Did you know that there is a Japanese food boom in Hawaii, just as Hawaiian acai and pancake shops are becoming popular in Japan? That is exactly what sushi is. Originally, sushi was a popular Japanese food in Hawaii, and there were reasonably priced conveyor belt sushi restaurants and take-out sushi restaurants. However, recently, high-end Japanese sushi restaurants have been expanding to Hawaii one after another, and it seems that you can enjoy authentic sushi that is just like the one you get in Japan. Introducing the popular sushi restaurants in Hawaii right now!
What is the most popular sushi in Hawaii?
Similar to sashimi in Japan, Hawaii has long eaten “poke,” which is raw fish fillet mixed with seasonings, cooking oil, seaweed, and flavored vegetables, and Japan and Hawaii have a common food culture. However, there is. For this reason, Japanese sushi has long been loved in Hawaii. However, it mainly serves reasonably priced conveyor belt sushi and take-out sushi, and is considered so-called B-class gourmet food. There are many sushi that have been arranged to be easier for locals and foreign tourists to eat (such as California rolls and Hawaiian rolls), but authentic sushi equivalent to that eaten in Japan is still not well known. did.
Authentic high-quality Japanese sushi has been booming in Hawaii over the past few years. Sushi Ginza Onodera is said to have opened its first overseas store in Honolulu in 2013, and has since opened one after another in Hawaii, including Sushi Sho, Maru Sushi, and Katsu Midori. and is creating a boom. Not only traditional Japanese sushi, but also Hawaiian fish and aloha creative dishes that fuse Hawaiian ingredients with Japanese food culture are also well-received.
High-end sushi restaurants you must visit in Hawaii
Since 2013, Japan’s famous high-end sushi restaurants have been opening locations in Hawaii one after another. Foodies from all over the world travel to Hawaii just to taste sushi. The number of Japanese fans is increasing, and Hawaii’s high-end sushi restaurants are currently attracting a lot of attention.
(1) Sushi Ginza Onodera
Ginza Onodera, which opened its first overseas store in Hawaii in September 2013 with the desire to “spread authentic sushi to the world,” is said to be the forerunner of Hawaii’s high-end sushi boom. Currently, it has 11 stores in 7 cities around the world. The NY branch achieved the remarkable feat of receiving 1 star in the Michelin Guide in 2017 and 2 stars in 2018, and is attracting even more attention. Popular course meals for dinner start at around $250 per person.
(2) Sushi Takumi
The famous Edomae sushi restaurant in Yotsuya, Tokyo has expanded to Hawaii with the opening of “The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach.” In addition to traditional Edomae sushi, they also serve Hawaiian dishes such as poke” andlaulau,” as well as creative cuisine that fuses Japan and Hawaii. In addition, there are many creative items that will amaze foodies, such as sushi and a la carte dishes that use local Hawaiian fish that are not found in Japan, and gari that uses palm sprouts instead of ginger. A course dinner menu costs around $300 per person.
(3) Maru sushi
Maru Sushi, a hidden sushi restaurant located in a corner of the bustling city of Susukino in Sapporo, is a famous restaurant that has been awarded one Michelin star. In 2017, the owner left the store to his son, moved to Hawaii, and opened a store with the same name in Honolulu. The small structure with only counter seats is the same as in Sapporo, and you can spend a quiet time watching the master’s beautiful knife skills up close, listening to his explanations of the dishes, and sometimes listening to the master talk about his love for Hokkaido and golf. To go. A course meal costs around $220 per person.
A Hawaiian restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Japanese sushi at a reasonable price
Families who say I don’t want to go to a high-end sushi restaurant because I have small children,” and travelers who prefer a homely atmosphere likeSince I’ve come all the way to Hawaii, I want to enjoy meals and drinks with friends who I feel comfortable with.” Reasonably priced Japanese restaurants and izakayas are popular among locals. You can enjoy more authentic flavors at the same price as local conveyor belt sushi. Enjoying the familiar sashimi and sushi in the Aloham mood and relaxing while chatting with family and friends is a unique experience that can only be found in Hawaii.
(1) Katsu Midori
Katsumidori, a sushi restaurant with stores mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, has also opened a Hawaii store on the 1st floor of Waikiki Prince Hotel. There are seats with lanes, and the items you order are brought to you on the lanes, but the atmosphere is more like a Japanese family restaurant than a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Ordering is done using a tablet located at each table, and you can also choose Japanese, so it is safe and convenient for those who are not familiar with English. You can enjoy the sushi you are used to in Japan at a reasonable price, with nigiri starting from $1 and lunch menus ranging from $17 to $41. It is popular with families with children and young students who find it difficult to enter high-end stores.
(2) Izakaya “Matsuri”
A small izakaya in Honolulu with 30 table seats and 6 seats at the sushi counter. You can enjoy Japanese food that Japanese people find truly delicious, and the sushi and sashimi are especially popular. Although it is located just a 10-minute walk from Ala Moana Shopping Center, it is located in a secluded area and has a hidden atmosphere. If you’re craving the taste of Japan, enjoy Japanese food with your friends while enjoying a glass of Japanese sake.
