Main Dining room - Chef Chai, Honolulu, HI

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

Chef Chai

Name: Chef Chai
Address: 1009 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI, United States, 96814
Telephone: (808) 585-0011
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1088 Reviews

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Top Tags:

Opened for both dine in and takeout.
Masks required for both diners and staff
Outdoor and indoor with the CDC distant guideline
No contact menu available

Chai Chaowasaree owner and Chef of Chef Chai at Pacifica Honolulu is recognized as one of Hawaii’s top Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs. Known for fusing fresh Hawaii ingredients with the exotic flavors of Asia, Chef Chai has created a culinary style that reflects the cultural diversity of Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands.

To further strengthen the partnership with Hawaii’s local farmers and fishermen, Chef Chai co-founded Hawaii Island Chefs (HIC), the second generation of Hawaii Regional Cuisine Chefs. This group of HIC chefs is on a mission to provide the world with the best of Hawaii’s diverse culinary resources from the culture of the people and the bounty of the land and sea.

The exquisite experience await you at Chef Chai

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Fusion / Eclectic, Thai French
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(808) 585-0011
Website
http://www.chefchai.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Owned/operated by
Asian and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+
Executive chef
Chai Chaowasaree
Catering
Full Services cater from 10 to 1000, from rental, food, bar, staff, setup and break down. Call Chef Chai at 330-0279
Private party facilities
Chef Chai is perfect for a private event from 15-100 guest. Award-winning cuisine in a beautiful surrounding, handcraft cocktails, and professional friendly services. From cocktail reception, business dinner to a wedding, Chef Chai will create any menu to suit your need and taste
Private party contact
Owner/Chef Chai: (808) 330-0279

Location
1009 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Neighborhood
Honolulu
Cross street
Kapiolani Blvd. & Ward Ave.
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Honolulu

Experiences

7/22 Full Moon Concert
$99.00 per person
Jul 22, 2023 only
Enjoy our special Prefix Dinner and entertainment by Robert Cazimero and his hula dancers! (5:30 Dinner Reservations Recommended, Concert begins at 6:30pm). Please call to check for table availability, otherwise you will not be guaranteed a table for the show due to limited seating capacity. See the full menu here: https://chefchai.com/monthly-full-moon-concert/.
8/20 Full Moon Concert
$99.00 per person
Aug 20, 2023 only
Enjoy our special Prefix Dinner and entertainment by Robert Cazimero and his hula dancers! (5:30 Dinner Reservations Recommended, Concert begins at 6:30pm). Please call to check for table availability, otherwise you will not be guaranteed a table for the show due to limited seating capacity. See the full menu here: https://chefchai.com/monthly-full-moon-concert/.
9/20 Full Moon Concert
$99.00 per person
Sep 20, 2023 only
Enjoy our special Prefix Dinner and entertainment by Robert Cazimero and his hula dancers! (5:30 Dinner Reservations Recommended, Concert begins at 6:30pm). Please call to check for table availability, otherwise you will not be guaranteed a table for the show due to limited seating capacity. See the full menu here: https://chefchai.com/monthly-full-moon-concert/.

What 1,088 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Oahu
Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Sort by

A
Arlene
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
What a hidden gem away from the main strip in Waikiki! Not only was very dish beautiful to the eye, EVERYTHING-including the nonalcoholic drink-was delicious, leaving your pallet wanting MORE! The service also was outstanding. Our server was personable and friendly as seems to be the island way! Yes! Yes, when visiting Waikiki we will come to Chef Chai!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Dining at Chef Chai's was one of the best intimate dinners I've had with my wife in a long time. Normally, it's very noisy, busy and distracting. Restaurant was still busy but the ambiance made it wmeasybto focus. Food was great and you can tell was the highest of quality. Will dine here again!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great time at the outdoor table. It was a great foods and drinks and dessert. Sea bass is especially recommended. very delicious. As for dessert, I was happy. I was able to enjoy seafood with sparkling wine. Scallops and risotto are my first experience and the cheese melts and is very delicious
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Decided to join Chef Chai for Mother’s Day All you can eat lobster buffet. Everything was amazing. As usual, the food was excellent. The lobsters were expertly cooked and not tiny little lobsters… They were nice sized lobsters. Fantastic!
ES
ElenaS
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love it, I can’t express how so good everything, the food is high class, the taste, the service.
p
popo
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
comfortable, and friendly atmosphere in an elegant setting.
PG
PoipuGirl
Hawaii
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always stunning ambience and impeccable quality of food as well as staging.Chef Chai is truly a remarkable Chef and individual.
f
foodforthought
San Francisco
42 reviews
vip
5.0
42 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mothers’ Day buffet was unbelievable. Service excellent. Quiet ambiance. Will return again.
GF
GwenandFriends
Hawaii
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always Chef Chai never disappoints. The food was delicious and my guests and I were truly happy with the service. We'll be back again soon!
NN
NuuanuNative
Hawaii
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
The dishes were ok. It lacked popping flavor. Early bird dinner set is a good deal. Staff was attentive.
WN
WalterN
Hawaii
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Very nice restaurant. Great service and a unique menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience4
Walked in at 4:55pm tried to place an order for the early bird special at 5:02 and was denied.
U
Unimpssd1
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
As a gourmet vegetarian, I was very impressed with the offerings!
L
Larry
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We dined at Chef Chai's for my wife's birthday. The food was very good, the portions were generous, and the service was first rate. The dining room was not crowded, so the noise level was not an issue. It was our first time at the restaurant. We'll definitely try it again.
BI
BIGT
Los Angeles
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent cuisine, great service, warm reception made us feel welcom.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious, the ambiance was elegant, and the service was exceptionally awesome! Everyone treated us like we are part of their own Ohana! Thank you so much Chef Chai!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding Meal. Outstanding Service, our server Kristy was awesome! Highly recommended- amazing.
M
Mamo
Hawaii
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was ah-mazing!! So delightful with textures, flavors, and umami savoriness. Sooo ono. The ambience was soothing and creatively designed..The wait staff were so professional and courteous...even the plating of the food lend an artistic flair that I appreciated..Mahalo...Will be back for more! Woo Hoo! Mamo
g
geoffreym
Hawaii
300 reviews
vip
4.0
300 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
We came in for a Thursdate Service and food were good
EC
ElliotC
Hawaii
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
The evening was great! Only our server mixed up our doggie bags. We got someone elses leftovers.
CS
CarolynS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a nice outung to celebrate our anniversary.
NO
NaloOhana
Hawaii
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an amazing menu Chef Chai has created. The food is one of a kind. Each dish is beautifully displayed. Your tastebuds will be in heaven. You will not be disappointed. Everything was absolutely perfect. Mahalo for making our anniversary night so special. ALOHA!
H
Hawaiiisgreat
Hawaii
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’m a long time Chai’s customer and fan starting at Singha Thai on to his Island Bistro at Aloha Tower and now Chef Chai’s. Always delicious food, great service and lovely setting. Current location on Kapiolani is really convenient especially for Blaisdell events. I’ve NEVER had a less than wonderful plate here.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing customer service, everything was freshly prepared!
TR
TeresaR
Omaha
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Special Menu was excellent especially the smoked duck tacos. Service was excellent. Relaxing.
AR
AROD
Hawaii
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Other restaurants should come to Chef Chai and learn how to do things right!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful, inventive and very flavorful food, lovely staff too!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday, it was a pleasure meeting Chef Chai. Thank you fir your kindness
SC
SanC
St. Louis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for my birthday food was amazing everything about it was great made my birthday very special
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at Chais, but had dined at the former Chais Island Bistro many times. This was one of the most amazing dining experiences, on all levels, in a long time. We will return again very soon. Service was beyond excellent, sea bass incredible, scallops delicious, and gravlax, goat cheese won tons were delicious. Home run!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The entire staff was exceptional. Robert Cazimero was at his best. Loved the special evening.
P
Palapala
Hawaii
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The vegetarian/vegan options are very creative and truly delicious! Service was great and Chef Chai's is one of my favorite restaurants in Honolulu
h
hannabatta
Hawaii
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food & friendly, efficient service provided by Dustin & Kristy. Celebrated sisters birthday and they did not disappoint! Will definitely be back! Thank you Chef Chai!
DN
DarleneN
Central Coast
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2023
overall3food4service1ambience3
Our nervous waiter was overly concerned about getting in by 5 pm our early bird orders for four. I politely informed him that we had a 4:45 pm reservation (we had arrived early) but we only a minute before discovered how to read the menu locating the early bird entries and that we needed more time. The waiter insisted he had to have the order into the kitchen by a 5 pm deadline. He wanted our order NOW. I repeated that we needed more time and explained that we didn’t understand where the early bird menu was located until just before he appeared. He argued that he had a deadline. I told him that I had an issue about feeling rushed. He continued to argue. Finally he let the four of us return to reading our menus and we rushed to decide what to eat. Honestly it was an unpleasant experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love it here a great value when you eat early to get the special for 55.00. We will come again for sure ! Aloha, enjoy K
LL
LindaL
Hawaii
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed the early special. Good value for a wonderful dishes! Thank you!
DN
DavidN
New York Area
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The entire staff was pleasant and fun. Good energy. Food was extremely creative and delicious. Chef Chai proved to be a great choice for our last night in Hawaii.
S
Stayatbar
Vancouver
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
The restaurant was hosting a wedding. Hence, our wait staff were distracted and our meal was very rushed. Our appetizers came before our drinks. We were asked to order our drinks, appetizers and mains all at once. Even asking for our mains to take a while to come out our dinner was rushed. 2 drinks each with an appetizer and main and we were done in 70 min. 10 min was waiting to pay our bill. Food was fair.
GT
GordonT
San Francisco
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was excellent. Early bird special was a great deal. The ambiance was perfect.
MF
MoniqueF
Calgary
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and service. Highly recommend. Lovely room

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Chef Chai offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (808) 585-0011.

Chef Chai is rated 4.7 stars by 1088 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

1009 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Kapiolani Blvd. & Ward Ave.
Neighborhood
Honolulu
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Fusion / Eclectic, Thai French
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Asian and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+
Executive chef
Chai Chaowasaree
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.chefchai.com/
Phone number
(808) 585-0011
Catering
Full Services cater from 10 to 1000, from rental, food, bar, staff, setup and break down. Call Chef Chai at 330-0279
Private party facilities
Chef Chai is perfect for a private event from 15-100 guest. Award-winning cuisine in a beautiful surrounding, handcraft cocktails, and professional friendly services. From cocktail reception, business dinner to a wedding, Chef Chai will create any menu to suit your need and taste
Private party contact
Owner/Chef Chai: (808) 330-0279

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Honolulu

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Chef Chai

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Honolulu

Experiences

7/22 Full Moon Concert

8/20 Full Moon Concert

9/20 Full Moon Concert

Menu

What 1,088 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Chef Chai offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Chef Chai restaurant rated?

Is Chef Chai currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Honolulu