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    Umi By Vikram Garg

    4.2 (134 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 11:00 AM

    Umi By Vikram Garg Photos

    UMI BY VIKRAM GARG ATMOSPHERE

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    Jennifer H.

    Stayed at the hotel and went to Umi for dinner and breakfast. Had an amazing time at both sessions - would highly recommend going to both service. The service was phenomenal, we got to know the owners and the staff. The ambiance is modern and clean. The food was 10/10. Had no complaints from the dinner service to breakfast service. My favorite dish for dinner was the scallop risotto, the Foie Gras Duck Gyoza, and the Kampachi. The drinks are also made to order. Abby is the best bartender and will make drinks that are not on the list!

    CORAILÉE BISQUE
    Lizel M.

    We were greeted warmly by a very friendly lady as soon as we arrived. The ambiance of the restaurant was beautiful and intimate. She took the time to explain the artwork around the restaurant, including the paper lamps on the tables, which were created by the same artist who did the art on the walls. That was a really nice touch and made the experience more interesting and enjoyable. We ordered the Umi tasting menu, and it started off really well. However, the Corailée Bisque wasn't my favorite--it just wasn't what I expected. I also wasn't a big fan of the Wagyu Cheek and the Baba au Rhum. That said, the staff was very kind and even gave us a cheesecake, which was delicious. The wine selection was also wonderful and really added to the overall experience. While I probably wouldn't come back specifically for the tasting menu, I would definitely return to try items from the à la carte menu and to enjoy the intimate atmosphere and the excellent service.

    Linda T.

    UMI by Vikram Garg is a fusion-style restaurant with a creative menu. I came for dinner close to closing time, so the setting was a bit dark and quiet, but the service was excellent. Both the waiter and the manager were very attentive and welcoming. I ordered the tasting menu and also added the smoked oyster with caviar, the popcorn soup, and finished with the mango popsicle. The presentation was beautiful, and overall the food was good and thoughtfully done. The only dish I wasn't a fan of was the scallop cucumber dish it was just okay compared to the rest. Solid experience with great service, aesthetic presentation, and interesting fusion flavors.

    Menu
    Vanessa D.

    This is my second stay here but apparently my first time reviewing Everything we had during our stay for breakfast and yes, everything was absolutely exceptional! (Except as otherwise noted; not in order of preference) 1. Coffee - meh 2. Papaya fruit delicious 3. The granola - obsessed, got it every single morning. This is a must have 4. Smoked salmon tartine - yum 5. Umi Fried Rice - delicious. Has shrimp. Must have 6. "Mai Thai" pancake - ABSOLUTELY delicious! The rum-coconut syrup was elite. Must have 7. Croque madame - love love! Must have 8. Avocado tartine - just okay 9. Loco Moco - never had anything like it and liked it. It comes with a gravy that's a bit different. Wouldn't be my first choice out of this list. 10. Fruit juice with all 3 juices in one Also, I'm not a fan of yolk so I don't typically eat eggs with yolk so didn't eat the onsen eggs served This was truly one of the best breakfast experiences and glad I was able to try almost everything on the menu. (PS: breakfast for 2 came with our room booked through my CC benefits)

    Beef Cheeks
    Joni F.

    5/5 Ambiance--Taiji Terasaki seems to be the featured artist with folded paper lanterns and art works. 5/5 Excellent service--attentive, answered questions, made suggestions. Bag hooks for purses. We were surprised that we got to meet the chef--he's friendly and inviting. 5/5 dining --The 6 of us--unanimously said we would all go back again. Plates were cleaned. The two tasting menus: Waikiki Menu 99 1. Kampachi, Jicama, Fennel, Shishito Vinaigrette 2. Popcorn Soup, Spiced Lotus Seeds, Burnt Butter 3. Wagyu Beef Cheek -Pickled Mushrooms, Ulu Mash, Mace jus 4. Pavlova, Lilikoi, Mango, Hibiscus, Anglaise, 24k UMI' Tasting Menu 139 1. Scallop Carpaccio, Cucumber Namasu, Dashi 2. Abalone, Mushroom Crust, Sea Asparagus Ogo 3. Lobster, Shellfish Essence, Ito Togarashi, Forbidden Rice 4. Wagyu Beef Cheek -Pickled Mushrooms, Ulu Mash, Mace jus 5. Dessert, Selection from the Menu We got to taste each others dishes. My favorites --oysters, popcorn soup, lobster, pavlova. I don't like gelatinous texture in the cheeks, so skip it, if you don't like it too Cocktails were delicious too. For example the --VG Negroni and Cobbler was passed around and praised. Valet park at Halekulani Restaurant is at sister hotel Halepuna

    Mai tai pancakes
    Ashley V.

    We came here for breakfast twice, it was part of our hotel package, and we really enjoyed it. The menu is set but you can choose from quite a few items. They have plenty of vegetarian options. I enjoyed everything I ate, especially the pineapple. Pancakes and avocado toast were so flavorful. The service was friendly, but I'm pretty sure they are still trying to figure out the kinks when it comes to seating all the hotel guests who arrive at once when they first open. Inside is very clean, it used to be Nobu and gives off those vibes.

    Sruthi S.

    I stayed at the hotel for 6 days and had complimentary breakfast at UMI, which gave me a good chance to try multiple items on the menu. Overall, the breakfast experience was pleasant and consistent. The menu has a nice mix of classic and globally inspired options, and it didn't feel repetitive even after several mornings. Some days stood out more than others, but when the dishes were done well, they were flavorful, well-presented, and satisfying. I especially appreciated having both savory and lighter options, which worked well depending on how the day started. The ambience is calm and relaxed, making it a great way to ease into the morning, and the service was generally attentive and friendly. Since it was included with my stay, it felt like good value and a convenient, comfortable breakfast option without having to step out early in the day. Would recommend UMI for hotel guests looking for a refined, sit-down breakfast experience, especially if it's included with the stay.

    Umi fried rice with bacon
    Pamela K.

    We stopped in for brunch and the ambiance, food, execution and service were top notch -- everything you'd expect of a restaurant of this kind and caliber. Highly recommend. Brunch picks: The mai tai pancake is delicious if you like sweet/caramelized sauce. The sleeper was the TOAST. It was delicious. Bread fans, so not miss this carb. The service is perfection -- and the staff are super down to earth. Absolutely recommend Umi for a fancy meal out.

    Sundae
    Nina H.

    Hawaii has its own fine dining. Chef has his own definition of Hawaii / French / Japanese fusion cuisine. Food combinations are very creative! They are also flexible with tasting menu selection, they do not force everyone to order the same tasting menu. So we ended up ordering 2 different tasting menu. And we got the chance to taste varieties of different chef's selections Service and food quality are perfect! It is Michelin level presentation and taste is unique! I would recommend this place for Hawaii fine dining experience. (Also you don't need to order tasting menu, regular menu items are also local inspired seafoods) Appreciate the staffs, had a great time in Hawaii

    Dan A.

    Went on a date night with wifey. Very nice ambiance. It has that upscale feel to it. But this is Hawaii so still casual IMO. Can definitely come in shorts but appropriate ones. I recommend making a reservation but you can probably walk in and get seated albeit wait times. Parking is kind tricky. You can valet at the hotel across the street or park at the Royal Hawaiian. We tried their prix fix menu - Umi and Waikiki. Everything was good! Food - 5/5 Ambiance - 5/5 Service - 5/5. Service was excellent. Definitely provided us an excellent experience. Certainly not a low budget meal but you get what you pay for. Would be nice to get a Kama'aina discount but it's not offered.

    Fried rice. A must have. Yummy!
    Ryan S.

    Great food and service! Came here for breakfast multiple times (packaged with our Halepuna room). All the dishes we had were amazing. Best loco moco we've eaten. The gravy is thoughtful cooked and delicious. Rice and beef are ono! And love the dish is not too salty, and honors its flavors instead. Pancakes have a great texture. Almost soufflé-like. Syrup is a great touch. Kids around us loved it too. Shakshuka is wonderful. Our first time eating this dish. Not too spicy. Flavors are great. Beautifully presented (get your camera ready). Fried rice is a must too. Good amount of seafood. Flavors are great, and not salty. Love the decor here. Feels very open and upscale. Wait staff are fantastic. They really work hard. Make sure to tip them (especially if you getting your breakfast through the room package). Hostess is very nice and organized. There may be a slight wait when checking in. But be patient. Remember, this is a fine dining restaurant. Relax and enjoy the great food.

    UMI Menu 01/18/2025
    Ella H.

    We visited the restaurant operated by Chef Vikram before. So, we kinda have set the bar high and look forward to trying UMI this time on our trip to Honolulu. Chef Vikram always amazes us with his unique combinations of tastes and the menu full of techniques while keeping the balance between the flavor and quantity. Some of the dishes were unfortunately over-cooked, in my humble opinion. But the follows were the bombs - Wagyu beef cheek - Lobster - Popcorn soup Sure thing you cannot miss the desserts when you come to meet with Chef Vikram. In addition to the signature mango lassi ice pop, the Chef impressed me with the sesame stone on the blue creek (colored by butterfly pea) and the matcha sponge cake! It's visually stunning and palatable. I highly recommend the desserts at UMI. Overall, the venue/ambiance and services are cordial and attentive. They do not have a kid's menu but could adjust the portion of some selected entrances for you as the accommodation. I didn't get to order the famous curry dish and couldn't wait to try it out next time when I'm back to the rainbow city - A Hui Hou!

    Sundae - Brow Butter Ice Cream, Chocolate Fudge, Toffee
    Jeng L.

    UMI is a culinary treasure tucked away in the heart of Waikiki. Chef Vikram and his wife, Abhilasha, have masterfully created a dining experience that feels both casual and upscale. The menu reflects a fusion of multi-cultural influences, with a focus on Japanese techniques like dashi and koji, seamlessly blended with Chef Vikram's expertise in French-style cooking. This thoughtfully curated menu is the result of years of refinement. Having dined at Chef Vikram's previous restaurant, TBD Hawaii at the Lotus Hotel, I can confidently say UMI elevates the experience to a whole new level. When I previously asked Chef Vikram why the name TBD, he humbly explained it stood for "To-Be-Decided" before UMI was conceptualized. Experiencing both establishments, it's clear that UMI represents a bold leap forward in creativity and execution. One standout highlight was the dessert dish aptly named "UMI." Its jaw-dropping presentation and innovative flavors are something I haven't encountered in fine dining for years. Among the many incredible dishes, my personal favorites were the popcorn soup, lobster, and braised beef cheek. However, I did notice that some proteins, like the scallop, lobster, and prime ribeye, were slightly overcooked. Given the premium quality of the ingredients, I had expected the scallop to be of sashimi grade, similarly, we'd hope the lobster and prime ribeye were executed on the rare side. Beyond the food, the overall dining experience at UMI was exceptional. The restaurant is accommodating to families, offering kid-sized meals, and the valet parking was a thoughtful touch. The handling of our wine (which we brought in) was professional and seamless. The beverage program curated by the sommelier is extensive, featuring rare finds such as globally sourced sake and Louis XIII. Even the coffee served at UMI is a proprietary blend created by Chef Vikram, adding a personal touch you won't find anywhere else. From start to finish, everything about UMI was exceptional. The reservation process, the attentive follow-up, the impeccable service, and the inviting atmosphere all contributed to an unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend UMI for any special occasion, and I look forward to returning to try the popular curry dinner on my next visit.

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    2 years ago

    Food was good. But the dinner started at 6:30 and ended at 10. A little slow. But the staff was very friendly.

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    Five star food, coffee and service at breakfast. The banana french toast was exceptional.

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    Umi By Vikram Garg Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Umi By Vikram Garg

    Looking to take my family here, is it kid-friendly?

    In my opinion yes although it is a little formal. They are just simply friendly

    Do you serve alcohol or BYOB?

    Waiting on our liquor license . BYOB

    What's the parking situation?

    Complimentary Valet or self parking at halekulani or halepuna with 2 hour validation

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    I've now been to Chao five times and still keep coming back. I came shortly after they opened and…read moreloved it so much I came back the following week and have had business meetings and family dinners here. It's to the point that at least one of the servers has recognized me and welcomes me back. Each time, we have enjoyed every thing that we've ordered. Frankly, my only trouble with this restaurant is finding parking. I plan to get there early so I can have a few laps around to find a spot. Their apps are always tasty. I've loved their hamachi crudo, the calamari, the Spanish octopus and the street corn. My go to app is the maitake mushrooms. For lunch, I'm a big fan of their banh mi's as I've eaten both the brisket and lemongrass. The bread is nice and crispy and everything is oh so good. For dinner, my wife loved the soft shell crab pasta and I've really enjoyed the crispy pork belly. I'm going to come back to try the Picanha this next time! I normally take pictures but for whatever reason, I didn't these past times probably because I was too busy stuffing my face. Guess I have to come again and retry!

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    Miro Kaimuki - The Counter: An elegant, intimate experience that, sadly, left a lot to be desired…read more The service was great but I had a few qualms which influenced my decision of probably not returning. A couple things about Miro: - You have to pre-pay via OpenTable (unsure how it works if you call ahead), but just be aware you will be fronting the cost. Also, there are two seatings, one at 5pm, and one at 7:30pm. The 5pm seating is $165 per person and the 7:30pm seating is $195. I'm not sure if there is a menu difference but just know there is a difference in price depending on the time you choose. - Upon arrival you have to wait outside before being let inside. The restaurant locks the doors while they are in service, so if you are the 2nd seating (which is what we were) at 7:30pm, you will have to wait outside. Honestly my girlfriend and I were pretty confused as we've never had this experience before. We even tried to message/call the restaurant but didn't hear from them so we were close to leaving, but luckily some people were leaving from the earlier seating and let us know to wait outside and that the servers would let us in when the time comes. Now onto the most important part- the food. The menu was 6 courses (not including the bread). We got all of the add-ons and I also did the wine pairing. There wasn't any menu available but here's what I got based on photos: - First Course: 4 starters which reminded me of Bar Maze. This was probably the best course for me. I really wish I knew the names of each dish but it was an oyster, salmon tart, another tart (I think this was tomato or something), and ikura toast. All of it was super tasty. - Second Course: Ahi, Caviar, and Uni all on top of their special toasted bread. Now I am a big proponent of all three toppings, but the bread was so rich and dense, it overpowered all of the toppings. I felt the uni went best with the toast, but definitely not my favorite to start a meal so heavy. - Third Course: Almost like a bacon carbonara but without any pasta? It was kind of like a custard texture. It was good but felt a little out of place in the whole grand scheme of the tasting menu. - Bread: I don't count this as a course but we were served this beautiful baked bread with honey butter. Super yummy. - Fourth Course: Lobster - which, of course was tasty but not memorable for me. - Fifth Course: I can't remember if this was wagyu but this was also pretty good. Pretty small for an entree but the meat was cooked well and the presentation was very nice. - 6th Course: There were two desserts and one complimentary dessert for my birthday. The orange creamsicle dessert was the best one. My girlfriend and I didn't like the gummies as they were a bit too sour/savory for our taste (it was li hing flavored which isn't my favorite so I could be biased). The birthday dessert which was a dark chocolate cake thing- it was OK. The cocoa was a bit bitter and was a little too unsweet for our taste. Overall, I think Miro was just okay. For the cost of $195 per person + the wine pairing (which I believe was another $95), and the add-on's for both of us (~$60-70?) plus my girlfriends mocktail, this came out to a very steep $550+ dinner. I feel for 6 courses this is pretty overpriced, especially because the portions are super small and I don't feel the tasting menu was very cohesive. I would definitely rather go to NatuRe, Mugen, or Senia as they are relatively close (or at times cheaper) in price to Miro. Don't get me wrong, the ambiance was beautiful and intimate, and I think it's worth trying at least once if you want to splurge, but sadly this won't be a restaurant I return to regularly, if at all in the future.

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    $$$

    This place has amazing food, great views, excellent service, and delicious drinks but it has been…read moreCLOSED for months due to a pipe burst (?) or something.

    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.

    Photos
    Morimoto Asia Waikiki - Interior

    Interior

    Morimoto Asia Waikiki - Black pepper beef

    Black pepper beef

    Morimoto Asia Waikiki - Morimoto Asia Waikiki Ocean Front Lanai Dining

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    Morimoto Asia Waikiki Ocean Front Lanai Dining

    Lucky Belly - Shrimp Kim Chee Bowl

    Lucky Belly

    4.2(2.2k reviews)
    3.1 miDowntown
    $$

    So glad we ate here! Looks like there are lots of hip options in Chinatown, and we would have…read morewalked around and tried even more if we had had more time. We had a 4 hour layover in Honolulu and it was a quick 15 minute Lyft ride here to Lucky Belly. We were the only party here right at 5:30 pm. Loved the art and clean simple elegance of the exposed brick wall and wood tables. We were greeted and served by a very friendly host. We had the duck tacos, plus the special dim sum appetizer combo of pork belly bao, lobster dumplings and oxtail dumplings. We could not pick a favorite. The variety of textures was fantastic and each of the meat fillings were perfectly seasoned and tender, delicious! Each had a different sauce- just enough, not too much. Nothing was spicy but there was chili oil on the table if you wanted to add more heat. We got 2 nonalcoholic spritzers, one lilikoi and one hibiscus, which were each refreshing and complimented the meal. Since the service was so efficient, after eating, we still had time to zip over to Magic Island to stroll around, take in the scene and enjoy the sunset before heading back to the airport. Our last evening in Hawaii was really special thanks to this delightful restaurant!

    Horrifying experience. We arrived to a nearly empty restaurant. The hostess asked if we had a…read morereservation. We arrived an hour or so before they were about to close. All of the window seats were empty. In fact the restaurant was nearly empty. We were told the only option for us was the inconspicuous booth at the back of the restaurant. Not a good start. The food was okay. There was more than we were expecting, however the short ribs were a little tough. The ambiance, it was nice and empty by the time we left. Overall, what had been something we'd been looking forward to for years turned out to be a dismal disappointment. The experience left us feeling unwelcome, particularly because it seemed the staff were uncomfortable with two men simply going out for lunch. Being a Black and Asian couple shouldn't have any bearing on how paying customers are treated, but unfortunately, that's how the experience felt to us. We can overlook mediocre food or service, but feeling judged or unwelcome is something we won't overlook. We were there as paying customers and deserved to be treated with the same courtesy and respect as anyone else. Unfortunately, this is a place we won't be returning to, and based on our experience, we would not recommend it to others.

    Photos
    Lucky Belly - Interior bar and dining room.

    Interior bar and dining room.

    Lucky Belly - Lobster Moco (Dec 2025 update)

    Lobster Moco (Dec 2025 update)

    Lucky Belly - Exterior front.

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    Exterior front.

    Umi By Vikram Garg - seafood - Updated September 2026

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