I had never heard of this place before until my friend came to visit and made us all a reservation here but I'm so glad they found it because this is one of the best omakase places I've ever been to! We had everything from Scottish salmon, smoked bluefin tuna, Hokkaido Uni, to red snapper. I'm usually hesitant to go to omakase places because usually there's at least one thing on the menu that I'm not a fan of but everything was so delicious and fresh here. The chef also paired each fish with the perfect balance of flavors that enhanced the fish without overpowering it. My favorites were the seared Scottish salmon, smoked bluefin tuna, and this one fish I can't quite remember that had a ponzu jelly which was so good. Honestly though everything was amazing. I definitely want to come back here again. The chef and servers were so friendly and we got to bond over my vending machine phone case that I got in Japan which was really sweet Highly recommend this place to anyone. They definitely deserve more exposure. There's also free validated parking in the garage. read more

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Yohei Sushi on Dillingham is excellent! The service is always warm and welcoming, and Chef Kawano's omakase is delicious and very reasonably priced for the quality. The fish is fresh and beautifully prepared, with many selections imported from Japan. Their bento and other dishes also taste very authentic. A wonderful local Japanese restaurant with consistently good food and hospitality. Highly recommended! read more

TL;DR Fantastic omakase option! ----- I needed to use a credit card credit for Resy, and @Sushi happens to be one of the only restaurants on the island where it applies, so I treated my wife to a birthday omakase. I was amused to learn that the restaurant name, @Sushi, happens to be a clever visual pun. The head chef's name is Atsushi! The restaurant itself is a cozy 8-person sushi bar in Restaurant Row. As a reminder, it's BYOB!!! Please make sure you come stocked. The dining experience was exceptional from start to finish. It's been a few months, so I don't recall what every dish was, but I remember that my favorite course was the final one. The modern omakase usually has an A5 nigiri offering at some point. In lieu of the typical nigiri dish, Atushi presented an elevated take on local dish: loco moco. Instead of a hamburger patty, he used several portions of sliced A5 over rice. Then he topped the meat with a quail egg and demiglace. Perfection! I was a big fan of @Sushi. I will definitely return. read more

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I was blessed with an invitation for Omakase at lunch. This was an intimate setting of nine guests total. It was nicely balanced company of regulars and tourists. Chef Atsushi waited patiently for one of the reservations to arrive. They were 15 minutes late. To maximize Chef's time, he started to slice and smoke the bluefin tuna using hickory wood. Upon entry, I immediately admired the beautiful custom wood counter. We were acknowledged politely then seated at the counter. As with any omakase, Chef inquires with each guest, to ensure there are no allergies. Each course was expertly sliced and presented. The quality of seafood was beyond my expectations. We had some of the best cuts of otoro to enjoy. Chef presented Each course with a briefing on where the seafood was sourced from. Excellent fish to rice ratio. Perfectly seasoned sushi rice at the right temperature. Quality seafood in each course. Service was fun and friendly! Thoroughly enjoyed this dining experience. Thank you Che Wai :) read more

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Some friends arranged for an omakase lunch here while I was in town. Everything I ate was absolutely amazing! You can taste the freshness in every bite. Its definitely quality over quantity here. Although there are 12 different dishes, you won't leave feeling uncomfortably full. Its just the right amount per serving. The sushi chef takes lots of care and thought into everything he prepares. He is very focused and it shows in each of his creations. Located at Restaurant Row in Honolulu. Just a small venue with about 10 seats. Make sure to make reservations in advance. I will definitely be back here one day! read more

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Definitely one of the best omakase experiences we've had in a long while. This is a small, intimate sushi spot with just eight seats, plus an extra seat for a toddler--which was such a thoughtful touch. Chef Atsushi even prepared a few dishes for the toddler (not part of our party), which really speaks to the level of care and hospitality here. This is a BYOB spot, so be sure to bring a bottle of sake to enjoy alongside the meal. There's an H Mart just a few blocks away, making it easy to pick something up before your reservation. Each course was prepared with incredible attention to detail and creativity. The omakase consisted of 13 dishes, all beautifully executed. Standouts for me included the ankimo with truffle oil--exceptionally creamy and deeply flavorful--and the uni, which was smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. Honestly, every dish was memorable in its own way. Chef Atsushi and the staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive throughout the entire experience, making the evening feel both special and relaxed. Reservations are easy to make through the Resy app. We'll definitely be back. read more

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Food is always amazing here, quality and creativity along with consistency of the freshness and flavors all pop in your mouth! Service was excellent, our waitress was fun, attentive and so pleasant during the entire dining experience & she would engage with the chef. Nice to see that interaction & the chef was a fun guy! Ambiance was on point! Quaint, clean restaurant!! 13 dishes in the Omakase and all were soooo delicious! read more

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I visited Mr Kumagai's sushi spot when it was located at the Ohana Hale Marketplace at Ward. The quality and service always amazes me and I have always wanted to try his own restaurant at Restaurant Row. With so many omakase places open up on the island, @Sushi did not disappoint. Mr Kumagai has high quality on his food / fish and service delivery quality. It is good to know that everything being served is the freshest and presentation meets his standard. He is also very conversational and enjoys a few kanpai with his guests. The restaurant is BYOB and offers validated parking. read more

Sushi is amazing. Atsushi and his staff are great people. Very personable and friendly, feels like I've known them for years. Two reservation times 530pm and 730pm with 10 seat max. BYOB. Everyone was sharing their alcohol and by the end of dinner we were all friends. read more

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[4.5 stars] PARKING: Lots of covered parking available in Waterfront Plaza. Parking is validated (as of 10/2025). INTERIOR/AMBIANCE: Small restaurant with just 8 seats and 3 staff total (including chef). The music playing was interesting, not what you would expect in a sushi restaurant. FOOD: Fresh fish/seafood cut and prepared well. For the most part, the sushi had minimal toppings, which highlighted the freshness of the fish. The chef also included hot dishes including chawanmushi (with cheese! So interesting, it worked), wagyu fried rice and miso soup. Water & tea provided, believe the restaurant is still BYOB. SERVICE: Excellent. Staff is attentive and made an attempt to speak with diners (which is not always the case). OVERALL: Reservations required (?), can be made on Resy app. Omakase was overall delicious and satiating. Good option for quality omakase. read more

Atsushi (hence "@sushi" -- get it, it's a homonym) Kumagai is a true MasterChef with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, and it shows. This place did not disappoint. The setting is small, cozy, and intimate -- only eight seats -- which makes it feel like a private performance. Chef Atsushi is funny, interactive, and genuinely engaging throughout the meal. The real treat is watching his artistry up close while enjoying 13 rounds of beautifully crafted dishes. Every single one was outstanding, but the chawanmushi with crab and cheese, the A5 wagyu loco moco, and the smoked Spanish bluefin were absolute standouts. Bonus tip: the restaurant is on Resy, and if you have the right American Express card, you can get a $50-$100 dining credit. Totally worth it. read more

@Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Excellent omakase. Always enjoy myself here. Great service. BYOB so don't forget to bring your beverages of choice. Friendly customers. Unique dinning plates and sake glasses. Of course the sushi and sashimi were terrific. read more

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This place is amazing! The experience feels so personal as you interact with chef and his wife. They really make you feel like a family friend. There are two seatings of 8 diners per night and is omakase only ($150.) From start to finish the meal was superb. Incredibly fresh ingredients perfectly prepared and served at the perfect room temp to accentuate the flavors of each type. The lightly seasoned rice really balances out the fish nicely. Of the 13 courses we were served, there were a few hot dishes that were either lightly seared or fully cooked. The last of these was the A5 Wagyu with quail egg on rice, a perfect way to end the meal. @Sushi is also byob with no corkage fee which is fantastic. This last time were were there we brought a bottle of Suntory Whiskey and made sure to share a few glasses with chef and his wife. A great experience and meal and will surely be back. read more

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I recently was given the opportunity to have an omakase experience by @sushi and boy oh boy, how could it be that it was even better than I remember?? We had been visiting Atsushi-san from back in Ohana Hale Marketplace, then the popups he used to have at Artizen. This was my first time visiting the brand new location in Restaurant Row! The new restaurant is intimate, seating maybe 8 or 10 along the sushi bar. It is clean & smells fresh as a sushi restaurant should. They are still BYOB so bring your sake, beer, & make sure you share with Atsushi-san! haha. We were seated right at 730pm & got settled with our drinks. I consider myself super lucky as I got to sit directly in front of Atsushi-san, watching him work his magic. There were 12 pieces in total for $150. It is a bit pricy compared to other places but the quality and the craftsmanship that goes into each nigiri made it well worth the price. Some of my favorite pieces were: - Chutoro nigiri from Spain: this was actually the first bite which is wild, starting off with something already quite rich really set the tone for the rest of the courses. - Uni nigiri from Hokkaido: I know, everywhere has uni now but I could've had like 10 more of these. So sweet & creamy. - Shirako risotto: yes, don't knock it til you try it. Phenomenal. - Chawan mushi: umm who knew Colby jack cheese in chawan mushi would be that delightful, & that crab ankake on top was just heaven heaven heaven. Overall an amazing experience and I am so glad that I was able to see Atsushi-san in action again! read more

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Service is amazing staff is fantastic and the customers are what makes it even better. Chef will drink and laugh with you so please offer him some of your drinks it's BYOB. Will be going back for sure read more

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When I visit a major city, I seek out the top omakase spots in the area. I've already been to a few in Honolulu, but one that I had been meaning to try for a while was @Sushi. It has 5.0 stars on Google and 4.8 stars on Yelp. Did it deliver? Heck yes, it did. Often times with omakase, I find that there is a course I didn't like as much as the others. Each one of the 12 courses was perfect. For $150/person, it is much more affordable than many other spots in the city, and yet I definitely felt that I received my money's worth. There's plenty of high quality ingredients. They're not stingy at all with it. The atmosphere was nice. We had a great time with the chef and other patrons (8 total seats). Another bonus is the easy to find parking in the garage, and the parking is comped at the end (they place a sticker on your ticket so you can scan it at the exit). They're opening up another restaurant soon (not omakase). I will certainly visit it at some point and return to @Sushi again someday. read more

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Soooo glad we made it to @sushi before leaving Hawaii! We have tried a lot of omakase in Waikiki and this place is definitely one of our top picks! Everything tastes very fresh and unique. BYOB. They have 2 seats at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Call for a reservation! We would totally come back again next time when we are back to the island! read more

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An exquisite Omakase dinner! The freshness & balance were superb! Owner Atsushi was an amazing chef. What a wonderful experience! Highly recommended! read more

I've been coming to @Sushi since he first opened his location in what used to be Sports Authority. He is now relocated to a spot in Restaurant Row. The outside window has a 6 feet sticker rock wall for privacy. For now he is only doing lunch service with seating limited to 8 people on the counter. The omakase is $150 for 14 courses. The omakase starts off simple and eventually peaks with my mouth watering for more. I have never been a fan of gold as it adds no nutritional value to me, but come to like it glittering in my photos. Service is 5 stars. Chef Kumagai has a fun personality and great sense of humor. He is still low key BYOB, but will eventually get his liquor license. read more

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WOW!!! We've been wanting to try this since OHM back in 2019... people always crowded this place! Recently found them at Restaurant Row. Atsushi & his wife Chika are very hospitable. OMAKASE - Reservations Only $150+ 13-14 course Tuesday - Saturday 11:30am - First seating 2:00pm - 2nd seating SUSHI LOVERS BENTO - Take Out Only $47 Friday & Saturday 12:00pm - 5:30pm I texted Chika my Sushi Lover's Bento Orders and informed her about my shellfish allergy. I asked if they could substitute the shrimp and scallops for other fish items and they were nice enough to grant my request. We picked up our order on a Saturday afternoon. The front door entrance is camouflaged with the printed rock-wall design. It's a small Omakase room with about 8 seats. Chika rang up my take-out order. Sushi Bento Boxes were nicely packed and chopsticks were also wrapped in pretty napkins and chopstick holders. I had a feeling they were going to be awesome! Quality was way beyond our expectations! Super impressive! High quality fish and Sushi Chef Atsushi really creates amazing nigiri! A must-try! read more

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A Hidden Gem! It really is. There are no signs in front of the restaurant, but it has a nice mural of a rock-stone wall that blends in the front door. A nice decorated turtle curtain that hangs overhead. There is a portable stand-alone sign that can be moved anytime. As you entered, there were two sushi chefs and a server who greeted us and was very welcoming. The restaurant seats only 8 customers on an L-shape counter-like setting. And yes, reservations are required. It was very clean, bright, and modern. It felt very cozy, warm, and personable. However, we ordered the special sushi lover's bento take-out, which is offered only on Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00pm-5:00pm for $47, which includes 16 pieces of nigiri and a roll of sushi combined. They were very accommodating and made some changes to one of our two bentos we ordered. They substituted certain items because Tan is allergic to shellfish. Everything was top-notch fresh and tasty. There is so much to list, so I'll let the pictures do the talking. There is plenty of free validate parking, which made it easy to get too. We will definitely be back to order the special again or make a reservation to sit in. read more

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For $150/person, this is one of the best deals in Honolulu. Great cuts of fish, with a delicious A5 rendition of a Loco Moco to finish. The chef formerly worked at Wako in San Francisco and is friendly, warm, and makes sure you have a good time. We booked out the whole table for our time and had a blast. BYOB and make sure you share the sake as well! Really clean flavors and definitely enough food to keep you full. The space is small and intimate: if you're able to book out 8 seats it's really something special, as the atmosphere of the dinner will be dictated by you. Will definitely come back. read more

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Chef Atsushi has created an omakase experience that is enjoyed globally by local residents like us as well as guests who hear about it on social media in China, Canada, etc. We are regular customers and the sushi selections chef presents to us is on a whole different level. We always leave for the evening amazed at the delectable dining experience @Sushi provides both in flavors as well as ambiance, and making new friends. Highly recommend! read more

Don't be surprised if you have a little difficulty finding this place. There is no sign. The coverings on the glass wall do not let you immediately see that you are in front of a sushiya. Atsushi Kumagai invites you to a seated lunch omakase of simple edomae-styled nigiri and some otsumami dishes. His neta is minimally aged. His shari is mild and at body temperature. With counter seating only, ala carte ordering is no longer possible. There is a takeaway bento style set with nigiri, futomaki, and inari that is good value for the quality offered if you do not have the time for a seated meal. Reservations are necessary to ensure seating (8 seats) and the proper quantity of seafood on hand. Parking is validated. Kumagai-san has apprenticed for Tomoharu Nakamura, of Wako, San Francisco, and Takeshi Kawasaki, of Maru Sushi Honolulu, so he has a solid background. In fact, if you look at up both places on Yelp you will still his photos alongside his mentors. The meal skews towards local Honolulu tastes and tare glazed neta with bright vegetable accents is prominent. It's not big flavors or over the top garnishes. The omakase will be somewhat seasonal so you can expect delights like Shirako, Hotaru Ika, or maybe summer Ayu to appear. Currently, byob is discouraged. During his soft opening some over-enthusiastic patrons apparently overindulged and their behavior after leaving was met with disapproval by the complex security and management. It is probably okay bringing your own "coffee" in a stainless steel bottle and drinking your "coffee" in a small espresso type cup - if you bring an extra cup to share with the chef. When a liquor license is granted there is the possibility of dinner service. For now though, Kumagai-san has the luxury of spending evenings with his family. Not a walk in and have it your way kind of place, but an appropriately paced set meal that is a wonderful daytime treat. read more

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Went for lunch today with my girlfriend and was blown away by how good everything was. I'm the kind of guy who "loves sushi", but consistently orders only salmon rolls/nigiri/sashimi, so was a bit nervous about the omakase experience, but after the first bite I was all in. I'm so glad we took a chance on it. You should too if you're ever on Oahu. read more

@Sushi - Wagyu - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We got lost finding the restaurant. We called and nice waitress came out and flagged us down. Currently open for lunch only. We got lucky and snagged last minute 2pm lunch slot during our Oahu vacation. Omakase style. Bar seatings only. It was just two of us plus another customer. It was intimate and nice Omakase experience. All dishes was fresh, good size and melt in mouth. We were beyond full from 12 course Omakase. Be prepared to pay $150-200 a person. Quality of dish makes up for it. Definitely worth it. read more

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The best sushi I've ever had! I've never enjoyed sushi of this caliber, a last minute invite that I wasn't expecting. Wow, talk about a mind and mouth blowing experience. Reservations at this sushi bar are difficult to secure and must be made far in advance so score one for my friend for getting it so soon after opening and double for asking me to join in. First of all, the restaurant is very small with seating for eight patrons only. A beautiful Monkey Pod counter where you are literally within arm's length of the chef who is proud of his establishment, eager to show his skills and seafood choices. There are Japanese names for each of these plates but I'm not an sushi expert it was just an incredible meal. What a way to spend a couple of hours. read more

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He's back! A warm, inviting, contemporary Japanese space with a stunning monkeypod sushi counter with just eight seats. Behind it, the chef, beaming with pride eager to share his food with friends. Get ready for an incredible omakase experience that surpasses all but three of Hawaii's best sushi eateries (Sushi Sho, Sushi Ginza Onodera, Sushi Sasabune). Why? 1. Near perfect execution of edomae sushi. Rice is maintained at body temp (warm), fish is sliced and allowed to warm to release their fatty oils. A dab of wasabi, brushing of soy (for their "antiseptic" properties) and a minimal garnish to tease out the natural flavors of the seafood. The room temp bluefin otoro melting fat immediately coats your entire palette with a clean sweet essence of the fish whose oceanic finish goes on for minutes. 2. Perfect ratio of seafood to gently seasoned rice. These are one bite pieces exactly as they should be. 3. Outstanding quality seafood. Again, this is edomae sushi, seafood is not aged as with Sushi Sho rather used fresh. 4. Non sushi "courses" are excellent. A mini ikura and uni chirashi that showcases the excellent seasoning of the incredibly fresh, in season ikura. A "loco moco" with torched A5 Miyazaki beef, cured quail egg yolk, and finely cut spring onion sat atop a shitake mushroom rice all drizzled with a sweetened soy glaze, STUNNING. The experience feels like a gathering of friends. Service is very friendly and efficient. Reservations required. Dine in only. Max party size eight. Two seatings, 11:30 and 14:00. Omakase only. $150. Note: The restaurant is awaiting their liquor license. NO BYOB. All good, grab a drink at the neighboring Row Bar after your meal if day drinking is your thing. Bottom line, go, just go. read more

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Excellent experience here! Book through website. A little hard to find. Cozy place. You can bring your own drinks. Also, the sushi is fantastic! read more

If you're looking for omakase with BYOB this is a great restaurant. Very friendly service and the chef interacted so well with all the customers. They only have 8 seats. When you arrive you need to wait for them to open the door for you and let you in. Very nice and intimate restaurant. I will be going back again. read more

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We loved everything about it!!! Definitely going backI don't want it to get too busy... but I do recommend

amazing！！！ The chef is very friendly and the overall atmosphere is harmonious！Very in line with our taste, recommend. Bring your drinks（BYOB）and come to taste！！！ read more

@Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I went to eat there on the recommendations of friends. It was one of the better sushi experiences I have had. It was a going away dinner for my friends and we had a great time. All of the courses were excellent and he served items that I have not tried in the past. The best chawanmushi I have eaten. I love the fact that it is very small and there are only eight chairs. At our 5:30 seating there were only five people. The chef told us what each piece of sushi was and where it was from. I cannot wait to go back. read more

@Sushi - Chawanmushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Amazing! 5 stars! Thank you so much for such an amazing dining experience @sushi! The fish was fresh and prepared with such delicacy and care. Atsushi-san is the best, he is so kind and explains each dish so well. I couldn't recommend this place more if you are in Honolulu! read more

@Sushi - Uni - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Nothing short of spectacular; Masterfully prepared, artistic, and beyond flavorful. It was the best sushi experience I have ever had and is worth every penny. Highlights were the toro that, no exaggeration, will literally melt in your mouth and the flavor layers will remain after; the true Waygu/Kobe torch seared beef, and the pressed Oshizushi made with makrel. I normally don't care for makrel but this was amazing. The snapper was terrific as were a few types of fish that I simply don't quite recall. The standard common bluefin ahi was so much better than any type I have ever had, it was almost like a completely different fish. Go. You won't regret it. Def get a reso as it is 8 seats. (I don't drink alcohol, but it is BYOB if you do and they will keep your bevs chilled if wanted and offer proper glassware.) read more

At Restaurant Row. We got lucky and someone cancelled so they called us to fill a couple of seats. Heard hard to get reservations...You gotta be 1 of 8 people to get in there. No more sign yet, so hard to find...just keep walking, and you'll run into it (or just call). 8 seater. Little cold in there. No liquor license yet. Only lunch for now. Little things... then there is the food. Best sushi I've ever had? Probably not, but definitely one of the better ones. Anyone (ok, maybe not ANYONE) can buy premium fish and slice it up, but the creativity is what sets you apart. Think we had 13 dishes? I thought I would be hungry after but I was actually even full. Think the hubs probs could have eaten more tho. Had some typical maguro, nodoguro, scallop type dishes. Then my faves... "Spoonful of Happiness" with some rice, uni, ikura, and smidge of wasabi. YUM. Some kind Hagi. Kawahagi maybe? That guy's liver was delish - much better than ankimo. YUM. "Toasted" sanma - YUM. Shirako risotto with shirako on top. YUM. Otoro with gold. YUM. Loco moco with wagyu and quail egg. YUM. End with a soothing bowl of miso soup with his homemade dashi. YUM. And chef is hilarious. It was a good time. If you want take out, those bento boxes are super pretty too...I think he said $42-ish? So if you can't get a seat, grab some take out. read more

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My friend and I like to try restaurants that neither of us have eaten at, and @sushi was one of them and so thrilled we did. All omakase for $150 per person. Two seatings a night at 5:30 and 7:30. Seats about 10, sushi counter only, with everyone getting a view of the food preparation and conversation with the sushi chef. When we first were seated, we felt a bit intimidated. It felt like there was an etiquette that needed to be followed, especially as all the other guests spoke fluent Japanese. We weren't sure if we could take photos. However, we were put at ease soon enough by the sushi chef. He was gracious in explaining things in English to us, even what was being said with the other customers. They, too, translated for us. By the end of the night, there was singing and sharing of sake. Food wise, each piece of sushi was fresh and "dressed" well to add flavor, yet highlight the fish. My favorite by far was the chawamushi, and I'm in no way a fan of the dish normally. The layer of flavors from the various seafood bites and the creaminess of the custard was close-my-eyes delicious. My least favorite was the saba. However, if you don't like certain flavors or are allergic to specific things, the chef will accommodate your needs as best he can. I'm sure the menu changes based on availability, so can't really say for sure what'll be served. But, you can expect it to be delicious! read more

@Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Cozy sushi bar only 8 seats. Friendly owner/chef. Validated parking. Byob allows you to drink what you like at prices you can afford

When my friends visited from the mainland last year, I tried to get a reservation here but they were fully booked. Their space is small and they only have 6 seats at the sushi counter. I saw that they did sushi sets for takeout and I decided to order that. I pre-ordered the @sushi lovers set which came with 10 pieces of nigiri and 1 roll. The presentation in the box was nice but I wish they included a menu to tell us what we were eating. I knew the usual items like maguro, salmon, ebi, hamachi, but there was half that I didn't know what kind of fish it was. Everything tasted good and it was priced at about $40. I would love to dine in and have their omakase one of these days. Their shop is in the middle aisle by the stage inside Ohana Hale Marketplace. Look for the vendor that sells the fabric flowers hair accessories and you'll see @Sushi behind them. I choose a 12pm pick up time on a Saturday but I arrived 15 minutes late. The parking lot was busy and I was walking up and down each aisle to locate their shop. I eventually called them and the staff give me directions. read more

@Sushi - @sushi lovers set - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Just like everyone else who has been following proper COVID-19 health safety guidelines and staying within our bubble for almost the past year and a half, we were feeling more comfortable by mid-April to dine out with others because we and the others were fully vaccinated. However, we will continue to maintain social distancing and follow the recommended health safety restrictions to ensure our and others protection from this dastardly pandemic. We were excited when a good friend invited us to dine at the trendy @Sushi Kumagai. However, because this dine-in was our first time dining out with others outside our family bubble and our first time eating at this sushi bar, so we were somewhat kiddish about accepting right away. Before taking the invitation, I inquired how many people would be at the party and if everyone had been vaccinated. Fortunately, he said there would only be the four of us and confirmed everyone's full vaccination status. Located in the Ohana Hale Marketplace, this sushi bar is intimate as there is seating for only six people, and reservations are highly recommended. As regulars to the Ohana Hale Marketplace, we've often passed by this sushi bar and have seen them fully booked. We arrived at the sushi bar about 10 minutes before its opening time and got to see what COVID-19 safety measures this business had put in place. They had already put out place settings for our group on the counter in front of where the itamae would be creating the sushi. A plexiglass panel separated guests from the sushi chef AKA itamae, with a slot at the bottom through which the itamae would pass out the plated sushi to his guests. At precisely 11:30 am, the itamae opened his stall and allowed our party of 4 to be seated. We were there to enjoy Omakase ("I'll leave it up to you") service. Each of us brought bottles of sake or beer to enjoy with our feast and to share with the itamae. I don't know the background of the itamae, but he was genial and smiley. Thanks to our host and the other regulars at this sushi bar, we felt more welcome and comfortable watching the itamae showcase his skills and talents with the freshest local and imported seafood. We all enjoyed the presentations and flavors. The itamae sliced each piece of seafood in front of us with great precision. The quantity of vinegared rice tucked under the sliced seafood was just enough to be able to pick up each piece either by hand or chopsticks without the rice falling out. Also, because there was less rice, the fresh seafood was the STAR! Meeting up with friends in person pushed this dine-in experience up to a 5-star level at this food stall as we spent nearly an hour and a half together. We all agreed that having this in-person interchange was better than takeout or participating in virtual events. read more

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