Too much emphasis on sauce when simple, provencial wins all day long... I ordered the sansei shrimp dynamite (not sure how it won an award tbh..), wok fried vegetables and steamed rice. The first and second had too much sauce, the rice was excellent though. The Pinot flight of wines was good value with 3x20cl being served for $11.
Best locals deal in Waikiki. But please keep it a secret.
Saved my stay in mariot (which doesn't deserve double r nor double t)
Expensive but totally worth it. Sushi bar is excellent with the highest quality. Try the fresh wasabi, it will change your sushi life
BEWARE This place sucks!!!! The server didn't know what he was doing, food mediocre seriously need to avoid. Our first night out total waste of money. We went because of the reviews,, go for walk and check out the many spots full of Japanese tourists, they know what's going on. I very rarely review and not often vocal about this stuff but honestly the best part about this dinner was the walk along the beach to and definitely from.
So accommodating to us we really appreciated it. this was our last meal in Hawaii and it was sooooo good. we were pleasantly surprised about the bill too!! Excellent, delicious, completely satisfying. Fast service, great atmosphere and wonderful staff. thank you Sansei!! 12/21/19
GOOGLE PUTIN ORDERED THE TSUNAMI IN JAPAN ON MARCH 11, 2011 WORDPRESS
Outstanding food quality and service was very fast drink prices are fair 10 of 10 in my book and will come again.
Great service. The sushi came out fast! Tables could be turned a little faster.
The sushi rolls are a bit odd, with strange combinations or too much seaweed. The Spicy Tuna, for instance, is a tuna tartar with sambal. I can't say I was impressed by the quality, but the restaurant has a nice ambiance, good service, and a nice selection of beers, and is nevertheless good value.
A better sushi restaurant is nearby, Furusato Sushi. Lacks in presentation, but much better sushi.
The drinks were off the charts taste. The fish was super fresh and melted like butter in your mouth. People with food allergies can eat her safely! Definitely coming back here
Sushi rolls were good, very fresh flavors. Drinks were strong. My only complaint was the long wait time for food and drinks. Even basic drinks from the bar took forever and our sushi rolls came out oddly timed.
The food were excellent and the sushi chef were exceptionally knowledgeable and very friendly. They created a new sushi roll for my brother. We named it TAZ's fury! If you go ask for it . You won't be disappointed.
sushi was prepared ok, maybe due to the volume of orders that they get. the freshness of the raw fish was ok, but not the best. tables are packed pretty close together, and is noisy. service is good. take advntage of the early bird soecial.
I love Sansei! I have been to the one on the big island, Maui, Honolulu and here. In my opinion it's the best sushi you can find.
Mike at the Sushi Bar was so personable and made Fantastic Sushi. We were made to feel so welcome and valued. Wish we would have come here our first day visiting the Marriott Waikiki. We would have returned many times throughout our stay.
Moderately priced sushi ...not quite 5 stars but close...Staff was wonderful! My wife has a tree nut allergy and they more than accommodating to help us eat safely
The food was excellent. We had the signature and recommend dishes and they were absolutely delicious. Service was excellent our drinks were topped up before they went empty. A must eat at restaurant when in Waikiki!
Maybe I am a traditionalist but I like either simple nigiri or temaki not into the fancy smancy rolls. Unfortunately, one of my groups entrees came with undercooked mash potatoes (you know when you don't cook that one potato long enough and it can't get pureed enough so you end up with gritty sandy bits in your smooth mash.) we were offered a substitution but I think basic food prep should be on point for a place like this.
Perfect cocktails, great sake menu and exceptional food
Went here twice during our 4 nights in Waikiki. First time we walked in off the beach for an early dinner and the staff were great and food amazing. Second time we made a reservation on the patio for a nice dinner. When we arrived they didn't have a record of our reservation, but they were very accommodating and got us a table quickly - they even gave us a complimentary role for the mixup. Amazing sushi, great staff and a nice location!
Great food. Yummy drinks. Prices were to be expected. Over all a bit spendy but reasonable considering the atmosphere and fresh ingredients. Highly recommend.
Panko ahi roll is a real winner. Calamari with ko Cho jang vingrette is a must rt too.
Ate here with a small group of friends. Sushi was made fresh and were altered to our food preferences. Spider roll was delicious. Slightly pricey but to be expected. Great service from our lovely and attentive waitress.
Meet some friends there. All of them industry. Food was good company even better. Even waived hello to ivy. Nice night
My neighbor suggested this place to me prior to going and he had sold me on awesome food and half price night. He said, literally, they take your food bill and take off 50%. And it was true, but you need to line up early to get in. We got their an hour early and people were already starting to line up.
We had actually tried to go to the one in Maui and I had decided that we were not going to line up for food especially with young children in tow.
Now that the kids are older, the line up is not terrible and the wait is worth it. Everytime we visit Honolulu, we definitely plan to dine here. You won't be disappointed.
Went here for happy hour and I thought it was fresh, rainbow roll was really good.i ordered about 5 rolls and sashimi, it was all pretty tasty and cheap for a hour.515-6pm long line but worth the wait
Half off times on nights and weekends a good deal... Otherwise a bit pricey. Parking validation very helpful. Quality consistently good.
Google maps and official site indicated that the place is open, but it was not. Also it was hard to find it.
Food is half off after 10pm. Great food and good value.
One of the best sushi bar in Waikiki! Be prepared to wait in line as this place gets crowded fairly quickly. Ordered the shrimp dynamite and it was fantastic!
I ve had high end sushi numerous times as I m an avid sushi lover and Sansei is the best I ve had, by far. The Sansei special rolls were excellent and worth the money you spend on them. It s definitely a $$$ establishment but what you get is worth the price. I d never advise going without a reservation because they re always packed out.
Sansei was our go-to sushi place while in Honolulu. My wife has a dairy allergy and the sushi artists at sansei respected that and made custom, dairy free sushi rolls for her that were outstanding. The food is excellent, the staff is excellent and the ambience is outstanding. Highly recommend anyone and everyone try this place!
Very nice menu with interesting, unique additions to standard sushi fare.
This is some of the best sushi I've ever had. I was surprised at first, as it's located on top of a hotel, but the fish was so fresh, and didn't have that "frozen" taste that you find so often in the mainland. If you want some great atmosphere, get a seat outside, since it's on the 3rd floor, you'll get a great view of the beach, especially when the sun is going down.
Great place for breakfast and brunch. Food was flying out the kitchen and the quality was excellent. Friendly staff and great atmosphere. Definitely a must visit and a place to come back to
As far as overpriced mediocre sushi goes, I guess you could say you get what you pay for. Expect watered down drinks and bland, uninspired riffs on typical sushi favorites. Don't call albacore "super white" because it isn't. Rolls were so-so and service was as expected. Staff were generally as friendly as one would expect in a tourist Mecca like Waikiki which is to say business-like yet brusque.
Great, everything so delicious. Service very helpful. Highly recommended.
I have a party of three and didn't have a reservation, but they were able to accommodate us after just a short wait. We ordered a couple of appetizers, one of which was a calamari, there were two different styles and we opt for the original and not the salad style. However, we got the salad and decided to keep it just to try it out. The runner who dropped it off was kind enough to ask if we wanted cocktail sauce with it and we said yes, never got it, lol. We sat outside on the patio so the view was nice. This was supposed to be a finer dining experience but I would say it's more mediocre because the food was overpriced and to make up for it normally should come with superb services. One star for the view, two for the flavor, and three for the location. I wouldn't go back or recommend it.
I've been here multiple times. An excellent choice with many options. I'd recommend making a reservation as the wait can be crazy. A great view, friendly service, and reliable quality. If you are traveling solo it's a good option as well as you can sit at the bar.
Delicious sushi eaten on Christmas Eve. Busy restaurant; you can easily reserve online. Wide choice and special combinations that we have tried. We also have a delicious sparkling wine from Maui on. Highly recommended!
I was with a party of 11 people and we all had a bad time, first we had a reservation for 7:00pm and was told our table was ready at 7:20pm, we get to our table of 11 only to have 2 seats squished together at the end of one table. We had them get another table which they than added a smaller size table to try and fit the other two chairs which still looked bad, finally they added a normal sized table to match the rest and we sit down, only to have our drinks take forever to come. We had been given 2 complementary appetizer portion of 6 pieces each a panko ahi and a shrimp dish that I didn't even get to try be given at different times rather than together. After we had given our food order most of us were just underwhelmed by either the portion or the quality for the price, the night didn't not recover for me or my friends and I just felt bad for bringing them to this restaurant.
There was a wait time for a table so we sat at the sushi counter. The sushi chef in front of us was not talkative, at all. My bf loves to engage people in conversations and normally succeeds. Not in this case. Waitress was good though so that made up for it. The food was decent. Bf had rolls. I had a small roll and the crab saimin since I was somewhat under the weather. I would give it a 5 star if only it wasn't just crab, noodles, and a tiny, tiny bit of vegetables. It was basically just eating noodles and crab. A little 2- dimensional. The crab was perfect though, but could've used a little more vegies. Bf likes this place, so I'll be here again.
Some of the best Japanese food I've ever eaten. Everything was truly excellent.
Came for karaoke and sat at the bar. The bartender has acted like me being here (along with the other 6 people at the bar) have been a total inconvience. She has been rude, short and even just flat out ignored people. Sadly she is the better of the 2 bartenders on duty as the other young lady has not even acknowledged there are people at the bar
Having visited Japan, I think Sansei compared well with some of the mid to high end dining in Japan. The seafood was fresh which makes the sushi and sashimi really good. I really like the fusion style of Japanese food on the menu which hits the taste buds for Chinese, Japanese, and Western culinary. Unfortunately, this is the only restaurant I visited during my one day stay in Hawaii so couldn't compare it with other restaurants. Price is reasonable and excellent service too.
We came for late night happy hour and karaoke and after asking around regarding the location of the place we got to the hostess stand and waited. After a few minutes a server approached us and told us it is open seating so we walked around and asked a couple with open seats at the end of a 8 top table if the seating was free. A server w a white beard rudely approached us and said don t bother the customers there s seating outside at the bar . He did not inquire or say hi he just assumed that we are bothering other people. We did not want to sit outside since we came there for late night eats and karaoke (indoor)so we left. The environment was nice but a bit stiff and stuffy for fun karaoke and that particular server was rude. We would ve happily walked away if the couple said the table is reserved but being shooed off by a server like we had been harassing people for seats was just ridiculous. If you re looking for a good time I would suggest going elsewhere. No aloha spirit there.
Great food. Sit at the bar between the two restaurants and you can pick from either menu.
Was told by many this is the spot to grub down on some sushi. But it wasn't quite what is was hyped up to be. Sushi was dry, like drink a sip of water while chewing dry. Tried the calamari and the batter tasted old, very rubbery. Service was nice and friendly. its a bit tough to find. On the third floor of the Marriott, enter the d.k steak house, walk past the hostess down the hallway to the right. You're welcome
Super food, try the things under "award winning" not to mention super service. Also the drinks are very good. Prices are not bad at all.
What a lovely find this was! Went to the Sushi restaurant & initially was a little disappointed as we didn t booked & had to be seated at Sushi Bar. Turns out, best thing ever! The Chef was fantastic in recommending house & personal favourites. We had th Mango Crab Roll & Panko crusted Ahi (Tuna) to start, so good had to choose what was the best so best to order both! Our mains were equally as good, & hats off to the Team. A definite dining choice when in Waikiki - seek it out!
Vicki Woods
June 2018
We went twice, once for sushi, and another time for the entre menu. I gave the top rating for the second visit. The seared ahi and shrimp cake was delectable as well as the crab ramen. Absolutely deserving of the highest rating. I would limit my sushi order to a piece or two though. Not bad, but also not outstanding.
Amazing food. Great atmosphere. Service was top notch.
Take into account that I don't quite appreciate fushion type sushi or food that should be warm which is sometimes an indicator that it was just cooked fresh before it arrives at the table. Our mussels were rubbery and four out of the pound of mussels did not open. The sushi was not flavorful and the tuna on it was a wet.mush. My baguette was burned while seared and the salad was sadly soaked in a tastless dressing. On the other hand, cocktails were tasty and general service was good. The view from the outside balcony is wonderful. If you want sushi or other Japanese food, go elsewhere-not this restaraunt in the Marriott.
I love this mob. They are here in Waikiki and also on the Big Island and Maui.Great sushi and sashimi. The Dragon Roll or Spicy Tuna are hard to beat.
But more than that terrific chef specials. The Hamachi Collar is my fav.
Never disappoints
Ratings out of 100
Variation of menu: 90
Quality of produce: 95
Service: 90
Cleanliness: 90
Ambiance: 95
Overall Rating: 92.
Food was delivered quick. Tasted amazing. The sauces were expertly prepared. Sushi was prepared to perfection. Waiter was knowledgeable and kind. They even entertained the kids. 45 min wait for a walk in on a Sunday.
It's a tourist place for sure, but dang it was good! It's out of character liking a tourist restaurant, but it's really good food...along with Duke's for fish tacos.
Had it one time. Absolutely delicious, comfortable, friendly staff and good service. Pricey, duh it's quality and in heart of waikiki. Definitely a nice place for a night out with your partner.
Meh! We went here because all the other reviews said this was the best sushi they ve ever had. It was pretty mediocre, and VERY expensive. 3 rolls and 8 sashimi cane to $90. Even if we had gone during 1/2 price night, it would have been regular sushi for a regular price. Service was also very slow.
Not only is the staff and management amazing but the food is as amazing as well my wife and I went here on our date night and it was beyond amazing the ambience and the quality of food was beyond our expectations and we will definitely come back for many more date nights here
The attention of the cook at the sushi bar was incredible. We tried the signature panko and then several sushi and similar suggestions from the cook. It was an awesome experience..
The best food we had the entire trip! Amazing food. Pricey but worth it.
Delicious food and many different varieties of sushi
if you can get in, this is a highlight on maui. we came without booking and ate at the (liquor, not sushi) bar, and it was a delight - great drinks and ridiculously great food. foie gras nigiri (you read it right) and about the best sushi (nigiri and rolls) i've ever had.
I am addicted to this place. Best sushi on island. Paradise mojito and everything on the menu is delicious.
Great food. Ordered everything family style and really enjoyed it.
Worst sushi I've ever had in my life. There's far far better sushi all of Virginia. You'd think being in a place with easy access to fish you would have good sushi, but not at all. Every roll we ordered had a premade crab mayonnaise salad as the main ingredient with barely any actual fish. Stay away!
Happy hour after 10pm on weekends with live music... nearly all food items are 50% off. They have a variety of cocktails and beer on special as well. The nigiri are my go to and it's definitely a great quality. I forgot to take pictures like a noob though.
I don t know why this place had such high ratings except that they re being actively manipulated. Went there on a Saturday night. The sushi here had a very strong fishy taste and smell which means it wasn t very fresh. I don t recommend it at all.
excellent sushi at reasonable prices. try and make a reservation or you will have a long wait.
Loved this place, sake was great and the entertainment was enjoyable.
A very great experience at the restaurant! The wait was significantly shorter than expected, the bartender knew how to make a proper Old Fashioned, and the food was great! Maybe a bit on the pricey side, bit it's to be expected in Waikiki. Try their specials and you won't be disappointed. I had the double decker Hawaiian rolls which was impressively large. My wife had the soft shell crab roll and the flavor was great! The service was phenomenal, very friendly and helpful staff. Will definitely come back!
We always love coming here Friday or Saturday nights (or sometimes both) for there late night Happy Hours. The special is from 10pm-1am and is 21 and up. On Friday they have free Karaoke and Saturdays live music. We went on Saturday this time. They have $4-8 drink specials; and half off sushi and apps! I had for Citron Vodka's and Sprite for $16! Where else in Waikiki can you get that? lol We also have miso soup, a soy ramen, and some sushi.. all for half off. But here is the SECRET winner! Try the Maui Teriyaki Beef!!!! It is so juicy and tender and so delicious that we ordered it twice! We even made a vow that next time we go we are only going to order the teriyaki appetizer! Giving them five stars for the food/service/drinks. The "live music" wasn't so live.. but all in all, we'll be back!
Very good priced vegetarian sushi and appetizers. Just ask the waiter/waitress what you can eat and bam more food choices than you are hungry to eat - guaranteed. Now they don't make their own tea so I would not advise the Itoen canned tea you can get from the ABC Store for cheaper, but the food is good! Very creative and Japanese-American standard rolls including natto and cucumber-avocado. YUM!
It looked fabulous but never made it inside. The place is not kid friendly after 9 pm
I ordered a ceasers salad and a tuna sushi roll. The roll came first which was surprising. Roll was dry. Salad came way after my roll, had to remind waiter. Salad was drowning in dressing. Food was expensive so I expected more. Very disappointed. Only positive was that we were seated right away.
I'm only giving it two stars because of the hospitality. The food....no. There are many raving reviews, don't pay them any mind. If you know anything about sushi then you will be disappointed. It wasn't fresh, It also tasted "handled". It lacked proper flavor, and my cocktail tasted like cheap fruit juice. My shrimp cake had a nauseating smell, I took one bite and was done. If this is this the best sushi in waikiki, God help them.
