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A modern spin on Japanese fare

Columns Lite Bites

April 27, 2015

Story By: Yu Shing Ting | Photos by: Anthony Consillio

Since opening February 28, Rijo Restaurant at Harbor Court (in the former Palomino space) continues to grow in popularity, especially with the Downtown business crowd during lunch.

The spacious restaurant overlooking Honolulu Harbor serves contemporary Japanese cuisine created by chef Yoichi Saito.

“It’s more modern. We’re taking Japanese flavors and putting a twist to it,” explains general manager Daniel Toves.

On the menu, Toves recommends Crab Crusted Sea Scallop ($16), consisting of pan-seared U-10 sea scallops topped with a spicy dynamite mix of Dungeness crab, shiitake mushrooms, onions and Japanese herbs.

Also popular is Sizzling Gin Mutsu ($31), which is pan-seared Chilean sea bass with garlic spinach, kabocha puree, sweet black bean and yuzu vin blanc. For dessert, try the Coconut Bread Pudding ($6) with bourbon anglaise and vanilla bean ice cream.

Rijo also has an amazing Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, featuring a variety of drink and food specials.

For Mother’s Day (May 10), Rijo is offering a special brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($60 per person, $25 for children 11 and under). Enjoy crab, shrimp, oysters, sushi, sashimi, a carving station, as well as breakfast favorites, such as eggs benedict, French toast, bacon, pancakes and more. Reservations are highly recommended.

“We’re very family-oriented,” adds Toves. “On the weekends, we get a lot of locals who bring their families, so in the future we’re planning to do a kids eat free night or family night where we give a discount on the entire bill. We just want to give people a nice, casual atmosphere to enjoy great food.”

Rijo Restaurant

W H E R E
Harbor Court 66 Queen St., 3rd Floor
($2 validated parking available at Harbor Court)

C A L L
208-8180

H O U R S
Lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dinner, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Lounge, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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