Let me be frank about this. I know sushi. I am a sushi connoisseur. I eat sushi at least once a week in one of the most popular sushi towns in the world. This is one of the best sushi places I've ever experienced. Every dish is a work of art. I would come back to Oahu just to eat here. Nothing I can say in this review will justify how good this place is. My favorite was the cold smoked skip jack with smoked soy. But everything was incredible. read more

Average sushi, below average service, average experience. Not worth the money as food is just ok and no entertainment or normal interaction w sushi chefs. Better options in town and better omakase in lot of cities in the US. read more

Brought friends here who wanted to experience higher end sushi. We sat the bar and had a wonderful experience. Sushi was of course outstanding and the chefs and staff were very personable and attentive. Only recommendation I have is serving the pieces in better order, starting out with simpler and ending with the quality pieces such as the fatty tuna. read more

Sushi Sasabune - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Dining at Sasabune is less of a meal and more of an experience--an intimate, curated journey through some of the freshest fish Hawaii has to offer. From the moment the first course was placed in front of me, I knew I was in for something special. The standout of the evening? Without a doubt, the Big Island big-eyed tuna. Perfectly buttery with just the right balance of richness and freshness, it was melt-in-your-mouth tender and easily the most memorable bite of the night. It didn't need anything extra--just pure, honest flavor displaying the high-quality cut. The rest of the omakase was no slouch either. Each piece was prepared with care, from the sweet, creamy scallop to the bold uni and popping king salmon ikura. The warm rice, slightly seasoned, was a nice touch that made each bite feel complete. The service was low-key but attentive--no frills, just a focus on the food. It's the kind of place where the chef lets the ingredients do the talking, and they speak volumes. If you appreciate sushi in its purest, most respectful form, Sasabune delivers. Just sit back, trust the chef, and enjoy the ride. read more

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sushi sasabune is a must go omakase experience. this was my first time having omakase and it was life changing. chefs & staff were amazing. special shoutout to the miso soup they end with. read more

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I enjoyed every omakase item. Each was impeccably presented and prepared with the freshest ingredients. We sat at the sushi bar for our 5:30pm reservation which is the first one for the evening. I like eating early. The restaurant had 2 other filled tables and 2 other people at the sushi bar at this time on a Saturday night. There was no delay in service and everyone was pleasant including the maitre d. It was a very enjoyable evening. read more

Amazing sushi , very traditional excellent service omakase only eat what you like and leave the rest! read more

I live in Oahu for 38 years, love Japanese food, go to many Omasake, however, I never been to Sasabune because I heard from my friends some of the negative thing regarding dinning experience at this place. Not until last week, my out of town friend asked me to make a reservation to have dinner there. I was thinking. Well, may be it is about time for me to finally go try this place. They have their parking at the back. Store opens at 5:30pm, 4 of us went in on a Friday evening. The restaurant was pretty much empty for the first hour when we were there. This restaurant only serves Omasake style. I have no idea how much it will cost us. At the end, without the alcohol, you come out to $190 per person before tax. (We did ordered a bottle of sake for $55) Here is the breakdown. The first plate is thin slices of sashimi, the second plate is a squid with some yummy filling inside, very tasty. 18 pieces of sushi, two oyster dishes, one baked small lobster tail, hand roll and miso soup. Quite a bit of food, we were pretty full at the end. Well it might sound a little bit more expensive ($190) when compared to the other Omasake that cost $150, but the one I went to last week for $150, they only served us a started dish, 10 pieces of sushi, and we are still hungry at the end. So, pound for pound, it is a pretty good deal. I do want to point out their sushi is a bit in the smaller size. The service was very good, they keep pouring sake for us when our glass was empty. Overall, my fear of negative experience about this place could be just I am over thinking. I am not sure if it is because of the economy is bad at this time, by the time we are leaving, the restaurant only has five customers in there. I guess it's a little bit hard to do business nowadays. read more

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My favorite Japanese sushi restaurant in the world! World class seafood sourced from all over the planet. Precision, meticulous craftsmanship for each piece of sushi. Caution: this restaurant is strictly Omakase(chef's choice, no menu). Disregard and disrespect will lead to you and your guests being escorted out of the establishment. This place isn't for everyone. My first review was over 12 years ago, and the quality and experience hasn't changed at all. I highly recommend this place at least once, and be prepared to spend $150 to $200 per person. read more

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I flew to Hawaii just to eat here! Ok, not really, I was on a business trip...but I would fly to Hawaii just to get sushi at the bar at Sasabune. Reservations are definitely recommended...well in advance. Basically, as soon as you decide to go--the place may already be booked solid--it's that good. read more

I had the best omakase in my life here. Even after a month I still think of this experience and have recommending this place to all my friends going to visit Honolulu. read more

Sasabune never failed to amaze me every single time we went! It is definitely on the pricier end of omakase, but it's definitely worth it! I love how they served both a local Japanese style sushi and a Hawaiian-Japanese fusion style sushi. The servers also explained in detail how each sushi is made and the ingredients they got it from. The seafood were just so fresh and it was definitely one of the best omakase experience I've had. We also got the sake and they served really good sakes too! The restaurant is pretty small, so definitely get a reservation in. If you're looking for a great omakase experience, then definitely check out Sasabune! read more

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The experience was amazing!! When I booked it I did not realize it was an omakase (course dinner for those not familiar with the term), but we trusted the chefs and they literally cooked. The food was absolutely top-notch, the wait staff were extremely friendly and knowledgable on each dish served, and the restaurant itself was very lovely to dine in! Very expensive, but very much worth your money. Highly recommend this for any special occasion dinner!! read more

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Woah! This place was/is quite the experience. We went on Saturday for my birthday dinner. It was incredible. Honestly, we didn't think we'd make the entire course but we pushed through. It was 14 sets and then miso soup. The sashimi and sushi were phenomenal. Probably hands down the best I've ever had. So fresh. So Ono. It's like butter, baby. My favorite was the scallops. But it was all perfect. Yea, we probably have to take out another mortgage now but the experience was totally worth it. I believe this was my first true full omakase experience. So worth it. The service was impeccable. The sets just kept coming in. Our water was always full. Dishes were picked up immediately when empty. I'd you're a lover of sushi this is the place to check out. It's expensive, but the experience is well worth it. Gushing. So amazing. 10/10. read more

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A very unassuming place but the food and service was amazing. Every piece was very well made and the presentation was great! read more

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Classic omakase in a traditional setting. You're going to be served items you probably haven't had in any other American sushi restaurant, so be willing to embrace this fact. No substitutions to my knowledge so go with a few others so you can swap out items you can't or don't want to eat. We loved eating her a few years ago and enjoyed it even more this time. read more

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Food was excellent. Atmosphere was awkward - servers and sushi chefs staring at us when eating. Chef actually told me I am eating sushi wrong and that I needed to stir my miso soup. I have been eating sushi for 40 years - didn't really need a critique while spending so much money. it was difficult to enjoy my dinner and talk to spouse under those circumstances. read more

My go to place for Omakase! The food is always fresh and the service is attentive! It's on the pricier side but well worth it! their restroom is very clean and nice and they have lots of parking behind the building. So if you want a special night out and craving sushi go to Sasabune! You will not be disappointed! read more

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The experience is incredible. Delicious and unique food. The staff is very dedicated to making it an unforgettable experience. We chose the var to be closest to the chef. It is a restaurant experience that makes me want to come back. The atmosphere is very peaceful and nicely decorated. It is unlike any experience I have had before. read more

Food was unique, fresh, enticing flavors-----execpt for one raw oyster I had - told the waiter and he was like "sorry it hapens and i will take it off your bill" - Family thought highly of the food -celebrities frequent this spot- the wait staff did their jobs to serve and explain each course - nothing more, nothing less- azuki bean ice cream was kinda bland - read more

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Pack an appetite and a full wallet. No lie- hands down best sushi I have ever had outside of Japan. Better than katsuya or nobu in LA. Tucked in an out of tourist zone block, the outside does not hint at the festival of fish waiting inside. Omakase style only, so listen and eat up. If you are a casual California roll and tempura eater- this will be wasted on you. Save your money and go to ala Moana - no shade. Also, if you are looking for super exotic - things served live or rare find fare- also not your joint. High end quality, high end prep, excellent staff in a simple restaurant. Took mom for her 75th b day. I think we counted 17 rounds. A mix of island, Japanese, and mainland fish and shell fish. Sashimi, rolls, nigiri style, and a few baked items. All hit just right. Mom wanted to have pineapple soju "sake" - it was a featured item in the menu. It was fine but we had a second bottle of cold sake- kirosawa that tasted so fresh it kicked off the flavors of the last half of the meal. They finished with miso, green tea and offered ice cream as dessert but who had room! Wonderful staff, food and a highlight experience. read more

Sasabune was an interesting experience, it's a very authentic place. Hard to spot, you wouldn't think they have such great food when looking at the entrance from the street. The place is omakase only, and they reminded us a few times before starting. There was a lot of food, we were really hungry when getting there and had a hard time finishing it all. But it was so worth it. The ikura and uni in particular were delicious, and I'm (sadly) not an uni fan. The service was good, they made sure we had food and water at all times. The place was nice for a date, I loved the authentic Japanese decor. read more

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We went there for a mentor dinner date. The sushi quality is incredible and beyond what we expected. I was under the impression that it was an 8-9 course meal but it was actually 15! We were so full after leaving. I hope to return here again soon! read more

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Kind of out dated interior, but good is good and good deal compared to current new Omakase restaurant . I will recommend for sure service is good too. Just don't expect to get shoyu since chef already has the sauce made for each dish. read more

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First omakase experience and Sushi Sasabune did not disappoint. Went for Friday night dinner with my boss and coworkers and we all enjoyed the great quality food, service, and atmosphere. read more

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Their signature omakase course consists of 13-14 courses, ranging between $160-$180 per person. You can stop at any given time and will only be charged for what you have eaten. Everything tasted amazing but my favorites of the meal were the bluefin tuna, salmon, and signature toro - the fish was so fresh and would literally just melt in your mouth! read more

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We love coming here whenever we travel to Honolulu. The sushi is delicious. the place is quiet, not a good place if you have younger kids.

Bring your appetite and do not ask for any condiments lol. This was a real special dinner and we were so full. The chefs prepare the sushi in front of you and they give you detailed directions on what to expect when you put the sushi in your mouth. Just close your eyes and enjoy the moment! The restaurant is super cute and has a lot of character. There is parking in the back or you can opt for street parking. It's very intimate! The chefs have their own character. Just go in person! The pics don't do justice! Just my opinion!! Domo Arigato!! read more

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It's been a week or so since I went to Sasabune and I still don't know how I feel about it. The first two dishes (my pictures) scared me because 1. The fish was not fresh 2. I didn't like it. To go to an omakase and not like the first 2 dishes was a bit concerning. Then came the nigiris- pretty good (except 1) so I was going back and forth. Oysters were not good either. Thing is... I got full fast (ate too much during lunch) and so we ended it half way or so. They do let you stop when you want. In the end, we paid $350 (got a sake about $50) tipped $50/60 I forgot. For the few pieces we ate to be about $125 each kind of bothers me because it really was not that good. As for service, the woman who was helping us was kind. What left a bad impression, was the male in the front. He just didn't seem too friendly and it showed when we asked about parking at the lot behind the restaurant. I would assume a restaurant would know more about their surrounding and the parking lot right behind them... Probably wouldn't recommend to others :/ read more

Sushi Sasabune - Not fresh - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Choose this place as a recommendation from my best friend for my hubby's birthday. This place was amazing and we felt like we was getting the best of the best dishes. The service was super good and friendly. Would definitely recommend for a very special celebration without kids of course just adult time. read more

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Wonderful Omakase menu that was very delicious. We walked in on a Friday night and were seated right away. The price will vary based on what they're serving up, we had 14 courses for $190 per person. I thought it great value for the amount of food (we left very full) and amazing quality of the fish. It's a no frills spot with friendly service and easy going atmosphere - I would definitely give this a try if you're in the area! read more

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Out of all the meals I've had in my lifetime, this takes the cake for the most expensive yet rotten. I honestly think prepackaged nigiri from Nijiya tastes better. We aborted our omakase experience after tasting the bitter, mushy uni and our server muttered a racial slur when we asked for the check. Come here if you want to be served by arrogant, racist staff. They are laughing at you all the way to the bank. read more

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We got in because there was a cancelation. I was recommended to try this place while on vacation. I was intrigued by the "stop when you're full" omakase meaning you let the chef know to stop serving you pieces or they will continue and your bill will be out of control. There were a couple of appetizers before the nigiri started coming out in pairs. I've never had omakase with 2 pieces at once.. There is no list of the fish that will be served. The chefs will tell you the name of the fish as they serve you the pieces. There is one chef who was difficult to understand so I couldn't remember the fish. I was told reservations were booked for 2 weeks, however, the dining area only had 2 tables seated, we sat at the bar. So maybe they're limited capacity because they're weren't packed. There were some good pieces, the squid stuffed with blue crab was my favorite. It was one of the appetizers. I felt like there were some repeated cuts of tuna for the nigiri. I could remember any particular nigiri that was really good. There is a small lot behind the complex for (paid) parking. read more

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While in Hawaii we wanted to check out Don Quixote . As we drove by, I noticed this sign that said "Trust me". Immediately I was intrigued and searched up this restaurant on Yelp. After reading the raving reviews, we decided to cancel our reservation that we had for that night (another popular sushi restaurant) and called in for a same day reservation here. Some reviews warned about strict rules while eating here so we were nervous coming into the experience; however, the servers were nothing but amazing and quick when serving and cleaning up. There is no menu when you sit down, only a drinks menu. And your courses almost immediately start after you sit down. You don't know how many courses there are but every single bite was amazing. One of the best sushi's I've ever had. Each piece of sushi had a unique flare to it that sets it apart from the regular nigiris. The wasabi was super fresh as well. The restaurant is rather small but it has a different vibe i can't really explain. The total came out to $200 per person before tax and tip. Which from reading online reviews, I expected it to be a bit cheaper but this price point is still worth it for the food and experience. Next time, I will definitely book this restaurant earlier to get bar seating as I feel being next to the chef makes it a completely different experience for omakase especially. Highly recommend! read more

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Best sushi bar in USA with prices to match The chef is a zen master. Just be quiet and watch. $200 per person and worth every penny. Omakase style only. Lacquer countertop. The only thing that was a little over the top was the instruction that you must eat the sushi from right to left. Sit at Sushi bar. Watch short video on his website . read more

Service and sushi/sashimi AMAZING & so ONO! However, prices much HIGHER $$$$ than other omakase's that we've been to in the past few months, even with their prices of sake (3 glasses $12 each) added to our meal as my wife and I were surprised at our total bill WITHOUT tip was almost $500!!! YIKES!! Check 'um out if you like, but we won't be visiting them again, just the price was WAY TOO much and a bit unreasonable for us. We also recently went to 22 Kailua for their omakase and spent HALF!! And you can bring your own bottle of Sake with NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE to 22 Kailua!! Plus sushi and sashimi was WINNER AND FRESH & they included a special dessert at the end of the meal which Sasabune didn't... read more

Amazing food, professional and friendly service, and a quiet Serene atmosphere that made this a delicious experience. This was the first time I had tried Sushi Omakase style and I cannot wait to do it again! The chef spoke clearly and gave us the significant details of a dish and really added to the overall satisfaction of my meal experience. They were flavors I had never had before in sushi and I will admit it has spoiled me from my usual sushi spots back home. I will be sure to come back on my visit to the island and reccomend it to all my sushi lovers. read more

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I had been following Sushi Sasabune on Instagram and was intrigued by their sushi box bento for $30. It almost seemed too good to be true. It showed 10 individual pieces of nigiri (a good variety, and primarily fish on top) along with a sushi roll. The photos of the sushi looked mouth-watering. The Yelp reviews seemed promising. Yet unfortunately, this was a disappointment for me. I called in my order and they asked what time I wanted to pick it up within a 1 hour timeframe (12-1pm). They only take pre-orders for lunch, and they're closed on Sun. & Mon. They're located off of the busy S. King St. and parking is limited. I was fortunate to find metered parking on the street nearby, but good luck with that. There weren't any dine-in customers inside, but they seemed to have a few bento orders ready for pick up. They had a sushi bar along with some tables inside. The atmosphere seemed decent enough, but just old. I took my sushi box bento home and was excited to dig in. I wish they would list what each sushi is on the box so you know what you're eating. I had to refer back to one of their IG posts to get that information. They claim to use fresh, local fish from the island. The sushi consisted of: tuna, snapper, clam, amber jack, skip jack tuna, salmon, scallop, shrimp, mackerel and mackerel skad. The roll was Canadian albacore. After the 2nd piece of sushi, they kind-of all tasted the same. They season the sushi for you so that shoyu is supposedly not needed, but I still used a little. The fish seemed fresh, but there was just nothing special about any of the nigiri, and certainly not the roll. At one point I had considered trying their Omakase sushi dinner, but after tasting their sushi bento box for lunch, I'm glad I didn't make reservations for dinner. I would've been disappointed. The search for delicious sushi continues! read more

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Sushi Sasabune was a wonderful omakase experience. The food and service were +5 stars, but I must dock a whole star because I was surprised and uncomfortable that NONE of the staff, including the chefs, were wearing masks, and the restaurant setting itself was very much indoors with no open ventilation. It was definitely a "well, we've made reservations already and we're already here" type situation, so we had to roll the dice on our comfort levels with our dining experience. You have to tell the chefs ahead of time if you don't want any wasabi hidden in your sushi, because they will do that automatically unless informed. The entire experience is "trust me", each dish consisting of two different pieces with their individual flavors. There was an excellent variety, and a lot of paired ingredients that definitely made all my taste buds rejoice with the innovativeness and ingenuity of brand new flavors. Who knew lemon pepper would ever go with nigiri? We could definitely taste the heart and playfulness with the chef's creativity. Some of my favorite dishes include the minced otoro, which made the fish taste even softer and fattier, the blue crab hand roll, the hotate, ebi, and the uni. Our chef was on the more reserved side, but he was very nice. We ended up eating 15 different dishes between 2 people, and the cost of the dinner was $385 without tax and tip. Definitely a special occasion type of thing! You can stop the courses whenever you are full, and you can keep going, even after the allotted number of dishes. I did not think I'd be SO full from omakase, but we were stuffed! Parking is a bit difficult - seems like the only option is street parking. read more

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This is our 2nd time getting the omakase course and the food is always so good. Everything is prepared perfectly by a skilled sushi chef and once the dish is served they give a thorough explanation of it. It is A LOT of food and we were unable to finish the whole course but you can let them know at any time when you are too full and they will only charge you for the courses you consumed. Service is excellent, omakase seating is limited so be sure to make a reservation. I also love their bathrooms very traditional Japanese style! read more

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