Iโd give this place a 3/5. The food was decent but nothing really stood out. My beef udon was a bit dry, and the chicken karaage had a powdery texture. The dessert was a definite miss, and overall, the ramen was pretty mediocre. Iโd go back if it was convenient, but not necessarily for the food itself.
Dymple Lovetis
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December 11, 2025
Their karaage chicken is amazingly juicy one of the best Iโve had! The creamy tonkotsu is definitely my favorite; rich, flavorful, and super comforting. The black tonkotsu is okay, not my top choice but still decent. Overall, great food and a place Iโd happily go back to.
Paul
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January 14, 2026
Ordered sukiyaki and it was amazing..took me back to my childhood and my momโs world class sukiyaki. Added some amazing sake and Curry Udon. Finished the dinner with 2 deserts - Mochi with Azuki beans and Matcha Cheesecake. My favorite restaurant on this amazing foodie experience. Highly recommend Izakaya Gembe. We will be back..maybe tomorrow!
Justin Goodman
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November 05, 2025
Loved the visit we had here. We shared a Genbe Roll and both a Tonkatsu and Black Tonkatsu ramen with added marinated egg. SO full of delicious flavors! I only wish there was more to eat because it was that good! Also loved the small shop vibe, the friendly staff (we were laughing about shows that were playing on their TV), and the little anime touches.
Joshua Nathan
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February 16, 2026
My last review of Izakaya Genbe was 6 years ago, and this week my wife and I were able finally return to Kihei for another excellent meal. (My review was on Yษlp back in 2020, and coincidentally ownership just responded to that review today. How timely!)
WHAT HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE MY LAST VISIT:
* Kiehei shopping center location near the Radio Shack
* Excellent food
WHAT HAS CHANGED:
* Did they change locations in the shopping center or just reorganize their dining room? Either way, the seating arrangement was more comfortable.
* Service was extremely friendly - fixing my only concern from 6 years ago.
* Portion sizes were slightly larger than I remember.
The pickled mackerel remains my absolute favorite fish dish available in Maui, and I am surprised they are not famous for it alone. I spent years dreaming of this fatty, flavorful cold fish -- and what I ate the other day exceeded my memories!
New to me this time was some kind of smoked pickled daikon. Who thinks of this??? I'm in absolute awe.
The next time my wife and I visit Maui, we are going to stay in Kihei so I can eat here every day. Maui is an expensive and inconvenient island vacation, but for Izakaya Genbe I will keep coming back. Thank you for another amazing, memorable meal!
Iโd give this place a 3/5. The food was decent but nothing really stood out. My beef udon was a bit dry, and the chicken karaage had a powdery texture. The dessert was a definite miss, and overall, the ramen was pretty mediocre. Iโd go back if it was convenient, but not necessarily for the food itself.
Their karaage chicken is amazingly juicy one of the best Iโve had! The creamy tonkotsu is definitely my favorite; rich, flavorful, and super comforting. The black tonkotsu is okay, not my top choice but still decent. Overall, great food and a place Iโd happily go back to.
Ordered sukiyaki and it was amazing..took me back to my childhood and my momโs world class sukiyaki. Added some amazing sake and Curry Udon. Finished the dinner with 2 deserts - Mochi with Azuki beans and Matcha Cheesecake. My favorite restaurant on this amazing foodie experience. Highly recommend Izakaya Gembe. We will be back..maybe tomorrow!
Loved the visit we had here. We shared a Genbe Roll and both a Tonkatsu and Black Tonkatsu ramen with added marinated egg. SO full of delicious flavors! I only wish there was more to eat because it was that good! Also loved the small shop vibe, the friendly staff (we were laughing about shows that were playing on their TV), and the little anime touches.
My last review of Izakaya Genbe was 6 years ago, and this week my wife and I were able finally return to Kihei for another excellent meal. (My review was on Yษlp back in 2020, and coincidentally ownership just responded to that review today. How timely!) WHAT HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE MY LAST VISIT: * Kiehei shopping center location near the Radio Shack * Excellent food WHAT HAS CHANGED: * Did they change locations in the shopping center or just reorganize their dining room? Either way, the seating arrangement was more comfortable. * Service was extremely friendly - fixing my only concern from 6 years ago. * Portion sizes were slightly larger than I remember. The pickled mackerel remains my absolute favorite fish dish available in Maui, and I am surprised they are not famous for it alone. I spent years dreaming of this fatty, flavorful cold fish -- and what I ate the other day exceeded my memories! New to me this time was some kind of smoked pickled daikon. Who thinks of this??? I'm in absolute awe. The next time my wife and I visit Maui, we are going to stay in Kihei so I can eat here every day. Maui is an expensive and inconvenient island vacation, but for Izakaya Genbe I will keep coming back. Thank you for another amazing, memorable meal!