0 
ReviewsHonolulu is a wonderful town in so many ways. Entirely walkable, no Matterhorn style hills, fairly wide sidewalks, plenty of eateries & shops to browse, places to sit a spell watching while the World whirls by. A perfect place to sit downtown just happens to serve up terrific Sushi, an all around win-win.
Though fairly new by certain standards, a little over eight years here in the islands, Ninja Sushi has earned the love of O’ahu residents, having been voted one of Honolulu’s Best in 2008. Friends of mine (yes, I have a few) have testified to Ninja Sushi’s consistent quality and the care with which their chefs prepare Sushi at locations around O’ahu.
One can find Ninja Sushi in the Ewa Beach Shopping Center, at Westridge Shopping Center, in Kailua next to Don Quijote, at the Airport Trade Center, in the Mililani Town Center, in the Laniekea Plaza, at Windward Mall, and in the Ko’o’lau Shopping Center.
However, my favorite is the downtown Ninja Sushi at 1150 Bishop Street. That the building has survived into the 21st Century is a miracle unto itself. It is odd-shaped, a ‘mere’ two stories, and most likely its presence frustrates developers who demand a certain conformity, a religious adherence to norms & strictures. All of which is why it is so much fun to order Sushi downstairs, then walk up the narrow crooked staircase to the dining space upstairs.
Dining at the downtown Ninja Sushi is akin to sitting in the bow of a boat. One sits one story above traffic flowing down Bishop Street. Vehicles & people flowing toward the Ocean. Union Mall is on one’s left, thus foot traffic breaks against the brow of the building, much of the foot traffic continuing along the Bishop Street sidewalk, the rest of the traffic flowing into the mall. Vehicles continue to flow along Bishop Street, though a few turn into driveway on into parking garage beneath buildings looming above the odd shaped survivor from the early 20th Century.
People & vehicle watching is wonderful in the small comfortable space, on an average day one can open a window, catch a breeze. On hot days the staff will crank up the air-conditioner. It is a congenial space, terrific for a leisurely lunch with friends. Adding to one’s comfort is the delicious Sushi.
Three Pieces of Nigiri (hand rolled) Sushi range from a modest $2.75 for Ika, or Ocean Salad, or Tuna Salad, to $4.99 for Hamachi, with an awesome array in between; examples, Salmon, Ebi, Negitoro, Natto, Crab Salad, much more. Local favorites are well represented, such as Spam and Chicken. Plus many which can be called ‘haole-friendly,’ perfect for those out of state visitors who have yet to be exposed to the joy of Sushi; Philly Maki, an excellent example, a mere $6.50, California Temaki, $2.09, or Crab Cucumber for $1.89.
In addition to Sushi one can order Bento or Donburi (rice bowls!), all of which are quite affordable during these troubling economic times. Curry Chicken is a popular favorite, at $6.99, plus a beverage, a ten spot will leave you enough cash to continue shopping. Ninja Sushi has several Salads available, as well as Udon (noodles), once more ranging in price from $5.99 to $7.50. Catering by Ninja Sushi is a great way to please guests, many downtown offices have found their Party Sets to be taste & affordable; a mere $24.00 for a fifty-four piece Maki Set, or a forty-three Samurai Set for $31.99, the priciest is still a great deal, the forty-two piece Deluxe Set for $36.99.
Those wishing to check out Ninja Sushi on the Internet, to scope out the Ninja Sushi closest to their home and their hours, can go to https://www.ninja-sushi.com/Home_Page.php . My favorite Ninja Sushi at 1150 Bishop Street is open Monday thru Friday from 9AM to 6PM, on Saturday from 10AM to 1 PM, closed on Sunday. One can call them via 808-541-9797.
