Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Oahu

OpenTable

Updated October 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!

La Mer at Halekulani

4.9

4.9 (2209)

$50 and over

French

Waikiki

About the restaurant

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

Markvip

Dined 1 day ago

An Experience of wonderful food and the best of service. Not an inexpensive meal but worth every penny. Had the full tasting menu. Couldn’t be happier! Our team of servers were the best! Alex, Ghen and Lawrence could not be beat. Sorry if I’ve spelled names wrong. Steve the manager came to wish me Happy birthday personally. What a wonderful personal touch.

i-naba Hanalei'i Honolulu Sushi and Grill

5.0

5 (12)

$50 and over

Contemporary French / American

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

DiaAniavip

Dined 5 days ago

This is in my top 3 dining experience ever for all over the world. I think the only one on Hawaii that was comparable was the Cave vintage club that doesn’t exist any more. Service was impeccable, excellent cocktails and sake, super good value. The chef at the grill is absolute pro, amazing to be so good. This place is a hidden gem and hole in the wall in the literal sense. I want to come back tomorrow, it’s that good.

Mugen

5.0

5 (292)

$50 and over

Global, International

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.

*We kindly ask that all children remain seated and on their best behavior, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined 5 days ago

The champagne caviar experience was outstanding. You can’t ask for a better view and service. We will return

Discover more

Experience

Sunset Champagne & Caviar Experience

Experience

Afternoon Tea at Espacio

Experience

The Five Star New Year's Eve Experience

Mānalo Lounge

4.8

4.8 (94)

$31 to $50

Asian

Ko Olina

About the restaurant

Best view in Ko Olina, with valet service by the Four Seasons. Mānalo Lounge – meaning ‘sweet water’ in Hawaiian, celebrates Hawaii’s diverse mix of cultures, paying homage to the flavors of Asia and across the greater Pacific. The outdoor breeze in a comfortable, relaxed environment lets us take it easy while enjoying top-quality pupus. Akin to the saying, 'Ae Kai - to bring together the land and sea to serve as a gathering place, Mānalo Lounge serves as a welcoming intersection to gather with family and friends for dinner, in a contemporary, yet casual setting at the water’s edge.

Top review

ScottF

Dined 1 day ago

Outstanding!

Veranda - Moana Surfrider

4.8

4.8 (1060)

$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.
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

Stacy

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

A little pricey, but absolutely worth it. You can't beat the beauty of the Moana Surfrider, and Waikiki Beach. The Tea service is great, and the food is good. Try the Duke's, the burger is top notch, and you get onion rings AND fries. There is a nice selection of loose leaf teas, along with your savory and sweet bites. If you go on a Saturday, be sure to check whether there is a parade or special event going on, so you don't get stuck in traffic.

Discover more

Experience

Butterfly Tea Time

Beachhouse - Moana Surfrider

4.7

4.7 (3232)

$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

Elenavip

Dined 4 days ago

The location is amazing. The food was mediocre. Duck came cold. Salad dressing was so acidic and tasted like cruise food. Carrots on the plate was so hard it almost flew away to another table. The only amazing part of dinner was a dessert. I bet it came from somewhere else. After $300 diners went to a donut store to get more food. Btw I am only 135 pounds. Great place for a nice BD picture for food would go somewhere else.

Discover more

Popular dish

Chocolate Banana Crunch Mousse

4.8

4.8 (2601)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Kapolei

About the restaurant

James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina brings a line-to-table philosophy to our take on the traditional Hawaiian fish house, where friends and family gather for beachfront meals paired with local brews, tropical cocktails and panoramic ocean views at our unique seafood restaurant in Oahu.

Top review

Claire

Dined today

My favorite restaurant in Oahu! The food and views are amazing

Discover more

Orchids at Halekulani

4.8

4.8 (6452)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Waikiki

About the restaurant

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.
Dress Attire
Breakfast, Lunch and Brunch - Resort Casual (tank tops, beachwear, exercise attire or flip-flops are not permitted). Dinner Attire is Elegant Resort Attire.

Top review

AlixDvip

Dined 1 day ago

We had a wonderful experience at Orchids. We came to O’ahu to celebrate our anniversary and found Orchids for our anniversary dinner. The food was incredible; the service was top notch. Due to the location of the restaurant, we had live music and hula next door. Plus we had an incredible view of the ocean for a beautiful sunset. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to celebrate a special occasion or just because.

Discover more

Popular dish

Orchids Burger

Popular dish

Orchids Seafood Curry

Popular dish

Goat Cheese "Raviolini"

Omakase By Aung

4.9

4.9 (269)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kaimuki

About the restaurant

Taste the umami!BYOB! (WE DO NOT SELL ALCOHOL )
Omakase By Aung is modern, up beat and contemporary sushi omakase restaurant located at 567 Kapahulu Ave next to world famous Waikiki beach in Honolulu. Mixture of Edomae style nigiris and model innovative nigiris will be served in 1 hour 45 minutes long Omakase meal. Seasonal fish from around the world are used in the 15 courses omakase meal.
Omakase by Aung provides single 15 courses menu to all customers for both Lunch and Dinner Service.
Chef Aung will provide laid back and fun experience for all sushi lovers. Open kitchen with a long 12 seats sushi counter in the middle of the restaurant allows interactive experience between the customers and the chefs.

Top review

Michael

Dined 7 days ago

Incredible experience with great variety of flavors

Hau Tree

4.7

4.7 (37)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Honolulu

About the restaurant

Hau Tree, at Kaimana Beach Hotel, offers a beach-centric menu in a casual setting. Hau Tree serves daily beachside brunch, and culinary casual dinner offerings. Our open-air outdoor dining room features oceanfront views of Kaimana Beach under a canopy of hau trees.

Top review

Jared

Dined 2 days ago

An amazing night out, absolutely stellar food and service! Will absolutely be returning!

Discover more

Experience

Bites Menu

Explore Diners' Choice best of Oahu

Explore more Diners' Choice lists