Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    La Mer

    4.4 (552 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndFrench
    Open 5:30 pm - 8:30 PM

    La Mer Photos

    LA MER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Romantic
    Intimate
    Upscale

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - La Mer

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

    Reviews With Photos

    Jacqueline C.

    We were told this was the place to go for an elevated dining experience -- and it absolutely delivered. The restaurant has a classy, upscale vibe, and they do enforce a dress code (especially for men), which actually adds to the whole experience. The views while dining were beautiful, and the service was truly spot-on from start to finish. We opted for the set menu, and every course felt very intentional. Portions were just right -- enough to leave satisfied but not overly full -- and you could really appreciate the quality of each dish. The flavors, textures, and presentation were all thoughtfully done and memorable. If you're looking for a refined dining experience in Hawaii, I would highly recommend giving this place a try. Honestly felt Michelin-worthy.

    Madeline
    Eric B.

    An exquisite, ethereal dining experience from start to finish. You'll pay for the pleasure, but if you are staying at the Halekulani, you owe it to yourself to indulge. The decor exudes elegant tiki vibes and the dining room has a row of tables overlooking the Pacific. We had a such a table. While in the fall the sun will have set by 6:30, looking out into the darkness over a leisurely meal has its own pleasures and seductions in which I recommend you indulge. The main event here is the 8 course tasting menu, which we attacked. However, be warned that it is a LOT of food - these are not small plates - and by the end of the meal I was stuffed and could not finish off all the desserts (3+!), even though I ate very little earlier in the day. We kicked the evening off with some Krug, and ordered a bottle of Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The CdP goes with everything and you'll save on the wine pairings. Amuse Bouche - A carrot vichyssoise with carrot/ginger panna cotta and lobster remoulade. Delicious and LARGE. Fois Gras - The most playful dish of the evening. A ballotine of foie gras slathered with apple calvados marmalade, all covered with a giant cotton candy cloud. The plate was decorated with chartruese jellies and ginger and kahlua gels. Everything was delicious and the cotton candy fun to eat. Large, easily sharable for two. Scallop - One scallop topped with a couple cuttlefish slices in a cauliflower mousse. Delicious, the scallop was perfectly cooked. Abalone - Only miss of the night. The abalone was chewy and the parsely and onion seasoning an odd approach that did not enhance the abalone's fundamental earthiness. If I did this dinner over I would go a la carte or just skip this course. Poached Lobster - Exquisite - tail meat, claw meat, coconut sauce, and tomato chutney. A masterpiece. Filet and foie gras - Perfection. Sizeable filet for a meal like this (6 ounces?), cooked perfectly rare, with a good size lobe of seared foie gras. Potatoes were a bit heavy on the truffle but the sauce was perfect. We could have easily split this dish given the size of the filet and other dishes. At this point it was all I could do to eat the whole lobe and most of the steak, I was bursting at the seams. Cheese course - I didn't catch all the varieties. The orange cheese was great. Easily skippable if you are not into cheese as a dessert. I ordered some Japanese whiskey to wash down the desserts. The server, recognizing my joie de vivre, also poured me a glass of white port. Merci mon ami! Almond Madeline - Another masterpiece. It looks like a madeline cookie, but its stuffed with a three fruit cream sauce. To Die For. Vanilla Mousse & Vanilla Souffle Two amazing desserts. The souffle comes with three pour over sauces - Spiced Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Banana Creme. I only wish I had more room to eat all of them. Special Anniversary Dessert Because it was our anniversary, we also got a THIRD DESSERT, which I cannot describe except to say it was delicious. And THEN we got multiple chocolate goodies to go, as is custom. All of the staff we encountered was friendly, knowledgeable, and very happy we were there. We had a great time and would return.

    La Mer earns its reputation. Between the impeccable service, the soul of Chef Trancher's kitchen, and the soft sound of the Pacific just beyond the windows, this was one of the most memorable meals we've had in Waikiki -- or anywhere. Bravo.

    Angela C.

    We came here for a special engagement celebration, and the whole evening felt beautifully thoughtful. Gen, our server, guided us through each dish with such care and explained the chef's vision like she was letting us in on a secret. The duck breast was rich (mine was a bit on the firm side), and the fish with its crackling, hot-oil-kissed skin was melt-in-your-mouth unforgettable. Even the simple things , like the seaweed-infused tableside bread as it felt unique and magical. It was such a memorable meal, start to finish.

    Mousse
    Neal I.

    The quality of the food, it's flavor, uniqueness, restaurant service and ambiance were all excellent! It's not just a meal but a dining experience. We came to celebrate a birthday and wedding anniversary of family members. We wanted to do something special and La Mer did not disappoint. We had the 7 course Menu Degustation. The $295 per person cost is an eye opener however, when you consider the variety, quality, and manner in which the dishes are prepared, you can appreciate it. The meal consisted of soup, seafood, meat, starches, vegetables, flowers, sauces, and sweets. Each plate consisted of a variation of dishes, uniquely prepared. We enjoyed every course, eating each dish individually and sometimes collectively. It would take too much space to describe each item so suffice it to say they were all delicious! The service is like no other restaurant. You have a number of servers providing everything you would need. You never have to wait for anything since you are so well taken care of. The atmosphere is very peaceful and the views spectacular. We could see the ocean and sunset out one opening and Diamond Head and the beach out the other. All the dishes were also presented beautifully, as you can see by the photos. Overall, a very, very nice way to celebrate a special occasion with special people!

    Jasmine J.

    I came here for my birthday this year over the summer. This review is long overdue but I feel the after shocks of the meal still lingering. La Mer was always on my checklist and I finally did! If you have the means to splurge, do it. It does not fall short of expectations at all! I mean, it's a heinous amount of money to be spent on one single meal, but the entire experience from service, to plated course after course, to the beautiful views of Diamond Head/Waikiki and the oceanside, was divine. Opted for the menu dégustation with additional ala carte items from the menu soiree. I feel inadequate as a fine dining connoisseur to describe every dish but the pictures should do it all justice! There wasn't a dish I didn't enjoy (except for the duck liver - foie gras is just not my taste which is very subjective). They added complimentary amuse bouches, dessert tea cookies, birthday cake and chocolates (with pop rocks hidden in them!) in boxes to take home. The Michelin guide has not made its way to Hawaii but I definitely feel La Mer is up to those standards in fine French dining! I wish I could go back!!

    Albert M.

    This was touted as the top restaurant on the island. We made a reservation, and was warned about the $125 no show fee. Interesting. It is located in a very quiet, exclusive resort. The restaurant is on the second floor, with picturesque windows with breathtaking view of the ocean. The ambience was incredible, with staff dressed in impeccable white uniforms. The staff is constantly circling you, making sure all your needs are done before you even look for help. The go to here is the 8 course tasting menu. The wait staff poured me a nicely aged Burgundy white that melted my brain. The chef gave us a complementary cold soup with lobster pure, wonderfully refreshing. Course 1, a foie gras with banana chips, surprisingly sweet but tasty, paying homage to the island. Course 2, scallop with 3 kind of peas and caviar, the peas were sweet and fresh, this dish impressed the heck out of me. Course 3, abalone, cooked perfectly, delicious. Course 4, lobster and red wine sauce, with locally grown cold water lobster, sweet, succulent. Course 5, the main course, filet with truffles, foie gras, and truffle potato puree, the flavor is so intense, but balanced and complimentary at the same time, absolutely amazing! Course 6, cheese plate, very enjoyable, the cheese selection was outstanding. Course 7, the pre dessert, a lychee sorbet in a very tart raspberry sauce, a perfect palate cleanser. Course 8, soufflé with 3 sauce, and lemony bread pudding, my wife was a dessert expert and she was blown away. Finally the bill, expect about 300+ per person, plus drinks, and 125-150 tip. So you will pay for this meal.

    Eric B.

    Came to La Mer with my wife for our 5th anniversary dinner and couldn't have been more blown away by the incredible experience! From the start, you are greeted by all of the staff that will be serving you. All genuinely seemed like they love working there! The views of Diamond Head and Waikiki that meet you when you are seated at your table are second to none! I've lived in Honolulu for two and a half years now and have yet to find a more stunning view at a beachside fine dining establishment. The complimentary bread to begin the meal came in a luxurious variety of brioche, baguette and other French styles. Dining options include course meals or a la carte. If you're feeling extra hungry, go for the course meal. We opted for the a la carte because we weren't sure whether we'd be able to finish. Some of the items we ordered include the Foie Gras de Canard, Saint-Jacques Roti, Filet de Bœuf, Filet de Canard Roti, La Cabosse de Chocolat, and Soufflé Vanille. The French red wine we ordered paired very well with the entree dishes! Finally, the staff was so thoughtful to provide us with an anniversary dessert and small in-house confectionary candies to take home! During our entire dinner, the staff was literally at our beck and call, making sure we had everything we needed and were having the best time possible. While it goes without saying that dining at La Mer will definitely break the bank, it is very much worth it for special occasion dinners! One of the top places I recommend on island!

    Saint-Jacques Rôti, Grains de Caviar, Mousseline de Carotte au Pamplemousse - VN
    Vince N.

    The spouse always wanted to dine at La Mer, Halekulani's French restaurant. While they don't have any Michelin Guide recognition, they are constantly crowned with AAA's Five Diamond Award. 2024 was the perfect time to celebrate our birthdays and anniversaries with 20 of our close family and friends. ATMOSPHERE: Located oceanfront above Orchids restaurant, we had use of their 22-seat private dining room "Salon du Vin" at the front of the establishment. It's air conditioned but open air at the same time, so it was a little toasty. MENU DÉGUSTATION: It's amuse bouche (chef-selected small portions). FOOD: We started off with a chef's complement basil pesto gazpacho with crab which was refreshing & divine. I passed on the duck foie gras with strawberry jam & pickled onions due to health reasons. A perfectly roasted scallop topped with caviar in a newburg sauce was amazing. Poached lobster tail & claw with chorizo squares, squid ink gnocchi & cream sauce was outstanding. Filet of beef with truffle sauce, mashed potatoes and potato "puffs" were excellent. Trio of cheeses were good but one cheese in particular was unpalatable to me and others due to its intense bitterness and earthiness. DESSERT: Canelé over a caramel mousse was fine. The last course was a beautifully plated and magnificent semifreddo, or frozen mousse, in a honey cream flavor. We each received sensational bags of homemade chocolate & Pop Rocks-covered macadamia nuts, compliments of La Mer. SERVICE: Unparalleled, first class professionalism. OVERALL: Exceptional cuisine, presentation and service.

    Collection of Seven Course Menu
    Naoto U.

    The best French on the island. You will enjoy the flavors and season with traditional French style cooking. You need to be ready to take time for your entire meal. Seven courses can go easily above three hours. The service is elegant and they know what they are doing. It has one of the best view with a timeless feel of Hawaii.

    Grilled scallop
    Kanoe Q.

    Best dining experience in Hawaii to date. Superb, attentive service with peaceful/romantic atmosphere complimented by a 7-course meal that was masterfully curated with well-balanced flavors and portioning. Wine pairing elevated the meal and richly brought out the flavors. 10/10 for each course. If you are not accustomed to expensive fancy meals--think of this as a treat yo self opportunity to splurge on a well-worth it EXPERIENCE rather than just a meal. Will definitely be coming back again (hopefully soon if my budget allows haha).

    Foie Gras de Canard Chips et Chutney d'Oranges Sanguines
    Violet B.

    We came to celebrate a friend's birthday and it was my first visit to La Mer, and it certainly was a treat to dine here! There were a variety of traditional French dishes to choose from and you also have the option to Ala carte. However the best is to order the menu so that you can enjoy a variety of dishes designed by the chef. The service was absolutely superb. Our waiter Nick was attentive and also Stephen who helped making our evening wonderful! We got seated the ocean view and enjoyed the sunset till we finished dining last 9. The parking is fully validated by Halekulani Hotel. Easily pull upfront for valet. Validation is good for four hours.

    Custom Dessert with Condolence Message
    Stefanie W.

    La Mer was more than just a fine dining experience--it was a moment of grace during one of the most difficult times in our lives. We noted in our reservation that we were grieving the loss of a family member, and from the moment we arrived, we were met with sincere warmth, care, and an unforgettable kindness that touched our hearts. The team went above and beyond--our table overlooked Diamond Head with live music and hula dancers below, creating a dreamy, peaceful setting. Each course of the tasting menu was exquisite, beautifully paired with wine, and presented with thoughtful precision. Every bite was a delight, and every server who approached us brought not only professionalism but genuine compassion. The most moving gesture of all? An additional dessert presented at the end of our meal, delicately inscribed with "our heartfelt condolences." It brought tears to our eyes. That small act of kindness meant more than we can express. To the manager and entire team--thank you. Your grace and care gave us a moment of beauty and comfort we will always remember.

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tony C.
    762
    175
    15

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C. S.
    4
    24
    2

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric B.
    892
    544
    1033

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vince N.
    665
    2398
    12577

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 4
    Love this 8
    Oh no 3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steven F.
    10
    119
    25

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dee S.
    1
    50
    24

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of B I.
    0
    57
    178

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Bonnie B.

    Bonnie B.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of G.G S.
    0
    399
    0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 14

    La Mer Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - La Mer

    Is there a corkage fee? If so , what is the price per bottle?

    I really don't know but if you call the hotel, I'm sure they'll tell you. I'll bet it's a bunch though.

    Is La Mer open? I am planning a trip to honolulu and I would LOVE to visit again if they are open! I had the amazing experience before

    Yes, Wednesday thru Saturday but best to check ahead.

    If you do the 4 course price fixe with wine pairings an you get out of the restaurant for $500 for 2 people?

    Thank you for your interest in La Mer. The four course Prix Fixe menu is $180 per person and the wine pairings would be $97 per person. That puts the final per person nearer $277 with the pairings. This of course would be before any taxes or… Read more

    Will the restaurant be open in the last week of May?

    Dear Kathy: Thank you very much for your interest in La Mer. Unfortunately, La Mer will not be… Read more

    Do they do anything special for birthdays? (Special dessert/meal presentation or seating arrangements)

    Absolutely beautiful little cake. Their gift!

    Do they have a private dining room and how many does it seat?

    AnnaLyn, Thank you for your interest in La Mer. Yes, we do have a Private Dining room, it can… Read more

    Do they have any vegan options?

    I believe they do- and if you call in advance they will create something in advance for you. That's what they did with my dinner, gluten, dairy, potato, egg and orange free appetizer, salad, main and dessert.

    View All 8 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for French 14,583 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Carte Blanche

    Carte Blanche

    4.5(80 reviews)
    2.1 miKaimuki
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Luxury

    Took our friend here for her birthday and what a hidden gem this place was. Tucked away in the…read moreheart of Kaimuki, Carte Blanche was definitely a delightful surprise! When our party first walked in, we were a tiny bit skeptical because of the empty room (which was beautifully decorated). However as each course came out, we were blown away and didn't know how the restaurant was not way busier for a Saturday night! Each dish/course was well thought out and prepared to perfection. We were all taken by surprise in a great way. The head chef Anthony was very passionate and excited about his work and that was very refreshing! Overall a wonderful experience and we will be back!

    If you're looking for Kaimuki's most romantic date night spot, look no further than Carte Blanche…read more We recently experienced their summer prix fixe menu (which changes twice a year), and it was one of those meals you remember long after the plates are cleared. The progression of dishes felt thoughtful and creative-- * Crispy Salt & Vinegar Chicken Skin (the perfect starter crunch) * Soupe de Poisson (deep, comforting flavors) * Pina Colada Granita (a refreshing palate cleanser) * Pan Seared Scallops (my personal favorite--perfectly caramelized and tender) * Double Cut Rack of Lamb (succulent and cooked to perfection) * Lemon Crème Brûlée Tart (a sweet, bright finish) Every plate was elegant, well-executed, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere strikes a balance between sophisticated and welcoming. Dim lighting, intimate tables, and quiet elegance make you feel like you've stepped into a hidden gem in the middle of Kaimuki. Honestly, I felt like a celebrity dining here. Service was polished but never pretentious--our server was attentive, knowledgeable about the courses, and kept the pacing of the meal just right. For the level of creativity and execution, Carte Blanche feels like an affordable luxury in Honolulu's dining scene. Perfect for anniversaries, date nights, or anytime you want an elevated experience without flying to the mainland. Highly recommend booking a reservation--you'll want to savor every moment here.

    Photos
    Carte Blanche
    Carte Blanche
    Carte Blanche

    See all

    Duc's Bistro - Mini creme brûlée

    Duc's Bistro

    4.4(430 reviews)
    3.1 miChinatown
    $$$

    Blast from the past! Have not been to Duc's Bistro in maybe... 10 years? maybe more!!!! I…read moreremember well the food being outstanding and the service was more than what I had then expected.... Here is my story: Located in the same place for 35 years plus. Duc opened his restaurant in the 1980's. Duc's Bistro is one of the original ethnic Vietnamese restaurants who opened in the 1980's and still continues to serve our community. Do not leave without bidding aloha to Duc who today is in the kitchen with his wife who both prepares all the food. His son now runs the front of the house along with staffers who have been there for years on end. The food is French Vietnamese. Of their slim clear concise menu, my favorite is their Roast Pork and Duck Pate. While all the dishes are good, those two stand out for me. And be sure you save room for their desserts. Their dishes are prepared and served such that if you choose to dine "family style" you have definitely sat at the right Establishment. The location remains the same. First Establishment on the westside of MaunaKea and Beretania Streets. Validated parking if you can get a staff in the lot across the street from Duc's. Bright Pink and Green Neon Sign for Duc's Bistro. You cannot miss it! Full bar or $25 corkage if you bring your own wine. Soft drinks and Vietnamese Hot or Cold coffee available also. Price point is approximately $50 per head from start to finish. Plan to have a meal there! You will not be disappointed.

    I walked in at 7 and they said they were closing early because they took all of their reservations…read more Pretty bad because I was looking forward to trying this place

    Photos
    Duc's Bistro
    Duc's Bistro - Vanilla creme brulee and affogatto

    Vanilla creme brulee and affogatto

    Duc's Bistro - Peppercorn prawns (Tom Rang Muoi).....32 Large Tiger Prawns sautéed with red sea salt and roasted black pepper

    See all

    Peppercorn prawns (Tom Rang Muoi).....32 Large Tiger Prawns sautéed with red sea salt and roasted black pepper

    Mugen - Afternoon Tea Spring 2025 - Sasanian imperial osetra caviar on creme fraiche cheesecake, quail egg, crisp shallot crumble

    Mugen

    4.5(139 reviews)
    0.5 miWaikiki
    $$$$

    I highly recommend you try here at least once!…read more From the moment we walked we were greeted and seated promptly. The hostess and wait staff are all so friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating! The restaurant is very intimate and surprisingly not very noisy. The food is excellent. Every dish was flavorful and delicious! The lobster was cooked to perfection! The complimentary valet service is directly in front of the restaurant. The valet attendant was really nice and personable. I enjoyed talking with him while we waited for our car.

    The experience at Mugen was magical ambience! From the valet person out front, to the lovely…read morehostess, wine sommelier Douglas, our server Shari, the other great people, Eduardo & unique name, Jahdi, made it memorable. I also thank hotel manger Vernon & manger Debbie!! THANK YOU!! Each utensil, 1 of a kind cocktails, bread & puzzle made spreads, gorgeous plating, chef well put together dishes, waygu beef tartare, Regiis Ova Ossetra Caviar, maine lobster, molokai venison, kona kampachi, scallops, maui beets, marrunga lamb, shima aji, toriyama a5 waygu, to 3 secret desserts and a surprise!! The sapphire tasting set is the way to go I say!! Comes with Chef's Seasonal Nigiri!! OMGOSH!!

    Photos
    Mugen - Interior

    Interior

    Mugen - Afternoon Tea Spring 2025 - "De Pattie" - Oxtail and curried channa aloo

    Afternoon Tea Spring 2025 - "De Pattie" - Oxtail and curried channa aloo

    Mugen - Afternoon Tea Spring 2025 - Ashwaganda beet root cured king salmon w/ avocado, blood orange in filo nest)

    See all

    Afternoon Tea Spring 2025 - Ashwaganda beet root cured king salmon w/ avocado, blood orange in filo nest)

    natuRe waikiki - Heart of palm

    natuRe waikiki

    4.4(234 reviews)
    0.4 miWaikiki
    $$$$

    Centrally located on the second floor at 413 Seaside Ave, Honolulu (above Zigu), natuRe waikiki is…read morenot just a restaurant, it is a dining experience. My daughter and I visited for the first time last night and I can say it is well deserving of its award winning status. Parking is located at the Hyatt Centric garage (validated) or on the street which can be a bit trickier. We ubered in. When we arrived at the time of our reservation, we were promptly greeted and seated at the chef's counter by Travis, the maître d'. natuRe waikiki offers a 6-course tasting menu with a Plant-Based Vegan option in the dining room and on the Chef's Counter and an a la carte menu at the bar. My daughter had the regular tasting menu with a few pescatarian substitutions and I had the vegan option. Being at the Chef's Counter, we were able to view Chef Yosuke Masaki (and interact with him) and observe his counter parts diligently work with precision and passion to create each plate. They used fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes with French, Japanese, and Hawaiian influences. Each plate was uniquely delicious and uniquely artistically created. We were in awe as they meticulously plated each dish using tweezers. Presentation was nothing short of impressive. When each piece of edible artwork was placed in front of us, Travis or his counterpart, explained the dish, often times with a mini action which added to the beauty of the presentation esp the opening of the smoked dishes (Celery Root & Kaffir Lime). Everything had the"wow" factor but my standouts (Aina Tasting Menu, Vegan) were the Panipuri & Corn Fritto (cool in temperature, amazingly smooth in texture with pops of corn bits, lite and refreshing), Charcoal-Battered Heart of Palm (designed to look like lava rocks plated on real lava rocks), and the French Onion Soup Gratin (Super creative and fun! Soup placed back into the original onion which was used as the bowl. The entire onion with the exception of the skin was edible and absolutely delicious.). The highlight for my daughter (Hale Tasting Menu) was the Abalone Risotto. Much to our surprise, we were stuffed by the time the last plate was presented. The portions looked small but the satiety factor was deceiving. We felt the value of the experience far outweighed the cost. Kudos to Executive Chef Nae Ogawa (who was not present), Chef Masaki (who was a part of curating the menu), Travis and everyone else at natuRe waikiki for a creating a memorable dining experience. We loved our visit and look forward to visiting again. We also hope to one day experience natuRe tokyo.

    A thoughtful tasting menu from a Hale ʻAina award-winning chef, with highs and a few misses…read more The standout of the night was the abalone steamed in sake over green curry risotto. Absolutely dreamy!! The abalone steamed with Sake was beautifully tender, and the green curry risotto absolutely knocked it outta da park!!! The squid with cauliflower dashi foam was another strong dish. The squid was incredibly tender, and the dashi sea foam was light, airy, and full of subtle umami. A great example of the chef's precision. Overall, the cooking shows a clear command of refined, "chefy" techniques The turnip mousse with caviar and olive oil , served in a coupe-style glass, was elegant in presentation but didn't quite deliver in balance. The turnip mousse was a bit too dominant and overpowered the caviar. The mushroom duxelles ravioli stuffed with mascarpone and ricotta also fell short. The pasta was undercooked to the point of chewiness . Firmer than expected for my taste even for al dente. It definitely distracted from delicate stuffing The chicken and mushroom reduction sauce definitely carried the dish, bringing depth of flavor. From a service standpoint, one moment stood out. When asked how the ravioli was, I gave honest feedback and was told that's how the chef intended it to be. That showed lack of grace for fine dining and didn't land well. If you're going to ask for feedback, don't be dismissive and defensive of the feedback. Also worth noting: after a $600 dinner for two, we asked for espresso at the end of the meal and were told the machine had already been turned off because they were closed. It's hard to take a "fine dining" restaurant seriously, when that happens. Overall, there's a lot of skill and thoughtful technique here, with some genuinely standout dishes . But also a few inconsistencies that keep it from being a top-tier experience. Happy Eating!! 38

    Photos
    natuRe waikiki
    natuRe waikiki - Charcoal battered heart of palm beignet

    Charcoal battered heart of palm beignet

    natuRe waikiki - Fish en croute (fish of the day was amberjack)

    See all

    Fish en croute (fish of the day was amberjack)

    Michel's At The Colony Surf - Seafood Cippino

    Michel's At The Colony Surf

    4.1(881 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$$

    Outstanding meal with the beautiful warm view...our servers MaryAnn and Keeton just made our…read moreevening...Always smiling and very attentive...loved the lavosh and she gave me plenty...the duck l' orange egg soup was so cutely prepared but oh so much flavor...loved the cleansing sorbet was perfect...while our server Keeton was so attentive I got to know him and just can't wait til he becomes the waiter...he's gonna be so great! So we had a delicious onion soup and lobster bisque...our hostess flamed our lobster and it was quite the cool presentation...she's good! Our entrees were seafood bouillabaisse and salmon a with pasta...oh my goodness my salmon had a sauce to die for and the small teeny capers made the presentation beautiful. Best salmon I've had...so darn delicious! All the while we enjoyed sparkling water, sunset daiquiri, and sweetened plantation iced tea... We finished it off with our celebration and having presented the cherries jubilee...yum yum. As always we love seeing Phillip; he's a beautiful soul and is very personable. Also shot out to Kerwin who helped us with our car! Great night!

    I had a terrible experience with Michel's and would not recommend them based on how this was…read morehandled. I purchased a nice bottle of wine for my dad and his wife's 10-year anniversary because I knew they were dining there. I triple-confirmed with the staff ahead of time that the bottle had been purchased, that it would be delivered to their table, and that the server would be aware of the arrangement. Not only was the message never relayed internally, but it created an incredibly awkward and embarrassing situation. The server apparently believed I had paid for the entire dinner rather than just the bottle of wine. My dad and his wife were under the impression that the whole meal had been taken care of. To make matters worse, the restaurant initially charged my card and then later canceled the charge. Instead of contacting me to clarify the situation, they called my dad after he and his wife had already left the restaurant to inform him that they still owed money and requested his credit card information over the phone to process the payment. Imagine celebrating your 10-year anniversary and then getting a call afterward saying you "forgot" to pay your bill. That is incredibly awkward and unacceptable. At no point did the restaurant proactively reach out to me... the person who coordinated and paid for the wine to explain the internal miscommunication. There was no accountability until I called to address it myself. Only then did they apologize and offer a future credit for them. What should have been a thoughtful anniversary gesture turned into an unnecessary embarrassment due to poor internal communication and lack of ownership. Extremely disappointing.

    Photos
    Michel's At The Colony Surf - Tableside bananas foster!

    Tableside bananas foster!

    Michel's At The Colony Surf - Gelato: Dark Giandui Hazelnut Chocolate + Tahitian Vanilla

    Gelato: Dark Giandui Hazelnut Chocolate + Tahitian Vanilla

    Michel's At The Colony Surf - French Inspired Aesthetic

    See all

    French Inspired Aesthetic

    Margotto Hawaii - Top 100 best restaurant in the world, Romantic dinner, anniversary dinner, truffle and caviar in Honolulu

    Margotto Hawaii

    4.2(157 reviews)
    1.5 miAla Moana
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Luxury

    At Margotto, they made it rain--rain shaved truffles. While they have other menu items, they are…read moreknown for their seasonal truffle menus and having well priced truffles which they source themselves from Italy. Under Chef Shiori Okuya, their tasting menu, was a nice way to experience the French-Japanese flavors of the restaurant. First we chose the amount of truffle we wanted for our meal. Then those truffles were shaved over multiple elegant appetizers; a Pot-au-Feu soup; a lobster fish course; oyster pasta; duck for our main; in Asian-style, a comforting rice bowl to end the savory courses; and finally even the dessert. Henry was an amazing server with flair and passion for the menu and we even took a little bit of truffle home to enjoy on soft scrambled eggs the next day. If you want to experience another side of Margotto, there is also Margotto E Baciare in Japan.

    Though prone to hyperbole, please let me assure you that I am dead serious when I say I would give…read moreMargotto 10 stars if that were an option. I'm quite fortunate to have had many amazing dining experiences, more than a few of them of the fine-dining-persuasion and Margotto shook me to my core. Unforgettable and completely unlike anything I've had before. It's incredibly unassuming from the outside--like a secret or a speak-easy--elegant and understated on the inside. The staff are all so warm and welcoming and you'll want for nothing the entire time you're dining. It's a coordinated dance of service. Arrive hungry and ready to spoil yourself! Opt for The Grand Degustation and get the 15 grams of truffles. This is not the time to be stingy! In fact, you really need to get the Caviar Monaka and a glass of champagne to start--the crispy wafer is a nutty delight and a perfect compliment to little fishy pearls. THEN you can move onto the ten course meal. And since I'm telling you what to do, you'd be entirely remiss to skip the wine pairing. Chuck Furuya is a demigod with a palate that is twenty-seven steps ahead of us mere mortals. The wines on their own practically sing in their glasses but when paired with each dish? The transformation of flavors? Absolutely unreal. Let us not forget about the truffles. They're fruity and earthy and succulent, without being heavy or overbearing in any way. You WILL feel spoiled and you deserve it! If I lived here, this would be my go-to special occasion restaurant, no question. You must try it for yourself.

    Photos
    Margotto Hawaii - Top 100 best restaurant in the world! romantic dinner, anniversary dinner, truffle and caviar in Honolulu

    Top 100 best restaurant in the world! romantic dinner, anniversary dinner, truffle and caviar in Honolulu

    Margotto Hawaii - Truffle and old world wines. from the same soil, area, they pair fantastic!

    Truffle and old world wines. from the same soil, area, they pair fantastic!

    Margotto Hawaii - Our signature, beluga caviar with monaka(rice wafer)

    See all

    Our signature, beluga caviar with monaka(rice wafer)

    El Cielo - Main Entrance

    El Cielo

    4.7(254 reviews)
    0.3 miWaikiki
    $$$
    Speaks Spanish
    Casual dining

    What a great experience we had tonight, celebrating our anniversary in Honolulu. We ordered the…read morepâté, beet salad, and octopus for starters. All were outstanding. I don't like pâté (my wife) but I'm now a fan. The grilled octopus was heavenly, like a steak, but more delicate. Our final main was the seafood Paella. Amazing. Tip: scrape that disk to get the burned bits of rice on the side. It really brings out the flavor. Service-wise - our server was amazing. Always there, but never intrusive. Thank you for a great meal, and great experience!

    What do you get when you have a mix of Spanish, Japanese, and Italian dishes all on one menu? Mixed…read moreresults, or a wonderful blend? You have all that at El Cielo! Located in Waikiki along Lewers Street near Kuhio Ave. It's on the first floor sharing the same building with Oyster Hale and Genius Lounge. They don't have any affiliation with any parking garages, you're on your own. The inside is surprisingly big and spacious with bar and outdoor seatings, and high ceilings in the main dining room. The main theme is Spanish Tapas with mostly small or bite size dishes with a few paella and main entrees. Everything sounded good! "Pinchos" dishes is really just one bite. The Smoked Salmon was nothing special. It ate like a normal salmon with cream cheese. The other flavors such as dill, pink peppercorn, and orange did not come out. The Buñuelos Butterfish Fritter were good. Light, airy, doughy! nicely fried and seasoned. Didn't really taste much butterfish. The Tapas were a generous amount! The Shrimp Ajillo was flavorful with paprika and garlic. Shrimp was cooked well. The spice didn't come out from the dried chili peppers. The best was the Housemade Baguette! Warm, soft inside, crunchy outside. Better than at Vietnamese restaurants! Unfortunately, the dish and sauce was too salty--even for a person who likes more taste. The Octopus Ala Gallega was very good. Nicely grilled octopus to tender with a nice charred taste. Just needed some salt. Potatoes were good. Chimichurri sauce was flavorful. Generous amount of olive oil. The Uni & Crab Pasta was all right. I've had better. The spaghetti was a touch too Al dente. The flavor was very one note with the rich cream sauce and uni. There wasn't the sweetness from the crab. The cherry tomato was just there to be there for a bite. Would have been nice to get some acidity and sweetness throughout the dish. The Seafood Paella was very basic. Very disappointed with zero char on the rice. What's the point of the pan? It definitely needed higher heat. Everything ate like it was covered and simmered on low heat until the seafood was cooked. Very simple. The Ube Basque Cheesecake was good. Not too sweet, not too much Ube flavor with a light custard-like interior. Overall, this was a decent meal. All the dishes were beautifully presented, but needed some seasoning adjustments. Don't think I'll order the same dishes next time. The service was excellent. Very friendly, information, and attentive server. Comfortable dining area. Unfortunate it has no parking affiliation. I'll definitely comeback for their Housemade Baguette!

    Photos
    El Cielo
    El Cielo
    El Cielo - How can you go wrong w a garlic shrimp paella!

    See all

    How can you go wrong w a garlic shrimp paella!

    Taormina Sicilian Cuisine - Nero "Frutti di Mare" 
イカ墨を練りこんだ生パスタ 海の幸と完熟トマトのピリ辛ソース

    Taormina Sicilian Cuisine

    4.1(994 reviews)
    0.2 miWaikiki
    $$$

    Whoa! Amazing date night here on a Friday night!!!…read more Very romantic and intimate restaurant with outstanding service. Chisum was our server and he was just excellent. All of the server staff was super attentive. My husband and I both chose the prix fixe menu. It's $125. Every dish was excellent!! You have to get the squid ink pasta, truffle pasta and the lamb chops. My filet was also cooked perfectly. I can't wait to come back and try the rest of their menu.

    Location: located on Lewers St. Parking is on Helumoa Rd. Go down Lewers St, make a left on Helumoa…read moreand shortly after, valet parking will be on your left. The restaurant validates parking, $8 for 4 hours, tip not included. For my son's 18th birthday he wanted to eat pasta. After looking at many Yelp reviews, we ended up making reservations at Taormina. Unfamiliar with the menu we decided to do the five tasting course. As of 4/22/26 the base price is $125 and depending on what you choose, there are some add ons. For example the carbonara was +$25 and the Ricci di mare was +$18. Food: the Focaccia bread was free and comes with free refills. The salmon with caviar was really good. It had the perfect balance but very small, about 1.5". The next dish was the baked abalone. That was also very delicious but two bites and it's over. At this point, we were starting to think we would leave hungry. The next dish was the pasta. We tried both the carbonara and the Ricci di mare. Both were very good. The carbonara came with freshly slices truffles and thick crispy pieces of bacon. Highly recommend for truffle lovers. I'm not a huge uni fan but surprisingly the Ricci di mare was also really good. Of note, the pasta in the five course tasting is half the size of the regular order. Even at half the size, I felt the serving portion was good. I felt satisfied but not full. The next dish was the main course so filet mignon and monchong. The filet mignon was cooked perfectly but I personally didn't like the sweet sour balsamic vinegar taste that was drizzled over. I would have preferred it to be more savory. The monchong was okay but a little overcooked for my liking. The portion size of the main course was good. Lastly was our desert but to our surprise, they brought out a nicely written happy birthday platter with half a lava flow desert and a small scoop of ice cream. My son really enjoyed it. The creme caramel was also good and reminded me of flan. Service: the waitress did her job but I personally felt we had better service entering the restaurant and being seated. She had no smile, did not offer any recommendations, and no small talk which is fine but noticeable. Our bill came out to $463.87 tip not included. Though we really enjoyed the salmon and abolone I'm not sure it's worth the price and the extra three bites. Next time I would just stick with the pasta. If we had just ordered the full order of pasta our bill would've been $195.

    Photos
    Taormina Sicilian Cuisine - Interior

    Interior

    Taormina Sicilian Cuisine - Beef Carpaccio 
パルメザンをたっぷりのせたビーフカルパッチョ
Thinly sliced Beef Tenderloin with parmesan, arugula, EVOO and our house-made caper vinaigrette

    Beef Carpaccio パルメザンをたっぷりのせたビーフカルパッチョ Thinly sliced Beef Tenderloin with parmesan, arugula, EVOO and our house-made caper vinaigrette

    Taormina Sicilian Cuisine - Granchio pasta

    See all

    Granchio pasta

    La Mer - french - Updated May 2026

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