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Restaurant Kenichi was established in 2012 and was created by the late Mykee Inouye. With a lifelong passion for cooking, Mykee had the dream of recreating the recipes that he learned from his grandmother and share them with the people of Hilo. Restaurant Kenichi was formed and specializes not only in Japanese Ramen but, adds a delicious menu of local favorites like garlic chicken, Tonkatsu, BBQ chicken, and local fish. Retaurant Kenichi also offers a per lb. menu of these same favorites, and the restaurant not only enjoys healthy local support, but has been recognized as a food destination by Trip Advisor, Google, and Yelp.
Unassuming fixture serving elevated ramen bowls & Korean & Asian favorites in an informal space.
Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 684 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 969-1776
Website: http://restaurantkenichi.com/
Menu Photos
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Related Web Results
Restaurant Kenichi | Hilo’s Favorite Local Restaurant
Restaurant Kenichi is a Hilo restaurant that specializes in ramen and local food. Located at 684 Kilauea Ave. in Hilo, Hawaii.
Menu Page – Restaurant Kenichi
Restaurant Kenichi specializes in local and Japanese food in Hilo, Hawaii. Specialties range from Miso butterfish and Sizzling rib eye steak to ramen.
Restaurant Kenichi (@restaurant_kenichi) · Hilo, HI – Instagram
3639 Followers, 138 Following, 389 Posts – Restaurant Kenichi (@restaurant_kenichi) on Instagram: “OPEN FOR DINE-IN & TAKE-OUT‼️ (808)969-1776”
Reviews
AG
Our family was craving Japanese food, and after checking online reviews, we decided to give this place a try. The restaurant was packed with locals, which felt like a good sign — we waited about 20 minutes for a table.
The food isn’t exactly traditional Japanese; it’s more of a Hawaiian fusion, which made for an interesting twist. The grilled beef was extremely salty — like, really salty — probably due to over-marination. On the bright side, the grilled salmon inside was tasty and went okay with the rice. The fried chicken katsu was pretty good too.
Portions were huge! If you’re not a big eater, you might find yourself stuffed halfway through — which, honestly, is a good problem to have.
… moreThe food isn’t exactly traditional Japanese; it’s more of a Hawaiian fusion, which made for an interesting twist. The grilled beef was extremely salty — like, really salty — probably due to over-marination. On the bright side, the grilled salmon inside was tasty and went okay with the rice. The fried chicken katsu was pretty good too.
Portions were huge! If you’re not a big eater, you might find yourself stuffed halfway through — which, honestly, is a good problem to have.
Myroslav Domanskyi
The steak was too dry and charred even though I ordered medium, ramen was a little too salty and too fishy for my taste but probably because we ordered miso. The best thing about this place was the service with quick, friendly, and attentive servers.
… moreMaui World Travelers
After a few days of researching, my stomach was set on this place to satisfy my ramen craving. Hilo has quite a few places that serve ramen, but these folks had the tastiest-looking pics.
ATMOSPHERE:
It’s an older space but kept very clean. Windows abound let it lots of natural light. Seatings are booth and low tops. Their sizzling platters can make you coming out smelling like a cook.
MENU:
Local style plate lunches, fried rice, gyoza, salads, ramen, desserts.
FOOD:
Gyoza (7 pcs.)
I’ve never had homemade gyoza before. The filling had cilantro-like notes but were a bit bland. The tangy shoyu dipping sauce helped out a bit. The bottoms could’ve been seared a bit more.
Shoyu Ramen
Easy choice as I am a shoyu ramen fanatic! The noodles were thin, straight and chewy. The transparent broth needed a swish of shoyu to bring up the flavor. I expected the half egg to be hard boiled but was surprised at its medium gooeyness; great job by the way. The toppings of bean sprouts, green onions, seaweed flakes and fish cake tied in perfect. For the meat topping I got yakibuta which were thinly sliced pork belly. While the dish came out hot, it wasn’t searing so it got cold fast. I have a good appetite but I’m glad I chose the regular size which was perfect rather than opting for the “Kenichi Size” which is double of everything.
Spicy Miso Ramen
My spouse’s dish. The spoonful of broth I tasted was good and not overly sweet like other versions I’ve tried.
DESSERT:
Brookie
I’m not a dessert fan but my spouse is. This is a layered square served warm, with a chewy cookie bottom, pressed and chewy Oreo in the middle, and a brownie at the top. For the ice cream we chose Tahitian vanilla. Tasty and popular dish.
SERVICE:
We walked in on a Saturday morning and got seated immediately. The place filled up a bit.
Our female server was friendly and checked on us, along with another female associate who may have been a manager that came around to all the tables.
OVERALL:
Very good ramen and service. Who’d have thought?
… moreATMOSPHERE:
It’s an older space but kept very clean. Windows abound let it lots of natural light. Seatings are booth and low tops. Their sizzling platters can make you coming out smelling like a cook.
MENU:
Local style plate lunches, fried rice, gyoza, salads, ramen, desserts.
FOOD:
Gyoza (7 pcs.)
I’ve never had homemade gyoza before. The filling had cilantro-like notes but were a bit bland. The tangy shoyu dipping sauce helped out a bit. The bottoms could’ve been seared a bit more.
Shoyu Ramen
Easy choice as I am a shoyu ramen fanatic! The noodles were thin, straight and chewy. The transparent broth needed a swish of shoyu to bring up the flavor. I expected the half egg to be hard boiled but was surprised at its medium gooeyness; great job by the way. The toppings of bean sprouts, green onions, seaweed flakes and fish cake tied in perfect. For the meat topping I got yakibuta which were thinly sliced pork belly. While the dish came out hot, it wasn’t searing so it got cold fast. I have a good appetite but I’m glad I chose the regular size which was perfect rather than opting for the “Kenichi Size” which is double of everything.
Spicy Miso Ramen
My spouse’s dish. The spoonful of broth I tasted was good and not overly sweet like other versions I’ve tried.
DESSERT:
Brookie
I’m not a dessert fan but my spouse is. This is a layered square served warm, with a chewy cookie bottom, pressed and chewy Oreo in the middle, and a brownie at the top. For the ice cream we chose Tahitian vanilla. Tasty and popular dish.
SERVICE:
We walked in on a Saturday morning and got seated immediately. The place filled up a bit.
Our female server was friendly and checked on us, along with another female associate who may have been a manager that came around to all the tables.
OVERALL:
Very good ramen and service. Who’d have thought?
Chi H
I can see for sure many local people love this restaurant. The majority of customers are local, which as a traveler like me do need to taste and feel why and how famous the restaurant is. Waiting time during rush hours is usually less than 30 minutes.
For the food, they are perfectly awesome. The restaurant looks dated, family owned, and full of history. Many stuff I believe they have been in the restaurant since its grand opening. I am not complaining, but I actually like it too. Something original should keep its original.
Nor their price is crazy expensive too. I ordered the Kim chee fire rice(appetizer), which costs me about $10, and I got a big plate as surprise. I thought it was two orders’ quantity.
If come at day time, parking maybe bit trouble, but in the evening, parking shouldn’t be a problem.
Just to be fair, they are not 6 stars Michelin restaurant. Please don’t expect they must have 6 stars customers’ skills for tourists.
Overall, 5 stars. For culture, history, and awesome food. Thank you.
… moreFor the food, they are perfectly awesome. The restaurant looks dated, family owned, and full of history. Many stuff I believe they have been in the restaurant since its grand opening. I am not complaining, but I actually like it too. Something original should keep its original.
Nor their price is crazy expensive too. I ordered the Kim chee fire rice(appetizer), which costs me about $10, and I got a big plate as surprise. I thought it was two orders’ quantity.
If come at day time, parking maybe bit trouble, but in the evening, parking shouldn’t be a problem.
Just to be fair, they are not 6 stars Michelin restaurant. Please don’t expect they must have 6 stars customers’ skills for tourists.
Overall, 5 stars. For culture, history, and awesome food. Thank you.
alex marquez
Just plain delicious. Be careful if you are watching your weight because these portions are Huge. Ask for Aaron he is a great guy.
… morePeter Chung
What a great restaurant filled with locals who come here to eat. Donna was our waitress and she was super nice and helpful. We ordered the 12oz Ribeye medium rare, Kimchi Fried Rice, Boneless Korean Chicken and a Tonkotsu Ramen. The stand out items were definitely the steak and boneless chicken….those are definite must tries for sure!! Give it a try when you’re in the area. Enjoy.
… moreLyuba Vyskribova
It doesn’t smell really good when you walk in-smells kind of old and stinky…but don’t let that fool you. Kenichi restaurant has pretty good food! We got BBQ chicken and pork cutlet, ramen, and the mahi katsu. The only plate we didn’t like was the mahi- it wasn’t fresh. Everything else was yummy!! And great value for Hawaii.
… moreSunny FXR
Consistently great food every time. Wonderful pleasant low key casual atmosphere. The ramen is next level good. I like the tonkatsu cuz I like spicy. Customer service is great, they are very friendly.
… moreIzzy D
The food was ok. Kalbi was too salty. Mandoo was really chewy. The pork chop was a bit dry. The best part of the meal was the Brookie Ala Mode
… moretrl1971
Delicious entrees and desserts! Specializing in Japanese and local favorites. Lot’s of flavors and you can customize your entrees. The staff are very friendly, efficient and cordial. There’s lots of seating, but reservations might be necessary because they do get busy. Recommend!
… more