Asahi Grill

515 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
$$$ Restaurant
(841 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Discover the cozy charm of Asahi Grill, a delightful local eatery bursting with authentic Hawaiian flavors and Japanese influences, situated at 515 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI 96814. This hidden gem has garnered a devoted following among locals and visitors alike for its comforting, made-from-scratch dishes.

The atmosphere at Asahi Grill is an inviting blend of casual dining and old-fashioned charm. As you step inside, the warm, friendly service makes you feel right at home. The restaurant is often bustling with a mix of Japanese tourists and locals, especially during the weekends, creating a vibrant community vibe. The spacious dining area, filled with cheerful chatter and the savory smells wafting from the kitchen, sets the perfect stage for a satisfying meal.

Asahi Grill's menu is a culinary adventure that features an array of dishes sure to tantalize your taste buds. Dive into their renowned Oxtail Soup, frequently dubbed the best in town. This comforting bowl of rich broth, perfectly complemented by tender oxtail and a hint of fresh ginger, is an absolute must-try for any visitor. One customer raved, "The oxtail soup with rice and ginger is my goto—pure comfort food that hits the spot every time."

If you're in the mood for donburi, the Spicy Ahi Don and Oyako Don offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors—perfect for those seeking that comforting home-cooked feel. The Katsu Don is another fan favorite, featuring crispy fried pork served over a generous bed of rice, making for a hearty portion that locals adore.

Noodle enthusiasts will not be disappointed either. The Oxtail Ramen is a standout item, a rich, deeply flavorful bowl that has received repeated praise as an essential comfort food. Each slurp of the chewy noodles, paired with the succulent oxtail, is a delightful experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.

The reviews speak volumes about Asahi Grill's unique offerings and dedication to quality. One guest noted the wide variety of local dishes, commenting on the “famous” oxtail soup and an Oyako Don that, while on the sweeter side, was still very much enjoyable. Another satisfied customer remarked, "This place definitely has a cult following to it." Such sentiments reflect the restaurant's status as a staple in the local culinary scene.

However, it's worth mentioning the parking situation, as a few guests have found the lot a bit cramped. But don’t let that deter you; the food alone makes the visit worthwhile. Whether you are looking for a peaceful morning brunch or a fulfilling late-night meal, Asahi Grill delivers time and again to create a memorable dining experience.

If you're in Honolulu and craving authentic comfort food that resonates with both flavor and warmth, Asahi Grill is your go-to destination. With its friendly ambiance and consistently excellent dishes, you’ll likely leave with a full belly and an even fuller heart.

Contact: +1 808-593-2800

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

7:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

841 Reviews
Big Fish Dive Club

21 Sep 2025

This old fashion eatery offers a wide variety of local dishes. We, of course, came here for its “famous” ox tail soup. We weren’t disappointed as the ox tail soup was very good. It was served with chopped ginger that made the soup stood out. The Oyako Don was on the sweet side, but pretty good nonetheless. Parking lot was small and hard to get in and out.

Mike Chang

04 Sep 2025

Great hole in the wall! I am giving it 5 stars for its genre. As far as low key catch all cooked Japanese food with breakfast. This place definitely has a cult following to it. Saw a lot of Japanese tourists and locals eating here on a random Sunday lunch. I’d definitely come back. For me this is like a hang over spot where you just need comfort food. They apparently have a good oxtail soup.

Yen Ho

21 Aug 2025

Got there close to closing (8:30pm) they sat us and we order oxtail soup & oxtail ramen. Soup is light and delicious. I like adding ginger to the soup but the ginger taste was light just wish there was more ginger

Therese Howe

14 Aug 2025

We’ve been meaning to come here for years and finally happened to stop for lunch about 11:30 am. It was a sizable dining space and half full when we came in, looked like mostly locals so that was a good sign. Only one server handled the entire dining room competently and we got our meals fairly quickly after ordering. Hubby got the chicken katsu, and was surprised at how large the serving was for a mini. I got the cheeseburger meal, which is served with fries and a soda for $13. Loved the homemade burger party, but the bun was just meh - not toasted long enough to get the bread warm and soft, I ended up taking off the bottom off and eating it with just the top. Kept the lettuce and tomato, ditched the fresh onion. Fries were ok. The prices were very reasonable, we’ll be going back to try the ox tail soup, which everyone seems to be raving about. Parking available on the side, may be right for bigger trucks.

Annette Ferreira

14 Jul 2025

I visit Oahu at least once a quarter, and every time, I make sure to stop at this spot. It has a relaxed, casual vibe and consistently excellent food. It’s definitely a local favorite. The oxtail soup with rice and ginger is my go-to—pure comfort food that hits the spot every time. While the menu has plenty of other great options, you really can’t go wrong with this classic.

Jennifer Lin

02 Jun 2025

The best Oxtail soup in town Very typical local style restaurant But the foods are all great Must order the best. The price is very inexpensive

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