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# Tororo – Authentic Japanese Izakaya in Honolulu, HI
Tororo is a cozy izakaya located at 1405 S King St, Honolulu, HI, offering a unique dining experience that blends traditional Japanese flavors with a casual, friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has quickly gained popularity for its small plates and creative drink menu, featuring sake, Japanese whisky, and more. Established in a renovated space that previously housed a Chinese restaurant, Tororo has become a local favorite, praised for its attentive service and vibrant ambiance. With a focus on community and quality, Tororo invites guests to enjoy a delightful culinary journey in the heart of Honolulu.

## History
### The story of Tororo
Tororo was founded with a vision to create an authentic Japanese izakaya experience in Honolulu. The owner, Shiho, aimed to bring the essence of Japanese dining culture to the local community, focusing on small plates designed for sharing and enjoying alongside drinks. The transformation from a Chinese restaurant to a modern izakaya reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity, making it a unique addition to the local dining scene.

### Milestones and growth
- Transition from Far Eastern Chinese restaurant to Tororo izakaya.
- Renovation of the interior to create a modern and inviting space.
- Establishment of a loyal customer base through word-of-mouth and positive reviews.
- Introduction of a diverse menu featuring traditional Japanese dishes and innovative drink options.
- Recognition as a hidden gem in Honolulu’s vibrant dining landscape.

### Cultural and local influence
Tororo has embraced the local culture by incorporating Hawaiian ingredients into its dishes while maintaining traditional Japanese cooking techniques. The restaurant has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community through shared dining experiences. Its focus on small plates encourages social interaction, making it a popular spot for casual gatherings and celebrations.

### Continuing the tradition
As Tororo continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its founding principles of quality, community, and authenticity. The restaurant regularly updates its menu to reflect seasonal ingredients and customer feedback, ensuring that each visit offers something new. By maintaining a strong connection to its roots, Tororo honors the traditions of Japanese izakayas while adapting to the tastes of its diverse clientele.

## Community
### Community involvement
Tororo actively engages with the local community by participating in events and supporting local initiatives. The restaurant often collaborates with nearby businesses to promote local products and artisans, showcasing the rich culture of Honolulu. This commitment to community involvement has helped Tororo build strong relationships with its patrons and neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Tororo as a welcoming and friendly establishment that prioritizes customer satisfaction. Many patrons appreciate the casual atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with the staff, who are known for their warm hospitality. Reviews frequently highlight the restaurant's commitment to quality food and service, reinforcing its reputation as a beloved local spot.

### Events and gatherings
Tororo hosts various events and gatherings, including themed nights and special promotions that encourage community participation. These events often feature unique menu items or drink specials, attracting both regulars and newcomers. The intimate setting of the restaurant makes it an ideal venue for small celebrations, fostering a sense of camaraderie among guests.

## Offerings
### What Tororo offers
Tororo provides a diverse menu of Japanese small plates, perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends. The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, resulting in flavorful dishes that highlight the essence of Japanese cuisine. The drink menu features a selection of sake, Japanese whisky, and wines, complementing the food offerings and enhancing the overall dining experience.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Tororo is designed to be casual and enjoyable, with an emphasis on sharing and socializing. Guests can choose from a variety of small plates, including seafood, grilled items, and seasonal specialties. The ambiance is relaxed, encouraging patrons to unwind and savor each dish while engaging in conversation. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every bite, making it a memorable culinary experience.

### Events and packages
Tororo offers special events and packages that cater to different occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal celebrations. These packages often include a selection of small plates and drinks, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavors. The restaurant also hosts happy hour specials, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy quality food and drinks at a reasonable price.

### Facilities and features
- Cozy and intimate dining space
- Renovated interior with modern decor
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Diverse menu featuring traditional Japanese dishes
- Selection of sake, Japanese whisky, and wines
- Happy hour specials and themed events

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Tororo highlight a mix of experiences, showcasing both the strengths and areas for improvement. Many patrons commend the restaurant for its friendly service and delicious food, while some express concerns about wait times and pricing. Overall, the feedback reflects a strong appreciation for the unique dining experience offered at Tororo.

### Compliments and strengths
- Friendly and attentive service from staff.
- High-quality, flavorful dishes that showcase Japanese cuisine.
- Cozy atmosphere conducive to socializing and conversation.
- Affordable pricing for the quality of food offered.
- Positive reviews highlighting the restaurant as a hidden gem.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many guests enjoy their experiences at Tororo, some reviews mention issues with wait times and service during busy periods. A few patrons have noted that the restaurant can become overwhelmed, leading to delays in food service. However, these experiences are often balanced by positive comments about the food quality and overall ambiance.

### Summary evaluation
Tororo stands out as a unique izakaya in Honolulu, offering a blend of authentic Japanese flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. While there are occasional challenges with service speed, the restaurant's commitment to quality food and friendly service has earned it a loyal following. Overall, Tororo is highly regarded for its culinary offerings and community engagement.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Tororo is conveniently located in Honolulu, HI, at 1405 S King St. This vibrant area is known for its diverse dining options and cultural attractions. The restaurant is situated near Paris Station, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The surrounding neighborhood features a mix of shops and eateries, providing ample opportunities for exploration before or after dining at Tororo. The welcoming atmosphere and delicious food make it a must-visit destination in Honolulu.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Tororo serve** Tororo specializes in Japanese izakaya cuisine, focusing on small plates and shared dining experiences.
**What are the hours of operation** Tororo is open from 6 PM to 11 PM daily.
**Is there parking available** Yes, there is free parking available behind the building.
**Are reservations recommended** While not required, reservations are recommended during busy periods to ensure seating.
**Does Tororo offer takeout** Yes, Tororo offers takeout options for guests who prefer to enjoy their meals at home.

## Visit Tororo Today
Experience the delightful offerings of Tororo, where authentic Japanese cuisine meets a friendly, casual atmosphere. With a commitment to quality and community, this izakaya invites you to savor its unique small plates and creative drinks. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Tororo promises a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Japanese culture in the heart of Honolulu.

4905d4d2-03b4-4601-9c08-0016b06d7f7f

Thursday October 23, 2025 we came here to eat dinner and a few drinks after? Service is friendly and fast as always from Cora! Food is always good! Ambiance is casual and very comfortable. Something different from all the food pictures all the time. lol. We will be back again. Support local businesses! The food and service is the best! Why else would we be coming back all the time. lol.

5fa80324-a12b-4a2b-8d11-3be9f090b520

I expected to find a small intimate izakaya - and it is that. But I felt I was more in a cozy bar where everyone who works there tries to get to know you. The owner-cook, Shiho, and her bartender, Cora, are very nice, friendly people. There are only minor changes from its former life as a Chinese restaurant. Service and atmosphere definitely focuses around the small eight seat bar. Everything's rather plain. The food is small plates. Although there is seafood and sushi rolls don't think of Tororo as a full on meal restaurant. That kind of stuff is there to satisfy non-drinkers and people who think every Japanese place has to have some kind of sushi. The best stuff revolves around bites between drinks. The drink menu has some wine, sake, Japanese whisky, and some surprisingly higher end champagne. The poor ventilation and focus around the bar make it feel a little divey. Patience is needed and rewarded. Bring friends for a couple of rounds and leave the family at home.

fdc3e13d-987b-4b56-b2f2-859fadf200ef

Walked in 6pm on a Saturday night The good: hostess / waitress / bartender was nice. Literally it was just one girl holding down the front. Food was tasty and decently priced. The bad: alcohol kinda pricey...$8 for a 12 oz (estimate) glass of Japanese draft. (Chez kenzo been doin $5 / $3 HH Kirin drafts forever right next door) The ugly: took over an hour for us to get 5 dishes. All of which were raw / minimally cooked items. Ahi tataki, ika shiokara, jalapeño roll, nebaneba bakudan, cold ginger shrimp w/chips. Owner / cook is running it solo in the back and she's clearly overwhelmed as the restaurant was less than half full. She needs to either hire some help or shrink down the menu so she can handle. Would've ordered more things but the way the food was slowly coming out, just called for the tab and went another spot to end the night. Would not recommend, nor plan on returning

f039170a-3ba1-4dd2-bfb0-32054e3142f6

Dinner in Honolulu, Hawaii... We searched for a Hot New Business on our Yelp apps and found: Tororo Located on King Street, next to Paris Station (store with previously owned high-end purses), Tororo used to be Far Eastern (Chinese) restaurant. The interior is totally renovated! It looks modern and elegant - especially with the bar area and its red lamps! The convenient restroom is clean and beautiful, too! Service was very polite and efficient! The pleasant man at the door greeted everyone cheerfully and held the door open for us as we entered and left! I got the special $9.95 chirashi bowl which comes with miso soup. There are only ten bowls available daily, so we're lucky that we waited for the door to open at 6pm. The toppings were fresh and colorful! I liked the tiny cubes of takuan and the larger chunks of shrimp! They contrasted well with the smooth, rich toro! The sushi rice was fluffy and tasty! Thanks for the wonderful dining experience and the free parking behind the building!

b7c0e5da-401f-4652-bd1d-9ce307c5e317

Could've been better... We were so excited to give this new place a try and more so when they had the special limited menu item for such a great deal of Torotaku Chirashi for $9.95 but with shellfish I decided on a poke bowl ahi poke with cold ginger sauce which sounded amazing and a medium size for $8.95 sounded like even a better deal for me so I got a Jyaga butter potato as well from the happy hour menu at $3 to give it a try. Potato was definitely nice and buttery and a solid half portion is just the right amount thought not sure at $3 but for my poke bowl was the winner the rice was cooked to perfection I couldn't get enough of it and the cold ginger sauce for the poke was amazing and wished I got the large instead of the medium but at the end it was just the right amount. This is where it was my error as well I was overcharged by the restaurant as it should be a total of $21.90 before tax and tip but inclusive I paid $34.86 so I know I was wrongly charged for the large bowl and I didn't check but is concerning as we both verified the size and I was served the correct size and there was just two tables. I do like what they did with the place after taking over from the previous biz the decor is very simple and do see that it's still a work in progress though I do need to be more mindful as every dollar counts for me and learned to not let the food coma put my brains asleep. Thank you!

2cb97425-2a3f-4c89-9fd3-1587b6c0f5dd

Discovered a hidden gem of a Japanese izakaya on the corner of King and Keeaumoku, right next to Paris Station. Honestly, this is one of those places I'd love to gatekeep to myself, because once word gets out, it might get harder to score a reservation. Still, as an honorable Yelp Elite, it is my duty to share the good eats from my foodie adventures with you, the Yelp community. They are open from 6 PM to 11 PM, with very reasonable prices and friendly service. The space is cozy, with about eight tables and a counter. You can park in the lot behind the building or find street parking after 6:30 PM. Now the food. Every bite was a delight: Tori Taku: Our first bite of the night. The texture was fantastic and immediately made us want more. Ahi Tataki: Perfectly seared with a simple sauce of sesame oil, negi, and salt. Clean, bold, and satisfying. Jyaga Butter Potato: Do not let the simplicity fool you. Sweet, savory, and full of texture. This one surprised me in the best way. Pork Miso Soup: Hearty and deeply flavorful. Comfort in a bowl. Cold Ginger Shrimp with Wonton Chips: I wasn't sure about this one when ordering, but I'm glad I took the risk. The combination works beautifully. I want to try making this at home. Chirashi Bowl: Just $9.99. They only make ten a day, so don't hesitate. This was our final dish and it disappeared as quickly as the first. Small space. Big flavors. Friendly staff. Go now while it still feels like a secret spot--but please leave me a seat.

3af148a7-b0ee-4ed0-8b01-ab585897da0a

An amazing hidden gem! By far the best meal we had in Honolulu at a very reasonable price. Great tasty, fresh, flavorful food, friendly service and a relaxed vibe. Such an authentic Japanese experience you'll feel like you just teleported to Japan. They have a big menu so there's something for everyone. I highly recommend the tuna chirashi bowl and miso soup a nightly special for $9.95 and the ahi jerky appetizer. If I was a local I'd eat here all the time!

20524afb-64a5-418e-b1f6-899f88bb333f

Chill relaxing vibe. Good for conversation and socializing. Owner and kitchen individuals work very hard to make sure that guests are well served and presentation is well served. Food tastes great and at the prices that is very affordable for everyone, at least for soft opening, giving guests that chance to be able to try just or almost or as much on the menu.

ad57ccdf-f6b6-4392-9048-314fe2025f79

Glad we finally got to try this new izakaya. We started with the jyaga butter potato and the cold ginger shrimp, which we had never had before and were excellent. The sushi rolls were also very good. They were playing an interesting mix of slack-key guitar and city pop, and compared to some other places, we were glad we could actually hear each other. Service was friendly and attentive: even the chef came out to ask how everything was and meet us. We were surprised that even with drinks it wasn't expensive. There were several things on the menu we wanted to try, so we'll be back.

70fcae8d-caf0-464f-b139-00b38cecdf02

Delicious food, friendly staff and easy to find! We checked out this spot for dinner and did a family style meal. The spot is better for bar bites and drinks than dinner but we were definitely full after ordering off of their happy hour menu. One of the notable items was their $10 chirashi bowl! It was on the smaller side, but still good. We ordered a bunch of items but the standouts were the ahi tataki and the potato! The potato seemed very simple since it was a fried potato, but it was well marinated and perfectly cooked. It was sweet and salty with a crunch on the outside and soft on the inside. Will be going back for drinks and bar food!

Discover Tororo in Honolulu for authentic Japanese cuisine in a vibrant setting. Experience unique flavors and warm hospitality. Book your table now.

Tororo Restaurant in Honolulu, HI - Delicious Local Cuisine

Honolulu

Tororo

Hawaii

Discover Tororo at 1405 S King St, Honolulu. Enjoy authentic Japanese dishes in a cozy setting. Perfect for food lovers seeking a memorable dining experience!

Experience Tororo in Honolulu - Unique Japanese Cuisine & Cozy Atmosphere

Learn about Tororo at 1405 S King St, Honolulu. A top spot for authentic Japanese cuisine, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Your Hawaiian culinary adventure starts here!

About Tororo, Honolulu - Authentic Japanese Dining in the Heart of Hawaii

Opening hours for Tororo, 1405 S King St, Honolulu. Find opening hours for Tororo, Honolulu on 1405 S King St.

Tororo Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Tororo

Chez Kenzo Bar and Grill

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Mercado De La Raza