Genki Sushi — Restaurant in Oʻahu

One weekend I had an insane craving for sushi, so we were faced with the decision: go to Waikele genki where there is always a line and we have never been disappointed or try out Ewa Beach Genki which is literally down the street and always looks empty (which can be a bad sign). We opted for trying out the Ewa Beach location.

We got there about 1:30p on a Saturday and there was like one other booth in there. At first, I was excited that we didn't have to wait or sit with our little one at the conveyor belt bar, but after being seated in a booth, it was clear that there wasn't anything good on the line. I thought that it was kind of weird because we weren't too outside the lunch timeframe, I felt like they should still have some good stuff on the line. No biggie. Our waitress was quick with the drinks and being the only other table in the restaurant, we were able to order very quickly. All of our orders came out pretty quickly, but shortly after having a few of the ahi varieties, it was clear that it wasn't a very good cut of ahi. At first I thought that it was just that one sushi that was chewy and had a lot of tough "tendons" in it, but after the 3rd sushi plate with ahi in was like that it was clear that the restaurant just had some junk ahi. Normally, my husband and I can stack up those plates like nothing but I think we ordered like 5 or so plates less. When you are paying $5 for a plate and the ahi portion of the sushi is lacking, it just doesn't seem appealing.

The taste in everything was pretty much there. We got somen which was fresh and tasty, and my baby got some fries which didn't have a lot of salt on it (thankfully), and I tried this new strawberry soda which was good but I wouldn't recommend at $3 a pop (you're better off getting a 6 pack of Diamond Head soda). Nothing was too spicy or too salty or anything like that.

So the only bad thing about this place was the quality of the tuna. I can't really speak for any of the other fish types as almost all the sushi dishes we had contain tuna or imitation crab. I definitely appreciate not having to wait in line, and the fast and friendly service we received, but I left this place still wanting.

I doubt that we will be back to satisfy a sushi craving again. Maybe when we are looking for something to eat on the weekends and don't want to go far or deal with the crowds. If I do, I will update again because maybe it was just a bad batch of tuna we got...

Been coming to this Genki for what seems to be majority of my life. Always trusted the service, and food quality, until my latest/last visit at this location.

Robot Waiter Service: A few comments on this include speed, efficiency, and accuracy. Firstly, the speed, VERY slow to a point where the physical waiters had to hand deliver the food. Efficiency, the robots themselves don’t know which food belongs to you. I had food on the first and forth tray, with instructions to take the first tray only. I laugh as it traverses in a circle around the restaurant only to return to me, and instruct me to take the forth tray. Accuracy, VERY inaccurate which resulted with obtaining items I didn’t order, and not getting some items I did order. I am still unaware what I actually paid for. And if we’re talking accuracy of the actual robot, it kept banging into tables, people, and dropped a load of plates.

Actual Waiters: I’ll admit, they’re hilariously understaffed. Running back and forth trying to attend to the customers. I’ll attest that I understand where they are coming from… but you could AT LEAST remember what your 2 tables want. Our table along with a table across from us asked for more Wasabi a total of 4 times, where neither of us ever got it.

Overall Final Review: This is the first time where I will ever say I’m actually disappointed and dissatisfied with this new “future” that Genki is trying to spearhead. This tech is still in the beta phases, and I personally believe that if they’re planning to spread this tech to every franchise, Genkis days are numbered. For the first time ever, I will not actually leave a tip, seeing as how it’s primarily run by robots. (I almost ran out to my car to grab a quart of oil for sh*ts and giggles) As for my bill, I am fully unsure whether or not I underpaid, or overpaid as again, I got items I didn’t order, and didn’t get items I did order. Overall, this visit is most likely my last, unless Genki Ewa does an overhaul that removes this trash system and puts in a system that’s efficient and reliable. Maybe a track system where people can grab and choose their plates of choice after viewing, on top of a delivery service that brings it to your table as fast as a bullet train, quickly and efficiently.

P.S. don’t get me started on the QR code ordering system, that’s another review for...

Been going to this location for years. I think the goal currently is on saving money for the restaurant.

The portions have drastically been reduced. The seating is uncomfortable and space is limited when there are parties greater than 4. No booths exist in this restaurant. The robot is ok but not worth the hype. Some tables aren’t served by it anyway. Refilling water and tea is a challenge. That’s the nicest way I can put it. So is anything else you need a live person for. While we used to go at least once a week, I doubt we’ll be back. It wasn’t very busy at 7pm which we assume means we’re probably late to getting the memo. LOL

No one likes mediocre self service, small portions, and...