Top pick1$$Doraku Sushi Waikiki
Modern Japanese gastropub specializing in craft cocktails, Izakaya cuisine & innovative sushi.
Waikiki punches well above its tourist-strip reputation when it comes to sushi. I pulled together 22 qualifying restaurants so you can skip the guesswork and zero in on the spots actually worth your time — whether you're after a quick counter-service bowl at Hawaii Sushi, an innovative izakaya night at Doraku Sushi Waikiki, or a no-frills budget option like Maguro Spot.
This is a curated guide that leads with Nate's hand-picked recommendations, followed by the area's best-rated spots from across the site's catalog of ~1,900 Oahu restaurants. Restaurants Nate has personally visited carry the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — keep an eye out for that marker as you browse.
From classic nigiri and creative rolls to full Japanese gastropub menus, Waikiki's sushi scene has real range. Use this guide to find the right fit for your vibe, budget, and crew.
The ranking
Top pick1$$Modern Japanese gastropub specializing in craft cocktails, Izakaya cuisine & innovative sushi.
2$$Snug sushi house for classic rolls, seafood salads & Japanese mains in colorful, homey quarters.
3$$Cheerful counter-service place offering sashimi, rolls & rice bowls featuring local fish.
4$$
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7$Outpost of an Osaka-based chain serving sushi & other basic Japanese eats in a no-frills setting.
8$Maguro Spot brings sushi to Waikiki at a budget-friendly price point. Family-friendly casual dining.
9
10$$Family-friendly chain offering creative takes on Asian fare in a striking space.
11$$$High-end chain serving notable chef Roy Yamaguchi's Hawaiian fusion fare in a contemporary setting.
12$$$$Stylish eatery with a patio offering a reimagined, seasonal steakhouse menu & craft cocktails
13$$$$Refined destination for upscale, chef-driven Japanese fare in a stylish setting with only 10 seats.
14$
15$$Paia Fish Market Waikiki brings seafood to Waikiki at a mid-range price point. Lively atmosphere perfect for groups and celebrations.
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FAQ
Doraku Sushi Waikiki consistently tops the list for its innovative rolls and izakaya-style menu, while Furusato Sushi is a beloved option for a more classic, homey experience. The right pick depends on whether you're looking for a lively gastropub atmosphere or a traditional sushi house.
Maguro Spot is known for bringing sushi to Waikiki at a budget-friendly price point, and Hawaii Sushi offers cheerful counter-service sashimi, rolls, and rice bowls featuring local fish without breaking the bank.
This guide combines Nate's personally verified picks — marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge — with the highest-rated sushi spots in Waikiki from across the site. The list is reviewed regularly as new restaurants open and ratings shift on NateEatsHawaii.
Waikiki