California Beach Rock 'N Sushi — Restaurant in Oʻahu

My family and I have been coming here 4-5/per year for the past 5 or so years. Decent food, great music and decent staff. Very standard; nothing out of the ordinary but you always know what to expect. Tonight, was an entirely different story. We ordered 4 appetizers and 3 rolls. Within 5 minutes, we got our Tamanaha and rockin poppin. "Cool", I thought, "it's gonna be another quick night". 30 minutes later, our wafu steak comes rolling out. Unfortunately, it was beyond well done when I asked for medium rare. Oh well...then I thought I waited 30 minutes, I think they should have gotten it correct. So I asked the "new" waitress if she could address it. No sorry, just excuses...major excuses. We are then served the garlic squid. Soon after, our other 2 rolls rolled out. It was as expected based on previous visits. Maybe 10 minutes later, our new wafu makes it out. Guess what? It's well done again. I'm over it. Then I telaize that I ordered spicy chicken. Over 45 minutes and we still haven't received our chicken. Funny thing? The people who were sat after us, received a ton of food, including the spicy chicken.OK, now I'm a little upset. I ask the same waitress if we have anything else, like chicken? Again, excuses...so I cancel the chicken. Now that I'm completely over it, I'm asked by the bigger Asian girl, with the hair clip and adult acne, the one that has been there forever, if I'm ready for my bill. "Yes, please". I look at the bill and the chicken is still on it. The Asian girl returns and I tell her I'm sorry, but we never received the chicken. In this arrogant, not to be questioned attitude, she points at the Garlic shrimp and exclaims, "it's RIGHT there". Now, I'm pissed...I reply with a major attitude that that LOOKS like the Garlic squid that I ordered. While she did say sorry, again, too much attitude. Upon receiving the redone check, she did take off 25%. Too late for that... To that Asian girl: I sincerely hope you go back to the knowledgable, pleasant, well-mannered girl that has served us extremely well many, MANY times over the years. To the newbie Filipino(?) girl with the braces: leave the food service industry if you can't be the face that accepts responsibility and apologizes for the company you represent. ...and to the hapa-haole boy: brah, you need to learn how to say excuse me when serving food and learn to address the entire table when...

In one phrase: Genuinely friendly service.

Place was slammed the night we went to visit (due to a Bruno Mars concert right down the street, and this restaurant was at one of the designated overflow parking spots with shuttle service). That’s important to note because it is in the context of this unusual crowd that our experience was had.

We waited approximately 15 minutes for a table, which was very reasonable considering we had just left a place that quoted us a 60-90 minute wait not to far from them.

Our server (and the other staff) were friendly, efficient, and attentive- again, all challenging to do when every section is full, food and beverages are needing to be expedited, people are all asking for checks, and an elongated dinner “rush” has likely been going on for some time at that point.

Of course, we did have to wait a while to be greeted once we were sat and it took a bit more time ONE of our dishes to be delivered, BUT in the context of that evening, all at acceptable levels and in fact, the whole service team appeared to be working in a sort of organized chaos harmony.

Food is great (kickin’ chicken, rockin’ poppin (shrimp), miso butterfish, and age dashi tofu) were all very delicious and in the case of the chicken and shrimp, we’re fun treatments of basic proteins. We also had the “pupu style” (local colloquialism for steak cut up to be shared as an appetizer) which was served with fresh mushrooms and onions, but was the only dish that didn’t knock our socks off. We’ll be trying the other steak appetizer offering next time.

Located at the far edge of the 2nd largest shopping mall on Oahu, it’s not on the regular path if one is out shopping, and we didn’t even know it was there prior to a few weeks ago...but we sure are glad we found it! (For those familiar with the area, it is located in the space formerly occupied by “Verbano” Italian restaurant.

We will 100% be back. The service, ambiance (brightly lit, tasteful decor), food quality, (and did I mention great service) are a great nod to their management setting the tone, and an incredibly wonderful service...

This is the best place for fresh, high quality fish at an extremely reasonable price. The menu is diverse, not to mention creative. Every designer sushi roll is bursting with flavors that actually compliment each other, and there is not one single item that isn't delicious. The cuts of fish are thick and served cold (not lukewarm from rolling on a merry-go-round). The Hamachi is buttery and creamy, the Toro has that smooth texture and they make the most amazing agedashi tofu. I won't get into the numerous sushi rolls because that would be an essay.

Surprisingly, one of my favorites is their teriyaki chicken. Their preparation makes the skin crunchy while the meat remains tender and juicy. I used to think that Teri chicken is something simple that I can cook for myself at home, but this is one of their simple yet never fails to be yummy dishes. The portions are very generous so you needn't leave hungry or broke!

The service here is also impeccable. You won't actually know who your server is because they work so cohesively. Empty plates and bowls never sit for long at your table and water and tea is always topped off. My family often has to...