Located in city square, right in between dillingham, and Nimitz. Lots of parking, but does get busy lunch time. Reservations recommended, small cozy restaurant, unless you willing to wait. Staff was very welcoming, friendly, and prompt. They have daily specials, and the menu has a lot to choose from. Traditional Japanese and Okinawan dishes. I have been here a million times and this time was to celebrate a birthday. I got the Goya chanpura, bitter melon, tofu, and shoyu pork. I love bitter melon, the shoyu pork was so flavorful, and tender, melt in your mouth delicious! Ahi, and chicken, katsu, was crispy and moist on the inside. The same with the chicken karaage. Every time I come here, I never get disappointed. Food is so yummy and always hits the spot. Coming back for more, hearty authentic Okinawan dishes. Love it, and see you there.

Have I never reviewed Utage before?! I love this place. Been going for ages, every once in a while. Had to go to Ubae, so an excuse I never needed to get some Utage! I used to be a die hard tempura fan...still love it, but when they have the Salmon Belly/Kama, I gotta get that instead. Not salted, but a good ponzu sauce. I'm a purist and just like it as is though. So good. So good. So good. Enough food for at least another meal. Best part...always, always, always so nice. All of them. No one is not friendly. I can go in grouchy, and will come out smiling.

Excellent Okinawan food and awesome service. Our waiter was funny, friendly and even offered to take pictures of our group outside the restaurant as he recognized this was a special family gathering. And the food is tasty, delicious, and reasonably priced! We came here twice in 1 week to bring other relatives here since our family enjoys this cuisine. I had Oyadomari donburi one night and the tempura donburi another time - yum! It's a great place for great Okinawan food.

05/03/24 I'm back! So good and service is excellent! We were so fortunate to have Jin as our server. He's great! Always so nice and efficient! I'll be back! 04/20/24 Tonight's dinner was so good! Not just the food but our server, Jin, made it really pleasant. Jin is so cordial and efficient. He made us feel so welcome. He has such a pleasant smile and personality. The nasubi champuru is delicious and plentiful. Looking forward to returning soon

Update on Utage had lunch today with a friend and I ordered their 3 choice Teishoku . Teri beef, chicken Katsu, shrimp tempura. Also I ordered it with the complete meal extra $6 dollars you get either soup or salad a drink and dessert . Today their Teri beef was very rubbery so I didn't touch it . The shrimp tempura always good and the chicken Katsu was good as well. The Teishoku comes with rice , side cabbage. Service is always friendly here and did you know there's only 2 Okinawan restaurants left . Sunrise restaurant on Kapahuluu and Utage.. Support local

Decades ago my Okinawan friend brought me to Utage Restaurant & Lounge for their shoyu pork. Since then, they have grown to become one of my favorite restaurants in the Kapalama area. Utage is the only restaurant that I know of that serves Okinawan dishes. They also serve Japanese dishes and a few local specials like ahi belly and salmon belly. They do run out of their specials, so call and reserve them ahead of time or come early for lunch. If it's your first time, order their 2 or 3 dish combo. They are also kid friendly with cheese burgers & French fries or saimin for the kids. Up until recently, the meal included a soup or salad, dessert & a drink. Now, there is an additional $6 charge for these items. Overall: ***** Highly Recommended ***** Food: ***** Value: **** Menu: ***** Ambiance: **** Service: **** Parking: ***** free right outside RATINGS & RECOMMENDED ORDER: Salmon Belly = A Shoyu Pork = A Ahi Belly = A Soki Soup = A (per daughter) Shrimp & Vegtable Tempura = B Nori Wrapped Ahi Tempura = B Website: https://utagehawaii.com/ Yelp: https://yelp.to/oFHUxIWL9Z YELP: Sorry! They allow only one 12 second video & the remaining to 3 seconds, with maximum of 10 pictures/videos. The full video can be found elsewhere. Search MiltonIn808 RATINGS KEY: A = Really Good - one of the best B = Good - would order again C = ok - similar, nothing special we D = Not very good - wouldn't order F = Terrible - avoid

The shoyu pork is so delicious. Although there is a lot of fat attached, there is also a lot of meat so you can cut out the fat if you choose to. The other dishes are just as great. For dessert, I had the coffee jelly because I was so full and wanted something a little lighter. The ice creams offered are also good. Service is excellent. Always attentive and friendly. I was so full, I had to go walking after.

A favorite for us, when the pandemic hit, we would still go there regularly once take out was available. But her it is, the end of 2023 and we had to have our indoor dining. The meal of choice was their most excellent Soki soup. Nice tender pieces of pork spareribs, lots of veggies in a clear , non oily broth. Served with a bowl of rice and the optional salad, beverage and dessert. This one is great for a cooler evening and gives you a filling meal without busting the gut. We love their simple salmon dishes but there is enough variety of selections to satisfy anyone. They usually have desserts to take home that are made by a talented staffer- it's hard not to resist taking something home after your meal. Try them you'll like it.