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Welcome to Domo Cafe Chinatown

At Domo Cafe Chinatown, nestled in the vibrant heart of Honolulu, culinary passion meets community spirit. This cozy, family-owned gem specializes in poke and sushi, offering a diverse menu that emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients. From zesty yuzu shoyu ahi poke bowls to unique sushi rolls, each dish showcases a delightful blend of traditional flavors and innovative twists. Customers rave about the warm atmosphere and attentive service, making it a perfect spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Whether enjoying a quick takeout or dining in, Domo Cafe Chinatown promises a satisfying and memorable experience for food lovers of all ages.

Domo Cafe Chinatown: Reviews & Ratings

Abby
Abby

Great poke for the price, the spicy ahi was fresh and flavorful! Got it on lunch break to-go, but there was seating inside too.

Yuen L.
Yuen L.

I've passed by domo cafe many times over the years of going to Chinatown but today was the first time I ate there. Their yuzu shoyu ahi poke bowl was delicious, the fish was fresh and the yuzu gave a delightful citrus spin to the traditional local favorite poke bowl. The brightness of the citrus complemented the shoyu nicely. My friends got the seared salmon and the yuzu salmon bowl both of which are on my wishlist for my return visit!

Steve A.
Steve A.

Came to this cozy sushi restaurant in Chinatown. Domo Cafe is a pretty small restaurant but it doesn't seem to get crowded at least. In fact we were the only ones eating in here while a few others got takeout. A lot of the favorites on the menu. There's also a few unique sushi items and specialties. A sushi restaurant that opens pretty early. It's possible to get sushi at breakfast if you want to have it. The main thing here is of course sushi. All kinds. It's about $12 for a meal. The C2 is okay for vegetarians. It comes with inari and vegetarian maki. The inari is tofu shells stuffed with rice, and the maki roll is made with avocado, cucumber, and daikon among other things. A lot for not a whole lot. The menu said this one doesn't come with wasabi, but it still came with it though. Basic looking family owned sushi restaurant in an area full of such restaurants and businesses. It's closed Sundays. There's mostly fishy items but there's a few things okay for vegetarians.

Mabelle T.
Mabelle T.

DOMO DOMO DOMO. I can never say enough delicious things about this place. Living just a couple blocks from this spot, is so tempting to not eat here everyday because the quality of fish is excellent. If you want a quick bite to take away, visit the location in Chinatown. However, if you're looking for a spot with free parking and a bigger place to take your time, visit the location in Kahala. This spot its the original place where Domo started, so it has it's personal charm and custom layout in the space. Can't wait to come back again since the service is so warm and friendly!

Casey H.
Casey H.

Solid! We ordered and picked up from Postmates. Food available nearly immediately and store was empty when I walked inside (around noon on a weekday). Sushi was fresh and the beef bowl was delicious. Prices were pretty inline with what you would expect.

Alvin K.
Alvin K.

After a Yelp event, I bought some take out dishes to bring to my daughter and son-in-law to have lunch together. Their fish is definitely very fresh, and they use high sushi-grade fish, even for their poke bowls. I ordered a Salmon and Ikura bowl, a Domo premium poke bowl (which was upgraded with ikura), and the Kahala aburi (seared) sushi set. This set includes four pieces each of shrimp, Hamachi, ahi, and salmon, half are regular, and half have been seared. The fish was cut and prepared perfectly, and the aburi sushi had a great smokey flavor from the searing. Each slice is placed on a nice sized mound of rice that has a good "chew " to it. My only wish is that the rice had more flavor, as it tasted more like "plain" rice rather than "sushi" rice. Since they make each item "to-order," I would suggest calling ahead or ordering online to avoid waiting a while, depending on how busy it is (they do get fairly busy depending on the time of day). The prices are reasonable, especially when you consider the grade and quality of the fish. There are a huge variety of combos, bowls, platters, and side dishes available. You should also check the daily specials board and the cold case display for specialty items. Even though I live in Kailua, my daughter now lives in Manoa, so I will have lots of opportunities to visit here in the future.

Paul C.
Paul C.

It's been several years now since I don't work in the heart of Chinatown anymore. However, I still visit the area weekly and keep up with the businesses. Recently, I needed to pick up some food to bring over to my sister's place as her niece and family were coming to town from SoCal for a short visit. I wanted to get something local and to suit their palate so when advised they like sushi, I had my work cut out - - I'll get a sushi platter. I wanted something different from what I often see at get togethers, as well as supporting small businesses. I then recall Domo Café (DC) in Chinatown and glanced at their menu online. Party Tray #5 (Nigiri and Sashimi Trio) got my attention, and the decision was made. On one of my nights off, I trekked to Chinatown after work and scored street parking on Maunakea. DC is not what I remembered it to be - the doors were open and there were dining tables on both sides filled with customers eating. But then again, this was pre-COVID. This time, I noticed a neon "OPEN" sign with their doors closed and an unused sushi chef's counter on the right just as you enter. I had already decided what to order and it was good to see Queenie again. She recognized me and I advised her I needed a party tray for a potluck attended by 6 adults and 2 children. I placed my order for Party Tray #5 and received my receipt/confirmation via text. On the date of the event, I once again scored street parking on Maunakea and as I entered DC, I saw my party tray on the counter ready to go. They also provided a bag of pickled ginger and soy sauce packets. When I arrived at my sister's house, I opened the tray and it was colorful and nicely arranged. At first, I mistook the lemon slices as egg (tamago nigiri) and it brought a nice color contrast to the arrangement. Family members were all waiting for the sushi as after we took turns taking photos, they dug in and the nigiri and sashimi disappeared at a fast rate. Of what I sampled from the party tray, the hamachi nigiri exceeded my expectations. It was fresh and sliced at a thickness where I could appreciate the protein and was satisfied. To allow my guests enjoy, I decided to not eat any more from the party tray and ate potstickers instead. Overall, I am very pleased with the party tray from DC and wouldn't hesitate to order from them again. They do have a large selection and venture to their other options. NOTE: Maunakea Municipal Parking lot adjacent to DC and they allow a 15min grace period. Preorder your food for a quick pick-up.

Location

Welcome to Domo Cafe Chinatown, a gem nestled in the heart of Honolulu's vibrant Chinatown at 1016 Maunakea St M1. This cozy spot seamlessly marries traditional sushi fare with modern poke trends, presenting an enticing menu that will delight both sushi enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

Domo Cafe is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience that invites you to savor fresh, high-quality dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. With a variety of options ranging from poke bowls to sushi rolls and hearty rice bowls, there’s something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

  • Poke Bowls: The Yuzu Shoyu Ahi Poke Bowl stands out, featuring fresh fish elevated by the brightness of yuzu, capturing a delightful citrus spin on this classic dish. As one customer eloquently noted, the fish quality is excellent, making it a must-try.
  • Sushi Rolls: For sushi lovers, the California Roll and Crispy Tempura Roll are fantastic choices, balancing flavors and textures that leave a memorable impression. Vegetarian options like the Inari and Maki delight those looking for plant-based fare.
  • Hearty Rice Bowls: The Teriyaki Chicken Bowl and Sukiyaki Beef Bowl offer satisfying meals that are sure to please the palate and fill the belly.

The ambiance of Domo Cafe is casual and welcoming, suited for families, groups, and anyone in search of a comforting dining experience. With options for delivery, takeout, and catering, along with amenities like free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly seating, this joint caters to various needs. Plus, you can relish your meal while enjoying a glass of alcoholic beverage, all while being able to tune into your favorite shows on their TV.

Having spoken to several customers, the consensus is clear: Domo Cafe is a culinary space where flavor meets value. The friendly service adds a personal touch that keeps patrons coming back. As one happy diner put it, "DOMO DOMO DOMO!" It’s hard to resist the charm and quality of this family-owned restaurant.

So whether you're grabbing a quick bite on your lunch break, sharing a meal with friends, or looking for a relaxed spot to dine, Domo Cafe Chinatown promises a delightful experience at an accessible price. Let's dive into the flavors of Japan right here in Hawaii!