Aomatsu

I remember one day(back in 2016) when I was attending college(HCC) across the street I walked over for some lunch but the owner greeted me at the door saying g "Hey! Come in! I'll give you a free bento!" I told him "Wow for real?!" I went inside and he gave me the most stunning bento I've ever seen in my life and I had to ask "Is this this for real? What's wrong with it? Is it old? Not made right?"😂 he said "No, no its perfectly fine" I thanked him and offered like $10 tip but he pussed my hand away and told me no need. Honestly this was the happiest I ever was coming out of any restaurant😂 times were tough back then lol. I've returned back to Aomatsu and they changed their menu couple years ago but omg their menu may be small but my god it's amazing! Just go you wont regret it.. everything is near Perfection.

Generous, delicious lunch special. The hostess was gracious and attentive, noticed that my wife had splashed ramen on her clothes and brought us paper towels. We mainly choose to come here because it's right next door to Hilo Brewing, but this was a great lunch and worth visiting. Obviously popular with locals too.

This chef is an artisan. What an amazing restaurant find for the folks in Hilo. Chef handmakes his own Panko bread crumbs for his katsu. He also makes his own sauces and salad dressings. His technique is light - not oily at all. His Bento (take out) Lunches are reasonably priced and delicious. In addition to the chiken, pork loin, and pork roast katsu, he has a selection of special seafood katsu. Ask about the fish of the day. Appreciate his japanese style potato salad... call ahead for that, as he does not make that daily. If you eat in, I believe you can BYOB give them a call for that one. Located across the street from the local community college in a warehouse/industrial part of town close to the airport. So worth it to stop there for a meal or Bento to go and appreciate the skill and craftsmanship of this chef, it will make you smile.