Sushi Sam

"It’s quite a disappointing experience here especially given that this place has been booked out for the whole dinner time. We ordered sashimi and nigiri. The assorted sashimi is fine. But nigiri are not fresh at all, especially the toro. The chef doesn’t seem to know how to cut the Toro right and there’s even tendon and fish skin left in / on the salmon, toro. The maguro is kinda falling apart and doesn’t taste fresh either. Uni is not fresh just from the look of it and doesn’t taste like its usual sea flavor. The rice in nigiri is too hard and not sticky enough to stay together."

"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!"

"Location and restaurant interior are good and that's about it. The "sashimi" including the toro is so stretched out and thin it's ridiculous, it tastes about as fresh as every other Japanese restaurant on the island though they wouldn't survive in Oahu. Btw, this is a restaurant where only tourists dine at, locals eat at Sakura. Way overpriced for non tasty food. Rice stuck on the exterior of the uni nigiri tells you just how attention to detail is lacking. You can also tell by the rolls, if they spray this much mayo and other sauces on rolls that's a sign of cheap food being offered at tourist prices. Once was enough. Diners leaving 4-5 stars sadly have never had good sashimi/sushi or were sweet talked to by the owner/"sushi" chef, we both pitied and were angry at the ignorance of their reviews. But as always each diner must try it for themselves."

"Hey Sam is the real deal? All of his sushi was so good and fresh. Great quality fish, and the flavors were just like being in Japan. The location is pretty central in Kona town easy to find."

"Such a treat! We had gone to another sushi restaurant in the village that was far busier but Sushi Sam was a much more elevated experience. The flavor, texture, and presentation of each of our nigiri and sashimi were well-balanced, and the few things we ordered from the kitchen were spot on. Highly recommended!"