GREAT EATS HAWAII: AZURE AT THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN HOTEL

AZURE

ROYAL HAWAIIAN HOTEL

2259 KALAKAUA AVENUE

HONOLULU, HI 96815

808-921-4600

HOURS: Monday thru Sunday 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is probably my favorite hotel in Waikiki. This grand luxury hotel opened to the World's elite in 1927 and still remains a favorite among celebrities, moguls and upscale travelers from all over the World. Azure is perched oceanfront with one of the best views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. As you enter Azure you have seating on the left inside the restaurant and seating on the lanai which is outside but covered overlooking Waikiki Beach. The views are amazing and perfect for someone on vacation in Hawaii. I was surprised to see the same old 1970's chairs in the restaurant that I wrote about back in 2011 (see link below). The restaurant specializes is fresh seafood which surprisingly is sometimes hard to find in Waikiki. The concept is simple. Serve the freshest fish that is purchased daily at the early morning Pier 38 Fish Auction near downtown Honolulu. You can pretty much have your fresh fish prepared any way you like it and can add a variety of sauces. The prices here are not cheap with a piece of fish running around $40. This includes your choice of two side dishes which in the world of Waikiki prices makes this comparable with other restaurants who do not serve the quality of Azure and surely do not have the ambiance and view that Azure has. Service at Azure was pure perfection on the evening we visited. I guess it does not hurt to know an employee or two who really went out of their way to make sure our table was hydrated and happy at all times. We began our meal with a perfectly chilled glass of Champagne served from the bar that is literally in the middle of the dining room. Then came fresh bread with Butter and Sea Salt plus another dip that included Clams. The Clam dip was my favorite and I could have eaten bowls of it. Probably ate too much bread as I just loved the Clam Dip so much and could not stop eating it. I ordered the Hirabara Farms Baby Romaine Salad ($15) to start my meal. This was a very unique "Caesar Salad" with the lettuce wrapped in Rice Paper and Tomato, Croutons placed around the plate. Presentation was nice to see but I mixed it all together on the plate and cut it up. Liked the flavors but thought the presentation and separation of the ingredients was not necessary. For my entree, I went with the Seared Hawaiian Yellow Fin Ahi with Diver Scallops ($44). Served with Island spiced and Sake braised Spinach and Prosciutto wrapped Enoki Mushrooms. The Fresh Ahi was amazing but I do not like thick cuts of raw tuna. I prefer smaller bites so this dish did not blow me away. The Scallops were cooked perfectly and I really enjoyed the Prosciutto Wrapped Mushrooms. Everyone at our table had a different type of fish and there was five of us. Not one complaint in the bunch and in fact, everyone wants to return to Azure. There are so many times when we just want a nice piece of fresh fish and we scour the internet for Honolulu restaurants that serve fresh fish. Believe me there are not many that do it right or even have two selections of fresh fish that is not fried. Azure gives you the perfect setting to enjoy fresh fish and the food is good. You will pay a little more here but I think it is well worth it.

Click link below to view previous post on Azure Restaurant;

http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2011/03/azure-restaurant-royal-hawaiian-hotel.html