Best Bites: Yanagi is Honolulu’s Haven for Japanese Food Enthusiasts
(Partner content) Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or simply looking to explore Japanese cuisine, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
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An all-time classic gem on Kapi‘olani Boulevard, Yanagi is a haven for local Japanese food enthusiasts. From omakase sushi to kalbi short ribs and chawanmushi, HONOLULU Magazine’s 2024 Hale ‘Aina Gold winner for Best Sushi offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, making it a perfect spot for anyone to enjoy a satisfying meal.
After many visits, we’ve come to have some favorite staples, along with a few new items that pleasantly surprised us on our first try. Following recommendations from our waiter and sushi chef, we’ve curated a list of our top picks.
The appetizers are a must—they’re perfect for sharing with a group, allowing everyone to sample more of the extensive menu. Our favorite go-to starters are the tempura, karaage and chawanmushi, a savory Japanese steamed egg custard with hidden bits of kamaboko inside. Served piping hot from the steamer, this dish is a warm, comforting delight—just be careful not to burn your mouth!
One of our new discoveries was the salmon skin salad, which will definitely be a repeat order. Composed of crisp microgreens, thinly sliced onions, crunchy bits of salmon skin, and drizzled with a tangy shoyu dressing, this salad is a light and refreshing way to start any meal. It’s perfect to share between two people.
Sushi and rolls are a highlight here, and we couldn’t resist trying the unagi and negi hamachi rolls. Each roll typically comes with eight pieces, making them ideal for sharing or enjoying on your own. The unagi roll is soft, slightly sweet and perfectly complemented by warm, freshly made rice. The negi hamachi roll combines fresh green onions with succulent fish, offering a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
The omakase sushi platter is another standout, featuring a variety of 11 expertly crafted pieces and eight pieces of rolls. This platter is not only a fantastic way to sample the chef’s selections, but also offers plenty of food for one person, often with leftovers. The omakase includes an array of high-quality sushi pieces such as uni, otoro, salmon, ikura, unagi and more. We were pleasantly surprised by how filling and well-priced the omakase was, making it a great value for sushi lovers.
With its wide array of dishes, exceptional quality and welcoming atmosphere, Yanagi delivers a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or simply looking to explore Japanese cuisine, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
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