The Surfing Pig Hawaii — Restaurant in Honolulu

We thought it would be more traditional American BBQ and were surprised by their "twists". I was not a fan of the rack of ribs due to the fennel seasoning but that is a personal preference and I can see others who like fennel enjoying the ribs. Besides the flavor the meat was slightly tender. Not enough to fall off the bone but at least it wasn't super tough. The brisket on the other hand was very dry unfortunately and came with a small drizzle of sauce on each slice. The side of mashed potatoes that came with it are actually super good. We actually really liked the pappardelle and while the Mac and cheese was not anything like regular Mac and cheese, we also enjoyed it. The Mac and cheese seemed to be more like a tomato pasta with lots of cheese in it, turning it into a rose sauce. The pappardelle was the perfect pasta texture and super flavorful. The pork belly appetizer was very small and while it was crispy, I wish it was juicer. The loco moco was alright. It normally comes with a Sriracha fried rice but we asked for normal fried rice instead as we didn't want the taste of Sriracha in our loco moco. Turns out the fried rice taste was still too strong and overpowered the meat and gravy. The meat itself was okay, a bit on the bland side. The egg was a bit overdone on top so we did not get a runny yolk. Wish the gravy was more and better seasoned as well. There was a strong overall taste of mushrooms which I am neutral about.

For other sides, the coleslaw was too vinegary for our liking. Their corn is good though, can't go wrong with it if you like corn. The brussel sprouts were very good, well seasoned and well cooked. The truffle fries were nice and crispy.

Overall, it felt pricey for the servings and has more of a fine dining establishment vibe than a casual BBQ place. While I wouldn't mind getting the pastas and brussel sprouts again, idk if I would come back for...

So....this review is a hard one for me to complete

I’m a tourist from out of town. Someone recommended this place. I took the family. Maybe a 15 min drive from Waikiki.

The location is in a nice quite and clean location with other restaurants side by side.

We were greeted right away and taken to our table. Had a lovely waitress - Mahina - who told us about the menu and made recommendations.

We ordered three appetizers, mac and cheese, fries and porchetta salad...it was all great! Cocktails were great too.

BUT...then we waited too long for our entrees and the hamburger bun was SO OVER TOASTED - BURNT that we sent it back.

I’m not sure how the chef actually let that leave the kitchen thinking that was acceptable. Anyhow we got it replaced and she loved the burger.

Someone ordered medium rare tenderloin and it was overcooked and I had the NY strip and it was good but overcooked.

The taco trio had over battered fish and shrimp and the pulled pork was way to salty.

Anyhow, I think we hit a bad night tonight (Friday December 27) and I can see the potential here.

And a note for Mahina - after we got our entrees you never came back to check on our meals and we waited too long after we were finished eating, that was a miss on your part.

All in all I wished that I did not go here tonight...but that’s the risk when you are on vacation.

And a note for the manager, when food gets sent back because it’s burnt, you should come apologize at the table at a minimum.

Conclusion: food quality is really poor, and management needs to get a little more involved to make sure customers don’t leave regretting spending their money at your restaurant.

Hope you guys sort...

I ordered online from this place in June 2021. When I arrived at the venue to pick up my order, I was told to "wait outside" as if I was trash or something (yes, we were still in the pandemic but there were many people inside, especially at the bar which is towards the front of the restaurant).

When the hostess summoned me from outside to retrieve my order, I noticed it was four pieces of leaves and some tiny pieces of raw fish. I ordered the Kampachi Carpaccio and the cost was over $21.00 with the tip included. Upon receipt of my food, I expressed that it was not what I expected, specifically there was not enough food for a meal. Unbeknownst to me at the time, apparently it is not considered a main dish.

When I expressed my displeasure to the hostess and asked to buy a new meal and return the one I just received (and did not eat), she said she had to ask the manager. She then proceeded to whisper to me that when she started, she was also shocked at how small the food was, specifically citing that particular dish.

When the manager came, she offered to comp me fries if I wanted to order something else. I explained I did not want the food (like if a meal comes while you are dining in and you are dissatisfied so you ask for a different dish). She spoke with a more senior manager who decided that the meal I purchased could not be returned.

I am leaving one star because of being made to wait outside like I did not belong in the restaurant and because this is the first restaurant I have ever been to where a paying customer is not able to return a meal (upon immediate receipt of it) they did not like. I will not recommend this...