Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Ala Moana

Music was so loud at dinner time it was hard to have a conversation

The service was a cut above! As always, it was awesome and the ambiance and view of Ala Moana Beach was superb.

As you eat a meal at Merriman's, you can tell that each ingredient is selected with care. Sure enough, when I asked I found out the food is locally sourced from farms that the owners and Chef know and trust. Many items are hand selected by the box, not the truck load. Since the Chef from Maui transferred over to Merriman's Oʻahu, our entrees have been especially ono. At lunch today I planned to take home one of my two fish (ahi) tacos. No way! I couldn't stop finishing both. Last night my husband and I walked into Merriman's without reservations and sat at the bar. Who cares if we didn't get a table? The gregarious host, Cody Merriman, stopped by to share a laugh or two and answer our questions about the menu. My husband ordered their chicken entree for dinner and said it was the best chicken he'd ever had. And my taro falafel was also delicious. We can't resist their Waialua Chocolate Purse for dessert. I felt a little decadent afterward, but what the heck? There are lots of restaurants in our neighborhood, but for five years now we keep coming back to Merriman's which seems to be even better the last six months. Could it be the addition of the Maui Chef? We like the vibe. Energetic without being so loud you cannot carry on a conversation. We both think their Hawaiian music playlist is the best in the City. Wish I could think of something negative to say to make this review real. But having just come back from a great lunch with memories of a wonderful dinner there last night, I am only happy and satisfied.

Invited friends to celebrate a birthday at Katsumidori. Had a wonderful time overall. We knew the group we invited was not big sushi eaters but took a chance. They enjoyed the fried dishes (karaaage, oyster, tempura) and various sushi rolls. Of course I had my usual tuna deluxe, hotate, uni and unagi which I pretty much had all to myself! Great food, great service and value S always. Still our go to place.

Absolutely amazing sunset dining experience. Food was delicious, ambiance was lovely, service was outstanding.