What the critics say...

West Hawaii Today and its readers named Teshima’s Restaurant The Best Japanese Restaurant in West Hawaii in 2013.

“This is local style all the way. Shizuko Teshima has a strong following among those who have made her miso soup and sukiyaki an integral part of their lives. The early-morning crowd starts gathering for omelets or Japanese breakfasts (soup, rice, and fish) while it's still dark outside. As the day progresses, the orders pour in for shrimp tempura and sukiyaki. By dinner, no. 3 teishoku trays -- miso soup, sashimi, sukiyaki, shrimp, pickles, and other delights -- are streaming out of the kitchen. Other combinations include steak and shrimp tempura, beef teriyaki and shrimp tempura, and the deep-sea trio of shrimp tempura, fried fish, and sashimi.” Frommer’s

“Locals gather at this small, historic restaurant 15 minutes south of Kailua-Kona whenever they're in the mood for fresh sashimi, puffy shrimp tempura, or hekka (beef and vegetables cooked in an iron pot) at a reasonable price. ...It's been a kamaaina (local) favorite since 1929 for a reason.” Fodor’s

“Another window on local life is Teshima Restaurant, in Honalo. Families and immigrant coffee pickers have been ordering delicious Japanese comfort food here since the 1940s.” Lonely Planet

“A "historic" "local landmark", this circa-1905 Kealakekua "favorite" is "filled with locals" who go for "simple, well-prepared" Japanese "comfort food" delivered by "warm" servers; its "diner-style atmosphere" is "nothing fancy", but that's fine given the "low" prices and fact that its "character" makes it "like no other place" around.” Zagat