Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Waikele Kitchen

    3.0 (10 reviews)

    Waikele Kitchen Photos

    WAIKELE KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Waikele Kitchen

    Recommended Reviews - Waikele Kitchen

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration
    Photo of Shan B.
    119
    30
    20

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John K.
    208
    32
    112

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Food is not that great just conveniently located. Service was a but slow but not a big deal if the food was worth it. I don't think so.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Waikele Kitchen

    You might also consider

    XO Restaurant

    XO Restaurant

    4.6
    (2.4k reviews)
    15.4 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Fine dining

    Great service and high quality food. Hamachi was amazing and the butter mochi bunnies were cute and…read moredelicious! Would highly recommend

    If you live on this island and haven't eaten here yet, you are missing out. And if you are visiting…read moreOʻahu, skip the tourist traps in Waikīkī and drive 10 minutes to this incredible local gem. Trust me, just go! Everything about our experience was exceptional. From the warmest hospitality to the best food we had in Honolulu, XO completely exceeded our expectations. We only wish we had a restaurant like this back home in Chicago. Every dish was memorable. The Hamachi Crudo was the best we had on the island, fresh, vibrant, and perfectly citrusy balanced. The fried chicken absolutely lived up to the hype and then some. My personal favorite was the perfectly seared scallop with crusted shrimp, an unforgettable combination. My husband and I also decided to add the salmon, and we were so glad we did. Every bite was plump, fresh, and beautifully blackened. What truly blew us away was the value. We've been fortunate enough to dine at Alinea and EL Ideas in Chicago, and XO reminded us of what those restaurants might have inspired at a fraction of the price. The level of creativity, execution, and care that goes into every plate is extraordinary, yet the experience is incredibly approachable. We left completely satisfied, already talking about when we could come back. One bonus, if it's your thing! It's currently BYOB while awaiting their liquor license renewal in August, so if you enjoy pairing your own wine or drinks with dinner, take advantage of it while you can. And do not even think about skipping dessert. The Brown Butter Bunny Mochi was the single best sweet bite of our entire trip, even edging out the delicious malasadas we raved about all week. Whether you take an Uber, rent a car, or make the short drive from Waikīkī, it's worth every minute. This is the kind of place locals should be proud of and visitors will never forget. If you want to eat like a local while treating yourself to one of the best meals on the island, XO is the place. Just go!

    Photos
    XO Restaurant
    XO Restaurant
    XO Restaurant

    See all

    Ki Club

    Ki Club

    4.5
    (135 reviews)
    13.4 mi
    $$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    Went here for my birthday dinner. Thoroughly surprised at how good the food was and the service…read more Beautiful, modern interior and the atmosphere was chic. The menu has changed to a more tapa style. We went with our two young children & they were very accommodating. We ordered a bunch of stuff but most notable was the Ensalada Salad, Croquette Cordero, Taco Raisu, Karaage Pollo, and for dessert, the Piña Borracha. We ordered some pork and steak skewers. These were ok, I would skip these next time. A little burnt. My favorite was the Ensalada Salad. The crab was sweet and the salsa opaca was so refreshing with the apple foam. Was told to smash the crisp on top and combine it with everything and that took it to another level! So good that we ordered another one. The price of this was so affordable too! The Croquette Cordero was like a mini curry ball with chimuchirri sauce. A little heavy but if you love curry, this is for you! The Taco Raisu surprised us. The taco meat was so flavorful!! Even though we were stuffed, we kept going back for more. It's like a deconstructed taco & you use the lettuce as a wrap. The Karaage Pollo came with a Cucumber Escabeche. It was so tangy and refreshing, which perfectly cuts through the rich, savory oiliness of the fried chicken. We got the Piña Borracha for dessert and that had a coconut cake, coconut lime mousse, banana lilikoi curd, and pasted pineapple on top. Amazing!! Great way to end the night. Everything was top notch. You can tell they put a lot of effort into each dish. Can't wait to go back!

    I go here on occasions. I've made to brunch a couple times but typically I make it to the…read moreevenings. The restaurant hours are relatively calm, but switches gears when it becomes a nightclub. Restaurant-wise, I believe the menu had a recent change-up to further explore fusion possibilities. I've been going down the list and the dishes have been pretty good so far; I haven't made it to the taco raisu yet, but I do need me some desserts. The picarones is like a peruvian andagi, which was pretty cool. The miso cream brûlée was from the prior menu, but also a Yes. The bar is knowledgeable and innovative their mixology- I've had the shizuku garden and that was amazing.

    Photos
    Lomo Saltado with Wagyu
    Lomo Saltado with Wagyu
    Feature Cocktails
    Feature Cocktails
    Kakuni Croquettes

    See all

    Kakuni Croquettes
    Lucky Belly

    Lucky Belly

    4.2
    (2.2k reviews)
    11.2 mi
    $$

    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!

    Service is always top notch with helpful and friendly people always on hand. The ambiance is pretty…read morenice, with paneled walls and nice spacious seating. The A/C was blowing on our table intermittently, but it was okay because the heat from the sun through the glass front windows at 5:30 PM was intense. I think the shades could be drawn down a bit more. The bi bim bap bowl was very substantial and the meat was nicely flavored, albeit a bit on the spicy side. Chicken and beet salads were also cool and refreshing, with the layered goat cheese and beet terrines being a nice touch. Karaage chicken on the salads was also nicely cooked and moist. The wafu stake was tasty and tender and with a side of rice it made a complete meal (well, no veggies, but...). Parking is available nearby at the lot on the corner of Smith and Pauahi or the underground lot with an entrance on Beretania near Nu'uanu.

    Photos
    Interior bar and dining room.
    Interior bar and dining room.
    Lobster Moco (Dec 2025 update)
    Lobster Moco (Dec 2025 update)
    Exterior front.

    See all

    Exterior front.
    Hali'a by Side Street Inn

    Hali'a by Side Street Inn

    4.2
    (177 reviews)
    6.9 mi
    $$

    Yes! It was my son who arrived ftom California the day he suggested to eat there for Mother's Day…read more It was a nice drive from town to west Honolulu The surrounding area ., still in development looking forward when it's done...the restaurant standing great and tall. It's a modernize restaurant building no where in town! The man made pond recreational play area floating in there.,,there is sign explaining the concept of the man made pond ...I can't recall seeing any fishes in there! Nonetheless there skewed kids playing on the floating rubber items I'd like to go there again with friends! I've been to the Kapahulu eatery many times.,, Here it's quiet and relaxing dining out... Their food good to share volume is great! It'll be a great older to eat with family or friends celebrating an unforgettable meal all will enjoy! They have a huge bar with all the liquors store there! It's a casual place to go shorts and ti shirts come as you are (no bathing suits) no dress code unless the party wants it. Theres a building next to it that has sports activities., not sure what it was.., Excellent friendly services and their pork chops are great and famous for! Muncher fried rice. The ambience is terrific lighted with patio seating and I saw downstairs stairs but I have no idea what it's for. If one wants the drive out to Ewa Kapolei area best place to go!

    Halia by Side Street Inn Local Comfort Food Restaurant…read more Overall: 8.1/10 Food: 7.5/10 Service: 8.5/10 Ambiance: 8.8/10 Value: 7.7/10 Halia by Side Street Inn was a great way to spend my sisters birthday. They serve some great local eats- we had their Classic Prix Fixe Menu that came with their signature fried rice, boneless kalbi, garlic chicken, pan fried pork chops, and farmers salad. The meats were all so tender and broke apart easily. The highlight for me was the pork chops which had the perfect crispy batter but super moist on the inside. We also had a side order of garlic edamame and ordered the Orange Bang Mai Tai, Guava Jelly, and Guava Margarita Cocktail. The drinks were strong but super tasty- great value. We also had some great live music playing the whole night- they feature live music every fri-sun! Def come check out Halia by Side Street Inn if you have the time and want some good local eats!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Farmers salad
    Farmers salad
    House Salad w/shrimp

    See all

    House Salad w/shrimp
    Carte Blanche

    Carte Blanche

    4.5
    (80 reviews)
    15.7 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

    See all

    Roy's Ko Olina

    Roy's Ko Olina

    4.2
    (2.4k reviews)
    8.5 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

    The first impression at the front desk wasn't the warmest, as the lady seemed a little…read moreuninterested. However, once we were seated, everything completely changed. Our server, Edison, was absolutely outstanding. He welcomed us with such genuine warmth, always had a smile on his face, and was incredibly attentive throughout the entire meal. He checked on us at just the right times and made sure we had everything we needed without us having to ask. The rest of the staff were also very friendly and courteous. The misoyaki butterfish and island fish were delicious. The fish was perfectly cooked, but what really stood out was the green color sauce, it was incredibly flavorful and honestly one of the best we've had. We also really appreciated the keiki meal. Instead of serving typical junk food, they offered a thoughtfully prepared meal, which was a huge plus for us as parents. Our child had such a wonderful birthday dinner, and the attentive service made the celebration feel extra special. The only small issue was that we noticed some tiny bugs in our glasses of water. They were too tiny to see if you weren't looking closely. Overall, the exceptional service, especially from Edison and the delicious food far outweighed this minor issue. We'd happily come back again.

    Photos
    Outdoor bar
    Outdoor bar
    Mesquite Smoked Beef Brisket
    Mesquite Smoked Beef Brisket
    Blackened sashimi

    See all

    Blackened sashimi
    Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro

    Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro

    4.3
    (4.2k reviews)
    14.1 mi
    $$$
    Free parking
    19 years in business

    We've been coming back to Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro in Waikiki for years now, and…read morethere's genuinely a special place in our hearts for this spot simply because it's still here after all this time. In a city where restaurants come and go, that kind of longevity says something. The Kurobuta Pork Loin Katsu set and Set A are our go-tos every time. The pork is consistently tender with that perfect crispy crust. And can we talk about the sesame seed crushing situation for a second, I half-joke that it should be a litmus test for any good tonkatsu place. If they hand you that mortar and pestle to grind your own sesame for the sauce, you know they're serious about the details. One practical note: seating is limited and it fills up fast, so I'd recommend making a reservation if you can, especially during peak hours. The first time we ever visited, our kid was still in the stroller and we were so embarrassed how much space we were taking up. But everyone here is just in for a good time. Too bad there's no downtime or else that's when we usually like to visit the restaurant without bother other guests. Just plan ahead. Ginza Bairin has stood the test of time!

    My daughter got to choose our dinner on night 2 here on the island and she picked chicken or pork…read morekatsu. I found this place on Yelp, thanks Yelp! It did not disappoint. The staff is amazing and the food was delicious. It reminded my husband and I of this place in Kyoto. Don't get confused, there are two sides, one side requires reservations (which we didn't have) so they sent us next door and they were able to accommodate us. The interior was cute, very Japan. My daughter and I ordered the chicken katsu, it was yummy and my husband and son ordered the beef katsu with a side of pork katsu. I loved how they gave sesame seeds in a bowl for the kids to grind up to put in our sauces. That kept them entertained for a bit. Also, apparently this is a branch of a tonkatsu restaurant in Ginza. I recommend this place is you're specifically looking for a Japanese restaurant aside from sushi.

    Photos
    Tonkatsu, katsu-don, gyukatsu
    Tonkatsu, katsu-don, gyukatsu
    Special Katsu-don set
    Special Katsu-don set
    Katasu-don

    See all

    Katasu-don

    Waikele Kitchen - poke - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...