A Japanese comfort-food spot in Honolulu's Kaimukī neighborhood is drawing crowds with sizzling hamburg steak — good news for local diners looking for a filling, family-friendly meal.

• Maruju serves handcrafted Japanese hamburg steak, grilled and brought to the table still sizzling.
• The name comes from the steak itself plus the sauce poured over it — a rich red wine gravy with mushrooms and beef, or a citrus ponzu.
• Rice and soup come with unlimited refills, including a Japanese take on French onion soup with hamburg steak inside.
• Starters include marinated onion salad, garlic butter cheese fries, and deep-fried parmesan broccoli.
• The space leans bright and playful, with manga and anime posters, and is pitched at all ages.

Outlook: The restaurant is still new to the neighborhood and is building a reputation as a go-to lunch and dinner stop in Kaimukī.