Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Oahu

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

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!

Veranda - Moana Surfrider

4.8

4.8 (1180)

$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. A 20% gratuity will be added to all parties of 6 or more and for parties of 5 or more that request split checks.
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

Mary

Dined 7 days ago

Always a wonderful experience having afternoon tea at the beautiful Moana hotel. Staff is always attentive providing excellent service.

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Experience

Butterfly Tea Time

Beachhouse - Moana Surfrider

4.8

4.8 (3451)

$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

Yvonne

Dined 1 day ago

The entire crew at the Beachhouse made our anniversary celebration special! The food was absolutely delicious and the service impeccable. They surprised us with glasses of champagne and a small anniversary gift at the end of the night (a box of shortbread). We had the Lobster Gratin and it was amazing! My husband had the lamb as his entree and it was incredibly tender. My shrimp was perfectly cooked. The Mango-Misu for dessert was light and a perfect ending, especially with the passion fruit sauce - heavenly!

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Popular dish

Chocolate Banana Crunch Mousse

4.7

4.7 (104)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Kaimuki

About the restaurant

-If you are more than 6 people, please contact us.
-Dinner reservation is available by PHONE CALL ONLY.
Popular wedding venue at Diamondhead is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Open-air ambiance surrounded by Diamondhead.
Enjoy our tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls as you dine.

Top review

BruceVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Always a nice pleasant experience, very attentive staff. Love the ambiance & atmosphere.

Hide Sushi

4.9

4.9 (14)

$50 and over

Sushi

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Nestled behind a concealed door in Waikiki’s favorite Rooftop Bar, this hidden speakeasy offers a one-of-a-kind Omakase experience. Step inside to discover an intimate Omakase Sushi Bar, where each dish is a masterpiece crafted by Chef Tsukasa Okino using the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced locally and from Japan.

Guests are transported into a world of flavor and craftsmanship, where every bite is a moment of indulgence. Perfect for those seeking a refined, exclusive sushi adventure, this speakeasy offers more than just sushi—it’s an escape into a hidden world, where you can discover Modern Umami.

Hours of Operation: Sundays - Thursdays
Seating Times: 5:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Price: $120 per person
Parking: Validated parking is available in the Waikiki Business Plaza.

Reservations & Cancellation Policy:
Reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance.
Cancellations within 60 hours of your reservation will incur a full charge of $120 per person.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined 5 days ago

We did the 5pm seating. 4 people total, super special! Making my next reservation now!

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Experience

Initmate Omakase Sushi

Tempura Ichika

4.9

4.9 (53)

$50 and over

Japanese

Ala Moana

About the restaurant

🎉 1st Anniversary Special 🎉
Thank you for your support! From July 1st to 31st, enjoy $3 draft beer in celebration of our 1st anniversary. We look forward to welcoming you.

Discover the vibrant allure of Honolulu’s culinary scene at Tempura Ichika, where Michelin-starred chef Kiyoshi Chikano redefines refined dining with an exceptional Tempura Omakase experience. As Honolulu’s sole full-time resident Michelin-star chef, Chikano infuses his deep-fried creations with a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Our business hours: 5PM to 10PM with two seating system.
Open Tue to Sat, irregularly open on Monday.

Top review

Jina

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

We had an outstanding time at Tempura Ichika! We were greeted warmly by the head chef and his team as walked into the door. The Omekase menu provided unique and tasty seafood paired with select flavorings. We were more than satisfied by the end of the meal. We would highly recommend this fine dining establishment.

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Experience

Omakase Tempura Special

Mānalo Lounge

4.8

4.8 (124)

$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

Carlos

Dined on May 13, 2025

Engagement dinner went amazing. Ambiance was percent service was great. They made us feel valued and special.

Hihimanu Sushi

5.0

5 (389)

$50 and over

Sushi

Honolulu

About the restaurant

""We are specialized in Omakase, and we have Lunch and Dinner Omakase Course."" Dinner Omakase will be $ 245 and 19 dishes, and Lunch Omakase will be $185 and 16 dishes.

We have 3 Omakase seatings daily... 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm or 7:30 pm. Any allergies will need to be noted prior to the reservation date, so a special menu can be prepared. (We cannot accommodate the guest with all shellfish allergy, vegetarian, Kosher, gluten intolerance, or if you do not like uni)

Diners must cancel their reservation 48 hours in advance or will be subject to $75 fee, or $100 if the reservation is cancelled within 24 hours. If you do not show up, the fee will be full price of the course.

Please call us to make a reservation for a party of 5 or more.
A 18% gratuity may added for parties of 5 or more .

We have more information available on www.hihimanusushi.com

Top review

NinaMariaVIP

Dined on Jun 18, 2025

A very intimate and unique experience that ruined all other sushi for us because it was so good!

Mina's Fish House

4.8

4.8 (2874)

$50 and over

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

Bill

Dined 1 day ago

Best meal in the area and fantastic service . Highly recommend and will definitely return on our next trip.

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Experience

Mina's Fish House Experience Tasting Menu

Experience

5 - Course Fish Sommelier Chef's Table

53 by the Sea

4.7

4.7 (1930)

$50 and over

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kaka'ako

About the restaurant

Designed around it's breathtaking view, 53 By The Sea opened in 2012 and is one of the island’s premier fine dining experiences. Having received the Hale Aina Award for Most Romantic Restaurant 2017-2021, as well as the Honolulu Star- Advertiser’s “Hawaii’s Best” award for Restaurant with a View, it is truly a celebration for all the senses. From the iconic grand staircase to sweeping views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the rolling surf at Kakaako, each moment at 53 By The Sea is unforgettable.

Top review

EleanorVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Ambience is super with astounding views. Lovely place to relax.

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Experience

August Wine by the Sea

Experience

September Wine by the Sea

Gaslamp

4.8

4.8 (152)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Kailua

About the restaurant

"Swanky jazz lounge and steakhouse specializing in craft cocktails, Japanese wagyu beef, and global seafood offerings all while providing an entertainment driven atmosphere with the likes of fire dancing and live local jazz music"

Top review

Rebecca

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

What a special place to celebrate a significant birthday for my husband. The food and atmosphere did not disappoint. We splurged and shared the French Laundry Tomahawk steak. It was our first experience with a Wagyu beef and we were amazed by how it melted in our mouths.

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