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    Goen Dining + Bar

    4.0 (541 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Goen Dining + Bar Photos

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    GOEN DINING + BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
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    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - Goen Dining + Bar

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    Kevin V.

    Chef Roy Yamahuchi has a winner with this pan-Asian/American restaurant. Its amazing, especially for a nice date in the downtown Kailua area of Oahu, though a little pricey (but worth it). From the spicy edamame appetizer to their filet minon steak, sushi, pasta, or fresh fish main courses like the butterfish and sea bass to name a few things I tried. The presentation is beautiful and the cocktails are creative and fun!! This is a hip place to go. They even have live music certain days of the week. I love going back to where I was born and the Kailua neighborhood where I grew up and visit this restaurant, which I just did for a second time cause it was so special the first time I visited Goen back in 2021.

    White Sangria
    Kimberly D.

    Visited Goen to meet a friend and had a great experience. The space is open, big, and really inviting. A nice place to hang out and catch up. We ordered the beef with mashed potatoes, some sushi, and the fish and chips. Everything tasted good and came out nicely prepared. We also had a few drinks, and the overall vibe was relaxed and comfortable. There's parking available, and we didn't have to wait for a table, which made it even better. Solid spot for a casual meal, drinks, and good conversation. Would return.

    Tricia M.

    Service was 5, food 5 music 5 We just made it in time for happy hour . Had the brussel sprouts, fries, California roll, and a delicious cheese with pesto and focaccia. The dessert was awesome also!

    Zachary F.

    one word service service service !!! they are constantly filling our water , asking how the food is, very attentive and it makes you feel like you're their priority. we went during happy hour on friday 15 minutes before it was done (happy hour ends at 5:30) we like to sit inside its next to the nice staircase. the food was good, cali bites had good flavor but not too much filling. i would have liked a little more especially for $10/plate when there's only 4 pieces per plate, but none the less it was good. we'll return. especially for the ambiance of the staircase

    Fry basket
    Jess W.

    Usually, this restaurant is so good and consistent. But my last visit a few months ago was a little disappointing. Service was great as usual. But the food wasn't as good as it used to be. The burrata was pretty hard all the way through. The stracciatella wasn't as creamy or prominent as it used to be. It was also kind of tasteless. The Brussels and cauliflower were a little over done and kind of salty. The fry basket was good as usual, though. And the drinks were fine. we also enjoyed our beet salad. hopefully next visit, everything will be back to its usual amazing quality

    Japanese spaghetti
    Christian C.

    Convenient nice-casual spot in the town center in Kailua. I came with one other person at the tail end of happy hour. The happy hour menu is limited but we got the capture and garlic parm fries to share. Both were good. For our mains we got the mushroom Japanese spaghetti and the miso butter fish. The spaghetti was rich and flavorful. The miso butter fish was cooked perfectly but honestly everything the dish came with was distracting and didn't pair well with the fish. Service was attentive and friendly, and they even had live music.

    Mango Sorbet
    Tony N.

    Dined here on Christmas Day with a reservation, and despite the restaurant being completely packed (understandable for the holiday), everything went smoothly and felt genuinely festive. The ambiance was spot-on for the holiday--soft Christmas music playing in the background created that warm, joyful vibe without being overpowering. The open floor plan is really inviting: spacious, bright, and easy to move around, which made the full house feel lively rather than cramped. It's a great layout that lets you feel the energy of the room while still having an intimate table experience. We arrived right on time, were warmly greeted at the hostess stand, and only waited about 5 minutes to be seated--apparently the previous party was still finishing up at our table. No big deal at all. Every single staff member we encountered was friendly, upbeat, and made a point to wish us a Merry Christmas. It really added to the holiday spirit. Service was well-paced: our appetizers arrived together, and the mains came about 15 minutes later--perfect timing. Food highlights: - **Caesar salad**: Fresh, crisp romaine and a delicious, well-balanced dressing. Exactly what you want in a Caesar. - **Brussels sprouts & cauliflower appetizer**: Outstanding. Perfectly roasted, great seasoning, and super tasty--easily one of the best veggie apps I've had. - **Braised short rib**: Tender doesn't even begin to describe it--the meat literally fell apart with a fork. I ordered it over mashed potatoes (instead of the polenta option) and highly recommend that swap; the creamy potatoes were the ideal pairing. - **Mango sorbet** for dessert: Light, refreshing, and exactly as advertised--bright mango flavor. Paired it with a black coffee, and I was pleasantly surprised by how excellent the coffee was. Rich, smooth, no bitterness--some of the best restaurant coffee I've had in a while. Overall, a wonderful Christmas dinner experience. The team clearly put in extra effort on a busy holiday, and it showed. Highly recommend this spot, especially if you're looking for a place that's open and delivers on Christmas Day. We'll definitely be back!

    My cold chicken=(
    Dani P.

    I had high hopes for this restaurant, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the expectations. The ambiance wasn't anything special and the service was okay -- nothing special, but not terrible either. However, the real letdown was the food. The portions were noticeably small, especially considering the high prices. I wouldn't mind paying more for great quality and good service, but sadly that wasn't the case here. My dish arrived cold, and while the waiter did replace it, there was no apology or offer to make up for the inconvenience -- not even a complimentary dessert or discount. I still ended up paying full price for a subpar experience. Overall, it felt like the restaurant is more focused on appearances than on genuinely satisfying its customers. ONE and DONE.

    California dragon roll
    Lucy N.

    Wow fresh so fresh. I don't eat fish but I enjoy sushi. And normally I don't eat sashimi but I went for it! We also had the California Dragon Roll & Spicy Tuna Roll. This is my friend's favorite spot so of course they took me. I loved it all! The s'more was next level good so save room for dessert! Service was excellent- super nice servers. Food 5 stars! We ate outside & it was such a great night for it. 5 stars & I want to come back! My 1st trip & it won't be my last.

    Menu
    John P.

    I have mixed emotions about this place. We were looking for a new place and it had live music that created a peaceful atmosphere. Food: I had the Crispy Skin Smoked Salmon, my partner had Braised Beef Short Ribs. We paired it with a bottle (30% off) of a French Bordeaux. When the food arrived, I noted that the Salmon was raw in the center and I found it un-eatable. It was returned to the kitchen and I received a new plate ( guessing from the manager?). My partner experienced some swallowing issues and it seems her food was stuck in her esophagus that she described as it felt like a stone in her stomach. She ended up going to the bathroom and vomiting. The wine was excellent, the music really made the atmosphere. But the overall experience left us with not wanting to return. I'm a big fan of Roy Yamaguchi, and this is his place. I've never had issues with his establishment in Waikiki and unfortunately our first and last visit to this establishment. The service itself was excellent, our food issues were addressed quickly. This is why I have mixed feelings. When you have the perception of a negative/stressful experience it's hard to want to come back. I'm just being honest and you should go and have your own opinion about the food and atmosphere. At the end of the day, it was a series of events that made us not want to return. I don't blame the food, staff, etc.

    Parmesan garlic fries
    Robyn R.

    We had a 5 star experience for happy hour yesterday! Amazing service, wonderful lychee martini, complimentary edamame, great sushi and yummy garlic fries!

    Brussels & cauliflower
    Jason Y.

    Been here a few times and they never disappoint. Fast and friendly service with delicious food. There's ample tables and a decent sized bar you can also be seated at. Every dish has been fresh and flavorful. Some standouts I'd recommend are the fry basket (portobello fries), beer battered fish & chips, braised beef short ribs, brussel sprouts & cauliflower, and all the desserts! It's an open air restaurant with a casual layout. Parking can get crazy on Thursdays when the parking lot becomes a farmers market. Also always a good idea to make a reservation as any good restaurant is consistently busy.

    Truffle Gnocchi w/ shrimp and crispy calamari
    Simone M.

    It is a bit pricey, but it's also really good. Staff was kind and attentive and gave great recommendations as to their favs on the menu which is always welcome. Dishes came out quick and in order. We started with the fry basket which comes with herb cream cheese dip. The mushrooms were crispy and flavorful (also quite filling) and the dip was fantastic, soft and creamy with bright herbs to tease the palate. We followed this up with a healthy beet salad. Huge chunks of delicious earthy beets, one small disc of toasted goat cheese and a nice vinaigrette (could have used more dressing and goat cheese), but overall a nice healthful edition to the meal. For the entrees we had the arrabbiata pasta with burrata; just a whisper of spice but a nice sauce covering all the noods and a giant ball of cool burrata. I'd order this again and even though I thought I was full after the fry basket and salad, I still ate all of the pasta. Truffle gnocchi with shrimp and crispy calamari was rich and cheesy with a good truffle flavor. Dinner concluded with a deconstructed smore which was so good. Again, I thought I was full until I started eating the chocolate, then I mixed in a bit of the toasted marshmallow and couldn't stop eating it. It could have used a bit more graham cracker crumble (looks like a nice amount in the pic, but taste was muted by the chocolate). The space is nice and bright and you don't feel crammed in as there is plenty of space between tables.

    Fish n Chips

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Delicious food but kind of pricey for small plates. Only open for dinner and no signage outside so kind of hard to find.

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    6 years ago

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    The food and service was a refreshing blend of ambience, hospitality, and savory flavors

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    1 year ago

    Food is delicious , service fabulous ambience the best! We are taking friends from Vegas this weekend

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    Page 3 of 14

    Goen Dining + Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Goen Dining + Bar

    What time is Happy Hour?

    HH is daily from 4pm - 5:30pm, with the exception of holidays and special events. You can find all the information on their website https://www.royyamaguchi.com/goen-kailua

    Are there any low or no ABV beverages?

    They do offer "mocktails", and non-alchoholic versions of their cocktails. You just need to ask one of their bartenders or staff.

    Is it dog friendly outside?

    Yes!

    Do you have any gluten free options?

    They have quite a few options and will walk you through it. I had the butterfish, Branzino, Brussel sprouts, and eggplant. Everything was great!

    When is happy hour?

    3:30-6 pm

    How is Goen for gluten free customers?

    I went with someone who is gluten free and she was able to find things to eat. I know for sure she had the Crab salad.

    View All 7 Questions

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    I absolutely loved every dish we tried. Everything was delicious and beautifully plated…read more The restaurant itself is on the small side. Not a lot of tables inside but they do appear to have an outdoor seating area in the back. I opted to sit at the bar. My Crystal Tiger cocktail was perfect. The bartender was super knowledgeable and friendly. It was fun watching his bartender tricks while he made drinks. We had the Hokkaido Milk Bread and Onion dip for appetizers. The Grilled Kampachi was so good. Cooked to perfection with amazing seasoning and flavors. The accompanying sauce had hint of curry with lovely freh herbs. Loved it! My fave dish of all the ones we tried. We also had the Capellini Granchio. This was also delish. Pasta was perfect. A good amount of crab to flavorful noodles. I will definitely return in the future to try more things and have the Kampachi again. This would make a nice date spot. Dishes are impressive.

    Giovedi was pretty underwhelming and left us disappointed. The dining room was loud from the start,…read morewith a couple of guests being excessively noisy and music turned up so high it was hard to have a conversation. Is there no policy of cutting off guests? Does it have to take them to fall on the ground hitting the wall? Tables on both sides next to us all complained. Apps: The scallop crudo was excellent and the highlight of the meal. The foie gras toast was greasy, and the foie gras was served as a firm block rather than the smooth, spreadable texture I expected. Main: Our pastas arrived about 45 minutes after being seated. The spaghetti had good flavor but was inconsistently cooked, while the Capellini Granchio was buttery, smooth, and full of crab flavor. Bill: $170 with 3 cocktails minus tip. A few good dishes, but definitely doesn't qualify as a location for date night. I'll be trying the restaurant next door instead.

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    Capellini granchio.
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    Lucky Belly

    Lucky Belly

    4.2
    (2.2k reviews)
    9.6 mi
    $$

    Lucky Belly has an amazing ambiance with warm wood, brick, bar seating, and a stylish but…read morecomfortable dining room. The service was phenomenal from start to finish, which made the whole experience even better. I ordered the Beast Bowl, and it was rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The bowl comes with brisket, short ribs, and oxtail won tons, along with bean sprouts, wakame, sesame seeds, green onion, ginger, and a soft egg. The broth was savory and comforting, the meat was tender, and the toppings added a nice balance of texture and freshness. Definitely a satisfying bowl if you want something bold, warm, and filling. Great spot for ramen, drinks, and a relaxed meal downtown.

    I'll give this place a solid 4. We came early to have a light dinner before a show at the Hawaii…read moreTheater. I would have said 4.5 had I not noticed the large dead b52 on the floor near my seat when we were seated. Aside from that, the place looked clean. I mean.. we are in Chinatown. So.. We had the shrimp gyoza, lobster shumai, crispy duck tacos, smoked octopus, and wagyu steak cubes. Appy dishes come with 3 pieces each. The crispy duck tacos were my fave. Very flavorful. Loved the textures in that one. Lobster shumai and shrimp gyoza were good. The octopus was tender and flavorful. My Samurai X drink was yummy. My brother had the Midorikawa that was refreshing. I would come again.

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    Interior bar and dining room.
    Interior bar and dining room.
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    Morimoto Asia Waikiki

    Morimoto Asia Waikiki

    4.1
    (1.1k reviews)
    9.8 mi
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    I WISH I COULD GIVE MORE STARS!!!! WORTH THE PRICE! FOOD AND SERVICE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!…read more Okay seriously, I've been to a ton of expensive high end restaurants and none have impressed me like this Morimoto's. When I tell you everything that came out was amazing.... Holy moly it was SO TASTY. EVERYTHING! I was even impressed with the fried rice with how much they served and how much was in it. I personally loved the fish carpaccio, rib eye, hamachi kama, wok vegetables and malasadas for dessert. The orange chicken was my least favorite but it was still good. Oh and the STICKY RIBS...... you HAVE to get them. So crispy yet tender.... I loved how everything we had bursted in my mouth with flavor and was something I couldn't make to that level at home. Service was amazing like any other fine dining restaurant, but for the first time, I felt like this one was worth the money for how good the food was. I will definitely be back!

    My bad review is entirely based on how terrible the food was. For context, we ordered Tonkatsu…read moreramen and Tsukemen dipping ramen. Ramen, according to the server, was the most popular thing on the menu, so how likely could it get messed up? Tonkatsu: Rich, but lacked any salt or had very little. We requested some salt and that instantly made the ramen better. The noodles had enough salt to carry it, but the broth was not great. It tasted like the broth was watered down or reconstituted, however no seasoning was added to re-adjust the broth. Broth: Had little salt and lacked punch, umami, and was brown instead of white. Noodles: Had enough salt to taste good, but was slightly overcooked Pork: Extremely bland. Tasted like zero salt was added during cooking. Toppings: Greatly lacking in toppings Tsukemen: The Tsukemen had a lot of the same issues. Now being a dipping ramen, the broth should be even richer and more flavorful than any normal ramen. Tsukemen -- no matter where you have it in Japan, should be richer and saltier than most broths, but the broth here was severely lacking. For $26 a bowl this was worse than your DIY frozen ramen packs. Now I'm not asking for Japan-level of ramen mastery here, this is after all, just a tourist spot -- but if your Tonkatsu is the best selling item, you have to step it up. Our server did mention that some people complained about the amount of salt in ramen, so they adjusted it. But dare I say, instead of diluting the normal salt/seasoning amount for everyone, couldn't you just add a separate, flavor-light version for people inexperienced with ramen, instead of diluting the original for everyone else? If you're reading this Mr. Morimoto, I would highly encourage you to fly here and order the ramen. I think you and I would share the same opinions. P.S. I've also been to your other Morimoto spots and it was not this bad.

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    Interior
    Interior
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    1938 Indochine

    1938 Indochine

    4.0
    (599 reviews)
    10.2 mi
    $$

    Review for Indochine 1938…read more Outstanding food and service undermined by unacceptable cigar smoke exposure. We've dined here 10-12 times over the years (including during COVID) and have always had wonderful experiences--until this visit. First, a high five to the chef, kitchen, servers, and bussers. The food was excellent, our server's recommendations were spot on, and the team is clearly working hard under pressure. Even the manager and host, though overwhelmed, were trying to accommodate. However, the cigar smoke situation is unacceptable in a dining environment. We were offered outdoor seating and immediately encountered active cigar smoking. While it may be noted somewhere on the menu, it is not clearly communicated or reasonably expected, especially for returning guests who have never experienced this here before. Even inside, the layout allows smoke to drift into the dining area. By the end of the evening--and into the next morning--I experienced significant allergy symptoms directly tied to that exposure. As we were leaving, other guests were asking where the smoke was coming from--only to see people actively smoking right at the entrance. This is where ownership needs to step in. For a public-facing restaurant, this raises concerns about guest safety, basic dining standards, and potential compliance with local smoking ordinances. At minimum, there needs to be clear separation, ventilation, and enforcement--especially at the entrance. People can absolutely make their own choices--but guests also deserve to clearly know what they're walking into. If there is going to be active cigar or cigarette smoke as part of the environment, that should be clearly disclosed upfront, not discovered after being seated. For those with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to smoke--this may not be the right environment, and that's important to know ahead of time. Bottom line: Your staff and kitchen are doing everything right--but they are being undermined by an avoidable environmental issue. We would return--but only if this is addressed.

    This spot is perfect for a big group because you get to try a little bit of everything. Ordering…read morefamily-style is hands down the best way to do it--we honestly wouldn't have it any other way. There were 8 of us and we nearly worked our way through the whole menu. For the dishes we knew would be a hit, we ordered doubles. The clear favorites at the table were the imperial rolls, crab cakes, mushroom curry, noodles, and the ribs. The vibe is warm and really fits the restaurant's name, with a cozy 1930s feel. And bonus points from me for the comfortable seating--I'm always a fan of a place where you can actually relax and enjoy your meal. Overall, this is definitely one to add to your must-try list. ENJOY!!

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    Roy's Ko Olina

    Roy's Ko Olina

    4.2
    (2.4k reviews)
    24.6 mi
    $$$

    We stay at the Marriott Ko Olina every year, and dining at Roy's is always the absolute highlight…read moreof our trip! A huge shoutout to General Manager Tye and the entire team. Tye leads by example and goes out of his way to make us feel like family every time we walk through the doors. The food is phenomenal--we can never get enough of the Garlic Sweet Edamame, Honey Sambal Chicken Wings and the Mongolian ribs. The service is always impeccable. Thank you, Tye, for another memorable evening. We can't wait to come back next year! Frank and Denise ( Dallas Texas) 2026

    Roy's was our second restaurant in Hawaii for our honeymoon. We walked across the street from…read moreAulani to the lovely country club/golf course where this restaurant resides. First off I gotta say that more restaurants should do a bowl of seasoned edamame instead of complementary bread. I could not stop eating these, they were addicting. Our waiter was wonderful and the service was great. The food was delicious for the most part save for my wife's ribeye. It was a bit of a miss in my book. It was way over charred, but my wife didn't seem to mind. Our surf and turf cooked sushi rolls were really good. My meal, the bacon jam scallops, was also inventive and delicious. The ambience outside was lovely with a great view of the pristine Ko Olina golf course at Twilight. All and all I would love to come back here should I find myself in Ko Olina again.

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    Outdoor bar
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    Roy's Hawaii Kai

    Roy's Hawaii Kai

    4.3
    (1.6k reviews)
    7.8 mi
    $$$

    Per usual, fantastic service (thanks Luke!) with great recommendations and some fun new additions…read moreto the menu. The zucchini bao was fantastic - so tender and lightly battered and fried to just add a hint of crunch. The cilantro relish topping was a fun & refreshing contrast to the umami in the sauce. We also tried the beef tobanyaki which was also new on the appetizer menu. Highly reccomend and I will be getting it again! Tender pieces of filet meat sautéed with mushrooms and onions in a wafu sauce. Also ordered our usual mandatory appetizer: the spring rolls (duh) One loud table which was slightly annoying, but other than that ambiance was pretty on par with a typical Friday night at a nicer restaurant. A little birdie told me they're rolling out a new cocktail menu which I am VERY excited for. The Hawaii Kai location is definitely due for a refresh with some proper, less juicy cocktails on the menu! Looking forward to see what they roll out! (Keep an eye out for the spicy margarita - one of the best I've tasted!)

    On our last night of our August-September, 2023 Oahu vacation, DJ and I dined at the original Roy's…read moreRestaurant, Roy's Hawaii Kai, the first location of Chef Roy Yamaguchi's high-end chain serving Hawaiian fusion fare in a casually modern setting. Via OpenTable, we made reservations for Saturday evening, September 9, at 9:00 PM. Easy peasy. Booking reservations via the online restaurant reservation service was super convenient. After easily finding parking in the lot, we walked through a finely landscaped front yard and, upon entry through the front door, were welcomed by a serene koi pond at the bottom of the stairs that led us up to the main dining room. The comfortable open kitchen dining room provided panoramic views of Maunalua Bay and Diamond Head. We were seated at a white linen clothed table nearby the bar at the top of the staircase. Roy's offers a culinary journey in fine dining with a menu focused on fresh seafood and some steakhouse dishes, blending Hawaiian and Asian flavours in contemporary style of cooking. Below is what we had for dinner: In lieu of a complimentary basket of bread and butter to kick off our meal, we were served a nice bowl of spicy edamame, which I found to be a fitting prelude to the eclectic blend of Hawaiian, Japanese, and Classic French cuisine that we were about to enjoy. Tempura Shimeji Mushroom ($17) - For a starter from the Vegetarian Menu, we shared this delicious appetizer of golden crispy fried mushrooms that were drizzled with spicy aioli. YUM! Mongolian Style Vegetable Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu ($20) - Also from the Vegetarian Menu, for his main dish, DJ had this plate of fried cubes of tofu mixed with a small medley of veggies. The mixed vegetables were mostly onion slivers, a few slices of green bell pepper and zucchini, shoestring carrots and very little bean sprouts, topped with a small handful of micro greens and a nicely uniformed mound of white rice. Misoyaki Butterfish ($56) - I ordered this signature, world renowned dish for my entrée - a tender and rich fish dish, marinated in miso and served over forbidden black rice and a sweet ginger wasabi butter sauce. The silky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth black cod was sophisticated and oh, so ono! Roy's Signature Chocolate Soufflé ($14) - We were served this decadent dessert on the house. This chocolate SWEET TREAT was rich in flavour and airy in texture. Service was exceptional. Right from our arrival, we were greeted with warmth and friendly hospitality. As the night went on, it was becoming apparent that I was not feeling well. Our waiter was so caring that he even brought out a few different bottles of fever reducers to offer medication to me. He was very sweet. An unforgettable dining experience we enjoyed at Roy's Hawaii Kai. The restaurant was a perfect setting for an onolicious meal with stunning views and exceptional service.

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    Spicy Golden Wave Roll
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    Chinatown Chicken Spring Rolls

    Goen Dining + Bar - panasian - Updated June 2026

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