Sushi Izakaya Gaku

It was okay. Not as good as I remembered 10 years ago. I was disappointed when we saw the sushi chef was prepping tako-wasa from a jar that we can buy from a Japanese market, in front of us … and it had an eye on it☠️ I guess I lost my appetite at the moment. Also I was annoyed about them kept serving the Japanese people next us free food just cause they know each other (it’s common in Hawaii, but not feel good for the people around). Good local place I guess, but probably will try somewhere else next time.

Referred by a friend, recommended to wait in line by 4:30pm without a reservation, hoping to be lucky to get seated for 2 in a weekday. Saw workers going in for work and owner took the sign and bench out for us to sit before 5pm (when they open) and let us in prior to 5pm. Sat at the bar, friendly workers and chefs, recommend us their favorite fishes. We order lots of variety of food and the food either meets our expectations (hamachi, toro, shrimp, scollap) or exceeded our expectations (tamago, tofu jelly, chawanmushi, Shimaaji, Kinmedai, clam in sake broth)! Thought it would be over $250 but turns out to be a little under $200! Definitely back next time in Hawaii!

The GOAT

Reservations are a must at Gaku, a classic izakaya with a cult following. It’s packed every night of the week, and spots along the bar are the most coveted. Gaku is a casual place, but meals get spendy very fast. It’s worth it. Order the negitoro tartare (with masago, ponzu, green onions, and a raw quail egg), the uni and ikura shooters topped with shoyu jelly, and the house-made tofu

Best sushi ever with great atmosphere. Highly recommended and english friendly.

This is a Japanese owned, operated and staffed Izakaya. So, it is a genuine slice of Tokyo here on the island. Yes, it is expensive but much less expensive than having two sub-par sushi meals elsewhere -- which is what we mostly all do, right? Their daily specials (hot and cold) fill an entire page of the menu and speak to the skill and experience of the staff. The selection and quality are perfect! For me, this place is the best in the USA, followed very closely by Sushi Den in Denver. BTW, if you have a large party of 8 or 10 ask for the tatami room!

An outstanding dining experience featuring high quality ingredients and intimate experience with the staff. They graciously welcomed us despite not having a reservation on a busy evening. Seeing our food being prepared with such care and attention to detail, while being able to interact with the chefs, fully immersed us in the flavors of each dish. Everything was delicious. Highly recommended! Can’t wait to go again.