The staff are very friendly and the interior is clean. It seems to be a popular spot for locals. Most dishes are reasonably priced, but the one I ordered felt a bit expensive. Unlike many places in Hawaii, they only offer white rice (no brown rice option). Parking is limited, but you can usually find free parking nearby. Food can be a little salty, but overall a good experience.
Overview
Located at 2991 Umi St in Lihue, HI 96766, Kiibo Restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a unique dining experience. The restaurant is well-known for its exceptional Japanese cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern twists to create an unforgettable meal. Whether you're in the mood for sushi, tempura, or a warm bowl of ramen, Kiibo Restaurant is the ideal spot for those seeking a high-quality, flavorful experience in Kauai.
The menu at Kiibo is an exciting blend of Japanese comfort food and more adventurous offerings, perfect for every palate. For sushi lovers, the restaurant offers an impressive selection of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls. The freshness of the fish is unmatched, sourced daily to ensure that every bite delivers a burst of flavor. A popular choice among regulars is the chef’s special rolls, which include unique combinations of ingredients that will leave you craving more.
One of the standout dishes at Kiibo Restaurant is their tempura. Light, crispy, and perfectly golden, the tempura vegetables and shrimp are a great choice to start your meal. The batter is delicate, providing the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Pairing this with a side of miso soup or a fresh salad offers a complete meal that feels both satisfying and healthy.
For those seeking something heartier, Kiibo Restaurant’s ramen is a must-try. With several varieties on the menu, including tonkotsu and miso ramen, the broths are rich and deeply flavorful, while the noodles are cooked to perfection. Topped with tender pork, boiled eggs, and fresh vegetables, this dish is both comforting and filling.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is another highlight. The space is warm and inviting, with modern Japanese décor that makes it a wonderful spot for both casual meals and special occasions. The friendly and attentive staff adds to the experience, making you feel at home from the moment you step through the door.
For dessert, the green tea ice cream is a refreshing and satisfying end to any meal. Light and not overly sweet, it’s the perfect way to cleanse your palate after a flavorful feast.
Kiibo is not just about delicious food - it’s about the entire dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to providing high-quality food with friendly service makes it a standout choice in the heart of Lihue. Whether you're stopping by for lunch after exploring the island or enjoying a relaxed dinner with friends, Kiibo Restaurant guarantees a meal that will not disappoint.
With a reputation for consistency and quality, it’s no surprise that Kiibo Restaurant has earned a loyal following. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the attention to detail, the quality of ingredients, and the skillful preparation of each dish. It's a place where every meal feels special, from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner. If you're ever in Kauai, make sure to visit Kiibo Restaurant and experience the magic of Japanese cuisine in a cozy, inviting setting.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Fast servicePopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Small plates âś“ Vegetarian optionsDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ CosyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Transgender safe spacePlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lotPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 181 reviews
I had been to Kiibo a few times before their recent remodel. The food and service were always great, especially since authentic Japanese food is hard to find when we visit Kauaʻi (from Maui). I was back on Kauaʻi last week, and I remembered that their social media said they were now open for lunch. So, we decided to go... ...EXCELLENT CHOICE! The remodel is absolutely stunning—well-lit, chic, with an authentic and welcoming feeling. Something you'd expect to see in Honolulu or even Japan. The food was also excellent. Something as seemingly simple as good zaru soba and tempura are amazingly difficult to find in Hawaiʻi in general (the soba is often mushy, and the tempura is more thickly battered okazu style). But, at Kiibo, the soba was perfectly chewy...it, along with the tempura, was basically identical to what I often eat in Japan. My dining partner ordered the katsu and said it was basically the same what he has gotten in Japan...just a little larger. If you're on Kauaʻi, and you're craving delicious authentic Japanese food, I highly recommend Kiibo!
Really good and authentic Japanese food. Really enjoyed everything from the miso soup to the main dish. Even the side plate fries were delicious. It's a little funny that beer is cheaper than a soda, but I'm not going to complain haha. Recommend checking this place out. There was about a 30 minute wait, but it was well worth it. Also, I had left something behind and they were closed. But the dishwasher grabbed it and saved the day.
Our family likes to support local spots and picked this amazing restaurant out of the blue. We had an absolute amazing dinner. The udon was my youngest daughter’s favorite. My older daughter almost finished her giant cali roll. My father in law really enjoyed the chicken. Thank you again! Overall such an amazing meal. This restaurant has been open since the 70’s y’all! Congrats and mahalo!
We found this place while looking for less touristy spots on the island and we're so glad we did. The food was seriously delicious! The beef teriyaki dish was perfect. The sauce is top quality, it was sweet and light...I wish I could bottle it up and take it home. The shrimp tempura is a must order. Overall the best meal we've had in a while. We are already planning to go back next week!
This is probably our favorite restaurant in Lihue and definitely one of the best sit-downs on the island. My family came for dinner after looking for a meal a little different from Hawaiian BBQ and sushi. Our Katsu and Tonkatsu were tender with a light, flaky, well-seasoned crust. Butterfish was just flaky enough and rich; it was simmered in a light sweet soy-based sukiyaki sauce that was a tasty change from the typical miso marinaded black cod. I've had Tofu Agedashi plenty before, but here I tried their concept of a Katsu Agedashi as part of the two dish combination with Butterfish -- dashi broth is sweet, lightly salted, and a nice light alternative to ordering Katsu curry or Tonkatsu. Both the authentic food, portions, and friendliness of our table service impressed us a ton. Might just be back for a second visit this trip.
One of the best restaurants I've ever been to in the world! Great food and staff! Came two nights in a row! Everything was delicious, whether the appetizers, entrees, ice cream, or tea. Had the katsudon, butterfish, and fried chicken, all of which were amazing! Best katsudon and butterfish I've ever had. This was a highlight of my trip! Will definitely come again when I'm back in Kauai.
The food is good and the soup base is a bit salty for me. The wait time is a bit long though. Over all, it is a good dinning experience. Especially first meal after the flight, something comforting and warm is nice!