Izakaya Naru Honolulu

Atmosphere is unmatched, brought me back to Okinawa Japan. One of the best culinary experiences I have had in a long time. Lovely staff, jaw dropping presentation, and just a pure heavenly experience for your taste buds. Orion on draft?!?! Nothing more needs to be said.

Open late night in Honolulu, Okinawan food and vibe, Orions on tap. What more do you need? Havent been here in a while came in for some late night drinks at the bar. Nothing like a couple cold Orion Draft Beers after a long work day🤙 Place is always packed so call ahead of time. Ordered some small dishes along with some Hamachi Sashimi and some shots to end a perfect night. 5 stars🤙

Very condescending and short(not as in height) waitress. basically just pointed to a basket on the ground when we asked for menus. we had takowasabi, it was pretty good and spicy but really small portion Taco rice tasted like high school cafeteria tacos, definitely out of a packet. Hamachi carpaccio, pretty much the only dish we liked Kakuni 3 small pieces of pork and a cold egg, this was the last item to arrive at the table, when I asked the waitress about it she snapped at me and said "it takes time" and promptly left. Gyoza meh! Beef tongue was chewy and had no flavor. Pig ears were also meh... very close to the ground seats, if you have knee issues you're gonna suffer. not worthy of us coming back

I was lucky enough to find Izakaya Naru during my trip to Honolulu. The authenticity of the food, seating, and service immediately transported me back to the feeling I got while in Japan. You can call ahead for reservations during their open hours Some items you should absolutely order are the garlic fried rice with scallops and the Sukiyaki pizza

Izakaya Naru is the kind of place that food lovers dream of stumbling upon — unpretentious, intimate, and absolutely unforgettable. If you're looking for an authentic Japanese izakaya experience right in the heart of Honolulu, this is it. From the moment we stepped in, it felt like we had left Oʻahu and landed in a cozy backstreet tavern in Tokyo. The ambiance is warm and relaxed — dim lighting, a simple yet elegant wooden interior, and the gentle hum of conversation and clinking glasses. The staff greeted us with sincere hospitality, making us feel more like regulars than first-timers. It’s clear this is a local favorite, and after our visit, it’s easy to see why. Now, let’s talk food — because this is where Izakaya Naru really shines. The menu is rich with variety but not overwhelming, and everything we tried was prepared with care, precision, and soul. We started with the housemade tofu, which was silky, subtly sweet, and topped with just the right amount of soy and fresh garnish. It melted in our mouths — an instant standout. The mentaiko pasta was next-level — creamy, briny, umami-packed perfection. We paired that with grilled hamachi kama (yellowtail collar), which was charred beautifully and came off the bone with ease. You could taste the freshness. The chicken nanban was crispy, juicy, and came with a tartar sauce that added a surprising but delightful twist. For drinks, their sake list is top-tier. We asked for a recommendation and the server guided us to a beautifully smooth Junmai Daiginjo that paired perfectly with the lighter dishes. If you’re not into sake, they’ve also got shochu, Japanese beers, and a couple of solid cocktails that reflect the same attention to flavor. One thing that really impressed us was how balanced everything felt — the flavors, the pacing of the meal, the portion sizes. It’s a place that respects both tradition and the modern diner. Nothing felt rushed, but we were never waiting long either. Even when it got busier, service remained attentive and gracious. As someone who’s been to Japan multiple times, I can confidently say this is one of the most authentic Japanese dining experiences I’ve had in the U.S. It doesn’t try to be flashy or trendy — it simply excels at what it does: serving up high-quality, heartfelt food and drink in a cozy, respectful setting. Whether you’re visiting Hawaiʻi or you live here, Izakaya Naru is the kind of place that deserves your attention. It’s perfect for date night, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself to a slow, beautiful meal. Make a reservation — trust me, it’s popular for a reason. We left full, satisfied, and already planning our next visit. Mahalo to the incredible team at Izakaya Naru for giving us a taste of Japan right here.