When you enter Japanese Restaurant Aki in Kaimuki, don’t be surprised to hear a chorus of friendly voices call out, “Irasshaimase (welcome in Japanese).” Along with a warm greeting, you will find a menu filled with mouthwateringly authentic pleasures such…
Happy Sunday, Ono readers! I hope you are digging into a drool-worthy meal with family and friends on this glorious day. For nearly seven years now, I’ve had the sheer joy of writing to you about the stories and recipes…
For more than a decade, chef Shoichi Kosaka learned his trade in traditional izakayas, or Japanese pubs, absorbing the most authentic techniques from some of Japan’s most accomplished culinary artists. At Japanese Restaurant Aki in Kaimuki, Kosaka brings those flavors…
Izakaya lovers rejoice: Japanese Restaurant Aki has moved from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki into a new, serene open-air location in Kaimuki. It’s perfect for foodies looking for a low-key, well-appointed restaurant to try classic Japanese pub favorites done…
A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: YAKITORI ($2-$6) Lately it seems like everyone is visiting Japan. And while there are many reasons to take a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, one of the most popular…
With a sleek, contemporary dining room, Japanese Restaurant Aki aims to bring authentic flavors from Japan to the Islands, but all with a local spin. “We take Japanese food and adjust the flavor so that it will fit to local…
The delight of dining Japanese-style is in the details — and at Japanese Restaurant Aki, the presentation of the food is (to borrow a favorite adjective from my esteemed editor) exquisite. Attention to detail is a given here, as each…
During the last week of summer, it’s only fitting to bid the season farewell with a bang. Last-minute barbecues in the backyard, one last jump in the pool on a scorching-hot day and one final full-on tan session … Yes,…
A key characteristic of a restaurant’s staying power is an ability to adapt to the desires of its customers. At Japanese Restaurant Aki, diners are treated a vast array of cooking styles and flavor arrangements presented in a way that…
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at your favorite restaurant? Well, much credit goes to the many chefs, owners and managers who work diligently day in and day out to make sure Hawaii’s diners have a top-notch dining…