Kabuki (Kapiolani Blvd)

As I have mentioned time and time again, I love sushi. So where do I go when I want the best sushi experience on O'ahu? In a name Kabuki and there is only one word that can describe the experience -- epic. Located on the far west end of Kapiolani Boulevard, Kabuki has been serving quality Japanese food since its opening in the 70's. Parking at Kabuki can become problematic as it is a very popular restaurant especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Kabuki's atmosphere reflects most older Japanese restaurants of its time. Japanese prints adorn the walls, the weathered wooden tables -- all very typical with a izakaya type of feel. The food at Kabuki is top notch Japanese serving all of the traditional favorites. But that is not why I come to Kabuki. I come to Kabuki for one thing and one thing only. Sushi.

As you enter Kabuki you are greeted by the host who ask us if we have a reservation or want a table but we (I don't like eating sushi alone) usually just decline and make our way over to the sushi bar which is secluded behind some Japanese style drapes.

We're greeted with a friendly hello (it's good to know your local sushi chef) and take our seats. We're presented with the traditional wood block of ginger and wasabi while we pour our own shoyu. A hot towel is presented to wipe our hands with while handling the sushi one of the waitresses bring us hot tea.

Now here's where Kabuki shines above other sushi bars. The chef (Yoshio Kazama) brings in only the freshest and finest cuts of fish. He will not settle for lesser grades and would rather be sold out of an item than use a lesser cut. This strive for excellence and years of experience under his belt produce some of the best sushi I have ever eaten in my life.

My theory when it comes to sushi of this quality is to leave your meal in the hands of the chef. Sure you'll order some of your favorites but it's always a good idea to ask what's fresh and what the chef recommends for this evening which is why befriending your chef is a good idea as he won't just recommend whatever special he may be running to get rid of old product. Yoshio-san knows that I have an expensive yet adventurous appetite so he threw me a couple curveballs this meal.

I started off with hamachi nigiri. I love hamachi but I've actually stopped ordering hamachi from other sushi restaurants because recently the hamachi that I've been eating seems sub-par (stringy, fishy, and flavorless). The hamachi at Kabuki however is completely opposite. Kabuki's hamachi is buttery, flavorful and delicate.

I then proceeded with soft-shell crab rolls (Yoshio makes the best), maguro, ama-ebi, and a few more courses. In addition to sushi I also had a special treat that night hamachi collar. I've reviewed hamachi collar before from Shirokiya but this has absolutely no comparison the flavor is just so much more intense.

I ended my meal with fresh akule nigiri (which is again why it is important to ask what what's fresh and what the chef recommends) and some uni (I love uni). We order some sushi to go then leave with bows of appreciation. BUT.... I have to admit. Quality has it's price tag and for a meal of this size and caliber be prepared to drop big bucks (I'm talking triple digits for a dinner for two) when eating at Kabuki. However, after all is said and done you will look back and remember that it's worth it. The quality and satisfaction just can't be beat.

Kabuki
Rating System: 1-2.5-5 (poor-average-excellent)

Service: 4.75
Food Quality: 5
Monetary Value: 4.75
Quality vs Quantity: Quality
Overall: 4.8

600 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-545-5995

TIP: Call ahead to find out if the sushi bar is crowded and to make reservations if necessary.