It started with a simple request.

Japanese food.

So my girlfriend and I drove around town, looking for a Japanese restaurant that was 1) open, 2) had parking and 3) at least decent. We weren’t picky at that point.

Imanas Tei Restaurant was packed and we couldn’t find parking at Izakaya Nonbei. But before we left Kapahulu — we were on our way to Sushi Izakaya Shinn and maybe Mr. Ojisan — we took a chance and pulled into the parking lot at Restaurant Wada.

Wada opened last year in the space vacated by Tokkuri-Tei — though you would never tell walking inside.

We had asked the valet if the restaurant was crowded. He checked and came back, saying, “Nope, you can grab a table now.”

So we did.

I was curious about this izakaya (Japanese-style tavern), as I’ve seen delicious photos on Instagram. (Thanks, Reid!) I had read about its Kobe-style ishiyaki grill, its sashimi omakase, and the different ways tongue and tripe could be prepared. So here was my chance.

Though we didn’t get to eat everything we had wanted — trust me, we were full on just six plates! — we did get to sample some of the more interesting dishes on the menu.

Here’s what our fateful dinner looked like:

Homemade honey bacon

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The name alone — homemade honey bacon ($8.75) — sold me. The bacon — extra fatty slices of pork belly — was lightly seared and begging to be eaten. If you like fat, you'll love this appetizer.