Sushi at an ex-Iron Chef Japan and ex-Iron Chef America establishment? Done. But first, directions. Was circling around the block for more than ten minutes – this is probably the most difficult restarant to find in Waikiki. No signage, very poorly lit street and my interest was quickly fading. For those looking, go east on Ala Moana, and turn left on Hobron Lane. You’ll see a overpass for pedestrians and on the left is where the Valet parking is. It’s located inside of the newly renovated Waikiki Edition hotel.
To start I ordered Morimoto’s house sake – Morimoto Junmai. Subtle aromas of honeyed walnuts with a soft and sweet finish. And since I like to try a bit of everything, we ordered a chef’s tasting menu with a few additional items.
Tasting menu: Fois gras chawan mushi. Duck breast and sweet dashi soy. It was so good, we ordered another full size.
Kanpachi and tai sushi.
King smoked salmon roll.
Tasting menu: Toro and hamachi tartare with 5 condiments. Starting from the top: candied olives, sour cream, fresh wasabi, maui onions, avocado wasabi sorbet and rice crackers.
White fish carpaccio.
Soft shell crab roll, negitoro roll and a snow crab roll.
Tasting menu: Bagna cauda, local vegetables with a garlic and anchovy fondue.
Tasting menu: The chef’s menu came with 5 pieces of sushi, anago, mirugai, saba, hamachi, and ahi tuna.
An interesting take on gyoza, hamakua tomato sauce, bacon cream foam.
Tasting menu: Roasted lobster epice – garam masala, lemon creme fraiche, local vegetables.
Tasting menu: Wagyu beef.
Tasting menu: Seared duck breast.
Tasting menu: Pumpkin pudding with some home made gelato
Chocolate peanut bombe. Milk chocolate cremeux, peanut dragee, and salted peanut ice cream.
The long search for this restaurant was definitely worth it. All items were made in house, locally sourced ingredients or flown in from Japan (nowadays, I’m not sure if that is a good thing…). This place specializes in fusion, but does have the traditional items you are looking for. Highly recommended. We made reservations on a weekend, but I don’t think it was necessary. The atmosphere somehow feels like you’ve transported out of Honolulu into another city. I think we’ll be back for lunch.
The Good
- Sushi rice was spectacular. Not too sweet, theg grain was small – not the regular california everyone is used to
- Fois gras chawan mushi
The Bad
- The staff there are locals, they’re not ready to answer questions about the food itself. They always had to and ask the chef
- Not too much local fish
Morimoto Waikiki
1775 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone (808) 943-5900
http://morimotowaikiki.com/
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