Morimoto Asia Waikiki — Restaurant in Honolulu

I barely have words to describe how incredible the whole experience was. Overall score: 10/10, dress your best, make a reservation online, and bring an appetite.

Atmosphere: located just off Waikiki beach, on the second floor (just below is Momosan, also a Morimoto restaurant, but much more casual). At Morimoto Asia, expect both very well-dressed clientele and the more beach-ready folks.

Food: what can I say here, other than this is the food I would request as a last meal. Between my companion and I, we had the A5 ishiyaki (certified wagyu strips that you cook yourself over a hot stone), their famous sticky ribs, and the BBQ blackened cod. The A5 wagyu was incredible, almost unbearably rich (I craved a salad to offset the beautifully fat, marbled meat!). If I have the opportunity to go again, I might try it as the surf and turf sushi roll (thin slices over top a sushi roll and hand-torched at the table). The sticky ribs were, of course, top-notch. The order comes with 3-4 ribs, but you can specify the number of ribs that you'd like. The ribs are slow cooked to perfection and then fried. Sticky, sweet, and falling off the bone. I could have died happy eating those. Finally, we also had a BBQ blackened cod-- this was exceptional, perfectly prepared (the fish was tender and rich, and offset beautifully by the macadamia nuts and baby bok choi). Of course, I could hardly eat any after the incredibly filling ribs and A5, but I still appreciated the little bites I grabbed. Note that food comes out as soon as it's prepared, everything is a la carte, and you can order in rounds (a bit like the grazing dim sum experience, smaller dishes that you can take your time with while chatting and sipping on drinks). Speaking of drinks, we both got the smoked old fashioned and it was exceptional (hand-torched glass at the table to pour in smoke, before pouring the cocktail in). Fabulously smooth and rich. Easily 10/10.

Service: special thanks to Sebastian, our wonderful server. Exceptionally deft, inviting, and knowledgeable. I love when you can tell the waitstaff are clearly served the food as well-- the enthusiasm and knowledge they have enhances their ability to recommend dishes for different moods and palates. Our glasses were never empty thanks to the watchful eyes of the water attendant, and Sebastian never skipped a beat when making his rounds (not too frequent and not neglectful). Absolutely an 11/10.

Facilities: bathrooms are tucked away by the elevators (if you're coming up the stairs and face the host stand, to the left is a little bar island and further in are the restrooms). The ladies room has two stalls, one standard and one handicapable. Clean, sufficient soap and paper towels, if an odd collection of toilet paper rolls (but I'd rather have too many than not enough). 10/10.

Overall: I loved every moment. Breathtaking food that showed skill and attention, wonderful people, and not a thing was disappointing. The bill, before tip, was about $260 for all the aforementioned (two cocktails, 5 ribs, 4oz. A5 wagyu, blackened cod). I highly recommend...

Morimoto Asia Waikiki is a shining jewel in the heart of Honolulu, offering an exceptional dining experience that combines the artistry of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto with the stunning beauty of Waikiki. Located in the ‘Alohilani Resort, this upscale restaurant delivers a fusion of traditional Asian flavors and modern culinary techniques, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and visitors alike.

From the moment you step into Morimoto Asia Waikiki, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. The sleek, contemporary design is complemented by panoramic views of Waikiki Beach, creating a dining setting that is both luxurious and inviting. The ambiance is further enhanced by the warm lighting and tasteful decor, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinners, special occasions, or a memorable night out with friends.

The menu at Morimoto Asia Waikiki is a testament to Chef Morimoto’s culinary genius, featuring a diverse array of dishes that highlight the best of Asian cuisine. One of the standout starters is the Toro Tartare, a beautifully presented dish with fresh, buttery toro (fatty tuna) served with an array of condiments that allow you to customize each bite. The combination of flavors and textures is simply exquisite.

One of the unique aspects of Morimoto Asia Waikiki is their Robata grill, which offers a variety of grilled skewers made with premium ingredients. The Wagyu Beef Skewers are particularly notable, offering melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a rich, smoky flavor that’s enhanced by the grill.

The sushi and sashimi offerings at Morimoto Asia Waikiki are second to none, with an emphasis on the freshest, highest-quality fish. The Morimoto Omakase, a chef’s tasting menu, provides a curated selection of the finest sushi and sashimi, offering a true taste of culinary excellence.

To complement your dining experience, Morimoto Asia Waikiki offers an extensive beverage menu that includes a curated selection of sake, wine, and signature cocktails. The Morimoto Martini, made with sake, vodka, and cucumber, is a refreshing and elegant choice that pairs beautifully with the cuisine.

One interesting tip for fellow tourists is to time your visit to coincide with sunset. The restaurant’s prime location offers breathtaking views of the sun setting over Waikiki Beach, creating a magical backdrop for your dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for window seating to fully enjoy the view.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking an extraordinary dining adventure...

I took my family to thanksgiving dinner here tonight. What a joke. If I could rate this place a zero I would. From the second, we sat down it was clear our server was somewhere else mentally. He wanted nothing to do with serving a table. The drinks took forever. Literally took over 10 minutes at least from order to receipt of your drink every time. The restaurant was half full at best. Our first round took 15 minutes. The orange chicken & duck taco portions were tiny. The tortilla for the duck taco was the size of a half dollar with a single tiny slice of duck. The tacos were accompanied by a tumble sized cup of duck soup & the blandest fried rice you have ever tried. The dish came with a total of 2 tacos. I believe the app was $45. The orange chicken was nothing special. You could have served me Panda Express orange chicken in its place & I wouldn’t notice. We ordered the surf & turf special entree in honor of thanksgiving!! After 35 minutes of waiting & no food the manager Vinny came over to offer free shots & excuses but no food. Said it would be out shortly. It wasn’t. He also offered my 7 yr old daughter a special drink that he forgot about. After another 10 minutes we just canceled the order. He had no problem doing so because it was clear that the food was never coming. The entree was $80. He then remembered that he had promised my 7 yr old daughter a special drink when he brought us our complimentary shots 10 minutes ago so he rushed to have that delivered about 3 minutes before we left. The check was already on the table. Our waiter then came over & said we seemed upset then blamed everything on the kitchen & offered nothing else. I wonder why??? We didn’t get our entree for thanksgiving dinner. I guess we will go to McDonald’s across the street. At least there I will get what I ordered. I can’t remember the last time I went to a restaurant that failed to deliver a dish I ordered & this place is supposed to be fine dining. The only apologizes offered was comped cheap sake shots that we didn’t want or order. Our bill was still over $200. Do not waste your time or money here. Ridiculously overpriced & the service is pathetic. Everything took forever to get to the table if it got there at all. I’ve had great meals here before & always recommended it. I will never go back & neither should you. Easily the worst dining experience I’ve had this year…& it’s almost December. This was so bad I thought it may be a candid camera setup....