New: Tsukada Nojo

Driving along Kapiolani Boulevard, you may have noticed the new restaurant located next to Micronesia Mart and walking distance from the Hawaii Convention Center.

​Tsukada Nojo is an extremely popular izakaya-style restaurant with origins in Japan. The originally location first opened its doors in Tokyo back in 2007. Since then the chain has launched in Singapore, Beijing and 150 locations in Japan. Typically, izakaya means small plates that are usually inexpensive and paired with drinks. Being the first Hawaii location, the concept is both aimed at harnessing freshness from local farmers and other locally sourced ingredients, along with taking Japanese cuisine to the next level of modern and delicious. 

The decor is rustic meets contemporary and offers guests a relaxed casual, high ceiling feel. The food highlights chicken dishes and fresh vegetables. The menu is separated into seven categories: hot pots, small cold plates (perfect for the summer months), small hot plates, salads, large plates, rice, ramen and desserts. The hot pots feature chicken, vegetables, spicy and beef sukiyaki. 

Ingredients are sourced from over a dozen farms from Oahu, Maui and Kauai. Their famous chicken is harvested from Punachicks, located on Hawaii Island. 

Some of the highlight dishes include staples like caesar salad, fresh chilled chicken, tacos and poke. Crowd favorites include shiitake nanban (deep fried shiitake stuffed with minced chicken), chicken paitan tan tan spicy miso ramen and shave ice with ice cream, apricots and black beans crafted to look like a teddy bear. 

"We want to bring a new perspective to the popular Japanese izakaya concept by infusing freshness," Shingo Sato, Executive Chef said. Look for the new Farmer's Hours (happy hour) menu and current late night happy hour from 9pm-close. 

Images: Courtesy of Sean Morris

Tsukada Nojo 1731 Kalakaua Avenue
Mon - Thurs 5-11pm
Fri - Sat 5pm-12am
Sun 5-10pm

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