XO Restaurant

4.6 (2.4k reviews)

ModerateAsian Fusion, Cocktail Bars, Izakaya

Closed • 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

Updated 3 weeks ago

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XO Restaurant - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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164 Photos198 Reviews

over 1 year ago

Came here for dinner with some friends as this restaurant was always on our list of places to try. We've eaten at Carte Blanche so decided to give XO a try. We opted for the 7 course menu. And while everything tasted fine, nothing in the course really stood out or wowed us. The hamachi crudo was just ok. A little too salty and saucy. I'm not sure if the items were supposed to come out in the order stated on the menu, but it all came out of order. We got the loaded potato gratin next which was tasty but wish the cheese skirt part was crispy. The beet lotus while pretty, we didn't finish as this wasn't one of our favorites.

The adobo fried chicken was pretty good but extremely salty. We felt it needed rice or some kind of side to balance the saltiness so we ended up taking this home. Grilled pork belly ssam was very tender but nothing special. We wanted...

wanted to add on the rack of lamb supplement but they were sold out unfortunately. My friend didn't like the scallop dish and said it was very questionable. It was kind of like honey walnut shrimp type of execution for the scallops. While everything in the course was on the saltier side, the scallops actually lacked salt. The scallops came with some type of dumpling but it tasted a little sour. The best thing on the course was actually the bunny mochi. The presentation is really cute and the mochi was brought out warm and we really enjoyed that. They also give you a wagyu fat caramel which was pretty interesting. Our waiter was nice and the service was pretty good. I do like the ambiance in the restaurant as well. At $65 a person for this 7 course menu I think it's pretty worth it considering we were pretty full at the end and you get to do it family style. Overall everything was just alright though and enough to just try once. I'm not sure if I'll be back for a while.

over 2 years ago

The adobo fried chicken was super moist while the skin was crispy, the sauce it came with was superb! The hamachi crudo was fresh and flavors were perfect! The ginger scallion gyoza banh xeo was the family favorite. So so good. Their...

Their all in one Thanksgiving dinner was also excellent. Was so excited that they served foie gras! That was our favorite rice shooter! The brown mochi bunnies for dessert are a must! So much detail, from their snacks to their surprises lol. We will definitely be adding XO to our must go to list for return visits to the Island. Please note that their menu changes on a regular basis. Some things stay and some don't.

72 Photos118 Reviews

almost 2 years ago

I couldn't even eat a bite of the soup dumpling and taco. We should have known when we walked in, and the restaurant was empty. Our server was amazing, though. They also charged a 3.25% fee for credit cards. * Char Siu Saimin Xiao...

salty taco from a random food truck. The birria was tender but it was inedible. * Korean x Nashville Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Chili Oil Ranch 3/5 - The flavor was good. The batter was too thick for me, like KFC breading, and so hard that it scraped the inside of my mouth. The chicken was also very greasy. * Hot Rice Shooters, Sesame, Scallion - Tare A-5 Wagyu 3/5 - This was a tiny piece of wagyu on top of plain rice and sesame oil. The wagyu was tender and good, but there was no point to the "shot" since it had no flavor. * Housemade Ginger Scallion Gyoza Banh Xeo, Nuoc Mam 4/5 - This was a bit better - banh xeo-style (Vietnamese crepe) gyoza. I like the interesting fusion of this dish. The banh xeo was flavorful, crispy outside, a bit soggy inside. The gyoza was okay. The dish did have an overwhelming lemony flavor. Toning the sourness down or letting each person decide for themselves would be better. * Hamachi Sashimi Crudo, Miso Sesame Vin, Aioli, Orange, Shishito 3.5/5 - This was a yellowtail sashimi dish on top of a sweet and sour miso sesame sauce. The yellowtail and the sauce were good. However, they overly salted the sashimi, making it really salty. The sashimi really didn't need any salt and can stand on its own with the sauce to enhance it. Also, the sashimi cut was way too thick, like a small fish steak. They should cut it thinner and present the slices like a circle around the plate. * Ube Lemonade 2/5 - Just a small cup of lemonade with no ube taste.

almost 2 years ago

We tried the Beer' ia' Tacos, the Korean Nashville fried chicken, the Salmon Cannoli, the Thai Larb Salad, and th e Soup dumplin gs. They were all delicious and my dad kept saying, "I've never had anything like this!" I cannot stress...

how tasty everything was. On top of that, we had the cutest dessert ever! My daughter had a hard time eating it because she named them lol. Those brown butter mochi bunnies are as mouthwatering as they are adorable. I love that they aren't really too sweet. It's the perfect finish to the night. Our waiter was such a helpful guy and he was so thoughtful. My mom is allergic to shellfish and he was on top of reminding us what contained what to make sure nothing cross contaminated her food and so that she wouldn't accidentally eat anything. If you haven't tried this place, you have to come check it out!

170 Photos169 Reviews

4 days ago

My husband and I came here to try the 7 Course Set Menu. Hamachi Sashimi Crudo - Probably one of my favorite dishes of the whole experience. The fish tasted fresh, fatty, and perfectly balanced with the onions, sauce, & mandarin orange pieces. Beet Lotus - Beautiful creation, BEETS are so good, and rare for me to see it not in a salad or paired with goat cheese, I thought this was very creative and beautiful. Loaded Potato Au Gratin - While I enjoyed the fried cheese aspect, this dish overall seemed a lot less inspired, and I didn't like the presentation of all the fixings on top. It felt like I had to really work for each bite.

Slow Braised Pork Belly Bao - This came with a deliciously flavorful chicharron piece with a little spice. But it definitely could have used some sort of sauce. Very fatty. Buttermilk Fried Chicken - Worst dish of the night, the...

pieces of meat were tough and chewy. The outside batter was flavorless and not a good texture. Optional Salmon Addition - Enjoyed the creamy sauce, the fish itself was ok. Pan seared Scallops - Messy plating, but I loved the crunch of the paper pieces and the scallops were goof, and the shrimp on top was amazing! Brown Butter Bunny Mochi - This is what first drew me to this restaurant, and it ended up being a perfect finish to the meal. Perfectly chewy, buttery, CUTE! Loved the presentation. Cocktails: Both the Lilikoi Margarita & the Yuzu Old Fashioned were lacking in flavor and intrigue. Also seemed like they were premade...? Okay, unfortunately there was a few things that detracted from the overall experience. To start, the music is abysmal. If this is trying to be an upper-scale restaurant with the price and food, this music shouldn't be playing. It's loud, distracting, and has no sensuality at all. I felt like I was trapped at a middle school dance in 2013. The food was served on beautiful dishes and plated in a way that seemed like they watched dated upscale dining videos. Also, I was confused at the ugly white plate that we had as our plate to put the food on (if that makes sense). Additionally, the way the utensils were presented also felt very amateurish. The meal as a whole also seemed like it had a lack of overall cohesion, especially the potato dish. The bathroom seemed incomplete and strange. There were stacks of Pokemon cards on the bar top for some reason... Where again, the cocktails weren't good at all. Some of these criticisms seem petty, but when the bill is more than $200 for 2 people, I do have higher standards. It was also quite empty when we got there, which is not a great sign. This restaurant has the ability to be a cool, date night location, but they really nerf themselves in a few ways. I don't think a lot of the problems were egregious, and I see a lot of areas for improvement.

about 2 months ago

First of all, bad mood building up when I asked the busboy for my waiter to return the awful glass of wine, that stupid busboy refused to switch out my awful wine! He said once i drank it, I can't change it, I asked him how would I know whether I like it or not if I didn't take a sip! Idiot! Luckily the bar tender came out to apologize and recommended a better wine for me which I highly appreciated. My server was polite and friendly also. Now let talk about ambient. The restaurant only seated like 3 tables, it's just sad, how did they get over 4 stars?! There's literally no customers with so many empty tables, but OpenTable showed fully booked! Let's talk about the food which we order the full tasting courses, bland, unimpressive, all cheap low cost ingredients. Way too many root vegetable courses! First course was the hamachi which was the only good dish, quite fresh and tasty, then went downhill all the way afterward. Second course was the potatoes with crunchy Parmesan cheese and bacon on top, which tasted just like the baked scallop potatoes, meh! Third was the locust root with radishes, it's too sweet and too starchy and cheap, I hated it. Fourth course was little better but very ordinary, fried shrimp with grilled scallops, both tiny.

After that was the pork belly bao, not good, pork was dry and not much taste, no sauce, bao was super dry also, I couldn't finish it. Last was the fried chicken. Not marinated, not salt, tasteless, took a bite, and couldn't bring...

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Nam S.

Located in Kaimuki, free parking stalls available in front of the restaurant. Took my mom here to celebrate her birthday. Wanted something a little nicer but not over the top fancy. This restaurant was very modern, aesthetic, and professional but also felt like somewhere you could eat without being in a dress or suit and tie. I can't remember the names of all the food, but it was all so good. No complaints. We sprung for the seven course prefixed meal (menu changes frequently). There were so many different flavors to indulge in. It's hard to pick a favorite dish because everything was so unique and tasty. By the end of the night we were full and satisfied. Our server was very knowledgeable about each dish and its preparation. He was able to tell us what ingredients were in the dish, the process to cook it, and the inspiration behind it. We were very impressed. For getting 6 courses, I believe the set price was ~$65 pp. I did opt to add an extra dish of salmon. They brought out my mom's dessert with a candle and were very attentive to making our visit a great one! Thank you XO!

Hannah W.

XO was our best meal in Honolulu. The food was delicious, fresh, creative, and fun! It was also plenteous, my friends and I were stuffed at the end. Great price, friendly staff. What more can you ask for?! I would definitely come back and recommend XO to anyone looking for a quality meal which is both delicious and fun.

Beautifully plated beet lotus and shiso gel on top of thinly sliced radish, it also had cilantro leaves, chimichurri sauce and quinoa!

Shirley A.

Food that "broke da mout" like they say here in Hawai'i!! It means it was amazing food. It was unique and crafted with a lot of detail. The flavors on their own should not work, but when it's all together it works perfectly! Every single bite had some kind of special flavor, and positive effect. I took a lot of pictures of the food because it was so pretty. Every dish looked like a piece of art. I felt speechless when I realized what I was eating. I usually don't like vegetables but tonight I am proud of say I ate my veggies and they were delectable. If you love delicious food and are a foodie you should definitely try this place. Trust me you will not be disappointed and order the mochi for dessert--it was mouthwatering!

Jensen L.

FANTASTIC!!! My boyfriend and I were celebrating our 4 year anniversary and chose to do a tasting menu for the first time. Every single dish was delicious, truly better than I anticipated. Both of our servers were incredibly well versed in their menu and described every dish beautifully. The music in the restaurant wasn't too loud, just loud enough where I'm not listening to other people's conversations. I think my favorite was the Bao and the dessert, my boyfriend was OBSESSED with the scallops. Cannot recommend this place enough.

Samantha L.

I came here for a girls' dinner and we ordered the course menu. We all opted to add the lamb for an extra $10, which was definitely worth it and a great addition to the meal. One thing that caught us off guard was that the dishes were served family-style. We had assumed each course would be individually portioned, so having to divide everything ourselves every time was a bit inconvenient and took away from the experience. The standout dish for me was the hamachi and brown butter bunnies. The fish was very fresh, and the citrus elements made it light and refreshing. The mochi bunnies were perfect texture and sweetness. Presentation here is amazing. Service, unfortunately, was not great. The restaurant wasn't busy, yet our server rarely checked in on us and we were left without water and drinks multiple times. It felt a bit inattentive given how quiet it was. Overall, the ambiance leans more casual than expected. There were some highlights food-wise, but the service and family-style setup made the experience less seamless than we had hoped.

Cindy L.

Hamachi Sashimi Crudo 4 Miso Sesame Vin, Aioli, Orange, Shishito, fresh, refreshing, flavorful Beet Lotus 4 Shiso Gel, Emulsified Chimichurri, Crispy Quinoa, crunchy, refreshing Loaded Potato Au Gratin 5 Cheese Crown, hearty, cheesy, flavorful Grilled Kalbi Pork Belly Ssam 5 Gochujang, Pickles, melt in your mouth, juicy, tender, super flavorful Buttermilk Fried Chicken 3 Adobo Butter Sauce, super crunchy, too dry Pan Seared Scallops 4 Bubu Arare Crusted Shrimp, Shellfish Beurre Monte; juicy, flavorful scallops; shrimp crunchy but slightly dry; creamy flavorful sauce Brown Butter-Bunny-Butter Mochi 4 soft, fluffy, not too sweet A-5 Wagyu Fat Caramels 3 piece of candy, too sweet for me Service 5 Ambiance 4

David J.

What a great little place in the heart of Kaimuki. Food was very good. The dishes were very well presented and there was a lot of attention to detail. The dishes were very flavorful and top notch. My favorite was the Hamachi Crudo. We tried at least 6 different items from the Ala Carte menu and none of them disappointed. The menu is quite small, but with that they can refine the dishes that they do have. They also offer a 7 course set menu. The service was excellent. The waiter was very personable and always checked on us. The food came out promptly. The interior is very nice. It's very modern yet, has a nice flare to it. The set up of the tables and bar is very inviting. The parking is a little small as it's located in Kaimuki. If you come early enough when they open or schedule your dinner early, you should be able to get parking. Overall, if you're in the neighborhood for a quaint little place for some good grinds, give this place a try!

4/19/26 Pre Fixe 7 courses + 1 extra treat

Tommie O.

4/19/26 The 6 of us chose the 7 course Pre Fixe meal and it was, overall, a tasty offering It allowed us to sample the many appetizers and entrees Standouts were the Fresh Hamachi, Radish w Beets dish and Buttah Mochi Rabbit (liked Chef's sense of humor) Service was professional yet friendly as well But for me the real treat was a Caramel Candy infused w A5 Wagyu Beef Fat! Imagine rich melty fat n sugary goodness all I one bite LOL

Rebecca L.

Small classy/casual restaurant in kaimuki with amazing flavors! Went for dinner during restaurant week and my boyfriend and I both really enjoyed it! For restaurant week they had a 7 course menu for $59, usual is $65. It was such a deal! Service was good despite the sever being the host and bartender too- he was still attentive and made sure we had everything/enjoying it. Food wise I think my favorite were the fried chicken and scallop/shrimp dish. Everything we had was good though. The fried chicken was super crispy and the sauce went well with it. Dessert wise the mochi bunny was so good! The A5 caramels were interesting and different but yummy. Parking wise there is a small lot that seems to be able to accommodate the size of the restaurant if not theres street parking on Waianae or in the residential area. Overall really enjoyed the dinner and can't wait to go back!

Loaded potato Au gratin with cheese crown

Cailean C.

Decided to try this place since it was restaurant week, their 7 course meal was a deal and well worth it Time between food was perfect, didn't have to wait too long and every dish was delicious. This is a perfect place to eat and chill for dinner. Only thing I wish they had beer on draft, their bar only had bottles but they have other cocktails to try.

Pan-seared scallop, arare crusted shrimp, and shellfish Beurre Monte

Jennifer T.

I really wanted to like Restaurant XO since it's been on my radar for a while now. But unfortunately, while the $59/pp (Restaurant Week deal) for a 7-course set menu was definitely enticing, it didn't live up to my expectations. Mainly, I felt a disconnect with Restaurant XO's apparent "fine dining" concept. Atmosphere-wise, XO had both upscale decor and homey furniture, making my experience a bit confusing. Hamachi Sashimi Crudo: One of my favorites. Thick pieces of buttery hamachi with a delicious miso vinagrette. Beet Lotus: The salad was slightly too sweet for me, personally. If less sweet, the dish could have been a refreshing palate cleanser. Loaded Potato Au Gratin: Because the cheese crust was floppy--kind of like a thin fruit leather--it felt unnecessary. The potato was great, though. Grilled Kalbi Pork Belly Ssam: Not much flavor at all nor spice on the pork belly. I wish there was a fresh or tangy element, like kimchi or cole slaw. And, just half a lettuce leaf for those large pork belly slices? I want the other half please. Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Adobo Butter Sauce: My least favorite, I couldn't finish it. Fast food fried chicken would have been better; mine was dry, though my partner said his was moist. The chicken itself was not really seasoned. Adobo Butter Sauce was very vinegary, which was fine, but it was missing other key elements of adobo, like pepper and garlic. The sauce ultimately didn't work with the chicken. The dish, in particular, was out of place for this prix fixe menu. Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Stew Wellington (+$10): The cook and seasoning on the lamb was perfect. Stew wellington was slightly soggy, but otherwise, tasted fine. I didn't care for the red wine gastrique--it was too sweet for me and lacked an acidic component. Pan Seared Scallops and Shrimp, Shellfish Beurre Monte: My other favorite of the night, the scallop and shrimp were cooked very well and the shellfish beurre monte was creamy. Absolutely delicious. Brown Butter-Bunny-Butter Mochi: Aesthetically very cute and the toasted marshmallow was a nice touch. But, nothing special beyond that. Pumpkin Crunch: I liked the flavor a lot, but it was way too sweet. It could have gone without the sugar granules underneath the shortbread crust. A-5 Wagyu Fat Caramels: I liked the caramel, it was smoky and slightly salty from the wagyu renderings. Ultimately, I don't think I'll be coming back to Restaurant XO, even though $59/pp for a 7-course set menu is a really good price. Most of the dishes had room for improvement, and I left pretty disappointed with the overall experience.

Shefali M.

Amazing food! We came for the 7 course set menu and left super full. We started with some drinks (lychee gimlet and the pink cactus). Both were okay but the real star was the food!! Our favorites were the hamachi crudo, the fried chicken, and the scallops. Also wanted to mention 59$ for a tasting menu is super affordable. The staff was friendly and kind, the place was very clean. It was such a good experience! Loved the food and definitely would recommend.

Amber E.

I have had this place on my radar for a while and it did not disappoint. We got the set menu and each course was unique, yummy, and beautiful. I was satisfied by the end but not stuffed. The drinks were good and not over priced, atmosphere was great. Our server took time to explain each course. I will be back for sure! Bang for your buck amazing!

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Kimi W.

6 years ago

Every single dish was beyond delicious but what made this an extra special experience was the unique and bold playfulness of each dish. I love food cooked by passionate happy chefs, and it's clear to me thats was restaurant XO serves. read more

XO Restaurant - Fried chicken adobo and mushroom lasagna - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Cindy C.

5 years ago

Today my husband and I finally was able to have a date night. Everything was perfection, from customer service and the taste of the food. We tried out the tasting menu, and that was all we needed. We had a very memorable Birthday and Anniversary Celebration, and they came in with a nice surprise. Our favorites for the night was the Foie Gras with Crunchy Rice and Duck Breast with MOCHI Waffle. We ended the night with the Most cutest MOCHI Bunny and delicious Mud Pie. I would highly recommend this place. We are for sure coming back for more. read more

XO Restaurant - Adobo Fried Chicken - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Foie Gras on Crunchy Rice - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Duck Breast with MOCHI Waffles. Must Have. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Korean Chicken Skin - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Bunny MOCHI and Mud Pie - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Jojo H.

5 years ago

1st time dining here and the ENTIRE Tasting menu was AMAZING! Favorite tho! Was the " Smoke Duck Breast" WINNA!!!!

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Taddao S.

5 years ago

Me and my girlfriend are foodies and this place is phenomenal we came in from Los Angeles and a friend of ours recommended that we come here and we came here and it is amazing enjoy read more

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Rich A.

5 years ago

"This is the best food I've had in my life" my wife said upon eating the Oxtail Dumplings. We came from the DC area, go to the NYC area frequently and we're very familiar with all sorts of interesting cuisine. But this meal somehow beat the hype? Just go. It's amazing and the staff are extremely nice and attentive as well. We were in town for our honeymoon and they made sure our dessert said congratulations and had a candle! So cute. Cannot say enough good things about this place. Hope it lasts forever! read more

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Michelle Z.

494

5 years ago

Great food and family style dinner. Inside the restaurant the ambiance is dark and moody. Perfect spot for a date night. My favorites were the potato with Portuguese sausage, fried chicken, scallops, and butter mochi. Would recommend! read more

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Business owner information

Kenneth L.

Thanks for trying us out! We appreciate you patronizing our business.…

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Jazlyn G.

Elite 25

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219

492

5 years ago

I came to XO with my boyfriend for my 25th birthday. I was absolutely not disappointed. I had the best dining experience of my life. The service was impeccable. You will feel like ROYALTY when the dining team comes out to present your meal. I was beyond in love with everything I ate. Thank you so much, XO for making my birthday a very memorable one. read more

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Shevata K.

5 years ago

This place is super unique! One of the unique menus that we have tried in a long time, we are frequented many dining establishments in the Bay Area and beyond. It's definitely a must try, but bring your appetite with you because you will need it. It's a true fusion restaurant, with an eclectic menu. Definitely a must try if you are visiting Honolulu or Waikiki! read more

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Tim V.

5 years ago

Service was nice but food was terrible. I wanted to like it but just couldn't. Food presentation was messy. The food was either too sweet or too salty. read more

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Christian W.

Elite 19

284

7 years ago

Unique and delicious Fusion Filipino food with impeccable service. Had the opportunity to visit XO during my trip to Oahu for my friend's birthday, and everything from the ambiance, the food, and the service made it a night to remember. Wanting to try a variety of dishes and of course properly celebrate my friend's birthday, we ordered an array of dishes at XO. To start off, we order XO's famous Nacho-style fried chicken skins with crème Fraiche and smoked trout roe. "The Crunch heard around the world" is the blurb they should include when describing these incredibly crispy delights. With not even a hint of greasiness, these Nacho-style chicken skins served as hearty "tortilla chip-like" vessels for the decadent crème fraiche and smoked trout roe, all calumniating into a creamy, crispy, salty, smoky sensation I won't soon forget. Our vegetable and starch order continued this heavenly experience. The ginger fried rice with 63-degree egg was simply perfectly executed fried-rice with the essence of ginger in every bite. Add on a sous vide 63-degree egg with all of its custard-eggy glory, and you have a match made in heaven. Alas, though the Banh Mi salad with nuoc cham, pickles, herbs, and croutons sounded like an amazing idea, it failed to capture the true flavors of a Banh Mi without the pork and chicken pate somewhere in the salad. It was less of a Banh Mi and more of spinach salad that needed additional meat and herb flavors. The loaded potato au gratin felt like it came straight out of a French cookbook, with the its pillowly soft sliced potatoes surrounded by crispy fried cheese, it will make anyone say "Oui! Oui!". But By FAR the best veggie/starch dish of the night was the Brassicas (i.e. broccoli) with bagoog bagna cauda and charred lime puree. The charred lime puree is a game changer and combining it with the caramelized brassicas is a gift from the Heavens. This is how everyone should eat their broccoli/brassicas. Its been a couple weeks since I visited XO, but I can still taste the wonderful tangy, smoky flavors of the brassicas. For mains, we ordered their famous adobo fried chicken with braised peppercorns and Schezuan glazed sous vide duck breast with onion and tomato. I can easily see why the adobe fried chicken is so popular at XO, not only was it perfectly executed fried chicken but by marinating the chicken in an adobe brine prior to frying, what would be an already amazingly juicy and perfectly cooked frid chicken now has a delightfully sweet, sour, and salty background flavor to it. Add on the astringent aromatic quality of the braised peppercorn, and this dish is a Can't Miss! The last main we ordered was the Schezuan glazed sous vide duck breast, but due to an unexpected delay in the kitchen, we didn't receive this dish until 15-20mins after the adobo fried chicken. However, due to the impeccable service at XO (more on that soon) and to apology for the delay, along with our duck breast the kitchen provided an order of the XO scallops on the house (So Generous!). Both dishes were good and would most certainly turn heads at any other restaurants, but at this point in our meal the dishes fail short and lacked the Wow factor we had come to expect from XO. Certainly, tasty and VERY grateful for their generosity, but I recommend ordering another round of friend chicken. Lastly, Desserts! For my friend's birthday we ordered the brown butter chocolate chip cookie ala mode with Nam pla caramel. But continuing to apologize for the previous delay and further showcasing the amazing service you receive at XO, the kitchen also offered up their corn bread with triple berry sauce dessert on the house. As not the biggest dessert fan, I can't comment too much on the quality of these desserts. But as southern man who loves his cornbread, I can safely say XO does it right. Grainy, slightly sweet, and moist, XO perfectly accentuated the dessert qualities of a classic southern cornbread recipe. Taken together by the reaction of my friend and guest, you really can't go wrong with either dessert at XO. And finally...without further ado...The service at XO. Having worked in the food industry for more than 9 years as a caterer, waiter, host, bus boy, and line cook, I know what should be expected from your service staff. XO went above and Beyond! Our waitress was kind, warm, and inviting; incredibly attentive without being hovering over us too much; super informative about every single dish (describing the flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods); and just all around an amazing waitress. Add on the fact that the kitchen provided 2 dishes for Free for a small delay in order (something we barely noticed), shows that XO cares about its customers and its reputation. Without a Doubt a BIG 5 stars. Would like to give it more if I could. Not every dish was a homerun, but XO is definitely over 500. I will certainly be visiting XO again in the future and I suggest you do the same. read more

XO Restaurant - Nacho-style fried chicken skins - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Bahn Mi Salad - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Brassicas (i.e. broccoli) with bagoog bagna cauda and charred lime puree - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - The ginger fried rice with 63-degree egg - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - adobo fried chicken with braised peppercorns - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - loaded potato au gratin - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Schezuan glazed sous vide duck breast with onion and tomato. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - XO scallops - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - brown butter chocolate chip cookie ala mode with Nam pla caramel - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Business owner information

Kenneth L.

Thanks for trying us out! We appreciate you patronizing our business.…

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Cecil W.

148

4 years ago

First time and definitely had a wonderful experience! Kenneth (the owner) took our order and helped us put together an awesome combination of flavors from appetizers to starches to our beloved proteins. Highlights include the pickled jalapeños which took the potatoes from comfortingly yummy to outstandingly delicious, memorable and novel. Kenneth also shared about how he came up with the beet lotus dish when he hated beets. Great and funny story. Ask him to tell it if you see him. This made our visit so personable and enjoyable! Really glad we had a chance to try such a unique, high quality restaurant. read more

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Lala S.

193

5 years ago

The service is beyond excellent! I am a serious foodie person and I loved every dish. Their tasting menu was so good! I love the concept and overall atmosphere of this restaurant. The staff is very friendly and professional. The restaurant was very clean with nice aesthetics. I can't wait to come back. My favorite dish which I forgot to capture was their dumplings! Every dish was very unique and flavorful. We let our server pick our menu based off his recommendations as well and he did not disappoint read more

XO Restaurant - Foie Gras crispy rice - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Fried Chicken with adobo butter gravy - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Calvin S.

5 years ago

This restaurant is awesome! We came here for my girlfriends birthday while visiting from out of town. We highly recommend checking this place out especially for special occasions. The customer service is phenomenal! The food is great! Definitely a must check out if you're in Oahu! read more

XO Restaurant - Foie Gras, Salt Roasted Crispy Rice, Gravy - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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James H.

5 years ago

I can't believe I've lived so close to this restaurant for the last 10 years and had never gone. It was amazing!!!! The froig gra (not sure on the spelling) was so delicious!!!! It was a delightful experience. read more

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Andrew M.

4 years ago

The flavors are what separate this place from most anywhere else you might eat. The mixture of clean flavors, with new cooking styles makes XO a stand out place to visit. In LA or NYC a place like this would be competing for at least 1 star. read more

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Mireille S.

3 years ago

Great service, the doors are intimidating but inside has such a warm ambiance! The staff are fantastic, the food is delightful, and the prices make sense for the quality. A hidden gem I'll come to again. read more

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Patty C.

Elite 25

130

7 years ago

This is the kind of restaurant that I adore! So innovative, upbeat, fresh and onolicious! I'm an well-seasoned foodie and enjoy the unique melding of flavors of different cultures. Harry and his staff were very gracious to us. We heard great things about this exceptional restaurant and we were not disappointed. Love that it's in a quaint neighborhood like Kaimuki and not in a tourist setting. Eat local and Keep It Kaimuki! So I strongly urge you to give this very unique restaurant a try, it's reasonably priced and will definitely return soon! read more

Business owner information

Kenneth L.

Thanks for trying us out! We appreciate you patronizing our business.…

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Danielle S.

3 years ago

This restaurant was great from start to finish. Atmosphere is nice, perfect lighting and music is not too loud so you can have conversation with out screaming at each other. Staff was friendly and helpful, explaining the way the restaurant worked (small plate) and what the dishes were. Food was delicious. Highly recommend the soup dumplings. Perfect finish with the bunny mochi! read more

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Bill R.

4 years ago

It was a waste of time to dine here. Below par food structured as set dinner menu accompanied by uncleaned utensils and zero proper service. There is no synergy from dish to dish. Taco starter was like warm with no favors and plenty of chew. Focaccia bread that tasted like sour dough. Beet salad that leave you confused to what it should be. Xlb that is dry and tasteless. Servers that recite menu robotically but do not know to clean off tables between courses. read more

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Rachel B.

5 years ago

My husband and I came here for our wedding anniversary and it was absolutely perfect for us! Firstly, it is very clean and the staff is very friendly and safe with mask-wearing and being fully vaccinated. Each course was amazing, from presentation to the mouthwatering tastebuds that were beyond satisfied with all its deliciousness. Our favorites were the Korean fried chicken skins, oxtail XLB, and the buttermilk adobo fried chicken! Would def recommend, honestly one of top restaurants that we've ever been to! read more

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Stephanie B.

4 years ago

This place was amazing. Each course was carefully thought out and the staff ensured you were taken care of. I left full and happy. I recommend this place to everyone. read more

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Taylor W.

5 years ago

I hyped this place up in mind for a while. Was pretty disappointed with our experience. Service was meh. One guy basically took care of the entire restaurant. Never asked if we wanted drinks, I had to request some wine and at that point he said if anyone else wanted anything. Water was regularly empty. Server came by to check on us maybe once. The menu is interesting. Items sound good, but here's my take. Beet/lotus dish - interesting flavor, beautiful plate, chimichurri was nice and the quinoa added good texture. Really difficult to share with the radishes. Fried oysters - crispy, light, good flavor, just the right amount of sauce. Xo dumplings- here's where it got weird for me. When I hear soup dumpling I think soup dumpling. These were very flat, dry, and odd in flavor. Not my favorite. Crispy rice - I love rich and greasy. I'd say that's exactly what this was. I think it needed some balance. Something acidic or otherwise to offset the gravy and richness of the foie Au gratin - just ok. The port sausage sauce/jam was different. Could really taste the seaweed or nori. Fried chicken - highlight of the meal. Moist Fried chicken. Crispy. I enjoyed the sauce with the peppercorns. Bacon longanisa- tasted fine. The "quiche" as they called it was not good. Tasted and had the texture like firm tofu. I get the idea of the breakfast.....but no. Scallops - nicely cooked seafood. Favorite part was the Crispy Walkman. Yes I said Walkman as thats what our server called it. We eventually figured out he meant Wakame. Gnocchi - the worst dish of the evening. There was nothing enjoyable about it. They were like dry, dense, bland nuggets. It reminded me of a container of veggie bites from Costco pre-made section. We ate a few and couldn't finish or take home. Rabbits with chocolate poops - as good as butter mochi can get. All in all, pretty bummed about the meal. Honestly not enjoyable, service was not up to par for that kind of money. Over paid and under delivered. Bill was over 500. Probably won't be going back. read more

Business owner information

Kenneth L.

I'm sorry you felt the service was less than expected. We had 3…

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Kelsey K.

221

5 years ago

First time at XO! Yum!! Great good and great service! The beat lotus was my favorite! It has crunchy quinoa to give it a nice texture!! The crispy rice with the foie gras was super flavorful. We'll be back!! read more

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Business owner information

Kenneth L.

Thanks for trying us out! We appreciate you patronizing our business.…

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Chloé L.

3 years ago

The food was perfect, the service was incredible, and even if the outside looked pretty standard the inside was so beautiful. I loved everything. The price is unbeatable for the quality of the food. read more

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Sarah H.

5 years ago

Went here for a dinner with coworkers and the courses were so tasty, the portions were perfectly sized and the ambiance overall was just right for the occasion. We are definitely all looking forward to coming back here again! (Not so hidden) Gem in the middle of Kaimuki. A must try! Currently hosting prefixed 6 course meals with the option of swapping out for any of the desserts they have listed. read more

XO Restaurant - Ice cream pie - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Scallops! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Business owner information

Kenneth L.

Thanks for trying us out! We appreciate you patronizing our business.…

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Cara T.

181

5 years ago

Everything was DELICIOUS! I'm not a huge fan of beets or foie gras, but the way XO creates their tasting menu is out of this world! Your taste buds will thank you for bringing them to eat here. My favorites were the oxtail dumplings and the brown sugar mochi bunnies. I'll take a platter of both please! read more

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Yafine L.

4 years ago

First time coming here and it happened to be a Mother's Day pre-fix menu. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to make another reservation for a few days later when the restaurant would be serving its usual menu Such a great deal for the amount of wagyu and lobster tail we received. Everything we ate impressed us, and was so good it enticed us to come back. We are a hard-to-please set of Taiwanese-American kids who take flavors seriously and XO Restaurant really hit it out of the park. read more

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John S.

5 years ago

Wow stuff here. Hawaii hasn't been an amazing food destination for me after 3 years, which is fine, I'm a comfort food guy usually. This place!!!! Is so good at what they do. I can't remember a better meal that I've had on island. Everything was at least a 9 out of 10. You look at every dish and ask how it was made in your head. Service was BIB. Get your butt over to this place. 100% read more

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Mia Y.

5 years ago

Amazing food and ambiance, not to mention service! we had the tasting course menu and the highlights were the beet salad and pork belly. Be sure to sub in the foie gras, in my opinion that is the best thing on the menu. The portions are quite big so come prepared to EAT!! read more

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Donny S.

5 years ago

My wife and I reserved this place for our wedding anniversary. When we arrived, the host was extremely polite and professional. We sat down when our table was ready and he explained the layout of their menu. While asking for our drinks, my pregnant wife was recommended the Ube lemonade. Do yourself a favor and order this. AMAZING. I had to get myself the alcoholic version. The 7 course taster meal was amazing. Each plate that came out to our table instantly became our favorite. So do yourself a favor and give this place a go. You will not regret it! read more

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Vt L.

5 years ago

A unique blend of cuisine from different cultures! CHEF RANDY IS DA BOMB. You won't be disappointed!!!!

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Carol W.

7 years ago

I live, love and support all that is Kaimuki! Food: My husband and I finally got around to coming in to try their Fried Chicken Adobo. We were NOT disappointed. My last meal before I die will be XO's fried chicken! It's a very long time from now so I'll just have to frequent this place until then. Now the pork belly took us by surprise. I'm not even sure it was the right thing that came out, but WOW!!! Round sliced pieces of pork, crisped to perfection with tiny marshmallows and some kind of sheet sauce on the side...it was like a deconstructed donut with maple syrup and bacon, but more bacon than donut! Drinks: No fancy cocktails here, but if you just want straight up good stuff, they have it! Service: Excellent! Very attentive host and wait staff. Atmosphere: Clean. Really noisy when we arrived but only because of a private party that took nearly half of the room. read more

XO Restaurant - Adobo Fried Chicken - Excellent! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Pork Belly - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Business owner information

Kenneth L.

Thanks for trying us out! We appreciate you patronizing our business.…

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EJ M.

105

5 years ago

Food was decent but way overpriced. Nothing to write home about. Signature adobo chicken was good not great. Mochi dessert was cute but just okay. Service was very poor. We were a party of 7 and I asked for one of the tables to be moved so I can sit at the end so I could be closer to our group. They refused to move the table which could have been easily done. After our second course I asked for a change of plates. They brought plates and left them on the table. I had to request that they change them out for each guest. BASIC service - staff is not trained well at all. Kept interrupting us to fill our water when the glasses were still 80% full - annoying. Take your money elsewhere. I feel like I got ripped off. How they have a 4.5 star rating is beyond me. Yelp failed me in this instance. read more

Business owner information

Kenneth L.

Thank you for your review. I tell my staff which tables can & cannot…

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Craig J.

261

5 years ago

We are visiting from San Francisco and happened to come across XO restaurant and decided to try. LOVED it! Everything was delicious! Loved the mochi bunnies dessert ! Can't wait to come back!!! read more

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Tish H.

173

5 years ago

I LOVED the service. Like the waiters were very accommodating and polite. However the actual food was bland. I'm from nyc and I live in LA. I know food. My palette is exceptional and I love fine dining. The food was bland. I didn't like any dish except the fried chicken which was a little moist for my taste. I would have given this place one star if it wasn't for the service. The drinks were REALLY good. I wish I could say I liked the food because they are so nice. But it was nasty. The beet dish was bland and nasty. They serve bread as a course which I thought was ridiculous!! It wasn't anything special about the bread! The pork wraps were OK. Overall I won't be coming back. read more

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Justin G.

4 years ago

When my wife asked me to pick a spot for dinner, I was lost! I'm way to indecisive but I knew I couldn't use the idk excuse any longer. I stumbled upon this location and when I tell you the food is amazing, that is an understatement! I absolutely loved everything, as did my wife! But the piece de resistance was the ice cream pie!!! Their house made bourbon sauce complimented this dish the best! read more

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D.a. B.

5 years ago

The food and the service was impeccable. Fun fact, the people who serve you are also chefs so very knowledgeable of the food they are serving you. read more

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M L.

3 years ago

Orders a couple of drinks. The fantastic was way too sweet, tasted like liquid sugar. Orders a bunch of small plates, including some of the shooters. Some of the dishes were good: fried chicken, seafood pancakes, pork belly and the gyoza. The shooters were ok, and the sliced steak has a weird taste. read more

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Stephanie M.

5 years ago

Dinner at XO was awesome. The menu is a tasting menu, served family style which is different from when they first opened and served everything ala carte. The servers were helpful, friendly and kept checking if we needed anything. Korean style hot & sticky chicken skins were crispy, delicious. My one regret was not adding on the Oxtail XLB soup dumplings but there's always next time... Beet Lotus with that green chimichurri sauce was the best and most surprisingly flavorful dish. I would definitely get that again. Seaweed Potato Au Gratin with Portuguese sausage sauce was good but I wish we got the Foie Gras with Salt Roasted Crispy Rice as a sub. Seared scallops with herb cream sauce was good but scallops aren't my favorite. The hubs liked this dish a lot and wanted more of the sauce. Adobo Fried Chicken with upgraded sauce. The sauce was creamier than the OG sauce. I prefer the old sauce but the fried chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle and that's all that matters. Kalbi pork belly with gochuhang sauce was good too! Dessert: Fluffle of Brown Butter Bunny Mochi! They were super cute and a good way to the end the meal. Overall, the food was innovative, presentation was beautiful and the service was great. I would come back again. read more

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david y.

5 years ago

Amazing restaurant that really puts a nice twist to the traditional Asian cuisine. The presentation and the creativity of the dishes is the first thing you will notice as the plates come out. The way they use their ingredients to elevate each dish brings a amazing blend of flavors and texture to each and every bite. Don't underestimate the amount of food that comes with each plate as we were almost stuffed by the 3rd to 4th course. Great dining experience. read more

XO Restaurant - Beet Lotus, Emulsified Chimichurri, Shiso Gel, Quinoa - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Seaweed Potato Au Gratin, Portuguese Sausage Sauce - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

XO Restaurant - Korean Style Hot and Sticky Chicken Skins - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Page 32 of 62

3434 Waialae Ave
Ste 5
Honolulu, HI 96816
Directions
(808) 732-3838
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.xorghawaii.com

Hours

What time does XO Restaurant open?

XO Restaurant opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does XO Restaurant close?

XO Restaurant closes at 10:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.XO Restaurant is closed on Thursday.XO Restaurant closes at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Wed, Sun 5:00 PM - 10:30 PMThu ClosedFri-Sat 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Payment methods

Does XO Restaurant take credit cards?

Yes, XO Restaurant takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does XO Restaurant have catering options?

Yes, XO Restaurant does have catering options.

Does XO Restaurant have a drive thru?

No, XO Restaurant does not have a drive thru.

Does XO Restaurant have a happy hour?

No, XO Restaurant does not have a happy hour.

Does XO Restaurant serve alcohol?

Yes, XO Restaurant serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does XO Restaurant allow dogs?

No, XO Restaurant does not allow dogs.

Does XO Restaurant have TVs?

No, XO Restaurant does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does XO Restaurant have bike parking?

Yes, XO Restaurant has bike parking.

Does XO Restaurant have outdoor seating?

No, XO Restaurant does not have outdoor seating options.

Does XO Restaurant have parking?

Yes, XO Restaurant has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is XO Restaurant wheelchair accessible?

Yes, XO Restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

Does XO Restaurant allow outdoor smoking?

No, XO Restaurant does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does XO Restaurant have free WiFi?

Yes, XO Restaurant has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Established in 2018, we've decided to change from a Tasting menu to affordable Izakaya style plates

History

Established in 2018.

@xorg_hawaii is @chefkenlee 's first restaurant. We plan on expanding efficiently into unique concepts and formats of restaurants.

Meet the Business Owner: Kenneth L.

Chef Lee opened his first restaurant at age 24 in 2018 with plans to expand efficiently to changing the culinary landscape of Hawaii. Most importantly, to grow sustainably by paying above the top 1% of wages to the staff who make the restaurants possible.

XO Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

Japanese
2 Reviews

Ask the Community - XO Restaurant

Where is the parking for the restaurant?

In the front of the restaurant and around the side. Driveway is off of Waialae Avenue.

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Do they have an a la carte menu?

Yes! It's like all tapas/small plates now

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Do you accommodate vegetarians?

Yes

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What is the cancellation policy--timing, fee, etc.? Perhaps this is noted somewhere, but I did not see it.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

If you have a party of 4, do you get 8 choices for mains and 4 choices for dessert? Or only 2 choices for mains and 1 dessert, with it split 4 ways?

8 mains 4 desserts

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Is this only a family large group restaurant? Menu is for 4 or more?

No, any party size. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/xo-restaurant-honolulu-3?select=eVgrrUSFLZHF6tC5QzMrKw…

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Is there a fee for paying with credit card?

Yes 3%

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Hi, I'm wondering if the set menu can be ordered for take out? Thanks

I'm not sure if they do takeout. But tbh, the experience dining in made all of the difference. Not just the excellence of the food prepared but the customer service provided by every staff member was above and beyond. Haven't experienced that…

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Are you able to accommodate gluten free on your 7 course menu? We are a party of 3 or I can take individual also and other 2 in our party will have regular. Pls let me know so we can book now for our trip in 3 weeks…

Yes

View question details

I have a reservation for tonight(11.21.21) and couldn't find the most current menu anywhere. 2 of my party has dietary restrictions, please advise me to where to find the new tasting menu? Thank you!

https://qrco.de/bbeJ6T

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What are people wearing? I heard this is a Michelin star restaurant so do we have to wear fancy?

Michelin doesn’t rate in Hawaii, there are no stars here. You can dress fancy or casual it’s your choice

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Do they have any outdoor seating?

Indoor only

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I have a reservation for a dinner party on 9/18/21 at 5:45pm for 8 pax and am wondering if you would be able to help me "set" our menu?

You can text me at +18083843281

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How do I change my reservation, I can't leave a message?

If you listen to the voice mail it has my phone number on it. There are people at the restaurant though from noon to almost midnight. Perhaps try somewhere with better cell service. If it’s outside of 24 hours before the reservation you should be…

View question details

Is it only set tasting menu or is ala carte ordering an option? Asking since I have dietary restrictions

There is a pre-set menu. But for each item, you can select a substitute from a list of two to three options. The substitute may come w a price increase.…

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Do you have options for parties with some vegetarians?

We have vegan options

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Are you accepting the Aloha Friday Deal that you have out?

1 per table dine in only

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Does the restaurant offer a different for kids or set menu for everyone?

Usually if the kids are small they share with the parents or if there are multiple kids, they share 1 tasting menu. Or, we provide plain fried chicken with white rice.

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Greetings! Was wondering if you could accommodate a party of 15 on 5/25 to celebrate my partners 40th birthday? We will be visiting from California. Also, do you offer prefixed menus? Please advise. Aloha! Thanks!

Yes, and yes. You can reserve here on Yelp or call the restaurant. If no one answers my cell is on the voicemail and you can call me.

View question details

Is there something on the menu for pescatarians each day?

Their beet salad, scallops, fried oysters, and if you let the chef know, he can leave out some of the meat toppings.

View 1 more answer

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Vintage Books

I love finding places that feel like a hidden discovery, and the speakeasy inside Vintage Books…read moreHawaiʻi is exactly that. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm, intimate, and welcoming. There's something special about enjoying a thoughtfully crafted cocktail surrounded by books, vintage décor, and a neighborhood vibe that feels completely different from the typical bar scene. Everyone from the host to the servers, treat you like you are a VIP... What I appreciated most was how relaxed everything felt. It wasn't overly crowded or loud, making it easy to have a conversation and actually enjoy the experience. The cocktails were well-balanced, creative, and clearly made with care. This is the kind of place that's perfect for a date night, catching up with friends, or simply unwinding after a long week. It feels like one of those hidden gems that locals hope stays under the radar, but is too good not to share. If you're looking for something unique and a little different from the usual nightlife options, I highly recommend checking it out. I'll definitely be back.

I decided to pop in and try their brunch menu. There is validated parking in the building it's…read morelocated or you can do street parking. I was a little surprised when I entered, it's very cute and it looks like a book shop. The hostess walked us through into the hidden bar and then into the hidden restaurant. The ambiance is very vintage LOL. We ordered a bunch of items off the menu because we observed the food coming out for other tables and the portions looked small. And honestly, they are small for the price you pay. They all tasted amazing, but it didn't blow me away enough for me to say I'd go back for the brunch. The service was also subpar because they barely checked in on us and we had to wait the longest time to get a water refill. I may go back to try the dinner and maybe the drinks and hopefully it will be better.

Photos

Bar & lounge

Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako

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Crispy Lamb Ribs

Mud Hen Water

Parking: small lot located behind of restaurant, street parking (can be tight)…read more Service: table service Ambiance: lively, cozy Food: located in Kaimuki, been wanting to try this place for good reason. Went for their brunch and would def recommend their mapo tofu biscuits and sisig. be sure to follow their instagram for local events happening!

Some plates were okay - the octopus was the highlight for me. It was perfectly cooked and flavor…read moreand smokiness was there . Service was good Has an outdoor section as well as indoor

Photos

Nice ambiance

(fs) 1/2 J. Ludovico Fried Chicken - lime salsa verde, tsukemono. Doesn't taste overly fried, almost like baked chicken.

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Peanut Tofu ($13) - pickled mushroom, ginger, sesame, sweet shoyu. This was my fav dish.

The Surfing Pig Hawaii

We went shopping at whole foods at Kahala and wanted to enjoy an early dinner, so we asked Chat GPT…read morefor some recommendations and it suggested The Surfing Pig.... So glad it did! The moment that we walked in Ray greeted us with a smile he embodied the Aloha Spirit ...later found out he's the General Manager! The bartender Keone...what a guy! All of his drinks were amazing! We had the Smoking Pig which is a smoked old-fashioned that comes with a piece of BACON! Very easy on the sweetness. We also had the mezcal margarita and the smoked Manhattan... All the drinks were amazing!! If you like your drinks more on the sweet side just let him know and he'll make them sweeter but if you like em boozie and not too sweet he's your guy!! We also got to meet the chef James, he's originally from the west side of the island, so proud of him!! the food was amazing, we loved the dry rub ribs and the Sunday special brisket and the creamy Brussel sprouts as well as their Kalua Pig...bruh the buggah taste like came straight outta da imu! Broke da mouth kine!!! Was one beautiful Sunday that felt like we was wit ohana! We garanz goin be back!!

We came here for brunch on a Sunday since we had a gift certificate and wanted to finally check…read morethis place out. We were some of the first few guests and got seated upstairs. The restaurant had a cool, laid-back atmosphere. I ordered the smokehouse rib biscuit & gravy while my boyfriend went with the French dip. When our food arrived, we were impressed by how big the portions were. Unfortunately, the food itself was just ok. The smoked ribs on my plate were tasty and kinda tender, then after a few bites of the biscuits with gravy, I realized the gravy wasn't my favorite. I also tried a few bites of my boyfriend's French dip. It was decent overall, but the cheese or sauce had a stronger, more pungent flavor than we're used to with other French dips. The fries were really good though and ended up being our favorite part of the meal. Our server was great, friendly and checked in on us throughout our meal. Overall, with brunch here being a bit underwhelming, this place was a one and done for us. It seems like Surfing Pig is more known for dinner though!

Photos

Arugula Feta Salad

Livin' on a pear

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Hand crafted cocktail

Wild Orange

I forgot to take a photo here but this place is pretty legendary and one of the cooler speakeasies…read moreI've been to. Super dope vending machine entrance and very interactive with the coin. The interior was also well designed but I wish our group was sat in a different area of the bar. We got sat in this one corner and it was dark with like translucent lights, kinda like Jinx's lair from Arcane. Idk just wished we sat somewhere else with more light and visibility of the bar. The drinks were pretty good. It's a large menu and honestly I wanted to try multiple drinks but can't be getting all drunk and stuff you know the vibes. Also I know it's unrelated to this establishment but it's next to a billiards hall and that was legendary. Great vibe, great place, highly recommend.

Super cool speakeasy in Ala Moana…read more It was a bit confusing on how to get here, but if your Lyft drops you off at 24 Hour Fitness, go up to the 2nd level, walk out into the parking garage & go across to Brian's. Brian's was an interesting vibe. There is security out front, dark, several pool tables, other sections I did not explore & then, Wild Orange. The entire area was kind of sketchy. Wild Orange, fortunately, was a cool spot. Friendly bartenders. Japanese inspired cocktails, anime & pinball machine art.

Photos

The space is eclectic with fun vintage furniture

Dumplings

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Hoisin Mushroom Bao

430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

4.5

(48 reviews)

2.9 mi

Some places you find, others you have to earn, and 430 Parkway is one you'd miss if you weren't…read morelooking for it. Tucked on the second floor of a Piikoi Parkway building, it feels like stepping back in time, a true bespoke bar with vintage art, moody lighting, and comfy couches that make it perfect for couples or a night out with friends. We sat at the bar, which was a highlight, Michael and Tony were welcoming, easy to talk story with, and clearly know their craft. I went with the Barreled Old Man, a smooth, layered mix of bourbon, rye, and brandy that just worked, while my wife's Sesame Veil brought a nutty, balanced flavor that stood out. For round two, the Espressing My Love was a great take on an espresso martini, and Michael built my wife a custom drink off her favorite flavors and nailed it again. We paired it with the smoked mozzarella and salami grilled cheese and Ho Farms tomato soup, and this is where it really hit. The sandwich came out hot and crisp, and when you took a bite the cheese pulled away just right, that perfect melt, with the salami adding a savory kick. The tomato soup was fresh, bright, and made for dipping you didn't want to stop. We were welcomed with a table that had our name on it, a small touch that goes a long way. Prices are on point for the quality and experience you're getting. It's a bit of a hidden, hip spot, not for a quick drink but for when you want to sit, relax, and enjoy it. Parking is tight, but you can park at Ala Moana and walk over, and it's worth it. Next time we're coming back for Grandma's Old Fashioned and the pork belly bao buns. This isn't a bar you stumble into, it's one you come back to.

I went here for my birthday and didn't realize I should've made a reservation for a larger group,…read moreespecially since it was my first time. Thankfully, Michael and his team were able to accommodate us, which I really appreciated. From the moment we walked in, the place had a great vibe, the interior is beautiful. Throughout the night, the staff and Michael (the owner) were incredibly welcoming, funny and attentive. The cocktails were amazing. I had the expressing my love all night and even though the place was busy and there was a bit of a wait for food, it was honestly worth it. We had the crab dynamite, the ahi brioche, and the prosciutto and burrata. SO GOOD! My friends and I had such a great time and will definitely be back.

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SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!

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Bird on a Wire

Lava Lounge Waikiki

4.8

(82 reviews)

1.5 mi

Great Experience with Courtney!…read more Small 12 seat bar with a great vibe!! Run don't walk and make a reservation!

Stopped by this bar recently and really enjoyed the vibe. It's a nice, relaxing spot--perfect if…read moreyou're looking to unwind without a loud or crowded scene. The drinks were crafted well and tasted great. That said, it is definitely on the pricey side--two drinks came out to about $60, which might give you pause if you're planning to stay for multiple drinks. Overall, it's a good place for quality over quantity: great atmosphere and solid drinks. Service was great.

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Purple Monarch

Purple monarch

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Maui Pineapple Sour and Old Fashioned

Eleven

4.1

(199 reviews)

2.9 mi

Came here for Saturday brunch buffet and we weren't disappointed at all! Food was outstanding-…read more service was top notch - and we loved the environment! Perfect place for a weekend brunch with the perfect selection of yumminess ! Had reservations so we got seated immediately only holdup was getting parking on a busy Saturday at the mall. They have a huge drink selection and we got virgin mimosas and coffee and they brought us water too. Since it was a buffet we got to go at our own pace. Food highlights the soft scrambled eggs w/ cheese - if you prefer the soft scramble this is for you - the salmon was cooked to perfection- breakfast meats of Portuguese sausage and chicken sausages were both fantastic- grilled veggies was good but served cold and I prefer it served hot - grilled corn on the Cobb very sweet - strip loin is excellent and I loved the chimichurri and horseradish served on the side makes it yummy. my sisters loved the lemon blueberry French toast too and another favorite the coconut lime scones and mango tart!!! I think the only item that didn't send us to the moon was the pork ribs as it lacked the flavors we were hoping for but didn't get. They kept both our plates cleared and water & coffee filled. Coffee is excellent and we enjoyed our mimosas. The staff are helpful and friendly and a return is scheduled for the next trip to Hawaii

Tim, the bartender, makes me feel welcome and also disappears into the background when I'm…read morechatting with my husband or guest. That's an art right there! Love his helpful suggestions, his pineapple shaved ice drink is not only an art piece but delicious! Tart, lightly sweet, icy, the scent, texture, the beauty! I'm a horrible photographer so I can't capture it to show you but just get it! You're welcome! I love their bourbon, candied bacon... the best! The Sunday brunch is simple, easy, and reasonable. Don't bring more than a table of 4. Also, not for kids. This is a magical, quiet place for adults, an oasis in the midst of the Ala Moana noise and craziness. My new favorite spot especially when I'm alone.

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Lup Chong, Ginger Chinese Persillade and Roasted lemon chicken

Chocolate Decadence Jubilee

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Haupia Chia Seed Parfait

Ki Club

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 mean 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.

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Lomo Saltado with Wagyu

Feature Cocktails

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Kakuni Croquettes

Pint + Jigger

This review is for the recently opened speakeasy,Hush, which is located upstairs. I made…read morereservations through IG and if you go on their site you have to click on hush on Open Table. I made reservations for 5:45 PM however when I checked in at Pint and Jigger, I was notified that the reservations were for P&J and not the speakeasy which opens at 6 PM. Therefore I believe that there are still kinks to be made with their reservation system. We waited at the bar until it was sorted out. You walk through a whiskey wall and walk upstairs to the speakeasy. They used a lot of the decor from the former location known as Harry's Emporium. We were the only ones for about an hour so we were able to maximize the bartender's time. Max is an excellent bartender and informed us that they are only open on the weekends for now. He's the only bartender and they are still working out staffing issues. No food at the moment. The theme is New Orleans/French. The drinks and music all have that vibe. The room is dim but not too dark. We left around 7:30 PM when two other couples showed up. We will definitely be returning.

Best to make reservations, especially later in the night. Got lucky and sat at the bar…read more Food was good. I got the burger and mushrooms appetizer. Drinks were tasty. Well made. There's a speakeasy inside the restaurant. Hostess said it's by reservation only and these no food.

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Honey cured Double cut bacon pupu : 3 strips of thick cut bacon, sweet corn salsa, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, bell peppers & cilantro

Massive collection! Was truly breathtaking and one of my favorite things about Pint+Jigger besides the good people :)

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G'Mornin Sunshine.

Izakaya Tenkichi

What can I say about Izakaya Tenkichi?? Everything is AMAZING. I've been there twice, once for…read morelunch and once for dinner. It hits every single time. It was much busier at dinner. I recommend making a reservation, because the space is small. The service is top tier. The servers encourage a good time. They even have a drink menu of server favorites. Think of them as party hosts. Every single thing I've eaten there is amazing. From the avocado to the tempura to the massive ikura bowl that serves 4. I can't recommend one thing in particular. I do encourage you to try anything seasonal. I promise. They won't disappoint.

Given that I've been here three times in the last month, I think it would be safe to say that…read moreIzakaya Tenkichi is one of my favorite restaurants. The first thing you'll notice when coming here (during a busy dinner time) is that it's really noisy, in a fun way!! The staff is super friendly! There are basically three options for seating.... booths that seat about 4 comfortably, tables on the bottom that can accommodate small or large groups, and bar seating. I've done them all and they are all comfortable. You'll find way more specials at dinner time. The food is really high quality, and super consistent too! My favorites are the yummy cucumber and the garlic cabbage salad, and the tempura and sushi/sashimi/donburi are all great too. Oh, and don't sleep on the hamachi kama. The tempura batter is light and airy and you have the option of tempura sauce, tare, or different kinds of salt. They're all really nice!! Great desserts and alcohol selection too!! Parking is a breeze next door at the old stadium mall, but warning that it may be pretty full at night. You can always find street parking along King Street though. I highly recommend this place for small and big parties alike!! But make reservations for dinnertime because walk-ins are probably not gonna happen.

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Steep stairs. Much easier to navigate going up. Going down after some adult beverages? Better use the handrail

Yuzu Cheese Cake ($5.50) - really sweet, especially with the granola. Would recommend getting a different dessert.

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Dinner Menu (1 of 12) as of 3/5/2026

Monkeypod Kitchen

Monkeypod Waikiki was awesome! The restaurant has beautiful décor with a relaxed, breezy Hawaiian…read morevibe, and the location in the heart of Waikiki is perfect. The ocean view made the experience even more special. The Mai Tai with the signature lilikoi foam was absolutely delicious and so unique--definitely a must-try! Every dish we ordered was flavorful and well prepared. Between the amazing food, refreshing drinks, and stunning views, this was one of our favorite dining experiences in Waikiki.

Mai tails 10/10 strongly recommend trying it is nothing like a mai tai on the main land I had so…read moremany of these it shouldn't have been legal I enjoyed the whipped topping Jawaiian chicken - pretty good decent portion for one person not much to share but the flavor was good Fish & chips - my 7 year old god son loved it I wasn't a fan the inside of the batter was not fully cooked and it was soggy 2/10 Overall they are over priced but normal for a resort restaurant .. they have a mid day happy hour they are extremely busy most of the day we were lucky to grab a seat at the bar

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Inside the restaurant

Yogurt bowl

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Green detox drink

Duke's Waikiki

Location and the place is absolutely gorgeous by the beach!!!…read more People are friendly! I recommend the buffet. Sunday Brunch!!!

Customer Service is horrible Made a reservation for 17 and…read morethey refused to sit us together, one person had to leave and go home because they refused to add just one seat to the three tables they decided to separate us into Abound this place!

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Side Street Inn

Great vibes and the food was incredible! Family style portions that leave you content. Seat…read morequickly but make a reservation to skip the wait especially if you have a large party. Drinks were out in a flash and the food followed soon after. Everything is absolutely amazing. Come hungry! Highly recommend if in the area. If not, get in the area. Plenty of street parking. Pay per hour parking right next door also. A must go to when in town. Thanks again Side Street. Will be back for sure.

Ate here on a Thursday afternoon around 630pm as a party of 6. We were seated right away and they…read morehad live music playing which was nice. It got a bit loud at times but we were still able to talk. The waitress was pretty attentive to us with refills on our drinks which was nice. The food was good tasting, especially the pork chop and garlic chicken. We ordered the family set that was able to feed 4-6 people that was the perfect amount. Parking at this location is a little tough. They offer valet or you can find street parking or there's a tiny garage lot that you can pay for. Overall a good experience.

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Inside

The absolute oerfectky battered and Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards

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Sizzling steak with side kimchee

Chao

The food was fresh and delicious! We had the soft shell crab and chicken pho- both exceeded…read moreexpectations.

Went here on a Thursday night which was more like a Friday because Friday is an observed holiday…read morefor us, around 7:45pm and was expecting it to be super busy but luckily for us, it wasn't. We walked in and the hostess was super sweet. She informed us that they were wiping down a table and we got seated within 10 minutes. It was our first time here and we've both heard and saw good things but we asked for extra time to look over the menu and our server was patient and gave us more time and offered some recommendations as well. We chose a handful of small plates and the softshell crab pasta with all the extra stuff and it was the perfect amount of food for us. We were more wanting drinks and pupus so our selections fit that but I'm sure if we wanted an actual dinner, we would have also be satisfied with the offerings they have. My only complaint about our overall meal is that the cocktails didn't complement the food. The drinks on its own were good and the food on its own was good, very good but together, bleh. The bone marrow had a slight sweetness to it that I didn't care for too much but it wasn't horrible and it was cooked perfectly, not over done including the crostini's. The octopus was cooked good (I would prefer it be a little softer) but still very enjoyable and the flavors were really good. The pasta and soft shell, cooked perfectly and flavors on point. So much so that I need the recipe so I can add this dish into my dinner rotation! The decor is nice.. when we first walked in, I thought we were gonna get a table right by the door, along the window, and I didn't want that, but we ended up getting a table closer to the bathroom (I think it was the bathroom?) and I liked that area. The area by the bathroom gives off chill, classy vibes, but the other area was giving me, fast food, sit down area vibes.

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Interior dining room with bamboo-like lighting

Fried Spring Rolls - Ch Gi

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Ube Dream

Lulu's Waikiki

Great food, great service from Ricky! Kalua pork was best we have had in Oahu! Well worth the visit.read more

Came here on a whim for a snack. Our waiter Josh was friendly and attentive. The ocean view was…read moreamazing and great for people watching.

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Arancino di Mare

Ambiance was perfect. Ask for Solomon, he was great! Food was even better! The manager Cristian was…read moretook care of us. This is the spot for celebration or in the mood for authentic Italian!

Thank you so much for the wonderful service and hospitality. Everything was excellent, and we…read morereally enjoyed our time here. We truly appreciate your kindness and will definitely come back again on our next visit!

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Arancino di Mare Restaurant Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawai'i

Tiramisu Arancino di Mare Restaurant Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawai'i

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Arancino di Mare Restaurant Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawai'i

House Without A Key

We had lunch at House Without a Key, and it was a wonderful experience. Everything was great, and…read morewe really enjoyed almost every dish we ordered. The only item that wasn't our favorite was the fresh mahi-mahi, but overall the food was delicious. The service was outstanding, and a special thank you to John for taking such great care of us. He helped us choose the right dishes, and his recommendations made our lunch even more enjoyable. Thank you for the excellent food and amazing service. We look forward to coming back!

This was a could-have-missed experience for us. It seems you need to queue up way before 5:30 to…read moreget a good table for the nightly entertainment (reservations aren't accepted). The restaurant and bar weren't terribly unique. The cocktails are quite pricy for being as mid as they are...we tried to the coconut cake martini and the coconut old fashioned. The old fashioned was fine. Tasted like coconut. The martini did not have all the razzmatazz shown in the menu picture, and tasted like key lime pie, which is fine, but there was nary a hint of coconut. I wouldn't recommend this place, unless you plan your visit better and/or aren't as persnickety about quality menu offerings as we are. Fortunately for us, the rest of the meals and drinks on our trip were so fantastic that this was just a fart in the wind.

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Indoor dining

Famous Halekulanis Signature Coconut Cake

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Pulehu Pineapple

Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro

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.

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Tonkatsu, katsu-don, gyukatsu

Special Katsu-don set

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Katasu-don

Moku Kitchen

We arrived here around noon ish on a Sunday and it wasn't too busy. Was able to get seated…read moreimmediately. The staff here was very friendly and on top of service. I ordered the Birria Pizza which was that days Pizza Special and my friend ordered the Banh Mi Fish Sandwich. Didn't take too long to receive our food. The Birria pizza was delicious and very flavorful, but I think it would be even better if it came with consome to dip the pizza in. My friend enjoyed his Banh Mi, but did state that the bread was too soft and got soggy so he couldn't eat it with his hands like you normally would. He did enjoy the flavor and appreciated the spiciness and fresh ingredients. We also shared Garlic Truffle Oil Fries which are my favorite to get. Especially when dipped in the house made ketchup (so good) and the mustard aioli.

Moku Kitchen offers one of the best happy hours on-island! $13 pizzas (including specials), $7 off…read moreMai Tais (a must) and half off small plates. My party of four drank a collective 8 Mai Tais, shared fries and 3 pizzas. The food was delicious. I especially loved the mushroom pizza! The live music was a nice touch! The restaurant is beautiful! Perfect for a date or social hangout. Staff is always on-it and super friendly! There wasn't a moment my glass was nearing empty. Overall, amazing experience! You can make a reservation to snag a HH time. Paid parking nearby!

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

230 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Manuel S.

5 years ago

Went for Christmas dinner. Their prix fixe went as follows: 1. Second course beet lotus came out before appetizer. Was very pretty BUT way too heavy. Was big pile of starch with pretty radish and red sauce. The green sauce on the plate was nice. Other than the sauce the starch had zero flavor. Would have been great just to have the top and green sauce on fresh veggies. 2. Appetizer course short rib truffle xia long bao came out second. When we smelled it we thought it was the cheese. So we tried. Again, way too heavy and rich and zero truffle taste or aroma. No soup in the dumpling and no dipping sauce. I was about to walk out when I realized the funky smell was from the steamers which were falling apart. 3. Foie gras seaweed potatoe Au gratin. The burnt potatoes overpowered the foie and the gravy on the plate was zero flavor added nothing. 4. Adobo fried chicken. Fried chicken alone had literally zero flavor. The sauce was overpowering vinegar smell and flavor. 5. Luau kahlua pork... again zero flavor. They lumped the pork into a small shape but pretty does not mean flavor. 6. Smoked duck breast with mochi waffle. Everything on the plate tasted exactly the same with exactly the same mushy texture. This one was the worst of them all. 7. Desserts: we tried all three. Zero flavor in the ice cream and ice crystal texture not smooth. Pumpkin spice was the only taste on the pumpkin crunch cream cheese. Reminded me of small piece from Costco pumpkin pie without flavor. Brown bunny signature dish...cute does not equal flavor. Zero taste. Bill came out to over $600 for five people including mandatory 17% service charge. So I don't post much but I hope the owner learns from the honest reviews to improve. Suggestions: Start with lighter brighter courses and build them up. Heavy starch and rich meats in the beginning are difficult for rest of the meal. Add more seasonings. Each part of the plate has to stand alone and compliment the other flavors on the plate. That smoked duck dish had literally zero flavors and no texture profiles besides mush. Here are pics of some of my meal. Yes, I am not a chef but I know my food, French Laundry, Per Se, Alan Wongs, Hoku's, Spago... The five star Yelp reviews were very deceiving. OH! They are very very strict with COVID precautions but the servers put their bare hands and thumbs on the glasses and plates! read more

Yingren C.

4 years ago

On the November 18th of 2022 night time 7:30 a reservation of 6 people table, an Asian not old looking waiter at night that serve us (Male) I lived in Hawaii 7 years never be in a restaurant that is this rude to customer, it's just our first time dine in here we have so many questions for the menu but we decide to not bother the waiter so much but figure things in our own, and the waiter bothered us to order 3 times in 10 minutes. Never known that it's wrong to take a longer time to decide in a restaurant. Then we finally decide to order IN THE MIDDLE AS WE ORDERING, this server be like : " I'm sorry, I understand your guys'd concern with price and quality, but if you guys does not like our menu or does not want to order here, it's fine, it's perfectly okay if you guys want to dine in somewhere else also the tip is MANDATORY 25%, we also have a customer earlier today y'all know? He had the same problem like you guys ya know? I decide to pointing the wrong doing of the server but the server try to play victim he then looks like "I was just trying to say that it's yall choice to dine in anywhere you like". I know it's our freedom to dine in anywhere we like we don't need the server to escort us out this politely. I promise me and my friends are not talking bad about menu or being rude or anything we are JUST DISCUSSING, WE never DINE IN THIS restaurant SO WE WANT TO Talk WITH EACH OTHER! I never complain on yelp but this restaurant is terrible. The funny thing is when the server introduce the menu like the menu on 12/19/22 night be like : "we server Pork soup dumpling here, it won't be that traditional like Chinese food, but it is moisture and good yall know? It's like saying "We serve Asian food but our Asian food is not as good as real Asian food, so it taste bad just be understanding y'all know" Ridiculous! read more

Lilly C.

5 years ago

I came back again in 2021. They totally changed their menu layout. It's now a tasting menu instead of À la carte. They offer a standard 7 course tasting menu and give us options to substitute within the same category and/or add-on dishes to try with an additional price per person. Everything on the standard menu is awesome but I would also recommend adding on Oxtail soup dumplings (they sell out every night), roasted cauliflower(roasted veggies are always good), and the beef shank (I just like beef). If you have a sophisticated palate and love to try new food. This is the place for you. Considering the unique combinations and technique put in to the food, I feel that it's cheaper and bigger portion than most tasting menu restaurants that I've been to. Kinda sad to see the recent bad reviews. Makes me think they haven't been to a tasting menu restaurant or have no idea the level of technique involved to make the food. Every dish has a very tedious process involved. Their most updated menu is also on a the top of their Yelp page. read more

Paula B.

5 years ago

This is truly a hidden gem! The new pre fixe tasting menu style is a culinary delight and worthy of the price. Each course is a flavorful exploration. The service is exemplary- my sister and I felt very welcomed and each host and waiter was so knowledgeable about the menu and made perfect recommendations and were so friendly (thank you John!). Favorites of the night were- the roasted cauliflower (you've never had a cauliflower like this! The sauce amazing); the herb gnocchi with whiskey carrot purée- packed with flavor but in a light as air dough; fried oysters so good; abode fried chicken is probably the best fried chicken you've ever had in a flavor combination you haven't thought of (briny peppercorns) and dessert the icecream pie with Oreo crust. Obviously, some food was brought home but please leave room for dessert- you'll thank me later! Beautiful decor, excellent food, exceptional service- XO delivers the perfect experience. read more

Andrew H.

Elite 23

1253

207

562

2 years ago

I had high hopes for XO Restaurant, but unfortunately, I left feeling a little underwhelmed and still hungry--especially considering the high price. The ambiance and service are both great; the staff was attentive and the atmosphere was nice. However, the portions were much smaller than I expected for the price. While the food itself was decent, it didn't feel like you were getting a good value. For example, the A5 wagyu shooter was just a tiny bite of beef with rice. I didn't feel satisfied after finishing all the courses. Even though we had multiple dishes, I still left hungry, which is frustrating given how much we paid. While I can appreciate the creativity and quality of the food, I expected a bit more for the price. It's a nice spot, but I'm not sure I'll be rushing back--there are other places in the area that offer better value for the money. read more

Derek H.

105

5 years ago

Went out for a date night and wasn't disappointed! Amazing food & service. Our server John was the greatest! He answered all the questions I threw at him with such detail I was blown away! Did I mention he is also the Sous Chef? The whole kitchen staff works the restaurant & John just knew how to make me feel like I was the only one in the room! One of my favorites from tonight was definitely the Oxtail XLB soup dumplings. My second favorite dish was the Smoked duck breast with duck mousse, black sesame mochi waffle & berry jam. John had informed me to take all the components in one bite. To my surprise everything paired incredibly! Definitely going to go back some day soon and try the other dishes I left out this time. I also heard that their menu is always evolving with newer innovative dishes! read more

Melissa H.

1 year ago

A culinary gem in Hawaii! The food here is absolutely phenomenal! I had the pleasure of experiencing the seven-course meal, and each dish delivered a distinct flavor profile that was both unique and beautifully cohesive. It's rare to find a tasting menu where every course stands out while still feeling like part of a thoughtful culinary journey - but this place nailed it. Some standouts for me were the Ube Lemonade, the A-5 Salted Wagyu Fat Caramel, and the Brown Butter-Bunny-Butter Mochi, which was so delicious I had to order extra to take home. Beyond the incredible food, the passion of the team shines through - especially the Sous Chef, whose creativity and care are evident in every bite. read more

Jonathan B.

2 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at XO Restaurant, and it was nothing short of amazing. The ambiance was warm and inviting from the moment I walked in, with elegant decor that struck the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. The staff greeted me with a genuine smile, and their attentive service throughout the evening made me feel like a valued guest. Overall, XO Restaurant stands out for its exceptional food, excellent service, and inviting atmosphere. It's a place I will definitely return to and wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a remarkable dining experience. Five stars all the way! read more

Raymond A.

269

1 year ago

My wife and I celebrated our 1-year wedding anniversary at XO, and it was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment we walked in, Derrick and the entire staff made us feel like royalty. Derrick was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and gave us thoughtful recommendations that turned out to be spot on. The staff was not only friendly and attentive but genuinely invested in making our night special. Every detail--from the ambiance to the food to the service--was top-notch. Thanks to Derrick and his amazing team, our anniversary dinner turned into a moment we'll always remember. We'll definitely be back read more

Maile B.

5 years ago

Visiting from the big island, and my last night in Oahu we lucked into getting a reservation here. The service was amazing, the chefs coming table side and letting us know how each dish was prepared and what was the best things to add on to the tasting menu. I loved the fact that it was local food with a modern and fun twist. Each course was amazing! The chef even specially made us the ox tail soup dumplings for us after they had already been sold out for the night. It was so delicious. I am so thankful that we were able to enjoy this gem on my last night in Oahu. Such a great experience. read more

Glenn F.

Elite 26

133

397

5 months ago

XO gets high marks for originality, but the dishes on the tasting menu can be hit or miss. The hamachi crudo was underwhelming, but the buttermilk fried chicken was on point. The Brown-Butter-Bunny-Butter Mochi was plated creatively, but was a miss, and kudos for attempting the A-5 Wagyu Fat Caramels, but they just didn't work for us. The wine list was weak and needs more attention, but the creative cocktails partially made up for this. The service is excellent, and the space is unique. With some thoughtful fine-tuning, XO has potential to take it to the next level. read more

Sabrina S.

5 years ago

Had the Valentine's Day 9 course tasting menu, first time trying XO. It was beyond expectations! From appetizers to desserts, everything was masterfully prepared and presented, and tasted even better than it all looked So many flavors and textures, so well coordinated and balanced it was easily one of the best meals I've had, especially for the price, $69! We were served by one of the chefs, Kenneth, and he was so friendly and attentive. I will definitely come back to XO restaurant for more delicious, creative, addictive food! Highly recommend! read more

Jade L.

4 years ago

My friends have told me only good things about this place so I was excited to come and eat here, and wow! I had a pleasant night. I came here with my boyfriend a couple weeks ago (I meant to write my review but I got a bit busy), but I had an amazing night. I can't even express the quality taste, the comforting staff/great customer service and the overall experience. I also want to express gratitude to the owner of this restaurant who is incredibly sweet! I would come again. Happy Holidays! read more

Elliot D.

5 years ago

Monday, November 15, 2021. Our reservation was at 19:30. We were seated promptly. Ambience is light and amusing. We were welcomed by Derek who is friendly, accommodating, and humorous. The menu is delicately balanced and vegetarian options are available. My favorite dish is the buttermilk fried chicken with adobo sauce. It was delectable! The kalua pork is scrumptious. A bite full of flavor with all the components! I wish I took pictures, but I was hungry! Definitely will come again! read more

Cesar N.

11 months ago

We tried the 7-course set menu at XO in Oahu and it was an awesome experience! Every course felt unique and creative, with flavors that flowed really well from start to finish. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere had that nice mix of modern and relaxed that made it great for a night out with friends. Portions were just right, so we left full but not overstuffed. Overall, a really fun and memorable dining experience -- definitely worth checking out when in Oahu. read more

Tony K.

6 years ago

With the mandatory shelter in place, we were on a food hunt for something different, ono, and of course within walking distance. Well, we found this jewel, don't know why it took us this long to try this place out...but you know, we weren't disappointed! The service to the simply ono food is awesome! From the first bite of my burrito I was in heaven! The food is just that good! We're definitely getting food from here again, and if you're in the area I recommend you try it. read more

Ania J.

5 years ago

This was my first time in Hawaii and my boyfriend found this place on our way back to Waikiki. The food was beyond impeccable. 7 course meal and there was not a single dish that disappointed. If the duck is not on the set menu definitely sub it in for one of your proteins. Everything else go by the chefs choice - there's a reason for that. Everything melts in your mouth. This is a must stop if you're in Honolulu. Smacznego (from your Polish Illinois visitor)! read more

Michael M.

122

4 years ago

"XO restaurant on Oahu is a must-visit for both locals and visitors. The use of local ingredients combined with excellent technique creates a truly memorable dining experience. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic evening out. The tasting menu is particularly noteworthy, offering a unique and interesting culinary journey. I highly recommend giving XO a try, you won't be disappointed!" read more

Serena C.

5 years ago

I celebrated my birthday here. I had a blast with my boyfriend! Ube lemonade and Lilikoi margarita was my favorite cocktails. We ate pretty fast, our tasting menu came out in a nice consistency except the scallops. The wait for the scallops was a bit longer but maybe too many tables came in all at the same time. Overall my experience was wonderful. The price is good for a 7 course tasting menu. Must try if you have an adventurous palette. read more

Phillip K.

5 years ago

The atmosphere is good, the decor is fun and the wait staff are courteous. Now what you really came here for: the food was absolutely fantastic! We went through the tasters menu, a 7 course meal including desert. Each course was cooked with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. I found myself both wanting more of the course I just ate and having increasing expectations for the serving to follow. I highly recommend visiting XO! read more

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XO Restaurant - asianfusion - Updated July 2026

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XO Restaurant - asianfusion - Updated July 2026

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