A Calling for Calamari

It’s often said that one never forgets an evening spent at Kobe Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. From the excitement of teppanyaki dining, in which culinary masters fire up alluring entrees on flattop grills in front of patrons, to the warmth of this cozy Japanese inn-style eatery, Kobe offers more than just a meal — it’s a dining extravaganza.

Once settled around a table, customers will be taken care of the whole night as they are whisked away to a world of prime steak and divine seafood.

While the restaurant has been an oasis of eats for more than 35 years, it continues to roll out new flavors regularly. This year, Kobe’s chefs have had an insatiable craving for calamari, which led them to create their Calamari Specials filled with succulent squid filets like you’ve never experienced.

“The calamari’s really tender,” says owner and general manager Roy Nakamura. “I don’t think it needs much seasoning, but you can dip it in our ginger sauce for an additional taste. It’s a really flavorful menu item.”

As all good calamari should be, these plump filets are nowhere near rubbery. They’re offered in the Steak & Calamari Combo ($35.95) with 5 ounces of sirloin steak and the same amount of calamari, or the Seafood Trio ($42.95) with 4 ounces of Nova Scotia scallops, 5 ounces of calamari and 3 ounces of Tristan lobster tail.

Like all of Kobe’s entrees, these sizzling specials come with a teppan shrimp appetizer, tsukemono, shabu shabu soup, assorted grilled vegetables, beans sprouts, steamed rice and hot green tea to enjoy throughout the meal.

New menu items extend to the eatery’s lounge as well, where a smoked version of the tender squid debuts in a Calamari Salad ($8) complete with avocado, mixed greens, tear drop tomatoes, cucumber and homemade sesame-shoyu dressing. The calamari’s smoky flavor isn’t too overwhelming, and the in-house smoking process lends a delicate sweetness to this unbelievably good seafood. Diners may request the salad in the main dining room as well.

If you’re looking for a dinner filled with just as many memories as flavors, it’s got to be Kobe.

Kobe Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

1841 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
941.4444
Open daily, Lounge 5-10 p.m.
Dining 5:30-10 p.m.
Happy hour 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Valet Parking $5