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:

Teriyaki tofu tempura

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I'm a sucker for agedashi (deep-fried) tofu, so when I saw this teriyaki version ($6.95), I had to try it. The texture was perfect and the tofu wasn't burn-your-mouth hot when you bit into it. And you can't go wrong with the house teri sauce, which was thick and sweet.