mahesh nandwani
No frills udon but amazing quality and flavours. The line is usually long in the evening; however, it’s usually not too crazy before lunch time. We went to there thrice before lunch time and we got a spot immediately. They do have some veg options but not a lot. Would absolutely come back again in the future.
Victor Lao
Amazing udon in the heart of Waikiki. This place is awesome, food is great and reasonably priced. Udon is made fresh right in front of you and the tempura is also made fresh. Don't be turned off by the line, it goes quick. Whenever I'm staying in the area I find myself here multiple times. Cost for 2 people including drinks was about $45, hard to beat in Waikiki. Do yourself a favor and make your way there!
Becky George
Probably the longest line I’ve waited in while visiting Oahu, and definitely worth the wait. The most comforting meal you could enjoy on the island! I tried the curry udon and it was exactly what I wanted. I do wish, when the bowl was served, the food would be hotter. By the time we were seated, the soup was quite lukewarm which took away from the enjoyment. But a large bowl was more than enough for 2 people to enjoy! Would wait 45 min again for this popular spot!
Jason C
The line is worth the wait. Simple, tasty, and affordable food in Honolulu! On a Saturday night, the line wrapped around the block. It was a 20 min wait, which for Waikiki and no reservations was excellent. Everyone was concerned about seating, which was unfounded.
Watching the noodles being made was an assurance of good quality. Lots of soup choices-spicy, sweet beef, soft boiled egg, etc. Our group tried 3 different soups.
Tempura voices were over the top! Katsu chicken was amazingly moist and the crab tempura was done perfectly.
Curry BBQ sauce was amazing, but the tempura sauce was only “all right”. There are free glasses of water as well as different sodas and traditional lime/lemon drinks.
Seating rotated quickly as we found a booth as soon as we received our food. They have staff bussing the tables as diners finished. I highly recommend the Udon here, it’s worth the wait😎
Peter Farejowicz
This to me is and always be the original Marugame Udon and tastes a little bit more special than the ones we have in the Bay Area. The line also tells the same story as each day lots of people wait on the sidewalk to get their own bowl of udon noodles.
You can’t go wrong with any option but the Nikutama is my favorite every time. All the tempura is tasty so grab a few that appeal to you. Prices here are also one of the benefits as it is all affordable.
Overall, it’s worth the troubles as the noodles are so chewy, the broth umami, and the add ins the right complement to the meal.
Tiffany Dun
I’ve been here many years ago and come back to this original udon shop. Quality and taste is all still there and affordable. Delicious, fresh udon, and solid grab for a meal. Tempura as a side with the noodles, is nice too.
Jay Schimke
Such a great Udon experience!
I read great things about this place and headed down for a late dinner, only to find the line was all the way down the block. I came down a little later and the line didn’t get any smaller. I saw they had to take out window, so I waited in line less than five minutes and got my food super fast. Headed back up to my room, and had probably the best udon I’ve ever had.
I told my family about it, and when they came to town later that week, they couldn’t wait to try it. They agree it’s the best udon they’ve ever had. We also got an assortment of seafood tempura that was very excellent. My kids really liked dipping their shrimp tempura in the beef broth, kind of a surf and turf.
I really would like to eat in the restaurant one day, I’m just not a big fan of waiting in line by myself. Whatever you do, don’t pass this place up, give it a try.
Tyler Stern
Phenomenal fast casual Japanese noodle bowls and tempura sides. Katsu was excellent, musubis were excellent, noodles were excellent, curry was excellent, tempura was great. The kitsune tofu bowl was delicious and sweet, so delicate. Probably the best value lunch in Waikiki.
Jessica Ma
Verdict: It lives up to the hype! 🙌🏼
Loved the taste of the broth and quality of the noodles! For the food quality and location, it’s definitely one of the more affordable places to eat in Waikiki.
We intentionally went at a time when there were a few people lining up as the lines can get crazy long. I would suggest for people to do the same otherwise the experience may not be as pleasant (it can also get super hot inside the restaurant even with AC).
Tracey N.
First dinner at Waikiki, waited in line for about 10-20 minutes. The service is really quick, it can get a bit tricky finding a table though. The udon noodles are nice and bouncy and fresh. The broth is amazing. The tempuras were alright, I wish they had broccoli tempura. We got the mushroom and shrimp tempura, they didn’t taste fresh. Regular size wasn’t enough for my partner but it was the perfect for me.
Jordan Perez
Marugame Udon truly lives up to the hype! The food is absolutely amazing, offering a unique and delicious menu that will leave your taste buds begging for more. What's even better is that their prices are incredibly affordable! It can get very busy and the lines can be long, but trust me when I say it's definitely worth the wait. If you are on a time crunch though they do offer take out that you can order through a separate window or through their website. This restaurant is a must-try!
Amanda Morris
We tried this place because we saw the long lines when we were passing one evening and we were not disappointed! We ordered take out at lunch time and it was 12 mins to pick up. Both dishes were absolutely delicious and my husband actually used the word phenomenal to describe his Curry Nikutama! We ordered the large options and they was generous. Price is on point and staff were friendly when we picked up. The street outside smells amazing! Take out packaging was solid with utensils provided. They kept the curry sauce separate from the rice and meat to avoid saturation which was appreciated. Highly recommended!
Joyce Lam
Line looks long but it moves pretty fast. Very good udon. The texture is perfectly bouncy and soft. Worth the wait! Love the self serve tempura!
James Thomas
The food was excellent! Easy to notice that this place is popular from the lines extending to the end of the block. Fortunately, everything moves extremely quickly inside the restaurant so the lines moves fast as well. You order as soon as you walk in, take whatever sides/drinks you want, pay and find a seat yourself. There is really no other service beyond this. One major drawback for me was that the restaurant did not have a restroom. And I did not see a hand sanitizer station either. Apart from that, the food was excellent and worth the wait in my opinion.
Jay Koh
is it worth the long cue? it depends. No doubt this place is one of the best value meals, quality is excellent as far as their specialty. it is not The Best, if you are an aficionado of udon noodles but it certainly is good. probably one of the longest lines you will suffer for noodles but the value proposition is hard to beat. my advice is get there for brunch at 9:45am. doors open at 10am. it is cafeteria style food line once you enter. Their selection of tempura fried goods are a fun treat, get a variety with you udon. they have free ice water so don’t waste your money on soda.
Frederick Goh
Simply delicious. This was our first meal in Hawaii which might have been a mistake since every meal afterwards seemed mediocre in comparison. I had to come back to eat here again.
I loved their service design too - with their canteen style line up to paying and sitting it was very efficient and creat led quick turnaround.
The long lines leading out the door speak to the quality of their food. I recommend coming during an off time to eat (will still be a line) or just waiting in line as it will go pretty quickly.
You grab a tray and plate (for tempura) place your udon order, put it on your tray, grab any tempura you want, order a drink, pay, and sit to eat.
The tempura were all very fresh and tasty as well. Actually everything was very fresh since I imagine they have to constantly churn out food to meet their crazy demand. Their calamansi (subtle citrus) drink was also very good and not too sweet.
Kris
Very busy place, get in when you can. No reservations, lines do get long. The line moves really fast. Extra seating out back. Fresh made noodles. Place is awesome.
Russell Tolle
Don't cheat yourself,if you are close and hungry, stop in here. Udon is made fresh, is perfectly al dente and the flavors are fantastic. It's super efficient getting your order cafeteria style. I had the large Tan Tan bowl and shrimp and zucchini tempura along with an iced green tea Matcha. I left in pain unwilling to leave anything unfinished. Excellent value for the money too.
Kristen W.
Incredible food! There was a bit of a line but it was totally worth it! I love that they offer cold versions of some of the udon. Very kind staff, would totally recommend! The matcha latte is so good, and I loved all the tempura options! Would 5/5 recommend, and don’t let a long line keep you from coming!
Agnita Peters
Atmosphere and staff fabulous ,the noise and the heat makes u feel like ur in Asia , the food is excellent quality, portion outstanding and price fabulous ,, this place is a gem , and a must go yummy yum yum
Hernandez-lopez Juan
I absolutely love this place, the food is always on point and is the best Udon I’ve ever had. The service and hospitality we receive every time we come to this place,in Oahu is top notch. Thank Goodness they opened an establishment in Los Angeles for us to have a little bit of Hawaii here at home� ..
Katrina Smith
I had the curry dish and tried deep fried pumpkin and zucchini!! We didn't have to wait in line at all even at peak supper time! Our food was delicious!! Recommend this place to everyone.
Tess McGrath
First place we ate, line was out the door but don’t be discouraged, it’s worth the short wait, price is excellent. My husband would have eaten here every day if I’d let him
Qing Chen
Fast service, decent food at great price. The udon was too soft for me but the flavors are good. The tempuras were delicious. The biggest complaint would be no or barely any air condition in the restaurant. Too hot to enjoy a bowl of udon soup!
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