Chef Chai
Experience innovative Asian fusion cuisine in a sleek, contemporary setting with impeccable service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Chef Chai
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience innovative Asian fusion cuisine in a sleek, contemporary setting with impeccable service.
"A week in Waikiki and this was one of the food highlights."
Parking Solution
Parking can be tough; use the nearby parking garage or valet.
Early Bird Advantage
Arrive early for the chef's sample menu with delightful pre-theatre dishes.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Asian Fusion
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elegant Ambiance
Sleek and contemporary, this venue offers a sophisticated dining experience perfect for special occasions.
Innovative Asian Fusion
Experience creative dishes blending local Hawaiian ingredients with vibrant Asian flavors.
Signature Oxtail Soup
A must-try dish, this flavorful soup showcases Chef Chai's mastery of Asian-inspired cuisine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Parking Solution
Parking can be tough; use the nearby parking garage or valet.
Early Bird Advantage
Arrive early for the chef's sample menu with delightful pre-theatre dishes.
Ask for Kristy
Request standout server Kristy for an exceptional dining experience.
Drink Pairings
Enhance your meal with recommended drinks like Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis.
Tips
from all over the internet
Parking Solution
Parking can be tough; use the nearby parking garage or valet.
Early Bird Advantage
Arrive early for the chef's sample menu with delightful pre-theatre dishes.
Ask for Kristy
Request standout server Kristy for an exceptional dining experience.
Drink Pairings
Enhance your meal with recommended drinks like Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise Chef Chai for its elegant ambiance and creative Asian fusion dishes. The attentive service, especially from staff like Kristy, enhances the overall experience. While many rave about signature dishes and complimentary treats, some find certain dishes lacking or mention challenges with parking and seating in less desirable areas.
"This restaurant surprised me with how tasty the dishes are, highly recommend trying something new each time you go because everything is delicious. Complimentary naan bread with peanut sauce and pickled vegetables.
Parking is hard to find, but there is a parking garage just a short walk away.
Service is top notch. Kristy was amazing, we want her to serve for us every time we go.
The evening/nighttime vibes were very upscale and modern."
Paige Hall
"This was my first time here and we did the set menu. The food was decent for the most part. I liked about half of the set menu dishes. The mango sticky rice was fabulous. The soup was a bit off for me and was lacking the sour. I usually love Tom yum soup. The fishe as tasty. The curry dish I was not a fan of. It was as though the noodles did not belong in the curry. The passion drink was delicious. It felt like the focus was on the fancy and less on the food. Valet parking was $7."
Erica Kristin
"I’m a local girl. Been going to eat in chef Chai Restaurant from over 20 years. Food is always top notch. Very tasty and also good presentation. Always left feeling happy and satisfied."
Sylvia Tomasu-Dunn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Parking can be challenging. Consider using the nearby parking garage or valet service.
While not explicitly stated, the restaurant's upscale ambiance suggests smart casual attire is appropriate.
Yes, many diners highly recommend requesting server Kristy for exceptional service.
Arriving early is recommended to enjoy the chef's sample menu and the restaurant's atmosphere.
The menu features creative dishes, and it's advisable to check with the restaurant for specific dietary accommodations.
Signature dishes include Thai Style Oxtail Soup, Fresh Ahi Katsu, and various seafood and meat entrees.
Mentioned in
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The 10 Best Restaurants In Honolulu, Hawaii
Although interest in Pan-Asian cuisine has faded over the years, Chef Chai continues to shine. Known for his dedication to regional cuisine, Chai exemplifies all that is the cultural diversity of Hawaii. Using fresh Hawaiian ingredients and Asian-inspired flavors, Chef Chai dishes out upscale plates such as hokkaido scallops with truffle risotto and lobster reduction, and Asian-braised kurobuta osso bucco – a recipe from his parent’s restaurant in Thailand.
Restaurants in Honolulu and Pearl Harbor
This contemporary dining room in a condo building across from the Blaisdell Center is the go-to spot before and after plays or concerts. The creative starters and seafood and meat entrées on the eclectic, global-fusion menu are healthier than the norm as they don't rely on butter or cream, with dishes like lobster bisque thickened instead with squash puree.
Best Romantic Restaurants in Honolulu Hawaii: 12+ Top Date Night Spots
If you’re in the mood for some traditional Hawaiian cuisine Chef Chai (1009 Kapiolani Blvd) at Pacifica Honolulu offers a variety of dishes that represent the cultural diversity of Hawai’i. Chef Chai is considered to be one of Hawaii’s top Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs and is known for merging local and fresh Hawaii ingredients with the exotic flavors of Asia, as well as flavors of Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands. His signature dishes include Fresh Ahi Katsu with Tomato Mango Salsa Wasabi Curry Sauce; Kataifi and Macadamia Nut Encrusted Black Tiger Prawn Rainbow Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette; Thai Style Oxtail Soup; and Fresh Mahi Mahi with Thai Red Curry Sauce.
Best Restaurants in Honolulu - worth every bite...
Healthy" is the focus this go around...butter is not used for cooking here!. Superseding his former successful restaurant, Chai Island Bistro in the Aloha Tower Marketplace, Chef Chai has done it again, creating another special Asian fusion menu in an innovative hip restaurant. The menu presents tempting choices such as Apple Kimchi Summer Rolls, Alaskan King Crab Cakes, Deconstructed Scallop Pot Pie with Lobster Reduction, Grilled Fresh Mahi Mahi with Thai Red Curry Sauce, and a Fresh Baked Pineapple Macadamia Nut Tart Ala Mode with Vanilla Ice-cream for dessert -Yum!
Best restaurants in Honolulu
Asian Fusion cuisine, the excellent food, healthier dish options and delicious preparations and presentations make this a must visit dining venue. This definitely makes the top of our best places to eat in Honolulu and worth the splurge. Must try dishes here includes: Oxtail lemongrass soup, scallops and risotto, grilled Mongolian style lamb chops, Grilled Kurabota Osso Bucco and for dessert chocolate lava cake or fried bananas.
Fine Dining with Our Top 5 Oahu Fancy Restaurants
Snag a table on the outdoor patio or in the modern interior of Chef Chai, which is known for their upscale Asian fusion dishes. From features in Travel & Leisure to his own cooking shows “Dining Out with Chai” and “Chai’s Choices,” Chef Chai is a well-known name on the dining scene. New and innovative uses of spices and ingredients create a fusion of flavors in his signature dishes.
Hawaii Wedding Receptions on Oahu
We're very excited to partner with local celebrity Chef Chai, and it's our top recommendation for an amazing reception dinner for larger groups and couples wanting a private dining experience. Contact Chef Chai's team directly: chefchai@outlook.com or 808-330-0279. (Please tell them you are getting married withWeddings of Hawaii).
15 Romantic Things to Do in Honolulu, Oahu
Located in downtown Honolulu, Chef Chai offers his guests a vibrant dinner menu. Named for the resident legendary chef, the restaurant is known for its Hawaiian fusion centered cuisine. Thai born, Chef Chai utilizes local produce and farm fresh ingredients, many of which are purchased from Honolulu’s Chinatown, in every meal.
15 Romantic Oahu Restaurants Perfect for a Hawaii Honeymoon (2023)
At Chef Chai, you will find a beautiful place with a candle-lit dinner for two. It is simply gorgeous and the perfect Oahu romantic restaurant for newlyweds. Chef Chai is very well-known all over the world, and the food is absolutely amazing.
Best Asian-Fusion Restaurants in O'ahu You Must Try
Chef Chai Chaowasaree continues to draw fans to his chic, sleek Kaka‘ako eatery that focuses on Asian fusion and contemporary seafood dishes made with fresh ingredients. Pacifica Honolulu, 1009 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Kaka‘ako, chefchai.com
50 Best Restaurants in Honolulu, HI for 2025 (Top Eats!)
1009 Kapiolani BlvdHonolulu, Oahu, HI 96814-2112(808) 585-0011. Chef Chai restaurant is a sleek contemporary venue with a long bar serving Hawaiian regional fare from a celebrated chef.
Great Eats - Waikiki Beach Restaurants
Chef Chai at Pacifica Tower is known for innovative Hawaiian cuisine, fusing fresh local ingredients with exotic flavors. Voted Best New Restaurant in 2013.
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in Honolulu by Diners
- Rating: 4.2/5 (924 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 1009 Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu, Hawaii - Categories: Asian Fusion- Read more on Yelp
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Chef Chai is one of the most recognized restaurants in Hawaii with their mix of exotic Asian flavors and Hawaiian ingredients................
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit