Sjthi Sushi And Brew House Kailua-Kona

Incredible! This sushiya is at a level few people will ever experience, especially Americans. I’ve been lucky to be guided through some of Japan’s best sushi restaurants by my wife, a Japanese national with extensive experience entertaining VIP guests in international business, so she knows her stuff. What puts this, or any, sushi restaurant at such a level is the source, quality and freshness of their ingredients - which can be very expensive. Fine differences in species and source can make a huge difference in price. (Most to all of the ingredients are from Japan or Hawaii, yum!). In short, the head chef / buyer is at a level far beyond what most will ever see - and this restaurant is at a top level even for Japan. I will note the highest level restaurants in Japan have a much more refined dining room; Sushi Sam’s dining room is lovely, but not at the same level as top Japanese restaurants. They are also a small restaurant so they don’t have as extensive offerings, but that’s a function of volume. To me this is good, I don’t want to pay extra for atmosphere. The chefs and service was outstanding, the food highly nuanced and truly incredible, at a level to which the most experienced diners can respect. However, a lot of sushi lovers probably don’t understand, they may be annoyed that… 1) Things weren’t like ‘the restaurant back home. 2) They didn’t have my beloved ‘X’ fish that I always order. And 3) the prices are very high. Comments like this reveal a lack of intimate understanding that can only come from extensive experience in Japan, and a thick wallet. (Example, watch the 2011 movie ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’). It’s not that folks don’t know what they like, rather it’s almost impossible for most to gather enough experience in high-end Japanese dining. I’m extremely lucky to have a guide like my wife to (constantly) explain the difference in sourcing, nuance and exact species. While this place is expensive, you will pay much more in a top level restaurant in Japan. If you really know your sushi, can afford it and want to try a truly amazing top level sushi restaurant; this place is for you! If you don’t have an experienced Japanese guide, I strongly recommend you let them help you order either at the sushi bar or from a Japanese server. Tell them in general what you like and go with an open mind and savor every bite!

What an amazing experience. We were on spring spring break from denver and didn’t know we needed a reservation. The staff was very accommodating, doing everything they could to seat us. A table who was there eating already said they would be done in 10 minutes if we didn’t mind waiting. It was worth it! Delicious sushi and sashimi! Love this place.