Delicious dishes, exceptional service

Those craving Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting need look no further than Restaurant Suntory. This Waikiki staple on the third floor of Royal Hawaiian Center is the mall’s last original tenant and has a reputation for delivering high-quality food, first-rate drinks and exceptional omotenashi (hospitality).
It underwent a major renovation in 2021, and its upgraded sushi counter, which offers privacy and features an omakase menu, is considered a hidden gem.
Whether guests are craving teppanyaki, washoku or sushi, they can find it here.
The restaurant also recently launched several new menus and specials. We caught up with assistant manager Akane Goto to learn more.
DO: How would you describe Restaurant Suntory’s cuisine?
AG: Restaurant Suntory has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine in Waikiki for over 40 years. Our restaurant offers (a) unique dining experience, in that it encompasses three different styles of Japanese cuisine — teppanyaki, sushi and washoku — under one roof. Our newly renovated Sushi Tokiwa, offering an omakase menu, is nestled in the back corner of the restaurant, thus giving a feeling of a private, secluded one-on-one dining experience with the chef. 

DO: What are some unique items that can be found at Restaurant Suntory?
AG: Being one of the oldest whisky distillers in Japan, Suntory has produced award-winning, world-renowned Japanese whiskies. Here at Restaurant Suntory, we have the whiskies available for all to try. We recently created cocktails featuring Toki and Jim Beam whiskies (prices range from $14 to $16). 
On July 26, we will be launching our Steak and Seafood Teppan Special ($98; $83 after 8 p.m.). It includes a salad, Suntory-style garlic shrimp, scallops and eringi mushrooms, steak, foie gras, garlic bread and dessert. We also have our Hibiki Whisky Marinated Nigiri ($20 per piece). This features fresh tuna marinated in a special sauce that includes Hibiki Whisky, (which) makes this quite special. This nigiri is only available at Sushi Tokiwa. 
DO: What can you tell us about Restaurant Suntory’s upcoming Sip and Sizzle event?
AG: On July 25, Restaurant Suntory is collaborating with Robert Mondavi Winery, one of Napa Valley’s finest wineries, to make the Sip and Sizzle event possible. Our chefs will curate a teppanyaki menu that will include the robust flavors of grilled seafood and steak that will complement the elegant notes of Robert Mondavi wines. The dinner begins at 6:15 p.m. and the cost is $140 per person, which includes gratuity. Diners must be 21 or older to attend. Visit our website for more info. 

DO: Could you tell us about Restaurant Suntory’s new lunch specials?
AG: We recently launched our Komachi Bento ($38) and donburi set ($28). The bento includes various side dishes like our homemade silken cold tofu, sashimi, chawanmushi, a rotating deep-fried and grilled dish, rice, miso soup and ice cream. The donburi set changes daily so ask our waitstaff for details. 
We also now have a Hot Pot Set Lunch special ($26), with the choice of sukiyaki, shabu-shabu and seafood hot pot. There’s an additional meat option for $5-$12. 
Available also during lunch are our flavored iced teas ($8), which come in yuzu, guava, strawberry and pineapple flavors.

DO: What is your July lunch special?
AG: Our Shunsai-zen lunch special is a kaiseki-style set menu ($48) offered through the end of July. Our menu changes on a bimonthly basis. Please inquire with your server for details, or please check our website. Reservations can be made through resy.com, then email your request for the shunsai-zen menu to aloha@rs-honolulu.com. 

Restaurant Suntory
Royal Hawaiian Center
2233 Kalakaua Ave. Ste. B307
restaurantsuntory.com
808-922-5511
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mondays-Sundays (lunch)
2-4 p.m. Mondays-
Sundays (lounge cafe)
5:30-9:30p.m.
Mondays-Sundays (dinner)
Call ahead for Sushi Tokiwa hours

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