Tanaka of Tokyo Central

This place was a very interesting experience that someone can experience. We ordered 4 combo, then got 4 shared portions as we have 8 people total. I forgot the exact amount, but I think you paid around $10-20 for every shared portion. We ended up with the bill of nearly $700 for 8 people. The foods were unexpectedly good! This place has the best miso soup I have ever tried in the U.S. as it was very flavorful. I personally do not like lobsters, but for some reason, they tasted really good too, perhaps due to how fresh the seafood was. The vegies were also very tasty, even though they were pepper, onion, and mushroom. The fried rice is also really good because you can taste the smokiness and garlic in the fried rice. Beansprout was the worst one among everything for some reason and it tasted so bad. I think because it was the end of the day, so the chef was kind of tired and dropped things a few times when he was performing. But it's understandable and he is still a very cool guy. There was so much food, even though we only ordered 4 main portions + 4 shared portions, so be careful when you order food. They look like they are very little, but when you start eating, you get filled quickly due to lots of fat from oil and butter. Overall, it was a good experience, but if you ask whether I would return to this, then I would say no because it was good but not that good. We only came here for the first experience.

Pang! Pang! Pang! And corny jokes is one of the things you'll get when one goes to a Tanaka of Tokyo restaurant, Lol!On my recent adventures for holiday grub with my coworkers, we ventured out to the Waikiki Shopping Plaza for a get together at the - Tanaka of Tokyo Central for a meal.Apparently, there are (3) Tanaka of Tokyo's on Oahu. - 1. Ala Moana Shopping Center which is called Tanaka of Tokyo West.2. Located at the Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel, there is another Tanaka of Tokyo called Tanaka of Tokyo East.3. And last of all, the restaurant I had visited last night which was called - Tanaka of Tokyo Central which is located inside of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza (3rd Floor).What can I say about the restaurant?Beautiful décor, the restaurant features certified Angus Sirlion, & thr highest quality seafood.When our chef arrived at our table, he was banging his cooking tools (spatulas) around, that's why I was saying - Pang! Pang! Pang! I guess the chef does this to get our attention, then he starts dropping all these corny jokes. Lol! As for the grub?It was as advertised, we had ordered an array of steaks & seafood items. Since I no longer do red meat I mainly stayed with the lobster, scallops, & salmon. The garlic fried rice was outstanding! So simply made, yet so good!I haven't been to a Tanaka of Tokyo for awhile, but I must stay that the restaurant still has a very strong following, as the weekday night we dined here, the restaurant was PACKED!Good food, great service, & of course an entertaining chef. Check 'em out gang!

We had a wonderful time dining at Tanaka of Tokyo in Waikiki! It's a classic teppanyaki experience with plenty of flair and delicious food. We tried the beef, scallops, and shrimp, and all were cooked to perfection. The scallops were tender and flavorful, the shrimp had a nice sear, and the beef was juicy and cooked just how we liked it. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but the quality of the food and the service made it worthwhile. The chefs were entertaining, keeping everyone, including the kids in our party, engaged and smiling. The staff was attentive and accommodating, making sure our whole group was comfortable and well taken care of. If you're looking for a fun, interactive dining experience in Waikiki, Tanaka of Tokyo is a great choice. Just be prepared for the higher price point--it's worth it for a special night out!

We went here last month, January 2025 and it was our 2nd time. Every time I'd always a good experience dining. I ordered wagyu beef and lobster and our chef cooked it perfectly in front of us. This is a big restaurant and it gets full all the time. The ambiance is always fun and lively. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Dinner with a show. Perfect for the kids. Food and service was really good! The chef is super entertaining. It is a bit dark in there but fits with the vibe.

Had such a experience here. We came for dinner on a week night. The restaurant was pretty full, but we got lucky and the two of us had a half section all to ourselves. It was like having our own price chef!Our chef was very entertaining. He's from Guam and has been working at TOT for a few years now.Hubby and I got the lobster and steak set.We also got the shrimp and steak set. It was paired with garlic fried rice. That was definitely a treat considering I rarely eat rice anymore. It's a must try!The manager kept coming by to check on us. Everyone was kind and courteous. I've been to all the locations, but I like this one the best.

This place gets packed and you definitely need reservations on the weekend. It's really dark inside until you get seated. The lights are turned down for the flame effect. We got seated first at our table but got probably the worse seat. We were bunched up with another table behind us that left us no room to maneuver. No way of getting up without hitting the person behind you. These grills and tables are not designed to move, so it's just poorly designed.Our chef, John was great. Good vibes and jokes. I'm use to marinated foods so when it comes to teppanyaki, the flavors are not as deep. There is plenty use of soy sauce and butter.Plenty of food for the price. We could not finish our entire meal due to the portion size. The team was tentative to patrons needs, stopped by several times to check on food, drinks and other needs.

I have to say how much I love this place, the food, the ambience, the chefs and the staff. Every time I come in I feel so special. The excellence that happens here is far above any tourist type restaurant. As a local, Tanaka is my go-to spot for special occasions and visiting friends and ohana. Thank you always to everyone. Aloha a hui hou.

Interesting entrance from an elevator off of kalakaua. As you are whisked up to the 3rd floor you kinda wish there was air conditioning in the muggy elevator. Door opens and you are greeted by a very dark interior. The restaurant is bustling with many guests situated around a chef doing tricks around the grill.We were seated with another party and I kinda felt sorry for the other party because our group had distracting little kids. Plus we were a little loud. So the seating with strangers is not my preference but that's what we got, The menu selections and prices are fair and all inclusive of salad, soup, rice and dessert. You just pick your main. We ordered chicken and steak.. and it was soo entertaining. The chef did tricks while cooking our food and it was fun to watch. Flip of steaks, tossing foods high up while seasoning and talking. That is a lot to do so hopefully these guys get paid more.Garlic fried rice and meat are my favorites combos. Green tea ice cream is super good and thick. Overall a good experience. Will return one day!

This is a very interesting restaurant. First of all there is some smoke from the fires so I don't recommend going there with freshly washed hair... at least for the ladies that don't wash their hair everyday. Fun spot to go with friends or family for a special occasion but it's just fun, nothing more.The food is ok, I tried the teriyaki chicken and it was decent. My boyfriend got the filet and if it was cooked well done I think I would have liked it more than the chicken, but he got medium well. I think I would have also liked to get the shrimp for my main entree.My favorite items were the fried rice (appetizer) though it's a lot for one person, probably feeds 3. And the coffee ice cream wow!! Miso soup was pretty good, salad not good. They should use the popular Japan roasted sesame dressing! Yeah don't really recommend overall but service was good and the cook (Austin) was very entertaining!It's also easy to find - just go in the Waikiki shopping plaza and take the elevator to level 3!