There’s a new Japanese sake pub in Honolulu.
Pub Maniwa Kakuuchi is tucked away within Up Roll Café Kakaʻako. The pub opened at the end of July and is currently open from Thursdays to Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. (happy hour is from 4 to 6 p.m.).
The pub is inspired by traditional drinking culture called Kakuuchi, where people can casually enjoy sake and small bites in a neighborhood liquor store. Maniwa strives to bring this concept to Hawaiʻi in the form of a Japanese sake pub.
While the pub’s sake selection is extensive, the eatery strives to make sake approachable to diners. Its sake discovery set ($15, $10 during soft opening) has quickly become a customer favorite, as it includes three sake tastings and a small bite (choose from the “umami bites” section of the menu).
The food menu features a variety of raw and cooked dishes, presented in small plates (izakaya-style) designed for sharing. The pressed ‘ahi carpaccio ($15) — drizzled with lemon and olive oil — chef’s sashimi selection (market price) and truffle dashi omelet come highly recommended.
The featured sashimi selection during our visit included maguro, ika and sweet shrimp.
The fluffy, Japanese rolled omelet is topped with a generous amount of truffle sauce.
Other popular dishes include oyster confit with toasted baguette ($15), creamy shrimp gratin ($13) and Kauaʻi shrimp bake with snow crab ($17).
The shrimp gratin features a creamy rice-and-cheese mixture with chunks of baked shrimp throughout.
The pub is still in its soft opening phase and will celebrate its grand opening in December. Direct message the business on Instagram for inquiries/reservations.
CONTACT
Pub Maniwa Kakuuchi
665 Halekauwila St., Honolulu
Instagram: @maniwa_sakepub
Open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays (happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m.)
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
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