6 Places With The Best Fine Dining in Honolulu 2023

Since vacation is the perfect time to treat yourself, why not have a meal at the island’s best fine dining establishments? My boyfriend and I have been visiting Honolulu for years to take in all the breathtaking views, lounge at luxury oceanside resorts, and most of all, eat delicious food.

The city offers such incredible variety when it comes to dining—from Japanese to French, American to Hawaiian cuisine, each meal we’ve had has always been cooked and presented by some of the best chefs in the Michelin-star world.

Over the years, we have visited countless fine dining restaurants in Honolulu; each time we’ve left feeling contented and wholly satisfied with our meal – there’s simply no match for the food found here!

That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best fine dining experiences in Honolulu based on their menu options, specialties, unique flavors, and more. This way you can enjoy a taste of paradise on your next visit to Hawaii without having to worry about where or what you should eat.

Let’s go see the best fine dining in Honolulu!

La Mer – Best French Fine Dining Honolulu with a View

Located in the Halekulani Hotel, La Mer is one of Honolulu’s only Michelin star restaurants and the most sought-out dining in all of Oahu. Their menu and flavors feature French delicacies, which are on par with the best restaurants in the world.

Dinner is a relaxed affair at La Mer, and if you get their delectable eight-course Degustation menu, prepare to spend a few hours enjoying the delicious courses and drinks. 

The stunning views of Waikiki beach and Diamond Head from their dining area make dining here equally pleasing for the eyes as for the palate. 

We opted for the four-course tasting menu that includes appetizers, a fish and meat entree, and ends with dessert or cheese. Starters had Beef Tartare, Foie Gras, and Escargot ravioli, followed by lobster, roasted lamb and duck, and filet mignon for mains. Everything tasted so delicious, packed with flavor and well-seasoned, especially the meat. 

End the meal perfectly with their fantastic souffle or selection of cheeses and wine. 

Dining at La Mer is an excellent experience and one of Honolulu’s best French fine dining.

• Their dress code requires formal attire. 
• There are wine pairings to go with the course meals and a la carte menus. 
• Prices are high at La Mer, starting at $125 and up. 

Address: 2199 Kalia Rd Halekulani, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.

MW Restaurant – Best Seafood Fine Dining in Honolulu

Owned by iconic husband-wife duo Michelle and Wade, MW serves delicious food and award-winning desserts at this upscale eatery near Waikiki beach. In fact, Michelle’s fruit creamsicle dessert is a recipient of the James Beard Pastry Chef Award (so you have to try it!)

Walking inside the restaurant reveals a casual atmosphere and minimalist decor that’s not overly pretentious like most fine dining places. 

Their menu includes lunch and dinner, along with a mouthwatering five-course menu. Start with the house favorite Unagi and Butterfish Arancini appetizer and Crab Cakes. If you like seafood, try the Raw Seafood bar, including lobster claws, scallops, oysters, shrimp, and a cocktail sauce – all made from fresh catch. 

We love their Miso Honey-Glazed Butterfish that’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious, especially when paired with the Kimchi Potato Salad. They also serve terrific short ribs, beef tenderloin, and seafood fried rice.

Don’t miss the fruit creamsicle, Lilikoi Brulee, banana cream pie, and MW candy bar for dessert, all packed with delicious flavors and light on your palette. 

We loved MW for its original flavors and amazing desserts, indeed the best fine dining in Honolulu.

• Try the Mochi-Crusted Tofu with Somen Noodles, a delicious vegan-friendly option. 
• The service is attentive, and the servers consider your dietary restrictions in the meals. 
• MW is located amongst several famous car dealerships. 

Address: 888 Kapi’olani Blvd. Commercial Unit, Suite 201, Honolulu, Oahu, HI. 

Roy’s Waikiki Beach – Best Japanese Fine Dining Honolulu

A scenic view is essential for a complete fine dining experience, and that’s what you get at Roy’s Waikiki Beach, coupled with excellent food. The chef, Roy Yamaguchi, has several dining chains in Oahu and has been serving authentic Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine for over forty years.

Their outdoor lanai seating looks right onto Waikiki Beach and starts later in the day so guests can enjoy a view of the gorgeous beach sunset during their meal. 

The menu at Roy’s includes fresh seafood entrees served separately or in a house special, prix fixe three-course menu. 

The best way to eat through their menu is by starting with the crispy Hawaii Kai Crab Cakes with spicy sesame butter, followed by sushi in the Frying Dragon Roll with wasabi butter. For entrees, try the crowd favorites; Misoyaki Butterfish, Baby Back Szechuan glazed ribs, and slow-braised beef short ribs. 

And for dessert, don’t miss the decadent chocolate souffle and tangy Pineapple Upside Down Cakes. 

Dinner at Roy’s is an affair to remember (that’s why we come here every time), as they’re the best Japanese fine dining in Honolulu. 

• They have a Daily Specials Menu with meals made from fresh catch.
• You need reservations to eat here (make them early since slots fill up quickly.)
• The service at Roy’s is great, and the waitstaff is very attentive. 

Address: 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.

Chef Chai at Pacifica – Best Asian Fine Dining Honolulu

Experience authentic Hawaiian flavors at Chef Chai at Pacifica, where Chef Chai himself sources local organic produce and spices from the farmers markets in Honolulu’s Chinatown. As a result, his farm-to-table cuisine has a distinct flavor profile that all diners fall in love with.

Go for their early dinner and get the appetizer sampler featuring fresh ahi, salmon, foie gras, duck tacos, and crispy nut-crusted prawns. This platter is enough for two people and is incredibly flavorful. 

From their range of mouthwatering entrees, try the famous Chilean Sea Bass, Mongolian Lamb Chops, Mahi Mahi with Thai Red Curry Sauce, and Fresh Ahi Katsu with Tomato Mango Salsa and Wasabi Curry Sauce. 

Chef Chai’s menu is inclusive for all dietary groups, with great gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Like the Butternut Squash with Lobster Bisque and Kimchi Dumplings, a favorite GF item that’s delicious. 

You’ll love the delectable food and comfortable ambiance at Chef Chai’s, making this one of Honolulu’s best fine dining restaurants. 

• They have simple and delicious desserts like molten lava cake and an ice cream bombe. 
• They have a set menu with fixed prices, but you can choose entrees and dessert.
• Timings are also fixed, so it’s advised to finish within the given slot.

Address: 1009 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.

Hoku’s at the Kahala – Top Fine Dining Honolulu

A hidden restaurant in the Kahala Resort, Hoku’s is known for their secluded feel and high-society guests (think: the Queen of England) that frequent it. Their menu is fitting for the grand audiences and includes a variety of tasting menus and a great Sunday brunch. 

Their famous four-course tasting menu includes unique and flavorful starters like the crowd favorite Ahi Poke Carpaccio and Seared Foie Gras. Appetizers feature a divine Hawaiian Shellfish Ravioli and hand-cut Angel Hair Pasta. 

For entrees, don’t miss the braised short ribs, cooked over forty-eight hours, the incredibly juicy and delicious duck breast, and the Lobster Grenobloise. 

Hoku’s is famous for its Sunday TeiHoku brunch, which features a selection of fresh catch. The brunch comes in assorted seafood boxes, including sashimi, lobster, shrimp, snow crab, Misoyaki butterfish, and other items like roasted ribs. 

The meals at Hoku’s are undeniably one of a kind and unmissable for a perfect fine dining experience in Honolulu.

• Their dessert includes a trio of specials that are a must-try after the main courses. 
• You sit beside a beautiful beach view from the resort’s dining area.
• Ask for vegan substitutions for your meal while making reservations, and the chef will prepare a special menu.

Address: 5000 Kahala Ave The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu, Oahu, HI. 

Senia – Best American Fine Dining Honolulu

Senia is Honolulu’s hottest new fine dining establishment, opening its doors in 2017. This restaurant quickly made waves for its take on American-Hawaiian fusion cuisine packed with unique flavors. 

They have a la carte menus for lunch and dinner, for which you can get reservations and even walk-ins. However, their famous Chef’s Tasting menu is a real treat, with limited seating, but not always available, so check their website for openings before you go. 

You want to start with their Smoked Ahi Cigars and blue cheese beignets for dinner. Then, if you’re with a larger group, go for their sharing plates, like the Smoked King Salmon and Braised Beef cheeks, that feed two to four people. 

The Citrus Cured Hamachi, Roasted Bone Marrow, Citrus Sea Scallops, and Sweet Corn Agnolotti are excellent choices for single servings. 

The desserts are delicious and focus on whole flavorings of fruit and chocolate. Try the coconut, chocolate, or cheesecake desserts as a perfect way to round up your meal. 

We loved Senia’s food, ambiance, and concept; they’re undoubtedly the best American fine dining in Honolulu.

• The service at Senia is excellent and not overbearing.
• Their entire dining experience is amazing and a must-try for fine dining enthusiasts.
• Their sommelier is skilled at wine pairings and suggests the best one for your meal. 

Address: 75 N King St, Honolulu, Oahu, HI.

Wrap Up: The Best Fine Dining Honolulu

Honolulu has a culinary experience to match the best restaurants in the world, and after having read this article, you’ll know the best places to go for fine dining here. 

From the best Hawaiian, American, Japanese, and French cuisines, Honolulu has them all and more in its elevated dining restaurants.

So head to Honolulu for fine dining accompanied by undisturbed views of Oahu’s coastline and a meal to remember. In fact, several of these establishments are featured in our list of the top beachfront restaurants in Oahu.

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Brigitte