Review Rinka Restaurant - Honolulu

The world tour duo dined at Rinka Ward Village. I just returned from 3 weeks in Japan so it would be a stern test … Japanese food in Hawaii versus that from various locales in Japan. We were seated at a small table for two so we asked our wait staff to space out our food orders. This was partially successful. One of our pet peeves is restaurants rushing food out; it’s one thing if we’re dining on a large table but we were hard pressed to deal with just two dishes at a time; three was impossible. I ordered a half bottle of 2021 Kenzo Estate asatsuyu, a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc, full of fruit, with depth and body. We started with Toro and Green Onion maki sushi and the Roast Beef Salad Japanese Style; the latter not a perfect pairing for a white wine; more about this to come. The remainder of our order consisted of Grilled Beef Tongue, Grilled Miso Butterfish and Fried Tofu with four kinds of miso. I ordered a half bottle of one of my favorite Napa Valley wines, a 2019 Kenzo Estate rindo, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (22%), Petit Verdot (9%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Malbec (3%). This wine exudes notes of dark fruit, soft tannins and chocolate. I wish the kitchen did a better job of releasing dishes in an order that matched the wines on the table. I don’t know if it’s the responsibility of the expeditor or the wait staff but this was a miss for me. As to the food; the Negitoro sushi was okay; the rice was a bit too mushy in comparison to the rice I had in Japan. The Roast Beef Salad was excellent; no issues of any kind. The Beef Tongue was good but by the time we got around to trying it, it was cold. Again, an issue of dishes being delivered too quickly. The miso butterfish was sublime, perfectly prepared a generous portion. The fried tofu could have been grilled a little longer … I had a similar dish in Tokyo that was exquisite; the offering from Rinka paled in comparison. We ended our meal with a Strawberry mochi for me and a Mochi with Green Tea Ice Cream for my tablemate. Both were very good. Final thoughts: The food is good to very good; my major complaint was the dishes not coming out in an appropriate sequence and at a pace that would have allowed us to savor each dish at its peak. We’ve experienced this issue at other Ward Village restaurants … this is what separates the good from the superlative restaurants. 4.25 stars from me.

Park at whole foods and walk over. The service is lightning fast. They use tablets to take your order. The food is delicious and worth every penny. The sushi was very fresh and not fishy. Love this place. We be back to check out their lunch specials.

Very good taste. I should have order early on kamameshi. Which will take about 40 min. Portion are small, Japanese portion. I ordered 5 items and rice for family of 4. Miso butter fish was good.

Amazing place to hold a private function, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Everything was amazing.

Very high quality, fresh sushi and beautiful presentation! We got a private room in the back which was very comfortable. The servers were very attentive and hospitable.

We had a party of 12 so we got the private room which was perfect. Our waiter was great. He explained everything we needed to know. The prices are a little on the high side but the portions are ample so that's ok. I had the miso Butterfish and it was the biggest I've ever had. Thus place is definitely worth a try if you haven't been yet

Aloha; new place in town and it's delicious. The staff is awesome and super kind. The place has an upscale japanese feel and the food is amazing. I recommend doing many pupus instead of one dish ... better to try all the small dishes.. so worth the time and money. Enjoy

New, beautiful Japanese Restaurant Located in Ae'o at Ward Village There's Ample parking above Rinka in the Whole Foods parking garage (entrance /upramps on Queen St and on Halekauwila) High ceilings and modern design makes it a very special place for a lovely Japanese meal. If you are visiting for lunch, I would highly recommend the "Jewel Box" lunch set - Chiraishi, Udon, Chawanmushi (egg custard w gelatin) and 2 small side dishes. It's really amazing value and delicious!!

Second time coming here for lunch and getting the seafood chirashi. The portion size and taste is consistent, although the price has gone up. The fish is fresh, no fishy taste, the side dishes and chawanmushi were also good. Would definitely get the seafood chirashi again!

2nd visit for dinner. Tasted good. Dishes came out different from the pictures on the menu. Overall is okay. Service may need improvement.

I love the interior! I just don’t like the sunset rays. We visited on a Sunday to have early dinner (~5:30pm). Food: The food was very tasty. The beef tongue curry soup was the most surprising dish. I really enjoyed it. Parking: is free! Park in any of the ward parking lots. We parked in the Whole Foods parking.

Always very nice experience! Parking is easy and dessert place is right next door (: holy grail donuts

The sashimi was delicious & the uni was oh so smooth like butter! Also everything was reasonably priced. The service was byfriendly & I would definitely go back to try their omakase

All of the dishes that were ordered was so ono!! The fish is so fresh, and even the pork belly just melts in your mouth! The Green Tea Brulee dessert was a surprisingly delicious way to capped off the meal. A must have if you stop in at Rinka!

If there was a 6..Rinka would be it. Superb Japanese (traditional) food and a great dining experience, every time. Sushi is one of the best to be found on the island. Save room for their desserts!

Rinka was great! The food selection was nice, even mozuku shined. The sushi was excellent, and service was also great. There is one you lady who works at the front who is well dressed and absolutely stunning 😍. Sake selection is nice too, not an izakaya vibe but classy Ward establishment, clean and modern.

We love Rinka. Excellent service, excellent food! Expect to pay higher prices for quality food. Their chazuke is a budget friendly option and is one of my favorites. This dish is comfort food at its finest.