Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

Review summary

1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Phoenix

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on December 17, 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   Went in with excitement, walked out with regret (that we didn’t keep our reservation at Cipriano’s in Kawaihae). We were expecting an authentic experience, what we received was a dispassionate money grab that included being seated in the bar area facing a wall, the food delivery was sporadic with no interaction with the chef (who was supposed to explain the preparation), the sake “expert” actually delivered the dishes. The final blow, the owner asked us what kind of sake we would like as the evening wound down , apparently we picked a premium brand that he didn’t want to pour and he substituted that for a lesser product. We enjoyed the sushi, but we were looking for the “omakase” experience that was advertised but not delivered.
   

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2. S

   Sarah

   VIP

   Anchorage

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 13, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We’ve traveled all over the world to eat. This place could compete with any of the best places. The sake was extraordinary. Even the rice - the rice was the most delicate and silky rice I’ve ever had. If you miss this place, it’s on you. You’re not really living and you’re missing out on something very special. You owe it to your palette. The service was impeccable as well. Just go.
   

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3. J

   John

   Hawaii

   25 reviews

   5.0

   25 reviews

   Dined on December 8, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I used to have a Japanese girlfriend, and I have been to Japan numerous times. Obviously, I know a thing or two about Japanese food. This restaurant is absolutely awesome! Real Japanese food, not the kind of American-Japanese food that most restaurants serve. As an added bonus, we learned a lot about sake making, and had a chance to sample most of the sake they have on their menu. None of them are industrial sakes, so I highly recommend the order their sake sampler. We certainly will be back!
   

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4. J

   James

   Seattle

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 7, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   It was very quiet on our visit. In fact, we were the only table inside and maybe 4 tables seated on the patio. The service, food, and sake, were excellent.
   

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5. J

   Johnny

   Toronto

   13 reviews

   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on November 29, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing presentation of all the dishes. The sake was the highlight of the night. The portion is small so if you are looking to fill up this is not the place.
   

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6. A

   Amir

   Washington DC

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 28, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was a unique and great experience. The food was delicious, authentic and healthy.
   

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7. L

   Lisa

   Hawaii

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 28, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Excellent dining experience. Food was amazing. The host was welcoming and very knowledgable about sake.
   

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8. E

   Ellen

   VIP

   Seattle

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on November 27, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This restaurant was a one of a kind experience with the sake brew mistress also our chef for the evening. The ambiance, food and optional sake pairing menu really defined our meal as one of the most special I have ever experienced in Hawaii. This is a standout experience that really demonstrates the depth of the Hawaiian multicultural experience and the international standing Hawaii holds with our neighbors in the far east. All within the intimate setting of the restaurant above the sake brewery. The word special is an understatement.
   

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9. e

   eileen

   VIP

   Vancouver

   22 reviews

   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined on November 21, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   The food was delicious. This was a hidden gem on this side of the island. The hotel is quiet. We dined out in the patio overlooking part of the golf course.
   

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10. D

    Dallin

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3

    I was there to celebrate my Birthday with my son and everything was wonderful even though we were in the clubhouse bar area which kind of took away the feel of being in Japan everything else was great and will not deter me from going back again!!
    

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