Welcome to Kokoro-tei
Kokoro-tei, located in Honolulu, HI, specializes in authentic Japanese bento boxes crafted with care and attention to detail. Known for its flavorful offerings, the restaurant delights customers with dishes like perfectly seasoned rice topped with bonito flakes and nori. Regulars rave about their weekday specials, such as the sought-after omelet rice, which showcases their commitment to quality at affordable prices. This take-out-only establishment is beloved for its warm service, making it a convenient choice for quick meals or larger orders. With its welcoming atmosphere and excellent value, Kokoro-tei is a must-visit for bento enthusiasts.
Kokoro-tei: Reviews & Ratings
Very authentic flavours, best Japanese bento I have ever had. Rice is topped with bonito flakes and then blanketed with nori. I would eat here every day if I were Kama‘aina. Only critique is that the salmon was overcooked, but everything else makes up for it.
Great authentic Japanese food, at an even better price. Their menu is pretty good, with a lot of your normal bento choices, but they have specials on the weekdays that are great values and only available on these days. One of my favorites is the Omelet rice, you need to call to see if available that day or not and make sure to reserve it early if you want to try it. they tend to run out of this special early.
Kokoro-Tei is a great Japanese bento place. It is take-out only and I would definitely recommend ordering ahead. The food was really tasty and even though the woman at the front didn’t speak very much English she was very kind.
Great place to pick up bentos for an event! recently when I've asked to pick up around 10 orders, vendors have made me wait 15 minutes but not here. the bentos were actually all ready, still warm too, when I showed up 5 minutes beforehand. amazing service. I'd place an order online on their website a day or 2 before if you plan to order a lot.
Super cute shop with a very kind and gentle elderly lady manning the front. Bento boxes are excellent value and taste really good. Highly recommend this place if you're on a budget and want to eat good bento box food!
Great bento place! They are mostly made to order. Ebi fry was amazing, as was the fried chikuwa. Chicken left something to be desired, though. My friend loved his salmon and vege bento.
My workplace ordered a bunch of bentos for a coworker brithday, and I picked the salmon bento for 10.98 (2022 prices). Excellent taste and would order again if offered another opportunity.
This is a small bento place on Beretania St. next to Domino’s Pizza. They have cheap bento that have delicious food. It’s best to call in your order for wait wait can be a while. Bentos cost less than 8.00, which is a bargain. Nice people at the counter add to the appeal. There are three tiny two-person tables so eating in is not really an option unless it’s not busy. Ample parking street side or in the lot after Teddy’s Burgers.
Location
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2424 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826, United States Hotline: +1 808-951-5656
If you find yourself in Honolulu, a visit to Kokoro-tei is a must for anyone who appreciates authentic Japanese cuisine. Nestled at 2424 S Beretania St., this quaint take-out spot offers a treasure trove of bento box delights that have captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.
Kokoro-tei's charm lies in its dedication to traditional flavors, as noted by satisfied customers like Elle Marchant, who praised it as the "best Japanese bento" she has ever had, highlighting the delightful combination of rice blanketed with nori and topped with bonito flakes. Such attention to detail ensures every bite bursts with authenticity and flavor.
Despite a minor critique regarding overcooked salmon, the overall experience shines through. As Gary Furukawa pointed out, the value is unbeatable, especially with weekday specials that often result in a mad dash for their famed omelet rice. This dish can be elusive, requiring reservations to secure your serving, embodying the spirit of anticipation that pervades Kokoro-tei.
Moreover, while the establishment primarily focuses on take-out, the efficiency in service is another standout feature. Customer J O attested to the warm bentos being ready ahead of time, making Kokoro-tei a reliable choice for those planning catered events or simply looking to savor delicious, homemade-style meals. Coupled with a welcoming atmosphere, even the language barrier faced by Kona Minchew did not overshadow the kindness of the staff.
For those mindful of their budget, Michael Yuan shares how the bento boxes are not just economically priced but also deliver a robust taste experience that rivals more expensive dining options. It’s a testament to the high-quality ingredients and commitment to excellence that Kokoro-tei embodies.
In summary, Kokoro-tei isn’t just another bento restaurant; it’s a culinary haven where tradition meets convenience and flavor reigns supreme. Each dish tells a story, inviting you to experience Japanese culture one bite at a time. Make sure to plan ahead, as you wouldn't want to miss out on what could be your new favorite lunch spot.