53 BY THE SEA - HONOLULU, HAWAII

53 BY THE SEA

HONOLULU, HAWAII

53 BY THE SEA

53 AHUI STREET

HONOLULU, HAWAII

(808) 536-5353

Lunch 11:00 - 2:00

Dinner 5:00 - 10:00

Bar 4:00 - 12:00 AM (Sun thru Thur)

       4:00 - 2:00 AM (Fri thru Sat)

www.53bythesea.com

The former location of John Dominis Restaurant has been transformed into one of Hawaii's most beautiful oceanfront dining experiences.  53 By the Sea brings an upscale, elegant, sophisticated vibe to the Hawaii dining scene while capturing the simple elegance and grace of Japanese culture and service. Thanks to my friend Brigitte, I was invited to a special luncheon to introduce the new restaurant to Japanese, Hawaii and International media.  53 By the Sea is designed around its breathtaking view of Waikiki and Diamond Head.  Chef Hiroshi Hayakawa was transferred from Japan to Hawaii and given the task to delight diners by using fresh local ingredients and the finest seafood and steaks from around the world. The meats here are hand cut and never frozen according to management.  The restaurant features T's at 53 Lounge, a beautiful bar and lounge overlooking the ocean and filled with melodic sounds of local pianists playing on an Italian made Fazioli piano.  Wines and spirits at 53 are curated by Master Sommelier Roberto Viernes.  The entrance to 53 is amazing and dramatic.  Like walking into a multi-million dollar mansion with grand staircases and huge chandelier that lead you to private dining rooms with wall to wall ocean views.  The bottom floor is just as dramatic.  Light colors that blend into the sea.  Very relaxing and not uptight like many fine dining restaurants.  The feeling is elegant yet casual.  This is a place that you can spend hours sitting, talking, drinking and eating.  I can already see myself sitting on the outside deck sipping champagne and enjoying the view.  Shige Kikuchi, the restaurants General Manager shared with me that they are thinking about having a first class Sunday Brunch in the future.  This I am sure would become the #1 Sunday Brunch destination on Oahu.  As with any restaurant, it is the food that will determine its ultimate success.  The views, decor and ambiance can only get you so far.  The food I enjoyed here was excellent.  I sampled seafood, steak, pasta dishes that all delivered on taste.  Make your reservations now.  This place is going to be busy for many months to come.  

53 BY THE SEA

 UPDATE 10/17/12
LUNCH SERVICE

Went back to 53 By the Sea to check out the lunch menu and service.  Let me tell you, both were fantastic.  For around $20 you get a full plate of appetizers, entree and desert.  The waiter brings a cart to your table filled with Antipasto.  You can choose one or all.  I went for a little bit of everything on the cart.  My friend LOVED the Braised Salmon ($22).  I really enjoyed the Spaghettini Frutti Di Mari ($20).  The pasta was perfectly cooked and had a hint of spice.

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LUNCH MENU - PRICE INCLUDES ANTIPASTO CART, BREAD AND DESERT

ASSORTED BREADS

OLIVE OIL AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR FOR YOUR BREAD

WAITER PRESENTS ANTIPASTO CART AT YOUR TABLE

COLD ANTIPASTO INCLUDED IN YOUR ENTREE PRICE

SAMPLED ALL OF THE APPETIZERS

BRAISED PACIFIC SALMON

53 BY THE SEA SPAGHETTINI FRUTTI DI MARI 

NICE TEA SERVICE

SORBET AND CHOCOLATE CAKE

UPDATE 10/24/12

DINNER SERVICE

CHEFS TASTING MENU

$70

 TRIO OF APPETIZERS - AHI SASHIMI, TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA AND LOBSTER CLAWS

 LOBSTER BISQUE - PAID AN EXTRA $8 TO SUBSTITUTE FOR PUMPKIN SOUP

 ARUGULA SALAD

 VERY PETIT FILET OF BEEF

 TIRAMISU AND SORBET

RACK OF LAMB (NOT PART OF TASTING MENU)