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    Margotto Hawaii

    4.2 (158 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndFrench, Italian, Japanese
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:30 PM

    Margotto Hawaii Photos

    Business Info

    MARGOTTO HAWAII ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

    Recommended Reviews - Margotto Hawaii

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    Gail U.

    Doc treated us to Valentines dinner here. Thanks Doc. Definitely for those with discriminating palate. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Unpretentious from the outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I called cuz we just couldn't find the entrance or parking. Robert the owner himself came outside to look for us and help hubs park. Service beyond expectations. Every little thing you can think of they anticipate your needs without hesitation. Your bottled still water keeps your glass full. The manager added more water to my teapot- You can smell and select tea if you wish. Sachi reheated my cup of tea. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Fine dining with leisurely pace at times til next course of eleven is brought out.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had to dash after 2 hours since I had a flight to catch. Sachi let the chef know and they got us out by 8:14 pm. The lobster and oyster pasta were my two favorites even more than dessert and truffle dessert. I was taken aback when $180 was added to our bill of $200 per person for truffle shavings. We also had still water and the tea added as extras. Appreciate you Doc for this gastronomic experience.

    Full bodied Cab
    Jolene L.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Classy chic, absolutely loved it![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the pleasure of dining with Yelp Elite Terry K. who also happens to be the Yelp Duchess at Margotto. It was because of Terry that I got to meet the owner during our reservation. He is very humble and quite generous. Having read all the other glowing reviews, I knew that I would have a memorable first time. Indeed, this was a lovely dining experience that I will forever cherish. We started with the fish carpaccio, which had fresh greens drizzled with a delightful dressing. This was delicate yet tasty, great with the perfectly sliced prosciutto. Next, we each had the Caviar Monaka. 10 grams of roe presented on a fresh rice cracker. This paired well with our bubbly :) To continue with hors d'oeuvre, we enjoyed the Margotto special egg toast and added truffles of course. Silky egg yolk, over crunchy toast, and finished with flavorful truffle....delish! Everything was absolutely perfect so far. Then we were served the cacio e pepe. Have you ever tasted pasta that stopped you in your tracks? Something so classic and simple, just grated cheese and pepper....my Heavens this was so wonderful! Last but certainly not least, their tiramisu. This was such a treat and a great way to conclude our delicious dining experience. Smooth and airy, this dessert was just right. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Margotto's establishment is clean and crisp with the right amount of lighting and space between tables.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their service is top notch and their food...Amazing! Memorable! Repeat worthy! We already have reservations next month :)

    Lyn L.

    Loved this dining experience! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant looks so unassuming from the outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside it's nice and fresh[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] , service is excellent and food is delicious! I highly recommend

    Michelle T.

    I got lucky and the owner was there when I was dining and he explained this restaurant is actually in Japan first and then I opened in Hawaii so that was pretty cool! He specializes in truffles. I thought everything overall was made very well. What I liked in particular was the burrata spaghetti, cause it had an interesting bite, and the burrata made it a little bit more creamy. Overall, the staff was also very attentive . [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's actually great for a romantic dinner but also for groups[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] .

    Cacio Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe/with Truffle
    Neville A.

    Shawn is amazing super knowledgable and gracious the food was outstanding from The Caccio Pepe to the Beef Cheek to the truffles and on and on coming back next week to try the duck. The Tomato on the pork Milanese were worth their weight in gold beyond outstanding. Will be back next week

    Terry K.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Quiet and romantic ambiance[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Private room dining for parties[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sexy meat slicer (2 of it's kind on the island)[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Three types of water available for purchase and they are sparkling, distilled still and flat water The menu is clean and simple but each dish offered packs a bunch of punch, truffle punch that is Dishes offered Ala carte and appears to be on the smaller side. Don't let the size fool you. Each dish while appearing small turns out to be quite a bit and filling The servers while seemed pushy and rushy backed off giving us a chance to graze through each dish. We each ordered an appetizer and entree and shared like tasting plates giving us a chance to sample many dishes Krug bubbles appears to be their signature serve We brought our own wine. My host treated us to nice Italian wine which paired well either each dish If you've never been keep your eyes peeled as there is no sign fronting the entrance. The are hiding on the southwest side of Piikoi and Kona streets Parking is slim to none but a few reserved stalls on the Kona street are available as well as street parking You can dine there for a meal with several courses OR stop in for dessert and a glass of Krug champagne Fun Fact- Owner Kazu Hori (I think the name here is stortened) is a race car driver. Not sure if Chef Kayama is there still but he is an avid snowboarder. I had the pleasure of dining at Margotto last year with Yelp and learned all of that! LOL

    Cotolette
    Ada H.

    Margotto is located in a very unassuming area and though we parked within a few steps from the entrance, my boyfriend and I kept passing the restaurant. There are no signage so use the pictures of the outside of the restaurant as a reference. The food was delicious and most of the dishes were fresh and rich in flavor. My favorite was the Cacio e Pepe and it paired well with the aromatic truffle shavings. The ribeye was succulent and perfectly seasoned but still highlighted the natural flavors of the beef. The Margotto special egg toast was a bit lackluster. I felt as if there were no truffle shavings, this dish would be even more bland. Service felt really pushy and even though we ordered enough items to which we felt would be the perfect amount of food, the server stated we should order another entree. I felt obligated to order another dish but regretted it since I already felt full before the main dishes arrived. Looking back, an appetizer, 2 pasta dishes and 2 entrees would be overkill for any couple. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Another part of our meal that was off putting was the fact that there were several flies that continuously hovered towards our food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We consistently had to swat the flies away and that took away from our dining experience. Food is delicious and maybe we came on an off day since we were the only diners, but definitely not the dining experience I was expecting.

    Rob B.

    Aloha. Sunday family funday dinner was great. Plenty food. We added truffles, of course and a nice bottle of wine. Along with 4 drinks to start, total bill was quite reasonable for Margotta. Definitely try this Sunday dinner. Well worth the price and your time. Started with a beautiful buratta salad, next a pasta dish and lastly amazing ribs on garlic fried rice. All so yummy. Enjoy!

    Angela P.

    This review is for take out only. I have not had the opportunity to dine in yet. But I will say their truffle burgers are worth the price. I think they even make their own bread! It's buttery, beefy, savory and cheesy! Their fries are just okay but that's just a personal preference but it does come with a truffle dipping sauce and seasoning on the side. All in all, the burger is enough to make me want to go and dine in so stay tuned for a dine in review

    Love this touch
    Kosmo Z.

    I was looking to eat somewhere nice kind of last minute, but thankfully I found this place. There's no noticeable sign outside, but should be able to find with ease if you look based on the house number. We were greeted at the door, and we met the owner briefly. Our server gave us an introduction to their restaurant, krug ambassador info and black truffle. We went with the truffle and all add ons. We loved many of the dishes, so we can't pinpoint one exactly. Dessert was also simple but fun. I'll let the photos do the talk on their presentation. You really can't go wrong with black truffle shavings! Lastly, our meal turned out to be 1300 for two after tip (2 glasses of Krug) and we were very satisfied overall.

    Vanilla Ice Cream with White Truffle Infused Honey
    Kristian G.

    Being a truffle lover, it was a no brainer that I had to try Margotto! This restaurant is conveniently located on Piikoi Street (look for the black wood storefront). [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside is beautiful, classy, with dim lighting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our waiter, Henry, was extremely friendly, attentive, and we were able to crack jokes with him. To start, we ordered a bottle of Saracco Moscato D'Asti. Many at our table aren't big on drinking, but the Sommelier recommended this. It was light, fruity, and actually tasted like lychee. The food was delightful! We decided to order Ala carte as some of my table weren't adventurous eaters. We started with the potato gratin and added truffle, which is charged by the grams. We also ordered some of the bread rolls which were perfectly fluffy and came piping hot. For our main meal, we decided to get a bunch of items and share: Cacio e Pepe with truffle, Carbonara with truffle, Cotoletta Milanese, Joue De Boeuf, TKG Truffle Rice, and the homemade vanilla ice cream with white truffle honey. The table favorites were the Cacio e Pepe with truffle (so much we ordered 2 more) and the Joue De Boeuf. The Cacio e Pepe was a recommendation from our waiter, which we were sold on when he stated that they "use an offensive amount of French butter" lol. It was rich and bursting with flavors of butter, cheese and pepper. The Joue De Boeuf was tender and oh so flavorful! Overall, portion sizes were petite but we did leave full. If you're wanting a nice dinner out, I would recommend Margotto!

    Carbonara
    Carrie G.

    Amazing in every aspect! Definitely a great place to bring a foodie for special occasions. Food is expertly prepared using the best quality ingredients and presentation is on point. I'd recommend getting a cold + hot appetizer + pasta + main and save room for dessert! We tried the cold cauliflower potage which was like a whipped creamy cauliflower soup purée and got uni on the side bc hubs does not eat that. 10/10! The TK egg on toast with sauce is so simple yet it has a definite wow factor so I'd recommend ordering it if you haven't tried it. We tried 2 pastas bc we couldn't decide which one to get and it was a lot of food but worth it. The burrata melted on top of tomato sauce was perfection. The carbonara was creamy and dreamy with thick smoky chunks of pancetta. YUM! For mains we ordered the wagyu and it was small but oh so flavorful! The lamb chops were also delicious just a tad undercooked IMO. Both were served with local veggies that were perfectly cooked. You can order truffles and I recommend adding this touch of decadence! Especially in the winter, the white truffles were way better than the black ones. They weigh it out in front of you then shave or grate it onto the food. We were going to order a bottle of wine but instead opted to do custom wine pairings for the dishes we ordered and that was the right choice bc we got to try a variety of flavors and the same wine wouldn't have been such a diverse gastronomic journey. Their sommelier definitely knows his stuff! The service is the best out of anywhere else I've been on island/ the world for that matter! We did the 8pm seating on a Friday night and had the intimate front dining room so it was cozy and romantic. We had 3 servers (I'm so bad with names but they know who they are!). They really made our meal into a 5 star overall experience! We were celebrating our 23rd anniversary so my hubby wanted to do something special and they delivered! We even got a free champagne to toast with and a free dessert! Their famous chocolate truffles! I attended the Yelp elite event a while back and thought this would be a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion and my hubby must be able to hear my thoughts bc he took me here as a "surprise" because after 23 years we can read each others minds! Cheers to love, truffles, champagne and Yelp!

    June 2023 - Italian Summer truffle
    Rod U.

    Note: This update is for their new, simplified, chef driven menu concept. TL;DR One of the best dining experiences to be had in Hawaii. Seasonal, fusing ingredients from both Japan and Hawaii using French and Italian techniques with Japanese nod to simplicity and aesthetic. It all comes together to create exquisite bites that are intriguing yet familiar at the same time. Pair and back it with an incredible old world wine experience. Add service that is relaxed (local for locals) a energetic chef, a personable owner and it all comes together. Again, one of the best dining experiences in Hawaii. Margotto is about taking the stuffiness out of fine dining. Don't sit in a suit and whisper across the table. Think of it as a trattoria in Italy. Talk. Enjoy prosciutto and one bite starters with your fingers. The process has been simplified: 1. Make your reservation via open table and select from the offered experiences (Grand degustation, Margotto experience, or the taste of Margotto). Prices for each are listed on the website. Credit card required to warranty your reservation. You will NOT be charged in advance and have the ability to select additional courses on arrival. 2. Someone will call to confirm your reservation. At that time, add supplements and upgrades. Most have a 48 hour lead time as ingredients need to be flown in from Japan. Full table participation is required. 3. At the restaurant, you will be guided by the server on your selection of upgrades to your protein, optional additional courses (prosciutto, caviar, etc...), and either adding a wine pairing ($120pp for June 2023) or glass / bottle pairing with the som. The food, outstanding. Menus change monthly. A "sunny side up toast" (up egg on toast covered with fresh grated parm, shaved truffle sat atop a Madera truffle demi; heaven. Cut it up. Mix the yolk with the demi. A flavor bomb. A sublime one bite mushroom tart explodes with umami goodness topped by porcini dust and a copious amount of truffles. The wine pairing is ESSENTIAL. Som Lee Kanimura has done an exceptional job creating an old world wine pairings that teases out unexpected flavors when combined with the food. A wine with very little nose suddenly brings out vanilla notes when combined with a foie terrine? A sake, with a velvety mouth feel that adds acidic notes to unagi while heightening the umami notes. Impressive. Note: There is a very well chosen list of by the glass selections not part of the pairing. Use the som for custom pairings. Krug by the glass anyone? Note: Demonstrate an understanding and passion for wine and you may be given the chance to order for the private list featuring stellar selections at unheard of low markups. Krug Clos du Mesnil for sub $2500??? This Margotto experience for three, a few upgrades and add-on's, wine pairing, additional glasses to start and end inclusive of 20 percent service, $1700. What are you waiting for, book your reservation today. Epic.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Margotto Hawaii Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Margotto Hawaii

    Where is the parking location for the restaurant?

    there are a few parking spots on hopaka st or a bigger public (pay) on kona. if all else fails go further down to look for street parking.

    Is gratuity automatically included on your bill?

    No it’s not.

    Instead of wine pairings, do they offer non-alcoholic pairings?

    Thank you for your interest in Margotto Hawaii. We don’t have non alcoholic pairing, however, our customers enjoy many kinds of non alcohol beverages such as non alcoholic cocktails, selection of fine tea etc.… 

    Are there vegetarian options available?

    Thank you so much for your interest in Margotto. We are trying our best to accommodate vegetarian… 

    Is this place kid friendly?

    Thank you for your interest in Margotto Hawaii!! We already had good numbers of kids gentlemen! No worry. If you do, we have private dining 4-8 person. Just make sure they… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Solera

    Solera

    4.4
    (312 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$$

    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.

    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).

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

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    Champagne & Caviar
    Carte Blanche

    Carte Blanche

    4.5
    (80 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Luxury

    Took our friend here for her birthday and what a hidden gem this place was. Tucked away in the…read moreheart of Kaimuki, Carte Blanche was definitely a delightful surprise! When our party first walked in, we were a tiny bit skeptical because of the empty room (which was beautifully decorated). However as each course came out, we were blown away and didn't know how the restaurant was not way busier for a Saturday night! Each dish/course was well thought out and prepared to perfection. We were all taken by surprise in a great way. The head chef Anthony was very passionate and excited about his work and that was very refreshing! Overall a wonderful experience and we will be back!

    If you're looking for Kaimuki's most romantic date night spot, look no further than Carte Blanche…read more We recently experienced their summer prix fixe menu (which changes twice a year), and it was one of those meals you remember long after the plates are cleared. The progression of dishes felt thoughtful and creative-- * Crispy Salt & Vinegar Chicken Skin (the perfect starter crunch) * Soupe de Poisson (deep, comforting flavors) * Pina Colada Granita (a refreshing palate cleanser) * Pan Seared Scallops (my personal favorite--perfectly caramelized and tender) * Double Cut Rack of Lamb (succulent and cooked to perfection) * Lemon Crème Brûlée Tart (a sweet, bright finish) Every plate was elegant, well-executed, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere strikes a balance between sophisticated and welcoming. Dim lighting, intimate tables, and quiet elegance make you feel like you've stepped into a hidden gem in the middle of Kaimuki. Honestly, I felt like a celebrity dining here. Service was polished but never pretentious--our server was attentive, knowledgeable about the courses, and kept the pacing of the meal just right. For the level of creativity and execution, Carte Blanche feels like an affordable luxury in Honolulu's dining scene. Perfect for anniversaries, date nights, or anytime you want an elevated experience without flying to the mainland. Highly recommend booking a reservation--you'll want to savor every moment here.

    Photos
    Carte Blanche
    Carte Blanche
    Carte Blanche

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    La Mer

    La Mer

    4.4
    (552 reviews)
    1.5 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)
    1.6 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
    natuRe waikiki

    natuRe waikiki

    4.4
    (235 reviews)
    1.6 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
    (890 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$$$

    Our first visit to Michel's was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the valet…read moreattendant was friendly and welcoming, setting the tone for a wonderful evening. We were seated at a beautiful table overlooking the ocean, providing the perfect setting to enjoy the sunset. Our server was warm, professional, and attentive throughout the evening. She introduced herself, presented the drink menu, and after we ordered a bottle of Evian and a ginger beer, we were served Lovash bread and pesto butter. She carefully explained the menu and reviewed the evening's specials before our meal began. The lobster bisque, prepared tableside, was both entertaining and delicious. My crusted onion soup was equally outstanding. Between courses, we were served a refreshing sorbet intermezzo. For the main course, I enjoyed the filet mignon with lobster tail, both cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious. My guest couldn't stop talking about how incredible the Duck à l'Orange was. We finished the evening with Michel's famous chocolate soufflé, which was the perfect ending to an outstanding meal. From the impeccable service and elegant ambiance to the breathtaking ocean views and spectacular sunset, Michel's exceeded our expectations in every way. It was a memorable dining experience, and we look forward to returning.

    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
    (261 reviews)
    1.5 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

    Margotto Hawaii - french - Updated July 2026

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