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    Waikiki Leia

    4.4 (89 reviews)
    Closed 5:30 pm - 8:30 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Waikiki Leia Photos

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    Outside waterfall
    Lucia L.

    This little diamond has been in my bookmarks for so long, and I'm so glad I finally got to check it out this visit to Oahu. In addition to their restaurant, there's a quaint little wedding chapel with gorgeous views of Diamond Head in the back. We were able to stop by for brunch, which was AMAZING and literally one of the BEST meals we had during our vacation (which really says something considering how delicious food in Hawaii is). We ordered their signature souffle pancakes, which were unbelievably fluffy yet light, as well as their omurrice, which came with a perfectly whipped egg omelette and the most delicious Japanese-style cream of corn soup that I've had. Highly recommend checking this hidden gem out if you're visiting Honolulu! Featured here: Soufflé pancakes Omurrice Cream of corn soup

    Lyla D.

    We were invited to enjoy lunch at Waikīkī Leia by cruisemates whom we met during our recent journey to Japan and Korea. We hadn't heard about this place until our cruisemates described the location and recommended the Island-style Fusion French brunch menu. I recognized the site as the former Diamond Head Anela Garden Chapel and Guest House, which offered a private wedding venue and restaurant services during the mid-2000s, but was unaware that it had undergone renovation and was renamed to "Waikīkī Leia. We excitedly accepted the invitation as we reminisced in the luscious French cuisine by master chef Jacques Pépin aboard our cruise ship. Upon arrival at Waikīkī Leia, we parked our car in their spacious parking lot and entered the guest house/restaurant. The hostess greeted us as we confirmed the reservation and seated us before the other couple joined us. Meanwhile, we enjoyed the tropical gardens and were soothed by the gentle splashing waterfalls while perusing the menus. Our cruisemates, who have dined at this restaurant before, ordered their usual breakfast menu items, Plantation iced teas, soufflé pancakes, and eggs Benedict. Since we were blessed with a gorgeous, sunny, warm, and clear day, we started our meals with iced teas, priced at $5 each (Plantation for my husband and Volcano for me), served in cute mason jars. Both iced teas were flavorful and refreshing. For my entrée, I chose the Seafood Rice Gratin ($25), which was preceded by a fresh mesclun salad drizzled with a well-balanced tropical vinaigrette (featuring liliko'i or passion fruit). The combination of mixed greens offered light, bitter green notes, spiciness, and tender bites, thanks to its variety of leaves, and prepared my taste buds for the rice gratin. The butter rice was topped with tender cooked shrimp, scallops, fish, and calamari in a rich Mornay sauce. The golden brown gratinée complimented the bubbling hot Mornay sauce. I waited a few minutes before digging into this fragrant and delicious dish. Our server warned me about the heat coming from the gratin dish and to avoid touching the dish. My husband chose the Trio Seafood Platter $30. The oven-baked seafood was artfully plated and accompanied with grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes. He showed me the tender and moist flakes of salmon when he cut the portion. The scallops and shrimp were also done perfectly and lightly seasoned. However, he kept glancing over to my Seafood Rice Gratin and I felt pressured into sharing my meal with him which he said he wished he had ordered the Seafood Rice Gratin instead. We ended our meal by sharing the Japanese Dessert Trio (green tea ice cream, warabi mochi with kinako and kuromitsu or "black honey", and warm sweet azuki beans topped with fresh whipped cream) $8.50. The trio of desserts treated our palates to hot and cold and not cloyingly sweet or less sweet Japanese desserts. Our server was friendly and professional and not too chatty with us as with other guests. There were two servers to wait over the fully-occupied restaurant so service lagged at times and we often had to flag down our server for water or beverage refills. We weren't rushed and leisurely enjoyed the convivial venue and lively conversation within our group and thankful to our cruisemates for introducing this restaurant to us. 4.4 stars

    Souffle pancake

    What a wonderful brunch! We ordered from both the breakfast and lunch sides of the menu and all were very content with their selections. Great service and a beautiful setting!

    Soup of the day
    Gabriel G.

    Amazing ambiance, staff, and great food! Will definitely recommend and come back. Japanese dessert trio Omurice Soufflé pancakes Seafood trio platter Creamy corn soup Salad with mango dressing

    Cora L.

    In Diamond Head, Waikiki Leia is a stunning place to grab a bite to eat! The entrance sets the tone with an arc of flowers and a classic looking white building. The space is well lit and clean. We sat outside and it was a beautiful day. There was a grass area right outside while we ate. The food was good too! We got soufflé pancakes and french toast. Both were quite good. Next time, we'll try a savory dish like pasta. The service was efficient as well. A very pleasant experience. The only difficulty was the parking, as there are limited spots so we had to find street parking and walk. Otherwise, very sweet place that we hope to visit again soon.

    Small salad with papaya dressing that accompanies the omelette rice dish.
    Darren S.

    Waikīkī Leia is a hidden sanctuary in a residential neighborhood just outside of bustling Waikiki off Monsarrat Ave -- so you don't feel like you're in the crowded cityscape. Small and limited parking in their lot off Kanaina Ave but lots of residential street parking -- just be considerate of the neighbors. They host weddings and private parties in various sections of the venue, so check first before going. Went for brunch and had a relaxing time with friends, and we all had fun with the cheerful and humorous staff who were all bilingual Japanese/English speaking. Definitely recommend this off the beaten track restaurant for a little escape from the stresses of daily life!

    Passion fruit iced tea ($5)
    Takashi H.

    Perfect for feasting with the eyes. Waikiki Leia is my favorite new discovery. I came across this unmarked restaurant while walking in the neighborhood, and was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the chapel adjacent to the restaurant. Social media influencers flock to Waikiki Leia for the picture perfect dining experience. Bring your incognito shades if you're shy and want to avoid getting caught in someone's livestream. The menu features Japanese cafe favorites, like omelette rice (オームライス). Each lunch entree comes with the option of the daily soup or salad. Today's soup was corn consumée, leaning on the sweet side for those with a local palette more accustomed to corn chowder. The salad came with a mango dressing, which would be perfect for panna cotta or other dessert dishes. The salad was fresh and crisp. The grilled vegetables and tofu were well prepared and satisfying. Want to know a secret about those picture perfect parfaits? It's Dryer's! Walk-ins are welcome, despite the "reservations only" posts on their website and Instagram. It's best to call ahead to reserve a spot and make sure your table is ready. Reservations may be made in English, but don't be alarmed if your first greeting is in Japanese. Carpool for best results. There's plenty of parking in the private lot in front of the restaurant. With nine stalls, including a handicap access, there's plenty for the size of the restaurant. The neighborhood is full of cars parked on the street, so take a tip from Kaka'ako and avoid overcrowding.

    The back area
    Verna A.

    I have always seen food influencer come to this place and I can see why. It's beautiful and very quiet inside. I love how there is a chapel inside where the restaurant is. My friend and I went for their breakfast and they open at 9am. We were the 2nd customer tomorrow get seated. The inside of the restaurant was very lovely. We sat inside by near the outside patio. There isn't much on the menu for the morning time but we shared the pancakes and the French toast. We were expecting the pancake to be big but it was four small fluffy pancakes and three different sauce to pour on. The taste of the pancakes felt like you were back in Japan! The French toast was HUGE. We were actually expecting it to be small but it did the job done and made both of us full! The price is quite expensive and I would go again for special occasions only. Wonderful experience and a beautiful place to have a meal! :)

    Menu
    Jessica R.

    Absolutely lovely venue but mediocre food :( my friend and I were so excited to try this place and spent most of the time talking about places we could get better versions of what we had ordered here. Great service too.

    Teriyaki chicken sandwich
    My My N.

    Such a cute little place. We came here to celebrate "friendship" over lunch. We sat upstairs with the view of diamond head. I had the teriyaki chicken sandwich. And it was delicious. My friends had the beef stew with two slice of baguette bread and they loved it. Wish there more bread for the beef stew. Very friendly staff and awesome photographer. =) The decor, the chandelier, the ambience, the staircase going up, the little waterfall, the chapel, we wanted to take photos of it all. There's even a toto in the women's restroom. A very nice place to celebrate.

    Entrance to the mansion where the dining service is
    Lori I.

    Threw a small party here in the upstairs room. Ambiance and service are top notch. Food presentation was excellent and delicious and very Japanese-y. Oishii. Highly recommend. Check hours on Instagram, they close the place for weddings. Advance reservations highly suggested.

    Chapel
    Shantell C.

    Wedding chapel and restaurant venue at the foot of Diamond Head. Beautiful venue for a small wedding or intimate brunch. You're also able to reserve up to five on Open Table. Parties greater than 40 are usually seated in the first floor dining room which may extend to the lawn fronting the waterfall. Parking is a hassle as there's limited stalls and street parking. I came as a party of six and was set up in the private room upstairs overlooking the front entrance and chapel. If you're looking for a wedding venue this is an intimate setting with multiple options to have your photos taken. We ordered multiple dishes, the crusted, salmon, with shrimp; soufflé pancakes; roasted ribeye; teriyaki chicken sandwich; seafood, rice, gratin. The baked salmon was a little dry needed to be eaten with the vegetable salsa. Ribeye was tender and delicious. Highly recommended dish would be the seafood rice gratin. Chock full of various seafood with tons of flavor. PS: corkage fee of $10, bring your vino.

    Tin Shing C.

    Excellent atmosphere, good food, good for small groups and small parties. reservations are requires, limited parking. We had a good time there.

    Soufflé pancakes

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Waikiki Leia

    Who are the social media influencers live streaming while eating lunch here?

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    Review Highlights - Waikiki Leia

    It's located near Diamond Head, a street away from Monsarrat, on corner of Kaunaoa Stree and Kanaina Ave.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

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