La Mer

We spent our 21st anniversary here. Super friendly staffs, amazing atmosphere, and artisan dish were all amazing. Each presentation was art in its own form. Soothing sound of waves breaking, beach view with the sunset, scent of fresh food, textures from ultra smooth to crispness, sweet, salty, tangy… all our senses were satisfied. Our seat wasn’t directly on the window due to late reservation, but staff member noticed open seat and changed our seat for dessert. Here is extra ⭐️ on top of five Google stars!

La Mer was a truly special experience. The service was impeccable and the ambiance was elegant yet relaxed. We had a beautiful view overlooking the ocean — you could even see the waves breaking at Three’s surf spot. There was a hula performance downstairs during dinner, which made the whole evening feel magical. We left feeling full, happy, and very well taken care of. An unforgettable night.

I had high expectations for La Mer given its reputation and the beautiful setting, but unfortunately, my experience fell far short—both in terms of food and service. The meal began with a rich and heavy amuse-bouche that felt more like a full appetizer than something to whet the appetite. The banana chip dish was visually creative, but the flavor was oddly off. Many of the courses that followed looked elegant but failed to harmonize in taste—the ingredients felt mismatched, and the combinations didn’t enhance each other. The lobster tasted quite ordinary, and the beef lacked the tenderness and depth of flavor you’d expect at this level. Dessert was one of the few highlights of the evening, but by then, the overall experience had already been underwhelming. The cheese course didn’t suit my palate, which is a matter of personal taste, but the rest of the dishes didn’t meet objective expectations for fine dining. Service was disappointing. A piece of ginger for a cocktail was accidentally dropped on the table, and instead of replacing it, the server placed it directly into my glass. Another garnish was given to the wrong guest and later retrieved and moved to the correct glass over ten minutes later. In a restaurant of this caliber, this kind of handling is simply unacceptable, both for hygiene and hospitality. To make things worse, the total bill for four people—with no wine pairing or additional alcohol beyond a few cocktails—came out to over $1,600. Given the average quality of the food and lapses in service, the experience did not justify the price. La Mer may offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant plating, but the execution fell short in nearly every other aspect. I truly wanted to enjoy it, but I left feeling disappointed.

This place was exquisite! From the location of our table overlooking the beach, to the amazing food and drinks to the outstanding service, it could not have been more perfect. We started with house craft cocktails then moved to the 4 course tasting menu. Menu items can also be ordered ala cart and the also have a larger 7 course tasting menu. The 4- course was perfect four us. There were several additional small bites that were compliments of the chef thar made the 4 course very special and substantial.

The ambiance, servers and host/staff were phenomenal. We had a sunset view right on the balcony, that was amazing. The staff was accommodating and didn't make us feel bad for not understanding how to order. That was all the best part. I did a 4 course for $295 (for 1), The food was mediocre at best, and with the cost of the few bites, I'd downgrade it to definitely not worth it. Nothing was amazing or special to justify $80 for 2 bites. I've had plenty of fish and lamb (in full) that were half the price and seasoned better. The fish was pale and soggy. I would never go back, but I do wish they had the restaurant and staff at a regular restaurant. May try orchid, seems like it's similar and connected but not the special amuse bouche style.

Exquisite fine dining French restaurant worthy of at least 2 Michelin stars. Inside the Halekulani hotel. Great sitting enjoying a Luau show below. Foie gras, truffles, fillet mignon, lobster, french dessert wine.

What a pleasant experience I had! My party had a reservation at 5:30 pm so it was a perfect time to watch the beautiful sunset. The ambiance was very upscale and romantic. Food was great and I’d definitely try the pre set course on my next visit. The service was above and beyond. Our server Alex was very attentive and he explained each dish in details which enhanced our dining experience so thank you again! Other team members took really good care of us :) Donato was so kind. I appreciate the great service and an unforgettable memory that La Mer provided. Kudos to the team members and the chef for the complimentary dish and the creative dishes that was beautifully presented! Purely a beautiful piece of art 😋 It was impressive!

One of the best fine dining establishments I have been to. Everything was great! Need prior reservations and it’s important to note the dress code

Simply amazing. I booked 1-2 months in advance for a celebratory dinner. Prime window seating is honored in order of request (you indicate it in your requests during booking, so I suppose the earlier you book, the better your view). Definitely come during sunset so you can enjoy the view! I read amazing things about both the food and the experience, so was actually rather excited to come dine here. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. The service is most definitely 5 stars. Staff anticipated our needs before we even need to ask, and throughout the evening, all staff members addressed us by name. They even offered to take photos throughout the night and walked us through the restaurant to find the best views. We ordered the suggested tasting menu ($295/person) and they were able to accommodate my dietary needs. My primary server went above and beyond to check with management to remove any supplemental fees associated with my adjustments. He felt like it wasn't fair I had to pay more to sub out dishes just because I don't eat meat. Everything we ordered was superb. Some standouts were the scallop-hamachi tartare and the grilled scallop (one of the best I've had- not only in taste, but also presentation). I also generally don't care for lobster, but was able to consume the entirety of the dish. My fiancé also quite enjoyed the grilled scallop, and also thought the filet of beef was cooked extremely well. Dinner lasted about 2-3 hours and we left completely stuffed. We had to box up some sweets and mignardises to go because we couldn't take another bite. They also provided us with a additional complimentary mousse cake to congratulate us on our recent engagement. At the end of the night, we were sent home with 2 boxes of chocolate pop rock mac nut bons bons to enjoy. Well worth the money! I would highly recommend this restaurant and can't wait to come back.

I came here for my birthday this year over the summer. This review is long overdue but I feel the after shocks of the meal still lingering. La Mer was always on my checklist and I finally did! If you have the means to splurge, do it. It does not fall short of expectations at all! I mean, it's a heinous amount of money to be spent on one single meal, but the entire experience from service, to plated course after course, to the beautiful views of Diamond Head/Waikiki and the oceanside, was divine. Opted for the menu dégustation with additional ala carte items from the menu soiree. I feel inadequate as a fine dining connoisseur to describe every dish but the pictures should do it all justice! There wasn't a dish I didn't enjoy (except for the duck liver - foie gras is just not my taste which is very subjective). They added complimentary amuse bouches, dessert tea cookies, birthday cake and chocolates (with pop rocks hidden in them!) in boxes to take home. The Michelin guide has not made its way to Hawaii but I definitely feel La Mer is up to those standards in fine French dining! I wish I could go back!!

La Mer is located at the Halekulani, and this is their prized AAA's Five Diamond awarded restaurant. Their dinner menu offers a Menu du soir, a Menu Dégustation and a Menu Les Assiettes Potagères; we went for the Menu Dégustation, which seemed like a nice coursed menu: +an amuse bouche - this was a basil gazpacho with some crab +Foie Gras de Canard, Brunoise de Fraises Marinées au Vinaigre, Gelee de Fraise, Oignons Acidulés - a duck foie gras, strawberry-raspberry saison, pickled onions, and strawberry jam +Saint-Jacques Rôti, Grains de Caviar, Mousseline de Carotte au Pamplemousse - roasted scallop with caviar, carrot grapefruit puree, and sauce newburg +Homard Poché, Tourbillon de Tomate au Chorizo, Gnoc à l'Encre de Seiche - poached lobster with swirl of tomato chorizo, squid ink gnocchi, and chorizo cream sauce +and, Filet de Bœuf, Sauce Périgueux Façon Rossini, Mousseline Truffée, et Pommes Soufflées - filet of beef, foie gras, truffle mashed potatoes, and truffle sauce +Chariot de Fromage - a cheese cart of selection +Le Canelé à la Mousse de Caramel, Compote de Pommes - caramel mousse, and an apple compote, canelé style +Mousse Glacé au Miel et Crème Fraîche, Compotée d'Agrumes de Saison - a honey creme fraiche semifreddo with seasonal citrus confit +Soufflé Vanille, Sauce Caramel aux Épices, Crème Anglaise au Grand Marnier, Sauce au Chocolat Lait, Chocolat Blanc Croquant - a vanilla souffle with spiced caramel, Grand Marnie anglaise sauce, milk chocolate sauce, and a white chocolate crisp Overall, the set was a hit-or miss, but beautifully presented; each guest walked away with a gift bag of housemade covered nuts and chocolates. Service was wonderful and attentive, and the setting was beautiful, as it is set right by the ocean with a view. +friendly service +located at the Halekulani

I absolutely love La Mer. It's not just my favorite spot in Honolulu, but one of the best restaurants I've ever been to and I wish I lived closer. It's mind blowing that they don't have two Michelin stars, but that's only because Michelin doesn't rate restaurants in Hawaii--it makes no sense to me. My husband and I come here whenever we are in Hawaii. We always do the tasting menu with the wine pairing because it's just absolutely fantastic. We both love everything they bring to the table, the attention to detail is amazing, and the flavors are explosive yet perfectly balanced. I also love the wine pairings. They pair nicely with the dishes and some of them truly elevate the dishes. I also love that the sommelier will chat with us about the wines and the regions. It's fun to nerd out on that level. Food aside, the experience is wonderful. You are greeted when you arrive and we've never had to wait to be seated. There are stunning views with a lovely tropical breeze drifting through the restaurants. If you can time it, try to be there during sunset because it's absolutely gorgeous. The ambiance is elegant and the service is top notch, but I love that it doesn't feel pretentious. The last time we were in Hawaii, my husband was out at dinner with friends, so I decided to bring my girl friend here. We had a great evening at the bar trying their amazing cocktails that come with a fun appetizer pairing. They were all super creative and delicious. We ended coming back a couple nights later with my husband and he really enjoyed it too. Whether you're celebrating something special or in the mood for a few elevated cocktails, La Mer is hands down the best restaurant on the island. The food, service, drinks and views are incredible. I look forward to coming back the next time we fly in and highly recommend carving out time to enjoy this experience if you're on Oahu. Ke aloha!

The spouse always wanted to dine at La Mer, Halekulani's French restaurant. While they don't have any Michelin Guide recognition, they are constantly crowned with AAA's Five Diamond Award. 2024 was the perfect time to celebrate our birthdays and anniversaries with 20 of our close family and friends. ATMOSPHERE: Located oceanfront above Orchids restaurant, we had use of their 22-seat private dining room "Salon du Vin" at the front of the establishment. It's air conditioned but open air at the same time, so it was a little toasty. MENU DÉGUSTATION: It's amuse bouche (chef-selected small portions). FOOD: We started off with a chef's complement basil pesto gazpacho with crab which was refreshing & divine. I passed on the duck foie gras with strawberry jam & pickled onions due to health reasons. A perfectly roasted scallop topped with caviar in a newburg sauce was amazing. Poached lobster tail & claw with chorizo squares, squid ink gnocchi & cream sauce was outstanding. Filet of beef with truffle sauce, mashed potatoes and potato "puffs" were excellent. Trio of cheeses were good but one cheese in particular was unpalatable to me and others due to its intense bitterness and earthiness. DESSERT: Canelé over a caramel mousse was fine. The last course was a beautifully plated and magnificent semifreddo, or frozen mousse, in a honey cream flavor. We each received sensational bags of homemade chocolate & Pop Rocks-covered macadamia nuts, compliments of La Mer. SERVICE: Unparalleled, first class professionalism. OVERALL: Exceptional cuisine, presentation and service.

This is a classic jazz bar located below the French restaurant. There was an excellent jazz band playing music and the cocktails were excellent. The ambience was refined and relaxed. The prices are on the higher side but excellent quality and a special place.

We came to celebrate a friend's birthday and it was my first visit to La Mer, and it certainly was a treat to dine here! There were a variety of traditional French dishes to choose from and you also have the option to Ala carte. However the best is to order the menu so that you can enjoy a variety of dishes designed by the chef. The service was absolutely superb. Our waiter Nick was attentive and also Stephen who helped making our evening wonderful! We got seated the ocean view and enjoyed the sunset till we finished dining last 9. The parking is fully validated by Halekulani Hotel. Easily pull upfront for valet. Validation is good for four hours.

The world food tour duo celebrated the birthday of the better half of the duo at La Mer, in the Halekulani Hotel. We were seated at a table by the railing, so we had killer views of Diamond Head and the ocean. The wine menu is vast and very comprehensive; it took me a while to select a wine ... 2017 Corton Bressandes from Domaine Follin-Arbelet. This wine was a "steal" as it sells for almost $300 in a wine store. It had finesse in spades and was full-bodied, yet lightish in tone ... one of the best wines we've tried in 2024. We opted for the Menu du Soir, the four-course tasting menu for $255. It began with an amuse bouche of a green panna cotta made with two vegetables (neither of which I can recall). I thought it tasted like a matcha custard ... An interesting start to the evening. The first course was a Kampachi Tartare, pieces of fish hidden by a Tuile Croustillante, decorated with with uni (sea urchin roe), sitting in a coconut milk / basil oil sauce that was poured by wait staff. This was a visual and taste sensation. The next course was lightly grilled, smoked monchong served with a mint-green puree, pieces of asparagus and sugar snap peas. I love monchong (AKA sickle pomfret) and the vegetables were perfect. The main course was roast duck breast with a Cassis red sauce. There were squares of glazed turnip with spinach inside and dollops of black garlic. The duck was flavorful and tender, perfectly cooked. It's so easy to undercook or overcook duck ... Either will make the skin and the underlying fat layer almost inedible. We opted for two desserts ... The La Cabosse de Chocolat (a cacao pod, Guanaja mousse, Kona Coffee caramel and Kalua jelly) and the Vanilla Souffle from the Degustation menu. My dessert was fine ... three delectable concoctions to savor. The Vanilla Souffle came with three different sauces: Spiced Caramel, Grand Marnier Anglaise and Milk Chocolate sauce. I sampled the souffle; it was sublime. Mignardises followed but we were too full, so it went into the take home bag. The finale was a very light birthday cake ... A perfect end to a perfect evening. La Mer is expensive, a special occasion venue ... It was our first five-star evening of 2024. The food, atmosphere and service are second to none. Highly recommended!

Glorious food in the ideal Hawaii setting! Truly the location could not be more beautiful. I love how they keep all the doors open to the fresh island breeze. The view out over Waikiki, the ocean and Diamond Head is spectacular. We were lucky enough to come early in the evening when there was live Hawaiian music playing downstairs on the terrace, and we were able to enjoy it throughout our meal, but it was not so loud as to be overwhelming. In fact, the whole restaurant was very quiet, making it easy to talk to the older generation who is a bit hard of hearing. We really had a fantastic meal - the kampachi Krudo starter had a delightful combination of flavors, my husband loved the duck, and my mom and I feasted on the cheese cart! The only hiccup was that the service was a bit slow, but it was a wonderful epic celebration and we are so grateful to have come to.

This was a private party where we had the 8 course tasting menu. Warning: this place is $$$$$$$. The service was terrific, white glove treatment all the way. The 9 of us sat in a private room with ocean view and were treated like royalty. Perfection. I'm posting a photo of the menu for easy reference. A couple of things I want to pick on though. The lobster was quite chewy and the filet a bit tough. However, the wine reduction for the filet was out of this world. A once in a life time experience. Recommend. There's valet parking at the Halekulani hotel. Dress code for men, in particular, is nice slacks, an aloha shirt is fine, closed toed shoes. No sandals, shorts, jeans, polos. But no need for jacket, tie. Dress nicely in an elegant Hawaiian style.

We ubered here, so unsure if there's parking around the area. The restaurant is located inside the hotel. We had made reservations and it is a fancy restaurant, so no jeans or shorts allowed. I wore a long skirt and a nice top. Everyone was really friendly and made the experience great. We did a 7 course meal and even though they're small bites, it was FILLING! I was really full by the 3rd course, but the plates kept on coming. From appetizers to dessert, everything was amazing. I enjoyed the environment, experience, and food. The restaurant is a bit dark, but they do have real candles on the table to create the ambiance. Restrooms are outside, but they will guide you there. Loved everything about this place and worth trying at least once. Recommendation(s): - 7 course meal (chef's choice) Service: 5+/5 Tip(s): - Restrooms outside (they will guide you there) - Attire is no shorts or jeans - Located on the 2nd floor of the hotel

Came to La Mer with my wife for our 5th anniversary dinner and couldn't have been more blown away by the incredible experience! From the start, you are greeted by all of the staff that will be serving you. All genuinely seemed like they love working there! The views of Diamond Head and Waikiki that meet you when you are seated at your table are second to none! I've lived in Honolulu for two and a half years now and have yet to find a more stunning view at a beachside fine dining establishment. The complimentary bread to begin the meal came in a luxurious variety of brioche, baguette and other French styles. Dining options include course meals or a la carte. If you're feeling extra hungry, go for the course meal. We opted for the a la carte because we weren't sure whether we'd be able to finish. Some of the items we ordered include the Foie Gras de Canard, Saint-Jacques Roti, Filet de Bœuf, Filet de Canard Roti, La Cabosse de Chocolat, and Soufflé Vanille. The French red wine we ordered paired very well with the entree dishes! Finally, the staff was so thoughtful to provide us with an anniversary dessert and small in-house confectionary candies to take home! During our entire dinner, the staff was literally at our beck and call, making sure we had everything we needed and were having the best time possible. While it goes without saying that dining at La Mer will definitely break the bank, it is very much worth it for special occasion dinners! One of the top places I recommend on island!

You absolutely can't go wrong here. This French restaurant is beyond words and I am not sure I can describe its wonderful food, staff, ambience, view and presentation! My husband and I were both blown away. All the dishes we ordered were absolutely perfect and each one had a unique presentation. Our servers were attentive and we were spoiled to no end. My photos really don't do this high end eatery justice. You will have to go there yourself and decide for yourself but this is my favorite Restaurant in all of Hawai'i. I think the vanilla soufflé was on the top of my list but the other parts of the meal were just as delicious. I didn't want our meal to-end. This meal and the setting was a wonderful way to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. I hope you all enjoy and have a good experience at this wonderful restaurant. Mahalo Mahalo for reading my review. Enjoy each moment you are there.

This restaurant is all about 5 star service but unfortunately I can't say same about the food. Food is good but not what I expected for French cuisine. The scallop and vanilla soufflé was notable and good wine selection from boutique wineries. There is also an extensive caviar menu. If you want an intimate quality service experience, this might be the place.

This restaurant was incredible! From the delicious food, beautiful plating, and staff and service on point, made our night truly amazing. We were able to book a late reservation the week we got into the island. Only recommendation is to book way earlier in advanced to get a reservation to take sunset pics, oh and brighter pics of your food! We only got the darkness. But its okay it didn't hinder us, everything else was wonderful and perfect way to spend our Anniversary. We ordered the "Menu du Soir" and this was really the perfect amount of food for us. Amuse Bouche: Fine Slices of Kampachi Beurre Blanc with Caviar Kamapchi Tartare Tarlette Clarified Fish Soup Geelee Bread Basket with butters Entrees: Chilean Sea Bass Lamb Filet Ballotine, Spinach-Garlic Chickpea Ragout Eggplant Caviar Desserts: Waialua Dark Chocolates Red Currant Sorbet Vanilla Souffle, Spiced Caramel, Grand Marnier Anglaise Sauce, Milk Chocolate Sauce, White Chocolate Crisp Happy Anniversary Mousse And....Chocolate Truffles to go in our goodie bag! Yay! We left with full, and happy bellies. Again wonderful and amazing night! Totally recommended!

Excellent food and excellent service. This is the first time I paid $$$$ for a meal with just 2 people and I thought it was worth it. We had the menu degustation for 2, plus a bottle of wine, the add-on for dessert (soufflé), and the basic wine pairing for the meal. We left very happy and full! This place has been around for a long time - it's one of those upscale local places that has been around forever. We were waited on by a team of waiters and attendants and they were all superb. 20%+ tip on top of $$$$ - yeah, the service was that good to me and I will support great service. Helps to keep great staff on board. The only real caveat I have for those looking to experience La Mer is that there is no a/c. There were trade winds so it was comfortable for us. For that to happen, the windows/floor-to-ceiling panels are left wide open for ventilation, which allows nearby weddings and other events to create a noisy atmosphere (during our time, there was a wedding on a nearby balcony that had their pre-reception cocktail hour outdoors and there was a separate outdoor event with live music down below). If you are looking for a quiet, romantic evening, particularly on a weekend or holiday in the late afternoon/early evening, this might not be your place. But will we be back? Absolutely yes. The atmosphere is very Hawaii like with an elegant touch. Thank you, La Mer, for a wonderful meal and we look forward to dining with you again in the future.

Last Week, I had the pleasure of dining at La Mer in Honolulu, and I must say, it was one of the finest French dining experiences I've had--across many countries. The food was impeccable, bursting with exquisite flavors that easily set a new standard for French cuisine in my book. The ambiance was equally remarkable, with a luxurious setting that truly elevated the entire experience. What made the evening even more unforgettable was that it was the night I proposed to my girlfriend. From the moment I made the reservation, Stephen from La Mer went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect. He communicated with me meticulously, offering thoughtful suggestions, and even came up with a proposal plan that was nothing short of magical. Thanks to Stephen and the exceptional team at La Mer, my fiancée and I had a night we will never forget. Their attention to detail, warm service, and genuine care created an extraordinary moment that we will cherish forever. I can't thank the staff enough for their dedication to making everything flawless. We will certainly return to La Mer for future anniversaries and any other special occasions. I highly recommend La Mer to anyone looking for an unparalleled dining experience, whether it's a milestone celebration or simply an evening to remember.

Fine dining at the Halekulani hotel in Waikiki (Oahu). We enjoyed a semi-private ( two table ) private room with an ocean view. Servers were friendly and attentive. Service was highly efficient and appropriate. Every dish was a masterpiece. The presentation of the food was so beautiful. This evening was truly a culinary delight. We were given macadamia nuts coated in toffee and chocolate as a nice surprise to take home and enjoy too!

It was my 15th wedding anniversary and my husband took me to the finest dining possible on Oahu, La Mer. I always dreamed of eating here and now that our finances are decent, my husband seems to be into making my dreams come true!!! Anyway, service was wonderful. People came out of the woodworks to wish us a happy anniversary! I don't even know who they were except that they worked there. One thing I wish was to have been able to see the kitchen or meet Chef Trancher! The food was all delightful and perfectly presented. It was a work night and I settled for a cocktail instead of the wine pairing which I think I regret. I feel like the wine pairing would've paced the dinner a bit better. In the end, I'll be back for our next milestone!

We celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary at La Mer. As usual, the service, the food, the view, and the ambiance are, as always, superb. Stephen, Jason, and the entire staff always seem to go out of their way to make dining at La Mer an experience to remember. I especially recommend the Saint-Jacques, filet mignon with foie gras poêlé, and the dessert soufflé.

upscale and French, La mer checked the boxes. The ambiance is high end without being bourgeois. Food was remarkably well prepared and presented. Flavorful. I can't say I loved everything, overall a great experience. The service was proper, attentive with being overly involved in mundane conversation, or overly talkative explanations

Have something special to celebrate? This is your place! Let me break it down for you: Parking: This hotel has the BEST valet parking stuff. So very nice and professional! Easy to get to. Not in the heard of Waikiki so you are not stressed about finding the hotel and parking. Dress code: I like to get dressed up for dinner. I am in a long dress and boyfriend is in a suit. WAY TO HOT for this place. It is pretty much open air so come dressed cooly but COME DRESSED NICE. Staff: All of the staff were top notch. No complaints Purses: Girls, you are going to love this! They give you the cute little purse stool for your purse to sit on. So fancy. lol Food: Again, no complaints. Top notch. The flow of the dishes coming out were just right. Not too quickly but not too slow where you felt you were waiting. We went with the pre fix dinner option. Drinks: We had one regular lemon drop martini-yummy and we had one mock-tail- a watermelon drink. That one just tasted like watermelon juice. Not worth the $20 price tag. Bill: This is a spendy place. The set menu with just the two drinks came to almost $700.00. Would we go again? I would have to say no. I say no simply because the food is not to my personal liking. I am not a fan of foie gras and two of our dishes had it in it. That IS a very french thing so I totally understand them serving it, it IS a French restaurant after all. lol.

Absolutely stellar dining experience. Every dish was unique and delicious, unlike anything I've tasted before. Each dish is creative, beautiful, and crafted with fresh and uncommon ingredients. The service was above and beyond, they treat you like royalty here. The view was spectacular and the breeze from the ocean was perfect. This is the date night spot to splurge on!

Impeccable! Everything you ever imagined! Extravagant!! Amazingly delicious with ABOVE top-notch service. Highly recommend.

Another perfect dinner hosted but my friend. She's never been there and always wanted to try their fine fare. This was my annual go to dinner restaurant with my mother all the years she came to visit me on her annual visit for the Christmas holidays! No vacation would be complete without a dinner at La Mer with Mom! Since then I've been back with the Chaine des Rotisseur and a few times with various guests .., never been disappointed!

This is a very SPECIAL venue at The Halekulani Hotel in Honolulu. Five star French restaurant all the way. The restaurant itself has the greatest views of Diamond Head, the ocean and feels like you are perched in a tree. Food is super French - big flavor, sufficient portions and unique flavors. Service is white glove all the way. The bar is super retro with every alcoholic potion you could imagine served with special appetizer delights. Bartender's Henry and Brian are invaluable. While not inexpensive, an experience to be remembered.

If you are looking for an AMAZING seven course meal, intricately prepared and served over the course of three hours, this is the place. Anniversary? Birthday? Engagement? This is the FINEST location and the BEST dinner my wife and I have had on island (we reside on Oahu). The menu is below, but what you don't see are the fine touches of service, service and service! Stephen, Lawrence, Kent and Tyler were amazing hosts. Each individual dish was perfectly prepared and presented in a beautiful manner. We paired our courses with wine, and that heightened the experience even more! I can't even begin to pic a favorite as each course is individual in and of itself. Plan on reserving a table through the hotel well ahead of time and consider an earlier dining time so that you can watch the most beautiful sunset on Waikiki. Mahalo

My Bf and decided to dine at the restaurant when we were traveling to Oahu. To start off, reservation was pretty easy to make. You can either make it through open table or directly by calling the restaurant. This restaurant is located inside of Halekulani Resort and there's a dress code for men and women. Men must wear pants, collared t shirts and shoes. The restaurant was generous enough to offer my boyfriend pants, since he was wearing shorts. Lol. Alright so they do have a seven course tasting menu, but we opted for the a la cart menu to gives us a little bit of more flexibility on food selections. For the appetizers, we got the Amuse Bouchez It's a French style lobster bisque, super creamy and delicious. For the Maine entrees, I got the poached lobsters served with their special seafood sauce. The lobster tasted so fresh and it's doesn't contain the seafood after taste. It was very well prepared ! My bf got the black truffle fillet mignon. This tasted amazing also. The dish is very dense in flavor and calories as well. However my favorite of the night was the Vanilla soufflé. This is probably one of the best Soufflé I have ever had. The bread comes in a cooking bowl still warmed like it was freshly baked and there are three choices of cream you can pair with this dessert: it was vanilla, cinnamon or chocolate . Overall the experience was immaculate and service was Exceptional. You also get a beautiful view facing the ocean from the second floor. We will most likely dine here again :)

Fabulous overall experience. I was seated right in front of the sunset - accompanied by excellent service and very tasty food. I opted for the 7 course tasting menu and was so glad I did - every dish had its own spark and my pallet loved it. The dish that stood out the most to me was the Filet of beef with foie gras - I've always enjoyed foie gras, but this was NEXT level. A very special, tasty, unforgettable experience with a view to die for- a must try at least once!

Being one of two of the state of Hawaii's only Forbes Five Star restaurants, I had to make a special trip to try this restaurant. La Mer has an excellent reputation among the islands as an experience worth dressing up for and that's saying a lot for the casual place that Hawai is. It's located in the Halekulani Hotel and is on the second floor with the best view of ocean. I was staying in the hotel so they made a same day reservation for me. I didn't opt in for a cocktail or the supplement wine pairing because I had a lot of food to get through. The service was seamless and adapted to my pace. I love the use of Hawaiian ingredients with French recipes. The dishes were tastefully plated and I found everything to be delicious. This is the place to go to for major celebrations or a romantic night out or when you just want to indulge in solid fine dining/old world luxury service.

A tradition we have is to have Christmas Eve dinner at a fine dining establishment. This year with our son and his wife we ate at La Mer. Haven't been here in many a moon, 27 years for dad, about 30 for our son and myself and a first time for our daughter in law. We arrived a little early and took the opportunity to take a few pictures, the hostess seeing us was nice enough to volunteer to take a few of them. Diners are greeted by the manager on duty, Steven. And there was a team of waiters which in our case was led by Mark. They were all very professional but not in a stuffy, formal way. Drinks for women often come with a rose. Dinner starts with an amuse de bouche. We had various things for dinner, one chose the menu of the day, another fish and lamb, fish and lobster and I had the lobster and fillet. All well prepared and presented. The large plates was like a canvas for food instead of a painting. And we all shared a soufflé that came with three different sauces. And even though we ended the meal with small sweets, we each given a small box if more sweets to take home.

My wife and I went to La Mer for our anniversary. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Food was quite good although not as good as other fine dining establishments. But the service was excellent and better better than some of their peers. Also, the ocean and beach views cannot be beat. If you're looking for fine dining with graceful service and artful cuisine, I strongly recommend La Mer.

My experience was excellent! But I'm curious what is the name of macadamia nuts gifted after dinner? So delicious and unique. I want to buy more but it's a mystery for me where to find it. Thank you

What an incredible dining experience! Beautiful restaurant with a beach view & incredible service. My first time experiencing a fancy set course meal so I was expecting to leave a little hungry but I was so wrong. Everything that they serve you is timed in a way that you really get to enjoy your food and savor each bite. By the time I got to the steak I was already getting full. Really enjoyed the roasted scallop with cuttlefish and lobster consommé. The broth had a such a clean and smooth flavor that is just unforgettable. I don't have a picture or the soufflé but it was delicious! So soft and with the most amazing chocolate sauces to pair it with. Definitely an experience to try at least once!

Heard this was the best restaurant in Oahu so I had to check it out for myself. I was able to get a reservation a month and a half in advance. When my party arrived to the restaurant, we were promptly seated and greeted by each waitstaff. I love how there are no windows and you can thoroughly enjoy the view. Absolutely breathtaking watching the sunset while having dinner here. As a table we decided to do the course menu (which everyone must partake) and they were able to accommodate my friend who was a pescatarian. Drinks were fantastic (may even be on my top 3 places around the world) and everything tasted refreshing and strong. Everything was delicious (5/5), but what stood out the most for me was the lobster. It is extremely hard to not under cook nor over cook lobster but this place somehow hit it right on. The scallops were also phenomenal and there was not even a grain of sand in any of my bites. Another hard ingredient to perfect yet well executed here. I would recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to your reservation since it is pretty easy to get lost trying to find this restaurant in the hotel. Overall was an amazing experience and I would definitely dine here again.

I had the good fortune to eat at this restaurant on my 1st night arriving on the island. Impeccable service and attention to detail from the beginning to end. This is one of those establishments that oozes old world elegance and charm. Factor in the tropical breeze coming in from the Pacific. Duck has always been my favorite dish at French restaurants, and I order it at every one I go to. Their duck breast in terms of taste and especially texture was flawless. I was floored. I had stumbled on to one of the best French restaurants, not in Los Angeles, not in Vegas, but rather on an island! The souffle came with three different sauces and the crunchy chocolate mini balls to add. The chocolate bar that I do not know the name of was decadent and delicious. Gold flakes were the literal icing on the cake. They also give complementary white boxes of their creative desserts to take home. Ours had a lilac hard candy shell with the inside of chocolate and a whole macadamia nut spiced up with pop rocks as a surprise. Their little gestures here and there make the entire experience worth it and special. I get why La Mer is so well-known. The taste in each of the dishes is perfect in its balance and flavor. No overly salted or stuffed feelings afterwards. Testament to how seriously good this place is? I ate here a 2nd time within the same week. Added story: I was in the bathroom when a drunken lady came charging in with the manager in tow insisting that she had lost her diamond ring in the bathroom. Even after they left, the cleaning lady kept looking for it. Then she came running out to tell them that she had found it. Happy ending!

Very wonderful evening, the ambience was stellar, service out of this world. Lovely experience.

The best fine dining experience we had on the island. Expensive but worth it for a special occasion. The staff were expertly trained, the food was exquisitely presented and exceptionally tasty. I wish I lived in Hawaii so I could come more often ha ha. It would've been nice to be able to mix and match on the tasting menus, so that two people can share different items because we both got very full by the bar, but we cannot complain when everything was so delicious

La Mer is definite world class French Restaurant in the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, Honolulu Hawaii. The entry to the restaurant is just overwhelming and very beautiful. Its ambience of the hotel is very traditional but it definitely has this one mystic or charm about it that distinguish this hotel from any other hotel in Waikiki or Hawaii in general. The feeling is just pure luxurious yet elegance that follows after. We were seated in the outer section of the restaurant that was Oceanview but also had great view of the Diamond Head Mountain. The start was absolutely flawless with our waiter and he has been working at the restaurant for over 5 years. I cannot remember his name since I did wine pairing to enjoy the night. The start of the meal was just exciting as the appetizer going into the main dish was nothing but a surprised but full of umami experience. I would say I enjoyed every single dish of the night and what I particularly appreciated was the execution of each dish. The temperature, texture the presentation from the first to last bite. It was nothing but a pure perfection including the wine pairing. I felt as if I was transported to Michelin Star French dinner with authentic vibes and pure excellence. I would definitely say La Mer is the best or one of the best restaurants I have dined in Hawaii or even to some world class degree. I enjoyed ever moment here dining and I would definitely love to visit again on some special occasions.

Very impressed with La Mer - from the food to the service, truly an elegant and delicious experience you'll remember. Definitely dress to impress...but honestly as long as you are not in a t-shirt, shorts, or sneakers you are probably ok. Men don't really need the blazer/jacket...lots of "aloha shirts" as the website calls them. Menu can generally be what you make it - since they do provide la carte options and prices, but most guests do one of the two pre-set options - Menu Degustation ($245) or Menu du Soir ($180). I'd encourage you to do your research on both and weigh which tastes/items work for the table - as they kindly ask the entire table order the same menu to ensure a natural/seamless progression throughout. The three of us did the Menu du Soir, lots of Foie Gras on the Degustation and to be honest we were full after the du Soir. We almost added the filet from the Degustation but in the end we're glad we did not. We did customize a little bit, and each chose one of each of the three dessert options and shared those at the table. For cocktails, they had 5-8 options - each cost $20. Overheard others ordering wine that were very pleased with the wine menu - glass, half bottle, and full bottle options...we admittedly didn't look at this since the strawberry lilikoi martini drink (forget the name) was so good! Yes, it's expensive, but the price point makes sense with the quality and presentation of the food, and the impeccable service. I'm talking pull your chair out, waiters in jackets/ties, bread platter with softened French butter, fresh napkins each time you get up for the restroom, a walk to the restroom, roses in the ladies' drinks, etc. Would absolutely come back, and recommend this place to anyone and everyone. Walk around the hotel/grounds if you have time also. They do also validate parking (via Valet) at La Mer.

Oh Wow Wow Wow. Total dining experience. Love it. 7 small courses plus wine pairing. Not to mention the beautiful view and the fabulous service. We felt very special. Don't often feel that way. Most restaurants just want to hurry you out. In fact recently have gone to two restaurants that had a 90 minute limit. Not Le Mere. They never rushed it.

Everything about La Mer was exceptional. It was one of our favorite restaurants in Waikiki. From the decor, views, service, to the tiny taste bud party...and the cocktails. This is a must go if you are on Oahu!

Seven course dinner. Every course was beautifully presented and delicious . Service was exceptional with the servers explaining in detail how the food is prepared. A very warm and welcoming restaurant. I can recommend this restaurant for a special occasion.

As there are no Michelin star restaurants in Hawaii, came across this restaurant reading about highly rated upscale dining experiences. Booked a reservation using Opentable to celebrate special occasion. La Mer is located within the beautiful Halekulani hotel on second floor. Upon checking in, we were escorted to an oceanside window table. The view was just perfect as the sun was going down and the calm ocean waves! Food: Menu Dégustation 7-course tasting menu: Duck liver, roasted scallop, poached lobster, filet of beef with foie gras, cheese cart. Poached lobster was a bit overcooked. Filet of beef with foie gras was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. Cheese cart had some really tasty cheeses where you could select 3-4 to share. Overall the meal was decent, presentation was great, but a bit overpriced when compared to other tasting menus I have dined previously. Drinks: Poire Victoire and Ultimate Blossom were highly recommended cocktails and were perfectly balanced between not too sweet and not strong alcohol taste. Desserts: Caramel mousse Honey Crème Fraîche Semifreddo, Seasonal Citrus Confit: very interesting and unique dessert with delicate semifreddo Vanilla Soufflé, Spiced Caramel, Grand Marnier Anglaise Sauce, Milk Chocolate Sauce, White Chocolate Crisp: this was excellent and amazing, best souffle we ever had! Service: Wait staff was friendly, attentive, and responsive to our requests. They were very respectful and checked in with us to make sure everything was good. Upon leaving the restaurant all the staff was quick to thank us for visiting. Parking: Validated self or valet parking

Laurence our waiter was so professional and very attentive the whole night. The food was phenomenal, my favorite was the filet mignon and foie gras with mashed potatoes. The view was amazing, split between the ocean sunset and the live band playing at House Without a Key. What an amazing dining experience.

Celebrated my birthday here.The view from our table was amazing.The service was excellent.7 course meal was amazing from presentation to taste.We had the best dinner ever.So worth the price.Will definitely come back here.And one more thing I truly loved,they provide a stool for your purse

Perennially excellent..... Ocean views, top notch attentive service and delicious food. This is the place to visit for that special dinner, anniversary, birthday or celebration of any kind. While all of those things may seem to go hand in hand, there are so many places that miss the mark... We had our favorites last night...foie gras saute'd as we requested.....for me the Chilean Sea bass-such a pretty presentation! Followed by the lamb...and then lobster! My absolute favorite cake served for dessert--Halekulani's famous coconut cake. Soft and creamy topped with fresh flakes of coconut. Always fabulous....always SO good! Abbreviated hours so check when you make your reservation. Valet or self parking.

Server: 5 stars. Luke was so friendly and a pleasure to chat with. Setting: 5 stars. Probably the best setting I've ever dined in. The hotel is gorgeous and the location is incredible. Try to dine during sunset. Food: 2 stars. The food was pretty disappointing. Overall, each dish lacked flavor and was bland. The sauces needed a bit more punch to them.

Loved the ambience for this michelin star restaurant, located inside the perimeters of hotel halekulani. Beautiful restaurant with exceptional service. However, they could've done a better job with the food portions. For $45 the "vegetable platter" was a plate with less than a fistful of pickled cauliflowers and beats. Was a little disappointed with that. I was expecting a beautiful dish full of all sorts of island vegetables. The onion soup was great. Nice experience but overall left hungry :(