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WagayaA-Worth Trying
2080 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826
· Ramen restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (812 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
A beloved local ramen spot with rich broths, quick friendly service, and great lunch sets; expect a wait, tight parking, and prices that feel mid-range for Honolulu.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Wagaya delivers exceptional food quality with rich, well-executed broths and standout dishes like garlic Kuro that justify its strong local following. Efficient, friendly service and rapid ticket times create a smooth dining experience despite tight quarters. However, occasional texture and seasoning variance and modest space appeal prevent grade A territory—this is a beloved neighborhood ramen shop, not a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
The small room hums with homey ramen shop energy: quick greetings, steam rising off bowls, and the scent of roasted garlic in the air. One diner put it simply: "Seated fast, bowls in minutes, and the broth hit the spot." It is lively at lunch, seating is tight, and parking is a squeeze, but service moves with efficient friendliness that keeps the line flowing. In the bowl, the cooking leans classic rather than flashy: creamy tonkotsu, sesame-rich tan tan, and deeply savory tsukemen. The garlic Kuro is a crowd favorite, while corn tempura, gyoza, and karaage round out a comfort-forward menu. Customization is a quiet superpower here—firmness, salt, and spice dialed to taste—so ramen fans who know their preferences will be happy. Families do well: fried chicken, gyoza, rice bowls, and sweet mochi ice cream give kids familiar options even if spicy broths are not their thing. There is no kids menu noted, but the portions and shareable sides make it easy to feed a crew; just plan around peak-time waits and the small parking lot.
At a Glance
- Rich, well-executed broths with standout garlic Kuro and creamy tan tan
- $5 lunch set add-ons offer strong value
- Small parking lot and tight seating mean waits at peak times
- Occasional off days on noodle texture or broth seasoning
- Customization of firmness, salt, and spice helps tailor the bowl
What Sets It Apart
- garlic_kuro_specialty
- value_lunch_sets
- customizable_noodle_firmness
What People Love
- Deep garlic-forward tonkotsu that warms you up
- Corn tempura that is crisp and sweet
- Fast, friendly service with minimal fuss
- Value-focused lunch sets that round out the meal
Points of Concern
- Parking is limited; expect to circle or use street parking
- Space is tight and can feel crowded during lunch and dinner rushes
- Inconsistent spice or noodle firmness reported on isolated visits
- Automatic gratuity for parties of six or more reported by one group
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$30-40 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Add the $5 lunch set (gyoza + side) when ordering ramen for best value
- Order kaedama ($3.50) if you prefer larger portions
- Choose Garlic Kuro for bold flavor; Gyodashi Shoyu for lighter, clear broth days
Perfect For
- A quick, satisfying noodle fix after the beach
- Casual weeknight ramen with friends
- Solo slurp at the counter or small table
- Ramen enthusiasts who enjoy customizing firmness and spice
Location Insights
Area: Mixed urban neighborhood near UH Manoa with student and local traffic; casual eateries and small shops along King Street.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban wear and limited late-night polish.
Nearby: Close to Waikiki but off the tourist strip; near residential blocks, UH campus, and everyday retail.
KakaʻakoKakaʻako is a trendy, rapidly developing neighborhood known for its arts scene, modern condos, and a growing number of eateries and breweries. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual local spots to innovative restaurants, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking contemporary Hawaiian and international cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–13:30, 17:00–20:30
Tuesday11:30–13:30, 17:00–20:30
Wednesday11:30–13:30, 17:00–20:30
Thursday11:30–13:30, 17:00–20:30
Friday11:30–13:30, 17:00–21:00
Saturday11:30–13:30, 17:00–21:00
Sunday11:30–13:30, 17:00–20:30
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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