On a Fast Track to Delectable Sushi

Multiple generations of local diners flock to Kozo Sushi, as the restaurant continues to dish out stellar sushi via a fresh approach to fast food.

Kozo Sushi has grown to include five convenient locations, including its Keeaumoku locale adjacent to Walmart, and as the Kozo Sushi management team explains, “The fact that we started out in Japan helps set us apart from the competition. Kozo Sushi is, in fact, the No. 1 fast food sushi chain in Japan, and has the largest number of sushi stores. We also use ingredients and recipes from Japan that have been developed over many years.”

While Kozo Sushi is a “fast food” chain, its main priority remains providing great value via quality sushi at reasonable prices. This philosophy allows the restaurant to serve customers who may be pressed for time, such as those stopping in for a quick lunch or picking up dinner after a long day at work. The sushi recipes blend traditional Japanese flavors and preparation techniques with more mainstream and local flavors, and accents that appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences, while new items constantly are introduced to keep the menu fresh.

Just in time for the graduation party season, as well as those looking to cater family gatherings, special events and business functions, Kozo Sushi offers a host of Party Plates designed to please guests at any occasion. Popular options include Deluxe Maki Set ($28.99), a 52-piece assortment including 24 makisushi, 24 hosomaki and four inari pieces. Seafood enthusiasts will enjoy the Family Set ($28.99), a 45-piece assortment of nigiri, inari, makisushi and hosomaki — including ahi, salmon and shrimp selections. The ultimate sushi assortment can be found with Kamaaina Plate ($48, order at least two hours in advance, no raw fish), an assortment of 98 pieces such as inari, makisushi and hosomaki. “Our party plates are great for special events because they are delicious and reasonably priced,” sub-manager Kyle Higashide explains. “They also include all kinds of popular sushi that appeal to everyone. The sushi is specifically selected for parties and all types of special occasions.”

Kozo Sushi also serves up freshly made bentos, such as Teri Chicken Bento ($7.50), which presents soba noodles, salad, sushi and tasty teriyaki chicken in a savory sauce atop a bed of rice. Chicken Katsu Bento ($7.50) offers a hearty portion of chicken topped with a special katsu sauce accompanied by two pieces of California-style sushi, cone sushi and salad. As a special scoop for Dining Out readers, Kozo Sushi now serves brown rice as a healthier alternative to white rice in both the aforementioned bentos as well as in various maki dishes.

When it comes to serving up fresh, local flavors and superb sushi, Kozo staffers do so with a smile — a characteristic of the restaurant group’s commitment to customer service. Offering some of Hawaii’s freshest and most innovative sushi options, Kozo Sushi is definitely on a roll.

Kozo Sushi

WHERE// 638 Keeaumoku St. No. 101, Honolulu
(in addition to four other locations)
CALL// 946-KOZO (5696)
HOURS// Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.;
Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.;
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WEB// www.KozoSushiHawaii.com