Roy's Waikiki — Restaurant in Honolulu

A very famous restaurant with a lot of people. It said on the Internet that reservations are required, but in fact it should be possible without reservations because we decided to come to this restaurant at night. I originally wanted to sit outdoors and feel the gentle breeze blowing by, but there were too many people, so I had to go indoors. I was a little disappointed at first, but I was attracted by the open kitchen as soon as I entered, it was really cool up! The service attitude of the staff is particularly good, very enthusiastic, and will actively recommend dishes.

As soon as we sat down at the beginning, we were given free food, including vegetables, pancakes, and edamame. The edamame smells like sesame oil. I personally think it is very good, but there is no salty or sweet taste. . I only ate pancakes on the plate of vegetables, and there was something similar to cheese in it? I feel very fragrant and chewy.

We ordered a Hawaii Kai Crab Cakes as a starter, which is a crab cake with real crab meat inside, served with real ingredients, served with those sauces, and fried crispy on the outside, with a sweet and crispy taste. There is also a Kanpachi Crudo, which is sashimi and the like. My father ate it and said that the sweet and sour brought out the umami taste of the fish and removed the fishy smell of the fish itself.

The four of us ordered two main courses, one is Misoyaki Butterfish, the fish is topped with miso sauce, its salty fragrance brings out the umami of deep-sea fish, and there is no fishy smell. There is black rice below, which is very filling. There is also a Slow Braised Honey Mustard Glazed Beef Short Rib, which tastes good and the sauce is well adjusted. It has a sour taste and is very greasy, but it may be that the meat has been stewed for too long, and there is a faint smell. On the contrary, I think it was just ok, but it may also be the reason why I am too picky.

For dessert, we ordered a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, which has a crunchy cake bottom and fire-roasted pineapple on the top, which is sweet and sour. The whole cake tastes very sweet. The vanilla ice cream next to it is really delicious Taste the aroma of vanilla, which is different from the taste bought outside. The combination of the two is really eye-catching and shocking! I wanted to try the most famous Roy's Signature Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé here, but the waiter didn't pay attention to it when I placed the order. It's a pity that I found out after asking, but the waiter also sincerely said that he didn't notice. But I also think that maybe I didn’t said it clearly at the time🥲

In general, I think it is worth a try, no matter from the environment to the service attitude to the taste, they are...

Roy's Waikiki manages to capture the essence of fusion cuisine while staying true to its Hawaiian roots. Situated in the bustling area of Waikiki, the restaurant stands as an oasis of culinary excellence where East meets West, and tradition meets innovation.

The atmosphere is upscale yet relaxed, a blend of sleek modern design and warm, island-inspired accents. Whether you're seated indoors amidst the contemporary décor or outdoors enjoying the balmy Waikiki air, you're sure to find the ambience inviting and harmonious.

The menu, crafted by acclaimed chef Roy Yamaguchi, is a tribute to the diverse culinary landscape of Hawaii. The dishes seamlessly incorporate local ingredients, Asian influences, and French techniques. A standout is the "Canoe Appetizer for Two," a sampler that provides a delightful introduction to the menu's highlights. The Blackened Island Ahi, a signature dish, is as stunning in presentation as it is in flavor—spiced to perfection and cooked just right.

One of the high points of dining at Roy's is the impeccable service. Staff members are not only attentive but also exceptionally knowledgeable about the intricate details of the menu. They are adept at recommending wine pairings and are keen to accommodate dietary restrictions or special requests, making the dining experience personalized and enjoyable.

If there's a caveat to be noted, it's that the restaurant's popularity can make it a bit noisy during peak hours. Moreover, due to its high demand, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for those looking to dine at prime times or for special occasions.

In summary, Roy's Waikiki excels at providing a sophisticated yet authentic Hawaiian dining experience. The blend of unique flavors, superb service, and delightful atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone in the Waikiki area. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that leaves a...

It's not what it was 12 years ago! This meal was planned as a trip down memory lane from our first holiday together at the beginning of our relationship.

This time around we went for the first meal on the first night of our first proper holiday in 5 years.

The food was OK, tasty steak, nice dessert, etc, but not what I expected for $500AUD

(2 x 3 course menu $125USD, and 2 x drinks, plus non-obligatory (but expected tip of 20%)

We regularly pay those prices for fine dining, michelin / chef hat restaurants in Australia.

Service was OK. but basic. The people were nice. But for those prices I would expect service to feel more special.

The shock was caused in some part by the exchange rate, of course. But we went out to Pint and Jigger pub the next night and had just as good/ tasty dishes for a 5th of the price.

This experience made us think twice before going out to other "fancy places" in Hawaii/US as we couldn't justify that kind of cost for what Australians would call regular food.

Thankfully this happened on the first night of a 35 day holiday so technically probably saved us a lot of money in the end.

We came to the conclusion that the reason Roy's has such a high rating is because the majority of food in US Is quite basic. So Roy's seems better. But if you are from Europe or Australia my guess is you'll be less impressed.

They (like many US places) also don't take the full amount of the bill plus tip, till nearly a week later. I now ask places if they settle the full bill on the night and if not, I leave a cash tip. I don't like the idea of my card being open to accidental fat fingers when the accounts team take the full amount from my...