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    Carte Blanche

    4.5 (80 reviews)
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    CARTE BLANCHE ATMOSPHERE

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    Michelle D.

    My friend told me to pick a place for my birthday, so I started scrolling through Yelp and came across this spot. From the photos, it looked like it had a luxurious and elevated vibe -- and the one dish that really caught my eye was the Duck Wellington. I'm a huge duck lover, so I figured, why not give it a shot? My friend arrived a bit early for our reservation, and I came in shortly after. When I first walked in, there wasn't a greeting right away, but I was just excited to see my friend! After a few minutes of chatting, we were greeted by Anthony, who let us know he'd be taking our order shortly. We ended up going with the prix fixe menu along with a few supplements. The food was absolutely delicious. My favorites were the scallop dish and the lamb at the end -- the lamb was incredibly soft and tender; I couldn't get enough of it. Anthony also came by to chat with us, and you could really feel his passion for cooking through his food and the way he shared his story. I usually don't love fine dining spots, but this is one I'd definitely come back to!

    Caprese Pani Puri
    Alyssa D.

    Booked this place bc I wanted to try some place new and fancy. I'm not a pre fixed menu kind of person but this menu did not disappoint. Book your reservations for flavorful and next level food art experience. The attention to detail in every dish truly made this experience worth while and the burst of flavors in each dish offered a surprise to your sense. The pani puri was a combination of crunch, slight tomato acidity and the aromatics of the pesto. All the flavors combined together in a one bite bunch. French onion soup: my husbands favorite! The chunky onions gave flavor in every bite. Personally love the cheesy crunchy topping was my favorite. Watermelon Granita: who knew that there's such thing as a pallet cleaner other than ginger! I enjoyed this cold, icy and slight pickled dish. Seemed like slightly frozen watermelon rind served with a slightly salty, delicately rolled crunchy thing: maybe like a daikon? Kinda wish I had more of it even if it was intended to be a pallet cleanser. Pan seared scallops: divine!!! Such a flavorful scallop topped with lava salt, a nice char, and tomato based sauce artistically plated with micro greens and shrimp toast. Would order more scallops if I could, selfishly wanted to eat more than 3. But the portions were for the best in hindsight :) Smoked pork belly: not a huge pork fan but this was definitely flavorful and I enjoyed the salad and Brussels. Nice way to be "healthy" while enjoying the fatty slices of glazed pork. Didn't get to try the Australian Picanha bc it's required to have two chefs in the kitchen and one chef was on paternity. Wasn't a big deal for us especially since they did call me a week before letting me know that they would be one chef down. So I truly appreciated the customer service. Lastly the molten Ube: not too sweet and not overly dominating in the Ube crème flavors. Crunch, not oily, and the haupia glaze added another layer to this dessert. As this is a pre fixed menu, please note that sizes may seem small at first but at the end of it all, my husband and I were full. Perfectly content with my choice and risk to try a pre fixed I'm impressed and satisfied with Carte Blanche. Having experience in the Architect and Engineering world, The decor was emasculate. Details worked into the atmosphere to keep up with the white and gold theme truly makes this place intimate and bougie.

    Local ingredients
    CJ M.

    An evening to remember. Tonight's Prix Fixe Menu at Carte Blanche was nothing short of excellence. Each course was crafted with such creativity and balance: * Crispy Salt & Vinegar Chicken Skin with Smoked Trout Roe & Herbs: Each little section had its own unique flavors. * Soupe de Poisson with grilled City Bread from The Breadshop & Rouille: Sean said this was his favorite. He literally was wiping up the soup with his fingers. Haha! * Pina Colada Granita - the perfect palate cleanser! * Pan-Seared Scallops with Corn Béchamel, Polenta & Fresh Relish: Amazing texture and flavors. Scallops were super fresh and cooked to perfection. * Double Cut Rack of Lamb with Charred Savoy Cabbage & Miso Red Wine Sauce: I was thiiiis close to licking my plate. Super YUM! * Lemon Crème Brûlée Tart with Summer Berry Jam: There's nothing like pairing lemon and berries... but to brûlée the top, oh man!! And as a special treat, we even got to pre-sample the dessert for the upcoming November menu - such a sweet sneak peek of what's to come! + Hint: Favorite Local Snack. Grateful for this beautiful dining experience where every bite told a story in this beautiful atmosphere. 10/10 Highly recommended. 5 Stars!

    Qi G.

    This spot is truly a hidden gem. My husband and I had a wonderful experience dining here and thoroughly enjoyed the company of the Chef. All dishes were delicious and meticulously plated. The French onion soup was our favorite followed by the succulent cha sew pork. We will definitely be returning on our next trip to Hawaii!

    Menu
    Fuji S.

    We had a wonderful experience with great food and staff. The A5 Wagyu Tartar was so tasty and a perfect appetizer. I thoroughly enjoyed the pre-fixe menu where you sample everything. A new seasonal menu will come out in November.

    Cucumber and melon granita
    Vivian L.

    We came here to celebrate a friend's birthday. The restaurant was quite small but the interior has a modern classy vibe. We went on a weekday and the place was empty. We were the only ones occupying a table until another party came in after we were about to leave. Even when we're the only ones there, it wasn't uncomfortable since both chefs were focusing on preparing the dishes. We had some cases where some servers at other places would stare at us eating or conversing which made us very uncomfortable. Anyways, when we were seated one of the chefs introduced the prix fixe menu that consist of 5 courses. There is also a kids menu and additional supplement menu. Caprese pani puri: I've tried pani puri once at a wedding and I was not a fan. However, this pani puri was delicious. The pesto and burrata were fresh. The tomato water poured in was a burst of flavor. The outer crisp was so light and thin. French onion soup: The soup presentation was absolutely beautiful. The top pasty grid was flaky and buttery. There were some lumps on top with a savory filling, I assume creamy onions that were delicious. The soup itself however was very salty. Even with the pastry broken in and mixed with the soup, it was still quite salty. Cucumber and melon granita: Very nice palette cleanser. It's helps cleanse the saltiness of the soup. Cold smoked ora king salmon: My favorite dish of the night. I rarely eat salmon at restaurants since it's tend to be overcooked or dry. The king salmon was the best I've had that I wished I can ordered an additional one to go. The dish was like an elevated version of a Hawaiian salmon lomi lomi. The salmon was very moist and soft. It was very buttery with a good amount of oil and fat. It was cooked perfectly. The tiny chops of tomatoes and onions were fresh and the charred cabbage was so savory. 72 hours not just braised short rib "steak": The braised short ribs were so soft and tender. The fried ulu and the foam sauce was delicious and goes well with the short ribs. The only thing we couldn't finish was the fried shiso. It was stuffed with other ingredients that made it taste quite peculiar and odd. Molten and frozen fried ube potato pie: This definitely reminds me of McDonald taro pie. The one fries under the pie was a cute addition. It was good. A good dessert to end an amazing meal. Overall, an amazing dinner. The prix fixe menu included 5 delicious dishes that were quite filling. For $74 each person, this was a great dinner with a good deal. It was disappointing that we couldn't try their duck Wellington since it wasn't available the night we visited. I did hear recently that you can request for it beforehand when making your reservation so they can prepare. This place definitely needs more recognition.

    Tony T.

    Chef Anthony and his cook have chosen a different route, one that is marked by purpose, integrity, and undeniable talent, in an era when many kitchens follow trends. Their restaurant serves more than just food; it tells a story through expertly and passionately prepared food. The entire meal feels like a conversation between the chef and the diner, from the first course to the last drink. Not only are you eating, but you're also listening, learning, and enjoying. From the very first bite, it's evident that this kitchen has soul. Chef Anthony is a visionary leader, but he is not by himself. Every garnish has a purpose, and every dish is expertly prepared. A restaurant founded on excellence rather than ego is something that Chef Anthony and his cook are creating in a unique way. Come hungry, leave inspired.

    Cold Smoked Ora King Salmon
    Jillian T.

    Located on 11th Ave in Kaimuki, next to where their AV storefront is. Parking upfront seems to be reserved for their staff, so we parked in the main gated parking area in the back. We couldn't quite figure out if there was a pathway to cut straight into the restaurant from the parking lot, so we walked around, if that makes sense. Look to enter through the brown wooden door, not the white covered glass doors with a lock on it. All this for just $74, such a steal! The portion sizes were huge and we were already full, by the time we finished the salmon course. Very interesting concept, though I wish the menu was a little bit more cohesive throughout the evening. There were blips of wins and areas of opportunity, but definitely worth a try. The inside of the restaurant is very clean and a total vibe where it feels like you're in a different location entirely (you can't hear any of the outside street noise from inside). As for the service, it was a 3-man show when we went there. Looked to be one main guy cooking, another one helping/running the food, along with a sommelier. The sommelier was under the weather for the evening, so he was helping to cook the food (TMI, though I appreciate the honesty). Every dish was explained and they were able to accommodate my nut allergy, thank you for that! My opinions on the following, take it with a grain of salt: Pani Puri - I personally didn't care for the burrata cheese inside, as I'm accustomed to the Indian street food version, but I appreciate the creativity on that. French Onion Soup - on point! The croquette on top yummy, when you mix it with the soup base yummy. Not too salty, just the right temperature. Cucumber and Melon Granita - Not my favorite, tasted like watermelon rind. And the pickles threw me way off. Maybe like a brighter zestier note if it's supposed to be like a palate cleanser, perhaps something yuzu? Cold Smoked Ora King Salmon - I personally love squid luau or luau in general and this was the fanciest I've ever seen a Hawaiian-inspired dish. Portion size is huge, all the flavors meshed very well together. 72 Hour Not Just Braised Short Rib "Steak" - presentation and plating may help gel the flavors better. I enjoyed the components separately because it felt like too much of the aioli or mentaiko foam that was on the plate. Less of that, off to the side, next to the salad, and the meat off to the side is what I'm envisioning. The crispy stuffed shiso leaf topping was not my favorite. I think the cassava filling threw me off. Molten & Frozen Fried Ube Potato Pie - my only wish was to have more of this! Everything on point here! Great date night or girls night out spot! I'm interested to see how often they change up their menus and to see what else they come up with next!

    Seared Scallops

    This is our second time here. Last time we neglected to post a review. This is becoming one of our favorite restaurant. Two words to describe this restaurant; Hidden gem! We had the prix fix winter menu and added the Duck Wellington. Call in a week in advance so the can have it prepared as it is not on the regular menu. You won't be disappointed. Everything was superb...Winter Forest Floor, French Onion.soup, Ravioli, Seared Scallops, Duck Wellington and followed up with the Pop Coen Ice Cream...yes it does taste like buttered popcorn! It was the absolute bomb. Chef Anthony and Aiden were very attentive and provided stellar service. Ten star experience!

    Jaclyn C.

    Came here for a bday/ Xmas celebration. They have a set menu for the holidays so we didn't get to try the infamous duck wellington. We could just imagine how good it is as everything on their pre fix menu were great!! Their foie gras with bread - that bread was so buttery and soft! The onion soup was sooo delicious and you must try their fried chicken! They ran out of caviar so we only got to try the regular order, it was super juicy! I highly recommended if you are looking for a place for any kind of celebration!

    French onion soup

    Hands-down one of the best romantic date spots on the island. The food is well prepared and the taste is out of this world. I would definitely recommend checking out Carte Blanche if you've never been there.

    Fish soup
    Nancy Y.

    We had a great dinner at Carte Blanche. It's a prie fixe menu. Started with Chicken skin with daps of salmon roe and I think it was sour cream. Seafood soup with edible flowers. Soup was a bit salty, but they took it back and watered it down for us. The scallops were one of the best we've ever had. It's seared on the outside and cook perfectly on the inside. The lamb chop was cooked medium to medium-rare, which was perfect. Last came the dessert, lemon tart with a berry filling. Flavoring is good however, the crust was a bit too hard. The price was quite inexpensive.$77/pp. definitely enough food for us because we're not really big eaters. However, I can see someone with a healthier appetite will not be full. I think they should also offer an à la carte menu for additional selection. We will return to try again in a couple of months.

    Ube Sweet Potato Pie
    Brad O.

    One of the most creative restaurants I've eaten at. It is a little off the beaten path from Waikiki, but it is well worth the Uber ride out! We came here for my girlfriend's birthday dinner and were not disappointed. We were the only guests there for 8:30 dinner on a Thursday. The place is small and only opened four months ago, and it felt like an exclusive dining experience. The waiter gave us a great recommendation for wine that paired well with both of our dinners. Everything was amazing! What stood out to me us the way they pair Hawaiian flavors with fine dining -- it is arguably more of a Hawaiian culinary experience than anywhere else. The waiter was knowledgeable and explained the source of ingredients and all the meticulous work that goes into preparing the food. If you want a luxurious meal in Honolulu/Waikiki, this is the place to be!

    2019 DuMol Pinot Noir

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    8 months ago

    Very personalized dining experience for those with food allergies. Food and service was excellent.

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    Wonderful ambience and decor. The lamb was fantastic! Our server was very nice and helpful.

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    Ask the Community - Carte Blanche

    Are there ala carte menu items?

    So you pay $30 pp for any bottle of wine on the menu?

    Correct works out well if all drink wine

    Do they have a vegetarian or pescetarian option?

    My wife and I are are pescatarians. The salmon was amazing! Enjoyed it so much went back two weeks later and had it again! Going back in three weeks and will probably do the same.

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    Solera

    Solera

    4.4
    (311 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$$

    The world food tour reconvened at Solera, in the Ritz-Carlton. The last time we dined here it was…read moreLa Vie. There were wine specials and I took advantage of this offering, choosing a 2023 Beaune Boucherottes from Louis Jadot. Our server (Malama) brought a 2021, which was great from my perspective. This wine sells for $180 and was listed at $177; what a deal! We chose Bone Marrow ($32), Beets and Strawberry Salad ($28) as our starters. Entrees were the Butchers Cut, which offered Filet, Ribeye or NY Strip ($70). I chose the NY strip and ordered Foie Gras ($32) to accompany it. Our other entrée was the Huli Hainan Chicken Plate ($42). Malama told us the Foie Gras was a mousse, so I asked her to bring it out with the other two appetizers. The Bone Marrow plate came with two halves of bone and four pieces of toasted ciabatta. The Foie Gras dish was interesting ... Three piped dollops of foie gras mousse, with three quenelles of a pineapple mostarda and a plate of Madeleines. The Beets & Strawberry Salad was a visual and taste treat ... It was my favorite of the three starters. The foie gras atop the Madeleine was too sweet for our palates; it was much more successful on the toasted ciabatta that accompanied the bone marrow. The NY Strip came sliced, with another bone marrow and mashed potatoes. The Hainan Chicken came with ginger scallion rice, lomi tomato chile, dark soy (which was very watery), slices of cucumber and cilantro. The chicken was the least successful dish we've had here. I give the executive chef kudos to add variety to the menu. The steak came with a container of miso bordelaise ... I thought it was okay, my tablemate didn't like it. I tried the foie gras mousse on pieces of steak ... It was okay. We had the steak and chicken dishes boxed and perused the dessert menu. I don't usually eat dessert so the decision on what to order is left to my fellow foodie. She chose the Flourless Chocolate Cake ($16); I asked for a cup of coffee ($11). The cake was rich and dense, almost like fudge. We boxed that up ... My fellow foodie has enough food for next week. What did we think? The décor is pretty much the same as when it operated as La Vie, except for the addition of black tablecloths. There was a pianist playing near the bar ... That added a nice touch to the ambience of the place. Service was fine but not what we were looking for. We gave Solera a rating of 4 (perhaps a touch under). We expect a bit more when the bill is $427.22 (plus tip).

    Solera is located right across the lobby on the 7th floor of the The Ritz-Carlton Residences…read moreWaikiki Beach. My husband and I stayed here for our honeymoon and decided to try Solera since we had a breakfast credit each morning. WOW is all I have to say. The food was absolutely incredible. We each got a drink--I ordered a matcha and he got a latte, and both were so good. For food, we shared the Hawaiian omelette, and they did not hold back on the meat. The service was top-notch. Our servers were attentive without being overbearing and checked in just the right amount, which always makes a difference. I would highly recommend Solera for both drinks and food--definitely worth a visit.

    Photos
    Open-Air Dining Room
    Open-Air Dining Room
    Torched Hamachi Crudo
    Torched Hamachi Crudo
    Champagne & Caviar

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    Champagne & Caviar
    La Mer

    La Mer

    4.4
    (553 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$$$

    La Mer was the most beautiful place to celebrate my birthday! From the moment we arrived, the…read moreservice was impeccable and made the evening feel incredibly special. The ocean views were absolutely stunning, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration. One of our favorite touches was the variety of bread rolls to choose from, all freshly baked at the Halekulani bakery. Paired with their specialty butter, it was such a lovely complement to the meal. For my entrée, I ordered the Filet de Boeuf, which was cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious. We also enjoyed a variety of desserts, and every single one was exceptional. The combination of outstanding service, breathtaking views, and incredible food made this a birthday dinner I'll never forget. We loved everything and can't wait to return!

    My wife and I celebrated our babymoon here and we were both quite disappointed. I want to preface…read moreby saying I honestly do not think my wife and I are very picky eaters as we have dined at countless fine dining restaurants and typically we are quite satisfied after. However, at La Mer, I think almost every dish we just didn't like. For example, the first course was a foie gras dish with cotton candy which incorporated a sweet element with the foie gras. Not a good combination in my opinion. All of the other dishes weren't bad per se, but they weren't dishes that we felt ourselves wanting to eat or wanting to finish. I know restaurants change their menu's all the time so maybe it was just the dishes we happened to get that we didn't like. The manager did come to check in on us and we communicated how we honestly felt. They did make a very nice gesture of removing 2 of our drinks and 2 of our desserts which was appreciated. On the plus side, the restaurant sits on the 2nd floor and has great views of the ocean. The decor is also nice and the service was good. Just not our cup of tea and we personally wouldn't go back or recommend.

    Photos
    Restaurant inside.
    Restaurant inside.
    Vanilla Soufflé, Spiced Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Banana Cream Sauce $40
    Vanilla Soufflé, Spiced Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Banana Cream Sauce $40
    Cold soup with lobster pure

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    Cold soup with lobster pure
    Duc's Bistro

    Duc's Bistro

    4.5
    (434 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$$

    Blast from the past! Have not been to Duc's Bistro in maybe... 10 years? maybe more!!!! I…read moreremember well the food being outstanding and the service was more than what I had then expected.... Here is my story: Located in the same place for 35 years plus. Duc opened his restaurant in the 1980's. Duc's Bistro is one of the original ethnic Vietnamese restaurants who opened in the 1980's and still continues to serve our community. Do not leave without bidding aloha to Duc who today is in the kitchen with his wife who both prepares all the food. His son now runs the front of the house along with staffers who have been there for years on end. The food is French Vietnamese. Of their slim clear concise menu, my favorite is their Roast Pork and Duck Pate. While all the dishes are good, those two stand out for me. And be sure you save room for their desserts. Their dishes are prepared and served such that if you choose to dine "family style" you have definitely sat at the right Establishment. The location remains the same. First Establishment on the westside of MaunaKea and Beretania Streets. Validated parking if you can get a staff in the lot across the street from Duc's. Bright Pink and Green Neon Sign for Duc's Bistro. You cannot miss it! Full bar or $25 corkage if you bring your own wine. Soft drinks and Vietnamese Hot or Cold coffee available also. Price point is approximately $50 per head from start to finish. Plan to have a meal there! You will not be disappointed.

    I walked in at 7 and they said they were closing early because they took all of their reservations…read more Pretty bad because I was looking forward to trying this place

    Photos
    Duc's Bistro
    Vanilla creme brulee and affogatto
    Vanilla creme brulee and affogatto
    Peppercorn prawns (Tom Rang Muoi).....32 Large Tiger Prawns sautéed with red sea salt and roasted black pepper

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    Peppercorn prawns (Tom Rang Muoi).....32 Large Tiger Prawns sautéed with red sea salt and roasted black pepper
    Mugen

    Mugen

    4.5
    (140 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$$$

    My mom flew in from Florida, and I drove an hour and a half from the North Shore just for breakfast…read moreat Mugen, and somehow it still exceeded every expectation. This place is a hidden gem. Hard to find, absolutely worth it, and honestly the crown jewel of Waikīkī. The second you walk in, you will understand. The atmosphere at Mugen is iconic. If I ever owned a restaurant, I'd want it to look exactly like this. A divine bar lined with velvet chairs, moody dark walls, glitter-flecked tables, and private event spaces separated by elegant glass partitions. Every detail feels luxurious without trying too hard. Now the breakfast... Shockingly affordable for the level of quality. Cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso drinks around $10, and every bite looked like art. We shared the smoked salmon avocado toast topped with edible flowers, sea asparagus, tomatoes cut into flower shapes, all on perfectly toasted sourdough. Then came the bananas foster french toast with syrup, whipped cream, vanilla-infused honey, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Is your mouth watering? Mine still is. Only AFTER breakfast did we ask to see the dinner menu, and immediately realized we were idiots for not planning our entire lives around coming back for dinner too. But what truly made this experience unforgettable was Koji. Kind, knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely fabulous service. After hearing us rave about the space and me saying I couldn't imagine what was hidden behind these walls, he actually connected us with Vernon from ESPACIO, who personally gave us a full tour of the property. And WOW. The hotel was renovated from 77 rooms into just 9 full-floor luxury suites, each over 2,500 square feet. Multiple bedrooms. Sweeping views of the pink Royal Hawaiian, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, the giant banyan tree, and Diamond Head. The orchid carpet in the Diamond Suite on the 9th floor? I MUST have that in my future dream home someday. And that dragon tiled mural on the bottom of the pool? Bring your snorkel! Was I inspired to become a millionaire after this experience? Yes. Yes I was. Enjoy this place like I did. Bring your family. Tell your friends. Ask for Koji and Vernon. And tell them Crazy Katie from the North Shore sent you. All my love and aloha.

    I highly recommend you try here at least once!…read more From the moment we walked we were greeted and seated promptly. The hostess and wait staff are all so friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating! The restaurant is very intimate and surprisingly not very noisy. The food is excellent. Every dish was flavorful and delicious! The lobster was cooked to perfection! The complimentary valet service is directly in front of the restaurant. The valet attendant was really nice and personable. I enjoyed talking with him while we waited for our car.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Afternoon Tea Spring 2025 - "De Pattie" - Oxtail and curried channa aloo
    Afternoon Tea Spring 2025 - "De Pattie" - Oxtail and curried channa aloo
    Afternoon Tea Spring 2025 - Ashwaganda beet root cured king salmon w/ avocado, blood orange in filo nest)

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    Afternoon Tea Spring 2025 - Ashwaganda beet root cured king salmon w/ avocado, blood orange in filo nest)
    natuRe waikiki

    natuRe waikiki

    4.4
    (235 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$$$

    5/5 We did the…read morePetite Course Experience on a recent evening and it absolutely delivered, romantic, upscale, and unlike anything else we've experienced here in Hawaii. My husband went with the Beef Selection ($88) and while everything was beautifully executed, the standout was hands-down the Kiawe Filet Mignon; perfectly cooked and full of smoky, rich flavor. The Pincho with Local Papaya & Prosciutto was the one dish that didn't quite land for him personally, but that's a minor note in an otherwise stellar meal. Dessert was a Purple Sweet Potato Mont Blanc served with Cashew Vanilla Ice Cream and Macadamia Nut Crumble; creative and indulgent. loved every course. The Charcoal-Battered Heart of Palm was a showstopper; such a unique preparation. The Local Veggie Pesto Pasta was comforting and fresh at the same time. My only minor critique mirrors my husband's on dessert; the Purple Sweet Potato Mont Blanc was lovely, but one bite of the sweet potato element was plenty for me. The ice cream and crumble though? Could have had a whole bowl of that. The seating window (we did the 5:30 seating) felt intimate and unhurried. If you're looking for a special occasion dinner or just want to treat yourself to something truly elevated, this is it.

    A thoughtful tasting menu from a Hale ʻAina award-winning chef, with highs and a few misses…read more The standout of the night was the abalone steamed in sake over green curry risotto. Absolutely dreamy!! The abalone steamed with Sake was beautifully tender, and the green curry risotto absolutely knocked it outta da park!!! The squid with cauliflower dashi foam was another strong dish. The squid was incredibly tender, and the dashi sea foam was light, airy, and full of subtle umami. A great example of the chef's precision. Overall, the cooking shows a clear command of refined, "chefy" techniques The turnip mousse with caviar and olive oil , served in a coupe-style glass, was elegant in presentation but didn't quite deliver in balance. The turnip mousse was a bit too dominant and overpowered the caviar. The mushroom duxelles ravioli stuffed with mascarpone and ricotta also fell short. The pasta was undercooked to the point of chewiness . Firmer than expected for my taste even for al dente. It definitely distracted from delicate stuffing The chicken and mushroom reduction sauce definitely carried the dish, bringing depth of flavor. From a service standpoint, one moment stood out. When asked how the ravioli was, I gave honest feedback and was told that's how the chef intended it to be. That showed lack of grace for fine dining and didn't land well. If you're going to ask for feedback, don't be dismissive and defensive of the feedback. Also worth noting: after a $600 dinner for two, we asked for espresso at the end of the meal and were told the machine had already been turned off because they were closed. It's hard to take a "fine dining" restaurant seriously, when that happens. Overall, there's a lot of skill and thoughtful technique here, with some genuinely standout dishes . But also a few inconsistencies that keep it from being a top-tier experience. Happy Eating!! 38

    Photos
    natuRe waikiki
    Charcoal battered heart of palm beignet
    Charcoal battered heart of palm beignet
    Fish en croute (fish of the day was amberjack)

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    Fish en croute (fish of the day was amberjack)
    Michel's At The Colony Surf

    Michel's At The Colony Surf

    4.1
    (889 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$$

    This was one of the best dining experiences we've had in Hawaii and will be back for more. The…read moreservice was exceptional from start to finish. The staff remembered our names and struck the perfect balance between being attentive and giving us space to enjoy the evening. The waterfront views are nice and make for a perfect date night setting. Everything we ordered was fantastic, but the seafood platter truly stood out. It was easily the best seafood platter we've had to date and worth every penny. I rarely order dessert, but I'm glad we did here. The soufflé was incredible and the perfect way to end the meal. Between the food, service, and atmosphere, this is a place we'll definitely be returning to. Absolutely recommend! Note: if you want seaside seatings, you have to book months in advance.

    I have been coming to Michels for over 50 years. My family ate there on occasion when we lived…read morethere and I always try to visit every time I come to the island. I came with a party of 9 and it was delicious as always. However this time I noticed there was very little lobster in the bisque and it tasted different (and not in a good way). The broth was brown and not the normal creamy pinkish color. They have also executed the cardinal sin for me. They are charging for refills of cokes and tea. A classy restaurant like this charging you $8 to refill your tea class just becomes gouging. A glass of iced tea probably cost the restaurant 8 cents to make. So petty!!! The ambiance is spectacular. The food was great minus the bisque. It is expensive and the view alone is one of the most spectacular on the island as it is if you are sitting on the beach watching the sunset. They just took it too far with the drinks. I still like the food but I will not be returning simply due to the refill fiasco. It makes me feel like they are taking advantage of me. I hope that markup on your non alcoholic drinks were worth it. You just lost a loyal customer of 50 years.

    Photos
    Tableside bananas foster!
    Tableside bananas foster!
    Gelato: Dark Giandui Hazelnut Chocolate + Tahitian Vanilla
    Gelato: Dark Giandui Hazelnut Chocolate + Tahitian Vanilla
    French Inspired Aesthetic

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    French Inspired Aesthetic
    El Cielo

    El Cielo

    4.6
    (260 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$

    Review 33 (2026) We…read morelove El Cielo. This was the third time to come and eat. The first time we came, we didn't know what to order for Spain Foods. I have no idea of any menu. We ordered Seafood Paella, Mushrooms appetizer. The second time we added different menu. Seafood Paella, added Shrimp Ajillo with fresh homemade bread, Arugula beets salad. The third time ( this time ) we added another different menu. The more we come, the more we can try new menu and enjoy new tastes. Honestly El Cielo, all menu we tried even wine and draft beers, were top class, I love to nominate as the best restaurant in Hawaii. I am so glad I found the great restaurant, I was seeking for. Prices were not bad, as inflation everything costs are so expensive nowadays. Everywhere!! Their services are great too. If I live close by I would go El Cielo once or twice a week. Thank you so much. I will love to come back soon again.

    Better than I expected.... Waikiki? I expected it to be expensive, touristy and overhyped. And yes,…read moreit is pricey and touristy. But the food is solidly good... I really enjoyed the octopus. Not too soft. It came with a nice chew and sat on a bed of thinly sliced potatoes. I could've eaten the whole dish by myself...No sharing next time. The egg custard was light, with a hint of bacon flavor. It was served in the shell in a high heeled shoe dish. So cute! The entrées were a bit of a different story... I ordered the pork shoulder at first and the waiter recommended it be done, medium rare. I have to say I am no longer a fan of bloody meat so I asked for it to be done medium. Honestly, it arrived and to my palate was a bit tasteless.... given that it was almost $60 I thought twice but was encouraged to send it back. The waiter was accommodating and I ordered the lamb chops instead. Two thick sliced lamb chops arrived about 15 minutes later and were a perfect medium served on a bed of potato and sweet potato. I really enjoyed this.... I like my lamb chops usually grilled, juicy and fatty. These were refined, trimmed of the fat and beautifully plated. I'd like to try the paella next time and more of the appetizers. Really good choice of fancy little cocktails also. I would reserve the back room for sure next time. That room has high ceilings and feels elevated. The front room where we sat was OK. I'd also opt for the outside seating area on a breezy evening... Otherwise it can be rather humid in the summer. Overall, excellent service and delicious food offerings. A bit pricey to be expected given the area.

    Photos
    Gorgeous setting
    Gorgeous setting
    Octopus ala Gallega
    Octopus ala Gallega
    Custom Negro Truffle and Mushroom Paella

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    Custom Negro Truffle and Mushroom Paella

    Carte Blanche - asianfusion - Updated July 2026

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