Seiji's Sushi

Oh my goodness. What a gem of a spot. I had no idea about this place and I’ve lived here my whole life! Truly a hole in the wall, but a hidden treasure! The sushi is amazing and the owners are even more amazing. My husband and I did the omakase experience and it was lovely. I was more than satisfied. The Japanese couple that run the restaurant are so kind and make everyone feel like family. You do need to make reservations in advance, but it is so worth it. A must do!!

It was wonderful dinner. This restaurant is fine dining and very traditional flavors. Seiji sang has his own passion! We love all foods and recommend most of foods and especially seiji sang’s signature omakase!!!

Cool little sushi spot with fresh fish. I got the chirashi which was a Japanese portion size so make sure to get some tofu too!

This little sushi spot is absolutely worth the trip. It's tiny, so make your reservation well in advance. We had the omakase with the sake pairing and it was some of the best sushi I have experienced, matched with amazing service. The couple that owns and runs this gem obviously puts their hearts into everything they do. We will definitely be back!

I went to dinner here with my partner and the food was amazing, unique, and it was authentic Japanese food. The couple who owns the restaurant are from Japan and incorporate food and drinks from their hometown there. We got the sushi platter prix fixe menu and also had the sake pairing. The meals in the sushi platter were more than delicious and was unlike any sushi I’ve ever had before. They were also super helpful and accommodating as they were able to make their food gluten free and it was safe for someone like me with Celiac Disease to eat! In the photo of the sushi and special roll, the very bright orange sushi next to the pickled ginger was sea urchin and tasted amazing! I was looking for a place that would potentially have that unique of a dish in Hawaii and there it was! I usually am a little picky with the fish I like to have for sushi meals, but I loved all of them. I feel like at other sushi places, one may get chewy fish for sushi, but the freshness, texture, and how smooth each fish was to munch on made this place stand out above all sushi I’ve ever had. The sake also paired well with each course they accompanied. You are also able to try different types of sake, such as filtered (clear) and unfiltered (cloudy/milky white) sake. To go here, you need to make a reservation ahead of time since they only have about three tables to eat at. I highly recommend this place and be sure to look on their website about the owners’ story - very wholesome! You should definitely make it a stop on your Big Island itinerary. I feel that it is best enjoyed by doing one of their prix fixe menus for your first time there. Also, I would only go as a party of 2 people or a very small group - this experience is more intimate, wholesome vibes, and has limited seating at this location, but I feel like that’s what makes it all the better!

Seiji’s came recommended by a friend of mine. When we arrived I was pleasantly surprised! The restaurant is owned by a husband and wife and is a very intimate setting with only 3 to 4 tables in the space. This is one of the dinners you’ll remember for a while if not just for the atmosphere. Everything was fresh and made with care. Truly a special experience! You MUST make a reservation to attend dinner. This is an exclusive spot for sushi in Kona!

An amazing sushi restaurant tucked away in Kona. The place is tiny (there are 12 chairs total in the place, I think), and reservations are required. There are some excellent rolls (Seiji's special is, of course, the best), and the sashimi and nigiri was fresh and amazing. The tempura was also very good. I can't think of anything to complain about. I booked our next dinner as we were leaving!

My husband and I were lucky to get a reservation the same day here! The sushi was the best we've ever had, we definitely want to come back!

Best omakase deal ever! What an incredible meal. Here are the 8 dishes we got from the omakase: Mustard greens with ponzu - best ponzu ever!!! We were drinking it at the end. Loved the flavors of the mustard greens, katsuo and nori flakes. 5 stars! Agedashi tofu - nice light crispy battered soft tofu pieces in a slightly sweet dashi. We ordered a larger serving for our kiddo and he smashed it. 5 stars. Miso soup - wonderful katsuo flavor in the soup highlighted by the mitsuba. So tasty. 5 stars. Tempura - perfect pieces of asparagus, carrot, eggplant mushroom, and shrimp. Not super oily and perfectly cooked. 5 stars! Sashimi - we dove into this so quick I didn't get a pic, but there were 2-3 pieces each of hamachi, mackerel, kanpachi and tuna. I usually don't like mackerel but I scarfed up this one! Absolutely perfect. 5++ stars. Hand roll - missed the pic here too since we were so excited to have ootoro in a hand roll!!! It had the makings of a spicy tuna but with the extra special ootoro. Fish was all the way to the bottom of the roll too! Sushi excellence. 5++++ stars!!! Sushi - this was a WOWWWWW dish!! Two pieces of hamachi, ootoro, seared hotate and uni (from Japan) nigiri. We couldn't believe we were getting ootoro and uni. Everything was so fresh and unbelievably good. 5+++++ stars!!!! Dessert -This wasn't mentioned in the menu for the omakase so I think it was just a kind complimentary item. It was interesting since it was the strawberry part of a ice cream sandwich with some whipped cream and strawberries. Kiddo loved it! It's rare when you can get quality food at a good price. The online omakase menu description did not do justice to what was served. I wish I had made multiple reservations here! Chef Seiji and his wife are absolutely wonderful and you can tell everything is made with love. It's such a small place with 4 tables but they've got to be the best sushi on the island! I'm guessing they're going to want to retire at some point so get here fast!!!

Wow really great place and very unique as they only have 3 tables and it is husband and wife running the whole place. You cannot walk in and you must call their phone during business hours or there about to get a reservation. No walk ins and they will not interrupt dinner by taking a reservation during the service. So at first I was thinking this must be like a soup nazi as they phone machine answers the phone and informs you that they only take reservations and you cannot leave a phone message. Called laster and go reservation and got 3 text messages confirming. We got there and then understood why, there are literally 3 tables so a no-show would be huge for them. So this is for sure an amazing place and highly recommend you try it if you're in Kona town. We had miso soup (very good) a seafood salad that was very fresh fish on romaine lettuce leaf the fish was great but would have taken the tempura shrimp instead (we saw the next table had that). Then we had 4 nigiri that were great, not amazing. Then volcano roll and specials Seiji roll that were outstanding, for sure you should order a volcano. We had a few drinks waiting for your reservation while at the hotel so we skipped the saki (not cheap) so out the door with tip it was $125 which was good considering how small the place was and how fresh everything was and the real pride that they served it with.

The food is amazing. Expertly prepared and tastes great. What a duo runs this place!

The freshness, the food, AND the service is a 5 !!! If you like sushi, you HAVE to make sure you make a reservation and order the Omakase with the sake pairing!!! A definite must do when in Kona!!!

Very small place in downtown Kona. Make sure to make reservations as the sushi is top notch. The sashimi pieces were beautifully cut and melted in your mouth. The unagi nigiri was probably the best I've had! The couple who run the restaurant were so sweet and took time to explain the plating along with the saki pairings. Can't wait to try more items on their menu.

For my birthday dinner, we made a reservation for Seiji's. I love sushi and I could eat it several times a week, given the chance. I had fairly high hopes going in, so was ecstatic when my expectations were exceeded. Best sushi I've had in ages! The perfect amount of food, good diversity between the courses and the freshest fish ever. It's a small operation, only about 4 tables so MAKE A RESERVATION. They do not seat you without one and several people were turned away throughout the 90 minutes we were there. Fantastic service, affordable (almost to a fault), and a nice atmosphere. The sushi chef feeds this little cat outside every night and it was so cute to watch this kitten dutifully wait for his dinner. 10/10 recommend.

Wonderful, small ( only three tables) hidden in old downtown Kailua Kona. Run by the chef his wife this intimate Japanese restaurant offers first class Japanese food, including sushi, tempura and other delicacies. Extensive sake list and surprisingly very reasonable prices. Reservations required, no takeout.

This place and the owners are very special. There are only three tables in this restaurant. Each item is handcrafted for you. Although I am not a sushi aficionado, we both felt that this sushi was extremely fresh and of high quality. We tried the three-year aged cold sake from Japan that is aged in ice caves. It was absolutely delicious. The two of us shared the assortment of sushi with and a small tasting of tempura. The tempura was light and crispy and was very flavorful. We also had the Unagi dragon roll, which is eel, and it was absolutely delicious. We had the Hamachi pairing of sashimi. And we tried a very fresh tuna, which was just so creamy and nothing like I've had before. I believe it was the belly. This place is very special with two different sakes and about four different sushi rolls and tastings. We were very full and the price was so reasonable. For what we got and the quality. But what I really liked about this place was the fact that they had only three tables and it was very cozy. The owners look like they were a husband and wife team and they were so friendly and very personable. They were clearly proud of the sushi they prepared and served. No drop-ins; reservation required.

Chef Seiji San is a living legend. One of the best Omakase sushi experience I've ever had. Rumor has it chef Seiji was the personal sushi chef for the Prime Minister of Japan for a number of years. Need reservation and best for small parties. An unforgettable experience; chef Seiji and his wife are amazingly hospitable and create an authentic omakase dining experience.

This place mentions nothing about making a reservation online. It's not until you reach their front door when they give you a special number to call because there are no walking nor are there any takeouts!

Very warm welcoming couple that owns and run this and have been here 40 years. It was very personal and they explained each dish and its ingredients and where it came from. The sashimi was excellent, I ordered the omakase. Make sure to make a reservation as it's a 3 table small place. It's worth the wait. I will be back. If you like a personal experience directly with with an owner like I do then you may want to try this

This is a small restaurant that seats only about ten people. As a result reservations are mandatory. The atmosphere inside is intimate and charming, the food is exceptional, and the curated sake was fun. The sushi was the highest quality fish I have ever had full stop. Service was great and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience here. Five stars.

When my daughter was in town to visit we had a date nite at Seiji's Sushi. Ordered the omakase. Wonderful! Each course carefully prepared and presented. Reservations are required at this four table restaurant. The pace between courses allows for connection, conversation along with very good sake.

I just tried to walk in at 7 on a Monday night for dinner and was wordlessly shooed out by both owners. Definitely a first for me. I checked the website beforehand and didn't see anything about reservations being required...it's not near closing time...there appeared to be empty seats at the bar...I didn't even get a chance to say anything as I walked inside. Not sure where I went wrong. I'd avoid if you're a solo female traveler, really wrecked my night :( Update: I did go back and look at the restaurant and see the signage on the door saying reservations only now; I'm including a screenshot from the website, which is what I'd looked at beforehand. Maybe the language could be clearer there for first time visitors to Kona? I get that it was my mistake, but a simple, "sorry we're reservations only" would've left me with a totally different impression.

We came here for omakase for a special occasion and it felt like such a warm atmosphere with Seiji and his partner coming out to explain the dishes, serve some sake from their hometown, and present some truly wonderful bites. My favorites included the sea urchin, agedashi tofu, and fatty tuna. It's reservation only but that allows them to give the best service possible!

Seiji's is amazing. Food is more authentic than some of the Omakase I had in Tokyo and Osaka. So fresh and Chef really knows their food. Make sure you put down a reservation No walk-in. I respect and believe that's a great idea for small restaurants who's so fresh. The hospitality is so warm and kind. Best food I had on big island. Ready for authentic Sushi and culture! Sending my love to the cute couple who run the restaurant. ‍‍‍‍

Special treat. 5 star, Michelin star, family, so many good things to say. Please try it. You will not regret it. Reservations required.

Hey Anthony Hope your Saturday is going well. Seiji Sushi is like a mom and pop sushi place one would fine in a corner somewhere in Tokyo or Yokohama. Food is authentic and yummy. Good selection of sakes. No sushi counter. Chef Seiji and his wife is so sweet. We got slightly lost and Seiji San came out to look for us. Enjoyed the experience. I would say the cost is $$$ 3 dollar mark. And that's your full report

Came back for vacation 2 years later and it's just as good as we remembered. We called a few weeks in advance (still reservation only, around 12 seats total and it's just the 2 of them working). Seiji and Chie are so sweet and their cooking is just amazing! we had the omakase- even their bok choy and tofu appetizers were incredible not to mention the sushi. Definitely worth the drive to Kona!

My 1,000th Yelp Review! Friends dined here last year and said it was their best meal on the Big Island, so I called a month in advance to make a reservation here for my birthday. They only have three tables, and they space out the reservations perfectly to be able to time everything nicely. My husband and I got the omakase, and got a sushi special for my kiddo. We ended up with the following courses: local greens with dashi - I don't know what I ate but it was good! miso soup for all three of us - adults got some local mushrooms in ours (delicious!) agedashi tofu - crispy and creamy and the broth I could've slurped up from the bowl! tempura course with one shrimp and several veggies - the mushroom was my favorite! The batter was so light and crisp. sashimi platter - I'm mad that I didn't write all of these down, but some were local and some were flown in from Japan. All were delicious! my son's sushi plate came out at this time - five pieces of nigiri plus four pieces of california roll. The shrimp nigiri presentation was unique with the tail curled up and then the adults' sushi platter with one uni and one eel (he asked us which we preferred so we asked for one of each) - the scallop was perfection and one of the nigiri had shiso underneath which made it exquisite. Finally, they brought us all scoops of ice cream with a candle and serenade for my birthday. ;) Overall, it was fantastic. Service was perfection - it's just the owners there: the husband makes the sushi and the wife is the server and I think she makes a course or two as well. They were so kind and welcoming. It seemed like the other diners who came through during our visit were all repeat customers - I know we will certainly be back during our next visit!

I'm sure it's great but my wife and I would't know because after spending time driving and parking and walking we learned from the sign on the door they only accept reservations. No takeout orders as well. This needs to be more clear on Yelp! Place was empty except for 1 table and it was an hour before closing.

What a little jewel in Kona! Very fresh food, expertly prepared, absolutely delicious. Very intimate little place run by a husband and wife team that make their customers very happy. One of my very favorite places to eat on the big island.

Hands down one of the best sushi I have ever had. Always fresh. Love the intimate setting. Seiji and his wife are great hosts!

This is our go to for sushi. My hubby called the owner/chief ahead of time for reservations. The owner is wonderdul, very personable and accomodating. The sushi is always good. It melts in your mouth. Never had such a fresh sushi anywhere but here. Toro sushi was sooo good, buttery and melts in your mouth. The lady server is attentive at all times. And she remembers us every time we come. We always come back here every time we come to Kona.

Incredible. Seiji's Sushi may be a small establishment, fitting a cozy 12 people with its three tables and quaint bar, but it delivers an extraordinary culinary experience that far exceeds its physical dimensions. The Chef's Tasting Menu, priced at $65 per person, offers a gastronomic journey that is well worth the cost. The portion sizes strike the perfect balance, satiating without overwhelming. Beginning with the first course of mustard greens in soy sauce - a delightfully tangy palate opener. The second course offers a comforting fried tofu in a Gyoza-style broth adorned with scallions, a dish as delicious as it is comforting. The star of the show, however, is the third course - an astounding array of sushi and a custom spider roll. The skillfully prepared sushi is an absolute treat, with the lightly seared sea scallop dressed in lemon and salt standing out as my personal favorite. A surprise awaited in the form of dessert - a classic yet satisfying vanilla ice cream adorned with strawberries and cream. An impeccable way to conclude an unforgettable dining experience. Service at Seiji's Sushi is exemplary, making an already impressive culinary adventure even more pleasant. Don't be fooled by the size of this sushi joint - Seiji's packs a mighty punch in flavor, service, and overall experience.

We didn't get to eat because to everyone only using YELP....its reservation ONLY. They didn't accept our walk in at all. Restaurant was not full and no one was waiting.

Very small place run by a very friendly couple! Reservations needed but well worth it. Food was great just a little hard to find.

When I saw that place only takes reservations, I simply had to try it. I came in with high expectations because it is RSVP only. All of my expectations were met. This place was amazing! The food was amazing and the owners are just as amazing as well. My wife and I tried the Omakase. Words cannot describe what the flavor was like. It was simply fantastic! It was so good in fact, we came a second time. We again had the Omakase. We were also honored by the Chef to try his house special curry rice. It was to die for. On top of that, we got to know the chef and his wife. They are great people! Friendly with lots of stories to tell. Great personalities go a long way. My wife and I were happy to have met them. I can't wait to come back to Kona, to see them, and eat here again. It's worth every penny! A 10 out of to. あなたと奥様にお会いできて光栄でした。

Incredible food. Sushi is superb. Probably one of the best Japanese meals I've ever had. Will definitely be back when I come to the Big Island.

EXCELLENT, authentic Japanese. Having been to Japan, seijis sushi is second to none. We return during every single visit on big island.

Such a special experience! This restaurant only has 3 tables in it. It is a perfect small, very intimate restaurant and simply an honor to eat here! The food is an absolute masterpiece! Seiji and Chie are amazing, welcoming, and their food and service is spectacular! For starters we had Miso Soup, Agedashi Tofu, and Tempura. Each of them exquisite and packed full of flavor! After our starters we moved onto the Dragon, Tempura, and Spider rolls. Each initial bite we took, we announced it was the best we have ever tried (seriously, every single time). They we both beautiful and full of flavor. Like the food Gods blessed each dish before they were dropped off. OOHHH MY GOODNESS!! To add to our well rounded tasting experience, we also tried the Oyako - Don and Unagi - Don. They were both amazing. They were both so awesome, I don't have adequate words to possibly even explain but I will say I could eat the Oyako - Don (braised chicken) every meal, every day and not be the least bit sad. Also, for the Unagi - Don, I love eel and it was hands down the most tender and perfectly cooked eel I've ever had! Make the reservation, it is so worth it!! We will definitely be back and are so thankful for this experience!

We are only in Kona for 2 days. We walked past Seiji's on the first night and made a reservation for the second night. We are so happy we did because like everyone else says on Yelp- it was one of the best meals we ever had. Would recommend to everyone visiting Kona.

Seiji and Chie are a delightful couple. They treat everyone who comes into their restraint as family. They are both warm and engaging and seem to enjoy meeting all their guests. The restaurant is small, only accommodating 12 guests. But if you are fortunate enough to dine with them you are in for a memorable evening. As with many other reviewers I would recommend Omakase. This gives chef an opportunity to showcase his talent and serve only the freshest of fish. Each course is lovingly and skillfully prepared by chef Seiji. Both Seiji and Chie work harmoniously to present each course. While Chie works the front of the store she is also working feverishly in the kitchen helping to prepare several of the dishes alongside her husband. From the homemade Miso to the vegetables and, most importantly, the fish, everything is incredibly fresh and tasty. Eating is as much with the eyes, ears, and surroundings as it is with the taste buds. This was a great experience. If you are fortunate enough to reserve a table you will not be disappointed. BTW, Chie was even kind enough to call later that evening to let me know my wife had left her sweater behind. That's just good service.

Seiji and his wife are amazing! The food was such great quality in every single way- the taste, presentation, the order of dishes in the omakase menu. They really care about what the do and try to provide the best experience for people eating there.

Was an amazing experience. The owners were very friendly and it was very easy to make a reservation during our visit to the big island. The Omakase (chefs choice multi course) was incredible!! Hands down some of the best sushi I've ever eaten!

A small low-key shop by Chef Seiji, offering a reasonable deal for a good meal. $85 for omakase would usually be by fast-omakase shops with a lack of experience and lower quality fish . In this case, Chef Seiji has a long resume boasting experience serving the United Nations, distributing Sushi to 7/11 and much much more. The meal was enjoyable and felt like we were having dinner at Chef Seiji's house. It felt personable and warm rather than a meal at a high scale sushi restaurant. Especially for the cost it was worth it, and understand there is a difference between this compared to much more expensive omakase experiences elsewhere. My favorite pieces out of the omakase here were the hamachi and unagi, Chef Seiji was also extremely kind to provide us extra hamachi. Give this a try if you're in the area!

Don't come here if you're looking for a trendy sushi place with sexy names and lots of sauces on your sushi. This is the real deal sushi place-- if you had an uncle from Japan and he invited you to his house. Seiji is a master chef and has taught hundreds of sushi chefs around the world-- including NY, etc. He even served Neil Armstrong on his welcome back return. Super small place in the back of a strip mall on Ali'i Street. Seats about 10 people. I texted a week before to make reservations for my mom's birthday. Seiji was great to communicate with and very helpful. What a special evening! He prepared cooked fish for my parents, and my husband and I ordered the $85 omakase sushi meal. What a deal! The real deal! Seriously the best quality sushi we've ever had. Super fresh fish, seasoned rice (good sushi is judged by rice quality), even fresh grated wasabi. If this were LA or NYC, or even Waikiki, the same omakase would go for $350/person, or more. Huge pieces of sushi fish and sashimi, and super fresh! Go in with an open mind. Don't tell the chef what you don't like, and be willing to try everything ;). I didn't think I liked octopus, but since it's rude to not finish something, we polished everything off... and I liked the fresh octopus ;). The freshness of the fish leaves a clean, umami taste that lingers on your tongue and brain! So good!! Seiji and his wife Chie work in a super small kitchen, but are personable and master chefs. Such a special evening. If you enjoy quality sushi and want an intimate experience, come here. No frills, but delicious, authentic sushi and sashimi from a master chef!

BEST SUSHI IN KONA! By reservation only, and was super easy to book by phone. So amazing! Ordered seafood salad and Volcano Roll and had the most spectacular experience and food! The owners are so nice and great!

AMAZING service and food!!! We ordered Omakase and it was amazing (and super filling). The quality of the seafood was top notch. The couple who own and run the restaurant are so sweet and kind. Definitely will be back! Highly recommend. Reservations only.

The food at Seiji's sushi was fresh and well prepared! This quaint little restaurant nestled in its little nook only has three tables, and they only take reservations. Their omakase menu was shockingly delicious! Highly recommend that along with their seared hotate also known as scallop. All in all, beautiful restaurant and hope you all get the same amazing experience.

This was my second visit to the island and as always had a really fulfilling meal! The Agadashi Tofu is just amazing!

The food at Seiji's was amazing! Seiji and Chie provided the most wonderful meal and we enjoyed the best sushi on the island....and we have sampled so many places. Reservations are a must, you will NOT be disappointed! And the ambience was wonderful! You will be catered to and appreciate everything!

I just happened to walk past this small spot and looked at the reviews. The fish was very fresh, and the agedashi tofu was one of the best that I had. The broth was so flavorful, that I drank it after eating all the perfectly fried and light tofu. The sashimi was beautifully arranged and cut to the right size pieces. The tempura had shrimp from Japan that was sweet and flavorful with a light and crispy coating. They had uni that day from Japan which had good texture and no bitter aftertaste. To top it off the married owners were very nice and gave good explanations about the food. I am glad that I ran into this place by accident. I will go back before I have to go back home!

In California we like to think we have good sushi, but this one was way superior than what we have!!! Family own and operated, chef Seiji and his wife Chie really take pride in their work If you plan to give it a try, make sure you call for reservation at least 2 -3 days ahead, also, I highly recommend the Omakase! Do the $85 one, I tried both $85 and $65, believe me you get more value for the $85 choice! The O-toro is unbeatable l, we had to order extra

We had an amazing dinner last night at Seiji's. Everything was delicious and so fresh. It's very intimate and feels like you're having an amazing dinner and someone's home. we are hoping that we can go back for another delicious meal before we leave the island.

I am not a sushi eater but this was a great experience. The things tried I really liked but can't compare to other places although the rest of the table was raving. Found out I really like tofu! It was fascinating to watch the presentation and the care and love the food was prepared and served with. We were a party of 5 and there were 2 other tables that could probably seat 5 or 6 each. Such an intimate place.

Seiji's Sushi is a small Japanese restaurant run by a husband and wife. The space is cute and comfortable, but small, so make your reservations early. My family and I enjoyed the customer service and the food! It was a very delightful meal.

When on the big island craving authentic traditional excellent quality sushi in a warm cozy ambiance (like someone mentioned- visiting your uncle's place if you're Japanese) come here! Be sure to make reservations as the seating is limited to about 14 (if including the bar). My husband and I ordered the dinner sushi omekase and my 5 year old daughter had the oyakodon (but we quickly realized we should have just got her the omekase too because she kept eating our sushi- something for next time!). Highlights included the delicious fresh sweet local abalone and buttery amberjack. We shared a lovely bottle of kubota sake which paired perfectly with our meal and even had the honor of trying their home-brewed sake which was also delicious! We had such a wonderful time chatting with both Seiji and Chie - we would come back again during our week long trip but they'll be closed (much deserved vacation I'm sure!) for a couple weeks. Highly recommend when you're in Kona for solid fresh quality and the irreplaceable warmth of a "mom and pop"-owned place. Thank you Seiji and Chie!!

Seiji's Sushi is my most favorite sushi restaurant in big island! Seiji is not only a good chef but also a fun guy to talk. He's very careful to pick up fishes, and I and my husband enjoy visiting here every time!