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Been for brunch, happy hour and dinner. 10/10 and will recommend if someone were to ask where's a good place to eat. One of the best Vietnamese Fusion cuisine I've had. I can't even explain how good the food is. I've tried almost all of their appetizers, but my recommendations would be the spring rolls and hamachi poke. Their brisket is so tender and falls apart with just a bite and easy to cute with a spoon. I've tried their brisket moco and beef stew - generous amount of brisket for both and with a different flavor than the normal dish but super delicious. Another rec would be the crab pasta - splurge and add the blue crab because it really elevates the flavor of the noodles. Dishes are on the pricier side but portion size are good enough to share with about 3 people, 4 depending how many dishes you get. Services and restaurant itself is quick and clean.
I was so excited to come back here! My buddy and his girlfriend had never been and I was more than happy to introduce them to Chao. Especially that pandan waffle. I must've ranted and raved about it for two days! Our server was very sweet and took great care of us! I also had to have an espresso martini! Sooooo good! We shared seafood cerviche which I loved! Especially with the shrimp chips! The softshell crab pasta was very good! The chicken salad was a fresh take on the Chinese chicken salad. The roasted corn went over well! And we all loved the shrimp fried rice!. And now my favorite part... She: Unfortunately, we are out of the pandan waffle... o_0* Oh man! What a let down! So we settle for the Please Come Again, but I don't know if I will if that waffle isn't there...LOL! Of course I'll be back! Maybe for dinner since you can only get the waffle at brunch. I won't be so sad and disappointed! It does get loud inside and the parking lot is shared so that might be a challenge. But it's a great way to start your day! Mahalo Chao!
Simple, just read the 5 star reviews and I agree with all of them. If in or near the Honolulu area and want good everything then go here! Chao was recommended to me by a Yelp local and it didn't disappoint. This is located outside of the hotel tourist zone. There were a lot of locals in here. They serve New Orleans Cafe Du Monde coffee what more do you need to know.
Second time to visit Chao and still a pleasant experience for me. Reservations are highly recommended especially during weekends. My boyfriend and I tried to walk-in on a Sunday and was able to get in after 1.5 hours of waiting (6:15-7:45pm). The staff at the front was very nice and she made sure we got seated before closing. They have an all-day Brunch Menu on Sundays, so we decided to order the following: Hamachi Poke: tasted fresh and the shrimp chips were a great complement when you put the hamachi poke on top! Calamari: soft and flavorful. I can't get enough of the sauce too. Pork Ribs and Dragon Eggs: surprisingly good, and I wasn't expecting that the ribs were full of meat. I love Asian food and you can taste that they put fish sauce in there which I liked. I think I could have more than one cup of rice for this. The drinks were great too! I enjoyed my Koi's Cooler as it was refreshing and my boyfriend liked his vietnamese iced coffee for its strength and flavor. It can get pretty loud in the restaurant when it's busy, so just a heads up for those who get overstimulated by that. Free parking at the shopping complex but can get busy during peak hours as it's also shared with a few other establishments.
Went for happy hour, which goes until 5 PM. Lots of things to choose from on the menu and yummy drinks too. Took a while for anybody to acknowledge us standing at the door, waiting to be seated because no one's actually standing there waiting to seat you even though you are supposed to wait to be seated. However, everyone who works there can help you once you're seated you don't need to wait for one specific server to order, which was nice. The place is clean and tables are nicely spaced apart making it possible to have a private conversation even if every table is occupied. Crowd dropped off pretty quickly once happy hour was over so it doesn't look like you need to have a reservation. We were there on a Friday evening. The toughest part about going there on a Friday night was parking because of the other businesses that also share the same lot.
The service was tremendous. The ambiance is so chill and the food is soo good. Caleb was such a good waiter, (we were so sad he had to leave, Kinoa came after and he was so good too. Caleb explained what are the goodies. My friend and I caught the Happy Hour. We did shared plates and ordered the Seafood Ceviche, Crispy Calamari, Gai Lan Stir fry and briskly Banh Mi. We was hungry, everything so good to the T! Mind you i ordered the Lilikoi Margarita, it was a bit sour but so good. I definitely recommend and staying to become a regular. A place where I'd gatekeep but it's only right i share with you.
Chao is a great little gem in nu'uanu with a cozy but slightly elevated ambiance. My entire family went for Mother's Day and shared a variety of delicious Thai fusion dishes that were presented beautifully and tasted amazing. The service was great and with our reservation, we were seated in a timely manner despite it being a busy evening. Highlights for us included the duck fat fried rice and whole steamed moi. The entire restaurant is pretty accessible and the shopping plaza in which it's located has plenty of parking especially in the evening hours. Great spot to take friends to share a bite, have a cocktail or celebrate a date night!!
Very charming and cozy restaurant that's great for both small gatherings and larger parties. Best to call ahead and make a reservation. The menu is simple yet elegant, with plenty of tempting options. Started off with the hamachi crudo. My friend doesn't really eat fish but she said it was worth the try. She took off the skin from the hamachi. She pointed out that it was the first she had hamachi with skin on it! Tried the soft-shell crab pasta, and it did not disappoint--it was absolutely delicious! We also shared the duck salad, which was fresh and flavorful. My friends both ordered the chicken pho, with one adding an egg. They agreed the soup was really good. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food. Our server was outstanding--attentive, friendly, and happy to explain the menu and answer our questions. We all ordered the Vietnamese iced coffee, and it was a favorite at the table. It was perfectly blended and the perfect way to finish the meal. The only downsides are that parking can be a bit difficult, and the restaurant gets quite loud when it's full. Overall, it's a wonderful spot with delicious food, excellent service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. I'd definitely come back!
Some things are ok and others are LIFE CHANGING!!! The flavor and dip of the calamari blew my socks off. Salt, fat, acid, heat, sugar- it had everything perfectly balanced. The punch of lemongrass in the sauce really adds that extra oomf. You must also get the soft shelled crab pasta- it's a favorite for a reason!! It's thick, creamy, delicious and has all the right herbs and seasonings. Beef carpaccio, Spanish octopus, and hamachi crudo are also good but even better when you eat them together. Fried rice and pork ribs I would personally pass on next time. Drinks are just ok. Strong! Get your moneys worth lol. Need to come back and try more things on the menu and the non-alcoholic drinks! Service is good and lots of parking in the lot out front. Gets busy sometimes but there's also street parking. Restaurant interior is cute and feels like an elevated casual spot.
Had lunch with my wife and brother-in-law. I had to minus a star from my previous review. Soon after being seated a child started crying loudly. I think it was one of the staff or owner's child. Very annoying. This went on for about 10 minutes. The couple seated near the child got up and left. A couple of minutes later The child was wheel out on a stroller. As for the food I noticed the many Yelpers gave high reviews for the soft shell crab with pasta. My take is that the crab was crispy and had a strong garlic flavor. I really didn't care for the sauce used in the noodles. The calimari was crisp and tender. The dipping sauce I didn't care for. This is a Vietnamese after all so Enjoy.
First time here seen all the reviews from other Yelpers and it's all pretty good . Had to try it for myself so had lunch with sister and brother in law. Parking lot is very crowded because they share with other businesses like Starbucks and Orielly Auto parts . I was disappointed in the soft shell crab Pasta the pasta was very sweet the soft shell grab was ok. Their appetizers have lots of garlic . I love garlic but not so much on top of fried foods . The fried chicken , calamari all had lots of garlic . Ambiance is very noisy although the highlight was our server he was fast and efficient. He took away our rubbish from our table right away . Hope the best for Chao but to be honest I won't be going back just not my cup a tea . Support Local whenever possible
Food was EXCELLENT. That calamari was one of the best I have ever had. It was crisp but not to the point where it hurt the inner of my mouth - super soft and tender. The cucumber was also perfect and it's amazing how everything was so crisp on the outside yet soft on the inside! The crab pasta was a standout. The flavors just melded together perfectly with the soft shell crab being an amazing garnish to the dish. It was tender and crisp. You can just eat it as is with the pasta and it just was absolutely delicious. They give you an option if you want some blue crab garnish on the pasta - make sure to say yes. The crab adds such a nice kick to the creaminess of the pasta. Did I also mention how big the portion was!? You could probably order the crab pasta and another entree to share with friends. Dessert was unique. The flan was rich and the lychee was a delicious side. The popcorn ice cream was very different than what I'm used to. The ice cream has a very grainy texture with the accents of popcorn. The butter mochi was standard but a good additional texture for the popcorn ice cream. Not too sure if I would order that again, but the flan was definitely my favorite dessert of the meal. Ambiance is a darker mood with dim lighting. It adds to the luxurious vibe of the restaurant itself. I noticed people came dressed up for their reservations as they walked in. Definitely a great spot to go with friends/family. Service was quick and helpful - very attentive with filling up our waters and making sure we were ok. Definitely a standout restaurant. I'm a fan!
Ever since this place opened, my wife and I have been back numerous times! Very lovely set up inside, full bar, and an ambience that's great for any meal or date night. Our go to's are the chicken pho, and soft shell crab pasta. The pasta is so rich with a little spice and soft shell crab is crispy and light. Centered in town, it is easy to get too. Swing by now!
2 months ago
The food was fresh and delicious! We had the soft shell crab and chicken pho- both exceeded expectations. read more
6 days ago
6 days ago
Nuce looking dinning area. We were greeted by the hostess and I could tell she was trying to formulate a question. She asked if the dog with me was a service dog. I thanked her for asking and replied that he was. They sat us right next to the front door. I've noticed that restaurants place me and my service d9g either all the way in the back corner or the worst table they have. I got the Spict Beef Soup. Noodles were over cooked and mushy. Beef rib had little flavor. I don't understand how they claimed it is spicy. It was accompanied with fresh veggies. Two small sprigs of cilantro, one basil sprigs, a couple of flat leaf parsley and a petite pile if cabbage. My wife got rhe braised beef moco. Looked great but again lacked seasoning on the brisket and little sauce. At entrees pushing $30 each one would except the food would be flavorful but we found the opposite. read more
Been for brunch, happy hour and dinner. 10/10 and will recommend if someone were to ask where's a good place to eat. One of the best Vietnamese Fusion cuisine I've had. I can't even explain how good the food is. I've tried almost all of their appetizers, but my recommendations would be the spring rolls and hamachi poke. Their brisket is so tender and falls apart with just a bite and easy to cute with a spoon. I've tried their brisket moco and beef stew - generous amount of brisket for both and with a different flavor than the normal dish but super delicious. Another rec would be the crab pasta - splurge and add the blue crab because it really elevates the flavor of the noodles. Dishes are on the pricier side but portion size are good enough to share with about 3 people, 4 depending how many dishes you get. Services and restaurant itself is quick and clean. read more
I was so excited to come back here! My buddy and his girlfriend had never been and I was more than happy to introduce them to Chao. Especially that pandan waffle. I must've ranted and raved about it for two days! Our server was very sweet and took great care of us! I also had to have an espresso martini! Sooooo good! We shared seafood cerviche which I loved! Especially with the shrimp chips! The softshell crab pasta was very good! The chicken salad was a fresh take on the Chinese chicken salad. The roasted corn went over well! And we all loved the shrimp fried rice!. And now my favorite part... She: Unfortunately, we are out of the pandan waffle... o_0* Oh man! What a let down! So we settle for the Please Come Again, but I don't know if I will if that waffle isn't there...LOL! Of course I'll be back! Maybe for dinner since you can only get the waffle at brunch. I won't be so sad and disappointed! It does get loud inside and the parking lot is shared so that might be a challenge. But it's a great way to start your day! Mahalo Chao! read more
14 days ago
Simple, just read the 5 star reviews and I agree with all of them. If in or near the Honolulu area and want good everything then go here! Chao was recommended to me by a Yelp local and it didn't disappoint. This is located outside of the hotel tourist zone. There were a lot of locals in here. They serve New Orleans Cafe Du Monde coffee what more do you need to know. read more
Second time to visit Chao and still a pleasant experience for me. Reservations are highly recommended especially during weekends. My boyfriend and I tried to walk-in on a Sunday and was able to get in after 1.5 hours of waiting (6:15-7:45pm). The staff at the front was very nice and she made sure we got seated before closing. They have an all-day Brunch Menu on Sundays, so we decided to order the following: Hamachi Poke: tasted fresh and the shrimp chips were a great complement when you put the hamachi poke on top! Calamari: soft and flavorful. I can't get enough of the sauce too. Pork Ribs and Dragon Eggs: surprisingly good, and I wasn't expecting that the ribs were full of meat. I love Asian food and you can taste that they put fish sauce in there which I liked. I think I could have more than one cup of rice for this. The drinks were great too! I enjoyed my Koi's Cooler as it was refreshing and my boyfriend liked his vietnamese iced coffee for its strength and flavor. It can get pretty loud in the restaurant when it's busy, so just a heads up for those who get overstimulated by that. Free parking at the shopping complex but can get busy during peak hours as it's also shared with a few other establishments. read more
Went for happy hour, which goes until 5 PM. Lots of things to choose from on the menu and yummy drinks too. Took a while for anybody to acknowledge us standing at the door, waiting to be seated because no one's actually standing there waiting to seat you even though you are supposed to wait to be seated. However, everyone who works there can help you once you're seated you don't need to wait for one specific server to order, which was nice. The place is clean and tables are nicely spaced apart making it possible to have a private conversation even if every table is occupied. Crowd dropped off pretty quickly once happy hour was over so it doesn't look like you need to have a reservation. We were there on a Friday evening. The toughest part about going there on a Friday night was parking because of the other businesses that also share the same lot. read more
4 days ago
The service was tremendous. The ambiance is so chill and the food is soo good. Caleb was such a good waiter, (we were so sad he had to leave, Kinoa came after and he was so good too. Caleb explained what are the goodies. My friend and I caught the Happy Hour. We did shared plates and ordered the Seafood Ceviche, Crispy Calamari, Gai Lan Stir fry and briskly Banh Mi. We was hungry, everything so good to the T! Mind you i ordered the Lilikoi Margarita, it was a bit sour but so good. I definitely recommend and staying to become a regular. A place where I'd gatekeep but it's only right i share with you. read more
2 months ago
Chao is a great little gem in nu'uanu with a cozy but slightly elevated ambiance. My entire family went for Mother's Day and shared a variety of delicious Thai fusion dishes that were presented beautifully and tasted amazing. The service was great and with our reservation, we were seated in a timely manner despite it being a busy evening. Highlights for us included the duck fat fried rice and whole steamed moi. The entire restaurant is pretty accessible and the shopping plaza in which it's located has plenty of parking especially in the evening hours. Great spot to take friends to share a bite, have a cocktail or celebrate a date night!! read more
Very charming and cozy restaurant that's great for both small gatherings and larger parties. Best to call ahead and make a reservation. The menu is simple yet elegant, with plenty of tempting options. Started off with the hamachi crudo. My friend doesn't really eat fish but she said it was worth the try. She took off the skin from the hamachi. She pointed out that it was the first she had hamachi with skin on it! Tried the soft-shell crab pasta, and it did not disappoint--it was absolutely delicious! We also shared the duck salad, which was fresh and flavorful. My friends both ordered the chicken pho, with one adding an egg. They agreed the soup was really good. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food. Our server was outstanding--attentive, friendly, and happy to explain the menu and answer our questions. We all ordered the Vietnamese iced coffee, and it was a favorite at the table. It was perfectly blended and the perfect way to finish the meal. The only downsides are that parking can be a bit difficult, and the restaurant gets quite loud when it's full. Overall, it's a wonderful spot with delicious food, excellent service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. I'd definitely come back! read more
Some things are ok and others are LIFE CHANGING!!! The flavor and dip of the calamari blew my socks off. Salt, fat, acid, heat, sugar- it had everything perfectly balanced. The punch of lemongrass in the sauce really adds that extra oomf. You must also get the soft shelled crab pasta- it's a favorite for a reason!! It's thick, creamy, delicious and has all the right herbs and seasonings. Beef carpaccio, Spanish octopus, and hamachi crudo are also good but even better when you eat them together. Fried rice and pork ribs I would personally pass on next time. Drinks are just ok. Strong! Get your moneys worth lol. Need to come back and try more things on the menu and the non-alcoholic drinks! Service is good and lots of parking in the lot out front. Gets busy sometimes but there's also street parking. Restaurant interior is cute and feels like an elevated casual spot. read more
2 months ago
Had lunch with my wife and brother-in-law. I had to minus a star from my previous review. Soon after being seated a child started crying loudly. I think it was one of the staff or owner's child. Very annoying. This went on for about 10 minutes. The couple seated near the child got up and left. A couple of minutes later The child was wheel out on a stroller. As for the food I noticed the many Yelpers gave high reviews for the soft shell crab with pasta. My take is that the crab was crispy and had a strong garlic flavor. I really didn't care for the sauce used in the noodles. The calimari was crisp and tender. The dipping sauce I didn't care for. This is a Vietnamese after all so Enjoy. read more
First time here seen all the reviews from other Yelpers and it's all pretty good . Had to try it for myself so had lunch with sister and brother in law. Parking lot is very crowded because they share with other businesses like Starbucks and Orielly Auto parts . I was disappointed in the soft shell crab Pasta the pasta was very sweet the soft shell grab was ok. Their appetizers have lots of garlic . I love garlic but not so much on top of fried foods . The fried chicken , calamari all had lots of garlic . Ambiance is very noisy although the highlight was our server he was fast and efficient. He took away our rubbish from our table right away . Hope the best for Chao but to be honest I won't be going back just not my cup a tea . Support Local whenever possible read more
Food was EXCELLENT. That calamari was one of the best I have ever had. It was crisp but not to the point where it hurt the inner of my mouth - super soft and tender. The cucumber was also perfect and it's amazing how everything was so crisp on the outside yet soft on the inside! The crab pasta was a standout. The flavors just melded together perfectly with the soft shell crab being an amazing garnish to the dish. It was tender and crisp. You can just eat it as is with the pasta and it just was absolutely delicious. They give you an option if you want some blue crab garnish on the pasta - make sure to say yes. The crab adds such a nice kick to the creaminess of the pasta. Did I also mention how big the portion was!? You could probably order the crab pasta and another entree to share with friends. Dessert was unique. The flan was rich and the lychee was a delicious side. The popcorn ice cream was very different than what I'm used to. The ice cream has a very grainy texture with the accents of popcorn. The butter mochi was standard but a good additional texture for the popcorn ice cream. Not too sure if I would order that again, but the flan was definitely my favorite dessert of the meal. Ambiance is a darker mood with dim lighting. It adds to the luxurious vibe of the restaurant itself. I noticed people came dressed up for their reservations as they walked in. Definitely a great spot to go with friends/family. Service was quick and helpful - very attentive with filling up our waters and making sure we were ok. Definitely a standout restaurant. I'm a fan! read more
Ever since this place opened, my wife and I have been back numerous times! Very lovely set up inside, full bar, and an ambience that's great for any meal or date night. Our go to's are the chicken pho, and soft shell crab pasta. The pasta is so rich with a little spice and soft shell crab is crispy and light. Centered in town, it is easy to get too. Swing by now! read more
"Good food is very often, even most often, simple food." ― Anthony Bourdain I have been seeing so many photos and reviews for this amazing place before arriving on vacation that I knew I would be stopping by for a bite. I already knew what I want, I just needed to get myself here and wow. What a great meal! Beef Carpaccio: Paper-thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin with an herb mix, onions, crispy shallots, lime vinaigrette, and Thai chili. Such a flavor bomb compared the usual Italian classic with lemon, olive oil, and capers. Crispy Calamari: Garlic, jalapeño, and a chili lime sauce. I don't even remember eating this as there were so many plates on the table. I only realized this was ordered after uploading my photos on here. I'm sure they were great though. Grilled Sweet Corn: Curry butter, pork floss, and chives. I avoided this not because it didn't look or smell good because it did. I just generally avoid eating corn-on-the-cob in public. I'll end up looking like a child with corn on my face if I attempted to eat corn-on-the-cob in public! Hamachi Poke: Spicy tobiko roe mayo, salted calamansi, and served with shrimp chips. Good flavor balance and fun texture. I can absolutely inhale this all by myself. Spanish Octopus: Mixed herbs, roasted peanuts, and roasted fish sauce. Perfectly tender with a great flavor profile. Duck Salad: Seared duck breast, lettuce, crispy fried noodles, and fresno chiles with a creamy house dressing. Get this. The fresh crisp bite of salad helps cut the flavors of everything else you are eating. Brisket Beef Stew: My twinsie actually had this and it smelled great. Taste wise, I'm sure it was good. It's beef, potatoes, and onions in bo kho. It can only be good. Soft Shell Crab Pasta: Fried soft shell crab, fresh noodles, and lemongrass tossed in beurre monté ("mounted butter"). This was the single dish that made me want to pop in. I have been haunted on Yelp by this soft shell crab that's standing up, needing me to have five it with my chopsticks. It was good. It was tasty. I ate a lot of the noodles even. Chao Penicilin: Chivas, ginger, and honey. This was Randy S.'s drink but I fell in love with it quickly. It tasted like a fresh ginger root was strangled and poured into a glass. This is 100% my kind of drink. I love it when ginger bites back. Vietnamese Espresso Martini: Vietnamese coffee, Mr. Brown, and Absolut vodka. You can't go wrong with Vietnamese coffee and you definitely can't go wrong with an espresso martini. Up until the point when I tried the Chao Penicillin, I was elated with my martini, haha! What a great place. I'll be day dreaming of that Soft Shell Crab Pasta and Chao Penicilin now that I've finished this review. read more
Lunchtime led us to a lovely meal, Chao. A place that was highly raved about by friends, and my Dad and I were anxious to try. Our experience was great, and I'm still thinking of what I ate. My unnie, Li Y., made reservations for us. We were sitting inside, farther back. The restaurant is stylish yet more casual. A nice watering hole for locals and visitors to enjoy meals, drinks, or happy hour. We came for lunch and were treated like family by all staff. It was great to talk story, have our questions answered, and enjoy our meal at our own leisure. We chose to order family style and shared the Crispy Calamari, Roasted Eggplant, Duck Rice, and Soft Shell Crab Pasta. Everything was superb. The flavors, seasonings, spices, all of it was on point. Loved the roast on the eggplant, the calamari was crispy and great with the sauce, and the crab pasta was so creamy and nicely balanced. My favorite was the duck rice. The duck was so tender, and the rice had so much flavor. I could eat so much of it and hope to try their other rice dishes in the future. Their Ube Dream drink was also a nice surprise--creamy ube with a refreshingly tart lime taste. Chao took my taste buds on a trip, and I recommend everyone try this spot if you're into Vietnamese or fusion cuisine. Find them in the Nuʻuanu Shopping Plaza. Parking is hit-or-miss in the plaza, depending on the time of day you go. read more
My friend and I went here on a Wednesday at 5Pm. I decided to make a reservation just in case because the parking lot looked small. However, there was no one there then it started filling up around 6PM. Once we sat down they gave us waters and checked on us immediately after. We took a long time deciding but they kept checking on us. We sat near the fire exit and we were close to two other tables but it wasn't too bad. My friend shared a Hamachi Poke appetizer, beef carpaccio, & soft shelled crab pasta. The Hamachi poke was decently sized. I thought the hamachi portion was small until we saved it for last. Trust me, there is enough poke for the chips they give you. We underestimated and we didn't want to hog the poke so we ran out of chips before the poke. The beef carpaccio had a very Thai taste to it (hence the Thai chili) but the vinaigrette was very tasty and very strong. I really enjoyed it and I haven't had carpaccio before. It was a big plate too. The soft shelled crab pasta: TAKES IT HOME! It was very buttery but it didn't feel as heavy like some other pasta dishes. It came with two soft shelled crabs and I thought it was so cool it's like the WHOLE CRAB! read more
25 days ago
Really nice resturant, came here on a Sunday around 7 pm. Word of advice make sure to get a reservation, it is pretty popular and if you try to walk in on average you'll wait an hour. Despite the wait they're services is nice quick and attentive. Food was also top notch. For appetizer we got the hamchi poke and the calamari. For our entrée we ordered pork ribs and the garlic noodles with soft shell crab. Each dish was flavorful and well made. They were definitely generous with the soft shell crab as well. Definitely will come again but be sure to reserve! read more
Awesome food, casual ambiance, good service, but I was freezing my butt off. This place has a different take on Vietnamese food but I love how modern and true to the culture it is. Don't come here for the pho though, try everything else! read more
20 days ago
Chao Hawaiʻi was absolutely ono! Every dish we ordered was a hit--from the flavorful fish sauce chicken wings and fresh hamachi poke to the melt-in-your-mouth beef carpaccio, crispy calamari, perfectly cooked fried moi, delicious soft shell crab pasta, and crispy spring rolls. The food was amazing, the service was warm and welcoming, and the whole experience had that genuine aloha feel. Definitely one of our new favorite spots. Mahalo, Chao Hawaiʻi--we'll be back! read more
4 months ago
I wish I would've eaten here sooner on our vacation so I would've been able to eat there a second time. It was so good. We need a reservation through OpenTable so we are seated right away, although there were several available tables during lunchtime. Caleb was our waiter and he was so friendly and helpful. We ordered the duck rice, crab pasta, chicken wings and gai lan stir fry. Wow was everything so good. I couldn't stop commenting during the meal on how great the food was. Definitely putting it on a rotation for the next time. I'm in Oahu. If you have a kid with you, ask for the treasure chest read more
The food was just amazing. I especially loved how the Hamachi Crudo was prepared because the meat was individually fried and placed back into the fish which made it easier to enjoy bite size pieces. Perfectly fried! The Soft Shell Crab Pasta was by far, delicious. Everything we tried were hands down fantastic! Good lighting, clean restaurant and restroom...efficient and friendly service. Located in a little strip mall, so parking can take a bit to find. Highly recommend this read more
Finally got to try CHAO! This area isn't one I'm very familiar with, but it was pretty straightforward to get to. Parking can be a bit challenging, though we got to find a spot. They have happy hour until 5PM. We tried Chicken Wings Beef carpaccio Spanish octopus Soft shell crab pasta Everything was delicious with spicy kick! Definitely coming back to try more their menu, read more
Food was great and the servers were knowledgeable of the menu. The decor is really nice and eclectic with a modern feel. Food is served family style, so you will need to order a few small plates to saturate a group. We had a group of 7 and so we started with a couple chicken salads which were fresh and spicy. Two orders of the chicken wings which were butting with umami, an order of fried mushrooms which were delicious and really meaty, and order of charred bok choy which was really Smokey and a great compliment to the mushrooms and chicken pho that I got. The drinks were good as was the rest of the food. Their dinner menu looks really good so we will definitely be back to try that. read more
Service, ambiance and food were top notch here! It was a busy Saturday afternoon and we happened to be seated very quickly without reservations! Parking is easy as well in the big parking lot. We had an amazing server and I believe his name is Caleb I'll definitely return again for the pasta with soft shell crab! I loved the flavor and we also had a yummy chicken broth soup that was good too read more
1 month ago
I've been dying to go here & we finally made it for date night! My Ranking so far: #1 - The beef carpaccio was a highlight of my visit, this is a must! #2/3 - My bf got the Whole Moi + chicken fat rice & he was a big fan! #2/3 - I personally preferred the Chicken wings w/ caramalized fish sauce. It was good but also on the smaller side in terms of portions. #4 - The Soft Shell Crab Pasta was very buttery & garlicky, nothing super crazy. I highly recommend adding spicy sauce (on the table) in there, it was much better after! Next time I really want to try the duck breast salad!! read more
2 months ago
Well we finally came here to eat lunch. We came when they 1st opened their soft opening. Today 6-10-26 it was busy. Made reservations on open table even though we're there before they open at 11. We ordered spring rolls, calamari, chicken wings. And tried their soft shell crab pasta. The appetizers were good if you love garlic its for you. I'm not much of a garlic eater but was ok. The soft shell crab pasta was on the sweet side the pasta that is. The soft shell crab was good. The place was crowded and I think the owners son wasnt happy kept on crying and made the place nosiey. After about 15 mins or so she took him outside. read more
Tuesday April 7, 2026 First time, coming here. Plenty parking. We got there around 6:30pm. We waited outside for a while as it was packed inside. We ordered and it took a while for the food to come out. That's understandable. Good food takes time to make. It came out and everything smelled good and it looked good too. First time, trying bone marrow and it was good. The pho had a rich, savory beef broth that tasted really good. We were given a free appetizer of shrimp ceviche with shrimp chips from the young girl which was really nice of her and a very nice surprise to us. Ambiance is casual and comfortable in here. We will definitely be back again. Support a local business. read more
The hype is real. Been hearing about this place for a while and finally got to try. The scallop ceviche was sooo yummy and fresh and a nice take on ceviche. Their beef tar tar was also so good and so soft. The star of the show was the crab pasta which we added extra blue crab which totally took my breath away. The flavors are so diverse and creamy and the soft crab had surprisingly a lot of meat inside. I would absolutely come again just for that. They have a parking lot right outside but I can get busy so come early. read more
I've been hearing a lot of really good things about this restaurant so I was really excited to try it! First off, this space is so chic and the decor is very eye catching! Vibrant wall designs and wooden accents that suit the vibe perfectly. We were a little early for our reservation so we were able to sit at the bar for a drink until our table was ready. The count for our party was off by two and we were very lucky to get accommodated. For drinks, I ordered the night market fun which featured mezcal, reposado, and passion fruit. Lightly boozy and fruity with a hint of smoke. I also tried the espresso martini which was also pretty good. Our table ordered a few different appetizers to share and the most notable one were the crispy calamari - simply for the sauce which had a nice lemongrass flavor. The calamari was also very tender with a nice crispy exterior. We also ordered the duck salad, spring rolls, chicken wings, ceviche and beef carpaccio which were decent but nothing outstanding. We all decided to order our own entrees. I opted for the bun bo hue, which I was really excited about because it's not as common to find on menus in comparison to pho. I thought that the lemongrass flavor was very prevalent in the broth but it lacked that umami depth that you get from other restaurants. I am huge fan of fermented shrimp paste so I expected a little more of that flavor. I also wanted a heavier spice kick.... which I know can be fixed with a little more sriracha but y'know... I also got to try a few of the other entrees like the chicken pho, and the soft shell crab pasta. The soft shell crab pasta left the biggest impression on me - it's rich, creamy, and packed with a lot of crab flavor. Service was also pretty good for the most part but I think there was some confusion as some duplicate order of drinks hit our table. Granted we were a large party so it's understandable. I think it's a nice place to take someone if they are new to Vietnamese cuisine. I think what is a dealbreaker for me is the price when considering other restaurants that are on the affordable end. I think this restaurant has lots of potential and I would still definitely return for their lunch offerings! read more
2 months ago
Ok, it has been a hot minute since I've felt compelled to write a review. But oh man, does this place deserve it. Heard about Chao for a while, but never really tried it until someone made the bold claim that it is their favorite restaurant in Hawaii. Reservations were easy enough on a weeknight. When we got there, I will admit, I had some reservations. They're on a nondescript spot in Nuuanu, nothing fancy or showy. But holy cow, the food blew us away! Let me preface by saying that we have been trying to "discover" a new spot that was unique and delicious. Chao for sure delivered. First, the drinks. We had the Vietnamese Espresso Martini and the Night Market Fun. The martini was coffee forward as expected, but it was exceptionally smooth, with that distinct Vietnamese coffee flavor. Night Market was a tequila/mezcal based drink, and while I normally steer clear of mezcal, I decided to give it a try. It was very refreshing and the mezcal was pronounced in the smokiness, but it wasn't overpowering or abrasive. Definitely enjoyed both significantly but my favorite would have to be the espresso martini. Next, we got the wings and the grilled corn. The wings were perfectly cooked and exceptionally seasoned. The balance of salt, sweetness, and very slight heat was pleasantly unexpected. It is kid-friendly and we had to order another one just for the girls. The grilled corn was topped with chives, curry butter, and pork floss. The toppings and the char highlighted the nice gentle sweetness of the corn. For our mains, we ordered the House Fried Rise with the lemongrass chicken, the soft shell crab pasta with extra blue crab meat, and the Washugyu Picanha. The fried rice cooked in chicken fat was so flavorful but not in a cloying way, and the kids loved the chicken (although not as much as the wings). The rice also complemented the picanha perfectly, so no need to order rice with it. Pro tip: The chimichurri was quite strong so use sparingly! The salad underneath it though, that made the dish. It was the perfect crunch and acidity that made you want to keep going for more! Finally, the pasta. It comes with 2 whole deep-fried soft shell crabs with lemongrass and garlic beurre monte. It also has some masago mixed in and the extra blue crab meat was a must! It was very rich, creamy, and all umami in the very best way! Bites of the crunchy soft shell crab and masago provided an amazing texture balance, and the extra blue crab just took it over the top. Pro tip: get a drink that'll give you the palate cleansing and acidity that would cut through the richness of the pasta. We were too full to try the dessert but the coconut flan looked enticing. They also had happy hour starting at 8pm so I ordered a lilikoi margarita. Needless to say, it was done really well, not overly sweet, tastes very much like fresh passion fruit, with that hint of tartness from the lemon. It t was really refreshing! The staff were very attentive and friendly, and knowledgeable of the menu. They genuinely looked happy to be there. Our server took his time to go over the check with us to make sure we were charged correctly. I don't think I've ever seen that before. It was quite nice. The place is very loud though, the one con that is not really a deterrent, so maybe not the best choice for a first date. We already booked our next reservation and we can't wait to try the rest of the menu! So glad we found our "new" spot that is unique and wonderful! read more
Despite its trendy ambiance, Chao is also just as good for a casual date night or meal. I went for dinner on a random Tuesday night and the service was impeccable. The waiters were quick, attentive, and were super friendly. I have been meaning to try this place for a while -- now that the foodie influenced hype has died down. What I found was that the food matched the hype. I ordered several items because I couldn't make up my mind on one or two. They're known for their soft shell crab pasta, which was cooked to perfection -- creamy and balanced with two decently sized crabs. I really enjoyed the duck salad, which was light, refreshing, and a little zesty. Also, the salad dressing is amazing. The brisket bò kho was also great -- seasoned very well with generous brisket cuts cooked to perfection (super tender). I am definitely coming back to try some other dishes, such as the fried moi and bún bò hué, and some of their tasty drinks! read more
Wow! Loved the food. Loved the vibes and ambiance. Definitely what I was hoping and so much more! Didn't have a reservation but I'd recommend you make one, especially around dinner time. Sat at the bar, no wait time. Bartender, Daniel, was great! He sold us with the add ons to our dishes and it didn't disappoint. The soft shell crab pasta- yes! And get the added blue crab and tabiko. This dish was my favorite. The soft shell was salty, while the pasta was creamy and a little sweet. Fried whole moi- yes! If you get it with the wrap set, it could be an appetizer to share. If you get the moi by itself, I'd recommend getting a side vegetable like the corn, eggplant, or bok choy. Grilled sweet corn- yes! Of course it's gonna get stuck in your teeth, it's fine. I can't describe the taste. Just get it. 4 pieces (2 small corns cut in half) Seafood ceviche- yes! It's sweet, tangy, slightly spicy, refreshing, light, a little salty from the shrimp chip. On the smaller size but worth it. Good size for 1-2 people. There's a parking lot, but there there are other shops and restaurants. read more
Yes, I been gate keeping this place; a rather small restaurant off of Nuuanu and N.School Street. Getting a table can be difficult so be sure to make reservations unless you spontaneously have a craving... that happens too here! Lunch is easier to grab a table than dinner. Service is always spot on. Servers are pleasant, yet efficient. Love that they offer detailed explanations of the sometimes exotic dishes as well as their recommendations. Still, there hasn't been a dish at Chao I absolutely havent loved! The flavors are balanced and robust in flavor. And if not spicy enough for you, as for some chili paste or try the house sauce left on the table (tastes like a base of tomato paste or sun dried tomatoes puree with just a smidgen of heat). Favorites for me: - soft shell crab served with pasta, - duck salad, - all fresh fish dishes, - still more to discover! Looking forward to returning for their beef pho with oxtail, maitake mushroom fritters, bone marrow. Conveniently located in a strip mall with free but in demand parking. Sharing lot with Starbucks and other popular eateries. read more
Located at 1613 Nuuanu Ave., this little gems puts out some tasty food. We just went for a few apps and drinks. Everything we had was tasty. The staff was very friendly and parking was a breeze. Check them out when you're in the area. Their happy hour is from 2-5. Alooooooha and happy eating. read more
I have been wanting to try Chao ever since my daughter told me about it and said I would love it - she knows me best! I finally had one of "the" best meals ever! Tried the Seafood Ceviche with shrimp crackers, Chicken Salad, Calamari, Whole Moi with lettuce set and the Soft Shell Crab with Pasta. Every dish was so full of flavors dancing on my palate. My favorites were the ceviche, moi and pasta - I think I like the creamy pasta more than the soft shell crab! Prices are affordable for the quality of dishes, for 3 of us it came to about $50/person. Located in Nuuanu in a small shopping center, although there are a lot of parking spaces, spots run low so get there a bit earlier than your reservations in case you need to circle around. I will definitely bd returning to try their other dishes. Really enjoyed my experience here! read more
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More info about Chao
1613 Nuuanu Ave
Ste A12
Honolulu, HI 96817
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(808) 888-0166
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http://chaohawaii.com
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Ask the Community - Chao
What time does the menu change from lunch to dinner?
Will it be open for Christmas day lunch?
You can give them a call to find out their a Christmas schedule.
Just comparing the photos I see on Yelp, it looks like the food at Happy Hour are the same prices as at Dinner??? No discount? Only the drinks are slightly discounted at Happy…
Yes, you are correct!
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Chao - asianfusion - Updated August 2026
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