Best Authentic Restaurants in Waimānalo

Our first time dining here was a great experience with Japanese cuisine. I was drawn by the name of the restaurant being a Japanese whiskey lover. The sashimi was fresh and their (Cod) butterfish was none like I ever had. It was prepared perfectly not too dry and not too soft the texture was just right. The presentation was also perfect as with Japanese tradition unlike the cheap Japanese restaurants which tries to be traditional yet commercialized. Of course you get what you pay for and we were very pleased with Ambience, service, and especially the food. It was well worth the expense for the experience. Also if you are a Japanese affectionado like I am they also have the highly sought after Yamazaki 18 and Hibiki 21 if you just have to taste it and of course with a price if you’re willing to pay. This will be our regular Special occasion restaurant from now on and perhaps even stop by for lunch if we’re in Waikiki again.

There’s a reason this place has won awards for best Italian restaurant in Hawaii. They’ve taken simple Italian dishes and elevated them to something really special, without charging obscene prices. The Caprese salad was the most flavorful one I’ve ever had in my life — and I eat that dish A LOT! The Parmesan risotto was outstanding (in addition to being prepared tableside in a very cool way); and the “deconstructed” tiramisu was perfection. Best of all, my server, Diego, was lovely and attentive but never overbearing, which helped put me at ease as I dined alone. Do not miss the special place!

We loved it!!! Everything was so delicious!!! And they even surprised us with a decorated plate with a small dessert bite since we were celebrating our anniversary! It was perfect!

It was fantastic! We love the vibe, food, and service.

This is not our first visit to the Hula Grill and will not be the last. This visit was for my husbands 60th birthday. I wish we were seated at the rail but table was just fine. The service and food were both perfect. The new bartender had trouble making a bay breeze, kept forgetting the pineapple, but they corrected it fast and without attitudes :-) grateful. I appreciated that the music playing was Hawaiian. We come to Hawaii almost yearly and Hawaiian music is what we want to hear when having a meal. So thank you Hula Grill for a great meal and great atmosphere. Was wonderful. Oh FISH “ALL” was cooked to perfection!