Review Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin - Honolulu

We came here because we have been to the location in Ginza, Tokyo, and wanted to be transported back. We were very satisfied with the generous cut of the pork katsu, and the impeccable service that you would expect at a Japanese restaurant. Though it was much pricier than dining at Ginza, it was still a great experience for those who love katsu, or have always wanted to try. The only factor deducting the 1 star is the interior, it felt tight and almost like we were dining with the table next to us. Otherwise, this was a great way to spend a dinner during our trip.

eaten here on every single trip ive taken to oahu over the last 3 years and it never disappoints. juicy, high quality pork katsu, with perfectly crispy breading. i’d recommend shelling out for the special katsus if they still have availability—you can definitely tell the difference in juiciness and tenderness! amazing and accommodating service as well. i’d recommend making a reservation beforehand, but even if not, definitely stop by for a delicious dinner in waikiki if you have a chance! one of the best restaurants in this area for sure.

We had a reservation here on a Thursday evening and were seated five minutes early. The service staff was great during our visit and were very friendly and attentive! We wanted to try the specialty kurobuta set, but it was sold out so we ended up ordering the kurobuta pork loin katsu set in addition to the katsu sandwich. Overall the food was pretty good. The tonkatsu was very thick and crispy, and the cabbage salad with the sesame dressing complimented the entire meal really well. I thought the katsu sandwich was good despite not being a fan of anything that taste like mustard. However, the balance of the flavors here was just right and not overpowering. When it comes to value, the high price just didn’t match the hype and expectations that came with it, which was probably the only downside. I’d very much pass if there were a long wait time on a busy weekend knowing there are a variety of good local eats at a fraction of the cost. However if you enjoy tonkatsu and are looking for a good experience, it’s definitely worth a try!

We made a reservation, so we didn't have to wait. We ordered two specialty kurobuta pork loin katsu and crab cream croquettes. Everything was very good, but it was very pricey for katsu. The servers were nice, and the food came out relatively fast. Parking was also easy. You just have to park in the Bank of Hawaii parking garage and get vouchers from the restaurant to get your parking slip validated.

We had the specialty thick cut pork belly and the pork kurobuta curry. Both were delicious! The thick cut was juicy and crispy, a very worthwhile dish and the curry was savory and complimented the rest of the dish well. One of the best katsus I've had! The service was also really welcoming and helpful

Superb katsu curry dishes. Fried to perfection. Both pork and chicken are cooked perfectly and juicy. Very friendly staff who are also very accommodating to small kids. Better make reservations though. The place isn't big so large groups may have a hard time getting in.

Fortunately, we were able to get a reservation at this place during our Hawaii trip and it did not disappoint, this place is amazing! My wife and I both had the Specialty Kurobuta Katsu plate and we were both beyond satisfied. The Katsu was the most juiciest and delicious I have ever had and the rice complimented the Katsu so well. I had to get refills on the rice and salad. Btw, the rice, miso soup and salad are free to refill. The service is top notch. We will definitely be back on our next trip! Thank you very much Ginza Bairin for blessing my mouth 😋

We were hoping to walk into this spot, but they mostly do reservations, so we missed the dinner opportunity. We kept an eye on the OpenTable seatings and got a lunch one. We were here for the omurice, but sad to have learned they stopped while ago :(. So, we got their most popular katsu special and shared it between the two of us. I like the grinding of the sesame to make your own sauce (to keep ya busy as you wait) and it was a nice calming moment. The meat had a bit too much fat in some pieces but the crispiness was perfect! I liked the cabbage salad with the sesame sauce too. Overall a solid dish. Friendly workers and service. Recommend if you’re into katsu dishes.

My friend and I made a reservation and we had an amazing time at this place. The staff was great, welcoming us warmly and even cracking jokes with us. As for the food, we started with the sandwiches as appetizers, which were out of this world. For our main course, we tried the specialty meals: the $44 set pork lion and the $31 thick cut lion. Both dishes were delicious, with the premium cut one having more fat that simply melted in our mouths. Overall, it was a fantastic experience with delightful food.

Excellent service as soon as I stepped in the door. Food had generous portions and exceptionally delicious. Ambience was great, cozy place that felt authentic. Would highly recommend!! We will be back.

Decent food, but overpriced. Ordered the thick-cut pork loin Katsu set and it was a bit dry. I enjoyed the hot mustard that came with it over the sesame tonkotsu sauce. Echoing another review, there was one piece in the set that was 95% fat and not enjoyable to eat. Having unlimited rice and miso was nice. Also, their air conditioning kept dripping onto one of our party members so that was a bit annoying. Overall, It reminded me of Saku in Vancouver, so it didn't feel special. Not sure what I should have expected.

The specialty pork loin katsu was devine and fried to the right crisp. So juicy and tender. Must have it with mustard and tonkatsu sauce. Also the fried shrimp was a surprise winner. The dipping sauce was a delicious surprise, it kinda tastes like a gourmet version of the Big Mac sauce. Highly highly recommend this place. Also cabbage and rice is unlimited!!

We ordered pork katsu and pork katsu don. Both taste delicious and the crust outside is very crispy. I like the vibe here, like homey Japanese restaurant. Free additional miso soup and cabbage salad

I got the Kurobata Pork Loin Katsu Set (7oz) as the specialty set was sold out for the day (limited to 25 quantity daily) and the taste was great! The quality reminded me of visiting a high quality Tonkatsu place in Japan when I was in Yokohama. Cabbage comes as free refills if wanting more. Preferably can make a reservation beforehand for another time period to avoid waiting in line. The server was very kind and attentive! Definitely recommend it if you want a taste of Japan in Hawaii!

4PM is when they open and they mean it... arrive a few minutes early.. you are waiting outside.  This will give you time to check iut the menu board and decide what you want. 4PM sharp... they open.  Only reservations....no walk ins.  But you can do Take Out. Service: 5/5 The staff really took care of us.  Constantly checking in to make sure everything is going.well and if needed any more cabbage, miso soup or rice.  Kitchen staff did a wonderful job in keeping the orders going... considering almost all the dishes were deep fried raw pork.... they work very fast and had our food out in about 20 minutes. Food: 5/5 I ordered the Kurobuta Pork Loin Katsu $41.  This is a deep fried pork loin steak.  Note the crust is not the normal crust you usually get when you order a katsu.  The crust is very crunchy but very airy much like a tempura batter but with more crunch and flavor.  The pork loin looks dry when you do a quick look, but take a bite it is JUICY and really flavorful.  Note when you are waiting, staff will bring out a small bowl with toasted sesame seeds and what looks like a small antler pestle.  Use the pestle to lightly grind the seeds to release some of the oil and aroma and then add some katsu sauce to create a dipping sauce for the pork.  On the plate was also a dab of hot mustard that really goes well with the pork too.  Please note the Kurobuta Pork Katsu is only limited to 25 per day so make sure you order it early. My wife ordered the Curry Chicken Katsu $22. I only had a small bite of this dish, but the chicken thigh uses the same breading or batter that the  Pork Katsu uses so it will be just as crunchy.  The chicken is moist.  I did not try the curry sauce, but it really smells delicious. Bathroom 4.5/5: Single unisex bathroom; 1 room with an open urinal and toilet and sink.   Really clean and sell stock; really roomy. Overall 5 Stars will definitely return

Wife and I came here during our honeymoon a year ago, and we made sure it was our first stop now that we’re stationed here. This place is absolutely fantastic in terms of the delicious food, the service (phenomenal!), and the relaxed vibe. The katsu donburi bowls are our definitive go-to but the katsu curry plates are just as delicious! Try a Japanese beer too!

We ordered the shrimp tempura and the special pork of the day. Both are so delicious and the service is perfect the whole time! Recommend to people who like fried dishes.