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  • 53 by the Sea

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Reserve at 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 Ambiance
  • Diners' Choice WinnerContemporary American
  • Diners' Choice WinnerRomantic
Diner Reviews
  • "I took my other half hear for his 26th bday and out 9 year Anniversary celebration and I couldn't have been more pleased. We were seated as we checked in..I made reservations for 8. I requested for a table that would give us an ocean view and they gave us the perfect table. We sat side by side in a love seat and it was "perfect". The food was great..however what made our first time visit memorable was our server "Iris". She was awesome....I highly recommend 53 by The Sea...I would definitely come here again maybe next time during lunch or before sunset...I'm sure the view would be breathtaking. But my other half loved it and we were both very pleased. Request Iris as your server...she is a sweetheart <3 "
    Dined on 4/18/2014
  • "53 has, of course, a great view, and also excellent service, wonderful atmosphere, and ambiance and class. To have this level of a gourmet caliber meal and service at lunchtime is very rare to find. This is now our go-to place for a quiet, elegant lunch. My wife has chosen 53 for her friends' special occasion lunches also. Living on the North Shore it is always exciting to find a fine dining experience serving lunch as we don't drive in for dinners. This restaurant is first rate and world class, reminded us of fine dining in Sydney, Vancouver, etc. The menu for lunch is limited, but the price for the quality and presentation are very reasonable. "
    Dined on 4/18/2014
  • "departed with an afterglowoif contentment that a great fellowship with a friend was hedged by welcoming staff & amazing table service. my guest & I truly enjoyed our lunch. well worth the expense as it isn't easy to find a quiet lunch spot with great service & special preparations."
    Dined on 4/14/2014
  • "Absolutely beautiful view, excellent internal ambiance, and professional presentation are wasted on a restaurant that fails to deliver on the food. Prawns overcooked and tasteless, mushrooms flavorless, fish too salty. And then a charge of $18 for a Manhatten. When I saw that on the bill I complained to the waiter who regarded it as none of his business. Only the valet took an interest in our experience. It was not very busy on a Sunday night and I guess I know why."
    Dined on 4/13/2014
  • "Food meh. Everything overcooked. Nothing special or exciting. Only reason to go is the spectacular view! Amazing. But only day or sunset."
    Dined on 4/8/2014
  • "I love this place! Very beautiful Diamondhead and ocean view.... Sooooo romantic! Foods and services are very high quality and everything is perfect!!"
    Dined on 3/30/2014
  • "The title is not a joke - this restaurant is amazing. My husband and I ate there for our wedding anniversary and it was absolutely perfect. The hostess greeted us at the door and took our reservation information (definitely need a reservation). Once we were seated, our waiter (Erik) was prompt and knowledgeable. He had the perfect mix of attentiveness (always arriving when we needed another drink) while allowing us to share our dinner in private. We asked about the Japanese steak Miyazaki Wagyu and he highly recommended it. When it first came it we both thought it was small (3 oz. steak) but it was so tender, highly flavored and worth every penny. The kitchen sent a complimentary dessert for our anniversary. We will definitely return!"
    Dined on 4/5/2014
  • "You will not be disappointed. We went back several times. They had live music and the view cannot be beat."
    Dined on 3/29/2014
  • "One of the few restaurants on the island that has a great ocean view although no sunset view. The only draw back was the many homeless tents that you have to drive by to get to the restaurant. It was sad to see so many homeless."
    Dined on 3/26/2014
  • "I must start with the view because I think it is the best in Honolulu! The service would get a 4.5 out of 5 if I could. Food was outstanding! We started with the seafood showcase which was all very fresh and really great seafood. In my group of four, two of us had the filet, one had the mushroom risotto, and one had the seabass. All meals were absolutely delicious. My only complaint would be that the seabass dish was really small...yummy but not a full meal. Save room for dessert...the strawberry shortcake was so good! The four of us shared it and were extremely happy!!"
    Dined on 3/22/2014
  • "It's one of the nicest place I've ever been, the food was great but the only thing is the location, if your trying to find it you will not noticed that there was the restaurant, it was in the area that you will never think it was existing. The food was great but there's not a lot of option, the staff was so quiet & not friendly enough. And it's not kids friendly!?!"
    Dined on 3/20/2014
  • "Polite but sterile service. Waiter was "stuffy". The bartender and host were more personable. Food was OK but nothing special. The view was great and the piano music from the bar area was was enjoyable. Quality meats and fish used but the flavors did not impress our table of 4."
    Dined on 3/16/2014
  • "This was our first dinner at the restaurant. It will definitely not be our last. The entire experience was superb. Although a bit pricey, it was definitely worth it."
    Dined on 3/16/2014
  • "We had a very nice birthday celebration. The food was excellent and our waiter, Keoni, was outstanding. We'll definitely return. :)"
    Dined on 3/14/2014
  • "Best filet ever and crab legs were really good!!! Mango sorbet was very delicious and it was the size of 3 eggs! Not bad for the price."
    Dined on 3/14/2014
  • "Valet only but no attendant outside? Parked ourselves(raining).Valet collected our keys inside restaurant at Hostess station? Very beautiful,elegant surroundings.Service unrushed, superb.Happy Hour Grapefruit Cocktail and Wine great.Crab cake appetizer sauce fantastic.Sea Bass undercooked, filet overcooked but staff super in trying to correct this, made ammends. Banana bread pudding delicious! Staff made us feel special by also providing a beautifully decorated dessert plate.Women's bathroom is awesome! It was raining and cloudy so the heated toilet seat was thoroughly appreciated.Overall great experience.I would recommend this restaurant, especially for a special occasion.The service is the best of any restaurant I have dined at in HI."
    Dined on 3/8/2014
  • "53 By the Sea was a memorable experience! It is situated with a magnificent view of Diamond Head and the Honolulu coastline and the food was wonderful. Scott was a delightful and attentive server and the welcoming atmosphere was very pleasant. It is quite expensive and makes for a very special event and a very memorable evening."
    Dined on 3/6/2014
  • "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
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Hawaii Winners
  • Best Ambiance
  • Contemporary American
  • Special Occasion
  • Oahu Winners
  • Best Ambiance
  • Contemporary American
  • Romantic
  • Scenic View
  • Special Occasion
Learn more ›