06/12/09

Some explanations

by crowninthesky

Yes, it's expensive, weird neighborhood, smallish space, bossy chef, no cell phones, etc.

But it's the best sushi in Honolulu. Yes, you can go to Yohei for "good" sushi and Mitch's for "good" seafood. But Sasabune is for people who know sushi. In particular, I am an uni person. I know it, I try it everywhere, in every city I go to - I've even had it at...Zippy's. It is far and away the best at Sasabune. You can go west one block to Izakaya Gaku, actually pay a higher price for uni and get less meat and less freshness. They are severe but if you're there for the food and not to be king, you won't care.

The menu changes with availability. I remember they used to have some sort of blue-tinged prawn from Santa Barbara (amazing) which was later swapped out for some similar creature (also fantastic). I've had the hamachi, the saba, the usuals. They're so fresh, you will have felt deceived by the taste of those fishes in other sushi bars.

If you want your "corn sushi" or "Philadelphia roll" you are stupid lost. I have been many times and when I call to make a reservation, I am unfailingly warned that there are "no California rolls, no katsu. just sushi." This is sound advice to naysayers. If you can't tell the difference and the warm rice is the only thing exceptional that you can discern from the food, you are better off at Genki Sushi or Sushi Man.

• Pros: Food
• Cons: Price

09/19/07

Oishi!!!

by dankam

Definitely worth it! A bit expensive but worth it! I was raised in Honolulu and every time I return I HAVE to go to this restaurant! My mouth waters just thinking of it!

• Pros: excellent and rare fish, amazing sashimi
• Cons: a bit expensive, but worth it

02/19/07

BEST sushi in the US!

by bossdude

sensational, amazing, unbelivable, astounding ... only these words can articulate the overall quality of the sashimi/sushi. The lobster sashimi, abalone sashimi, toro, sweet shrimp was SO good that I couldn't believe it was true. Super fresh, super tasty. The toro melts in your mouth @_@ I really can't tell you enough about this place, JUST GO AND TRY! The only thing is the price, our bill was $350+ for 3 people. HOWEVER, you should never save money when you're experiencing the best sushi in the States! Forget about salmon, saba and all those cheap fish, get the BEST ones like toro, lobster and abalone. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT ^^

• Pros: Best sushi in the States, freshest fish, EYE-OPENING
• Cons: Extremely expensive