Imari

Used to come here quite regularly to take home dinner bentos for the family. They had a stint supplying Donki (formerly Daiei) with bentos, and then had to stop as if the bentos didn’t sell within a few hours, they get thrown in the trash, and the owner was freaking out about that.
They made to order so you did have to wait like 10 min for your order.
Sadly, they closed down over a year ago. They were around for over 5 years at least.
So now I have to go to Donki, Marukai, or Iyasume Kapahulu if I need bentos.
Shirokiya and Zippys, no thanks.

For those that have been missing Imari Bento, I’m happy to note that they are now located at one of the vendor spaces at the former 99 Ranch building in Mapunapuna.

I had ordered bentos from Imari for lunch to serve to our seminar attendees and they were a HIT!!!
The cost was relatively inexpensive and the okazu was one of the better japanese-​style okazu foods that I’ve had in a while.
The bonus was the free delivery for any order more than $ 100…needless to say I ordered from them again for another function we had organized.

I’m completely bummed out today!
I have been out of the country for a few months and two of my favorite places to eat are now closed. Imari was one of these places and was the BEST bento I have ever encountered in Hawaii. I have lived and worked in the area for the past five years and I would frequent this place at least once a week.
The chicken karaage was their most popular menu item and couldn’t be beat. Their tonkatsu was always cooked to perfection and the «Japanese style hamburger steak» (with grated radish in ponzu sauce) was awesome! Their various donburi and katsu curry bowls were also excellent.
The service was very slow. You could count on waiting 20 – 30 min for your order. This is because they would make your bento fresh to order and you had 25 or 30 items to choose from!
Why am I reviewing a place that is no longer around???
Because this place was second to none!!!
I hope they reopen somewhere else…
btw. My other favorite place to eat was Sushi Koh in Waikiki.

If you want a GOOD bento and are willing wait 30 minutes for it — this is the place for you. We discovered it about 2 – 3 years ago and we think it’s the best bento in town. Why? B/​c during the 30 minutes of wait, your bento is being «made fresh to order.» That’s right — they don’t fry it until you order it.
Food: I can’t list off bento names to you cuz I don’t eat there too often, but everything I’ve had was great. Oh… I do remember one thing… the saba is yummy.
Service: besides the 30 minute wait, which you can’t complain about anyway b/​c it’s necessary for your food to be fresh, the cashier packs your utensils and sauces and rings up your food correctly, so what else is there to say?
Ambience: what ambience? It’s a hole-​in-​the-​wall w/​like 3 chairs and stacks of magazines. Japanese magazines, mind you, so don’t think you can order your food and then enjoy reading your fave mags. But once, I got lucky and they had «In Style.» Woo-​hoo!
Parking: none. We sometimes park in the back lot of Ross and walk over. Try it…
Important note: my hubby was told by the cashier that they’re closing soon. So… go my children to Imari and enjoy it while it lasts.

This is the place to go to in Honolulu when you need a serious bento. Do whatever the reviewers before have advised – call ahead if you detest waiting and good luck with parking. Last time, I tried to run across Keeaumoku St. from WalMart without getting run over and barely made it.
My office mates and I love the Japanese-​style hamburger steak. It’s a very large, tender patty of ground beef topped with grated daikon and ponzu. I actually prefer it now over regular hamburger steak!

CLOSED!!! yikes drove past and realized Imari is not Imari anymore. its a new bento place with another name… similar but not Imari. Going to miss them. wonder how the new place is…
Imari is a quaint bento shop located on keeamoku. You can eat in but primarily everyone takes out especially during the rush lunch hour. I have been there about 4 times and i have been really happy with their kani (crab) cream croquette.
Parking is quite taxing due to having only street parking. Also you MUST call in advance and place in your order or else you could easily wait 15 – 20 mins for your order to be ready. Not good when you stay really hungry and the food smells so great!

Authentic Japanese Bento!
They have a bunch of sets you can choose from. I usually order the Salmon bento.
They used to give me lots of Takana but last time I went they said no.
oh well!
They take a long time to serve you though. Call in advance.