$$$$Price: Expensive • Creative Japanese • Waikiki
A gem.
We were visiting Honolulu from Tokyo and looking for an izakaya. What we found was a modern take on an izakaya with a fusion kind of menu. The fusion part comes from a chef who is Korean, was born in Argentina, trained at the Culinary Institute in NYC, and now works in Hawaii. That explains, for example, the kalbi short ribs (yum).
As this is an izakaya the plates are made for sharing and you’ll want to order a few plates per person. Everything we’ve had has been delicious. That said - I recommend started with the Miso Caesar Salad and some Edamame (you might want to have the spicy sauce on the side for the latter). Then maybe a Geisha Roll or some sashimi. And don’t miss the desserts.
The atmosphere is very nice. Comfortable seating. Low noise level. Strong air conditioning. The restaurant is in the Romer House Hotel so there is parking and valet parking. There is also a nice bar for a pre or post meal drink.
855 Aloha was interesting enough to us that we went back a couple times. When we return to Tokyo we can find traditional izakaya everywhere but we won’t easily find a place like 855.
Casual dress. Major credit cards. Very nice people.
