GREAT EATS HAWAII: TOP OF WAIKIKI

Sunday, June 18, 2017

TOP OF WAIKIKI

WAIKIKI SHOPPING PLAZA

2270 KALAKAUA AVENUE

HONOLULU, HI 96815

808-923-3877

HOURS: Daily 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

www.topofwaikiki.com

www.yelp.com/biz/top-of-waikiki-honolulu

www.facebook.com/topofwaikiki/

It has been over twenty years since I visited the Top of Waikiki and I can now tell you that was far too long. Dinner here was unexpectedly delicious and the views of Waikiki still are amazing.

One floor below the Top of Waikiki sits Sky Waikiki with an incredible outdoor terrace bar that overlooks the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. What a great place to enjoy a late afternoon or sunset cocktail. The Top of Waikiki is a revolving restaurant with the entire place moving slowly around to allow you panoramic views of Waikiki. We were seated at 6:00 PM which timed the dinner so we were facing the ocean right at sunset. While the service here was a bit slow, it was not bad and we enjoyed the evening and the food. Started with Foie Gras Brioche which was a miniature piece of Foie Gras. Small but tasty. The Korean Style Poke was out of this world delicious. Served with lettuce to make small wraps. The flavors here were amazing and I wanted to order three more orders. Highly recommend the Poke. I tried the Beet, Avocado and Goat Cheese Salad. Liked the fried Goat Cheese Balls but only could eat one of them. I just cannot eat too much Goat Cheese. The Beets and Avocado were good but the dressing was kind of bland. This would be perfect salad with a bigger dressing. The Pear Salad was liked by my Daughter. The idea is to break up the Lumpia filled with cheese over the salad. She tried this and liked it. My Wife loved the Panzanella Salad. For dinner, I tried the Cioppino and requested no Mussels. The waiter substituted more Clams in their place. The seafood in the dish were good but the broth was not too flavorful. A little more tomato and flavor in the broth would make this a great dish. The Kurobuta Pork Chop was delicious and my Wife loved it. The flavor of the meat was deep with the marinade. The Soy Miso Braised Short Ribs were loved by my Daughter but she said there was too much Wasabi in the Mashed Potatoes. I tried the Short Ribs and they were sweet and delicious. Ended our meal with the Chocolate Cremeux Semifreddo which is the stupidest name I have ever heard for a chocolate dish. The flavor of this though was amazing. One of my favorite desserts in a very long time. Tasted like a light chocolate ice cream mousse. Yummy!!!!! Entire family enjoyed our meal here and we would love to return with out of town guests. The experience and food were both excellent.