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  • 53 by the Sea

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53 by the Sea
53 by the Sea

53 by the Sea Details

  • Dining Style: Fine Dining
  • Website: http://www.53bythesea.com/
  • Email: info@53bythesea.com
  • Phone: (808) 536-5353
  • Hours of Operation:

    Dinner: Daily 5:00pm-10:00pm

    Bar: Sun-Th 4:00pm-12:00am

    Bar: F-Sa 4:00pm-2:00am
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Contemporary American, Seafood, Steak
  • Executive Chef: Thomas Ho
  • Dress Code: Jacket Preferred
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Entertainment: Nightly 6:30pm-8:30pm
    Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9pm-11:30pm

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Olomehani St.
  • Parking: Valet
  • Parking Details: Complimentary parking available on site.
A word from 53 by the Sea
Designed around its breathtaking view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, 53 By The Sea offers you the opportunity to experience Hawaii dining like never before. Delight at Chef Thomas Ho’s artistry as he combines fresh local ingredients with succulent seafoods and the finest hand-cut meats. Just as… exquisite are the melodic sounds of local pianists playing on the Italian made Fazioli piano in the adjacent T’s at 53 lounge, featuring wines and spirits from around the globe. 53 By The Sea is truly a celebration for all the senses! Collared shirts are required please.Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service
Diner Reviews
  • "Overall the food was very good and service was excellent. Carpaccio tasted a little fishy and lacked taste."
    Dined on 3/2/2014
  • "After you drive through a semi - seedy neighborhood, an opulent mansion appears. You think that you were just transported to the Hollywood Hills....magnificent exterior. And that is just the beginning. You are greeted as the valley gets your car, you are greeted as the doorman let's you in. You are greeted as they seat you with a magnificent view of Honolulu and Diamond Head. Our whole evening went like that...always more than we expected. Wonderful find."
    Dined on 2/23/2014
  • "The service was very good however the crab sandwich needs some work and that's sad with a name like " Point Panic" named for the body surfing spot near by. Aside from that one dish I will give the menu another chance because the place is beautiful with an epic view of Waikiki and Diamond Head."
    Dined on 2/23/2014
  • "Location & view's with whales spouting! Food, service very good.$$$ Upscale restaurant with additional appetizers and desert that are served with your main meal. My friend had the beef filet that was plated with mash potatoes & fresh asparagus, she said it was wonderful. I had the crab, lobster, bacon, avacado sandwich and totally enjoyed it! They serve nice bread with lilikoi butter, have good wine list. Memorable lunch. Great service."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Service and Food are always beyond expectations, always a relaxing experience for the discriminating foodie!"
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Liked the venue so much, we made reservations for next year Valentine's."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Perfect spot for watching the city of Honolulu light up at night. Lovely building; totowash lets in the restroom. Food was good but not outstanding. service was solicitous...sometimes too much. It is sad to view the homeless living on the street outside....Further evidence of the growing gap between haves and have-nots."
    Dined on 2/18/2014
  • "Tucked away in the area that the restaurant is located I would have never expected to find such a gem! The building itself was gorgeous and the staff/service as well as food were all top rate! Perfect place for my husband and I to enjoy a nice Valentine's lunch."
    Dined on 2/16/2014
  • "this was a real nice restaurant compare to the previous john Dominis. The ambience is beautiful and the food is outstanding. we shared a fish carpaccio which as pretty good, the salad is perfect. we had scallops and the chicken entree, so delicious and we shared a mushroom risotto . I would recommend rose dishes. I wish the wine pours were slightly bigger. the service was good but one of the servers had no personality, needs to smile and be more personable."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "We had a crab cake, but it came out lukewarm, so the waiters quickly replace it for us with another hot one. So before the soup comes out, I told her I like my lobster bisque super hot, the soup came out at average serving temp., but she noticed it didn't meet my expectation, she wanted to replace it for me again, but I told her no need. Main entree were great, filet mignon was very tender. Took advantage of the Hilton fireworks across the water."
    Dined on 2/13/2014
  • "This was my first time there and I was amazed how beautiful this place was. I've been to this place long ago when it was called something else and it's new make over is amazing and this was only the outside. Once we walked thru those massive doors it was like wow this is really really nice. The first thing you see are the gorgeous double stairs well coming down to the front. The check in is off to the right. After we checked in we were escorted to our table which over looks the ocean which again is a nice view especially with Diamond Head is in the background. The only thing you don't get to see is the sunset since all the windows and tables face the opposite way. The food was excellent I enjoyed my 12oz ribeye. I would go back."
    Dined on 2/12/2014
  • "評判の新しいレストランということなので、日本から予約して行きました。窓際の席で（ほぼ全席窓際ですが）遠くのダイヤモンドヘッドとカハラ地区を背景にサーファーを見ながらの美味しいイタリアンシーフードでした。ワード地区の海沿いのにありますが、途中にホームレスのテントもあり、レンタカーかタクシーが無難です。バレサービスがあります。ハワイでは珍しくドレスコードがあり、白人はお昼もドレスアップしていました。Tシャツ、短パン、サンダルは昼でも避けたほうが良いでしょう。お昼は前菜、シーフードのメイン、デザートで、チョイスしやすく、お勧めはロブスターとカニのサンドで付け合せはぜひフレンチフライを。ディナーは一人一万円を超えそうですが、夜景を見に再度訪れたい所です。"
    Dined on 2/10/2014
  • "Professional service, delicious filet mignon, and our guests loved their chicken and fish. Wine by the glass very good. Caesar salad had great Jidori chicken but I didn't like the greens. Strawberry shortcake was short on the strawberries but lovely cake and real whip cream. The view was spectacular even on an overcast evening with intermittent fog. Get a window table! Noise level so high that we were almost yelling by the end of the evening and the dining room wasn't full. Distinctive touches: the servers give you napkins to match your outfit; main course is served with white gloves. Spectacular venue, great for romantic, special occasions. And the food is worth the price."
    Dined on 2/4/2014
  • "This was my third visit . To 53 By The Sea and I have never been disappointed! The level of service and the quality of the food has always been nothing less than excellent! My guests have always been extremely impressed."
    Dined on 2/4/2014
  • "Aloha All, "53 by the Sea" is perfect in every way. The view will take your breath away, the grand staircase will set your mind dreaming... The food is exceptional and prepared fresh every day. Lunch is a great value with complimentary Hors d'oeuvre and desert. The service is personal and very gracious. And the check will not break the bank. ENJOY :) Charles David Dreher Executive Vice-President Commonwealth Capital Advisors"
    Dined on 1/30/2014
  • "Service was impeccable and service beyond expectations. King crab legs to die for. Strawberry short cake is the Best."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "Along with all of the accolades that 53 by the Sea has received for its food, my wife and I were blown away by the staff. After learning of our interest in fine dining, the sommelier and our wait staff discussed openly other gems they knew of in Honolulu. The sommelier even went so far as to book a table for us at another restaurant later on in our visit. NEVER have I experienced that sort of assistance. Along with the praise for an amazing price fixe menu with the wine paring, the staff made our visit go over the top."
    Dined on 1/7/2014
  • "Gorgeous view, atmosphere, and architecture. Ordered the escargot, the lamb, and my date had the rib eye. All was delicious. Since we were celebrating a special occasion, they brought by a complimentary cake which was delicious and also creatively beautiful. I would like to try for lunch so I can actually see the beautiful ocean view and Diamond Head :) (can't see anything at night, but nonetheless beautiful, and the live pianist was amazing!)"
    Dined on 1/2/2014
  • "Excellent presentation, ample sized portions for females. The filet Mignon and opakapaka was prepared just right and tasty. The house salad was meh. The spicy escargot stuffed mushroom was just ok, not spicy, very mild. The Diver Scallops were delish. The three small crab cakes were ok. The ambiance and view was superb. The veggies and mushrooms with the entree were tasty. I was given a complimentary slice of strawberry chiffon cake with the words happy birthday in chocolate. FYI. The Banana Bread Pudding was rather dry and firm. The hot chocolate cake was delish. The fireworks show from the Hilton Hawaiian Village goes off at 7:45pm, so hopefully you'll get to see that from the gorgeous view of Kewalos surf break and Diamond Head."
    Dined on 1/3/2014
  • "Splendid viewing, wonderful service, so many wine list and exellent taste! I'go every time when I visit Hawaii."
    Dined on 1/2/2014
  • "Coming from Australia I wanted something special for Christmas Day. We found it !!!!!! Magnificent View Excellent Service Great atmosphere Wonderful Food Highly Recommended"
    Dined on 12/25/2013
  • "I took 3 business clients to lunch and they were very impressed with the experience. They had not been to this restaurant before and I believe they will return on their own."
    Dined on 12/20/2013
  • "My husband & I went for our wedding anniversary but, the restaurant was filled with noisy large group of people. The tables were right next to each other & we didn't have any private moment. There were too many loud laughter & groups surrounding us. With the pre pix menu & wine, it was not worth the money. I wouldn't recommend to others. May be for girls nite out? But spending over $150.00 for yourself with bunch of your girlfriends? Hmmm, I would rather go to a nice bar for smaller bite & a drink for half the price."
    Dined on 12/20/2013
  • "The hubby and I were the first guests for lunch, which was nice! We both came from work and were already hungry at 11am. We were offered the love seat, which had such a gorgeous view of Kawelo basin and Diamond Head. *The staff were more than willing to take our pictures whenever we'd ask. We were served our bread and amuse right away. The lolikoi butter was deliciously light on their sweet bread. My fave from the amuse was the poke on lettuce. I ordered the shrimp scampi with pesto and the husband ordered the filet minion. Omg, I am not a fan of beef, especially when he likes to order it bloody, but this piece of steak was so tender and juicy! My pasta was delectable! Perfect sized shrimp on a bed of linguine. We'll be back for dinner!"
    Dined on 12/20/2013
  • "Lovely and elegant. Not really a fit for Hawaii- a bit like a European villa restaurant. Food beautifully presented and served but only average in quality and taste. Great place to take someone you want to impress. The view alone is worth the visit"
    Dined on 12/19/2013
  • "This is one of the best restaurantd I have ever eatten it."
    Dined on 12/19/2013
  • "Food was delicious - view was wonderful - service was excellent"
    Dined on 12/17/2013
  • "This was our first experience here and all in all, it was most enjoyable. We found the service as good as it possibly could be although the food, while certainly good, was not exceptional. And though there were some reasonably priced appetizers, entrees and side dishes, there was little on the wine list under $100 when so many fine, known labels are out there for far less, even after a typical restaurant markup. While the waterfront setting was great, the architecture, frankly, was pretentious to the point of being just about over the top. We were not at all sorry to have dined here once but are unlikely to come back ourselves and could not, in good conscience, recommend it to others unless value for money simply is not a consideration."
    Dined on 12/16/2013
  • "Beautiful view and good lunch as always. Perfect place for business lunch."
    Dined on 12/3/2013
  • "Enjoyed. Food was excellent. My e-mail request for a "window table" was honored. The view is magnificent and reinforces why "lucky we live Hawaii." The ambience needs more evidence that the restaurant is Hawaii!!"
    Dined on 11/30/2013
  • "Noisy, expensive, food was fairly good, but very small portions understandably typical for this type of restaurant, Service was attentive and view spectacular. Doubtful we will return. :-("
    Dined on 11/30/2013
  • "We were here for the Thanksgiving dinner. I had the set turkey menu while my companion, who doesn't care much for turkey, had sea bass with a nice foie gras appetizer. I thought the turkey was perfectly cooked, not dry, very tasty, plenty of it, and the accompaniments were also tasty and completely traditional (stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce and green beans). Everything was as it should be. The turkey was moist and extremely delicious, the stuffing and potatoes were just fine, and the best part was that I was given plenty of my favorite part, skin. Dessert was a pumpkin kind of creme brûlée and I couldn't find fault with anything. If I would have any complaint it would have to be that I'm not a big fan of green beans."
    Dined on 11/28/2013
  • "I visited 53 by the sea and it seems that the character of John Dominus was gone. All that was left was the view. It is more of a wedding destination for the Japanese tourists. Prices were very high. I expected much better service which I have received at many restaurants that were not so pricey. The entrance built my hopes up but did not deliver. To experience the view, I recommend having a drink at the bar or doing lunch. A huge structure with little character... looks like any upscale Waikiki restaurant with a view."
    Dined on 11/27/2013
  • "This is the PERFECT place for a romantic dinner! parking was a breeze, its all valet w no charge, (tips appreciated). Then the restaurant is built like a mansion. As you walk in, the foyer has grand stairways that go upstairs to the banquet hall. The dining area is the most elegant I've seen on this island. The entire wall is glass overlooking the water with classy furniture. Even though the restaurant was impressive, the service put our experience over the top! From the valet, to the hostess, to the waiter, they each treated us like we were the owners of this mansion. The waiter was classy-professional. No non-sense conversations like at a chain food restaurant. They all paid attention to the small details of our night. Excellent Food!!"
    Dined on 11/26/2013
  • "This is the 3rd time at the restaurant. It is beautiful, the food is outstanding and is gthe service"
    Dined on 11/26/2013
  • "Took my boyfriend for his birthday as a surprise. View was amazing, service outstanding, food was so good. Definitely try this place."
    Dined on 11/16/2013
  • "Aloha`e All, This is the restaurant to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. The food, service and view are all outstanding. Enjoy... Charles David Dreher Executive Vice President Commonwealth Capital Advisors"
    Dined on 11/13/2013
  • "Special birthday dinner. The view was outstanding, but overall was disappointed as was obviously intended for Japanese tourists, not locals. Food was good but not excellent: certainly not as good as the pricepoint promised. Was quite expensive, but quality was not up to par. There are about a zillion other restaurants that could provide this level of food for half the cost. Went to Roys last month and had a MUCH better dining experience: excellent service and insane cuisine. If you live here, AVOID 53 by the Sea. Or just go for a cocktail & enjoy the view."
    Dined on 11/3/2013
  • "Celebrated our 26th Wedding Anniversary there and had teh prix fixe menu - which was fabulous. One of our party could not have fish, and the waiter arranged alternate dishes with the Chef. The cappucino with the dessert was delicious. A remarkable and memorable evening."
    Dined on 11/2/2013
  • "I wanted to take my boyfriend to a nice restaurant for his birthday. This restaurant exceeded my expectations, there was valet parking, and the ambiance was so nice and romantic! The food was awesome, our waiter Scott was excellent, it was a perfect night! We were seated in the love seat facing the window and the view was nice."
    Dined on 11/3/2013
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Hawaii Winners
  • Best Ambiance
  • Contemporary American
  • Scenic View
  • Oahu Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Ambiance
  • Best Service
  • Contemporary American
  • Romantic
  • Scenic View
  • Special Occasion
Learn more ›