Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro
Experience the authentic taste of Japan's original Tonkatsu, a Waikiki institution since 1927, renowned for its crispy, juicy pork cutlets.
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Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the authentic taste of Japan's original Tonkatsu, a Waikiki institution since 1927, renowned for its crispy, juicy pork cutlets.
"This is the best Tonkatsu restaurant I have experienced outside Japan."
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to secure a table and avoid disappointment.
Visit Early for Best Selections
Arrive earlier in the day to maximize your chances of trying specialty pork cuts before they sell out.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Berkshire Pork Tonkatsu
Experience the unparalleled flavor and texture of high-quality Berkshire pork, expertly breaded and fried to crispy perfection.
Delectable Curry Sauce
Savor the rich, savory curry sauce that perfectly complements the tonkatsu, a beloved accompaniment to this Japanese classic.
Buttery Garlic Bread
Don't miss the buttery garlic bread, a surprisingly delicious side that pairs exceptionally well with the main dishes.
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Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to secure a table and avoid disappointment.
Visit Early for Best Selections
Arrive earlier in the day to maximize your chances of trying specialty pork cuts before they sell out.
Consider Discounts
Look for coupons like Oahu's Best for potential savings on your meal.
Check Reservation Times
Weekday reservations are often easier to secure; later bookings may risk popular items being sold out.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to secure a table and avoid disappointment.
Visit Early for Best Selections
Arrive earlier in the day to maximize your chances of trying specialty pork cuts before they sell out.
Consider Discounts
Look for coupons like Oahu's Best for potential savings on your meal.
Check Reservation Times
Weekday reservations are often easier to secure; later bookings may risk popular items being sold out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu is widely praised for its exceptional, authentic Japanese tonkatsu, particularly the high-quality Berkshire pork which is noted for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. Many diners consider it the best outside of Japan, though some find the prices to be on the higher side. Service is generally described as friendly and efficient, with occasional mentions of it being busy or a need for reservations.
"Ate here with my two daughters and felt compelled to leave a review.
The food is amazingly good, like seriously the best and most wholesome meal we have eaten in Hawaii, the restaurant is on the small side and does get very busy and I believe that a booking is required.
Overall it has a great vibe.
A big shout out to the staff who are very welcoming and our lovely waitress on the evening who provided outstanding service.
This is definitely a must do dinner destination on your visit to Waikiki."
Clint Eastcoast
"If you haven't had good Tonkatsu in San Francisco Bay Area , you're in for a treat!
I think it's just as delicious as in Japan, but the prices are quite high, so it's a great place to try when visiting Honolulu!
I ordered: Specialty” Kurobuta Pork Loin Katsu * $49
Service is friendly and quick!
Recommend: online reservation first"
Kimberly Iwamoto
"This is the best Tonkatsu restaurant I have experienced outside Japan. We ordered the Specialty" Kurobuta Pork Loin Katsu. Perfectly prepared. This is a must when in the Waikiki area."
Rick D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is small and tends to get very busy. Some reviews suggest walk-ins may not be accommodated.
Ginza Bairin is famous for its authentic Tonkatsu, made with high-quality Berkshire pork, known for its crispy breading and tender, juicy interior.
Yes, diners can sometimes find coupons such as 'Oahu's Best' for discounts. There's also an early bird special available daily from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Yoshoku refers to Japanese-style Western cuisine. Ginza Bairin has a Yoshoku Bistro room offering dishes like Omurice and Hamburger Steak.
Yes, takeout is available. Some reviews mention that take-out katsu sandwiches and bentos remain fresh and crispy even after a short drive.
Visiting earlier in the day is recommended. Weekday reservations might be easier to get, and later reservations could mean popular pork cuts are sold out.
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One of our friends is a die-hard katsu lover and wanted to try Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro out on our latest trip and we were all so surprised at the crispy texture and tender center of the katsu sandos. We even ordered take-out and with the 10-minute drive to the hotel, our sandwiches and katsu bentos were still super fresh and crispy by the time we brought them back to our rooms. We would recommend the “special pork tenderloin katsu-don” because this place is known for its high-quality Berkshire pork.
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Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin’s all you can eat options are limited to its rice, cabbage, and miso soup, but we’ve chosen to include this restaurant here given how popular it is with diners. This eatery is famous for its authentic Tonkatsu, made from the best Berkshire pork, coated with bread crumbs, and deep fried in premium cotton seed oil. The result is a very flavorful dish that’s even better with the tonkatsu sauce!
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Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin, renowned for its tonkatsu, surprises sushi enthusiasts with its innovative sushi offerings. The Katsu Sushi, featuring a delicately fried pork cutlet atop seasoned rice, offers a delightful fusion of textures. This unexpected twist adds a layer of creativity to their menu, showcasing their chefs' innovative spirit while preserving the essence of traditional Japanese flavors.
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A Japanese tonkatsu restaurant chain, Ginza Bairin, brings their famous Tonkatsu to Waikiki, and you’ll love it!. Offering two options: the “tonkatsu” room and the “yoshoku bistro” room, you’ll be able to choose between signature Japanese plates and Japanese cafe dishes depending on where you sit. A super refreshing salad dish, the Cabbage Salad paired with the sesame dressing is crazily good.
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Established in 1927 and billing itself as Honolulu’s premier destination for Japanese food, Ginza Bairin offers the Tonkatsu Room and the Yoshoku Bistro Room as two different dining experiences. The menus are largely distinct at each, with 10 signature dishes available on both. Address: 255 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815
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The Japanese take their tonkatsu—fried pork cutlets—very, very seriously. Here, a kurobota pork loin katsu can run you $36, but, oh, there’s such joy in the crispy, greaseless panko crust and the juicy pork within. Grind some sesame seeds into the plummy tonkatsu sauce, and dip your…
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Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Waikiki. It’s been around since 1927, and this is their only North American location!. I can’t remember exactly what we ordered, but I got a curry tonkatsu and Adam got a loco moco tonkatsu.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (326 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Asian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 255 Beach Walk Spc 1, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1935- Read more on Tripadvisor
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If you’re looking for the best tonkatsu, we recommend you going the mile to go to Tonkatsu Tamafuji. However, we still went to Ginza Bairin twice on our trip because it was so close to our hotel on Waikiki Beach. Reservations are also easier to make.
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255 Beach WalkHonolulu, HI 96815(808) 926-8082 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro is a Japanese eatery at the Regency on Beachwalk Waikiki by Outrigger, a boutique-style condominium resort.
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On Waikiki's Beach Walk originates from Tokyo's Ginza neighbourhood. They excel in tonkatsu (breaded cutlets). Dig into juicy pork loin that's breaded and deep-fried to achieve a lovely texture, aroma and flavour.
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For the best tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) on the island, head to Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin. Their signature dishes are crispy, juicy, and served with traditional sides. I have never tried it before but am now a fan!
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