14 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Honolulu You Need to Try (2022)
Special occasions to celebrate events that have made us better people or added even a small spark in our lives deserve a setting that’ll do them justice. Because of the many excellent restaurants in Honolulu, it can be a task to pick from the best fine dining spots.
We hear the uproar all around us because there are so many world-class restaurants on the island that it’s almost rude to pick only one. So, stay with us and see if we played favoritism in this contentious labor.
Without further adieu, here are the best fine dining restaurants in Honolulu:
1. La Mer
Hours Of Operation: Wed-Sat: 5:30pm – 8:30pm, Sun-Tues: Closed
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Location: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu
Price: $$$$
Type of Food: French
Website: www.halekulani.com/dining/la-mer/
Grandiose setting, opulent eating, and an intimate look out over the salty waters. La Mer also has the unique and prestigious claim of being Hawaii’s only Triple-A Five Diamond restaurant, as well as a spot in Forbes as a Five Star, island-inspired French-style restaurant.
Why we love this place: Although the date night wallet might not take kindly to this fine dining, La Mer has exceptionally tasting cuisine. It’s an excellent spot for date night, celebrations, and everything above the brow.
Tips for travelers: Since it’s for sophisticated fine dining experiences, the restaurant only welcomes adults and kids eight years and older. Make a reservation in advance and pack outfits to fit the elegant occasion.
2. Roy’s Waikiki
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 4:30pm – 9:30pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 stars out of 5
Location: 226 Lewers St, Honolulu
Price: $$$
Type of Food: Hawaiian, Asian Fusion, Bars
Website: royyamaguchi.com/roys-waikiki-oahu
Dominant in the speed and blur of Waikiki Beach, Roy’s Waikiki also offers some dishes exclusive to only them. There’s nothing more in “fine dining” than exclusivity, and the current Executive Chef, Jason Ichiki, makes sure to produce masterful work to salivate any palate.
Why we love this place: Roy’s Waikiki is one of the few places with a setting for every occasion. You can dine al fresco or cozy up in some intimate inside seating. They offer more flavor diversity and plate options on their starters than many restaurants offer on their mains.
3. Azure
Hours Of Operation: Wed-Sun: 5:30pm – 8:30pm, Mon-Tues: Closed
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Location: 2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu
Price: $$$$
Type of Food: Seafood, Steakhouse
Website: royal-hawaiian.com/dining-overview/azure/
Azure’s building is wrapped in Spanish-Moorish architecture that’s as easy on the eyes as their seafood cuisine is easy on the palate. This premier spot sits pretty along the Waikiki beachfront, and its leisurely demeanor reasserts the holiday spirit.
Why we love this place: Dining on a four-course meal in a cabana overlooking a world-class beachfront is an out-of-body experience. The food and plating are rich and stunning, and the service and mood are absolutely lovely.
4. Orchids
Hours Of Operation: Mon-Sat: 7:00am – 8:30pm, Breakfast: 7:30am – 10:30am, Lunch: 11:30am – 1:30pm, Dinner: 5:30pm – 8:30pm, Sun: 9:00am – 1:30pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu
Price: $$$
Type of Food: Breakfast, Brunch, Seafood, Mediterranean
Website: halekulani.com/dining/orchids/
A setting as handsome as the flower it’s named after, Orchids is Halekulani’s casual but equally tasteful oceanfront restaurant that’s widely known to serve up some of the best break, lunch, and dinner meals on the island of Oahu.
Why we love this place: There’s something I can’t quite explain with being able to feast my eyes on greenery and beach views simultaneously. Orchids has that with its plushly cared-after terrace overlooking the calm, sandy shores.
Tips for travelers: It’s not just the views that are delicious. The Mediterranian cuisine is, ashamedly, smack-your-lips good. Breakfast, lunch, brunch, and afternoon have different dress requirements from dinner, so dress your jaw-dropping self accordingly.
5. Beachhouse At The Moana
Hours Of Operation: Wed-Sun: 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Mon-Tues: Closed
⭐ RATING: 4.3 out of 5
Location: 2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu
Price: $$$-$$$$
Type of Food: American, Steakhouses, Seafood
Website: beachhousewaikiki.com/our-menus
Beachhouse At The Moana boasts some of the best modern takes on exciting Hawaiian cordon bleu overlooking the finest slices of the Waikiki Beach shores. The sea fare is as fresh as the ocean breath, and the spot has earned its “First Lady of Waikiki” name.
Why we love this place: Mmm! Their prix fixe menu has a large selection of delectable choices, and the food is prepared straightforwardly and presented exquisitely. As you fall deeper into your beloved’s eyes, the sapphire horizon is an asthma-attack-inducing experience, so be warned.
6. XO Restaurant
Hours Of Operation: Sun-Thu: 5:00pm – 10:30pm, Fri-Sat: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.3 out of 5
Location: 3434 Waialae Ave, Honolulu
Price: $$$$
Type of Food: American, Asian Fusion. Cocktail Bars
Website: xorghawaii.com/contact/
The XO Group has big visions for the future of the restaurant, and their sense of innovation isn’t shy to rep their essence. There are big ambitions of a chain of XO Restaurants across Hawaii, so you know that the management takes their business seriously.
Why we love this place: XO is currently the proverbial “new” kid on the block, and they seem to have formulated a winning strategy. Their contemporary space is quite pleasing to the senses with its heavy but light hand.
7. Hy’s Steak House
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Location: 2440 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu
Price: $$$$
Type of Food: Steakhouse, Desserts, Seafood
Website: hyswaikiki.com/
Hy’s Steak House has been providing classic fine dining experiences for over four decades. They use all their elegant prowess to meet the highest standard.
Why we love this place: Who doesn’t love an easy-speaking gentleman in a bowtie tending to flames and nose-pulling flambés inches away from the flame of your life? Nobody, that’s who, except for Gladys the Cow, who would probably not take kindly to the juicy and tender USDA prime beef.
8. House Without A Key
Hours Of Operation: Mon-Sun: 7:00am – 10:30am, 11:30am – 8:30pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu
Price: $$$-$$$$
Type of Food: Seafood, Bars
Website: halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key/
House Without A Key is one of Honolulu’s most iconic and recognizable fine eateries. Their appetizers, Hawaiian entertainment, and sunset cocktail experiences are legendary and a breath of fresh lavender air.
Why we love this place: It’s been in a novel, a classic novel. How many restaurants without keys can lay claim to such flexing? Not many, I suspect. Their culinary givings are also on point and par with their reputation, so you can’t much go awry with spending a memorable evening here.
9. MW Restaurant
Hours Of Operation: Tues-Fri: 11:00am – 2:00pm (to-go only), Mon-Sat: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 888 Kapiolani Blvd, Commercial Unit, Suite 201, Honolulu
Price: $$$$
Type of Food: American, Asian Fusion, Hawaiian
Website: mwrestaurant.com
Lighting like you’re walking the red carpet and walls dressed in bright mahogany to elevate any willing mood. MW Restaurant is an easy intersection between fine and casual dining; their plates also eloquently reflect that.
Why we love this place: The uninhibited play with classic Hawaiian fare is refreshing and a downright strutting show of confidence. Your taste buds will surely thank you.
Tips for travelers: Before you scamper on, make sure to read the “Dining With Us” section of MW Restaurant’s website to be “in the know” and keep your entire evening smooth.
10. 53 By The Sea
Hours Of Operation: Mon-Tues: Closed, Wed-Sun: 5:00pm – Closing, Sun Brunch: 10:00am – 1:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 53 Ahui St, Honolulu
Price: $$$-$$$$
Type of Food: Seafood, American, Cocktail Bars
Website: 53bythesea.com
A new dog in town, 53 By The Sea has been making pointy-shoe strides in the right direction since 2012. The restaurant has forged its initial as one of Honolulu’s premier, debonair dining experiences.
Why we love this place: You can’t fault 53 too much on their shitsurai, omotenashi, and furumai philosophy. Simply put, the ambiance is orange, and the views are blueberry and cheery, so you always conclude celebrations refreshed and seen.
11. The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 4:30pm – 10:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Location: 410 Atkinson Dr. Hotel, 36th Floor, Honolulu
Price: $$$$
Type of Food: Steakhouse, Seafood
Website: signatureprimesteak.com
Living the highlife has never been more literal. The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood is stoically sat on the 36th floor of the Ala Moana Hotel overlooking the bounteous views of Honolulu on a panoramic dais.
Why we love this place: If you could get full through your eyes, then you’d miss out on perfectly prepared steak and the freshness of the seafood tower, which is more of a boat situation than a tower, as the little consensus agrees.
12. Michel’s At The Colony Surf
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 2895 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu
Price: $$$$
Type of Food: French, Seafood, Hawaiian
Website: michelshawaii.com
Michel’s is another fine dining restaurant that’s been around since 1962. Its history has continued to push forward its excellence. This is a magnific French restaurant with the substance to back up the talk.
Why we love this place: Spectacular views that are difficult to beat and the tailored hospitality make for an unforgettable encounter. You’ve got to commit and hunker down on a six-course meal to get the immersive 360-degree experience.
Tips for travelers: There’s a lovely Sunday brunch on the first Sunday of each month.
13. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Hours Of Operation: Mon-Thu: 4:00pm – 10:00pm, Fri-Sat: 4:00pm – 10:30pm, Sun: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 226 Lewers St, Waikiki
Price: $$$$
Type of Food: Steakhouse, Wine Bar, Seafood
Website: ruthschris.com
If you want perfect steaks, you have to go to the place that’s been making them since 1965, and that’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Situated in the good vibes of Waikiki, the restaurant sets itself apart by offering warm hospitality and rolling good times for an economic class customarily known to be cold.
Why we love this place: Sizzling, perfectly browned, fine-cut prime beef leaves the senses with only a single befitting descriptor that’s said with squinted eyes and a sunny smile: mmm.
Tips for travelers: Make a reservation and check Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s dress code and dining process on their site.
14. STRIPSTEAK Waikiki
Hours Of Operation: Tues-Thurs: 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Fri-Sat: 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Mon: Closed
⭐ RATING: 4.2 out of 5
Location: 2330 Kalakaua Ave Ste 330, Honolulu
Price: $$$$
Type of Food: Steakhouse, Wine Bar, Sushi Bar
Website: michaelmina.net/restaurants/stripsteak/waikiki/
STRIPSTEAK Waikiki is an American Steakhouse that’s been stripped and redressed in Asian-inspired garb and Chef Michael Mina’s sensibilities. If a Texan steakhouse were to attend an Asian-fusion private tuition, this would be the carefully curated by-product.
Why we love this place: An aquarium always comes to mind when I think of STRIPSTEAK Waikiki. Their bright but unobtrusive lighting, contemporary setting, and wine bar-like atmosphere never fail to reignite the fire.
The Wrap-up
There you have it, the best fine dining in Honolulu! From fresh seafood and steakhouses to handcrafted cocktails, there’s something for everyone on this list. Each restaurant offers a unique and luxurious experience that satisfies even the most discerning palate. Whether you are looking for an intimate setting or a grand affair, these restaurants are sure to please.
So, next time you want an exceptional dining experience, check out one of these fine establishments. You won’t be disappointed!
Mahalo for reading our post!
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