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    Orchids

    4.2 (1.2k reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

    Orchids Photos

    ORCHIDS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - Orchids

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    Reviews With Photos

    Traditional Japanese Breakfast
    Alex C.

    Today we celebrated my birthday and retirement at Orchids for breakfast. The restaurant is situated along the Waikiki shoreline with a beautiful vantage point for Diamondhead. The servers were so attentive and accommodating, and the food second to none. Our server Tony really went the distance at making our visit a memorable one. We ordered two traditional Japanese style breakfasts, one corned beef and hash with sunny side up eggs breakfast and Belgium waffles. It was all delicious and perfectly cooked. This meal was pricey but worth the experience and fine dining. Tony provided me with a complimentary coconut cake to celebrate my birthday!

    Plate
    Erica H.

    Orchids is a beautiful dining experience I recommend for both locals and visitors alike. As long as you come ready to relax and enjoy yourself in calm, elegant surroundings, a peaceful escape from the usual buffet hustle and bustle, you'll love this spot. If you're in a rush or looking for a quick in‑and‑out meal, this isn't your place. This is a classy, refined buffet experience meant to be savored. Service is top‑notch. There's live piano music setting the mood, a full bar, and an exceptional brunch that includes champagne or prosecco, two complimentary glasses of bubbly with your meal! They also offer coffee, juice, or soda to round out your experience. Valet is available. Classy dress code. Ok shorts if nice. Golf type clothing ok. Sun dresses ok.

    Jessica N.

    I've heard wonderful things about their Sunday all you can eat brunch. I was lucky to get a last minute reservation. However most people book months in advanced. We came on time for our reservation, but it took them 20 minutes to seat us. The seafood, poke, and sushi here is excellent. They also have a carving station and crostini station with amazing spreads and cheeses. The desserts were also great. Considering the price $125, I would expect slightly better service. They were slow in taking our plates away and taking drink orders. Overall, I really enjoyed the meal and would recommend.

    Entrance
    Mike C.

    It's amazing to me that it's ben nearly sixteen years since I've dined here. Way too long, given that I usually stay at their sister hotel across the street. I've enjoyed a traditional breakfast with a friend prior to my review in 2010 when I had the pleasure of enjoying their highly acclaimed Sunday buffet brunch, touted as the best in town. During our recent visit, a good good friend invited my frends and me to a weekday lunch here. The greeter led us to a table facing the beach in the outdoor dining area (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=0JulYUA3fCTWfJFj8qqvaA). We were given both the lunch and beverage menus. I started in ordering the Mango Mint Freeze (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=gZ4kJW2TdVrFW92Avs2EgA), Mango, Fresh Mint & Citrus blended. I enjoyed this as it was fruited yet not overly sweet; it was perfect for the mildly balmy afternoon. Our gracious host was helpful in guiding us through the menu, telling us about the staple dishes and actually ordering a few things for us to share and have as starters. We all started with the hamachi crudo (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=NEZ7VEzXcfPZHm25O6O7qg), citrus marinated hamachi, orange supreme, sea asparagus, and pressed watermelon. The combination of flavors meshes well with the tender and it was not soaked or drowning in a sauce as this is relatively dry. She also ordered a side of truffle fries (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=rjLBRPwncnPT2CziuEZDIw) which we munched on before our entrees arrived. We were each given individual ketchup containers to dip. Besides this, we were provided a basket of bread (foccacia, I believe) to accompany the provided condiments (olives, olive oil/balsamic vinegar, and pink salt with butter) that we each got (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=uYR6aJdhk3jAGNv2N2-Rmg). I trusted our host's selection of the Misoyaki black cod (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=zFWE_w3xOrNbVgnAiul0kA) for my entree, Pickled Hajikami ginger, broccolini; this came with a bowl of white rice which paired well with the tender and sweetly marinated butterfish. This is reasonably priced and, dare I say, it is comparable to my favorite spot in Hawaii Kai known for their butterfish. For dessert, our gracious host suggested that we try their Halekulani's signature coconut cake (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=t2_LyvZ3Ol0JoYpLcHbXDg) and the lilikoi mango sorbet (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=9k1EdddsspAYVYgtrmprSg). Both were delicious and hit the spot but I was way past satisfied appetite wise when these came. The dining area was around half full outside, not a surprise given the weather. Thanks to Cherry Ann in welcoming us before taking us to our table. Also big thanks to Dylan who guided us through our meal with a great sense of humor. Biggest thanks to our generous host for inviting us to this wonderful lunch.

    Amuse bouche
    Michele T.

    Celebrated my birthday with a dinner at Orchids. We've been to the Halekulani for their afternoon tea on several occasions and enjoyed that. This time it was for the dinner. Before placing our orders, we were informed that many of the fish dishes were unavailable as the chef wasn't happy with what was available. We ordered the Prix Fixe and the Tasting Menu to share. After the amuse bouche, started with the Yellow Fin Ahi Tartar - yum! Wish it was a bigger portion as we liked it so much. The branzino was served and so good - crispy skin and the delicate. The seabass was substituted with Mahi Mahi - very meaty. Seems so simple but probably my fave - the tomato soup! The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and very tender. The desserts were a good way to end the meal - their signature coconut cake and The Tropics. Loved the freeze dried lychee. Almond nougat and coffee were the finale. To top it all off, the service was excellent. Nice way to celebrate.

    Us at Orchids brunch
    Carol L.

    Wow, what a treat. This is my third time to orchids in the past year. I will visit this place every time I come to Waikīkī. This time we had brunch on a weekday for the first time. Wonderful! The food was amazing, the service stellar, the view unmatched. We had a beautiful view from our table on the patio. My companion had a classic American breakfast. I had Greek yogurt with berries and honey, avocado toast, and Pog mimosas. Perfection!

    Menu
    Alice W.

    My husband booked this place months in advance for Sunday brunch. The restaurant buffet is located in a lovely hotel. The restaurant itself is also lovely and good indoor and outdoor seating. We sat outside w a light breeze and fans overhead. Thankfully no humidity! The food selection isn't the biggest for a buffet but the quality of the food was excellent. We enjoyed everything we had from crab legs, sushi/poke, ramen, different carved meats, eggs Benedict etc. it was enjoyable and the service was spot on. All the staff was very attentive and kind. There are several steps and/or ramps around the place depending on where you're seated. We were able to bring in our stroller next to our table in the lower outdoor seating areas (steps only, no ramp). Just fyi~ Overall, good meal and lovely service. Would I ever come back? Probably not due to the price... but no regrets trying it out once!

    Mai Tai and complimentary bread
    Wakaba S.

    It was my birthday celebration dinner, and I had high expectations for this place since I love Lewers Lounge and House Without A Key, also located in the same hotel. We had a reservation right around sunset and were seated at a lovely table close to the ocean. A hostess mentioned she'd bring a small chair for my purse, but she never came back -- not a big deal, but a small miss in service. We started with their famous Mai Tai and a complimentary small bite of goat cheese and focaccia. The appetizer, Kona Kampachi Rosé, was fresh, and the slightly tangy sauce added a refreshing balance. For the middle course, we ordered the Short Rib Ravioli. We expected the short rib to be inside the pasta, but it turned out that the spinach was inside and large chunks of short rib were placed on top. At that point, we realized we should've gone with the Sea Urchin Tagliolini instead, especially since our main dish was a Porterhouse Steak. The Fiorentina Steak (Porterhouse Steak), which we requested medium rare to medium, unfortunately came out more than halfway well done. When our waiter came by, we mentioned the issue. The manager approached us but spoke in a whisper, which made it difficult to hear what he was saying. He offered to remove the appetizer from the bill and provide complimentary desserts and drinks, but never offered to replace the steak. We really just wanted the steak cooked properly, but I didn't want to ruin my birthday dinner further, so we accepted the offer and moved on. Overall, the experience was disappointing, especially for a special occasion. I don't think I'll be returning to Orchids, and my once-considered visit to La Mer is now off the list. That said, I'll continue to enjoy my favorites -- Lewers Lounge and possibly House Without A Key.

    Having brunch
    Laurie Y.

    I was so fortunate to be invited for Sunday Brunch as I have not been here for decades! The restaurant is still so charming with the orchids! There is a wide assortment of food from fruits and salads; Ramen Bar, Omelette station and an Ice cream bar! You can also order pancakes as a side! I surveyed the selections as I knew I could not try everything especially in the 2 hour limit! First of all you can have Champagne or Apple Cider, fresh juices, coffee. My friend asked for Champagne and Guava juice to go with her Champagne but it never came in time?! So the following is what I tasted: Maguro and Hamachi Nigiri which were so tiny (fingertip size) The Nori of the scallop suzu handroll was not fresh and crispy, instead it was soft and chewy! Poke and sashimi was also disappointing! Had better elsewhere! The cold Snow Crab and warm crab legs were very nice but could have had crab utensils to get the meat out, I used my chopstick to dig out the crab meat! The warm medley of clams and shrimps were juicy and very tasty! I had the delicious medium rare prime rib that was very tender! The suckling pig was dry and the skin not very crispy! I was looking forward to the pop overs but had to ask for butter and there was no jam? The pastries looked good but the chocolate croissant just had 2 dabs of chocolate inside! The BEST dessert was the coconut cake because it was light and fresh! Also, look for the chocolate bread pudding as it was located on the pastry table!!! The service was just ok even though there were a lot of waiters. This brunch is pricey at $130 and I Only thought the Prime Rib, Crab, clams and Shrimps were delicious! Also, the Coconut Cake and Chocolate Bread Pudding were the Best Desserts!! I think if we were allowed more time to try more dishes it would be worth it as I had to prioritize!

    Frutti Di Mare
    Greg T.

    It goes without saying that Orchids hosts one of the best Sunday brunch buffets in Honolulu. But did you know that dinner at Orchids is an equally delicious affair with more emphasis placed on quality over quantity? If you said "no," you wouldn't be alone. Until we recently dined at Orchids for a family birthday, we wouldn't have known either. The usual suspects for a celebratory splurge (e.g. MW, Hy's, 53 by the Sea, etc.) had garnered less-than-perfect reviews from various relatives on recent outings, so my task was finding something comparable with a menu sure to please some picky palates. Given the number of reviews for brunch, this review will focus on the restaurant's dinner experience. Orchids describes its evening menu as coastal Italian cuisine with local ingredients--a reflection of the executive chef's Italian origins. When possible, their meat and produce are sourced from farms across the archipelago, and pasta is made in-house daily. Amongst our choices, the standouts were the Kona Kampachi Rosé, Short Rib Ravioli, Lobster Tagliatelle, and Lasagnette. For dessert, Halekulani's iconic Coconut Cake is a must, and we order it whenever we have the pleasure of dining at the hotel. Although we had some very minor quibbles with food (e.g. the pairing of certain ingredients), the general consensus was quite positive, even amongst the picky eaters, and we're happy to add Orchids to our rotation of restaurants for anniversaries, birthdays, and other celebrations. We were concerned that portion sizes might be smaller than the competition after scrutinizing photos on Google and Yelp, but we were pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong: portions for the mid-courses and entrees were equivalent to what might you find at comparable upscale restaurants. The waiter even advised us that the mid-courses were substantive enough to substitute for an entree. However, for a moderately hungry person, I would still suggest ordering at least two items from the menu (i.e. an appetizer and a mid-course/entree). Keep in mind that you should expect to pay at least $100 per person--more if ordering multiple courses and drinks for the entire party. For most folks, brunch will be a better value, if only because the buffet will leave you feeling fuller at a similar price point. If you properly time your reservation, you'll likely be seated at a table with stunning views of the ocean and Diamondhead during golden hour. (The view has always been--and continues to be--one of the most memorable aspects of the restaurant.) And, depending on the date, you might enjoy music and dance from House Without a Key, the neighboring restaurant and bar. Service was impeccable, and staff went out of their way to accommodate dietary restrictions. For example, when the staff was unsure about a dessert's ingredient, they called the off-site bakery to check the ingredients. After a few minutes, they were able to get a response, even as the bakery had already closed for the day. We were impressed by the waitstaff's dedication to ensuring our wellbeing throughout the meal. TLDR: If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, Orchids is a worthwhile splurge for both brunch *and* dinner.

    Octopus from Spain
    Eric B.

    Superb seafood restaurant with Italian influences. Open air restaurant with fully covered outdoor seating overlooking the bay and the luau yard. Very warm, so dress elegantly but comfortably. We ate here for dinner and lunch and focused on seafood. I recommend the seafood medley to start, and the octopus was quite good - expertly prepared, tender without begin chewy. Flown in from Spain - apparently their octopus is better than anything local. For dessert, The Tropics and the Coconut Cake are excellent options. Wine list is extensive and pricey, but you can find a reasonable Chablis which is excellent. Several Spanish options are available as well. Good cocktails.

    Carving stations Turkey Lechon Prim Rib Brisket Ham Seafood
    Haynmix D.

    Excellent food, service and ambiance! Must try at least twice! Definitely going back! You get your money's worth. It's pricey for sunday brunch but worth it!

    Halekukani Coconut cake at the dessert station. Cake is light and fluffy and not overly sweet.
    Emma T.

    This restaurant is located inside the Halekukani Hotel which is a beach front location. They offer valet parking which makes it very convenient. The backdrop is breathtaking surrounding the restaurant with ocean and Diamond Head view and lush landscaping. The staff are super attentive, the tables are set for fine dining, and the food is displayed beautifully making it all look appetizing. There are endless options for the buffet brunch and not everything available is displayed. There is a menu of items that you can have made to order such as pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict. My favorites are the fresh sashimi, sushi, oysters, brisket, and famous Halekukani coconut cake. The cost is $105 per person and this special brunch is only available on Sundays. You will need to book months in advance as they fill up quick and a credit card is required for a reservation. This is totally worth the cost if you want a special day to spend with your friends or family while enjoying a gorgeous view, in a luxury setting, with attentive service, and a delicious variety.

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    Orchids Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Orchids

    Do they have Hawaiian food at Sunday brunch?

    Unfortunately, the restaurant doesn't serve true Hawaiian food like poi or kalua pork. That said, they provide a massive and a variety of options like sushi, sashimi, shellfish, salads, meats carved based on your desire and a nice display of… Read more

    Do they have kamaaina or military discount?

    No kamaaina not sure about military

    What is the cost?

    Sunday brunch is $118 per person, children ages 5-10 are $61

    Do they have gluten free pancakes or waffles or bread?

    I did not see any when I recently went.

    Did they still offer buffet?

    Yes, very expensive and Not that good!

    Is bottomless champagne/mimosas included in the price of Sunday Brunch? Thank you in advance!

    You get 2 glasses. Choices are Prosecco, mimosas, or Kir Cocktail

    Are the crab legs served hot or cold during the Sunday brunch?

    Cold

    How much is Sunday brunch?

    Orchids Sparkling Sunday Brunch is $105 per adult and $55 per child (5 - 10 years), not inclusive of tax or gratuity. Holiday Brunch (Thanksgiving/ Christmas / New Years) prices are higher $125 - $145 per adult and $65 per child (5-10 years), not… Read more

    Is there dinner buffet?

    The only have a Sunday buffet brunch

    How much time will i be allotted at the sunday brunch buffet if my reservation is for 1:15pm?

    Hi - Sunday brunch ends at 230pm which should give u time to eat. Halekulani dining reservations phone line should give u a definite answer.

    Is there a menu for their Sunday Brunch Buffet?

    As the Sunday Brunch can change from week to week, we do not put a menu online. The Brunch does have a large selection of breakfast and brunch items each week.

    Is buffet only for Sunday brunch?

    In Orchids we only serve a buffet on Sundays with our Sunday Brunch. In House Without A Key we do serve a breakfast buffet each morning, seven days a week. Hope that answers your question.

    How early do I need to make reservations for the Sunday brunch?

    We would suggest booking Sunday Brunch 4 - 6 weeks in advance. For major Holidays, 8 - 9 months in advance. You can try to call us at (808) 518-2019 to make reservations.

    How much is it per person for the Sunday brunch?

    The Orchids Sunday Brunch prices are as follows: Adults: $85 per person - not including tax or… Read more

    What are the seafoods currently served (June 2022) for Sunday brunch?

    We have an assortment of poke, sushi, sashimi, oysters, and shrimp on our Sunday Brunch menu. Please call 808-518-2019 to reserve your table.

    Oysters at Sunday brunch?

    I did not see oyster's.

    Is there a dress code for dinner at Orchids?

    Thank you for your interest in Orchids. Our Dress Policy in Orchids is as follows and can be found on our website. https://www.halekulani.com/dining/orchids/… Read more

    Are drinks included for Sunday brunch?

    Juice, coffee, tea. Not alcoholic beverages.

    How much is the sunday brunch buffet?

    Thank you very much for your inquiry! Please see the updated Orchids Sunday Brunch prices below:… Read more

    How much time is provided for parking validation?

    Thank you for your inquiry. Restaurant parking validation is for four hours.

    View All 44 Questions

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    Mara

    Mara

    3.9(306 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    My friend had reservations for Mara on Monday, 5/26/25, at 1:00p. We parked on the street, since…read moreit was Memorial Day and it was free. If you want, they have valet service. Mara is located on the first floor of the Renaissance Hotel. Turn right as you enter through the glass doors. We were seated promptly and given our menus. The carafe of water on the table was a nice touch with the matching glasses that created a blue hue with the water in it. It set the ambiance of the Mediterranean Sea. My friend ordered the MAMMA MIA Cocktail composed of Meili Vodka, Strawberry, Basil, Honey, Greek Yogurt and she enjoyed it. Next, my friend ordered the WHIPPED BURRATA Roasted Beets, Walnuts, Pomegranate Molasses. The beets were flavorful as we paired it with the savory cheese and pita bread that accompanied it. This dish was delicately sweet and the walnuts created an even balance to the velvety beets. My friend ordered the PHYLLO-CRUSTED SNAPPER SANDWICH Caper Aioli, Athenian Slaw, Citronette. She enjoyed the crunchiness of the batter and the juiciness of the fish. The accompaniments also made her dish shine. I ordered the Grilled Kebabs Chicken plate with rice. This came with ZA'ATAR FLATBREAD Tzatziki, Cucumber & Tomato Shirazi. The 2 skewers of chicken breast had the charred flavor that paired well with the flatbread, rice, and Tzaziki. The cucumber and tomato added a cool crunch. Lastly, we wanted to try the dessert. We ordered the GREEK YOGURT SOFT SERVE fully loaded. The toppings included: Baklava Crumble, Sour Cherry, Olive Oil & Sea Salt, and Honey. The soft serve was creamy and tangy and perfectly balanced. The toppings such as the Baklava crumble had a buttery crunch. The Sour Cherry had a bold tart punch that blended with the creaminess of the soft serve. The drizzle of the Olive Oil and Sea Salt tingled my tastebuds. Finally, the honey tied everything together with its golden sweetness that lingered on my palate. This dessert was fabulous, rich and decadent, a standout in my opinion. This was my favorite part of the meal. Also, our server Phoebe G. made our experience at Mara so enjoyable. She would always check up on us and make sure we were taken care of. We will indeed return to Mara to experience excellent customer service and delightful Mediterranean flavors.

    We got the recommendation to come here through IG! For starters, we ordered the Bocconcino Whipped…read moreBurrata. My husband ordered the Grilled Day Boat Scallops and I ordered the Greek Salad with a side of Brussels Sprouts for our entrees. The Bocconcino Whipped Burrata was a recommendation from our waitress and this was my favorite dish! So thankful she recommended it. I have never had anything like it before. The dip is made from roasted beets, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. Because it was whipped, the texture was so light. It was perfect. The Greek Salad and Brussels Sprouts were only ok. I did not expect there to be as many tomatoes as there were and I wasn't really a fan of it for the price. My husband enjoyed the scallops and he recommends giving it a try. TLDR: definitely get the Bocconcino Whipped Burrata!

    Photos
    Mara - Kampachi

    Kampachi

    Mara - Cocktail menu

    Cocktail menu

    Mara - Open kitchen

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    Open kitchen

    Yamas Mediterranean Cuisine - Super gyro with lamb

    Yamas Mediterranean Cuisine

    4.3(647 reviews)
    9.5 mi
    $$

    As usual this casual Mediterranean restaurant did not disappoint us when we ordered got the family…read moretonight. Food. We really like the supergyro. The lemon-eggdrop (avogolemono) soup was good and spinach pie (spanikopita) excellent tonight. We are glad to have this restaurant near us. Service : Carry out order was correct and on time. Staff are pleasant. Location : conveniently located in enchanted lake area of Kailua. Big parking lot.

    Gotta say this is becoming one of my favs in Kailua. Staff is very helpful and friendly. Looks…read morelike a family run business. Atmosphere is nice. A few stucco columns and beams and a fountain in the center of the informal dining area. There's no table service - go to the cashier and order. The gyro can't be beat. Compliment this with a greek salad, add hummus and pita and you got yourself one heck of a meal. Tried the balaclava for the first time and I have to admit that it's the best I've ever eaten. So tasty... a hint of cinnamon which I love. I love that they serve it with a small yet ample serving of honey. There's no alcohol served here but BYOB is accepted. Price is great for the quality of food prepared and served here. Best thing is don't just believe me... I'm someone you don't know, but try out yourself. By the way Yamas isn't a Japanese word or a shot cut to the owners Japanese name. It's a Greek like saying "cheers," or " to our health!" So my reviews aren't only my opinion on cuisine but it's also educational.

    Photos
    Yamas Mediterranean Cuisine - Order at the counter

    Order at the counter

    Yamas Mediterranean Cuisine - Super gyro

    Super gyro

    Yamas Mediterranean Cuisine - Baba ganoush (comes with pita bread)

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    Baba ganoush (comes with pita bread)

    Da Spot - Saffron rice with moroccan sauce

    Da Spot

    4.0(1.2k reviews)
    1.1 miMo'ili'ili
    $$

    Da Spot always hits The Spot for us. It's comfort food when we're in the mood for take out. But…read morethis is not your average take out. Every dish is exceptional! And they offer lots of different options. I love that they always have vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. Our go-to are the veggie curry and coconut fish plates. You order at the counter and get to pick an entree and a starch. The saffron rice is spot on! And the plate comes with a generous side of greens with your choice of their house-made dressings. You can also upgrade with salads from their cold bar. Speaking of cold bar, I usually grab a couple containers of salads for home lunches later in the week. I don't have to cook, and I like looking forward to what's in lunch bag. Plus it's all healthy eats so bonus that it's good for my body. Seriously you can't go wrong! Grab a couple sides while you're there. Prices are very reasonable and servings are generous. You always feel like you get your money's worth. And if you want something lighter, they make fresh and delicious smoothies. You can also eat there. They have a spacious area with abundant seating, so it's a great place for groups too. They do fabulous catering! We've enjoyed their food at several parties. Their catering menus are very extensive, so you can definitely find something for everyone in your Ohana. Vegan and gluten free options are available. They have set menus but can customize for your tastes and budget. Da Spot is a great neighborhood joint. Family-run and operated, so you're supporting small business. I'd highly recommend them for both take-out and catering. Try them out. You won't be disappointed!

    Broke da mouth, not da wallet at Da Spot! A mini plate with…read moregenerous portions for $9! A steal!! A mini plate comes with two scoops of rice, salad and an entree. Probably had about 5 pieces of chicken thighs. Definitely filling, feels like a regular sized plate anywhere else. Affordable, helps out the university students in the area. Many entrees with proteins choosing from chicken, tofu, fish and lamb. The mango salad dressing is good. You could also ask for hot sauce. The plates, açaí bowls and smoothies are also good! Friendly staff, many table seating areas and live music every Wednesday. I always leave satisfied!

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    Da Spot - Inside

    Inside

    Da Spot
    Da Spot - Inside

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    Inside

    Ruscello at Nordstrom

    Ruscello at Nordstrom

    4.1(1.2k reviews)
    1.3 miAla Moana
    $$

    Tucked inside Nordstrom Ala Moana is Ruscello, the perfect spot for date night!…read more We started with the artichoke spinach dip, which was delicious. I was expecting the usual tortilla chips, but I loved that it came with soft flatbread instead. It paired perfectly with the creamy dip and made the appetizer feel a little more special. My boyfriend ordered the French dip, and it was hearty and very filling. The portion was so generous that we had leftovers to take home. I ordered the chicken lemon pesto gnocchi. The lemon flavor was a little stronger than I expected and overpowered the pesto, but the gnocchi itself was perfectly cooked with an amazing texture that made up for it. Our server was friendly and attentive, checking on us throughout the meal to make sure we had everything we needed. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and feels a bit more upscale, though it can get a little noisy when it's busy. Overall, we had a good experience and would definitely come back. If you're looking for a nice sit-down meal while shopping at Ala Moana, Ruscello is an excellent choice.

    Went to the renovated Ruscello. There is a new seating area extended into the store , close to the…read morebaby carriages. I didn't see too much of a difference in the main restaurant besides new carpeting and new seats. The menu seems smaller or maybe just printed smaller. I took pictures below. I ordered the chicken gnocchi with pesto. Yum ....still tastes wonderful....I felt it was a larger serving since I almost could not eat it all like I have done so many times in the past. It seemed weird to be given a diet coke can instead of it being served in a glass. Service was efficient and I still enjoy having meals here.

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    Ruscello at Nordstrom
    Ruscello at Nordstrom
    Ruscello at Nordstrom

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    Vein At Kaka'ako - BOLOGNESE & VEIN PROSCIUTTO SALAD

    Vein At Kaka'ako

    4.1(527 reviews)
    2.3 miDowntown
    $$
    Wheelchair accessible
    Outdoor seating

    I've never been disappointed with this place. The menu since the first time I visited to my most…read morerecent visit has changed quite a bit but it still leaves a lasting impression every time. I recommend making a reservation as I saw people turned away as the night went on. Service was incredibly friendly and welcoming! I even got to chat with the bartender about his drink creative creations and it was so fun to hear the passion in his descriptions. These people really seem to like what they do and I love that. Between my date and I, we ordered two types of pasta (because if you can't decide, order both, right?!) and two sides as well as a fish dish. That lemon pasta haunts me to this day. I need to go back for more. Thursday was ladies night and all the drinks were massively discounted! I may have taken advantage of the discount and tried quite a few more cocktails than I typically would. We sat near the outside where we could people watch shoppers throughout Salt. Ambience was low light chill and elegant. If you're debating if this is a good place to take a date, do it. FYI If you have amex plat, you can use your $100 quarterly resy credit here as they are in the Resy system. Cheers

    My wife and I stopped by Vein for a simple glass of wine to cap off the night... but one glass…read morequickly turned into a bottle and a couple of spectacular appetizers we couldn't resist. The artichoke karaage arrived perfectly crisp and addictive, while the grilled Spanish tako with chimichurri was tender, vibrant, and beautifully balanced. Paired with a refreshing Alverdi Pinot Grigio, every bite and sip felt thoughtful and effortlessly elegant - exactly the kind of flavors that make you slow down and savor the moment. The service and ambience were spectacular, transforming an impromptu nightcap into one of the most memorable parts of our evening. Safe to say, we'll absolutely be back.

    Photos
    Vein At Kaka'ako - Vein at Kakaʻako Exterior

    Vein at Kakaʻako Exterior

    Vein At Kaka'ako - Ladies Night - 50% off all beverages for ladies

    Ladies Night - 50% off all beverages for ladies

    Vein At Kaka'ako - LAMB "SCOTTADITO" WITH PICKLED PLUM TAPENADE

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    LAMB "SCOTTADITO" WITH PICKLED PLUM TAPENADE

    Bar Koko & Persian Restaurant - Beef Kebob & Chicken Kebob

    Bar Koko & Persian Restaurant

    4.0(346 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    we had a wonderful experience at this Persian restaurant in Honolulu. The food was absolutely…read moredelicious and felt very authentic. The kebabs were perfectly grilled and juicy, flavorful, and well seasoned and the rice was light and fragrant, just the way it should be. The portions were generous, and everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a nice balance of modern comfort and traditional Persian touches. It's a great place whether you're going for a relaxed dinner with family or a more special evening out. The ambiance really added to the overall experience. What stood out the most was the management and service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and genuinely cared about making sure everything was perfect. You can tell the place is well managed, as everything ran smoothly and professionally.

    Overall it was quite good. Cute little dine in restaurant that only has five tables. The…read morehost/server was very sweet. The prices are very affordable and good value with the amount of food that you get. We ordered a combination, beef and chicken skewer, which comes with salad and rice. The second main dish was the beef and eggplant stew which also comes with salad and rice. The salad came out first in a bowl, which was a nice touch and allowed us to eat something prior to our meal, the dressing was a tart yogurt, citrus dressing, which was nice and Bright and the vegetables were leafy greens that were fresh. The main dishes came out, not too long after the salads the Meat mixture was pretty standard, and the chicken was nicely seasoned and juicy. The eggplant and beef stew was delicious and had large chunks of eggplant along with a few cubes of tender meat. Overall, the portion size the flavor, and the quality of the food was very good, especially when compared to the price point. Our only critique was that the water given for drinking and in the rice pudding did not taste good. That might be an infrastructure or a city and county thing, but it was nearly undrinkable.

    Photos
    Bar Koko & Persian Restaurant - The entrance area

    The entrance area

    Bar Koko & Persian Restaurant - Hummus

    Hummus

    Bar Koko & Persian Restaurant

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    Orchids - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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