Namioto

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: Kushikatsu Combination B ($9) and Grilled Combo of Two ($13.95)

On the bottom floor of the shiny, new 808 Center is Namioto, emenating aromas of grilled meats and fried goodies just waiting to be devoured. The irresistible smells will transport passersby to the streets of Japan, as shichirin — small portable Japanese grills, which were the models for local hibachi stoves — are hot and firing.

Join the establishment for the kushikatsu and teppan bar’s teishoku-style lunch options, including miso soup, rice, salad and your choice of entree (ginger pork, teriyaki chicken, tonkatsu, etc.) for only $8.95. Or, come for dinner and enjoy a plethora of kushikatsu delights. Kushikatsu essentially is fried food on skewers, and owner Leo Uchida decided to bring the concept to Hawaii because there weren’t many places offering this style of Japanese food.

Customers can order each skewer individually, or try a little bit of everything with Namioto’s combination options (Combination A and Combination B). The skewers are perfect to have with an Asahi “Super Dry” draft or one of the many selections of premium sakes offered at the restaurant.

Don’t forget about the teppan and grilled items, too. Namioto offers lamb chops, steak, squid, as well as more unique items such as beef tongue, which Uchida says is cut thicker than other establishments for a meatier bite of tender tongue.

Namioto

808 Center
808 Sheridan St., Honolulu
369-7000
Daily, lunch: noon-2 p.m.; dinner: 5-10 p.m.