Japanese izakaya ZIGU, located in Waikīkī, just launched a new late-night happy hour. The eatery is known for its authentic Japanese cooking, locally sourced ingredients and extensive sake selection.
ZIGU is owned by Zetton Inc., a Japan-based restaurant group that operates other Hawaiʻi restaurants, including Aloha Steak House, Botanico Waikīkī, Heavenly Island Lifestyle, and more.
The late-night happy hour menu at ZIGU is served from 9 to 11 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays. Its menu differs from the eatery’s daily happy hour menu, which is available from 4 to 6 p.m.
The late-night happy hour menu features a variety of discounted, shareable dishes that still feature regular portion sizes, though, there are no drink specials.
The eatery started its late-night happy hour as a way to give back to its customers, according to district manager Kenny Shizawa.
“We can provide our food items at cheaper prices to our guests and regular customers,” he says. “An izakaya should be a place where people can always come to, but if it gets too pricey, there’s no chance.”
The mochiko fried chicken ($12.50) is a customer favorite. The golden pieces are delectably crispy on the outside and boast a juicy interior. They’re tasty in and of themselves, but the smoked mayo takes its flavor to the next level. The pickled radish is a nice, refreshing complement to the chicken’s savory flavor.
The local egg rolled omelet ($11) is another good starter. The soft, fluffy egg is served with grated white radish.
If you’re craving sushi, choose from the local fish ZIGU roll ($24), spicy tuna roll ($25.50) or spicy salmon roll. The ZIGU roll is topped with ‘ahi and amberjack, and is filled with kale, egg, cucumbers and mushrooms.
Meanwhile, the spicy tuna roll comprises an egg omelet and cucumber, and is topped with local tuna, spicy mayo and eel sauce.
The Hawaiian ‘ahi cutlet ($26.50) is one of the eatery’s signature dishes. It’s served with chopped kale, Japanese tartar and sesame dressing.
Donburi options include the beef sukiyaki bowl ($20), ‘ahi poke bowl ($24) and salmon poke bowl ($19.50). Of the three, the salmon poke is especially popular.
If you’re craving noodles, opt for soba; the eatery’s chilled or hot broth soba ($9.90 each) are a delicious deal
“Sun Noodle makes our soba,” Shizawa says. “The hot sukiyaki soba ($19.90) is popular too. The cold kale noodle ($18) — which is a vegan item — is also pretty popular.”
Validated customer parking is available at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach.
CONTACT
ZIGU
413 Seaside Ave. No. 1f, Honolulu
808-212-9252
zigu.us
Instagram: @zigu.hi
Late-night happy hour available from 9 to 11 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays
Validated customer parking available at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
