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.

First time going to el Cielo, and it did not disappoint!…read more The food was great - most of the menu appears to be tapas style appetizers, so we got a bunch as well as a paella dish. Our favorites were the paella - it was lemony, bright, and had a generous amount of meat. The empanadas were also delicious and came with a homemade chimichurri sauce. We got these butterfish fritters (can't remember their name, oops) that came with a saffron aioli. The chicken liver mousse was tasty as well. While the pan con tomate was good, we got the plain one, and should have gotten it with ham! A lot of the food is served with airy, light, crusty homemade baguettes. The wine list is nice, mostly wines from Spain! I tried the Albarino and it was delicious. It is located on Lewers street, and has some nice iron wrought gates. We opted to sit on their outdoor patio, which had a lovely fountain and vibe going. Parking is kinda tricky - there's a lot in the back of the restaurant but it was full for us, so we street parked.

Great service and yummy food... Tucked away at the Laylow…read morehotel, is a chill restaurant with fun Hawaiian vibes. We started our vacation with dinner at the Hideout, and upon entering you could immediately hear live music. We received a warm welcome, and brought over to our booth where our server Kai was quick to greet us. We ordered cocktails (I don't remember the name of mine. It's something spritz, and my husband tried the banana bread old fashioned) and we shared the appetizer platter (brussel sprouts with pork belly, kalua pork egg rolls, poke tacos, and edamame)to share. We also ordered the garlic shrimp dumplings. Everything was super tasty. Lots of other items on the menu that I want to try during another visit to the island.

I loved finding this spot! I looked at the coffee situation at my hotel (Hilton Garden Inn) and the…read morelack of anything but powered creamer (yuck) so immediately went on the hunt for something better. I initially tried the bakery directly across the street at the International Marketplace, but they didn't open until 7am. I began to walk towards a distant Starbucks I found on Google and noticed an active escalator and signage pointing towards the open Hideout at the Laylow. Advertising local coffee, I immediately took the ride upstairs and was greeted by two young ladies full of smiles and Aloha spirit! Being summertime and hot (even at 6am) I ordered a large iced latte and decided to drink it on their large open lanai. I'm glad I did. The breezes up there were perfect and watching the daylight get brighter with local birds chirping and fluttering about made for a very nice wake-up! This became my go-to stop every morning of my visit! I only ordered breakfast once and kept it low-carb so I had cheesy eggs and Portuguese sausage. Perfect and hit the spot. If staying at the Laylow (Marriott product) or close by, I'd recommend this as your morning wake-up as well! Enjoy!

After spending a few hours at the beach (very humid and hot weather), we as a group of nine (9)…read morewere very hungry. As a group, we decided that we wanted something delicious yet fulfilling so we decided on pasta. We narrowed it down to Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar which was a six minute walk from the hotel that we were staying at. Upon arrival, we had a short wait time and were lead to inside to a private room, very cozy and spacious for our group. As the menu offer many options to choose from, we ordered two pizzas, one chicken, one lasagna, five pastas and two appetizers. The food was delicious and flavorful, very fulfilling. Was expecting something very mediocre prior to arrival but was blown by the kind and attentive staff members, the delicious meal, and lovely ambiance. Would definitely recommend and would come back in the future. Would highly recommend!

I will start off by saying the food here was amazing! I would rate my perfected Italian Style…read moreNeapolitan pizza amongst the best I've had anywhere. The flavors and textures were exactly as you'd expect if you'd have ordered it somewhere in Italy. When I crave pizza, this is the kind I'm dreaming of. So five stars on the food. So the not so great... I was seated right away (good) but dining solo, they asked me if I minded being seated at the upper bar. I didn't want to hog a whole four-top table being a single diner so I acquiesced with a promise someone would be right there to take my order. That didn't happen. For a long time. Finally the manager noticed, took pity on my starving and thirsty soul and took my order. She made sure everything came out and that I had eats and drinks. If not for her, it'd have been 35 full minutes before "my server" ever showed up. UNSAT. 1 star to said server (Adam?). 4 stars for manager finally noticing and taking pity. Located in a busy corner of Kuhio Ave and Ka'iulani Ave in the heart of Waikiki, the place is easy to find and has a nice open space to enjoy your meal. Pro tip: If you're dining alone, you may want to request a regular table rather than the upper bar area, as service there appeared inconsistent during my visit.

We had the best birthday dinner at Basalt in Waikiki. The food was delicious (Salmon Ochazuke)…read more Candace provided excellent service. The true highlight of the evening was getting to know Lee who chose the perfect wine to compliment our meal. We will definitely come back. A hui hou.

We arrived around 9:40 a.m. on a Tuesday during the summer and were seated right away with no wait…read more The host and waitstaff were very attentive and welcoming throughout our visit. Our waitress, Brina, was especially kind and helpful. She recommended ordering the short stack instead of a side of pancakes, and it turned out to be the perfect amount for everyone at our table to share. The steak fries were absolutely delicious, and every dish we ordered was excellent. The bathrooms were clean, and the outdoor dining area was beautiful and well maintained. This was our first time dining at Basalt, and we had a wonderful experience. We'll definitely be coming back!

Located inside of Foodland Farms Ala Moana - a hollow square type of setup, with the bar in the…read moremiddle of it all. Note - every Wednesday, they offer half-off all bottles, all day. Quite a bit of parties around us were partaking in this. Though a friend of mine didn't want to drink a whole bottle by herself, she tried a glass of Rosé from France which she stated was very delicious. I on the other hand had asked for a non-alcoholic option. Unfortunately, they ran out of ginger beer, all the sparkler options, and didn't serve any soda. The bartender looked pretty irritated by that point, and didn't even provide me with a glass of water. We would've grabbed a bunch of food to compensate for taking up a seat, but by then, the bartender had already dropped the check, and we hadn't even sat there for more than 5 minutes. The most interesting part was that an older couple sat next to us, similar situation. The gentleman asked for a glass of wine, and his wife asked for a non-alcoholic beverage. Though a different bartender came back with a sparkler option for her. Needless to say, I felt pushed aside and I don't believe I'll be back to this location any time soon. The only reason I didn't give this review a 1-2 star is that I recognize that Abe is busting his butt there. He was floating back and forth between this bar and Eleven. Separate review with my direct encounter with Abe at Eleven forthcoming.

Came hungry and left VERY happy…read more The Gouda cheeseburger was the star -- juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right. The Gouda added this rich, slightly smoky creaminess that made it feel a little more elevated than your standard burger. Every bite was messy in the best way, and the bun held up like a champ. The fries were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and impossible to stop eating. You know they're good when you keep reaching for "just one more" and suddenly they're gone. We also got the fried calamari and it was perfectly golden and tender, not rubbery at all. Light, crispy coating and super snackable -- especially dipped in the sauce. But the sleeper hit? The smoked ahi with lavosh. So flavorful and fresh, with that smoky richness balanced by the crisp lavosh. It felt light but still packed with taste -- a perfect contrast to the heavier fried stuff. Honestly, everything hit. Great mix of indulgent and fresh, and I'd order this exact combo again without hesitation.

Tucked away on the third floor of the Ala Moana Hotel, right across from the pool deck, Fusion Cafe…read morex DADA is one of those places you'd never stumble upon unless someone told you -- and once you know, you're glad you do. We stopped in during their happy hour from 3-5 PM, and it immediately stood out as an ideal after-work pau hana or easy date-night spot. The space is relaxed and inviting, with a calm, tucked-away feel that makes you forget you're inside a hotel. The happy hour menu is impressively priced, with starters beginning at just $6, yet everything feels thoughtfully prepared and elevated. Highlights included the toasted bread with sun-dried tomato pistou -- warm, crisp toast paired with a deeply savory, herbaceous spread that's simple but incredibly satisfying. The mini poke bowl was fresh and well-balanced, showcasing clean flavors and quality fish without being overly heavy. The fish tacos delivered exactly what you want: crispy island fish, bright flavors, and a great balance of texture. We also tried the fish and chips, featuring lightly fried island fish, hot fries, and a creamy house remoulade that tied the dish together beautifully. The standout for us was the empanadas -- flaky, crisp pastry filled with tender braised beef and potato, finished with a bold aji rojo sauce that added just the right amount of depth and gentle heat. Service was friendly and attentive without feeling rushed, and the overall vibe made it easy to relax and enjoy the experience. Whether you're looking for a low-key happy hour, a casual date spot, or a place to unwind after work, this is a hidden gem worth seeking out. Pro tip: Arrive early for happy hour -- once more people discover this spot, it won't stay quiet for long.

Charming ambiance [Honolulu HI]…read more We came here by invite from Terry K and also had the pleasure of joining Therese and her hubby, Kevin. The cafe had a nice inviting feel that extended towards the back, the ambiance was dark and chic. The cafe was adorned with Halloween motif. We placed our orders at the counter which was towards the front section and our food were served at our table. I chose the Spinach Mushroom Goat Cheese Omelette and Lemonade for my drink. That homemade lemonade was so refreshing and delicious! Loved the delicious spinach and mushroom in my omelet. Hubby ordered a classic breakfast of Two Eggs w/ Bacon and Roasted Potatoes... wow! the bacon was crispy and yummy and just how I like my bacon cooked. He gave me 2-pieces, maybe because he saw me drooling over it LoL! but I'm telling you, Therese's Wagyu Cheeseburger on Brioche with French Fries looked mighty yummy too! Thank you, Terry, for inviting us to join you for a Sunday brunch. We had a wonderful first time dining experience here with good food and company! Review #3585

Love this place. It's clean n everyone is friendly…read more Great customer service. The owner is super nice n up going. Great place to watch you sports events. They let you bring in Your own food or you can order from the food court outside. The have indoor n outside seating. Everyone who comes in are well behaved. They have drink specials all the time. Their mix specials great Make new friends. Home of the Hawaii Seahawks fans. My wife loves this place because shes a Seahawks fan

Mai Tai Fact: Although created in 1944 by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron in Oakland, California, the…read moreMai Tai became synonymous with Hawaii because Trader Vic brought the drink to Honolulu in 1953 to develop the bar program for the Matson Line Hotels, including the Royal Hawaiian. You can't go to Hawaii and not imbibe in some mai tais. I had one on my second day on Oahu and, knowing I have a severe reaction to dark rums, it did not go well. That was only having half a mai tai too. Feeling brave and reckless, I ordered another at Agave & Vine. This one at Agave & Vine went much better. No cheek bruising and no Asian Glow. Agave & Vine's left me looking human after I finished my drink. I enjoyed my happy hour mai tai here and really, no complaints!

Came here with my best friend as part of our little tradition of finding new spots and getting more…read moreinto wine, and wow... this place was something special. They only serve natural wines, which made everything feel really intentional and thoughtfully chosen. We had a Pinot Noir, a super funky orange wine that was honestly really cool to try, and Coenobium -- a beautiful white wine made by nuns. At one point, a bottle of red wine was opened and poured as a little salute for the room -- a simple, unexpected moment that was really wholesome. For food, we shared the venison pâté with bread and a Caprese salad -- simple, but done so well and paired perfectly with everything. It wasn't just about what we had, but how the whole experience came together. There's something really special about what they're creating there. We are already planning our next visit!

Came for a special pop up by Rooster and Rice which is a food truck from California and it did not…read moredisappoint. The staff is so sweet and accommodating and make excellent recommendations based on their understanding of their wines and your palate. Will definitely be back as they routinely add new wines to the menu throughout the month. The food menu is limited especially if you aren't a big meat eater but there's something for everyone. Low intervention and organic wines with such great range from light and bubbly to heavy with tons of body. Come for the wine and make friends with the staff and others around the bar. The setting is intimate so get comfy.