Cuisine:

• Japanese
• Contemporary

Nobu Waikiki Description:
Nobu Waikiki was greeted with much fanfare when it opened mid-summer 2007. Most of the hype was generated by the hope of a celebrity sighting or two and scant attention was paid to the food which would be served. This was due in no small part to the fact that most local residents have been dining upon dishes remarkably similar to those that wowed New Yorkers a dozen years ago from the time they were in their "hanabutta" (pidgin for small kid times) days. A few dining experiences at Nobu Waikiki have revealed that the food is indeed quite similar to what is available in local izakayas, but then again a Volkswagen and a Mercedes are both cars, and while the one is serviceable and even functionally stylish, the other is in a different league. And therein lies the difference; the quality of the ingredients, the precision with which the food is prepared and presented and the spot-on service distinguish this as a superior dining experience. The sushi is of particular note. Even though there are more than a few excellent sushi spots in Honolulu, sushi aficionados can appreciate the freshness and quality here. While we strongly recommend the seafood, it would be a mistake to miss the duck breast served with a wasabi-enhanced green salsa---the pairing of the unctuous duck meat with the bracing tang of wasabi makes for a happy palate. The wine list is adequate, but we suggest ordering from the spare, yet elegant, saké list to complement your meal. The restaurant is as beautiful as it should be given the multi-million-dollar price tag and the glow afforded by the seductive lighting serves to make everyone one of the "beautiful people." So, while this is a chain restaurant, it is a lovely link that won't disappoint those with the appropriate expectations.


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