Izakaya Harumi — Review by RainaisCrazy
Honolulu, United States — Japanese Izakaya
Izakaya Harumi is a award-winning Japanese izakaya in Honolulu that offers exceptional yakitori skewers and traditional Japanese dishes. The reviewer praised the tender, perfectly grilled meats with caramelized exteriors, flavorful vegetables, and the restaurant's beautiful decor and late-night weekend hours. With daily happy hour specials and excellent value, this is a must-visit for Japanese food lovers.
What was great: Amazing yakitori skewers with savory soy glaze, tender and caramelized meats, grilled vegetables with great texture, fried calamari, pomelo chicken, beef udon soup with sweet and savory broth, cool interior decor, happy hour deals with 15% off appetizers and drinks
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Izakaya Harumi delivers an impressive array of yakitori skewers that are the star of the menu. The chicken cartilage skewer stands out with its incredibly crunchy and chewy texture, coated in a savory soy glaze with just a hint of sweetness. The beef tongue skewer arrives topped with chili crisp, caramelized onions, and fresh spring onions, creating multiple layers of texture and flavor. The ribeye skewer showcases tender meat with beautiful caramelization from the grill that adds a slight crispiness to each bite. Beyond yakitori, the grilled mushrooms impress with their bouncy, tender caps, and the grilled zucchini offers a lighter vegetable option. The fried calamari proves that the kitchen can execute appetizers brilliantly with well-seasoned, substantial pieces. The pomelo chicken delivers big, juicy pieces that are expertly seasoned. The beef udon soup is a standout comfort dish, featuring tender beef belly slices with caramelized onions over udon noodles in a sweet and savory broth that reminds of sukiyaki.
The Experience
The restaurant boasts beautiful interior decor that immediately impresses upon entry. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. A major highlight is the extended weekend hours, staying open until 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, making it ideal for late-night dining. The service appears attentive and efficient throughout the dining experience.
Value and Pricing
Izakaya Harumi offers excellent value, especially during happy hour which runs daily from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., providing 15% off appetizers and drinks. The pricing structure makes it accessible for regular visits, with substantial portions that justify the cost.
Notable Moments
This restaurant just won the best izakaya in Hawaii.
Japanese yakitori has a very nice savory soy glaze on top with a slight hit of sweetness.
The soup reminds me of sukiyaki. It's sweet and savory. It's nice.
The Verdict
Izakaya Harumi is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking authentic Japanese izakaya cuisine in Honolulu. The award-winning status is well-deserved based on the quality of yakitori, excellent execution of both traditional and creative dishes, and outstanding value. This restaurant is perfect for groups looking to share multiple skewers, for those seeking late-night dining options, and for anyone wanting to experience elevated Japanese grilled fare. The daily happy hour makes it especially attractive for budget-conscious diners looking to enjoy premium food at discounted prices.