Izakaya Genbe opened in late 2020 during the pandemic. Owner Masashi Suzuki, who arrived from Hyogo, Japan in November 2019, faced shutdown just three months after arriving.
When others told him to return to Japan, he refused—running the restaurant alone through months of uncertainty. That resilience became Genbe’s foundation: authentic Japanese cuisine paired with genuine omotenashi (hospitality) from the heart. Masashi learned to cook alongside his mother in Japan, discovering that food could make people happy. Today, he brings that philosophy to Kihei, creating a true izakaya experience rarely found outside Japan. The name “Genbe” evokes traditional izakaya culture—a casual pub where friends share small plates, sake, and conversation. Since opening, Genbe has become a “hidden gem” for locals and visitors seeking authentic Japanese flavors. Sister restaurant to Tajima Ramen Maui, together they offer comprehensive Japanese dining in South Maui.
Website: https://www.izakayagenbe.com/