Naming any sushi restaurant to be the “best” on an island where it’s a staple food item is risky business. But we ask you to look at the big picture as to why Banzai Sushi Bar is a cut above the rest. For one, its location in historic Haleiwa Town on the North Shore makes it more than a place to eat, but an experience. This segues into the aesthetics of the establishment. The lush tropical flora outside summons you into the dark, cool, and inviting restaurant, where you’re greeted by a form of hospitality that could only be cultivated in unison via the warm cultures of Hawaii and Japan. As you nestle into traditional floor seating you will discover a menu rich with island country fare along with poke, tempura, temaki, nigiri, sashimi, traditional sushi, speciality options, and a few fun surprises that you don’t expect at a renowned sushi restaurant. The full bar ain’t bad either.

Recommended Pupus at Banzai Sushi Bar:

• Coconut Shrimp – Shrimp tempura style, served over mixed greens topped with a dynamite sauce and shredded crispy coconut, and presented in a wonton shell.

Recommended Entrees at Banzai Sushi Bar:

• Banzai Fish & Chips – Local catch of the day done tempura style, served with sweet potato fries and a side of house tartar sauce.
• Cajun Blackened Ahi – Pan seared cajun crusted Hawaiian big eye Ahi served with a wasabi aioli sauce.
• Umami Maki – Cucumber and avocado roll topped with torched aburi style wagyu beef, su shoyu sauce and shiso leaf.
• Hawaiian Ahi Poke – Hawaiian big eye ahi with white and green onions, macadamia nuts, sesame seeds, and a soy sesame onion dressing.
• Maui Wowi – Hawaiian big eye ahi, avocado, mango, shiso leaf, and micro greens wrapped in yuba paper, served with a su shoyu sauce.
• Pipeline Sushi – Chef’s selection of 5-piece nigiri with a California or spicy tuna roll.

Recommended Dessert at Banzai Sushi Bar:

• Banana Tempura – Banana prepared in a sweet cinnamon tempura batter, served with coconut ice cream.

images: @banzaisushibar