Located in the heart of downtown, this place is a hidden gem and gives off underground speakeasy vibes! There is no dedicated parking garage so it's either street parking or any of the open lots nearby. First of all, let's talk about the decor. The entrance and lobby area has concrete walls covered in vintage Japanese movie posters, Japanese decor and artifacts lining the shelves, and illuminated LED blue and hot pink lights hanging from the ceiling. The abstract art and interior decor feels like an underground anime bar and gives off relaxing and chill vibes. You can definitely tell that the owner put a LOT of thought into creating the ambiance he wanted to portray. Walking further into the restaurant is the bar seating area. The menu is izakaya-style, focusing on small flavorful plates. Each dish was explained to us in depth on where the fish came from (flown in), how it was prepared, and what made it so special. Every dish was tasty and filling, though my favorite dish was the toro! It was soft, buttery, and melted in my mouth. This place is pricey ($150 per person) but definitely worth it for the food and the experience. The service is excellent - the owner and the other employees were attentive, personable, and treated us like valued guests. read more

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Cool, funky set-up and delicious omakase. INTERIOR/AMBIANCE: Need to buzz in for access, which is nice and feels safer/more exclusive. Sushi counter has 8 seats and there are some additional tables. Hiro is planning to do some pretty cool things with the space-- so fun! FOOD: Amazing. The first course included saba, which Hiro prepared exceptionally well. The other components of the first dish were tasty too. For the nigiri, our favorites were the chutoro and otoro (unsurprisingly). There was also salmon nigiri with pesto which was unique, but not our favorite. We noticed that Hiro adds additional flavoring components to good quality fish/seafood.. the flavors all complemented each other well, without overpowering the fish. SERVICE: Good. Hiro was chef, waiter, dishwasher, everything (he said he does this on certain nights when it's slower). He juggled all the duties well. The courses were presented at a nice pace and our waters were filled regularly. OVERALL: Wonderful experience. We appreciated Hiro's personalization and flair. It was also fun talking story with him! Plus, BYOB! He said he plans to keep the omakase area BYOB too. We definitely plan to return. read more

What a great little omakase. This quaint 10-15 seater sits inside of Chinatown. They have a security door to keep the uninvited out. The space is decorated with interesting art that changes in the light. Portraits of Hiro adorn the walls. I love it. There's a huge tv that looks like a painting. The omakase journey was spectacular and the two things I really liked about it were: 1) the yuzu kosho pairings, 2) the black sesame tamago. Everything else was great but those two things really stuck with me. The entire course was peppered with flavor medleys that were new to me. Overall, I had a great time with a special someone and we'll definitely be back for more! read more

Hiro No Uchi - Scallop, kubota, Hiro the man - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

A nice intimate sushi omakase that you would not come across accidentally. Hiro No Uchi, literally Hiro's house, first appears as kind of a Japanese speakeasy. You have to be buzzed in - for security in nighttime Chinatown. Then , as you enter you're hit w black walls full of Japanese pop and punk art. The lighting adds a neon effect full of color. This is not Edomae sushi. Atsuhiro Kajita fuses familiar flavors into a creative meal of sushi. His rice, the shari, is seasoned with two different akasu vinegar. The toppings, the neta, are good quality. You will not find precisely formed nigiri here. The cuts can look a little uneven or ragged and the seasonings are not perfectly placed. But the flavors speak to how Hiro wants each bite to taste. The meal begins with an otsumami plate, then proceeds to nigiri. Hiro will present the evening's neta precut and portioned in a box. There is a break in nigiri service where Hiro will cook tamagoyaki to order. Miso soup follows the last nigiri and the meal ends with the cooled freshly prepared tamagoyaki. The nigiri pace is balanced. There is a lot of cherrywood smoked and aburi neta. Green onion ginger paste and yuzu spritzed on neta is also common. Keep in mind that there are layers of flavors that appeal to very local tastes. The layout suggests that there are plans to make this a later night hangout with a la carte offerings. There is an adjacent space that will hopefully birth a good cocktail bar. Currently it is BYOB, pending a liquor license approval. Bring your stuff and be prepared to share. The end of the last seating can end up feeling like a drinking get together with friends at Hiro's house. read more

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My Hiro! What an amazing omakase experience! We came to our reservation and was buzzed in... walking into the spot it was like a Japanese speakeasy urban street design! Very cool! We were the first ones to get seated so it's first come first serve and you want to be sitting in the front to see Hiro do his magic! Great omakase dishes! Every bite was amazing! So many flavors and so many ingredients infused!! It was just amazing! You can currently BYOA and I think that makes this plus even more of a great experience ...can bring delicious alcoholic beverages to enjoy your dinner and that actually saves alot money! Hope the place continued success as it was one of the best omakase experience thanks to Hiro! read more

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This omakase has to be one of the best in Honolulu. While the flavors may not be traditional, every sushi was handled with thought and precision. I was instantly taken back to Japan - it was that good. I sat at the bar, where the service was excellent. While it looks like it could be a mix of a Izakaya and a karaoke club when you first enter, the food will transport you thousands of miles away into any Japanese city. Also, have a drink or two the staff (it's BYOB) -- you're guaranteed to have a good time. read more

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Hubs took me there for my bday...babysitter fell through so baby tagged along. We work downtown, so rushed down to King Street. Former Islander Sake place. Think was an old bank b/c got a vault on the way to the bathroom. I want a vault in my house...looks cool. But anywho...Hiro said he's still renovating but already looks pretty cool. We rolled in a little later than the seating time but he was still prepping the 1st dish, so was actually perfect timing to get our drinks ready, set baby in a chair. Baby really enjoyed the pupu platter with tako, I forget what kine fish, some shirasu in ponzu cup, and ankimo. I'm not an ankimo person, so baby got to whack that...but she ate most of everything else on there too! Sushi was ono...thought the hotate was presented nice (and it tasted good) but almost looked like shirako the way it was cut. I really liked the uni/ikura don...my 2 faves. Baby liked the uni. Chick knows what's good. Something smoked was really good...I can't remember what was tho. Matcha Tamagoyaki was cool to watch being made. Pointers when I do at home! I liked the green and think it should be paired with a piece of ham...make it Dr. Suessy. But I'm not a huge matcha or egg person. Chef and the others were all very nice to baby... interacted with her, told her "hi" after she said it a ga-zillion times. Even made her couple nigiri! Meal ended with a macaron made by one of the workers (apprentice?). Baby ate most of her...what I allowed her to have. She loooved it. We had the old people 5:30pm seating. Seemed a little tight for the next seating and people sitting around waiting. Felt bad b/c that was when baby had a code brown sitch so hubs changed her while i grabbed up all our stuff and polished off our drinks. I was full after the meal...not overstuffed. Perfect amount for me and baby...but I did get super hungry a couple hours later. A great experience... read more

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We recently enjoyed a wonderful omakase experience at Hiro No Uchi in downtown Honolulu. The location at 25 North King Street is pretty hidden. Find the intercom near the door and press the button to be buzzed in. When you walk in you will be transported to a dark, speakeasy-like place with stylish chairs leading to an attractive sushi counter that seats about eight. Chef Hiro begins the omakase by greeting his guests and displaying what fish will be served that night. Each nigiri was thoughtfully prepared and presented beautifully. The textures and flavors made for a very happy and delicious meal. The cost of the omakase when we dined was $150 per person and the establishment is BYOB. They offer 2 seatings at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. They are also available for catering and private parties. read more

From the moment you buzz in off King Street, it feels like stepping into a hidden speakeasy-style sushi bar in the middle of downtown Honolulu--dark, intimate, and centered around a gorgeous sushi counter that keeps the focus on the food and the craft. Chef Hiro sets the tone right away by laying out the fish for the night and walking the counter through what he's excited about, which immediately makes the omakase feel personal rather than scripted. Course after course is dialed in: pristine zuke maguro, rich ora king salmon belly with that perfect balance of fat and acidity, buttery otoro crowned with gold leaf, and Hokkaido uni that tastes like it just came out of the water. I especially loved how he weaves yuzu and yuzu kosho into the progression so the citrus and heat show up in different ways without ever feeling repetitive. The pacing is spot on for the 13-course omakase, and at around 150 per person it's a strong value for this level of product and execution in Honolulu. The matcha tamagoyaki is one of those signature bites you remember the next day--light, slightly sweet, and just enough matcha to keep it interesting without overpowering the egg. Dessert (in our case a matcha white chocolate tiramisu) closes things out with a clean, not-too-sweet finish that fits the rest of the menu. Service is warm, relaxed, and attentive; they walk you through each piece without turning it into a lecture, and the whole team seems genuinely happy to be there. read more

Hiro No Uchi - Otoro - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Hiro now has a brick and mortar. He's located at 25 N. King St. He still does hit Hirokase event, so you gotta check for his availability. IYKYK As always the fish was fresh. His combinations of fish and topping were as well. Not the best quality pics, but I'm posting the ones that I took. If you're in the downtown area and looking for some sushi, try his Omakase. Aloooooooha and happy eating. read more

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Wow! What an experience. We were lucky to have visited while it is still in its soft launching phase. This place is going to go off once they open up fully with the concept with tatami mats and a chill area, along with the sushi bar. Chef Hiro has profound knowledge of his produce, where it comes from, and why he uses it in the way he does. We love any Omakase, but Chef Hiro definitely brings a brightness and twist on what could be a high quality but less fun dining experience. I can't even begin to describe the complexity of each nigiri, and you'll have to visit to experience that for yourself. The saddest moment...we're moving in a few months and won't get to visit as much as we we we could. Arigato Chef Hiro. Oishiiiii (He's also got sass and great conversation! Love!) read more

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If you're looking for a traditional omakase then you're in for a surprise. Chef Hiro was mentored by chef Nobu and other sushi chefs. It's a different experience from what you would expect, with that being said I'm very impressed on Chef style of thinking outside the box concept. If you're looking for something different from the same standard omakase that you have at other sushi places then this pace is worth the visit. read more

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Hiro no Uchi delivered one of the best omakase experiences I've had in a long time-- and that's saying a lot as someone who regularly visits top omakase restaurants in Japan, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. What makes Hiro no Uchi truly stand out is his creativity and precision. Every bite felt intentional, with flavor combinations that were both surprising and deeply satisfying. I thought my highlight bite would be the otoro topped with uni, caviar, and gold leaf -- don't get me wrong it was an unforgettable bite, but Hiro topped it. He prepared noroguro with a sweet onion ponzu, sea grapes and takuan that blew my mind! It's dishes like this that remind you omakase is an art form when done right. If you love omakase and are looking for something special in Honolulu, Hiro no Uchi is absolutely worth the visit. A true hidden gem -- and they have tatami seating in addition to the bar! read more

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Dined here tonight and chef Hiro is incredibly creative and crafts each dish very skillfully. His knowledge of flavor profiles shines with each dish. My wife and I enjoyed each dish, even my two year old enjoyed some dishes. The interior of the restaurant felt like I was transported to an upscale Izakaya in Shibuya. But very welcoming and cleanly atmosphere. Overall, I highly recommend this place. Will be back again soon read more

Amazing omakase experience. Each piece of nigiri showcased impressive harmony with every bite delivering beautifully married flavors that showcased the chef's skill and intention. The quality of the fish was exceptional, and the progression of each piece felt thoughtful and seamless. Truly unforgettable and definitely will be a repeat. Located at the old Hanale by Islander Sake Brewery. read more

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Hiro doesn't disappoint with his care of handling fish and other seafood to create a fantastic omakase experience. Each savory bite was fresh and satisfying. I love being able to try dishes that I would never order on my own. Thank you to Chef Hiro for a beautiful dinner and congratulations on your brick and mortar location. read more

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From the outside tells no justice from the inside. When you walk in the ambience takes you away from the outside world greeted by Chef Hiro. Bring your favorite sake or japanes whiskey to pair with his own flare and unique style to his omakase. His professionalism in his service and knowledge of the fish brings great service to the patrons. read more

Chef Hiro is amazing and a genius! He offers fun combinations of flavor and flair. He shows creative preparation and beautiful presentation of all dishes. We were the only ones at the first booking so it felt like a private dinner. Chef Hiro was the only staff on and he was great at managing all tasks in a timely manner. Ambience is cozy yet eccentric. Highly recommend checking out this place! read more

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Food: Omakaze only. I am allergic to shellfish, so a third had to be substituted. Not good! Items were top shelf, for the most part. Chef differentiates his offering by introducing different scents with the nigiri. The flavor of the fish is masked. Not good. Two of five stars. Ambience: No argument here. Little dark to see the sushi. I want to add that the shop has a very smalll lit sign, easy to miss. Street or lot parking is hard to find. This shop is located in lower Chinatown, where things occur after dark, when the retail shops close. Rate location a Zero! Service: Chef and staff very service oriented. Rate a Five Star! Recommendation: Will not return. If you decide to go, heck out their website for price and availability. read more

Located in the former Sake factory sushi place, Chef Hiro totally changed the vide of this place, from a very bright setting to a dark and intimate setting. If you never been to this place, it may be hard to find, there is this metal gate at the front, you have to press the door bell with the camera and they will let you in. I try a lot of Omasake on this island, usually, there is one or two pieces of sushi that I am not 100% care for. But tonight, I like every one of them. I would say chef Hiro add small touch to each sushi, so, this is not like just eating regular sushi. We went there for the 5:30 seating, 8 of us almost took all the seats. One other couple join us later. The background music was too loud, we cannot even able to talk with each other, so, we asked them to turn it down. It is BYOB, so you do save on drink. The Omasake is $150 per person. The sushi is great but we was not that full at the end. Besides the first plate, I counted only 10 items was served and then a miso soup. You see view them in my photos. I wish there was a bit more item they can add on, some of my friend has to go out to eat after because they are still hungry, ha ha. Overall, very nice quality sushi. I will go back for sure, recommended. read more

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Great omakase experience. Chef Hiro is an expert in his craft, but also makes it a fun enjoyable experience. Not a uptight and super formal but more of a fun time with friends kind of vibe, but I guess it also depends on who else is sitting at the counter. We had a 7:30 reservation for 6 of us, the restaurant as of now seats 10 people at the counter. We were informed prior to our arrival that dinner would be a little late as the first service started later than expected. While the restaurant is small there was more than enough room for all of us to wait in a cosey lounge while we waited. One of the other guests didn't get the memo that it was BYOB, but it was made clear to us upon making the reservation and on the website. Hiro explained each item as the night went on and kept everyone entertained. 10/10 will be coming back. read more

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Amazing chef! Service was excellent! Food was so good! Best sushi omakase. Great price, awesome vibe. Will definitely be back. read more

Hiro No Uchi - Omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Ono to da max!! Fabulous service, fresh sushi, can't wait to go back! A little hard to find at first and didn't realize it was byob but very very well worth the incredible experience! read more

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We went for the 7:30 seating and enjoyed every minute. Chef Hiro is very friendly and personable. Every item he served was delicious and very creative. It's BYOB which is even better. Looking forward to dining here again. read more

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Excellent food. Chef Hiro has passion for the food he serves. But... On our night, his friends were dining too. They became drunk, used a lot of foul language and said inappropriate sexually explicit things like "drink and go home to eat vag-na". No kidding. It was all boy bantering. I couldn't believe this was happening. Not a place of business. read more

Made a reservation for a birthday dinner about a month ago. On the day of the reservation, they emailed at 12:40 pm, it was NOT even a call FOR 5:30 PM RESERVATION; asking to cancel or move it to 7:30 pm d/t to liquor commission, so it was not emergency, but was scheduled business appointment that must have been notified weeks before. I told them I cannot move to 7:30 pm because I have to wake up at 2:30 am next day. They told us to cancel. Please BR PROFESSIONAL!! Please notify AT LEAST 24 hours in advance so that we could arrange for an alternative for our birthday dinner. Or at lease please call!!. Of course, five hours was not enough to make arrangement for a nice restaurant, we gave up and dressed down.. then they emailed at 4:30 pm "we see you at 5:30 pm" what?? Called them right away, they told us they will keep 5:30 pm reservation. Really???? You have a policy of charging $200 for cancellation for 2 within 24 hours, please keep it in both ways, please inform at least 24 hours in advance, not in 5 hours! You literally ruined my birthday! read more

Great quality sushi that was uniquely prepared. Chef was personable and has great vibes!

Best Omakase experiences I had!Amazing top level Sushi Experience and definitely high quality.!Hiro definitely has the top Shelf experience from previously at Nobuhara and Morimoto.Besh Sushi in town! read more

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There are many great sushi chefs out there, but Hiro is in a league of his own -- an artist whose medium is sushi and whose canvas is the private omakase experience. I first discovered Hiro through a birthday omakase dinner, where the entire experience was seamless and unforgettable. His team handled everything -- from setup to presentation -- leaving us to simply show up with sake and empty stomachs. The omakase was phenomenal. Hiro's training under legends like Nobu and Morimoto, and his deep experience across Japan, California, Hawaii, and Europe, truly shined. Each course was a thoughtful blend of precision, creativity, and storytelling, with fish sourced from all over the world and prepared in a way that's uniquely Hiro. I enjoyed it so much, I booked him four more times -- and every friend I've referred has either become a regular or at least obsessed with his bentos. But now, the exciting update: Hiro has opened a physical restaurant -- and I had the chance to visit. The vibe is absolutely amazing. He's brought the same attention to detail, quality, and magic from his private dinners into the restaurant setting. It's intimate yet lively, refined but not stuffy -- an experience that stays with you long after the last bite. The interior decoration is amazing too, and it sounds like he's building out a speakeasy inside too. Whether you're looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, Hiro's new spot is a must-visit. He hasn't just maintained his standard -- he's elevated it. read more

As good as it can get. One of if not the best on island. Fresh, tasty,creative. Worth every penny. A real taste of Japan for sure.

Great omakase experience with a speakeasy feel. The place is a little tricky to find as we were standing in front of the address and didn't realize where the entrance was. If you go to the address, you end up at a locked door that is covered and looks like an abandoned building. A phone call later, we were inside and it immediately felt like entering a speakeasy. All the seats are bar height and tightly fitted around the L-shaped bar. Hiro speaks English very fluently, better than most omakase chefs in Honolulu. The food was great, right up there with above average tier omakases in the area, but I wouldn't put it in the same level as top tier. I can tell Hiro is trying to create a unique experience and gotta give him credit for that. The feel and flow of the meal felt like it could be smoothed out a bit, but overall it was fine. I believe the overall experience will get better over time since they just opened recently. Great omakase option for Downtown/Chinatown. read more

Hiro never fails to amaze. From private dinners, and now a new intimate restaurant vibe. Great omakase sushi. We will be regulars at Hiro No Uchi!! read more

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Hiro no Uchi is a new, unique omakase spot in Chinatown. Chef Hiro uses seasonal ingredients to create simple, balanced dishes and nigiri. Each bite feels like a composed dish. Don't ask for a side of shoyu. There are so many omakase spots that don't carve a niche in the market like Hiro no Uchi does. read more

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Honolulu's Hidden Gem If you're looking for a next-level sushi experience in Honolulu, Hiro no Uchi in Downtown is an absolute must. This new omakase spot flawlessly blends luxury with a hip, relaxed vibe that feels both elevated and completely unpretentious. The space is modern and intimate, with a warm energy that sets the tone for the night. And then there's Hiro--the heart and soul of the restaurant. Not only is he a master of his craft, but his approachable, charming personality makes you feel like you're sitting at a close friend's sushi counter... if that friend also happened to be a world-class chef. Each piece is a small masterpiece--thoughtfully crafted with precision, creativity, and deep respect for the ingredients. Hiro no Uchi strikes that rare balance between fine dining and laid-back cool. Whether you're celebrating something special or just treating yourself to an unforgettable meal, this is the kind of place you'll keep thinking about--and talking about--long after the last course. read more

Looking for a unique sushi experience ? This one's it. Intimate dining and story telling from chef Hiro. Fresh ingredients, taste of both traditional and modern take on sushi. read more

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My personal passion and hobby is checking out all the Omakase restaurants wherever I go, especially in Honolulu (where I live). I first experienced Hiro No Uchi's Omakase several years ago and I'm happy to say (after dining at his new location twice this last week) that his Omakase experience is better than ever. Now in his new intimate almost "hidden" location in Chinatown he's rolling out his best yet. His style is inspired, deliciously innovative flavor combining and freshness with an elegant presentation in a chill and relaxed atmosphere. His pricing is modest and you walk away very satisfied. I can't wait to go back for more. A must experience for the discerning Omakase enthusiast or the curious beginner. Highly recommended. read more

The best omakase we've had in a long time!! Amazing atmosphere, chef, and food. Give this place a try, you won't regret it! We came in a few days after opening night and were blown away by the quality of the fish and how skilled Hiro is! read more

Upon entering Hiro No Uchi, i loved the vibes. It's an intimate setting with dim lighting and creative decorations. To preface this, I don't even really like seafood that much, but this experience spun me in a complete 180. The fish was so fresh there was no fishiness whatsoever and Hiro is an actual expert wish seasonings. I love sauces and he effortlessly made some of the best sauce pairings I've ever had in my life. Shoyu, yuzu kosho and ginger? Can't go wrong. He's also very sociable and comforting and makes you feel like you're at a friends house enjoying a meal with friends. Hense the Hiro No Uchi. I will definitely be coming back for a full stomach and a full heart. I recommend everyone to try this good experience with good food. read more

Great place for private parties, the food is excellent, the vibe is great! If you never been been its a definite must! We had a party of 8 and everyone enjoyed. Mahalo Hiro, we will be back! read more

I've been to a lot of omakase and Hiro No Uchi stands as one of the top experiences I went to. His omakase course is perfectly crafted to have you experience a variety of flavors that excite and leave you wanting more. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone that loves sushi. Also as of right now it's still BYOB so you can bring your favorite sake or beverage to make your dinner experience even better! read more