Sushi Sam

Sushi Sam was outstanding and easily one of the better sushi meals I’ve had in a long time. What stood out right away was the quality of the fish. Everything looked pristine the moment it hit the table, and that first impression carried through the entire meal. The nigiri was beautifully cut, clean, delicate and incredibly fresh. This is the kind of place where the ingredients do the heavy lifting because they are that good, and the kitchen is smart enough not to overcomplicate things. We had a range of nigiri, hand rolls and small plates, and everything felt thoughtful and well executed. The fish had real texture and flavor, the rice was right, and the balance in each bite was exactly what you want. A few dishes had a little more flair in presentation, but nothing felt forced or gimmicky. It all still came back to freshness, restraint and quality. I also appreciated that Sushi Sam does not try to be trendy for the sake of it. It is not one of those places leaning on atmosphere or social media appeal to make up for average food. This place actually delivers where it matters. The menu is strong, the execution is consistent, and there is a quiet confidence to the whole experience. The service was another big plus. Warm, easy, attentive and professional without being stiff. Everything moved smoothly, dishes came out well paced, and the meal felt relaxed in the best way. There are plenty of sushi places that are flashy, expensive, or trying hard to be the next big thing. Sushi Sam felt more grounded than that. Just really good sushi, very fresh fish, careful preparation and a restaurant that clearly takes pride in what it serves. I would absolutely go back and would recommend it without hesitation.

Don't write reviews often but this might be the best sushi we've had outside of Japan. The california roll with eel was insane and so buttery but also everything was so good and fresh. The service was also great and everybody was so kind. Make this a stop when you're on Big Island!

We LOVED it here, best sushi we’ve ever had! Right beside the Marriott hotel too, very convenient location. Just try it

Top notch - world class sushi - stopped in hawaii on the way back from Japan and i must say this is as good as anything i’ve had in LA or japan. Sam is a solid guy, runs a tight ship and serves some first class sushi. Toro was exceptional. I’d advise making a reservation if you can. Highly recommend.

By far the best sushi I have ever had my entire life hands down. It’s honestly unreal how delicious everything is. Had the Toro (which is very fatty tuna) and it literally melted in my mouth. Also had the signature roll that was out of this world along with the special roll which was equally incredible if not a notch or two better. The five piece Nigiri sushi combo option had thick pieces of fish laid on top the rice and the portion size was a whole mouth full. Lastly, the wasabi was very fresh if you like the heat to hit just right. 10/10 highly recommend.

High quality, authetic sushi and worth going out of your way for on Big Island. Each piece of fish was beautifully cut and well seasoned. I highly recommend the nigiri set for sushi lovers. The place gets busy quick, so either call ahead to make a reservation, or arrive right as they open. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so I can see it getting loud later in the night when it's full. 10/10– I'd definitely come back again here again!