Ethel's Grill image

Ethel's Grill

Restaurant Meal takeaway Asian restaurant

One of the Top rated Meal takeaways in Honolulu


Address

232 Kalihi St, Honolulu, HI 96819

Contact

(808) 847-6467

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (312 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 8 AM to 2 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 8 AM to 2 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 2 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 2 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 2 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: chicken (10) good (7) flavor (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Donny P. 2 years ago on Google
    I've heard about and read about this place for years! It's like a local neighborhood spot where I can picture myself going to on a regular basis. Too bad there is no longer dining in. I had a friend who moved to Honolulu during the pandemic. He told me thsi spot is located in a sketchy neighborhood! I told him not to be scared and we will be fine. Tataki- just ok Taco Rice- huge portions and was not able to finish Reminds me of nachos with rice! Fresh ahi- full of flavor and fresh. Awesome sauce! Mochiko chicken- my favorite! Crunchy texture outside and soft juicy meat inside. Most items came with miso soup. Generous portions, great price. Difficult parking. My friend was converted and would be back!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shubidito A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great spot to get a plate lunch. Owners are very friendly. We highly recommend the famous ahi tataki plate!!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jose B. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a 3.5 star place in my book. Only tried the Mochiko Chicken and Saiman. Both could use more flavor. The chicken was well cooked and the batter is excellent. The sauce for the chicken is heavy on the ginger side, which I'm not a fan of. Parking is very limited. The lady who helped us was very friendly and helpful. I appreciate a place like this in an area where there's nothing else.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna B. 1 year ago on Google
    Take-out only and sooooo worth every morsel. All four dishes we tried were very tasty, even the deep fried turkey tail which was very rich, and was totally wiped clean. Particularly loved the bitter melon pork and egg stir fry which is such a nostalgic comfort food for me, and the Ahi Tataki sashimi plate which was super fresh! Always appreciate an ample amount of greens and every sauce they provided was very well paired for the dish, whether gingery sweet citrus or garlicky soy sauce. The miso was also very flavorful :) definitely want to come back and try more!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Pras M. 1 year ago on Google
    Slightly off the beaten track, but my god is the food here worth the while. The portion sizes are large but more importantly the food is tasty. The tataki platter and the mochiko chicken are the standout dishes and must haves whilst the loco moco is also good. Great service too but unfortunately no dining in at the minute. Come here for some good local authentic food and you won't be disappointed.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lori G. 2 years ago on Google
    At this time, my review is for “take-out” only. I was referred here and was really hoping for something more. I ordered the Mochiko Chicken and the Japanese Hamburger Steak. I would say the Mochiko Chicken was really good, large portions, really good flavor - (I would order again and if I had only ordered that I my review would have been 5 stars) and I would pass on the Japanese Hamburger Steak ( I thought the meat was dry, a bit tough. And didn’t care for it. If I had only ordered this I would have give this review a 2 or a 3). Again, this review was during a period of time that this restaurant is only serving take out. I will go back a try again with some of the other entrees.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael G. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the my favorite spot to order plate lunches. The loco moco is super savory! Highly recommended 👌
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff 10 months ago on Google
    Take out only as of May 2023. Pro tip - phone your order in about 15-30 min before you want to pick it up. Awesome flavors.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keisha D. 1 year ago on Google
    Holy smokes! This place is SO good! Lightly battered chicken with great flavors & so juicy. Salad & dressing were fresh & delicious. Rice was great texture too! Just dah-uhm! Such a great takeout place! MUST GO!! we got the chicken furikake
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruth Z. 10 months ago on Google
    Wow, wow, wow- Ethel’s punches way above her weight class! This small storefront knows how to bring flavor. Come hungry and prepare for some shock and awe!

  • 4/5 Whitney 4 months ago on Google
    This is take away only now. We just got a side portion of their famous tataki to try which has about 8 pieces over some veggies. It was yum and fresh but unsure about all the fuss over it. Good value though for $9.95 but wouldn’t go out of my way for this.

  • 5/5 Krystal S. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down, excellent food! The food was cooked to order and brought out to us hot. Everything we ordered was quiality and tasty food. I will add that the sauces we had were amazing as well. Seeing this was my first visit, I did not know what to expect. However, the woman helped me decide and she made sure my husband was aware that what he ordered was bitter because it had bittermelon in it (so there would be no surprises). The service is very helpful! I will be coming back!

  • 4/5 Rosalynn M. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the mochiko chicken and seared ahi tuna!

  • 5/5 Robert James (. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely the best food while I was in Hawaii. The loco moco was absolutely incredible. The chef was super friendly and cooked with love! I can't wait to come back.

  • 5/5 Edith C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great service. The fried chicken place and taco fried rice are awesome. Short ribs were alright. No seating, take out only. Parking is limited.

  • 5/5 Sharon Y. 2 years ago on Google
    ethel’s grill is famous for a reason. chicken katsu was some of the best i’ve had, and the NY strip was perfect and - with its shower of garlic and sprouts - unique. portions are sizeable and satisfying. will come back for the sashimi next time around.

  • 5/5 J C. 2 years ago on Google
    Tataki platter & mochiko chicken were amazing. Food is seriously awesome and tastes like home-made clean&healthy. Thank you for the delicious food and awesome service! Best tuna tataki!

  • 5/5 Erika O. 3 years ago on Google
    Bittermelon is so good here. Taco rice was also delicious. We'll def be coming back 🤤😋

  • 5/5 Antonio S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food an i mean Great food...an ah-mazing poeple... first class...Try da japanes hamburger steak ONO ONO ONO... TRUST ME... jus trust me....

  • 5/5 Tom T. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent food! They know good food and make it great. Staff is very friendly and helpful. I wish there was an Ethel's back where I live. Make the drive out there, you won't regret it.

  • 3/5 Riki H. 3 years ago on Google
    Maybe my standards were a little too high for this landmark local joint I had always heard about but never got to try. It's one of those little hole in the walls run by mom and pop that I usually love and almost feverishly endorse, but the "famous" ahi tataki left me underwhelmed, although the fish was fresh and delicious. I'm going to chalk it up to flavor preference as the sauce it came with was too heavy of a shoyu flavor whereas i usually like it more light with daikon and ponzu. Regardless of my experience, I still think it's worth a visit to navigate the tiny, crowded parking lot to taste some old school local goodness. Check out their IG for daily specials and call ahead for quicker service.

  • 5/5 Jim M. 2 years ago on Google
    My wife and I are here on our honeymoon and wanted to try some of the local favorites. We've had a lot of renditions of miso soup, but this was by far the best we've had. The crab stuffed mahi was amazing, and the garlic chicken melted in our mouths. If you want a real taste of Hawaii, you need to put this place on your list.


Call (808) 847-6467 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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