Wasabi Bistro

This place was kind of a surprise. First it was kind of a surprise when we walked up the street to find it and it seemed to be in the back of a low-to-medium end motel complex. (But considering the location in Waikiki it was probably a decent/small hotel that just has a casual vibe... dunno... first time to Waikiki).Second surprise was that this really nice sushi bar/restaurant was buried back in there near the motel pool.Third surprise was just how nicely curated and presented everything was. The chefs behind the bar were just what you wanted... personable but not too chatty and super attentive to what you needed. The server on our side of the bar (Yun) was super friendly and gave us suggestions for stuff on and off the menu.Great sake selection.

My 13 year old loved this place so much (as did our whole family) that he felt inspired to write a review, which I leave here unedited:"My family and I are currently visiting Honolulu from southern California and stumbled across a small --tucked away-- Japanese restaurant. Inside, the attention to detail was truly amazing. By the time I stepped inside the restaurant, my mouth was watering almost at the precision, plating and the ambiance. We were seated by a very kind and professional seeming waiter. The sashimi we ordered was arguably the best I've ever had. I tried a single peace of oh-toro that melted in my mouth and ultimately blew my mind (coming from someone who's caught bluefin a tuna and tried it fresh.) We then proceeded to try a seared and thinly sliced beef tataki special that had my eyes tearing up because of the flavor. the desert menu was also off the charts. we tried the mochi ice cream which was also unsurprisingly awesome as well. as we left the chefs and waiters made time to say goodbye to us, unlike most restaurants you'll see nowadays. I left feeling inspired and overall a more colorful person, like you should leave anywhere."

Delicious food. Great service. We ordered only sashimi and it was amazing.Had to get round 2. Small cute place inside of the small Japanese style hotel.

A nice little cozy spot for outstanding sushi. TJ the host/ server was great and made my wife and I feel comfortable. The food a top quality. We will definitely be back.

We had an amazing Japanese dinner at Wasabi Bistro in Waikiki. Hawaiian is known for its seafood and sushi, yet I was still impressed by the food at Wasabi Bistro. The restaurant is located poolside at the Breakers Hotel. It definitely feels Japanese with its minimalist decor, open sushi bar, and cloth entry way.First thing to note is that they advertise Hokkaido rice in all their dishes. I'm not an expert on the differences between different grades of rice, but I did like the soft textures. Both the sushi and hot entrees were excellent. Nigiri combo had the preloaded wasabi under the fish, and included some premium items such as Hokkaido Scallop and Bluefin. Fish was fresh and melt-in-your mouth. For the hot entrees, salmon came in a huge, juicy filet that two can share. The Teriyaki Chicken was similarly huge and came with Japanese Yams and cooked veggies. Moist, juicy meat with just the right amount of sauce.Definitely safe room for dessert! Mochi ice cream with Japanese Cheesecake is a perfect way to clean the palate and end the meal on a sweet note.

A big pleasant welcome from the manager(?) when we checked in. Quiet ambience.We ordered a sushi platter and a sashimi platter to share. Both tasted fresh and presented elegantly- sushi to rice ratio perfect!Then we ordered a soft shell crab roll + a signature crab cakes hot dish to share. Simply prepared and without all the gluey syrupy sauce on top, like how most Korean restaurants serve them gigantic rolls!Prices are not cheap...we enjoyed our time there eating and being served by an unassuming lady who knows when to come and pick up dishes and refill your tea at the right time.

Definitely coming back! The cutest little spot with free validated parking!!! WHAT??? The entire staff was so friendly. Had the Wasabi #1, that secret sauce was amazing! Perfect portion to share and for $16 it's the best deal on the menu. Chikuwa tempura was really good. It's fishcake that's tempura fried. It's tender and tasty. The whole squid is something that if it's on a menu I'm ordering it. It was minced ginger and was prepared perfectly grilled. We had a few pieces of OTORO nigiri and salmon nigiri and the fish was so fresh and buttery. Last but not least but I didn't take a picture of it was the hamachi Kama. I actually ate it the next morning, cold right from the fridge and it was still so moist. I can imagine how good it would have been hot and fresh. If it's available I would recommend ordering. This may be my favorite spot!

This is my favorite little hidden gem in Waikīkī. Inside an unassuming little Japanese hotel, there is a magical little sushi bar. This will probably be my fourth time there, and it has never disappointed. The ankimo on special was gorgeous, the soft shell crab delicious dipped in ponzu, every bite of the sashimi gorgeous and creamy/well balanced, the ikura fresh with that satisfying pop. We didn't have the cheesecake last night, but already have another reservation lined up to have it again. Japanese cheesecake really is wonderful there.Sake selection is wonderful as well, as is the service. The ambience is very cozy, clean, and uniquely Japanese with that Hawaiian heart. This will always be a favorite for me. Total gem.

My goodness. Wasabi Bistro was fantastic. We had a reservation to come in, and i recommend doing so! The ambiance inside was so nice, soothing, and welcoming. Staff was friendly and if you can, i'd recommend sitting at the sushi bar. You can watch the sushi chef work his magic! Definitely piqued our taste buds too. Their sashimi combinations were very reasonably price, and all the fish were super tender, fresh and just delicious. What surprised me was their squid sashimi, usually it's crunchier and is more tough to chew, but the one wasabi bistro was serving was super tender, slight crunch, and melt in your mouth! Absolutely decadent. Their tuna and salmon sashimi were also mouth watering! Another star was the crispy rice with spicy tuna! Even if you can't eat spicy food, it's not too spicy, amazing small bites filled with flavor! Absolutely loved this place, next time we come to hawaii, we're definitely coming back!

If I could give ten stars I would. As a passionate sushi lover who's been to hundreds of sushi restaurants across the United States this is DEFINITELY #1Secluded in a little place by a hotel once you walk in you enter an amazing atmosphere. The staff is extremely attentive and welcoming. You can see the chefs working behind the counter who seem happy to be there and passionate to putting out the best food possible. The appetizers were packed with tons of flavor and delightful in every single way while being super affordable. We were snacking on them throughout the whole entire meal. They have a wide variety of Sakes to choose from and even do a sake sample flight. The sushi itself is extremely authentic and you can see and taste the quality and freshness of each fish. The bluefin tuna was some of the best I've ever had and every other fish was great as well. This spot is truly a hidden gem and I'm extremely grateful for all their staff as this is an experience I would recommend to absolutely any sushi connoisseur.