We really wanted to have a great experience at Brown's Beach House. We stay at Fairmont properties whenever we can, so we had high expectations for a restaurant at the Fairmont Orchid. Unfortunately, the experience felt a little short of what we normally expect from a Fairmont.
There were definitely some highlights.
The warm ube dinner rolls with butter and local honey were delicious. The octopus was also really good, although we wished there was more of it. The scallops were cooked and beautifully charred, but unfortunately were a little too salty.
The Poisson Cru was where we were most disappointed. Being part Tahitian and having spent time in Tahiti, Mo'orea, and Bora Bora, we know what Poisson Cru should taste like. This version was far too cooked and was missing the bright citrus and fresh flavor that makes the dish so special. The addition of sweet potato chips also felt unnecessary and distracted from the dish.
The Mahi Mahi was another disappointment. It was overcooked and, especially at this price point of $75, just felt mediocre. We were honestly surprised because this is a dish that should be a standout at a restaurant in Hawai'i.
Our server, Bruce, was friendly and pleasant. While there were some opportunities for a higher level of service, we also understand that service can vary from night to night.
One of the highlights of the evening was Rommel, who was helping with water and bussing. He was very attentive, efficient, and genuinely showed Aloha. He noticed the little things, checked on us regularly, and even brought us extra ube rolls to take home. We appreciated the extra effort and ended up tipping him separately. He was a great part of our experience.
The ambiance is quiet and beautiful, which can be nice for a relaxed dinner, although the music felt a little too slow and subdued for us. We also had an unusual issue with the landscaping. Many small palm fronds kept falling onto our table and into our food, and there were quite a few little bugs flying around our faces and food throughout dinner. Not exactly what you expect from a high-end beachfront dining experience.
We also learned that the restaurant stopped offering the Kamaʻāina discount about three months ago. Bruce did offer to comp the Poisson Cru, which we appreciated and thought was a nice gesture.
Overall, Brown's Beach House has a beautiful setting and some genuinely good elements, but the food and overall experience did not quite hit the level we expected from a Fairmont property.
We would come back for the sunset and the setting, and hopefully have a stronger dining experience next time. And if you're there, say hello to Rommel. He brought some genuine Aloha to our evening, and that stood out. read more