ticket. All the more reason to visit here! Definitely check em out!

Unfortunately this being the first date since our honeymoon I was looking forward to a good dinner. Reviews were promising. We were one of only two parties to walk in when they opened and I had a reservation - but they seated us immediately next to the other party - the entire restaurant was open so I asked if we could be seated even one table away so we had some privacy and they would not. A little while later another party came in and they sat them in another section so that didn't add up. Soon flies crowded our space as we were seated outside even tho there were seats inside not taken. Someone brought out a fan to place at our small table top that kept bumping into us as we ate - he mentioned that right around this time every night flies would come. I wondered why they wouldn't just seat us inside knowing that... I am giving this a 2 star review because 1) our first appetizer was delicious / the sweet potato salad, and 2) our server was nice. It was happy hour with discounted rates and somehow the total came out to $160ish - I wasn't aware but my Diet Coke was $5 and they charged me per refill... hate that! At least would've loved a warning. We got the assorted tempura which was okay - also got the spicy salmon roll which looked good in others photos but the color of the salmon was off putting / various shades of pink, orange and grey... taste was "different" / wouldn't not order again. We ordered the ahi katsu which seemed to be a favorite of peoples orders - the ahi was all grey - GREY! And did not taste fresh. So much "tartar" - not very good, and raw kale - and so much of it on the plate - just not appetizing. Wouldn't order again. Lastly we ordered the steak of the day which was a sizzling sirloin for $55... which I wouldn't have minded paying if it was good. We ordered it medium rare and the ends were more than well done (so well done it was dry and peeling/flaking), and the other pieces were medium well... disappointing. The flavor of the ponzu was nice and the side of regular white rice I ordered was good, but so disappointed with the steak. I was hoping to end that meal with a good taste, because I love a good steak, but was sadly unable to. Best part of the meal was the potato salad. Sadly only good part of the meal. Walked away $200 later after leaving tip, but not satisfied and sad it kind of ruined what could've been a nice date night. I don't mind paying a high price for good food, so now I just feel cheated.

Zigu is a quaint restaurant on Seaside/Kuhio. [Taken from their website] "Here at ZIGU, we believe the key to running a successful restaurant is to serve fresh local ingredients. We cook in a Japanese style using only ingredients found here in Hawaii. You'll enjoy authentic Japanese cooking and sake either inside our cozy interior or outside our spacious courtyard terrace". Indoor and outdoor (covered) seating available, as is bar seating. Simple Japanese decor with mood lighting. All of their staff were super friendly and nice! David was serving and manning the front. He was personable drumming up outside business and welcoming guests as they came in. He was also a fellow San Josean from California. It was fun talking with him. Candace S, who was our bartender/server. She was so fun to talk with! She was personable, perky, had a great sense of humor and had a great smile & laugh! She made our visit such a memorable time. We ordered a few dishes off their Happy Hour menu. Sumida Farm Watercress And Tofu Salad: served with fried soba and tangy onion vinegrette (4/5). The watercress was crunchy, slightly bitter, but the dressing was delicious. This had a lot of flavor, different textures of crunchiness, creaminess, etc. Mochiko Fried Chicken: served smoked mayo with pickled radish (4/5). Perfectly fried to a crisp golden brown. The chicken was juicy. The smoked mayo with pickled radish was so good. Shrimp And Local Vegetable Tempura (5/5). Delicately fried with a light batter that added great crunch without being too oily or heavy. The locally used vegetables were superb. Yuzu Beer: "Local Beer" With Japanese Yuzu Infused Sake (5/5). Not really a local beer...LOL but, oh man, this was so delicious. The yuzu sake was sweet, but this cocktail was a great blending of flavors! We'll definitely be back. Support your local business!

Dinner cost 574.00 for 9 people and it was yummy yum yum! See my photos. We ordered everything on the happy hour menu. Two each escort we got 4 shrimp tempura. We also ordered the Wagyu mix steak. I can't remember the name but that was yummy yum yum! My once to the shrimp tempura. The ginger pork was thinly slice pork and yummy. See my photos we loved it all! David our server made the experience even better!

Went here for my last night in Waikiki and was really blown away. For a Sunday night this seemed to be the place to be, and thankfully there was an open seat at the bar as I didn't have a reservation. Despite how busy it was the vibes were still relaxed. The ahi cutlet was incredible and the sake flight was terrific as well. Will definitely be back if/when I'm on the island again

What a little hidden gem near the hotel we were staying at! Exceeded our expectations. Delicious Japanese/Hawaiian food and very efficient service. My favorite dish was the fried chicken and the fish cakes. The natto soba was a nice portion but the dish didn't really hit - maybe because im not obsessed with natto (I do like natto tho!)

I loved this place. Found it on Yelp and it did not disappoint. It had the feel of a place that has been in the neighborhood for decades though I think it's only been there around 7 or 8 years. The Hamachi Kama actually had a bunch of meat on it... seems like they are normally just something to be done with what's left of the yellowtail. The Otoro and Chutoro both really good. Good sake selection. Super comfortable vibe.

Amazing services, our hostess was so helpful and on top of it. We had a relatively large group, and she checked on us regularly to make sure we were doing okay. Yummy cocktails and sashimi. Local Pineapple & Water Melon Sake Sangria was pretty fruity and Shiso & Yuzu Sake & Fresh Berry Shochu Mojito was refreshing. Sashimi platter was so fresh and melted in my mouth. The wagyu steak was so good, very tender with just the right amount of sauce and seasoning. Great experience in general.

Zigu is a small fusion izakaya located on Seaside Ave in Waikiki. This was my second time dining here--I first visited about two years ago on a trip to Oahu, where I only had sushi, and it was pretty good. This time around, we decided to try some of their other menu items. Here's what we ordered: * Local Farm Sweet Potato Salad with Pipikaula - Nice textured potato salad. * Agedashi Aloha Tofu - The tofu was really soft and slimy, wouldn't order it again. * Hawaiian Ahi Cutlet - An interesting dish; fried tuna katsu with a raw middle. The tartare sauce tasted like egg salad. * Okinawa Charsiu Noodle - Loved the noodle texture, but the pork was too fatty. * Okinawa Sweet Potato Dessert - Worst dish of the night, tough crepe things that were hard to eat--I ended up spitting it out. * Spicy Salmon Roll - Decent roll, but nothing special. While the food was okay, nothing really stood out this time, and it's on the pricier side. I felt like the nigiri I had two years ago was better than what we had tonight. One thing that really annoyed me was our server. He kept trying to take photos of our food for us, insisting he was the "photo taker" at the restaurant. Bro, I can take my own photos, but he insisted. I finally let him, and the photo turned out terrible. I even saw the neighboring table have the same reaction--it was kind of awkward. On the plus side, they open late and have a good amount of seating, so it's a solid option if you can't find anything else to eat. Will I be back? Maybe, but just for the nigiri.

4 for food, but 5 for ambiance and vibes. A fun izakaya spot in a historic and unique house and great staff that are warm, friendly, fun and on top of it. Service was ready to fill the water glasses, fill the pup water bowl and food and drink was out quickly. Think Japanese small plates: Tofu was incredible. While the roll wasn't my favorite, and light in fish, my party enjoyed it. The tempura was beautifully battered and crispy. The chicken were beautiful chunks of fresh chicken, but not as crispy as I prefer. People in my party who come here often said the noodle were fine, but not worth the order. While I think this is more fun for drinks and group dining atmosphere, I did see a few date nights. But this is about ordering all things, all the drinks and having a nice night under the roofed patio or in the charming bar like inside.

I love this spot! Authentic Japanese fusion food! Everything tastes very fresh. Love the farm to table concept. We ordered some items from their happy hour menu and some from regular menu. Also ordered special item that's not listed on their menu. We ordered Cajun fries, edamame, mochiko chicken,kale sesame udon (not on menu), Zigu roll, and spicy tuna roll. We also ordered lemon sochu drinks. Service was great here and I also got complimentary dessert for my bday watch was green tea ice cream with azuki bean and home made mochi which was delish!

This is some good sushi in the Waikiki area. Can't go wrong with the tempura vegetables. And this time I chose all Nigiri options. I chose all the specials they had which includes fatty salmon belly and Otoro and also chose Uni, kanpachi, and toro and shrimp. Very good and staff is very friendly.

Where is the Best Izakaya Happy Hour in Waikiki? I would have to say one of my top picks would be Award Winning "Zigu" @zigu.hi is known for their Delicious Japanese dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. If I said you could order everything on their HAPPY HOUR MENU for around $100, you would say I'm crazy ... but you can... so if you bring three friends, that would only be $25 a person so now you and friends can try a variety of their popular dishes and save some money for drinks Their happy hour is from 4-6 p.m. Huge selection of sake, cocktails, and the even have those huge mugs of draft Japanese beers This cozy Izakaya reminds of the hidden izakayas that only local Japanese know about. You can either sit inside by the bar which is more traditional Japanese style or you can chose to sit in the covered outdoor seating which is nice a relaxing... can't even tell you are in Waikiki ! Parking is either street or validated at Hyatt centric. Kamaaina discount 10%

We (2 adults and a toddler) had a wonderful dinner here on a Friday night! I love the big lantern right outside so you can't miss it while walking by, and that they had a table on the outside with all their menus so you can browse through to see their offerings. We were greeted right away and walked through the cozy bar area to the outdoor covered patio in the back. The vibe was the place felt homey with the patio lighting, chill music, and light breeze. Our server was helpful with the menu and interacted with our toddler every time he came by the table and even gave her a little toy! That was much appreciated! We both enjoyed our light refreshing beers, highly recommend both the Big Island Ginger and turmeric beer as well as the Yuzu beer! Everything we got was delicious: the Japanese tar tar sauce (which was more like a watery chopped up egg salad to me) and the sesame dressing on the kale salad went perfectly with the ahi tuna cutlets, the ginger pork was tender and packed with big flavors (sweet, savory, and saucy) paired nicely with a side of white rice. The fries were freshly made piping hot and came with plenty of ketchup and local Cajun seasoning. This place is great for date nights, family dinners, or drinks with friends! Give them a visit and see for yourself!

Came to Zigu for a girls night during our trip to Honolulu in March 2024. We wanted to find a not far from Waikiki but removed from the craze. Staff were immediately warm and attentive, and it was nice sitting in their covered patio. The food was SO good - so fresh and flavorful. Happy hour specials are also great. We particularly enjoyed the sashimi and nigiri - chutoro, salmon belly and hamachi. A bit pricey but well worth it for a nice night out. For 3 people for drinks, food and a dessert, the total including tip came out to 260$ (87/person). Would definitely come back!

Zigu Waikiki offers a pleasant dining experience with both indoor and outdoor patio seating, making it a good choice for various occasions. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Unfortunately, the service was a bit disappointing. Despite the restaurant not being overly crowded, I found myself having to track down my server for a simple water refill and to request the check. This detracted from the overall enjoyment of the meal. As for the food, I tried their catch of the day sashimi platter, which consisted of 12 pieces (4 each of Ahi, Amberjack, and Salmon). While the Salmon was excellent, the Ahi seemed a little less fresh than I would have hoped. Overall, Zigu Waikiki has potential, but the service issues and the slightly subpar quality of the Ahi sashimi prevent it from earning a higher rating.

There are a lots of great Japanese food options in Oahu. I used to love going to Izakaya Torae Torae which sadly closed down so I wanted to try something new. We came early enough to take advantage of the happy hour menu and ordered the watercress salad, mixed tempura, sweet potato salad and karaage. All of these were great and well flavored but I'd probably skip the tempura since it was pretty standard. For nigiri we ordered the beef, kanpachi and spot shrimp with ikura. Beef was melt in your mouth and kanpachi was nice and firm. Wasn't a huge fan of the spot shrimp though (even though I usually love shrimp). Overall great service and chill place to have a nice, casual date night.

We had a fantastic dinner here at zigu! We came for my sister's birthday and we were not let down. Everything we ate was delicious and well thought out. Things not pictured include the mochiko chicken, some nigiri, and the soft tofu. For our party, the favorites were the mochiko chicken, soft tofu, ginger pork, and all the sushi. Everything was very fresh and honestly so good. We definitely will come back again. (Keep in mind it is in Waikiki and not cheap, but we felt the prices were worth it with how good everything was.) The restaurant is really nice and has calming ambient lighting from the minute you walk in all the way to the seating outside(which is where we were sat.) it feels trendy in a cozy way. The service was amazing. Our waiter was so attentive and really funny! We saw others around us having a good time and other birthdays that looked just as festive and fun as ours (they bring out really fun sparkler candles and take really great photos of you!) this is a really great spot for a birthday dinner, especially if you like sushi.

We stumbled upon Zigu while in the area. The service was great and the food was amazing. The menu featured some unique dishes but the hit of the night was the miso fish and surprisingly the kale salad dressing. Dress was casual and it's easy to get same day reservations. Next time we're downtown I want to try the French restaurant upstairs that does the tasting menu. I confused the upstairs restaurant entrance (circle door) with Zigu and that's how we discovered both restaurants! Street parking and local parking garages are available.

I originally came here because I wanted some udon noodle soup but they weren't serving it at this time so I decided to order an ahi tuna salad instead. The portions are huge! I thought it was gonna be a small little appetizer plate but I ended up taking it back to my hotel after eating half of it. The tuna itself was well cooked, the potato salad was a little bit on the sweeter side, the kale salad to me felt like it needed to be blanched for a second since it had this strong earthy taste. Service and interior were pretty great, it's a nice spot to take somebody out on a date that's for sure.

Zigu is a hidden pleasant gem amongst all the noise in Waikiki. Zigu strives to only fresh, locally sourced ingredients -- and you can definitely taste the difference! We came on Friday evening and were the only ones dining in, which made it very intimate and quiet. We were able to enjoy their outdoor ambiance. It's a nice surprise and unexpected when you first walk in. PARKING: FREE! Woohoo. (Validated parking available at Hyatt Centric with a purchase of $30 or more.) Parking on the 6th floor. Close short walk and convenient. FOOD: Hawaiian Ahi Cutlet ($26) 4/5 --the Ahi was bland/underwhelming at first bite, but once you mix it with the sesame kale salad and egg tartar, it mingles quite well together. Delicious! Agedashi Aloha Tofu ($11.5) 5/5 --this was the highlight of the dishes. Sweet and savory soft fried tofu from Aloha Tofu Factory. Melts in your mouth. I recommend this dish! Hurricane Fries ($9) 2/5 --this hit the mark for us. It was too salty for our liking since the added soy sauce with furikake and salt was too much. The fries also could have been crispier. Better if you have a group of people to share if you like fries. They give you hot Big Island Mamaki Tea at the end of your meal to help with digestion. I love that! Nowhere else we've been does this. The service was excellent! Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. We will definitely be back again and try other dishes :)

Zigu Overall: **** Recommended **** Food: **** Value: *** Waikiki prices Menu: ** limited choices Ambiance: *** Service: **** Parking: *** validated at Hyatt Centric Waikiki While searching for Japanese bars, Zigu came up with a Yelp review of 4.3, so I decided to gave it a try. Zigu is located just off Kuhio Avenue and occupies a decent size indoor/outdoor space. The dishes we had were good, but the menu is limited. if you're looking for a bar with Japanese food, Zigu would be fine. If you're looking for a Japanese restaurant in Waikiki, I would go to Restaurant Suntory. RATINGS & RECOMMENDED ORDER: Beef Nigiri Washu-gyu = A Lobster tempura= A Agedashi Aloha tofu = B Hawaiian Ahi cutlet = C Rainbow roll = C Yelp: https://yelp.to/bhPrXOjRwk Website: https://www.zigu.us/ YELP: Milton K Sorry! They allow only one 12 second video & the remaining to 3 seconds, with maximum of 10 pictures/videos. The full video and pictures of the entire menu can be found on other platforms/apps: MiltonIn808 RATINGS KEY: A = Really Good - one of the best B = Good - would order again C = ok - similar, nothing special D = Not very good - wouldn't order F = Terrible - avoid

Went for my other half's bday. Both our first time. He loves sushi so we decided to make a reservation here. Food was great, I'm not much of a sushi person but he loved it, the portobello mushrooms were my favorite. Especially their adult drinks! Since it was his bday, I ordered two mojitos, and a shot for his bday: drinks were 10 out of 10. Also tried one of their specials on the menu which was a sukiyaki soba. Really good, our waiter was also great. And we sat outside, which I thought would've been hot but it was super cool and the ambience was good. May have to come again just because.

The amount of times I've driven past Zigu and wondered what the restaurant was like. I got to go there this past Friday night with the other half who loves sushi. I saw an Instagram Reel that said you can save $30K a year if you don't date someone the loves sushi. True story. Easy reservations on Open Table. Service is top notch. Super cute inside and I didn't know how spacious it was until I got in there. The way the place is laid out, there are separate areas, inside, outside, sushi counter. So it feel more private and isn't as loud. Food is high quality, beautifully plated, appealing to your eyes, and makes your tastebuds happy. I got their sake flight. There were three different ones to choose from. The server will happily explain and help you pick one to your liking. The pork belly and onions on a sizzling platter is a must. We got a bunch of our favorite nigiri sushi. The lobster tempura was a treat. They use real crab in their sushi rolls. Did I mention their service was excellent?

I told the waiter that I didn't really want steak since we just had it and it was great. He convinced us to order their special skirt steak Came out chewy not tender at all. And it was cut with the grain instead of against the grain. I mean that basic steak cutting technique that they don't know how to do. He also bragged up a storm about how they are the #1 sushi place on the island so we ordered a bunch of otoro and toro. Which is not cheap fish. The sushi was cut super big and the rice was practically falling apart. The other fishes were chewy. I felt scammed. Spent over $300 and we had to go to a different restaurant to wash out the bad taste in our mouth.

Birthday dinner 6 guests in party. Exceptional service! Top quality seafood: Hamachi kama, Shiso Hamachi, Amberjack and Salmon nigiri, Chilled spicy soba, Chilled tempura soba, Watercress salad, Pickle onions, Cucumber salad. Everything so delicious. David was our waiter...he was simply the best!!! Request HIM if you want your celebration OVER THE TOP. He made the birthday so perfect. Mahalo for a great evening.

I'm always looking for unique dishes so when I saw the photos for the watercress tofu salad and spicy soba noodles, I decided to go only to learn they stopped serving the noodles a couple of months ago. But the tofu salad was worth it. The watercress was a bit bitter and there was way too much of it for the amount of tofu to greens ratio. Ended up leaving about half of the greens and inhaling the silky, nutty tofu. I'd still go back for it. Instead of the noodles, I went for the chirashi bowl with a side of their fresh uni. The uni was delicious, but the chirashi was underwhelming. Plenty of great sushi joints in Seattle so I don't need to try a regular sashimi-type meal. While the fish was good, nothing special about it. I would give it 3 stars, but the 4th is for the go-back factor and good service. I'd go back for the tofu and maybe try something else on the menu.

Love the food here! Japanese/ Hawaiian fusion using local ingredients. Creative takes on classic dishes Also good service Chill vibes.

This quaint Japanese eatery, nestled in a charmingly restored building, is one of my favorite spots to eat in Waikiki. We all know parking in Waikiki can be crazy so it's great that Zigu offers validated parking at the Hyatt Centric. The vibe here is modern Japanese, like a refined izakaya- a perfect balance between modern chic and traditional Japanese aesthetics. We brought our pup to dine with us in their open-air patio area, so we love that this spot is dog-friendly. Zigu is known for their locally sourced ingredients. They work with a lot of local farms to get the best local produce. Their food is izakaya style shared small plates - I recommend ordering 2-3 dishes per person. I love this style of dining because you are able to try so many different menu items. Starting off with my fav- the chicken Karaage - a must-try for sure. It was crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, just how a perfect karaage should be. We also go the shrimp and local vegetable tempura. The tempura was light, not greasy at all, allowing the freshness of the shrimp and veggies to shine through. Tofu Agedashi is another personal favorite of mine, I almost always order it if I see it on any menu. Silky tofu in a delicate, flavorful broth - simple yet so satisfying. We also got the sashimi sampler and to round off our meal, we had the potato salad, a humble dish elevated by ZIGU's magic touch, creamy and packed with flavor. The service here is top notch, super attentive, charismatic, and the food / bev comes out really quick. Whether you're a local or just passing through Waikiki, you won't regret checking out Zigu.

The food was very good. The service was not bad. The 3 of us including a baby were seated with a small table on a narrow passage. I don't know if there were larger tables available but it was kind of awkward.

modern. good value on the otoro 5 piece sashimi. also had the spicy chilled soba noodle, nice mix. agedashi tofu great. mochiko fried chicken standard. seared ahi kale salad is popular and tasty. maki roll pricey.

ZIGU translates into "eat local" and the restaurant strives to utilize local ingredients in all of their dishes (they serve mamaki tea!). I respect that they do that. This is one of my favorite restaurants and the food is good enough to get me into Waikiki. ZIGU is a Japanese izakaya style restaurant located on Seaside (between Kuhio and Ala Wai). Park at Hyatt Centric (entrance on Seaside) with 4 hours validated parking. They have indoor seating, bar seating and seating on the large lanai area. I prefer sitting in the outdoor lanai area. ZIGU is my favorite place to celebrate birthdays at. If possible, ask to be seated in David's section, cos he makes celebrations extra special. Overall, service is excellent. They have a nice Happy Hour (4 pm to 6 pm). I always order the Mochiko Fried Chicken with the mayo dipping sauce garnished with smoked pickled radish (Iburigakko), French Fries with the cajun dipping sauce, the Sweet Potato Salad with iburigakko and pipikaula, and ginger pork. On the regular menu, I really enjoy the Ahi Cutlet (served with nanban sauce) and the Chilled Moringa Noodles with basil and sesame sauce. And of course, I go there during the Okinawan FEASTival (following the Okinawan Festival at Labor Day)! ZIGU has participated in the past two FEASTivals with amazing dishes like Rafute and Mozuku Tempura!

Modern, cozy vibe, friendly and attentive service, and tasty dishes. The spicy chilled soba noodle was flavorful and delicious. The mochiko chicken and ahi cutlet was also very good. The agedashi tofu was a bit too viscous and not recommended. Overall, a wonderful dining experience.

Rainy day vibes but all I can think about is this hidden gem I discovered on a rainy day in Hawaii. This Japanese restaurant & sake bar highlights local ingredients through a creative (and affordable!) menu. it's a chic lil spot with a patio and authentic Japanese food including fresh sushi, homemade udon, and soba. It was my first time trying the thin noodles made from buckwheat, and now I'm a huge fan. The waitresses were attentive and nice. I highly recommend ordering the sake flight to try different sakes. They pair nicely with the food but all their drinks do. A staple in my Honolulu trips. 10/10!!

Cute spot, excellent service and fresh sushi, yumm! We started with spicy edamame. Yes, it was pretty spicy, but good. Spicy salmon-flavorful and the salmon tasted so fresh. Spicy tuna- melts in your mouth. We would definitely return.

If i could give them 10 stars i would. By far my favorite japanese food restaurant on the island. The food feels authentic but modern. The ambiance is great and all the food goes well with the beers. You can feel the care that went into making the menu and the food. Simple but tasty and well put together plates.

If you're looking for great food go to Zigu. If you're looking for a great time ask for David! Couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable birthday. Thank you so much Christina (my queen!) David, and all of the zigu staff. What an incredible night!

Watercress tofu salad is SO fresh, biting into it felt like the old five gum ads where your hair blasts back and you're transported to some glacial ice cap instead of the hot Hawaiian nights. Everything felt very fresh and high quality and everything feels minimally processed to let the ingredients natural flavors shine. Service has been great both times I've been. This is one of the few spots my wife and I repeatedly try to eat at when we are in Waikiki.

Ever find yourself in Waikiki, craving something authentically Japanese? Then Zigu is your culinary oasis, a small and charming spot that's big on flavor. It's the kind of place where the food whispers 'Japan' and the sake selection nods in agreement. The menu? Think of it as a love letter to Japanese cuisine, with each dish more tempting than the last. But here's the fun part: if you're a local, parking is like playing Tetris - challenging but oddly satisfying once you fit your car into that perfect spot (pro tip: aim for the International Market Place). For the wandering tourists, Zigu is just a leisurely stroll from your hotel, making it a no-brainer destination for a taste of Japan without the jet lag. So, whether you're a local braving the parking puzzle or a tourist on a culinary walkabout, Zigu is worth every step (or steering wheel turn) for a genuine Japanese treat!

Located in Waikiki, this Japanese Hawaiian izakaya is my go-to spot for a sake indulgence whenever I visit Hawaii. While prices may not be the cheapest, the food quality, atmosphere, and service are consistently above average. I usually opt for sushi and soba, and the quality of the dishes never fails to impress. Also, each appetizer is crafted with precision and care, adding to the overall delightful dining experience. Can't wait to try their other dishes next year!! Highly recommend- Nigiri sushi Assorted tempura soba