Arden Waikiki

I've been wanting to try Arden Waikiki for a while now, and I finally made it. It's located near Kaimana Beach, so it has a quieter atmosphere compared to the center of Waikiki. The restaurant is on the second floor of the Lotus Hotel. The interior is spacious, and the large windows offer a nice, open feel with views of the greenery outside. All the food we ordered was delicious and highly satisfying. I was especially looking forward to dessert, as it seems to be what they're known for, and it exceeded my expectations. It looks like they can accommodate large groups as well. I've found a hidden gem in Waikiki—I'll definitely be back!

Highly recommend this place! Delicious family style fine dining. Everything was fabulous, we especially loved the cocktails (nothing was too sweet), romaine salad, and seasonal platter of veg and dips (pictured)! Service was not as attentive as expected for the atmosphere but a surprisingly affordable and tasty fine dining experience!

Food was good but the atmosphere was not. The restaurant is a large sealed off air conditioned room without a view and without the wonderful Hawaiian breeze. The background sound was of rattling silverware and dishes, crying kids, and it felt like a cafeteria. No music. The restaurant has bad acoustics. Prices were too high for the setting and lots of items on the menu were overpriced vegetarian dishes although big enough portions. Hamachi that we wanted to order was already sold out. Overall an uninspiring experience, there are much better options near by.

My husband and I had a wonderful night dining at Arden. We had a booth that looked out onto the restaurant and loved both the decor and the fact that it was so spacious with great lighting. We got both the fish appetizers and they did not disappoint. The passionfruit with the hamachi was a perfect complement to this light fish. We also loved the roasted cabbage which had an okinomyaki sauce. The carrots with goat cheese and sesame was really interesting, but I think we loved the oxtail udon the most (generous portion, we had leftovers for 2 but no complaints!). Desserts are really generous. We were told by our waiter that they baked Hawaii was a smaller portion (but I have a friend who ordered it another night and said it was fantastic) and we went with the brownie. the brownie was the diameter of the plate and very decadent. So decadent we could not finish it and had a brownie dessert again the next night! All around a great meal and highly recommend!

Absolutely in love with Arden! Incredible food and service- 10/10. The set menus are a great value. We can’t wait to come back.

Okay, first, I missed her name but whomever took our call and put us down for reservations, then remembered our name, and then seated us - was a STAR. How lucky they are to have her!!! From there, everything for us was perfection. We needed a cozy spot and the leather nest and table for six was divine. The cocktails were fun - most balanced gin cocktail I’ve had in forever and my husband and son loved the Thai Fighter. So great. Our sever - the brightest light. And knows when to take a dish and leave the fries…IYKYK. A gentleman helped us with wine and we geeked out talking Canadian and CA Central Coast wine. Loved him. (Check out the Villa Creek!) And food-wise that part was so effortless it’s hardly worth mentioning in its excellence. Shishito peppers, aforementioned fries, melt in your mouth hamachi…and then oxtail and ahi were magical in their perfection. (Even the often overplayed Brussels were yum and a win) We had to scoot out leaving our adult children to wind down the meal but I cannot wait to hear about their after-dinner aperitif and desert choices. What a delightfully surprising find. And honestly, it’s all thanks to that first call and the amazing soul who answered the phone. Grateful. 🙏

Not Hawaiian cuisine. Typical fusion mixed with American, European, Asian and poke. Good atmosphere.

We were able to easily book a table for 4 on a Saturday night an hour before (6:30 reservation). The dining room is very spacious and open and their live “singer” performer in the lounge section had a soothing and smooth voice, 2 of the 3 appetizers were good. (Hamachi sashimi and the venison tartare) Service was friendly and quick with delivering dishes from the kitchen. (Maybe a little too quick because we hoped to be served our cocktail first so we waited) We also worried about whether our order was taken down correctly since 2 cold appetizers were delivered pronto whereas the other trailed far behind. The oxtail udon was a treat. Brownie bar is another one to repeat. The presentation of the food was nice and I enjoyed the Hawaiian fusion dish concept.

Excellent addition to the Waikiki area. Thoughtful and inspired cuisine with excellent service. Hard to find in the area. Wines reasonably priced. And they were so nice to our 14-month old!

This was our first visit, and we will definitely go back! We had previously visited the same dining room when it was TBD, and not much has changed in the decor, which is nice and a great location for couples or larger parties. The primary change was having live entertainment, which was very enjoyable. The service was very good. Our server, who was also the wine steward, made a number of menu suggestions, but even better, picked a really nice off the menu wine that amazingly complemented all of our dishes. Speaking of dishes, we had the Italian cheese and tomato dish as a starter, and it was fantastic! The cheese was sweet, the fresh tomatoes acidic, the mint leaves were fresh and tangy, and the wine pulled it all together. Next we ordered the Mushroom risotto, which was really several different kinds of mushrooms with a special local rice that was delicious. The mushrooms were complex in their tastes and textures, and once again the wine pulled it all together. We ordered the lamp lollipops to be our protein, and they did not disappoint, with a wonderful mint sauce on top. Finally, we had the chocolate dessert. It was rich and decadent, paired with Miso ice cream , something I've never had, but was rich like a vanilla but with a distinctive flavor that worked well with the chocolate, but was not overpowered by it.

My husband and I were staying at Kaimana Beach hotel next door and decided to pop over for drinks and snacks at the bar. We caught the end of happy hour and grabbed shishito peppers and ahi poke. Both came out quickly and were very fresh and tasty. It was quickly apparent that our bartender, Jeremy, was a pro. One benchmark for a quality bar for me is if they brew each espresso fresh for an espresso martini (Vs premade batched espresso/coffee which I see more often than not, sadly. I get that it saves time, but when you're paying almost $20 on average per drink, in a nicer establishment I'm happy to wait a couple extra minutes for the quality) and here they do. I appreciate someone who has pride in what they're making and serving, and Jeremy was friendly and adept at his craft. They also had a lovely singer in the dining room to add to the chill vibes. Not too loud, but not too sleepy either. Just right for a romantic evening. We had the baked Hawaii dessert which was lovely. I wish we had come with more of an appetite as I would have liked to try some of the larger plates as well. Before we left we met and chatted with who I believe was a manager (whose name I can't remember, oops!) who was really kind and sweet as well. I would definitely come back here on our next trip, and certainly recommend!

Loved all the food here - so fresh, delicious! Drinks were strong and good and they have a great happy hour. Hotel parking available is free valet only I believe.

What a great sleeper meal! My partner and I spent a night in Waikiki at the Lotus Hotel, which Arden is located inside of. After a full day of walking and avoiding super touristy places, we decided to use the complimentary wine card that the hotel provided us with at Arden. We figured we'd also eat there too, but wasn't expecting too much. Our minds were literally blown! It seemed like the restaurant was going through some growing pains as service kept apologizing for being "off", though we didn't really notice and felt like everyone was very accommodating and attentive. We probably also missed the most chaotic period as we sat down for dinner after 8pm, and the restaurant closed at 9pm. The interior had a very warm, romantic feel to it, and the food was all excellent! We ended our meal with the Baked Hawai'i, which was the perfect ending to our meal! We will definitely suggest this restaurant to others! :)

Located on the second floor of the Lotus boutique hotel near Kaimana's beach and Diamondhead is Arden Waikiki. New on the scene and worth the visit! Service was warm, attentive, and friendly. Ambiance boasts modern simple elegance. Views overlook Kapiolani Park and offer a nice breeze while still technically dining inside. Complimentary valet at the Lotus or metered parking along the park. We went for an early dinner pre-show at the nearby theatre. Cocktails are delicious and my favorite was the SMOKE & MIRRORS. Menu is share plates. We had the hamachi sashimi (loved), venison tartare with buttery pillowy toast (so good), roasted cabbage (simple, unique with fish roe, & overall tasty), and the special of the night, an oxtail udon (very good). Can't wait to go back and sample more of the menu. Arden has a daily happy hour 3-5 which I would like to try still too!

Came here for a date night. It is located on the second floor of the Lotus Hotel. They provide complimentary parking at the hotel if you're dining at the restaurant. We came on a Sunday night and the ambiance as soon as you enter is really great. Everything was really nice and stylish, 5/5 in my opinion. Their food was definitely unique and interesting. For starters we ordered the tomato and buratta salad and french fries. The tomato salad was very pricey, but it was worth trying something different, as the tomatoes were flavored with li-hing powder. While it was unique, the taste of aspartame from the li-hing made me dislike the flavor over time, as it overpowered the other flavors in the dish. The French fries were very tasty, and it was topped with furikake. They offer a spicy roe dip to go with the fries which I would've liked to try, but it cost an extra $13 dollars! For our entrees we shared the tenderloin special and mushroom rice. The mushroom rice tasted great and paired well with the tenderloin, which was very soft and tender. The steak was paired with a Wasabi sauce, and ume butter. Very interesting combinations of flavors. Overall the food wasn't mind blowing and I probably wouldn't re order any of the dishes we got. But it was fun trying the different dishes as they were all unique, and new twists on old dishes. They use really good sources for their food, which is unfortunately, reflected in the rather high price point. If anyone made it this far into the review. I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a romantic date night or a special occasion. As they offer very unique takes on their dishes.

After a social media food influencer highly recommended Arden Waikiki and a friend also recommended it, we decided to give it a try. Arden is located after Kaimana Beach & Hau Tree Lanai, in the old Bobby McGees location, where many other restaurants have come and gone. The interior has a spacious, modern and elegant design, with a combination of fresh air & air conditioning. While the food is good-ok, I was disappointed at the very small menu and limited choices. For appetizers "Light" there is only a poke, a sashimi, a venison Tatare and a prawn appetizer, aside from veggies. For entrees "Bold", there is only a lamb, a ribeye, an ahi and a butcher's cut, of which two are market price. I hope that the chef will expand the menu and offer more tasty choices, especially if they want repeat customers. If you dine out often, like veggies and can afford $100/person, you may want to give Arden a try. Other Yelpers have given them a high 4.6 average rating. If you enjoy a variety of seafoods, fish and meats, and you like tasty dishes, you may want to look elsewhere (Roy's, MW). I highly recommend that you look carefully at the menu and pictures of the dishes on Yelp, then make your decision. Overall: **** Recommended **** Food: **** Value: *** Menu: ** (only 4 entrees) Ambiance: ***** Service: **** Parking: *** valet, metered street RATINGS & RECOMMENDED ORDER: Lamb Lollipops = B ($12/piece) French Fries w Mentaiko Dip = B Hamachi Sashimi = C Mushroom rice = C Website: https://www.ardenwaikiki.com/ Yelp: https://yelp.to/wta8AaU9Rd YELP: Sorry! They allow only one 12 second video & the remaining to 3 seconds, with maximum of 10 pictures/videos. The full video can be found elsewhere. RATINGS KEY: A = Really Good - one of the best B = Good - would order again C = ok - similar, nothing special D = Not very good - wouldn't order F = Terrible - avoid

Amazing food. Great ambiance and attentive servers. We had the pleasure of being served by Siah, he was extremely friendly and well knowledged on every dish and drink. We came on the busiest night as such some dishes were sold out, however the enthusiasm and ability to accommodate made up for it. Highlights of my meal: Foie Gras Terrine, Mushroom Rice, and the Steamed Kona Kanpachi. The fish was unreal, soft, creamy, juicy, tender. The mushroom rice was very flavorful and light, fragrant and aromatic. The rice was crispy and chewy.My little brother also ordered the creamy butter pasta, a simple dish, elevated. Also recommend the Vietnamese espresso, quite literally the best espresso martini I've ever had.

I was staying in the same hotel where the restaurant was located. The ads from my hotel influenced my decision and I'm glad I did. Booked reservation online service was great. Restaurant was fine dining but smaller scale. Live music played as I ate my dinner. My poke appetizer was great. My steak (filet) was cut into medallions it was not as tender as I thought it would be. Dessert was delicious

This place is definitely more of a fusion place and not traditional except for their mushroom rice. TBD was here prior and the ambiance is similar so expect the same low key, lounge type vibe. The service was good, although when we went there wasn't anyone to greet us. Drinks were not the great, but it may just be our taste. It was almost like trying to add as many flavors as possible but it became unbalance. Cesar salad had ulu crouton, but it was more like toasted. Jalepeno sashimi was too spicy. Beef was cooked nice However, the star was the mushroom rice. That was so good that I'm adding a star to this review. It was so good that I ordered an extra one for takeout right before they closed the kitchen so I can eat it tomorrow. The baked alaska type dessert was good, tropical and ad nice flavors.

We walked in no reservation. We were a party of 5, so I guess for some reason they couldn't accommodate us due to reservations taking up all of the restaurant? We sat on a couch and ate, kinda like a lounge. I was okay with it because we had nowhere to be, but as the meal progress the reservation side of the restaurant remained empty. I just don't understand why they couldn't have given us a table or pulled tables together? The food was great and our server was fun and helpful.

Arden Waikiki is a fairly new restaurant in the Lotus Honolulu Hotel, located in the previous TBD Hawaii spot. Reservations are easy to schedule through their website or Open Table and the restaurant is currently open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm. The website's promise of "edible expression" truly came to life as we explored the light and side dishes from the family-style menu. Opting for a lighter dinner, we started with the Kauai Prawns in shio koji butter. The combination of chili garlic crunch and kalamansi provided a burst of flavors that were cooked to perfection. The French fries, served with a spicy mayo and the added smoked Mentaiko dip, were a delightful surprise. The spicy mayo lived up to its name, but the Mentaiko dip added a rich and savory dimension, creating a harmonious balance of heat and flavor. One of the standout dishes from the light menu was the Roasted Cabbage. The delightful combination of Ahi mayo, tonkatsu sauce, and smoked trout roe on a bed of roasted cabbage was a revelation. I'm not typically a big cabbage fan, but this dish won me over with the interplay of the creamy mayo, savory sauce, and the delightful pop of the trout roe. Moving on to the side dishes, the Mushroom Rice stole the spotlight. Served in a charming pan, the rice had a crispy edge reminiscent of bibimbap, enhancing the overall texture and appeal. The Roasted Hirabana Farms Carrots, bathed in a sesame sauce with Sweet Land Farm goat chevre, were a symphony of flavors that elevated the dining experience. To conclude the evening on a sweet note, we indulged in the Chocolatana Cake. The rich dark chocolate and banana cake, layered with chocolate mousse, paired exquisitely with the unexpected delight of white miso ice cream. Each bite was a decadent journey through layers of flavor, leaving a lasting impression. Valet parking at the hotel for $7 or in the metered parking along Kapiolani Park is convenient, and the beautiful view from our table added to the overall experience. Arden's location just outside Waikiki offers a quiet escape, making it the perfect destination for a memorable dining experience.

Great food. Great host.Stephanie, I believe. Amazing food, great wine pairing, great cocktails. Great experience. Worth the price.

My husband stumbled upon this fabulous restaurant. We ended up going back two weeks in a row! The people who serve, chef and bartenders are so personable and yet professional. The food is delicious and the flavors are unique and complimentary. The foie gras terrine is so unique. It looks like a stick of butter and soooo delicious. You will need extra bread which they generously provide. The roasted cabbage doesn't sound appealing but the different sauce and toppings makes the dish. Highly recommend the lamb lollipop too. Basically you can't go wrong with any of the dishes on the menu!!

Arden, the hidden gem of Waikiki. Located at the Lotus Hotel near the end of Kapiolani Boulevard. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the hotel. PARKING They do offer complimentary valet service if you're dining in the restaurant. I believe space is limited, but if it does get busy, there are stalls near Kapiolani park which are fairly cheap. RESTAURANT Arden Waikiki is super clean and well lit. Tables are nicely spaced out so you don't feel squished . Some tables have a nice view of Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park. They have a full bar and you can see the kitchen from the dining room. When we went for dinner, there was live music so that was a plus! FOOD I came to Arden, without any knowledge of what they served. Friends just told me that we needed to come here. We started with the Smoked Ahi, which came with seaweed and served with crispy chips. It's almost like a poke "nacho". Next we had the Roasted Cabbage! Who would've thought roasted veggies would taste so GOOD! The toppings on the cabbage were over the top and makes you want to order another!! Possibly my favorite dish. French fries with the mentaiko trout dip is a must try! You'll be wanting to ask the chefs if you can buy a tub of this dip! Our main dish was the 16oz Ribeye accompanied by Mushroom sauteed rice. Steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly and the onions were great as well. The sauce was a bit too out there for me but my wife loved it. Mushroom rice had a lot of taste and was enough for 2 people to share. To end dinner we had the carrot cake! Being Easter Sunday, this was the special of the day. It wasn't dense like some other carrot cakes I've tried. It so moist and airy! The pistachio ice cream was OMG so ono!!! I don't care too much for pistachio ice cream but to pair it with the carrot cake was excellent. Hopefully it will be a staple here at Arden. All in all, Arden isn't overly priced. I think for the price you pay, you'll get a lot more than some of the other restaurant in that area, especially in Waikiki. If you're looking for a nice chill atmosphere with a little bit of boujee and won't have to take out a 2nd mortgage to enjoy GREAT FOOD...come to Arden Waikiki!!! I'll be back to try the rest of the menu.

Made reservations for their Mother's Day brunch and would 1000/10 recommend! There was a great variety of food options and everything was so yummy! We ordered the Wagyu patty melt, classic breakfast, tuna melt and crispy French toast. I don't usually care for French toast but it wasn't at all eggy, had the perfect amount of sweetness, and the crispy outside was amazing. They mentioned that this was their first time trying out brunch. We had a very nice of view of Kapiolani park/diamond head and they had lovely live music. The service was great, everyone was so kind and welcoming. I hope they do it more often because they did it so well!

Celebrating Valentine's Day early, my mister surprised me with dinner at Arden Waikiki. I'd like to think I'm the foodie in the relationship, however my mister does surprise me at times with his excellent restaurant choices. Arden Waikiki is located in the Lotus hotel Waikiki. I'd like to think of this restaurant as a hidden gem amongst all of the great restaurants in Waikiki. Valet parking is free at the hotel. We were greeted by a very friendly host and quickly seated at our table. I enjoyed the relaxed vibes of the restaurant and the attentive servers. We ordered and truly enjoyed: Pepper crusted ahi Hamachi sashimi Kampachi special Mushroom rice Valentine's Day special drink - love potion old fashioned- this is a must if you're an old fashioned lover ! Of course we also had to try their original old fashioned! The food was utterly amazing ! I loved all of the flavors and really I couldn't pick which dish was my favorite as they all were very delicious! One of the many things that's amazing about this restaurant is that they support local farms and their dishes showcase locally sourced ingredients. We had a wonderful dining experience and we can't wait to dine here again! Happy Valentine's Day and thank you to my valentine for such an amazing meal!

To start with the good things - service was excellent, our sever was attentive and friendly and helpful. Valet is free if you're dining there. Desserts (there's only 2 options) are delicious and were the best part of the meal. The baked Hawaii was refreshing and delicious and the chocolate banana cake was moist and paired perfectly with the slightly salty miso ice cream. Things that could've been better - the place needs a full reno. Have been in and out of this establishment since it was the W in the aughts and hasn't changed much. The bathroom is dated and had a moldy smell to it. The elevator when we were leaving didn't open on the first floor and we briefly panicked until we pressed 2 and it went back up. We took the stairs down despite our parents' bum knees. The AC is always blasting whenever I've been in this building and is a bit uncomfortable. We didn't order any mains so maybe our food experience will be different from others. The two standout were the cabbage that tasted like okonomiyaki and the carrots with chèvre. Both were delicious and well composed. The hamachi was fine - what you'd expect from a hamachi crudo. The tomato burrata salad was frankly strange. The sweet li hing on the tomatoes gave it a sickly candy taste that did not pair well with the burrata. The zucchini was cooked well but the flavor combo with panko and basil I didn't enjoy. The mushroom rice was fine. Food prices are so high everywhere these days so I am going to be choosier about where we go. I'd say based on the veggie dishes and one fish dish we had, despite the awesome service and desserts, I don't know if I'll be back.

Had a reservation at Arden Waikiki for an anniversary dinner. We were able to find street parking which was available infront of the hotel. The restaurant had a nice romantic ambiance and the quality of the food was great and exceeded our expectations. We loved how we got the rest of our food once we finished our starters and how they cleared our old plates and gave us new ones. Overall it was a great dining experience but wished they were able to accommodate our anniversary that was mentioned in the special requests with some complimentary dessert which other places usually do.

My husband brought me here for our anniversary a couple weeks ago. He said he saw it on the news or something. We were running super late because of traffic and the host was very accommodating. It was a bit difficult to find but if you can plug in the Lotus hotel you'll pull right up to it. Service overall was great. They provided spot on recommendations and I really loved how they have an open kitchen concept. Now to the food....everything was delicious!!! We ordered a bunch to try and almost left the plates clean! The ahi was a real winner for dinner and I loved the mushroom rice with all that flavor packed in one bite. The best thing was the baked "aloha". If anything go for that!

Delicious food, beautiful presentation, and great service! Made for a lovely dining experience. Walking in I got a little worried bc the surrounding area is not that nice, but the restaurant is great. Too bad it's not in one of the hotels further up the beach, it deserves to be!

This place was very mediocre. Nothing was bad (except maybe the hamachi) but everything was super meh and forgettable. We started with the Kauai prawn toast. This was a 4/10, I didn't really like it. My boyfriend thought it was okay. Then we ordered the peppercorn crusted ahi and the hamachi as our entrees. The server said the ahi is her favorite thing on the menu. The ahi was MEH. My boyfriend makes better ahi with better sauce at home. We ordered the mushroom rice as well which was decent but nothing exceptional. The hamachi was just straight up bad, we barely ate it. It took 40 minutes for the entrees to be served which made us antsy. The server also emphasized these are sharing portions and are very large (spoiler alert: they aren't). They are regular sized entrees, which honestly we didn't mind since the food wasn't even good enough to finish. On a positive note, the interior/ambiance are quite lovely. The space is surprisingly big. We came at 5:20 and it was only about 1/3 crowded. There are views of Kapiolani Park and some cars ruining the view a bit though lol. Parking is valet or street parking. The service was really good too, waters were always refilled and dishes were explained as they were served. The food wait was long but can't blame the servers for that. All in all, we won't be back. For $160 for a dinner for two with no alcohol, it's definitely not worth it.

Service was great! Food was unique and had tastes that you normally would never get anywhere else!

The service was excellent, friendly and knowledgeable. The portions were okay, definitely the smaller upscale quantities, but the value was there with the quality of the food. The non-alcoholic menu was delicious and did not make me feel out of place without a cocktail.

My travel agent booked this reservation. The service was slow, the waiter appeared to be spun out. The other waitress was not friendly. The food was not great. We were so put off we just did apps and left. Our experience here was nothing like the reviews I read online.

Excellent restaurant tucked away in Kaimana beach area. We went for our 30th anniversary dinner and started with the hamachi jalapeño starter which was amazing. Melted in your mouth and fresh! We also had the eggplant rice and the Brussel sprouts which were both delicious. They had excellent live music and a great wine selection. The service was top rate. Mary Anne was our server, she explained the order of the food and really took time with us. She was also a SoCal native so we hit if off right away. This place is great is you want to get out of the madness of Waikiki and have a quiet and romantic dinner. We wrapped up our meal with the baked Hawaii dessert which was out of this world good.

Greeted with a quick response upon arriving and was seated right away. This was the first time back to this location which is now called Arden. Ordered a bunch of Light and Bold dishes as it is served more as a family style, tapas and fun to share! We got to try a layout of dishes Roasted Cabbage, Kauai prawns, special panko crusted oysters with their special sauce wrapped with a bed of lettuce (yummy), hamachi sashimi, li hing tomato salad, mushroom rice, lollipop lamb chops. Each dish had a twist of Japanese style with contemporary American. The combination of flavors was done very well and unique. Who would've thought Li Hing tomato would've been so delish! The ambiance was a lounge type of feel walking in and further in the back is the dining area. Very simple, contemporary and dress casual. Great spot and nice location. Hope they can do more marketing as this place has so much potential! Will be back again soon!

It was fabulous. I was a guest and was treated to a Pri Fixe menu Hamachi sashimi with Cucumber Ice Crab Cake with Shiso Tartare Sauce Grilled Kauai Prawns with Noodles Prime USDA Ribeye (with accompaniment) Baked Hawaii Gateau au Chocolate Noir Preston was our waiter. He came from Mavro's and is studying for his Master Sommelier certification and has Patrick Okubo as his mentor. I would ask for him to be my wait help There is valet parking The restaurant is located on the second floor of the Lotus Hotel

Swanky decor and ambiance with large open window and view of diamondhead. Our server was excellent and training to be a sommelier! We had the oxtail udon (among the best dishes), the foie gras appetizer (everyone's favorite, but might need extra bread), mushroom fried rice, lamb (more rare than I'm used to but delicious), kampachi (my favorite), cabbage, fries, and eggplant. Delicious non-alcoholic cocktails.

Food is amazing which makes the service bearable. Great space and location. Love the focus on using local farms and businesses.

Excellent food: fresh, unique, tasty. Service was awesome. Took my fiancé here after we got engaged and it was so special. We recommend to anyone who wants a complete culinary experience!

Husband and wife team, Makoto and Amanda have worked hard to conceptualize and execute Arden Waikiki, housed in the Lotus Hotel. Modern decor serves as an excellent setting for a tightly balanced tapas styled bistro experience drawing from their respective culinary strengths and experiences. Expect subtlety and nuance to their flavours and textures, rather than the shock and awe of loud gustatory gimmickry. Make no mistake, Arden's soft-opening fare is lively and expressive. It's the tension of restraint set to purposeful taste to highlight their quality of their materiel. While Arden is still in its soft opening, the initial offerings are well worth a look. I personally can't wait to see how Arden evolves and what their concept matures into.

This is my new favorite restaurant. Everything about it was amazing. The food was so detailed, pretty, and especially delicious. I was so impressed by the environment, aesthetics, etc. Our server was so kind and attentive. One thing is that I would avoid the unnecessary expensive sparking water.

We enjoyed a birthday dinner at Arden last evening. Everything was wonderful. We have dined there in the past and enjoyed but it all came together wonderfully last night. Our main server was Mona who did a wonderful job of explaining the menu items. Every dish exceeded my expectations. It truly was some of the best cuisine that I have enjoyed in all of Honolulu. If you have not yet tried Arden you should move it to the top of your list. Absolutely exceptional in every way. The Ahi was the best I have ever had, we also shared the filet mignonette, lamb popsicles, eggplant rice, Brussels sprouts, romaine salad and fries. I will definitely return as soon as possible. Fantastic restaurant in a fantastic neighborhood.

I love the ambience and view. The service is amazing and on point. The food is incredible. Definitely going back to try other things.

DJ is a jerk he has no business working at such a nice restaurant. I walked up to the bar and he was extremely rude. If we didn't have a group with us, I would've turned around and walked away. I won't be coming back.

Went with a group of 4, we ordered about 8 or 9 different dishes including dessert. Everything was AMAZING, each with its own unique flavor. Absolutely recommend this place, especially for groups of 4 or 5 so you can try many different things. Staff was super friendly too, great service!

We had the Hamachi, Shishitos and Carrots. We loved our three dishes so much. I felt like the portions were solid. Definitely did not skimp you. Great service. The host and our waiter were friendly, attentive and gave good recommendations. We sat in the "lounge" section and it was cozy and comfortable. It is dark and AC was high. We were staying at the Lotus, so it was just downstairs which was convenient but actually we enjoyed the food more than Hau Tree and Michels which are the other two restaurants directly in this area. I will return.

First time trying this place. Excellent service and food. Appreciate the minimal menu with all locally sourced options. Would highly recommend

Oh. My. God. Fabulous food. Fabulous drinks. Fabulous desserts. Fabulous service. How did I NOT know about this place!! Craft cocktails. Delicious food. And desserts that are so worth it! Three of us basically ran the menu. And every single thing was a revelation. Delicious. Yes, Chef!

The ambiance and service were great the food, mostly, was good, although to be honest, I was not expecting a Caesar salad with Macadamia yogurt dressing (something like that). Just not for me. I wish it had the traditional dressing, then it would have been a great salad. But as it was .. not the greatest. I would not have it again that's for sure. The Lamb Lollipops were good and juicy. The roasted eggplant was not bad with an abundance of toasted breadcrumbs ... a bit too much for me. The biggest failure was the MaiTai. Small glass FULL of ice and not a good mix at all. I've had way better. I'm not paying big $$ for ice! And appetizer, entree, drink (no dessert) plus tip was $100! One person! Highly over priced I'm afraid. Beautiful ambiance and great service BUT they need to make changes before I go again.

So..when reviewing hard working restauranteurs, I'm careful as it is so easy to slam a restaurant already struggling with rising food costs, staff shortages and the general business of running the show with all the behind scenes (ordering food, hiring and training staff, keeping everything clean on site etc) it takes to offer a service so many of us take for granted. Tried Arden Waikiki for the first time for dinner and hit the early seating for 5:30. Ordered the prawns, the mushroom rice and the cabbage dish. My friend and I were greeted and taken to our table. We shared all 3 dishes and the cabbage was my favourite. It was put together with so many wonderful ingredients that everything melded perfectly to give your taste buds a bit of a party. The prawns were a beautiful presentation but a bit smoky for my taste..but that is a personal thing so nothing to complain about the dish. The mushroom rice was just ok for me. Service was very attentive the first hour but they got busy and then it became evident they did not have enough support staff to handle the crowd. I give it 4 out of 5 as the ambience, food and staff was great but the service lacked at the end, simply because they were stretched too thin.

This was a great find! I hadn't really heard about Arden but my partner surprised me with dinner here with my birthday and it was an incredible surprise. The food is a great fusion with local twists that are surprising and delightful. We started with the li hing tomato salad which was a really fun and yummy way to mix up burrata. Then we had some roasted cabbage, which was cooked really well and in a very yummy miso and roe sauce. Then we had lamp lollipops, and the fish special as "bold" options. The lamb was cooked perfectly, so soft and a little pink in the middle, with a great cilantro sauce. I think the fish special was the only thing we felt a little disappointed in. The Brussels were really yummy. When I saw spam on the menu I was curious to see how it would work but they shaved it and fried it so it was a fun and very good way to have Brussels. We got both desserts (birthday! Why choose?) and they were so yummy. The chocolate cake had a banana cake layer with some chocolate ganache and cake and miso ice cream. It was SO GOOD. The flavors were so complimentary and balanced. The baked dessert was also amazing! I don't often choose non-chocolate desserts, but this was a light, tasty, perfectly textured, refreshing dessert. The drinks were great too! The bartender is so talented! I don't quite remember his name but he's from Puerto Rico which was perfect because my partner asked for a rum cocktail and he made this incredible chocolate rum old fashioned that even I, a fun and fruity girl, loved. Our server, Mona, was great too! So knowledgeable and always there when we needed something. The space is beautiful and feels very lux, and the overall vibe is one of quality. Will be recommending to my friends and family!

We tried Arden Waikiki last night and immensely enjoyed everything about it. Our waitress, Marianne gave us a nicely detailed introduction to the menu which was very helpful in selecting our plates beginning with a tasteful tomatoes and burrata cheese starter followed by lamb lollipops for hubby, ahi spice crusted charcoal grilled for me enhanced by brussel sprouts roasted and hirabara carrots. The delectable baked Hawaii was perfect to share and finish our scrumptious dinner. Mahalo to everyone who worked hard to create our memorable evening including the crafty bartender!

Arden was an absolutely amazing dining experience that I will recommend to anyone traveling to Oahu and Waikiki. The restaurant itself is very nice, but what I loved is the location. It's away from the crowds of Waikiki and had easy valet parking in the Lotus Hotel. The food was outstanding. The hamachi was perhaps the best I've ever had. The Ahi and prawns were also so fresh and tasty. Cocktail wise, the float like a butterfly was one of the best cocktails I've had in Hawaii. Super smooth with a great hint of spice from the chile. Service was impeccable. Our waitress MaryAnn was so helpful and made the experience so great.

As a restaurant critic in Los Angeles for many years, I'm always looking for exciting restaurants while on vacation. In Honolulu last week for a visit to Pearl Harbor, I read a great review of Arden restaurant on "Eater" and reserved a spot for dinner. What a culinary revelation! My husband and I enjoyed the restaurant's friendly service and lovely setting, looking out on a park with gloriously blossoming trees at the base of Diamond Head. Chef Makoto Ono's cuisine was amazing, off-the-wall, and delicious -- all made with local Hawaiian ingredients: tomatoes and fresh burrata cheese with a sweet/tart vinaigrette; Kauai "prawn toast," a pillowy, fabulous update on traditional (dim sum) Chinese shrimp toast,. The fresh grilled ahi tuna was sublime with local rice done in a creamy, risotto style with Hawaiian mushrooms, brown butter, and a touch of lemon and garlic. Oh, and for the first time, I loved Spam! Like bacon bits on crisp baked potatoes, the piquant cubes of this traditional Hawaiian favorite sprinkled on roasted Brussels sprouts cast a salty edge to the spicy/sweet sauce. We couldn't resist ordering dessert: Pastry chef Amanda Cheng's clever and luscious "Baked Hawaiian," meringue-crowned sweet. Bravo to all! Don't miss Arden Waikiki if you're in Honolulu. I predict Chef Makoto Ono soon will be a James Beard winner!!

Amazing new restaurant in Honolulu. The food quality was 10/10 and so delicious. Our waitress, MaryAnn, was so helpful, sweet and personable. She made great recommendations for what we should eat and how much we should order. Meal highlights for us were the Ahi and Hamachi. The carrots and mushroom rice were also great (pictured).

When I ordered the wine listed on the menu, we were charged $10 more than the listed price. Additionally, the tip was charged $10 more than the amount I wrote down. By the time the credit card bill arrived, I had already thrown away the receipt, so I couldn't do anything about it.