Lunch at Rinka

Chicken Karaage

A couple of years ago, @WeHeartHawaii told me about a really good Japanese restaurant near Ala Moana called Rinka. At the time, they were only open for dinner, so I didn't think much of it since I don't go out to fancy places at night (due to my twin toddlers).

A few months ago, I found out that Rinka started lunch service, so I made plans with @WeHeartHawaii to check it out, since he had told me about this restaurant in the first place.

From the moment I stepped foot in this restaurant, I knew this was going to be a great experience.  The restaurant was clean and everyone (employees and customers) spoke Japanese.  That's how you know you're about to embark on an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Their lunch menu is very limited - only 13 items to choose from, with prices ranging from $11.75 to $29.95.  Both @WeHeartHawaii and I ordered the chicken karaage, which just happened to be the lowest-priced entree on the menu. Our meal arrived on a beautiful lacquered serving tray with rice, miso soup, salad, chawanmushi, picked veggies and a handful of hot, crispy, moist chicken karaage.  After our waitress delivered our entrees, she came around with another tray of "sides" from which we were asked to select one.  We both selected the agedashi tofu. Everything was delicious and of high quality. For $11.75, I would definitely come back and order this again. 

For dessert, I tried their panna cotta and @WeHeartHawaii ordered the yuzu sorbet - a sweet ending to a great meal.

Panna Cotta

Rinka
1500 Kapiolani Blvd (entrance to the restaurant is on Makaloa Street)
(808) 941-5159
Lunch: Tues - Saturday 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Dinner: Tues - Sunday 5:00 pm through 11:00 pm
Closed Mondays