I’m going to be honest, Gyukaku is trendy and expensive. And some might take offense that you’re paying so much to cook your own food. That said, I still love it. Of course, I’ve been to better... More

I’m going to be honest, Gyukaku is trendy and expensive. And some might take offense that you’re paying so much to cook your own food. That said, I still love it. Of course, I’ve been to better and cheaper yakiniku places, but Gyukaku is still a treat. I’m pretty sure Gyukaku is a Japanese chain. At least, I’ve seen several Gyukaku locations when I was last in Japan. And they’re slowly expanding. If you check out their website, they have U.S. locations in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and New York City, and all in happening locations. It shouldn’t be a surprise that you’ll see yuppies and hipsters at Gyukaku, and a crowd of mainly 20- to young 30-somethings. The decor is dimly lit with straw textured walls and dark woods—very neo-Japanese design. Most parties are shown to individual booths fit for 4-6 people, larger parties are escorted to tables. And each booth has its own grill on which you cook your own meats. Reservations can be recommended because it does get busy. Service here is somewhat hit and miss, especially on busy nights. The only issues, I think, would be whether your grill is hot enough or clean enough. Gyukaku’s menu is full of raw meats marinated in their special sauces, including Shio (a light white shoyu), Tare (a fruity, garlicy soy sauce), Miso (a soy bean barbeque sauce), Teriyaki, Basil, and Yuzu (that lemon-like Japanese citrus all the rage now). In addition, you can order dippings for your cooked meats, and these include butter garlic, sesame oil (with salt and pepper) and chili mayo. I recommend a serving of rice, Kim Chee (spicy fermented cabbage), and Ahi Poke (raw marinated cubes of ahi tuna and seaweed) to start. My main course recommendations (to share, of course) include their U.S. Kobe meats (excellent beef from cows bred from Black Angus and Wagyu); Harami Miso (skirt steak marinated in miso), Premium Kalbi (boneless cuts of short rib), Basil Chicken, Japanese Kurobuta Sausage (pork sausages that snap), Miso Butterfish, Ahi Tuna (just lightly sear it, you’ll ruin it otherwise), and Shrimp Garlic. To finish off, definitely have the Dorayaki Ice Cream (two small pancakes you’ll grill and heat up) and a side serving of ice cream. If you don’t want to put the grill to waste, you can also order the S’mores (no explanation needed). To compliment its meats, Gyukaku has a good selection of Japanese beers and sake, California wines, and Korean shochu. Almost anything goes well with barbequed food.
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Gyukaku offers a wide array of meats and vegetables that you can cook yourself over a charcoal grill right on your table. It is a lot of fun when you're eating with friends and family. The food is... More

Gyukaku offers a wide array of meats and vegetables that you can cook yourself over a charcoal grill right on your table. It is a lot of fun when you're eating with friends and family. The food is very good and the meat is extremely tender and juicy. there are many different cuts of meat in different sauces that you can try and all are just as delicious. However, it is pretty expensive overall - a two-person meal could run you as high as $70 or more. While each slice of meat is juicy and mouth-watering, it costs about $5 for 6-7 tiny pieces of meat. The last time I went, I felt the waitstaff was somewhat arrogant toward me and not very polite. Fortunately, this doesn't happen all the time though. I've been to other Gyu-kakus in Japan and I have to say that this one pales in comparison to those abroad. Overall excellent food, though expensive, but I suppose that is the price for Japanese bbq.
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Gyu-Kaku is a very hip modern yakiniku restaurant. You’ll notice the prevalent music as soon as you walk into the restaurant. The restaurant is dark and noisy. Once seated, you’ll notice the... More

Gyu-Kaku is a very hip modern yakiniku restaurant. You’ll notice the prevalent music as soon as you walk into the restaurant. The restaurant is dark and noisy. Once seated, you’ll notice the clean grill, which looks brand new and built into your table. The theme of Gyu-kaku is to order lots of small portions of various meats and seafood and vegetables. One order comes with about 6 pieces of meat, etc. So one person can end up ordering 3-4 order by him/herself and it can get pricy. We like to take advantage of their early bird special which offer 50% off one selected meat each day. Of course, you’ll have to order other types of meats at the regular price to offer some variety. They’re meat is very high quality and very tender. Worth every bite.
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I'd never been to a yakiniku place before. In fact, I'm not even sure I'm spelling it correctly right now. But who cares what it is or how it's spelled, you can see the above reviews for... More

I'd never been to a yakiniku place before. In fact, I'm not even sure I'm spelling it correctly right now. But who cares what it is or how it's spelled, you can see the above reviews for that--this place is so stinkin' good! Besides the requisite veggies like corn and rice, we stocked up on the 50% special of the day, kalbi. We also had many other meats we couldn't pronounce, including cow tongue. Thaaaat's right, tongue. And it was good too! We were so stuffed, we couldn't even order dessert, which was sad, b/c I hear it's pretty cool--you grill those too. But man, if they can make cow tongue taste good, you know it's good.
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This Japanese BBQ style is definitely a cool spot to hang for young people in Honolulu. They are definitely dedicated themselves to an excellent service and I felt that from that staff. The foods... More

This Japanese BBQ style is definitely a cool spot to hang for young people in Honolulu. They are definitely dedicated themselves to an excellent service and I felt that from that staff. The foods are alright, perhaps interesting for many non-Japanese customers, therefore, might be very good for them. I loved their Dorayaki icecream, everyone should give it a try once!!!
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Gyu Kaku has many branches. two of them that i usually go are located in Waikiki and Kapiolani Blvd. The restaurant is decorated with darked color wood that give you more old style feeling of... More

Gyu Kaku has many branches. two of them that i usually go are located in Waikiki and Kapiolani Blvd. The restaurant is decorated with darked color wood that give you more old style feeling of japanese restaurant. I like its interior design and decoration. the restaurant provides yakiniku food and alcohols(japanese's BBQ) .... sometimes they will have a special offer such as 50% off in each item depend on each day. for example, Mon - Kalbi 50 % off Tue - Pork 50% off. This restaurant is really crownded , especially Fri- Sun evening. You might want to call to make a reservation before you go there. Hmmm.. What elese? Ohh ... Be prepared that you will smell like grilled beef or BBQ Chicken .... (because the restaurant will prepare the charcoal for you to cook by yourself ) Tips : don't dip your meat in sesame oil and grill. it will make lots of smoke!
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Great cozy Yakiniku restaurant that has great ambiance. While in this restaurant you forget that your in the heart of a metropolitan city, it is designed to recreate a old-fashioned japanese... More

Great cozy Yakiniku restaurant that has great ambiance. While in this restaurant you forget that your in the heart of a metropolitan city, it is designed to recreate a old-fashioned japanese yakiniku restaurant. Some of my favorites are the pork sausage, garlic kalbi, kim chee, and many more. You need to call ahead and make reservations. Remember this is a yakiniku restaurant so be prepared to cook your own food.
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You need to make a reservation.

You need to make a reservation.
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