Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Oahu

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Oahu? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Tempura Ichika

4.9

4.9 (17)

$50 and over

Japanese

Ala Moana

About the restaurant

Discover the vibrant allure of Honolulu’s culinary scene at Tempura Ichika, where Michelin-starred chef Kiyoshi Chikano redefines refined dining with an exceptional Tempura Omakase experience. As Honolulu’s sole full-time resident Michelin-star chef, Chikano infuses his deep-fried creations with a perfect blend of tradition and innovation

Top review

Jared

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

The tempura omakase experience was incredible. Every piece was incredibly delicious without being too heavy. My wife wasn’t feeling well to due her medication and they offered to accommodate her by packing the remaining courses to go. Would absolutely go back again for another wonderful experience.

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Experience

Omakase Tempura Special

Veranda - Moana Surfrider

4.8

4.8 (1090)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Our renowned Victorian tradition of “Afternoon Tea” under the historic banyan tree invites guests to indulge in a variety of tropical tea blends accompanied by a selection of delicious finger sandwiches, scones and delicate pastries.

Please Note we are a cashless restaurant. We only accept credit cards or room charges as form of payment. A 20% gratuity will be added to all parties of 6 or more and for parties of 5 or more that request split checks.
We kindly ask to refrain from balloon decorations to ensure the views for others are respected. Guests are welcome to bring their own cake/dessert for an additional fee of $7 per person.

Top review

RITA

Dined 6 days ago

Great service and great ambience. Always love coming here.

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Experience

Butterfly Tea Time

La Mer at Halekulani

4.8

4.8 (2228)

$50 and over

French

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Please go to the call Halekulani Restaurant Reservations 808.931.5301 effective October 20, 2024, to make future reservations. La Mer is far more than a restaurant, it’s a degustation destination. Celebrated as Halekulani’s finest and Hawaii's longest, consecutively ranked AAA Five Diamond Restaurant, this consummate dining experience is unmatched. The internationally acclaimed menu features Neoclassic French cuisine expertly crafted and served amid majestic and romantic ocean views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. An award-winning wine list is available to complement the perfect dining experience. La Mer restricts patrons to adults and children 8 years or older.
A Credit Card is required to confirm reservations. A $125.00 per guest charge is applied for No Show Guests.
Dress Attire
We require elegant evening attire for women. Dress shirts or dinner jacket, dress slacks and shoes for gentlemen.

Top review

LindaVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

A dining experience to remember. If you are looking for more than just a meal this restaurant and are in for a culinary memory - then La Mer is worth all the hype. The service was absolutely top notch and we loved our time there.

Mugen

4.9

4.9 (319)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Mugen is an award-winning fine dining concept that is elevating Hawaii’s status as a destination for culinary travel. Experience global contemporary artistry with a sense of place at Mugen, the Forbes Five-Star rated fine dining restaurant at ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki, where every dish tells a story and every sip is a celebration.
Rising star Executive Chef Colin Sato has redefined the Mugen dinner experience with his new five-course menu, designed in collaboration with Pastry Chef Jamon Harper and in consultation with renowned Chef Alan Wong. Featuring seasonal and local ingredients, diners can choose from myriad options within each course while sipping inventive cocktails or exploring wine from Mugen’s extensive collection, honored with the Wine Spectator "Best Of" Award.

Top review

juneVIP

Dined 3 days ago

OMG! What a gastronomic delight! Everything in the prefixe menu was excellent and beautifully presented. We also received the cutest mini brioche with two types of butter in shape of puzzle pieces. So good! Wagyu beef was so tastefully done! They even gave us a parting gift which was a tube if Valrhona chocolate either hazelnuts. Serve was excellent! Definitely going back!

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Experience

Sunset Champagne & Caviar Experience

Experience

Afternoon Tea at Espacio

Experience

The Five Star New Year's Eve Experience

Beachhouse - Moana Surfrider

4.8

4.8 (3300)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Enjoy a modern take on refined oceanfront dining at one of the best restaurants in Honolulu with a view. Using fresh Oahu ingredients, our menu curated by Chef de Cuisine Adrian Solorzano, highlights island-inspired classics, succulent seafood, and the finest cuts of steak paired with an extensive selection of wines and artisan cocktails featuring local spirits.

SPECIAL NOTES FROM THE RESTAURANT

* Prix-Fixe Tasting Menu ONLY: 4 Course Menu at $110.00 / 5 Course Menu at $130.00.
* The Beachhouse does not offer Ala Carte dining.
* Casual Elegant Attire: Clothing not permitted include tank tops, exercise attire, & beachwear.

Top review

BruceVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The lobster chowder was very good. The seared Spanish octopus was OK…not marinated enough, but good sear, and the portion size was too small. The roasted lamb was excellent. The duck breast was served to cool and it should have been cooked and served properly: score the fatty part and sear in a hot pan to remove a bunch of fat, then roast and served as slices (aguillets de magret de canard). The chocolate banana mousse dessert did not seem to have bananas in it.

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Popular dish

Chocolate Banana Crunch Mousse

Orchids at Halekulani

4.8

4.8 (6537)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Please when making reservations effective October 21, 2024, please call Halekulani Restaurant Reservations at 808.518.2019. Orchids is Halekulani’s casually elegant open air, oceanfront restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner amidst a myriad of exotic orchids. Innovative Italian culinary creations from Chef Testa are presented with the finest and freshest local ingredients. An oceanfront dining experienced, idyllic Waikiki setting. Orchids, Sunday Sparkling Brunch featuring New Chef's Action Stations, Chilled Seafood Bar, Omelets made to order, Sushi Bar, Prosecco & Sparkling Cider, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Creative Sweets and fresh baked goods from our Pastry Team, Effective March 3 Adults $118, Child $61. It is legendary and voted "Oahu's Best Brunch" by Honolulu Magazine, patrons and residents alike.
Please inform us when making reservations of any allergy concerns. Our cancellation policy requires a two-day notification.

Top review

EmilyVIP

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Gorgeous views and delicious foo. Highly recommend.

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Popular dish

Orchids Burger

Popular dish

Orchids Seafood Curry

Popular dish

Goat Cheese "Raviolini"

Japanese BBQ Yoshi

4.9

4.9 (93)

$50 and over

Yakiniku

Honolulu

About the restaurant

Japanese BBQ Yoshi, a place where you can get a taste of Japan.

Restaurant features for U.S.
1. New environmentally friendly infrared grill technology.
2. A4/A5 meat air flown from Kagoshima, Japan to insure quality & freshness.
3. The best service that you can find with Yakiniku Dining.

Top review

AdamVIP

Dined on Nov 7, 2024

Excellent meat quality and service. Price is on higher side for meat, so not as good value.

Podmore

4.8

4.8 (22)

$31 to $50

Comfort Food

Honolulu

About the restaurant

Podmore is a neighborhood restaurant and cocktail lounge. Created by the dynamic duo behind Senia, Chef Anthony Rush and Katherine Nomura, Podmore extends a warm welcome to our cozy dining room and bar to savor an unforgettable lunch, pau hana, dinner, cocktails or weekend brunch.

We pride ourselves on expertly executed comfort food and innovative cocktails, complimented by good old fashioned hospitality.

From our bacon to our pasta to our ice cream, we make things in-house, from scratch, locally-sourced whenever possible.

Top review

Chiara

Dined 1 day ago

Loved the service and the ambience. Wonderful cocktail list with something for everyone. Knowledgeable and professional staff. Great food. Will definitely return next time I am in island.

53 by the Sea

4.7

4.7 (1827)

$50 and over

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kaka'ako

About the restaurant

Designed around it's breathtaking view, 53 By The Sea opened in 2012 and is one of the island’s premier fine dining experiences. Having received the Hale Aina Award for Most Romantic Restaurant 2017-2021, as well as the Honolulu Star- Advertiser’s “Hawaii’s Best” award for Restaurant with a View, it is truly a celebration for all the senses. From the iconic grand staircase to sweeping views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the rolling surf at Kakaako, each moment at 53 By The Sea is unforgettable.

Top review

Wade

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Had a great dinner with friends. Food, service and ambiance was excellent. Highly recommend it.

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Experience

Wine by the Sea

Experience

Valentine's Day Tasting Menu

Experience

Wine by the Sea

i-naba Hanalei'i Honolulu Sushi and Grill

4.8

4.8 (21)

$50 and over

Japanese

Mccully-Moiliili

About the restaurant

Chef's Counter: Supervised by Tyler Burges.
He has formally worked as the executive sous-chef at the three-star Michelin in San Francisco.
He is currently the executive chef of "SMOKE DOOR" in Yokohama.
He will deliver the moment when ingredients bloom the most.
You can enjoy all of this in Hawaii.

Hanaleiʻi” is a coined word derived from the place name Hanalei on Kauai island. Hanalei means “crescent”. Our restaurant name “Hanaleiʻi” symbolizes “We will strive for success until becoming the full moon …”.

Top review

JeffVIP

Dined on Nov 15, 2024

I went here thinking I was going for a sushi bar, but I ended up with an Omakase experience. The fish was extremely fresh, I found out Thursday as “fresh fish Thursday“ when they get all of their shipments in, but when I came into this place I thought it was going to be busy because of the reviews, but I was the third person there. The sushi chef was one year in the US coming from Japan, so knew very little English, but I just rolled with it. Turned out. I had a wonderful experience with some delicious sushi. I’ve had Uni in the past and I thought it tasted like the bottom of the ocean, but the Uni they had here was straight from Japan and it was very sweet … and I can now understand why they consider it a delicacy. Had a couple glasses of sake, along with the Omakase experience. All in it was about $160 … but it was unbelievably delicious. I would highly recommend this place.

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