Tiki Kai

First time here, I do love a good tiki bar. This place by the pier is very nice decor very on point., very tropical. Its a busy restaurant but if you dont have reservations the outside area is just as lovely. Now for the drinks, I had their Lapu Lapu , ..maybe an off night. Usually its a fruity drink with rum but not very spirit forward such as the navy grog or zombie. I was not happy. Bartender offered to change it but like asking her what I wanted,.it was more of different drinks instead of making what I specifically stated. Something more not spirit forward but not as fruity, if that makes sense? A balance of tasting the rum yet not just having that single note flavor in a drink.. Anyways A for effort, nice of the female Bartender not charge me for the drink... I left after finishing their ceviche a bit salty needed more lime but good. Nice tiki bar, but nothing can really beat strong waters , or even if you go further south, the royal Hawaiian another open. Anyways tiki bars should be fun, exploring different types of cocktails plus food always a great option to have. This place worth a shot and have patience for parking that's a bit of a challenge alone..and prepare to walk. Enjoy 😉

Food was great, had the Chicken Karaage, Pule Steak, and Baked Alaska. The food was all cooked perfectly and I left wanting to try more items. Drinks were strong, but not overly so. Great selection and flavors. I do wish they had more smokey flavor variety’s though. Everything was well balanced with alcohol and flavor and nothing I tried was overly sweet. Atmosphere was great and feels like a modern/post modern feel with great lighting and a killer mood. Overall place was excellent, especially considering they’ve only been open a few weeks.My bar tender was Dan, who did a killer job. I know there are a few bad reviews, but honestly I didn’t experience any of the problems those listed. Do your self a favor though, get a reservation to make things smooth! I like to frequent Strong Water (for those that are familiar), and this is pretty close in ambiance and drinks, but definitely matches in food.

Nothing but 5 stars! This spot has transformed beautifully over the years — it used to be BrewCo and before that, Mediterraneo — but now it’s Tiki Kai and wow, they absolutely nailed it. 🌺 The service was incredible from start to finish. The GM even came out personally to introduce herself and make sure everyone was having a great time and enjoying the food and drinks — such a nice touch that you rarely see anymore. My friend Cass and I had three of their tiki cocktails, and we were shocked to see that every single one was under $20. They were gorgeous, balanced, and strong (in the best way). 🍹 The food matches the vibe — tropical, Hawaiian, island-inspired, and full of flavor. Every bite felt like a mini getaway. Between the drinks, food, and ocean breeze, it’s the perfect pier spot. We’ll definitely be back again soon!

Been here a few times..Great drinks, the food was ok. Great service and atmosphere. Thank you Max for a great experience!

All my wife and I can say is Wow, wow and WOW!! This place is amazing and it is right here in our own city!! Yea! We have been to tiki bars and restaurants everywhere and Tiki Kai takes the prize for being the most well designed and thought out that we have ever seen! For a brand new restaurant they definitely have the act together, from their online presence, reservations, customer service, food and drinks! We had reservations and were greeted and promptly seated upon arrival. Our waitress was super pleasant, never made us wait and was not intrusive. The food and drinks were great. Did I mention the drinks?? We started with the O.G. ‘44 Mai Tai and they were excellent - just the right balance of flavor and rum with the all important orogat (almond) syrup that is missing from so many other Mai Tai's that we have had elsewhere. We had our Mai Tai's with the Tropical Ceviche which was excellent but I would have appreciated a few more taro chips. By this time we needed another drink so my wife ordered a Chief Lapu Lapu and I had a Ghost Ship Grog which was served in a unique cup. The Ghost Ship Grog was fabulous and my wife really like the Chief Lapu Lapu but found that it was a little too sweet for her taste. Next we ordered Firecracker Shrimp which was also very good but it needed a dipping sauce, so we requested a siracha dipping sauce which was a perfect compliment to the dish. I would recommend that it be noted on the menu so that people can request it with the Firecracker Shrimp. Next was an order of Sticky Ribs which were also excellent - perfectly cooked, falling off the bone ribs that tasted great and were not too sweet. We had to give the Baked Alaska a try for desert and we weren't disappointed! It was an experience and it tasted great. In conclusion - you will really enjoy yourself here. The ambiance, service, food and drinks were all excellent. I most especially appreciated that the drinks were generous servings and well balanced. Aloha!

So glad that a tiki bar opened in Hermosa. The interior and exterior are amazing. The tiki music makes you feel like you are in a different place. The staff were all amazing. Service was quick especially for the first day opened and the conversation with them at the bar was nice. The food and drink were great. I will be back very soon and purchasing some tiki mugs!

I was taking my young one to go out and experience new experiences, new foods and atmosphere, and Tiki Kai went beyond my expectations. When Hermosa Beach became a little rougher and dirtier than I remember in all my years coming here, Tiki Kai was a fantastic rediscovery. This place will hopefully lead to the renaissance of the area. I've traveled abroad and been to many great restaurants on both sides of the Pacific, and Tiki Kai really gets the point. Drinks: tasty and strong with subtle flavors (the lycee martini my favorite). Food: well balanced portions for place that promotes itself as a bar, filling but not fattening, and the seafood and ribs that we enjoyed were phenomenal. I am spoiling my young one by taking to places like this that set the bar really high, and then he has to go to other places and not have the same great experience. Best of all was our server Khulani (my apologies for not getting your name spelled correctly!). This is the standard of service and class that she provided was a surprise, and she went out of her way to make sure that we were really welcomed at the Tiki Kai. Such a radiant positive attitude and quick attention to service. The tiki bar was bright and colorful and full of positive energy, and she embodied the ambiance in her cheerful demeanor. And she genuinely meant it. We will come back with a larger party, and I plan to have my big celebrations here.

I had such a fantastic experience at Tiki Kai! The decor and architecture are absolutely gorgeous, instantly setting the perfect vibe for a girls’ night out. The staff was warm and welcoming, and we were seated right away. The food was outstanding, especially the sticky ribs and crispy rice, which were both bursting with flavor. The cocktails were just as impressive; the OG Mai Tai and the lychee martinis were definite standouts. I highly recommend Tiki Kai and can’t wait for my next visit!

Food was outstanding! Delicious with healthy options. Great tiki vibe mixed with Southbay twist. Beautiful decor. such a fun evening! Can't wait to go back!!

Tiki Kai is a refined tiki bar and restaurant that's worth checking out in Hermosa Beach. The interior is stunning and feels like a beautiful tropical escape. The dinner menu offers a range of island inspired bites, including tuna poke, miso black cod, octopus, tiger shrimp scampi and chicken wings with a Maui herb rub. Every dish felt thoughtfully crafted and delivered great flavor. However, the tiki cocktails were the real standouts. Created by mixologist Kyle Rioux, the cocktail menu has classic drinks as well as creative and inventive ones. Ube Your Thirst was my absolute favorite - made with vodka, ube, coconut, toasted jasmine and pineapple, it was creamy, smooth and truly unforgettable! Their Lychee martini and Blue Hawaiian were also tasty, though both leaned on the stronger side.

Extremely pleased!!!! Kim was excellent. We came on Wednesday. We did not have a reservation and the hostess was very friendly. Thank you for such a great experience. We wanted an overall experience and we had one. We love the aesthetics. It was dim which made it romantic. We did not experience any slowness, rudeness or disrespect. The firecracker shrimp hit the spot. We did get two drinks. The hubby and daughter shared one big one. And I had the ube vodka drink .... OMMMMGGGGG it was soooooooo good. We will definitely be back for more. We didn't want to take too much of the restaurants time as we did not have a reservation and did not want to back them up with us having been seated. Smiles all around. Everyone was just very pleasant. Nothing like the first time we came. Everyone needs to come back and give this place a shot. All new places have little hiccups and we shouldn't hold them responsible for one person unless it's the owner lol. However, we were beyond pleased. Food and drinks came quick. Parking is tough. It's the beach... it's what's expected. We cannot wait to come back and taste more of the menu. Pricing is great. Very doable.

The hubby and I had such a great time here last night! The decor was absolutely gorgeous. Very kitschy but with a fun, modern, retro vibe. It was our first time and the service was great, from the host to our bartenders (shoutout to Daniel) and to the servers who brought out our food. For drinks, I had the Ube your thirst and the O.G. Mai Tai. I liked both drinks and I especially liked that the Mai Tai was strong. For food, we started off with the crispy rice and it was delicious. For mains, my husband had the macadamia nut mahi mahi with the Okinawan sweet potatoes and enjoyed it. I got to sample and it was pretty good. I had the Pule Hu steak which I thought was delicious but I felt like they skimped on the sautéed gai lan. For dessert, we had the baked Alaska and it was good too. We did pay a pretty penny but we expected that. I'm taking away one star because for the price we paid for the entrees, they skimped on the sides. The hubby had a nice portion of mahi mahi but he had a small heaping of the mashed sweet potatoes. I had a nice sized serving of steak but a small portion of gai lan. However, the food, drinks, the service and the ambience were enough to make us want to come back.

Technically this is a really fun, gorgeous, and delicious restaurant with great service. The decor is incredible and I feel like this is the perfect restaurant for the Hermosa pier and what we are missing. But unfortunately the prices won't allow us to go back. We walked out of there for $190 for two people and didn't get alcohol. We got the: - pupu platter with rock shrimp, hamachi crudo, and crispy rice - chicken skewers - miso black cod with green beans - garlic noodles Mostly everything was incredibly delicious but the serving sizes were tiny for the price we paid. I would recommend the chicken skewers and the rock shrimp. We were disappointed with the 3 green beans that came with the cod. The bartender that helped us was very personable and gave great recommendations.

Service: could've been better but I think a lot of staff aren't just new to the restaurant but also appear to be new to the industry. there was a confusion with the reservation and then our table was given away. Then our server wasn't fully up to date with the menu and couldn't answer all our questions but was super friendly. She also spilled a drink didn't realize it until we started cleaning it up and asking for napkins. Ultimately they were able to fix everything and again it would be unfair to rate lower since they are only two weeks old. 2/5 Island wings: not seasoned at all's basically just plain wings. I would skip this option if you're looking to order the pupus 4/5: Cucumber Sunomono had a surprising kick to it. So if you don't like spicy beware because the description didn't suggest these would be spicy. I liked the kick and the flavor 5/5: crispy rice. Not sure if this is 5/5 for crispy rice in general or if it was just 5/5 of all the items we ate. Decent size portion. Rice was crispy and the tuna was really good. 5/5: Mai Tai. It is strong so just be warned Ambiance: inside it's incredibly dark. There were multiple people with their phone flashlights for the menu. But after being inside you do acclimate. If you're just wanting to catch up with friends the volume inside and the dimness might make it more difficult. And a date setting would definitely invite proximity. Outside they have heat lamps throughout and there were a few large groups so it didn't seem too bad. Parking 3/5: it's at the pier so can't fault the business just a heads up for anyone not local. It's $10.50 for 4 hours of parking in the structure. Christmas season is coming up though so they free parking should be coming back soon. Overall it was a decent experience again given that they just opened 2 weeks ago

The most beautiful bar in Hermosa! This place is absolutely stunning--every detail of the design feels so well thought out. The drinks, however, could use a little fine-tuning. While not watery, the "mixed rum" used in both the Mai Tai and Jet Pilot just didn't hit the mark. If they can tweak that, this would easily be a five-star experience. I ordered the hamachi crudo, and it was generous, fresh, and full of flavor. I'll definitely be coming back and bringing friends, but we'll be sticking to vodka-based cocktails until the mixologists adjust the rum recipes. My server was very well-informed about the menu, and I appreciated her energy and ability to answer any questions.

Opening Day! Can't wait!!! From all the pics I have seen, this will be the best looking, most authentic tiki bar/restaurant within 30 miles! Tiki Kai is owned by the same owner as the great Hula Hula Room in Torrance, the solid Torrance Tavern in, well, Torrance, too, Eat at Joe's in Redondo and several other successful southland eateries so it is sure to be another hit! We have a 4:30 reservation and will update immediately! UPDATE! Tiki Kai is absolutely worth the wait, the hype, whatever...it is a tropical oasis amidst the beach bars on the pier, although I'll admit, the competition has improved a lot (even though I haven't actually been to the competition...I have just seen them on Yelp) as the area sadly, maybe not so sadly has gentrified a bit. Walking up to Tiki Kai, you realize THIS IS A BIG DEAL. So much work has gone into designing and building this place and while, about 30 years ago, I may have been sold on the "Island Culture" (lol) of Baja Sharkeez, that place pales in comparison. Speaking of the design...I am told the design is owed to none other than Tiki Tony, the mastermind behind oh, so many great Tiki Bars. And oh, how I love a themed bar/restaurant. Where do I begin...let's start with walking up to the incredible facade of Tiki Kai with the rock, the retro Hawaiian design and the glowing red eyes above the "mouth" of the entrance. So awesome. Somehow, we nabbed reservations just a couple of days ago for 4:30pm on Opening Day. Crazy because apparently they are booked all month? And they turned people away like Stany B. I am sorry Stany came so far but being an Angeleno, you know how these things work. You can't just roll up to the hottest spot and expect to get a table, even if it is the beach. But please don't leave a 1-star review on their first day....seriously, wtf. Hater Our server, GRACE, was unbelievable; there is no wonder the owners moved her over from Torrance Tavern. Tavern's loss is absolutely Tiki Kai's gain. Grace rocks and was super attentive and friendly and even though they don't sell mugs or glassware yet, she was so kind to give our Autistic son a couple Tiki Kai pens. You rock, Grace! Ok..ok...y'all wanna know how the drinks are...'44 Mai Tai's are on point. The first round was amazing and strong...and we are lushes so we really liked these. I must say that as the evening went on a little bit (read: 2 more mai tai's), the power seemed to decrease and we actually had to send one back because it was really too fruit forward and unlike the first. But hell, I ended up drinking it anyway later on...because I'm a lush. Next for me was the Riptide Revenant...holy shit...this drink may very well become my go-to. Rhum, Cognac, Grapefruit, Clover, Cinnamon & Spices (and they limit this to 2 drinks per person "lest we lose you to the waves".) Soooo wonderful! I'ma run out of room, damn it...ok...Sticky ribs ($19) were delish, tuna bowl ($27), too...the only disappointment was the Hawaiian Salad ($19)...we sent it back because it didn't have macadamia nuts, avocado or mango, as advertised. I get it, it's the Opening Night. When we got it back, there were still only a few pieces of avo, tiny pieces of mango in a salsa kind of thing and very, very few pieces of macadamia nuts. Additionally, while the dressing was good, there was a bitterness to the taste overall. I think they should provide less grapefruit (which wasn't even in the description along with tomatoes...) and stick to the original description. Sadly, this salad very much underwhelmed. Especially at $19. Tuna bowl was delicious although the $27 price tag was a bit steep but this is, afterall, the Hermosa Pier. We also ordered the Baked Alaskan ($13) with vanilla pound cake, macadamia ice cream, passion fruit sorbet and torched meringue. This was delicious if a bit harder to eat because of the frozen nature of the cake and frozen ice cream and sorbet. Still delish. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND but they do need to work out some tweaks, naturally.

We went to Tiki Kai for our anniversary, already thinking of when we can come back! Saturday night, Christian was our server, and she was top notch! Very attentive to all her tables and friendly. All our drinks were great. The jet pilot was lit on top! We had never seen that. Very clean and attractive inside and the music was definitely the cherry on top. Can't wait to come back with our families.

We were so excited to finally visit Tiki Kai, and the experience exceeded every expectation. From the moment we walked in, we were blown away by how beautifully the space is designed. The food and drinks were absolutely delicious. The Pule Hu steak... chef's kiss! And the Ghost Ship Grog is my new favorite. Everything was thoughtfully crafted and added so much to the overall experience. The whole visit was wonderful, and we honestly can't wait to bring our family and friends so they can enjoy it too. The best venue on the Hermosa Pier!

My friends and I went here after I got off my shift on Sunday 11/9 and we're genuinely excited to check out the newest Tiki bar in the South Bay! The ambiance and detail to the decor outside definitely is so pretty and alluring! There was talking that this bar/restaurant was booked out for 10 days so we had back up plans if we couldn't get in but the hostess was super sweet and said they had available seating outside with heat lamps so we were totally thrilled! The outside area where we were seated was set up likena communal table and it was very cool! We ordered our drinks right away, my friends got Mai Tai's and I was thrilled to see a Pina colada on the menu named the Dole Whip! I am the only vegetarian in my group so we each ordered a lot of food. We got the Cucumber Sunomono salad, Veggie Fried Rice (I asked our waitress to please have no fish sauce in the dish), a side of Serrano peppers, Garlic Noodles, Sticky Ribs, and the Tiger Shrimp scampi. We also ordered another round of drinks, my friends stuck to the mai tais because they LOVED how it was made. I loved that they featured Meili Vodka here (it's my favorite!!) so I ordered the Ube Your Thirst cocktail. The food was impeccable, the service was spectacular, I feel really bad for not remembering pur waitress' name but she was this stunning and attentive waitresses, with an Asian name. We talked about the Hula Hula bar and that they have music/performers there Wednesday night! My friends raved about the sticky ribs. My favorite food item as a vegetarian was the friend rice and the side of Serrano peppers! I wasn't too crazy about the Garlic Noodles to be honest but literally everything else was incredible. I go back tonight and definitely want to try their cold sesame noodles! I highly recommend Tiki Kai. As a South Bay local, I'm proud to say we have a Tiki bar on the pier that is outstanding and look forward to many many more Dole Whips aka Pina coladas here!

My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Tiki Kai last night. I highly recommend visiting if you have the opportunity. Arrival: The staff at the host stand were warm and welcoming, even after being bombarded by people who didn't have a reservation demanding to get in. I was impressed with their composure having to deal with that. Plan ahead and make a resy! The decor and ambiance was spectacular and rivals Trader Sam's at Disney. Ownership spared no expense on every detail of the space and it really paid off. Walking in we were in awe, admiring it all throughout our time there. Food & Beverage: We tried four cocktails and all were really innovative and well made. Highly recommend the mai tai - they executed this classic cocktail perfectly. We had an app and dessert and both were delicious. Best crab rangoons we've ever had! Everything came out really fast even with the whole space being full. I was impressed! Service: Michael was our server and he was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. I appreciated the back story he told about a lot of the cocktails -- especially the Fisherman's Son, which made us even more excited to try them. All the staff that we interacted with had upbeat attitudes and positively contributed to the experience. After being to Hula Hula Room a few times, ownership seemed to really learn a lot and have amped everything up in a brilliant way. So proud to have Tiki Kai in the South Bay!

All five of these stars are for Chelsea at the host stand. She made our night. We had a party of 6 on a busy night and the way she treated me and my friends was amazing. Also I cannot forget Simren (gosh I hope I spelled that right) who was also wonderful. They've just opened and I believe are still working through the menu so I'm gonna hold off on reviewing the food until my next visit apart from mentioning that a $70 plate of food should be properly portioned at that price point.

This place opened 2 days ago! For a new restaurant they are moving extremely well. The ambiance is fun, upscale- but not snobby. It's really embracing high end relaxed aloha vibe. It's something the Hermosa Pier needed, for a fun dining experience. The food is delicious and they do not shy away from honoring the authentic flavors of what the dish is. Our server was Kelly, and she was wonderful, kind and attentive. You can see the staff has been very well trained to work together, which, elevates the experience to be different than the other spots on the pier. Finally, the cocktails! We got the mai tai and the juice was fresh and well balanced. They have a bunch of really fun drink options that we can't wait to come back and try. We will definitely be returning with friends and family. *TIP! They are only taking reservations right now. So either book on open table or their website! Aloha Tiki Kai and welcome to the South Bay!

It was a cool vibe, throw back atmosphere. Ornate indoor design, service was great. The food was delicious and well prepared. The only thing I will say, is they offer "family style" however portions aren't for sharing. So order up!!!

First time at Tiki Kai and it lived up to all expectations. Food, ambiance, service... everything you could ask for! We felt like we were on a tropical vacation. First of all, drinks were incredible. I tried the Lychee Martini and Ube Your Thirst. (I got 2 Ubes because they were too good). For food, the Pupu platters were great for big groups. There wasn't one thing we didn't like, but I gotta say the sticky ribs were the biggest hit. We also tried the garlic noodles which were cooked to perfection. I'm likely going to dream of the noodles tonight. I cannot WAIT to come back.

Made a reservation and requested indoor seating, was sat outdoors. Very disappointed because we drove am hour and it was for a birthday. Drinks were amazing. Food great. Service slow. Tried to.order a Hawaiian coffee which was on menu, told there was 0 coffee

Came here to celebrate my partner's bday and the ambiance was amazing, booked a reservation a month in advance with a note saying what we were celebrating. We got seated immediately in the walking area and were bumped a few times by people walking by. As far as tiki bars go, the food wasn't too heavy and was very tasty. This place just opened up so I am giving it some grace on a few points, but it's why I only marked it 4 stars instead of 5. For one, I was celebrating a special occasion and would've loved to see more of an acknowledgment done to honor my partner's birthday. We didn't get any special seating and the cake came without a candle and the staff didn't pay too much attention to the fact that we were there to celebrate a birthday. We didn't get much of a happy birthday, so I was a little disappointed by that. We were also rushed out before drinks were finished and the waiter said "you've been here for over an hour and half already" as we were ordering food and drinks the entire time. Secondly, half the drink menu is wine. There were hardly any tiki staples. So we ordered off the menu and asked for a painkiller, which was amazing and I highly recommend it. But I think a tiki menu should feature tiki drinks. Leave the wine for a winery or any other fancy bar. This place isn't that. Also, they really need more than just two mocktail / virgin drink options that are just a replica of each other, with a mango twist. Thirdly, I thoroughly enjoyed the food but would've appreciated maybe more of a quantity for what we're paying for. Pictures given below. Makes for a good girl dinner, but not the best if you have a big appetite. The food was tasty, though. So, we just had to order more dishes to get full. Good way to rack up the bill, but I think tiki spots are usually pretty generous with their servings. All in all, looking forward to this place growing.

Service and Vibes were a 5 Food was a 3 Kelly was our server and she was great! Granted we were her only table for the first hour or so, but she was attentive and super kind. We ordered the Pupu platter with firecracker shrimp, crab Rangoon and crispy rice. The description for the crab Rangoon needs to be updated on the menu. The make it seem like the pockets will be filled with only blue crab, but of course there a bunch of cream cheese. Maybe that's what makes it a Rangoon, but it doesn't hurt to add the cream cheese into the description. We also had the octopus which was absolutely delicious. Cucumber salad was great, but I was expecting thicker slices - like at Din Tai Fung and its actual cucumber shavings with seaweed- something I wouldn't pay more that $5 for normally. We also had the hamachi crudo which was half a little fishy half great! I could use more ponzu. Drinks we got 4. OG Mai Tai is a typical Mai tai- strong! Senorita Pico was chimoy forward for sure. I love chimoy but I was also expecting more spice. It comes in a cute glass tho. Fisherman's Son was the best drink of the night. Very banana cream pie- awesome flavors. Very different, but in a great way. And my last drink was the Devil of the Deep. Super tart. The idea of a Paloma meets a mule was intriguing, but regretted my decision. Overall, good times. Food was good but really nothing to come back for. The best drink was the Fisherman's Son. A good first visit. Not sure if we'll be back. If they start to offer a happy hour and open up the walk up situation, maybe we'll be there.

Great food and drinks! Ambiance is A+, but tables are limited so make a reservation. Staff is super attentive and very nice.

Tiki Kai is officially my new favorite escape in the South Bay! The second I walked in, it felt like I'd been transported straight into vacation mode. From the fire pit glowing out front to the hand-carved tikis, dreamy lighting, and all the cute tiki glasses & fun cups -- the vibe is immaculate. The food tastes super authentic and the drinks are so creative. Ube Your Thirst stole my heart... absolutely Filipina approved! Whether it's a perfect date night or a girls' night out, this spot checks all the boxes. Definitely making this our go-to whenever we need a night out!

This place is unreal! We came in with a reservation on a Friday night, and from the moment we walked in we were blown away. The décor is next level -- it honestly feels like you've stepped into a Las Vegas tiki escape. The food was delicious. We shared a few appetizers and mains our server recommended, and everything was flavorful and fun to try. Surprisingly, the steak ended up being my favorite dish of the night! The drinks were incredible too -- super tasty and served in really cool themed cups that added to the whole experience. We wrapped up the evening by the fire pit with another round of drinks and a shared dessert, which was the perfect ending. We'll definitely be back!

My husband and I went to Tiki Kai last Saturday night and had a fantastic time. We do frequent Tiki Bars, and Tiki Kai did not disappoint. We had a 10:30 pm reservation and Ronnie, the General Manager, was there when we arrived and we got great seats at the bar. The ambiance/decor both inside and out is spectacular. We ordered a Pu Pu platter and 2 different drinks each and everything was delicious. The bartender taking care of us was very knowledgeable about the Tiki culture, attentive to our needs, and made tasty and beautiful drinks. We will definitely return to Tiki Kai.

Found out a new Tiki was sprouting up so I made sure to make reservations. As a Tiki enthusiast, I definitely don't mind taking the drive up and down the California coast to find some of the best "hidden" Tiki gems. This one however is right off the pier and out in plain sight. When we approached the hostess it was very clear that this place was not going to have issues with keeping the place full, however, I was more curious to see if it was because of the hype or if it was because it was the new shiny bar on the block. Once again, like any good Tiki, reservations are HIGHLY recommended, and this place was no exception. We checked it and they sat us immediately, which I was very pleased with. As you walk in, I noticed that there were two lounge areas right before you enter the main entrance. Those lounge areas were for bigger parties that are sitting outside and they were really cool. I did attach a photo to this review as well of one of those areas. Now the decor to this place was impeccable. Whoever the designer was was very thoughtful in regards to what they were bringing to the table. I loved that there was a lot of mid-century modern touches that were hidden in there, and a lot of Polynesian sparkle as well. But I quickly noticed that when I looked at the bar, it was not just a tiki. it was a full loaded bar, which right away it tells me this bar caters to everybody and not just tiki (Full Rum). Typically, when I notice that I soon realize that it is more of a Polynesian restaurant rather than a tiki bar. Regardless, we approached the bar area which was requested on my reservation. As the host is saddest down, I noticed that every single chair at the bar was empty however, she chose to sit us right at the very corner next to all of the items that the bartenders use to top off the drinks. My boyfriend is left-handed so I didn't want him to continuously hit his elbow and knocked down all of the cherries and lemons and olives and what not so I sit in that corner instead . If the owner or manager reads this review, you definitely need to take at least two chairs away from that bar so your customers can sit comfortably. I pushed, probably two of those glasses at least twice with my elbow and thank Goodness none of them fell on the floor! My boyfriend also ended up apologizing to the women sitting next to him several times after bumping into her throughout out time there. Even when we left for the night, the Hostess who sat us there was there to clear our seats and we mentioned how tight it was and she agreed. I know I requested these seats, but I always choose to sit at the bar because I love speaking with the bartenders, however, this time around these bartenders were not as friendly as I hoped they would be. There was a blonde female that did not speak at all, and the bartender that actually helped us seemed to only acknowledge us when he had time to. My boyfriend had to ask him three times before he got his attention so that we could order. When we finally did we then had to gain his attention again to also add food to that order. By that point we ended up just ordering wings because we felt that it was such a hassle that we didn't want to have to continue to ask for more stuff so we felt like a round of drinks, a dole whip and wings would be enough to do the review. So let's get to that part! I had the Ube drink and it was really good! Lots of strong alcohol in it and doesn't taste like it at all! The sailors son was a whisky base drink and was good as well. I would recommend them both. The island wings were a dry rub, however there was little to none on the wings we got. They come with a "buttermilk" dressing, but don't get that confused with a good ole Ranch. This stuff tasted more like a tzatziki to me. Or some type of cucumber sauce. It just didn't go with the wings. If they had maybe a sweet chili sauce or a honey sauce or even a real ranch dressing it would have been better. After those wings we knew we needed a saving grace so we decided to order a spiked Dole whip. When the when the bartender came back, he had 1/4 of a plastic cup filled with Dole whip and said, you're not gonna believe this, but our machine is broken...This is what I was able to get out of it. You guys are more than welcome to at least have a taste of it lol Right after that we asked for the check, I went to scope out the restroom, which was simple and clean, and came back in time to leave. Overall, I gave it 3 stars for the decor, the yummy drinks, and because it's still new and I'm sure working out the kinks. I probably won't come back, but I'm glad I am able to mark it off my Tiki list! AND I was happy to see some familiar Tiki mugs up on display!

Decor was a total vibe and the music was on par too. This spot is pricey, but the drinks were yum. I wish all of the drinks came in a fun cup though. As for the food, I think there's definitely room to improve since they're new. If you're going to order grub, I recommend the salad.

Such an enjoyable experience. The drinks were great, ambiance was amazing, and the service was excellent. Let's not forget about the food. My personal favorites were the sticky ribs and the firecracker shrimp!

Had a great experience at the new Tiki Kai! Ambiance and decor is great. A beautiful job was done on this place. Service was exceptional. Food and drinks top notch. The food in particular is well above what you would expect in a tiki bar. Service was exceptional. From the very nice and accommodating hostess to our server to the manager. We had one very small issue with a dish, but they immediately apologized, and the manager came over and made it right quickly. Keep In mind this is not just a kitschy tiki bar. It's a full restaurant, and on the pricey side, but the food is worth it. I would call it a grown up sophisticated tiki bar/restaurant. Think along the lines of a modern Trader Vic's We had the mai tai, lychee martini, crab Rangoon, sticky rice, crusted Mahi mahi and fried rice. Baked Alaska for dessert. All were excellent. 100% recommend, and will go back!

Every box was checked. The ambiance was the best--truly Disney-level. Service was great, and the drinks and their unique vessels were perfect. I anticipated excellence in the main areas, but the music was the real surprise. They played The Tornadoes and Les Baxter, the kind of era-appropriate soundtrack that completes the illusion, effectively transporting you back to the peak of mid-century paradise

Came to Tiki Kai for its opening weekend. Outside is beautiful with big colors and great energy. The service with the people running the outside and guest host booth. The men were a little rude, telling everyone they are only taking reservations only. But we saw them let a few of their friends come in with no problems. I understand it's new and hip and very busy on the weekend. But we had a reservation and waited over 20mins outside. Once we got sat down, our waitress Nicole was super awesome. Very friendly and knew a lot about the menu and drinks. When our food and drinks came out, everything was great! 10 out of 10. The booth we wanted to sit in came available and were able to move. Great service from inside staff, great food and awesome drinks. We will be back again soon!!

Amazing decor and some fantastic drinks! Staff service was super friendly and attentive. Navy Grog, Fisherman's were my two favorite drinks

Made a reservation for opening night and had an incredible experience! The food was so good -- start with the firecracker shrimp or spicy tuna on crispy rice (trust me). We ordered family-style, which was perfect because I got to try a bit of everything. The Hawaiian salad was fresh and flavorful, the Pule steak was tender and juicy, and the miso cod was absolutely to die for. I'm not usually a Mai Tai person, but enjoyed the vibes on this one. Perfect! Loved my waiter, Carlos. The vibe? Totally on point. Cool tiki-chic decor, great energy, and just the right mix of locals and visitors. Can't wait to come back!

The place is beautiful and we had been waiting to go to this place. We were allowed in but were told that we had to purchase food and drinks in order to enter. We agreed. We really just wanted a drink and to check the place out. Drinks are ridiculously overpriced. I ordered shrimp scampi and I thought it would come with noodles but it only came with 5 shrimp. It was delicious but extremely overpriced. It's not a place for everyone. Just know that you're going to get very expensive food and drinks and get very little for it. It's just the experience of being in this cute new place. I hope they get a happy hour menu. I doubt that I will go back.

Have been a Southbay local for over 20 years and this is exactly what the pier needs. I love the chill upscale aloha vibes. It's a place where you want to take a date, family or folks from out of town as a destination. Food and cocktails were fantastic and the staff were super knowledgeable and friendly. Considering that they've only been open for 3 days I totally get why they are doing reservations only. They are fine tuning, which is what great restaurants do! Will definitely be coming back!

We were so excited that a new tiki bar has opened... and Tiki Kai did not disappoint! We went early and celebrated our baby's birthday with a night out. We shared the burger and the hamachi crudo- both were so good! The drinks we ordered were impressive as well! I liked their creativity with the drink menu! I can't wait to come back and get a mug!

We were lucky enough to get a reservation on the fourth day of them being open. What an amazing experience, especially for so close to open. Zero hiccups, but also a vibe if we got this coupled with we will grow! Ryan one of the owners came by and made a positive impact, the excitement and joy of what he has built was radiating everywhere in the staff. I highly recommend checking this place out. Great drinks, good food and a fun environment.

Super disappointed with our experience. From the moment we walked in, the hostess had a bad attitude, totally looked down on us and made us feel unwelcome It was super uncomfortable and honestly unnecessary. The bar was empty, but when we asked to get on the waiting list, she told us it was "reservation only" in the snottiest way. For a new spot, that's a terrible first impression. We're locals and were ready to celebrate my husband's birthday with a group of 4 and spend some money, but after that, we decided to go somewhere else. I hate to say it, but once the hype fades, you'll need the locals to keep things running. I've seen plenty of restaurants and bars come and go in this spot over the past 15 years.

Went for the grand opening week n the Aloha spirit was in full force! Every step was a greeting n a welcome! Alex the GM and his team really really run a great spot to go with friends or just pop in after the beach. We tried the Pule Hu steak, Tiger shrimp Scampi and garlic noodles with three appetizers. The chicken karaage, hamachi crudo, crab rangoons. All tasty n the island flavors came thru. And the lychee martini is a must try. For me I have a nut allergy so for dessert Alex was sure to to let me know on the macadamia nut ice cream n all was delivered nut free and super yummy! Shout out to the bartenders Steven n Daniel as well. Mahalo! We will be back again soon. Ooh and parking is easy. Parking structure is around the corner big plus!

best ambiance and energy in hermosa beach, the hawaiian vibe couldn't be any better than here at Tiki Kai. love the crab won tons and firecracker shrimp. Lisa such an amazing server, a great energy to the hermosa p

A little likchy but very fun place. Great drinks and service. Definitely a place to have a supper full evening

We were fully prepared to accept the growing pains of a brand new (and extremely popular) restaurant, but we encountered no issues at all. Not only were we seated on time, but early (reservations are essential). Service was great, The food was first rate (macadamia nut encrusted Mahi Mahi, firecracker shrimp, fried rice). Tropical drinks were perfect. The atmosphere is straight out of Disney or Vegas, and I don't mean that in a negative way. Don't show up without a reservation. The place is small inside and, as I mentioned, very popular right now. Don't expect happy hour specials or cheap eats. We spent $200 for two people (3 drinks between the two of us, no dessert). But the food is great for what you pay, and cheap restaurants are a thing of the past.

The new Tiki Kai has clearly put some effort in to the ambience. It's well done, but in a corporate disneyland sanitized way. The more I saw, the more sterile it felt. The bar is beautifully outfitted but the drink menu misses some tiki classis such as a zombie, 3 Dots and a Dash and the Dark and Stormy. These aren't the fruity drinks you'll find at Islands, but rather, legit tiki drinks. They were mostly on point, but the price point was on the steep side. The food was prepared and presented well, but portions were small and prices were high. I'd bring my wife here for dinner, but only once, and to be honest, I can think of quite a few other places we'd go instead. Sadly, it's not someplace I can sit with a friend and drink the Summer afternoon away (I'm just not that rich). Don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself.

Tiki Kai is Exactly What Hermosa Beach Needed and the Perfect New Local Spot! Tiki Kai just opened, and it's already my new favorite spot in Hermosa! The tiki vibes are beyond on point! Super fun and welcoming. The food? Amazing. The Pupu Platter is perfect for sharing, and the Hamachi and garlic noodles are to die for. Oh, and don't even get me started on the cocktails.... I LOVE a good Pain Killer and Mai Tai and they nailed both! They are so good, you'll want more than one. This place has the perfect mix of great food, fun drinks, and an awesome atmosphere. Exactly what the Hermosa Pier scene was missing. Can't wait to go back!

We had a reservations for 730 our table wasn't ready. We had to wait 30 minutes for our table to be ready ! After we completed our dinner and drinks ! I asked for the bill and I noticed on my bill with a party of six they they add on 20% gratuity which no one told us that they were adding 20% gratuity. It was not stated on the menu or in the reservation when I made the reservation which was wrong. Our waiter was not $124 worth let's just be real about that. I called Tiki Kai this morning to let them know since I just died with them last night December 1, so let's see if they are a good company. They would state it on their menu and the waitress would let us know.

What a fun place to check out. We only had drinks but loved the atmosphere and bartenders.

My wife and I live down the street and thought we'd give Tiki Kai a try. Beautiful decor, food was delicious though very expensive for a tiny amount, everything that usually comes with a meal is extra $$$ Good tourist attraction, I'm sure they'll do well for a while.

Finally!!!! A place right in my own backyard and I have been wanting to try it. First...love the decor, and it's such a great addition to the area. I got there right at 5pm on a Wednesday! It was packed inside with a few sitting outside. Come 6pm it was completely full. I didn't have a reservation but the hostess sat us at a table until the scheduled reservation arrived. We were able to get seats at the bar which fyi are ALSO reserved-it's not first come first serve...fortunately the manager let us sit there. The drinks are really good. I also got the chicken karage appetizer and it was plenty. Our waitress and bartender were awesome. Customer service was top notch. This is a great spot to hang out, date night or just to stop and grab a bite or a drink by yourself. Some people have complained about the prices and well....if you go to other restaurants in the area there about the same or even higher. It's the prices for the area unfortunately and rents are astronomically high. But! I Will DEFINITELY be back. It's a vibe

This place is amazing! The ambiance is incredible, food is delicious and service is impeccable. What a great addition to the Hermosa Pier!! Can't wait to go back!

Went with 4 girlfriends for a quick drink (and snacks) last week and despite this being ON Pier Avenue, when you walk in you feel like you're in one of those top notch tiki bars in the valley. This place transforms you. I'm picky on my tiki drinks as I'm in the rhum and rum business, but the 3 drinks I tried were hands down fantastic....balanced, made in a way where you could taste the spirit, and I'm excited to see what more they have coming. We got 2 little snacks that were delicious and I cannot wait to go back for drinks AND dinner. I"m stoked to have a solid tiki option in the South Bay.

How about NO! What a pretentious bunch of arrogant jerks that treat their customers like garbage. The ridiculous attitude here reeks so thick in the air, that you could cut it with a knife. We do not need to go into your establishment to be treated poorly. Who died and left you God? No one. Who decided that pretending like this is some exclusive place where you only seat people you know? No one needs your attitude, or your B.S. We called everyone in our party and told them to meet down the plaza instead at ANOTHER Restaurant and left! We enjoyed a great dinner (8 of us) at a place where they know the meaning of service and hospitality. Something you guys need to learn. That is if you want the Tiki KaKa to survive. Try serving up courtesy and ditch the pretentious attitude.