Morimoto Sushi in Maui

It’s about time we chatted about one of my new favorite places in Maui.

Morimoto.

Have you heard of Chef Morimoto before?

I’m an ashamed blogger, because I hadn’t! But Morimoto is the famous Iron Chef, food network star. Who knew? (Okay, many people, just not me.) 

Anyways, Morimoto has opened up a new restaurant at the Andaz resort in Maui.

The Andaz is by far one of the most beautiful resorts I’ve ever been to. The best way to describe it is modern beach luxe. The design is flawless and the hotel resembles modern art more than a luxury resort.

We didn’t stay there during our trip so I can’t vouch for the rooms, but if we ever return to Maui, we’d love to stay a night.

Sorry everyone, I just have a massive hotel crush on the Andaz.

Now let’s get to foodie business!

We drove a quick few minutes from our condo and arrived at the Andaz…

Here’s a look back at the entryway from reception. No turning back now.

The reception area is beautiful, with this sandy centerpiece as the focal point of the seating area.

We arrived a little bit before our reservation so we admired the views.

And took a few snapshots, obviously.

It wasn’t long before the sun lowered in the sky.

I loved the infinity pools. Someday, surely, I need a lovely vacation home that has one (speaking of which, I’d need a vacation home too)…

Enough playing in the water, we had sushi to be eating.

We walked down an endless series of staircases until we reached the restaurant.

Morimoto’s is surprisingly located poolside at the Andaz.

We were led to our table.

I thought it was rather interesting that you are seated poolside. Kids are still around splashing and playing games. So it’s kind of a romantic evening mood killer.

The pools themselves are really incredible looking, but I thought it was strangely out of place for such a critically acclaimed restaurant.

Regardless, we wanted to enjoy ourselves, so we pushed those thoughts aside.

As it was the last night of our honeymoon, we were presented with a sample of champagne. I love the thought of the free champagne (obviously) but it would have been nice to have more than two sips in a glass. Still, I’ve never been known to turn down champagne before…

We kicked things off with an appetizer. We’d heard great things about the Rock Shrimp Tempura, so we ordered up.

This was very tasty. The orange colored shrimp is the spicy kochujan sauce the other the wasabi aïoli. It was unique to our taste buds, but in a good way. I would definitely order this again.

A lovely thing about Morimoto’s was the attention of our server. I wasn’t sure what wine I wanted, so he happily let me try a couple different samples until I found the perfect one. I thought this was a pleasant touch and it never seemed like that request was bothersome. Good points here.

We had decided before we went (because I am crazy and look up menus of restaurants and pick out what I like days before I even go) that we wanted to get a platter of sushi, the chef’s combination. Our server wasn’t a huge enthusiast of this. But he recommended the sashimi platter. We figured, it’s our last night. Let’s go for it.

Well, we probably should have thought more about this and maybe this was a lesson to be learned.

Listen to your server. The platter was massive. Way too much for us.

I couldn’t even begin to tell you which fish was which. I’m sorry. I desperately tried to be attentive and know each and every one, but I was far too eager to get eating.

It was delicious.

The fish was so incredibly fresh, which is ideal you know, as that’s the entire concept behind sushi and sashimi.

The colors are vivid and the flavoring light. But we couldn’t possibly eat all of it… especially as we maaaaaybe had ordered a California roll too.

It’s Joe’s favorite! We had to!

Each review that I post up on Flat Eleven, I feel like I always end the food review as… and then we were stuffed.

Well, it’s another one y’all.

We were stuffed. I’m not sure I’ve ever had so much sushi and sashimi in my life.

But you know what? It was worth it.

We really enjoyed Morimoto’s restaurant. Aside from a couple of aesthetic qualms, I’d be keen to return.

Naturally, we paused for a quick photo opp before leaving.

And a last peek at the hotel we wish we’d spent a few nights in.

So let’s chat sushi!

What’s your favorite kind of sushi?

I’d definitely love to hear some recommendations. As I generally order tons of sushi and never remember what I’ve ordered… case in point, this post.

PS. Thoughts on the Andaz? I’m still swooning over it! 

xx Kelly