Best omakase I’ve had in a really really long time! The chef is a delight and the food is incredible!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kaz !
Chef Hilo was a joy to have as a host! Hilo was more than willing to accommodate dietary restrictions and the Omakase A course was delicious, well paired and paced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer Pelinovschi
Had the best time with Chef Hilo! Will definitely come back! Amazing food and vibes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Reina Morita
I never write bad reviews but the experience here was so uncomfortable and I’m compelled to share. TLDR, BE AWARE: you cannot get sushi if you dine at a table. They ONLY offer $150 per person omakase style sushi at the Sushi bar where you become a hostage to a loud chef who calls customers “love” and sips red wine while working.
We reserved a table looking for a private, quiet and peaceful dinner. As soon as we walked in, we felt the energy was off. The place is small and intimate with the chef’s voice echoing throughout on top of 80’s pop music playing. We were told they only do omakase style sushi, and they can accommodate us at the sushi bar for $150. (There were only 2 other parties in the whole restaurant with plenty of seats at the bar at 7pm on Saturday night) We said we wanted to eat at the table and asked for the menu, and they gave us a small list of random Japanese dishes like miso cod and Uni pasta (?). Then the server came and poured some water in our glasses. We couldn’t find anything we wanted to eat from the menu (no rolls, no sushi by the order) so we informed the server we were leaving and to cancel the edamame order. She refused to cancel the edamame order and brought a check of $20?! Turns out the water she poured us was $11 and we were charged us for the edamame we never even saw a site of. We felt totally scammed. Zero customer care. No apologies or resolution. The server at the end said as we got up, “we have a lot of good reviews if you look us up”.
We don’t care if you have good reviews because we know you can buy good reviews these days via AI marking tools, how about you treat customers who want to leave with respect and curiosity to why they want to leave, and not let them feel like hostages who owe them 20 bucks of water and edamame they never consumed!
Perhaps the business model is the chef and his personality’s appeal. People may come to see him to socialize with him at the sushi bar but this is not an inclusive place. We went to the sushi restaurant across the street down the block and had much better experience we were looking for.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Scott A
Disappointing experience – left after 5 minutes
We came to Hilo Sushi last night after seeing strong reviews online, but unfortunately had a really off experience and left just a few minutes after arriving.
We had specifically booked an à la carte reservation because we weren’t in the mood for omakase, but were surprised to find the à la carte menu didn’t include any sushi or even a proper meal—it was more like a short happy hour snack list.
Before we even got a menu, we felt like leaving. The atmosphere was loud and strange—only four guests in the whole restaurant on Saturday night, with music blasting (Uptown Girl and Michael Jackson), and the head sushi chef acting more like an entertainer than a chef—yelling, performing, and clearly wanting to be the center of attention. We could barely hear each other at our table.
We were asked to move to the omakase bar no less than five times in just a few minutes, which felt pushy and uncomfortable. When we politely told our server we were going to leave and head somewhere else for dinner, she asked if we still wanted our edamame, which we had ordered only 30 seconds earlier. Apparently they couldn’t cancel it. Not a huge deal, but a bit odd.
What was frustrating was getting a bill for $19—$8 for edamame and $11 for a small bottle of water I didn’t even order. I saw our server speak to the owner about us leaving, and he seemed fine with still charging us for everything.
As someone who works in digital marketing, I’ll also say I’m suspicious of some of the overly glowing reviews. Even another guest asked aloud, “Where is everyone? Your reviews are amazing but there’s nobody here.”
This may be a good spot for omakase lovers looking for a show, but the vibe and business practices felt off to us. Wish them the best, but wouldn’t return or recommend based on our short experience
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Elizabeth Tu
We had the opportunity to visit LA and were looking for a fantastic omakase restaurant. After some searching, we decided to try HiLo. At first, we were a bit hesitant because they had very few reviews, so we approached it with an open mind and no high expectations.
However, words can’t describe how incredible the experience was—everything was flawless, from the staff to the food. I have never had omakase this fresh; I could literally taste the essence of the ocean in every bite.
After the meal, we even got to chat a little with the chef, who shared stories about his life and career. This was truly an unforgettable experience for us, and we will definitely return and recommend it to everyone visiting LA.
If you have the chance to try it, please leave them a review so more people can enjoy this amazing cuisine together!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
victor n
Legit sushi experience and service. 3 of us had omakase b, worth it.
There were a few items I’ve had at other restaurants and didn’t care much for it until I had it at Hilo. Had plenty of mouthgasms and realized I’ve never had it fresh and prepared by a chef of this caliber.
The smell of each dish was also sensational you can call that nosegasms. If the food made noise I’m sure that would have sounded like love making.
You know the feeling when you experience something new and beyond expectations? Felt like this was my first time eating seafood. I imagine this is what animals that eat kibble their whole life then taste human food feel.
My buddy was so impressed he had another omakase b immediately after the first round.
Had to charge my phone on the outlet inside the restaurant and went to pay parking meter. Was out of my chair for probably 10 seconds. My napkin was folded every time. How is she so fast with that? Probably a trained assassin.
Go in with an open mind get mind blown. Take your time savoring every bite.
Only constructive feedback from our group was wish every bite was a very different experience. All bites were different but a few bites were not different enough for one individual out of 3. Maybe this can be a request before the meal starts?
When asked about the extinction of bluefin tuna, chef replies with Japanese bluefin tuna is about to be extinct and orders from a farm raised source that is sustainable. Not exactly word for word but close enough
People leaving bad reviews here, I can imagine you don’t have real friends since you always complain about little things.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam Kokin
Exceptionally good sushi. Hilo is a character in a good way. Was nervous given some of the reviews but based on my experience, very fun dynamic.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food Love
Well... i visit this place a week ago and had terrible experience..
First of all, lets talk about the foods.. Some of sushi are okay(not meaning good. Just okay) and most of sushi has weird smell ( I love sushi so i knew that sushi was really bad) DO NOT EXPECT GOOD QUALITY OF SUSHI AT THIS PLACE.
Second problem is their service. Japanese cheif was really rude and impolite. When we asked for warm water, he frowned and became annoyed. We just asked for a glass of warm water.
Third problem is price. With terrible service and these low quality food is not worth this price.
If you want waste time and money, this is best place.
Never ever have I had a restaurant call me back after I was rudely told there was no reservation which was indefinitely made, only to tell me my mother didn't raise me properly. Petty and unprofessional for high level executives that dine at this establishment. Maybe if he used that energy to look and verify that a reservation was in fact made, I would not be here writing a review. I'll make sure I never dine or recommend this establishment.
Service: 1
Tyana Tavakol
Chef Hilo has created a multi sensory omakase experience that blew away our expectations. We went for my partner’s birthday and did Omakase A, and as people who don’t usually spend a ton of money on restaurants this was worth the splurge for the special occasion. The matching of the background orchestral music to the different courses, the amazing flavors in each serving, the visual atmosphere itself, even the water was surprisingly an elite water (who knew that was possible), and of course Chef Hilo himself and his stories and information sharing, it all came together for a wonderful experience. I would absolutely recommend this gem to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Cerise
Honestly the BEST tasting and very BEST quality of sushi I’ve ever have had!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ethan Lee-Tyson
Chef Hilo is a legend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
bryant choi
Best Omakase I have ever had I HIGHLY recommend here if you want the BEST of the BEST
Hilo a great guy and very entertaining
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best omakase I’ve had in a really really long time! The chef is a delight and the food is incredible!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chef Hilo was a joy to have as a host! Hilo was more than willing to accommodate dietary restrictions and the Omakase A course was delicious, well paired and paced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had the best time with Chef Hilo! Will definitely come back!
Amazing food and vibes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I never write bad reviews but the experience here was so uncomfortable and I’m compelled to share.
TLDR, BE AWARE: you cannot get sushi if you dine at a table. They ONLY offer $150 per person omakase style sushi at the Sushi bar where you become a hostage to a loud chef who calls customers “love” and sips red wine while working.
We reserved a table looking for a private, quiet and peaceful dinner. As soon as we walked in, we felt the energy was off. The place is small and intimate with the chef’s voice echoing throughout on top of 80’s pop music playing.
We were told they only do omakase style sushi, and they can accommodate us at the sushi bar for $150. (There were only 2 other parties in the whole restaurant with plenty of seats at the bar at 7pm on Saturday night)
We said we wanted to eat at the table and asked for the menu, and they gave us a small list of random Japanese dishes like miso cod and Uni pasta (?).
Then the server came and poured some water in our glasses.
We couldn’t find anything we wanted to eat from the menu (no rolls, no sushi by the order) so we informed the server we were leaving and to cancel the edamame order.
She refused to cancel the edamame order and brought a check of $20?! Turns out the water she poured us was $11 and we were charged us for the edamame we never even saw a site of.
We felt totally scammed.
Zero customer care. No apologies or resolution.
The server at the end said as we got up, “we have a lot of good reviews if you look us up”.
We don’t care if you have good reviews because we know you can buy good reviews these days via AI marking tools, how about you treat customers who want to leave with respect and curiosity to why they want to leave, and not let them feel like hostages who owe them 20 bucks of water and edamame they never consumed!
Perhaps the business model is the chef and his personality’s appeal. People may come to see him to socialize with him at the sushi bar but this is not an inclusive place. We went to the sushi restaurant across the street down the block and had much better experience we were looking for.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Disappointing experience – left after 5 minutes
We came to Hilo Sushi last night after seeing strong reviews online, but unfortunately had a really off experience and left just a few minutes after arriving.
We had specifically booked an à la carte reservation because we weren’t in the mood for omakase, but were surprised to find the à la carte menu didn’t include any sushi or even a proper meal—it was more like a short happy hour snack list.
Before we even got a menu, we felt like leaving. The atmosphere was loud and strange—only four guests in the whole restaurant on Saturday night, with music blasting (Uptown Girl and Michael Jackson), and the head sushi chef acting more like an entertainer than a chef—yelling, performing, and clearly wanting to be the center of attention. We could barely hear each other at our table.
We were asked to move to the omakase bar no less than five times in just a few minutes, which felt pushy and uncomfortable. When we politely told our server we were going to leave and head somewhere else for dinner, she asked if we still wanted our edamame, which we had ordered only 30 seconds earlier. Apparently they couldn’t cancel it. Not a huge deal, but a bit odd.
What was frustrating was getting a bill for $19—$8 for edamame and $11 for a small bottle of water I didn’t even order. I saw our server speak to the owner about us leaving, and he seemed fine with still charging us for everything.
As someone who works in digital marketing, I’ll also say I’m suspicious of some of the overly glowing reviews. Even another guest asked aloud, “Where is everyone? Your reviews are amazing but there’s nobody here.”
This may be a good spot for omakase lovers looking for a show, but the vibe and business practices felt off to us. Wish them the best, but wouldn’t return or recommend based on our short experience
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We had the opportunity to visit LA and were looking for a fantastic omakase restaurant. After some searching, we decided to try HiLo. At first, we were a bit hesitant because they had very few reviews, so we approached it with an open mind and no high expectations.
However, words can’t describe how incredible the experience was—everything was flawless, from the staff to the food. I have never had omakase this fresh; I could literally taste the essence of the ocean in every bite.
After the meal, we even got to chat a little with the chef, who shared stories about his life and career. This was truly an unforgettable experience for us, and we will definitely return and recommend it to everyone visiting LA.
If you have the chance to try it, please leave them a review so more people can enjoy this amazing cuisine together!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Legit sushi experience and service. 3 of us had omakase b, worth it.
There were a few items I’ve had at other restaurants and didn’t care much for it until I had it at Hilo. Had plenty of mouthgasms and realized I’ve never had it fresh and prepared by a chef of this caliber.
The smell of each dish was also sensational you can call that nosegasms. If the food made noise I’m sure that would have sounded like love making.
You know the feeling when you experience something new and beyond expectations? Felt like this was my first time eating seafood. I imagine this is what animals that eat kibble their whole life then taste human food feel.
My buddy was so impressed he had another omakase b immediately after the first round.
Had to charge my phone on the outlet inside the restaurant and went to pay parking meter. Was out of my chair for probably 10 seconds. My napkin was folded every time. How is she so fast with that? Probably a trained assassin.
Go in with an open mind get mind blown. Take your time savoring every bite.
Only constructive feedback from our group was wish every bite was a very different experience. All bites were different but a few bites were not different enough for one individual out of 3. Maybe this can be a request before the meal starts?
When asked about the extinction of bluefin tuna, chef replies with Japanese bluefin tuna is about to be extinct and orders from a farm raised source that is sustainable. Not exactly word for word but close enough
People leaving bad reviews here, I can imagine you don’t have real friends since you always complain about little things.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceptionally good sushi. Hilo is a character in a good way. Was nervous given some of the reviews but based on my experience, very fun dynamic.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Well... i visit this place a week ago and had terrible experience..
First of all, lets talk about the foods..
Some of sushi are okay(not meaning good. Just okay) and most of sushi has weird smell ( I love sushi so i knew that sushi was really bad) DO NOT EXPECT GOOD QUALITY OF SUSHI AT THIS PLACE.
Second problem is their service.
Japanese cheif was really rude and impolite. When we asked for warm water, he frowned and became annoyed. We just asked for a glass of warm water.
Third problem is price.
With terrible service and these low quality food is not worth this price.
If you want waste time and money, this is best place.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Never ever have I had a restaurant call me back after I was rudely told there was no reservation which was indefinitely made, only to tell me my mother didn't raise me properly. Petty and unprofessional for high level executives that dine at this establishment. Maybe if he used that energy to look and verify that a reservation was in fact made, I would not be here writing a review. I'll make sure I never dine or recommend this establishment.
Service: 1
Chef Hilo has created a multi sensory omakase experience that blew away our expectations. We went for my partner’s birthday and did Omakase A, and as people who don’t usually spend a ton of money on restaurants this was worth the splurge for the special occasion. The matching of the background orchestral music to the different courses, the amazing flavors in each serving, the visual atmosphere itself, even the water was surprisingly an elite water (who knew that was possible), and of course Chef Hilo himself and his stories and information sharing, it all came together for a wonderful experience. I would absolutely recommend this gem to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Honestly the BEST tasting and very BEST quality of sushi I’ve ever have had!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chef Hilo is a legend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Omakase I have ever had
I HIGHLY recommend here if you want the BEST of the BEST
BC
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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