Whether you’re looking to impress your date or just enjoy a decadent meal with all your friends, you cannot go wrong with a trip to Sushi Izakaya Gaku. At this Honolulu eatery, you’ll find all the best sushi and sashimi creations plus traditional Japanese dishes, including Miso Butterfish and Omatsuri Natto.
Sushi Izakaya Gaku goes big on all they create by using fresh island ingredients to build tons of flavor in each and every bite. Their artistic plating promises to leave you more than impressed as well, especially when you take the time to admire each dish before digging in.
Upon arriving at Sushi Izakaya Gaku, you can expect a warm welcome from the staff. They’ll let you know if they have any tables open and how long you can expect to wait if not. If you’re lucky, they’ll have a spot for you and lead you right to your table, although that’s quite rare. It’s better to make your reservations well ahead of time.
The cozy dining room sets the stage for an amazing meal, although it can get quite loud at times. Right up front, the sushi chefs work right behind the counter, constantly whipping up order after order for their patrons. If there’s room, it’s worth sidling up to the counter to watch the magic happen before your very eyes. Otherwise, you’ll just need to browse through the menu to explore all your options, and then start treating yourself to all the items that catch your eye.
As your order goes out to the chefs, they will use the highest quality ingredients to create your selections. Before you know it, your items will land on the table, beautifully plated and ready for your enjoyment. Take a moment to savor the view before you and perhaps even take a couple of pictures to share. After that, you can enjoy your items at your leisure, and then order more if you’d like.
The most popular items from Sushi Izakaya Gaku include:
Ikura Tofu Jelly
A signature dish to remember, the Ikura Tofu Jelly is a must at every visit. Although they keep the recipe a secret, you can expect this dish to blow you away with its gorgeous appearance and flavor profile. The homemade tofu jelly serves as an excellent base for the salty ikura while the wasabi gives it a wicked bite.
Dashimaki Tamago
If you’d like to experience the magic of their Gaku rolled omelet, then the Dashimaki Tamago is definitely calling your name. They create this eggy delight by expertly preparing the rolled omelet, and then slicing it into even strips. Upon taking your first bite, you’ll notice that the bonito flavor flows through all the eggs, pairing perfectly with their fluffy texture.
King Crab Bowl
When nothing else will do but all the best ocean flavors, treat yourself to the King Crab Bowl at Sushi Izakaya Gaku. In this dish, you’ll find perfectly prepared king crab plus tons of king salmon. On top of that, you get fresh ikura that adds a salty kick and helps bring all the flavors together. Pair this bowl with your favorite sushi rolls and sashimi to get the full dining experience.
In addition to all their sushi, sashimi, and more, Sushi Izakaya Gaku has a full drink menu for your enjoyment. If you’re not sure about which drinks would pair best with your meal, just ask the staff for their recommendations. The servers always go above and beyond in helping all their guests enjoy the very best dining experience around.
Insider Tips:
-Want to make sure Sushi Izakaya Gaku has a table available when you arrive? Call ahead to make reservations. If you cannot get through, try again around 3 pm or so.
-They have a 10-minute grace period for all reservations. If you’re going to be later than that, give them a call to let them know.
-If you order the omakase, expect your chef’s choice selections to come out five at a time.