I was fortunate to attend the rare champagne tasting event. The Experience was top notch. From the great food, to the Rare Champagne tastings and wrapping up the evening chatting Chef and his wife made for an unforgettable evening. Chef Vikram and his wife love what they do and it shows. The next time I'm in Ohau I'll definitely have a few dinners. Cheers and Thank you for such a wonderful evening. read more

Had breakfast here for four days while we were staying at Hale Puna. The set menu that came with our room package included a starter, main, and two cups of coffee or English breakfast tea. We tried: Papaya Yogurt parfait: not too sweet. Did not taste any ginger. Granola: had a hint of cardamom maybe? Couldn't tell but was very good. Ros omelet: curry was very good. Not spicy. Very smooth with subtle curry flavor. Came with three large shrimp and a thick piece of buttered bread. All very good. Note: curry might contain fenugreek so if you are allergic to peanuts, please inquire! Two eggs and potato gratin: opted for scrambled eggs. Creamy and well cooked. Pancakes: two large thick moist pieces with delicious syrup. Was too big for one person! Smoked salmon tartine: good quality salmon. French toast: our least favorite. It was basically three thick baguette pieces that were toasted with butter and served on top of syrup. Interior of the bread was dry. The buttered exterior part was good. Syrup was also good. Coffee: very good. Smooth. Not bitter. English breakfast tea: really great tea! Pre -brewed and served hot from their thermos. I am a huge tea drinker and therefore really appreciated their tea. Service: I can understand why some reviewers gave thumbs down for the hostess (the wife of the owner). She came across as a bit abrupt and lacking in service. She smiled and all but it was not one of the better hostess experiences we've encountered. It felt more like a chain diner and not a higher end restaurant. As for our servers, Jen and the tall guy (didn't catch his name) they were fantastic. Big smiles, excellent service, friendly, and welcoming. It's pricey for what you get so I don't think I would eat here if we didn't get it with the breakfast package. But given how good the flavors were and how well everything was prepared, we would like to try dinner here next time. PS: we tried vikram's newest restaurant Terns (it is so new that it's not showing up on yelp yet) and it was excellent. It's located outside Halekulani bakery and open for dinner. Pricey but good. read more

See all

I came for breakfast, which was included in my hotel room package at the hotel's restaurant. I ordered pineapple (fresh local fruit), a croque madame, and coffee. It took 15 minutes to get the pineapple: 8 pieces on a plate, nothing else, no preparation at all, just pineapple. Then I waited 45 minutes for the rest of my breakfast. There were maybe 10 people inside in total. The staff couldn't keep up with coffee refills; you had to hunt someone down to get more. After 45 minutes I finally got the croque madame, but the poached egg wasn't runny. In short, I basically got a grilled cheese and an egg. Overall, the experience was beneath criticism: a complete lack of respect for guests, zero organization, and mediocre food. I definitely do not recommend it. read more

Umi By Vikram Garg - Croque madame - Seafood Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

We came here for the breakfast with our hotel stay. We are able to select coffee / tea + first course + second course. We both ordered the yogurt parfait to start which was delicious. I decided on the avocado taste with feta and pickled onion and onsen egg - I quite liked it! My fiancé got the masala omelette which was on the smaller side. We may opt for the loco moco tomorrow! The ambiance was peaceful and upscale. Service was prompt and kind. Chairs may need shampoo service as I saw stains on mine. read more

See all

We were greeted warmly by a very friendly lady as soon as we arrived. The ambiance of the restaurant was beautiful and intimate. She took the time to explain the artwork around the restaurant, including the paper lamps on the tables, which were created by the same artist who did the art on the walls. That was a really nice touch and made the experience more interesting and enjoyable. We ordered the Umi tasting menu, and it started off really well. However, the Corailée Bisque wasn't my favorite--it just wasn't what I expected. I also wasn't a big fan of the Wagyu Cheek and the Baba au Rhum. That said, the staff was very kind and even gave us a cheesecake, which was delicious. The wine selection was also wonderful and really added to the overall experience. While I probably wouldn't come back specifically for the tasting menu, I would definitely return to try items from the à la carte menu and to enjoy the intimate atmosphere and the excellent service. read more

See all

Stayed at the hotel and went to Umi for dinner and breakfast. Had an amazing time at both sessions - would highly recommend going to both service. The service was phenomenal, we got to know the owners and the staff. The ambiance is modern and clean. The food was 10/10. Had no complaints from the dinner service to breakfast service. My favorite dish for dinner was the scallop risotto, the Foie Gras Duck Gyoza, and the Kampachi. The drinks are also made to order. Abby is the best bartender and will make drinks that are not on the list! read more

See all

UMI by Vikram Garg is a fusion-style restaurant with a creative menu. I came for dinner close to closing time, so the setting was a bit dark and quiet, but the service was excellent. Both the waiter and the manager were very attentive and welcoming. I ordered the tasting menu and also added the smoked oyster with caviar, the popcorn soup, and finished with the mango popsicle. The presentation was beautiful, and overall the food was good and thoughtfully done. The only dish I wasn't a fan of was the scallop cucumber dish it was just okay compared to the rest. Solid experience with great service, aesthetic presentation, and interesting fusion flavors. read more

See all

This is my second stay here but apparently my first time reviewing Everything we had during our stay for breakfast and yes, everything was absolutely exceptional! (Except as otherwise noted; not in order of preference) 1. Coffee - meh 2. Papaya fruit delicious 3. The granola - obsessed, got it every single morning. This is a must have 4. Smoked salmon tartine - yum 5. Umi Fried Rice - delicious. Has shrimp. Must have 6. "Mai Thai" pancake - ABSOLUTELY delicious! The rum-coconut syrup was elite. Must have 7. Croque madame - love love! Must have 8. Avocado tartine - just okay 9. Loco Moco - never had anything like it and liked it. It comes with a gravy that's a bit different. Wouldn't be my first choice out of this list. 10. Fruit juice with all 3 juices in one Also, I'm not a fan of yolk so I don't typically eat eggs with yolk so didn't eat the onsen eggs served This was truly one of the best breakfast experiences and glad I was able to try almost everything on the menu. (PS: breakfast for 2 came with our room booked through my CC benefits) read more

See all

5/5 Ambiance--Taiji Terasaki seems to be the featured artist with folded paper lanterns and art works. 5/5 Excellent service--attentive, answered questions, made suggestions. Bag hooks for purses. We were surprised that we got to meet the chef--he's friendly and inviting. 5/5 dining --The 6 of us--unanimously said we would all go back again. Plates were cleaned. The two tasting menus: Waikiki Menu 99 1. Kampachi, Jicama, Fennel, Shishito Vinaigrette 2. Popcorn Soup, Spiced Lotus Seeds, Burnt Butter 3. Wagyu Beef Cheek -Pickled Mushrooms, Ulu Mash, Mace jus 4. Pavlova, Lilikoi, Mango, Hibiscus, Anglaise, 24k UMI' Tasting Menu 139 1. Scallop Carpaccio, Cucumber Namasu, Dashi 2. Abalone, Mushroom Crust, Sea Asparagus Ogo 3. Lobster, Shellfish Essence, Ito Togarashi, Forbidden Rice 4. Wagyu Beef Cheek -Pickled Mushrooms, Ulu Mash, Mace jus 5. Dessert, Selection from the Menu We got to taste each others dishes. My favorites --oysters, popcorn soup, lobster, pavlova. I don't like gelatinous texture in the cheeks, so skip it, if you don't like it too Cocktails were delicious too. For example the --VG Negroni and Cobbler was passed around and praised. Valet park at Halekulani Restaurant is at sister hotel Halepuna read more

See all

We chose the breakfast package when we stayed at the Halepuna, which is why we went every morning while on vacation. When I made the reservation about a month before our trip, I called and asked about what the breakfast includes and was told we get to choice 1 first course and 1 main course from their breakfast menu, which I could find online. I checked it out and thought, "wow! Looks great!" Cue the record needle scratch! When we got there, the choices had slimmed down considerably and they now have a different menu for breakfast included with the room, which now had about 1/2 the choices the menu had that I checked online. Things like avocado toast, salmon tartine, an omelette with shrimp curry and a croque madame which all sounded delicious, were no longer being offered. Also, they only offer coffee or English breakfast tea. My husband doesn't drink caffeine but was told if he wanted to switch out to herbal tea, he'd have to buy it off the menu for $10. I ordered the rather dry and bland vegetable omelette and asked for Tabasco. I was told they don't have Tabasco, but they do have a hot sauce which I would have to buy for $2. The portion I got was a joke, it was about 1/8 tsp. You get the feeling they are really cutting corners wherever they can and it shows. I know things are expensive but when staying in a luxury hotel like that (our room was about $575 a night) it just feels tacky to get nickel and dimed for hot sauce and a different tea. The service was on and off. The first day we ate there we waited about 20 min for the first course and another 20-30 more for the 2nd course. The staff was totally unapologetic and never came to tell us what was taking so long. The woman who seemed to be the owner/manager just told us "everyone came at once". If I hadn't already paid for the breakfast with the room, I would not have returned a 2nd time. The menu choices were lackluster and the service, while at times friendly, leaved a lot to be desired for such a high end establishment. Too bad as the hotel is quite nice and I would like to stay there again, but won't be choosing the breakfast package. read more

We came here for breakfast twice, it was part of our hotel package, and we really enjoyed it. The menu is set but you can choose from quite a few items. They have plenty of vegetarian options. I enjoyed everything I ate, especially the pineapple. Pancakes and avocado toast were so flavorful. The service was friendly, but I'm pretty sure they are still trying to figure out the kinks when it comes to seating all the hotel guests who arrive at once when they first open. Inside is very clean, it used to be Nobu and gives off those vibes. read more

See all

I stayed at the hotel for 6 days and had complimentary breakfast at UMI, which gave me a good chance to try multiple items on the menu. Overall, the breakfast experience was pleasant and consistent. The menu has a nice mix of classic and globally inspired options, and it didn't feel repetitive even after several mornings. Some days stood out more than others, but when the dishes were done well, they were flavorful, well-presented, and satisfying. I especially appreciated having both savory and lighter options, which worked well depending on how the day started. The ambience is calm and relaxed, making it a great way to ease into the morning, and the service was generally attentive and friendly. Since it was included with my stay, it felt like good value and a convenient, comfortable breakfast option without having to step out early in the day. Would recommend UMI for hotel guests looking for a refined, sit-down breakfast experience, especially if it's included with the stay. read more

See all

We stopped in for brunch and the ambiance, food, execution and service were top notch -- everything you'd expect of a restaurant of this kind and caliber. Highly recommend. Brunch picks: The mai tai pancake is delicious if you like sweet/caramelized sauce. The sleeper was the TOAST. It was delicious. Bread fans, so not miss this carb. The service is perfection -- and the staff are super down to earth. Absolutely recommend Umi for a fancy meal out. read more

See all

Hawaii has its own fine dining. Chef has his own definition of Hawaii / French / Japanese fusion cuisine. Food combinations are very creative! They are also flexible with tasting menu selection, they do not force everyone to order the same tasting menu. So we ended up ordering 2 different tasting menu. And we got the chance to taste varieties of different chef's selections Service and food quality are perfect! It is Michelin level presentation and taste is unique! I would recommend this place for Hawaii fine dining experience. (Also you don't need to order tasting menu, regular menu items are also local inspired seafoods) Appreciate the staffs, had a great time in Hawaii read more

See all

We were staying at the Halekulani and called UMI to make reservations for Prelude hour. Prelude was advertised on website from 5 to 6 pm. I was advised by woman answering phone that they were no longer serving Prelude. I asked what time regular service began and was advised that they started serving at 5pm. We arrived a few minutes before 5 pm and doors were closed. No signs indicating what time they opened. We waited 10 minutes and then asked hotel front desk whether UMI was open. They called UMI and we were advised they weren't opening until 5:30pm. We were very frustrated and decided if this was any indication of UMI it probably wasnt worth the wait. We went to another restaurant. read more

Went on a date night with wifey. Very nice ambiance. It has that upscale feel to it. But this is Hawaii so still casual IMO. Can definitely come in shorts but appropriate ones. I recommend making a reservation but you can probably walk in and get seated albeit wait times. Parking is kind tricky. You can valet at the hotel across the street or park at the Royal Hawaiian. We tried their prix fix menu - Umi and Waikiki. Everything was good! Food - 5/5 Ambiance - 5/5 Service - 5/5. Service was excellent. Definitely provided us an excellent experience. Certainly not a low budget meal but you get what you pay for. Would be nice to get a Kama'aina discount but it's not offered. read more

See all

Wonderful and eclectic menu. Everything is delicious. Recommend the kampachi appetizer, branzino entree and pavlova dessert.

Beautiful Ambiance and very attentive, friendly staff. Portion sizes for the hefty price tag--not so great. I opted for the tasting menu with wine parings. I asked the host would the tasting menu be filling. She assured me that it would be. I left feeling almost satisfied. Next time I would opt for the regular menu. read more

Great food and service! Came here for breakfast multiple times (packaged with our Halepuna room). All the dishes we had were amazing. Best loco moco we've eaten. The gravy is thoughtful cooked and delicious. Rice and beef are ono! And love the dish is not too salty, and honors its flavors instead. Pancakes have a great texture. Almost soufflé-like. Syrup is a great touch. Kids around us loved it too. Shakshuka is wonderful. Our first time eating this dish. Not too spicy. Flavors are great. Beautifully presented (get your camera ready). Fried rice is a must too. Good amount of seafood. Flavors are great, and not salty. Love the decor here. Feels very open and upscale. Wait staff are fantastic. They really work hard. Make sure to tip them (especially if you getting your breakfast through the room package). Hostess is very nice and organized. There may be a slight wait when checking in. But be patient. Remember, this is a fine dining restaurant. Relax and enjoy the great food. read more

See all

We visited the restaurant operated by Chef Vikram before. So, we kinda have set the bar high and look forward to trying UMI this time on our trip to Honolulu. Chef Vikram always amazes us with his unique combinations of tastes and the menu full of techniques while keeping the balance between the flavor and quantity. Some of the dishes were unfortunately over-cooked, in my humble opinion. But the follows were the bombs - Wagyu beef cheek - Lobster - Popcorn soup Sure thing you cannot miss the desserts when you come to meet with Chef Vikram. In addition to the signature mango lassi ice pop, the Chef impressed me with the sesame stone on the blue creek (colored by butterfly pea) and the matcha sponge cake! It's visually stunning and palatable. I highly recommend the desserts at UMI. Overall, the venue/ambiance and services are cordial and attentive. They do not have a kid's menu but could adjust the portion of some selected entrances for you as the accommodation. I didn't get to order the famous curry dish and couldn't wait to try it out next time when I'm back to the rainbow city - A Hui Hou! read more

See all

UMI is a culinary treasure tucked away in the heart of Waikiki. Chef Vikram and his wife, Abhilasha, have masterfully created a dining experience that feels both casual and upscale. The menu reflects a fusion of multi-cultural influences, with a focus on Japanese techniques like dashi and koji, seamlessly blended with Chef Vikram's expertise in French-style cooking. This thoughtfully curated menu is the result of years of refinement. Having dined at Chef Vikram's previous restaurant, TBD Hawaii at the Lotus Hotel, I can confidently say UMI elevates the experience to a whole new level. When I previously asked Chef Vikram why the name TBD, he humbly explained it stood for "To-Be-Decided" before UMI was conceptualized. Experiencing both establishments, it's clear that UMI represents a bold leap forward in creativity and execution. One standout highlight was the dessert dish aptly named "UMI." Its jaw-dropping presentation and innovative flavors are something I haven't encountered in fine dining for years. Among the many incredible dishes, my personal favorites were the popcorn soup, lobster, and braised beef cheek. However, I did notice that some proteins, like the scallop, lobster, and prime ribeye, were slightly overcooked. Given the premium quality of the ingredients, I had expected the scallop to be of sashimi grade, similarly, we'd hope the lobster and prime ribeye were executed on the rare side. Beyond the food, the overall dining experience at UMI was exceptional. The restaurant is accommodating to families, offering kid-sized meals, and the valet parking was a thoughtful touch. The handling of our wine (which we brought in) was professional and seamless. The beverage program curated by the sommelier is extensive, featuring rare finds such as globally sourced sake and Louis XIII. Even the coffee served at UMI is a proprietary blend created by Chef Vikram, adding a personal touch you won't find anywhere else. From start to finish, everything about UMI was exceptional. The reservation process, the attentive follow-up, the impeccable service, and the inviting atmosphere all contributed to an unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend UMI for any special occasion, and I look forward to returning to try the popular curry dinner on my next visit. read more

See all

We ate here 3 days for breakfast. Located in the Halepulani hotel, this is open for breakfast and dinner. Everyday I had wonderful food and service. This is a high end breakfast with white table cloth. If you want that luxury breakfast experience in Waikiki area, come here. The food is all japanese fusion themed. If you have AMEX platinum card, the breakfast is complimentary here, which is what I learned from my sister. I love their kona coffee. Two of the drinks comes with the meal. You are welcome to pay separate for other types of drinks. Avocado toast tartine- perfect if you are light eater like me. Normally don't eat breakfast. The bread was really good. Loco moco - delicious and savory if you like big meal , too much for me. Took it to go. Umi fried rice - yum! But it uses Japanese fat rice and I prefer jasmine. It's the theme of the restaurant. Too much for me. Masala omelette - delicious so much texture, a surprise , light meal This is definitely the destination for breakfast in Waikiki! read more

See all

Enjoyed TBD when it was around. Unfortunately it closed and we were looking for a restaurant that we would enjoy just as much. My daughter found this restaurant and we thought it would be great for Father's Day! My husband loves it and was glad it was Vikram Garg's. The staff was very attentive and the food excellent. Not the best location for foot traffic but, it's awesome as a hidden gem. Definitely worth dining at. My husband's favorite was the caviar. The twist on serving it with milk bread was awesome. Definitely will be one of the Go To restaurants we will add to our collection!! read more

See all

I wanted to enjoy this place and experience. I found it fell flat completely. The service was subpar mixing up our courses and the service was a little embarrassing and very amateur . Overall, the food lacked seasoning. I think the presentation was nice but it doesn't matter if the food doesn't deliver. Given the "fine dining" atmosphere and price point, I expected to be wowed. The hot dishes were cold, and it was overall disappointing. Also the hostess was rude but was oblivious that she was being rude. She didn't want to embarrass two guy on Valentine's Day about getting a rose... read more

Complimentary valet parking at Halekulani across the alley. Go for brunch set of chia parfait and Umi fried rice or the decadent French toast. Spacious restaurant with booth and table seating. Good service and perfect spot before the beach. read more

See all

Breakfast is soooooo good. Love the atmosphere and love Abbey. Trying all the breakfast dishes the week I'm here. So far my fave is the croque madam. read more

See all

Every single thing was excellent Our Waiter was there to make us want for nothing My Ribeye steak was the best I have ever had The ambiance was delightful read more

Way better than previous visit shortly after they opened. Service was very good and I think the Sommelier was trained by famed local Sommelier Chuck Furuya. Star of the show, of course was the curry as thee chef is from India. We also like the local abalone and the forbidden black rice. Side street they are on is hard to find so probably better off doing valet at the Halekulani hotel across the street. They are sister hotels, so to speak. Serves breakfast at dinner only, no lunch read more

See all

Lovely prix fixe menu, ambiance and service. We had our family Christmas dinner at the restaurant to celebrate. The scallop risotto was a highlight. We plan to return again to try out the other menu options. Good for small and large groups, very convenient parking, good lighting and acoustics. read more

Umi By Vikram Garg - Prix fixe menu for Christmas - Seafood Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Was staying at the Halepuna, had breakfast daily here. My favorite breakfast dish was the croque madame. I've never had a croque madame but heard about it. It's was so good I got it multiple time during my stay at Halepuna. The shakshuka was also delicious definitely a place to try read more

Amazing food and service, especially with a touch of rose for the valentine's tasting menu. Enjoyed the wines that were also paired excellently. read more

Vikram Garg, the former Executive Chef for the Halekulani, returns to the neighborhood with very fine ala carte and tasting menu options. The only problem is Umi is located in the Halepuna Hotel, not the Halekulani. The chef is taking his collective experience cooking different cuisines to come up with uniquely creative dishes. The plating done on primarily white vessels and is precise. The colors and textures of the food are pleasing and make good use of the space on the plate. Generally, it tastes as good as it looks. The problem here is the cuisine is the emphasis. The overall experience of elevated dining lacks atmosphere and energy. First, the restaurants exists to serve the guests at the Halepuna. That means having to open for breakfast and lunch/brunch for the hotel guests before being able to have a showcase dinner. Very few chefs can pull that off. Nobuyuki Matsuhisa didn't try to when he had Nobu Honolulu in the same spot. Masaharu Morimoto tried to at The Modern with his Morimoto Waikiki and it was poorly received. Umi is currently set up as an open souless dining room when Chef Garg's a la carte and tasting dinners deserve a little more intimacy. Umi has to compete with the hotel's guests for breakfast because the Halekulani has a casual bakery with connecting doors immediatley adjacent; and how do you get locals' attention when Orchids, with an ocean view of Diamind Head, is at a similar breakfast price point? Second, The dishes are a compilation of the chef's life experiences cooking. The combinations look and taste somewhat unique. But I do not get any sense of who he is and where he is from. Is he presenting me his food, or is he still cooking other people's food? Last, for me, a fine dining evening of an elegantly plated and executed tasting menu + pricey add ons + cocktails and wine loses it's appeal when I'm sitting with hotel guests with children who don't understand proper attire for a resort restaurant. Also, I understand a hotel restaurant not having it's own facilities - the five star Halekulani is similar and treats anyone who walks on the property as a guest. But at the Halepuna, when a lady who excuses herself from the table at Umi has to go the the front desk for a code or card fob for restroom access? Ghetto. Very good, well executed food. Very underwhelming overall dining experience. read more

See all

Nice and quiet place to have an amazing dinner. Our waiter, Damien, was friendly and very attentive. The food was devine and we appreciated our waiter providing details of each dish. Will definitely be back! read more

Umi By Vikram Garg - The sundae - Seafood Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

TLDR: might be the best Salmon I've ever had. Forbidden Rice was unforgettable. The Popcorn soup texture was a delight. The Pavlova was a crowd pleaser. I recommend The Mascot - Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Pushing the boundaries of flavor and texture while keeping it all balanced. Located in the lobby of Halepuna Waikiki across from Halekulani. Chef Vikram Garg was kind enough to tell us about the menu, from the a la carte to the various tasting menu options. There were a lot of intricate dishes, and I was able to taste a few. The Popcorn Soup was light and airy, with a slightly sweet corn flavor. That texture was a great way to start a meal without feeling weight down, despite its creamy characteristics. The spiced lotus seeds were puffed, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed them. The burnt butter added to the experience, while allowing the other flavors to stay at the forefront. The King Ora Salmon might have been the best salmon I've ever had. Cooked to perfection, lightly seared with a tender center. The Maui onion had a hint of sweetness, topped with smoked Ikura. There was a dollop of sesame eggplant, with a hint of smokiness from what tasted like bonito flakes. It is too difficult to describe the sauce, but it was delicious and paired perfectly with the other ingredients. I can't recommend this dish enough if you like salmon. The Koshihikari or Forbidden rice was amazing. The texture was closer to a risotto, but the flavor could stand on its own. This would also be a must have item in my opinion. The table ordered a variety of desserts. The Umi was visually stunning. Black sesame pebbles with an airy matcha sponge cake in a butterfly pea sauce topped with 24K gold. It looked like it was freshly harvested from the ocean. The mango popsicle tasted well balanced. The mango hits you first, and slowly became slightly floral from the rose yoghurt. The white chocolate gives it a nice sweet kick. The pavlova was a big hit at the table. From the meringue to the crème anglaise and the lilikoi "caviar", the kids and adults couldn't get enough. Great dining experience. Highly recommended. Compliments to the chef! read more

Umi By Vikram Garg - "Umi" dessert. The black sesame pebbles and the matcha sponge looked freshly "harvested from the ocean" - Seafood Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I first tried Chef Vikram Garg's cooking years ago at TBD and was thrilled to find his newest creation, Umi, at the Halepuna. Breakfast here is no ordinary hotel spread. The Loco Moco is a revelation--perfectly cooked egg, tender beef, earthy Hamakua mushroom gravy, all layered over fragrant Koshihikari rice. Comfort food rooted in Hawai'i, but elevated in a way only Chef Garg can do. Worth coming here just for this dish alone. Dinner is where the chef's artistry shines. The scallop carpaccio with cucumber namasu and dashi tasted like the ocean itself, delicate and bright. The lobster with togarashi and lemon balanced spice, citrus, and sweetness in perfect harmony. And the showstopper: Wagyu beef cheeks so tender they practically melted before the fork touched them. Every course told a story of the sea, the land, and the spirit of Hawai'i. Fresh, seasonal ingredients treated with the respect they deserve--it's a love letter to the islands. And then there's Abhilasha, Chef's wife. What a gift to the experience. Warm, genuine, and so gracious, she makes you feel like a friend at her table. She also made the most unforgettable Negroni--infused with Japanese strawberries and gin--that I'll be dreaming about for a long time. Her presence added heart and hospitality to an already incredible evening. Umi is not just another Waikiki restaurant. It's destination dining, and an experience you'll carry with you. Whether you come for breakfast or dive into dinner, you need to go. read more

It's rare these days, even at the pricier places to find a restaurant that delivers 5 star food, service, ambiance AND personal attention from the chef! Located across Halekulani in the rebranded redecorated Halepuna, in the spot which was formerly Nobu's,, the restaurant is beautifully decorated and designed by Chef Vikram Garg incorporating the themes of 'Umi' , ocean and motherhood. The furnishings are both elegant and comfortable including sofa seating with throw pillows. We were so impressed when the chef came to greet us and offered customized options for our vegan friend who was very pleased with the beet risotto with stir fried veggies they created for her. Their single sheet menu has pris fixe on one side and ala carte options on the other. I chose the Waikiki Menu ($99) which was wonderful and nicely portioned. I would have felt just right if I hadn't sampled others' dishes but of course I had to! Everything was beautifully presented, delicious, and tastefully creative. 4 courses: 1.Kampachi jicama fennel shishito vinaigrette - a visual work of art topped with a black brittle that reminded me of a manta ray. 2.Popcorn soup - with spiced lotus seeds-even better when you get to the burnt butter on the bottom! 3.Tenderloin - super soft,?pink Koji aged beef, comes with a rich creamy ulu mash and soy pepper sauce. One of the best cooked (and by that I mean undercooked) pieces of meat I've had! 4.Pavlova- a lovely and refreshing culinary and visual delight of meringue and lilikoi caviar sprinkled with 24K gold. My friend ordered the same but substituted the tenderloin with the branzino for an up charge. It was soft , moist and sizable so we all got a taste. For $40 more our hostess got the Umi tasting menu which included lobster as an additional course. 1.Scallop carpaccio cucumber namasu dashi 2.Abalone mushroom crust sea asparagus ogo 3Lobster shellfish essence Ito togarashi Forbidden Rice 4.Choice of Ribeye or Tenderloin (same as Waikiki menu) 5.Choice of dessert- mom chose the "Umi" dessert of black sesame pebbles but I preferred my pavlova There is also a curry dinner for $79. Our vegan friend shared her order of French fries with us. Seasoned with rosemary salt and Lemon aioli, they were crispy on the outside, soft on inside and oh soooo good! Who woulda thunk we'd scarf fries at fine dining but it was hard to stop! Our waiter Nathan was great-attentive, accommodating, knowledgeable, and on point. All the staff were top notch in their service. It was wonderful to escape from reality into a world of relaxed elegant dining for a few hours to celebrate birthdays and each other! Mom decided this is her new favorite restaurant! read more

See all

Here you will find Michelin level taste, presentation and service in every dish. This hidden gem on the Waikiki shoreline makes up for no beach view with food that makes you think only about the beauty of the dining experience. Tucked in the Halepuna, this is not your usual hotel restaurant. You will not be disappointed! Breakfast pics: avocado tartine, the granola ( house made yogurt and granola) Dinner: lobster and forbidden rice is out of this world. Don't miss the unique popcorn soup! Dessert: I'll be back to try them all, but the pavlova was a masterpiece read more

See all

Prepare to be Amazed! I can't think of a better way to introduce someone to Umi. My wife and I were in Oahu and were looking for something special. Well folks, look no further than Umi by Chef Vikram Garg, located in the Halepuna, a boutique hotel in Waikiki. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed and seated at the exact time of our reservation. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed. After a long day of touring the island, we needed a refuge and this place was it. Five out of Five Stars on the ambiance. As eluded to earlier, the staff was warm, friendly, and attentive. You couldn't ask for better service than what we experienced at Umi. Our sommelier was as knowledgeable about the wine that they served there as any you would find in New York, LA, or Chicago. The manager of the restaurant visited our table as well and was very helpful in guiding us through the menu. And oh, what a menu it is. I will get to that in a minute, but as far as the service is concerned, again, Five out of Five Stars on the service and staff. And now. . . last, but most certainly not the least, was the food. I will tell you in advance that if you are looking for burgers and fries, this is not your place. But, if you love food and consider yourself a foodie, Umi is definitely the place for you. I haven't experienced such an original and intriguing menu as Umi's in a long time. For our first course, we tried the Ahi Tuna Crudo. It did not disappoint! The ahi was so fresh, enhanced by the daikon and cured lemon. The subtle flavors came together so well to form a perfect dish! For the second course, we had the foie gras gyoza. My wife and I both love foie gras. Neither of us had it presented to us as gyoza before. It was phenomenal. So good! I couldn't recommend it any higher. For our main course, my wife had the scallops and prawns and I had the lobster. Both dishes were show-stoppers! So fresh and original. The presentations were just as beautiful to look at as they were delicious to eat. Elegant and sophisticated. It was dining at its finest. The only down-side was that we were so full, we had no room for dessert! We will have to do that next time. If you haven't figured it out yet, I give Umi a five out of five stars for the food as well. For the true foodies out there, who appreciate the imagination and the skill it takes to prepare a quality dining experience, you won't be disappointed here. Chef Vikram Garg is an artist. Do yourself a favor and try it out. You'll be glad you did! read more

Umi By Vikram Garg - This is the Lobster in Shellfish essence. So delicious! - Seafood Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

This restaurant is where nobu used to be a long time ago. The Halepuna looks like it's been renovated and the lobby is gorgeous and so is the restaurant. The bathroom is in the lobby and you need to grab a key card from the host station each time. I recommend going al a carte rather than the prefixed menus. I had the Waikiki meal - the kampachi crudo was mixed with jicama and maybe shaved fennel? It was refreshing and nice. The smoked oysters were fantastic (someone else got a la carte) they had some kind of soy gelee and some interesting "caviar" not fish eggs but something tart. The oysters were big and juicy. The presentation was very dramatic as the lid lifts and the smoke escapes. For me second course on the prefixed was popcorn soup - it tasted like a mild cream of corn with a spicy kick. Very yummy. I tried my mom's abalone - delicious and buttery. For my main my steak was cooked perfectly and super tender. My mom had scallops with a foie gras gyoza (yes it's as delicious as it sounds). It came with a black rice risotto type bowl and kabocha purée. The hub got the curry dinner - there was an arugula salad topped with onion pakora and then he had a gigantic bowl of chicken curry and rice. The raita was excellent. The hot sauce is unnecessary bc it was like hot lava my Indian father in law couldn't even eat it. Had the sundaes and pavlova for dessert. The pavlova was excellent - light and tart and delicious. The meringue was more like a cookie. Validated parking at halepuna and halekulani but I recommend halepuna bc it's less busy so shorter wait to get your car. They don't have their liquor license yet but I'm not a big drinker with dinner so that was fine and saved us money! Service was excellent very attentive and gave us a nice little dark chocolate covered mousse for the birthday people which was actually super delicious. Nice surprise at the end Chef came out to greet us and took our picture for us! It's a special event place for sure bc prices are not low. It's beautiful, online reservations, convenient parking, good food and service. read more

I'm really sad that the Halekulani Bakery and restaurant won't be reopening, but Umi by Vikram Garg has to be the best consolation. We came for the last seating of breakfast at 10:30am. Service is exceptional as you would expect from the Halepuna and Halekulani. I had the set menu which includes coffee or tea, a starter, and an entree. The entree selection is amazing and I am looking forward to working through it. Today I had the avocado tartine and my son had the French toast. Both were delicious and I would recommend! A lovely breakfast as the ambience is relaxing and the space is beautiful. They are serving dinner starting tomorrow. Make a reservation on Open Table. read more

See all