Doraku Sushi

It took me a while to get myself to try this place. It's not that I'm not a big fan of sushi or Japanese food, because I LOVE them both. But, it's a chain restaurant that originated out of Miami, FL, so how authentic could it be?

It's really not that authentic, but that's not what they are aiming for. They are hip, modern, and inventive. You won't find any Japanese tourists here, but you'll see a lot of people, especially during happy hour (5-7 pm).

We scored one of the few tables overlooking Kalakaua Avenue.

Hamachi Carpaccio

Shrimp Tempura

Doraku Tuna Tataki

Japanese Style Garlic Steak

White Dragon Roll

Ginger Chicken Karaage


Chilean Sea Bass Nabanzuke

Overall, I thought the food was OK - nothing spectacular or out of this world. For the price, you can find better value elsewhere. But the ambiance is pretty cool and it seems like a place that is fitting for people looking to socialize over drinks and light pupus.

Happy Hour is from 5-7pm daily (excluding holidays) and you have to sit on the special table located in the middle of the restaurant.

Check-in on Four Square for a 10% discount.

Doraku Sushi
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 3rd Floor
2233 Kalakaua Avenue
(808) 922-3323
Reservations accepted, except for Happy Hour
Validated parking (free for the first hour, then $1 per hour thereafter for up to 4 hours)

Kaka'ako (coming soon - September 2012)
Pacifica Condominium, bottom floor
1009 Kapiolani Blvd.