GREAT EATS HAWAII: SUSHI MATSURI

SUSHI MATSURI

STIX ASIA

2250 KALAKAUA AVE

HONOLULU, HI

808-892-1300

https://www.stixasia.com/restaurants/sushi-matsuri

https://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-matsuri-honolulu

We decided to check out the STIX ASIA food hall in Waikiki. Arrived around 1pm on a Sunday and found half the restaurants closed and the ones that were open mostly empty. Ramen and Udon were served in a few restaurants and there was a Korean Street Food place that just didn't seem appetizing at the time. Sushi Matsuri stood out because it was clean, bright and open. Several employees outside welcomed us and attempted to get us into the restaurant. It worked and we were seated. The Sushi Chefs all greeted us and menus and water were on the table in seconds. Service was fantastic. We had never been here and were just taking it all in and checking out the menu. As we looked over the menu we thought something was wrong and didn't understand the concept as the prices were sky high. I am talking expensive. Like $68 for five pieces of Tuna or $110 for Sashimi. We kept looking over the menu and were just blown away by the prices. Some of the most expensive Sushi I have ever seen on a menu and we had just returned from Tokyo where we ate Sashimi for a week. I wanted Shrimp Tempura so I ordered it for $14.75. It was delicious. Also went for the Clam Miso Soup for $5.75. It too was good with three pieces of Clams. We ordered the Dragon Roll Lunch Set which is served with Miso Soup at $20.75. A small pour of Chardonnay set me back $17. The food was great. Service was great, but to enjoy a Sushi meal here is expensive. Loved the place but not the prices. Kept thinking that maybe this is special Sushi as the Dragon Roll was super delicious. I wanted the five pieces of Tuna but couldn't think of dropping almost $70 on it or $110 for Sashimi. Prices have certainly risen since COVID and I know first hand how expensive it is to operate a restaurant in Hawaii so I am not going to knock this place on price.