[8.21.16] For updated menu prices & review of the Pre-Fixe Menus, please refer to my newer (updated) review.
In the midst of a tiny local hotel (The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel), you will find Miyako Restaurant at the end of Waikiki. It's very unassuming. In fact, for many years I didn't know it existed.
If you were to judge a book by it's cover, the hotel building itself is very plain looking (with elevators that seem like a flashback to the early 70-80s) and public restrooms that reminds me slightly of high school.
But out comes our server, dressed in a lovely kimono who escorts us to our very own semi-private Cabana by the seaside. The beauty of the place doesn't fully hit you until you are seated (on pretty comfortable cushions I must say). The world just melts away. The sound of the ocean waves paired with the setting sun sets the lovely atmosphere for the (birthday) meal that follows.
Once in a while, we would hear the call of a Hawaiian Monk Seal lying close by (the unfortunate thing was he kept getting disturbed by tourists/ passerby).
But out comes our server, dressed in a lovely kimono who escorts us to our very own semi-private Cabana by the seaside. The beauty of the place doesn't fully hit you until you are seated (on pretty comfortable cushions I must say). The world just melts away. The sound of the ocean waves paired with the setting sun sets the lovely atmosphere for the (birthday) meal that follows.
Once in a while, we would hear the call of a Hawaiian Monk Seal lying close by (the unfortunate thing was he kept getting disturbed by tourists/ passerby).
From top left to bottom: Grilled scallop salad with Wasabi dressing (the scallop was very delicate. My only complaint was there's not more). Shoyu flavored shrimp and Japanese yam ( I enjoyed the textural contrast between the soft shrimp and the crunchy yam). Ice fish and Maitake mushroom Karaage (the tempura batter for the fish was so light and airy but the fish itself was super crunchy). Excellent!
Tea-flavored soba (buckwheat noodles) with a creamy yam topping. This was kind of refreshing.
 Kona abalone gratin with snow crab and spinach (I think). This was very delectable. Creamy, sweet, and light at the same time. A winner! |  Egg custard (Chawanmushi) topped with Matsutake Mushroom and Gelee. Silky smooth and pretty good. |
Roast duck with mushrooms and ginger sauce. The duck was perfectly tender. Served on caramelized onion and Zucchini. This was a memorable dish!
Salmon roe (Ikura) on rice, paired with clear soup (with tiny tofu and Aburage pieces). Also includes a side of tsukemono (pickled vegetables). The Ikura was pretty good, though I didn't care for the soup.
Hot Azuki (red bean) with grilled mochi. Our whole group agreed this was overly too sweet.
My other half ordered the Sake Sampler while I stuck to good old Japanese beer. He felt the sakes were a bit floral/ feminine (sweet). I took a few sips and agreed.
On the balcony of the restaurant (next to the Cabanas). You can see the Hilton Hawaiian Village (HHV) Friday night fireworks in the distant while sitting down (albeit a bit small). Fireworks are scheduled usually between 7:45-8:15p (give or take 15 mins ; the show itself is only a few mins long). Though the restaurant is closed on TUESDAYS.
While you can make reservations for the restaurant for the regular dining room online (through OpenTable), you do have to call to reserve the Cabanas. When I called, I wasn't banking on scoring a Cabana since I know it was limited and was kind of a last minute request (few days prior). But I got lucky and scored one!
[PROS]
- Lovely view and setting.
- Pricing is fair (Kaiseki is $50 per person.)
- Friendly staff. They announce each course as they bring it out.
- Kaiseki menu changes each month. You should check it before you go.
- Good size portions.
- They have early and late (5:30p- 6p | 8p- 8:30p) Prix-Fixe menus too (from $33 pp.).
[CONS]
- Cabana seating is super limited (only 3 tables available in the restaurant per night).
- Since the Kaiseki is a multi-course dinner,you should leave yourself about 2 hours to fully enjoy your meal and for it to be brought out (we had reservations at 6:30p but didn't finish till after the restaurant closed at 9p).
- Small parking lot and Valet option only ($5 before tips). Or street, meter parking (sometimes plentiful near the zoo when Waikiki isn't too busy).
- I don't recalled being asked if we wanted refills on sodas/ beer/ sake. Though they do promptly refill water and tea.
(Overall, I would recommend Miyako for a romantic dinner or if you are celebrating any type of occasion. The view is fabulous and the service is quite friendly. Since it was my friend's birthday, they gave us 20% off the bill (quite generous as it's valid during your entire birthday month; ID is required).
Although not all of the items on this month's Kaiseki menu was a complete hit, I think it's still a good value (even without the discount). Best of all, my fiance didn't leave hungry!
Although not all of the items on this month's Kaiseki menu was a complete hit, I think it's still a good value (even without the discount). Best of all, my fiance didn't leave hungry!
| Miyako Restaurant New Otani Kaimana Hotel 2863 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 (808) 921 . 7077 5:30p-9p Daily (Closed on Tuesdays) Cabana seating: 3 tables (Minimum pp. $30). |
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