
El Cielo
A culinary journey blending Spanish, Japanese, and Argentinian influences, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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El Cielo

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A culinary journey blending Spanish, Japanese, and Argentinian influences, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience.
"Every single dish here was absolutely amazing. Truly a culinary experience from start to finish."
Request the Back Room
For exceptional service and accommodation of food allergies, ask to be seated in the back room.
Don't Miss Shrimp Ajillo
The Shrimp Ajillo, served with fresh baked baguette, is a must-try and highly recommended dish.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Spanish, Fusion
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Culinary Fusion
Experience a unique blend of Spanish, Japanese, and Argentinian culinary influences, masterfully crafted by chef Masa Gushiken.

Standout Seafood Paella
Savor the phenomenal seafood paella, a rich and flavorful dish that is highly recommended by diners.

Truffle & Mushroom Paella
Indulge in the exquisite truffle & mushroom paella, a vegetarian delight praised for its perfect execution and rich flavors.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Request the Back Room
For exceptional service and accommodation of food allergies, ask to be seated in the back room.
Don't Miss Shrimp Ajillo
The Shrimp Ajillo, served with fresh baked baguette, is a must-try and highly recommended dish.
Avoid Peak Times
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to minimize wait times between courses.
Be Aware of Charges
For larger parties, be mindful of bill splitting and auto-gratuity; ensure all charges are accurate.
Tips
from all over the internet
Request the Back Room
For exceptional service and accommodation of food allergies, ask to be seated in the back room.
Don't Miss Shrimp Ajillo
The Shrimp Ajillo, served with fresh baked baguette, is a must-try and highly recommended dish.
Avoid Peak Times
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to minimize wait times between courses.
Be Aware of Charges
For larger parties, be mindful of bill splitting and auto-gratuity; ensure all charges are accurate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Cielo offers a unique fusion of Spanish, Japanese, and Argentinian flavors, with many diners praising the exceptional seafood paella and truffle paella. The service, particularly in accommodating dietary needs, is often highlighted as outstanding. However, some patrons find the pricing to be high for the portion sizes and experience, with occasional feedback on inconsistent dish balance and service professionalism during busy periods.
"This was an exceptional discovery. My family and I really enjoyed dining here; we were welcomed in and got a terrific table in the back room. The smoked salmon, octopus, and baguette were all outstanding. We loved the mushroom and truffle vegetarian paella. My wife has a bunch of food allergies and the restaurant did a terrific job accommodating everything. The dessert was out of this world, we had the churros and the ube basque cheesecake. I can’t wait to come back, the service was excellent and the whole experience was magical."
Alex Thayer
"I'm gonna start by saying the food overall was enjoyable. Unfortunately, many things occurred throughout the dining experience that left me feeling dissatisfied. I was running late to a group dinner. All others had ordered drinks at the table. The waiter asked for my drink order then came back mins later asking if I wanted a drink. The octopus was a bit chewy but overall taste was decent. The sangria was tasty but strong. The seafood paella was phenomenal and I highly recommend it. The creme brulee was overpowered with lemon. When it came time for checks, the waiter stated he could split the bills up but actually he could not and put food on random ppl bills at the table. He was very confusing and complicated the process. I was overcharged for someone else's food. Be aware if you come here! I left with an unpleasant feeling. I do not recommend this place for larger parties unless one person is paying. Any party of 6 will have auto gratuity as well."
Erica Kristin
"Honestly too pricey, tiny servings, not great taste …. And we waited to get food for too long in between meals. We had the course meal (i don't recommend). My spouse had a sangria which she did not like. Also for a Spanish 🇪🇸 restaurant the paella was not to part. The steak (4oz) was okay nothing to remember. I honestly hope they make it better in the future. For now we wont go back $$$."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
El Cielo features a unique fusion of Spanish cuisine crafted by chef Masa Gushiken, who has Argentinian and Japanese heritage.
Diners highly recommend the seafood paella, truffle & mushroom paella, and the shrimp ajillo with fresh baked baguette.
Yes, the restaurant is known for doing a terrific job accommodating food allergies. Requesting the back room may enhance service.
While some reviewers enjoyed it for groups, be aware of potential auto-gratuity and ensure accurate bill splitting.
The restaurant offers a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, with a serene and minimalist interior design.
Some diners consider the prices to be high for the portion sizes, while others find them reasonable for a Waikiki restaurant.
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In the heart of Waikiki, El Cielo was opened in 2023 by chef Masa "Arnaldo" Gushiken, who creates incredible Spanish tapas and other international specialties based on his global expertise in places such as Japan, Los Angeles, and Spain. The interior's serene, minimalist design establishes a sophisticated but relaxed ambience in several dining rooms. A few standouts include the truffle egg custard pudding, imported cheeses and hams, octopus, and Basque-style sea bream, and the wine list has some Spanish vintages.
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A second-generation Argentinian trained in kitchens in Japan and Spain, chef-owner Masa Gushiken opened El Cielo with, in his words, food from his Latin heart. It’s mostly Spanish, with dishes like pintxos of guindilla peppers and anchovies, hearty paellas and juicy, twice-grilled Iberico pork filling most of the menu. But since that menu mirrors Gushiken’s life, you’ll also find his mother’s raisin-flecked Argentinian beef empanadas, creamy uni pasta (a Japanese favorite suggested by his wife) and perfectly grilled octopus with a dab of his mother’s chimichurri.
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in the Honolulu Area by Diners
- Rating: 4.6/5 (217 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 346 Lewers St. 1F Honolulu, Hawaii - Categories: Tapas Bars, Wine Bars, Spanish- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:Highest-rated breakfast restaurants in the Honolulu area by diners

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