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FUUD: Doraku Sushi in Waikiki

By Catherine Toth Fox • January 4, 2013 • Food

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For years, I had walked past — or, rather, under — Doraku Sushi on Kalakaua Avenue and always thought, “Someday, I’m going to eat there.”

Friends had raved about it. Foodies love it. And it was just a matter of time before I just walked up there and made reservations.

So one night, as Derek and I strolled around Waikiki, we decided to pop in and see if the restaurant had any available tables. It was 9 p.m. — and the restaurant was packed. Luckily, there was an open table on the lanai overlooking Kalakaua, so we ordered drinks and sat down.

Here’s the backstory about this place: This fusion sushi bar was started first in South Beach, Fla. by Kevin Aoki, the son of famous restauranteur Rocky Aoki (of Benihana fame). Doraku — which literally means something like path of fun — boasts a contemporary menu fusing Asian and Cuban flavors, from a nigiri with slices of Cuban beef to a South Beach roll with shrimp, takuan, avocado, shiso, salmon and mango salsa.

Interesting, right?

So here’s what we ate on our recent visit to this unusual sushi bar:

Doraku Sushi in Waikiki

Doraku Sushi in Waikiki
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Located in the revitalized Royal Hawaiian Center, Doraku Sushi has garnered a loyal following of foodies and late-night eaters with its interesting blend of Asian and Cuban dishes. This contemporary fusion sushi bar was started in Miami by Kevin Aoki, son of famous restaurateur Rocky Aoki. As a result, you'll find some Cuban-influenced fusion dishes on the mostly-traditional sushi menu that are as exceptional as they are unique, like the nigiri with slices of Cuban beef or the spicy lobster roll with cucumber and a spicy cream sauce.

Doraku Sushi, Royal Hawaiian Center, 2233 Kalakaua Ave. Hours: Noon-10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon to 11:30 p.m. Friday, noon-midnight Saturday. Happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. excluding holidays. Phone: (808) 922-3323.

Its second location on Kapiolani Boulevard is also worth trying. Read the review by Ed Morita from Nonstop Honolulu.

Asian and CubanDoraku SushiFoodfusionfuudKevin AokirestaurantRocky AokiSouth BeachsushiWaikiki
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About the Author

Catherine Toth Fox

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7 Comments

  • Reply Annoddah Dave January 4, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    CAT: Aaaiiiyyyaaahhh! Fuud Pix! Tenks! Luuks guud! I guess there is plenty of parking although I know that one is a bit tight for bigger cars and truck/van.

    • Reply Catherine Toth January 4, 2013 at 10:04 pm

      Oh, yeah, and I shoulda mentioned that the restaurants validates. We walked from the Honolulu Zoo parking lot. But it was a good way to walk off those calories!

  • Reply M January 4, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    Hello Cat!
    Fuud pixs Friday!
    Looks so ono but kinda out of my budget….

    • Reply Catherine Toth January 4, 2013 at 10:05 pm

      Too expensive? We decided to splurge!

  • Reply David Jackson January 4, 2013 at 9:49 pm

    Might be eating there soon 🙂

    • Reply Catherine Toth January 4, 2013 at 10:05 pm

      How soon? Like, really soon?

      • Reply David Jackson January 5, 2013 at 5:42 am

        Couple of weeks if it works out… fingers crossed and lots of prayers.

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About Me

About Me
Born and raised on O‘ahu, Hawaiʻi, Catherine Toth Fox has been chronicling her adventures in her blog, The Cat Dish, for more than a decade. She worked as a newspaper reporter in Hawai‘i for 10 years and continues to freelance—in between teaching journalism, hitting the surf and eating everything in sight—for national and local print and online publications. She’s currently the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.

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