Hidden gem: Morichan Sushi

Many years ago, I blogged about a high-quality sushi bar hidden inside hostess bar Club Evergreen. Well, as hostess bars often do, the place eventually closed, moved, and changed its name. The sushi bar, thankfully, stayed the same.

Club Evergreen is now Club New Business, located next door to King Restaurant & Bar on Kapiolani. The place is a little bigger, brighter, and has a more open layout. I’m not sure if that’s important to hostess bar patrons, but for me, it’s more entertaining, since it’s easier for me to see the guys I know coming in! But, back to the sushi.

Mori — the sushi chef known as “Morichan” — had subleased a tiny corner in Club Evergreen and ran his little sushi bar separately from their operation. When they moved, they had him come along and continue his sushi operation in his own corner.

I usually get the 13-piece omakase set, which is $50; you can opt for other omakase sets. Just know that service can be slow because it’s just him, so the bigger the omakase set, the longer you may have to wait.

If I’m still hungry, I’ll order some rolls — salmon skin, Mori special (scallop mayo), and/or the Napa Valley, which is comprised of uni and ikura.

Everything is fresh and the cuts of fish are very generous. It’s a good value for sushi lovers, as long as you don’t mind being in a hostess bar. That being said, hopefully you don’t HAVE to have sake with your sushi. We ordered sake once, and the waitress brought us a tiny bottle of low-grade sake and it was a whopping $15!

Here’s a look at my dining experience at Morichan with Kelly Simek, Will Chen and Brandon Lee. Note, though, that photos and videos aren’t allowed in the club, only at the sushi bar.

Morichan Sushi (inside of Club New Business)
Tuesday through Saturday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
1340 Kapiolani Blvd.
Parking in back or on the street
808-277-8066