Omakase By Aung

I waited a couple weeks before posting this review because I'm conflicted about our experience at Omakase by Aung. On the one hand, the food was tasty, the vibe was fresh, and the service was great. On the other hand, Chef Aung was visibly ill and somehow failed to follow allergy restrictions that we double confirmed at the beginning of the meal. Absent those two complaints, Omakase by Aung would have become one of our regular favorites and this review would be five stars. Through an unfortunate accident of timing, I cannot give quite so positive a review. Omakase by Aung is in a nondescript space along Kapahulu Blvd, with no sign or indication that it's even there. I like hidden gems, and this small restaurant is hidden in plain sight. The interior of the restaurant is simple, with a sushi bar that seats maybe 10 people max, but there were only 7 people eating during our visit. Lights are low and the dark colors of the bar and walls contrast with the modern hits playing from Chef Aung's speaker. Chef Aung and his assistant greeted us as we entered, and they took our beers to chill on ice and our whisky to serve when we were ready. BYOB, and consider bringing some to share because that's definitely more fun. The food was very good, and aside from some very loud coughing when he stepped out between courses and occasional sniffles, Chef Aung did a great job preparing everything. Unfortunately, the fear of getting sick battled with the good food, and so we sat watching Chef's every move to make sure there was no visible mishandling that might lead to contamination. If the food was not excellent we would have left after the second course when we realized he was sick, but it was too good, and chef kept his hands clean and away from his face. My favorite dish was the half seared toro, which was a new take on a common dish. The frequent use of uni throughout the menu was also a treat. Overall the fish was all fresh, delicious, and high quality. Premium ingredients were included in most Dishes and were used appropriately. Dishes were tasty and mixed traditional and modern approaches. Our neighbor at the sushi bar was Junior, who also had a shrimp allergy and we were chatting energetically by the end of the meal. I hope he was okay. My wife and son both had allergic reactions to shellfish that somehow got served to tham and is the main reason I felt obligated to leave this review. Sometimes a Chef or the service at a restaurant is just not at the top of their game, and I think that's what happened during our visit. While I would not recommend Omakase by Aung to anyone with a food allergy, I do think it is probably worth a visit for those without allergies.

While the service was good and the ingredients were fresh, none of the dishes stood out or surprised me. In fact, there wasn't a single murmur of excitement or compliment among any of the guests. A major disappointment was that the fish flavor was completely masked by an excessive amount of soy sauce. ​Additionally, they haven't updated the pricing on their website. It is now $170 per person (before tax and tip). At this price point, it's definitely not worth it. I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant.

One of the best culinary experiences I’ve had in such a long time. The tasting dish was so full of life and made with such care. Everything was delicious. Even though we were 20 mins late to our resy, chef Aung was so gracious and welcomed us anyways. The vibes, the music, and the fact that we all were just hanging out made the experience something unforgettable.

Wonderful, fun experience. Aung is a great host and makes delicious food. Highly recommend if you’re interested in an intimate and non-intimidating omakase experience. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Aung did karaoke with our group as we were wrapping up our dessert. We had such a fun time!

Great omakase experience. Kind of makes sense for Hawaii the vibes are much more casual and relaxed compared to most of these kinds of set menus. Aung and team helped make our anniversary very special. Standout dishes for me aren't even pictured because they went so quickly but some of the best miso soup I've ever had. And they also had this kind of mackerel garlic smashed rice which was also fantastic.

Not your average omakase! This is my 5th omakase in Honolulu and by far my fave. The food was INCREDIBLE! And I loved that this is not one of those stuffy places where you’re afraid the chef will get mad if you make a single wrong move. Chef Aung and staff are lively and attentive, the music is cool, and they really set a vibe where everyone wants to chat a bit and everyone has a great time. It’s BYOB so get some Born Gold saki at the gas station down the block and have a time! Arguably the best omakase in Oahu :)

Balance of food and courses were so great. Can tell the thought of each course behind, like how to combine crunchy with creamy, light and salty caviar. BTW, what’s the tequila’s brand???? Best tequila ever

Amazing omakase experience like no other! My husband and I attended the late dinner service as part of wedding celebration and absolutely loved it. We’ve been to many omakases, including a couple Michelin star restaurants, and really liked how different this one was! The vibe of the dinner was much more family style and we got to know the staff and restaurant a lot better. I really enjoyed the fresh and high quality fish as well as the combination of flavors in each bite. I highly recommend visiting Aung and his amazing team! ❤️

Omakase by Aung in Hawaii is a culinary gem! Chef Aung, along with Sarah and Maddie, delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Every dish is a masterpiece, thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented. The balance of flavors in each course is impeccable, showcasing the chef's expertise and passion. Sarah and Maddie provide exceptional service, adding a warm and welcoming touch that elevates the entire experience. Their attentiveness and knowledge enhance the meal, making it truly special. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a fun spot and top-tier omakase experience in Hawaii! tip: BYOB!

Absolutely incredible experience! The chef and staff are so fun and personable, they really made us feel comfortable and like we were at a dinner party. Chef was playing music and was very engaging with all the guest the whole time. The food was delicious and prepared beautifully. Every piece melts in your mouth and was extremely enjoyable. Highly recommended if you want to have a truly special meal and experience!