Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

Review summary

1. D

   David

   VIP

   Orange County

   25 reviews

   5.0

   25 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   We were staying across the street at the Westin Hapuna and we’re looking for an authentic Japanese restaurant. Less to choose from in the Kohala area than we thought. Engawa is located across the street a short, five minute walk very convenient. The couple that manages and runs the Omakase experience is very enjoyable very authentic really a lot of fun . They are the ONLY sake Brewery in Hawaii. Thanks small craft beer, sucking style. Omakase menu was delightful with a broad array of flavors and taste all for quality We added the sake pairings. Try it!
   

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2. D

   David

   Portland

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 30 January 2025

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

   We had a great experience dining at Engawa. The atmosphere is welcoming and very relaxing. The service is top notch and the food is some of the best I have ever experienced. And the Sake was delicious! Visiting Engawa was one of my top dining experiences and I’m having a hard time thinking of a better experience anywhere on the Big Island.
   

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3. j

   joe

   VIP

   Minneapolis

   46 reviews

   5.0

   46 reviews

   Dined on 24 January 2025

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

   Fantastic intimate experience at the Westin Hapuna Bay. The sake is brewed onsite. Prix fixe menu only so no decisions ahead of you. Just relax and enjoy.
   

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4. M

   Megan

   Minneapolis

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 17 January 2025

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

   Dining at Engawa is akin to dining at the owners’ home. They take so much care of their guests. Food and drinks were beautifully presented and tasted delicious. There was a lovely melding of Hawaiian and Japanese ingredients. I was grateful for the chef’s willingness to accommodate my gluten restriction. We enjoyed learning about the sake brewing process and tasting several different ones. The golf course at sunset provided a beautiful backdrop. The pacing is relaxed. It is dinner as an experience and is likely best for diners willing to try new things and savor them.
   

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5. J

   John

   VIP

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 15 January 2025

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

   Wonderful dining experience from start to finish. We learned so much about sake and Japanese culture, the sakes were outstanding and the food delicious and beautifully presented.
   

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6. L

   Leesa

   Hawaii

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 14 January 2025

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

   Delicious food and sake right here in Waimea! Brought family from out of town and they enjoyed it as well.
   

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7. S

   Shari

   Seattle

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on 29 December 2024

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

   Absolutely wonderful experience, I got to share with my husband and son. Loved almost everything, but the host and server were delightful. Definitely would recommend, prepare for a lovely night out with some good food and sake. Can’t wait until my daughter visits the island again so I can take her here. Mahalo
   

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8. r

   richard

   Washington DC

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on 26 December 2024

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

   One of a kind Christmas holiday experience. Very exclusive and one of a kind. The four courses were all designed to pair well with well with sake. The optional sake pairing was super interesting. I was surprised by how different these sakes were, though maybe that has to do with the host making suitable choices for my western tastebuds. Took a bottle of "Anna" home. It was well sealed and packed in bubble wrap, and arrived well as checked luggage (can't take this onboard).
   

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9. S

   Stephen

   Portland

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 25 December 2024

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

   It was very small groups of tables of 4’s and 2’s. Main server and helper were very nice and explained the various sake we were being served, aging and taste variants. Very informative as I’m not a sake drinker so I learned quite a lot. Food was good and plentiful. Overall a very relaxed pleasant dinner
   

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10. Z

    Zenobia

    Atlanta

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on 24 December 2024

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

    Amazing food and service. Every dish was delicious and well thought out. Server was knowledgeable and delightful. Be a bit careful about sitting outside…when the sprinklers go on, if the wind is blowing you will get a bit wet. And the wind can get extremely cold.
    

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