PAI Honolulu

We had an amazing dining experience and celebrated my birthday too. I am not alcohol drinker, but they have a selection of mocktails that were paired with dish.If you are looking for some extra special flavors and unique presentation, you just have to give Pai a try. You won't regret it...Thank you Chef Kevin Lee for your culinary creativity and delicious dishes with unexpected favors...

2.15.25 Valentine's Day Prix Fixe MenuExperience Kevin Lee's artistry for the eye and palate. Justine Lee, presented my date with the perfect wine pairings. I had the zero alcohol Reverie--hit the right notes, not too sweet and pretty presentation. (See the pics) Thank you Chef Kevin and Justine your attention to detail re: food, drink, service and ambiance created the perfect Valentin's celebration.Go, now and support this earnest, hard working, local business that supports local farmers. Note--park in the Harbor Court building. We took the City and County ticket and PAI defeated the cost with parking stickers.

It's been a long time since last visit old friend. Forgive me for not returning sooner. You are always awesome. This recent experience was over the top memorable! Thank you to creative mastery of Chef Kevin L. and excellent service by team Tyrell and Malik, our party of three had such a wonderful evening. Each course off the tasting menu was artful, whimsical, and a treat for the senses. Chef leaning heavy on the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. While other options are available, highly recommend the complete tasting menu available!Here are a few of my favorites:Kona Kampachi (11 of 10!) - party for the tastebuds! Citrus cured kampachi, scallop,cucumber, cherry tomato seasoned in a ginger Wasabi dressing and served alongside a coconut curry puree.He'eia Samoan Crab - (11 of 10) - TBH I did NOT have high hope for this one as I don't care for siumai much but this one completely surprised me! Samoan crab meat and opakapaka balanced with fresh Ewa corn nibblits, pickled ginger and tied together with the subtlest red vinegar. Delicious!Also earning top spots on my palate: Kona lobster (10 of 10) with green lipped mussel, fennel, and ogo and in a lobster bisque.Mai Tai sherbert intermediate (10 of 10). Wow, just wow!Lamb taro puff (9 of 10) - think Chinese taro puff with exploding filling of cumin braised lamb.90 day dry-aged beef (9 of 10) - seasoned with white and black peppercorn and served in an XO sauce.Dessert of Dark Chocolate Haupia gelee with an almond cookie Crumble and toasted coconut (9 of 10) - needless to say I didn't share this one!Escargot with ttebok (8 of 10) - I don't care much for mochi rice cakes but that's just a personal thing.I believe the later dishes were biased on my review as I was just so full I don't think I could appreciate them to the fullest.Parking partially validated in the building or on Merchant street free after downtown business hours.Will I be back? Absolutely! It's where I think of when looking for a special and intimate dining experience.

Pai Honolulu*** DEPENDS-MAYBE ***Food: ***Value: ** (small portions for price)Menu: ***Ambiance: ****Service: ****Parking: **** (validated)While screening restaurants with four stars or above, Pai Honolulu came to my attention with a 4.4 Yelp rating from 332 reviews. That's high! They have also won many local restaurant awards.This chef owned restaurant, has both an à la carte menu or you can create your own 3 Course or 4 Course menu. The chef, Kevin Lee, has an extensive background in culinary skills working at different ethnic restaurants in various continents.If you enjoy fine dining, prepared by a chef owner with culinary training & experience, I'd recommend giving Pai Honolulu a try. If you like larger portions and/or lower prices, you may want to go elsewhere. RATINGS & RECOMMENDED ORDER:Molten Dark Fudge Brownie = AKona Kampachi = B5-Spiced Pork Shoulder = CBraised Beef = CBaby Romaine & Kale Salad = CStrawberry Panna Cotta = CYelp: https://yelp.to/iiI3eBzvZkWebsite: https://www.paihonolulu.com/YELP: Milton KSorry! They allow only one 12 second video & the remaining to 3 seconds. The full video and pictures of the entire menu can be found on other platforms/apps: MiltonIn808RATINGS KEY: A = Really Good - one of the best B = Good - would order again C = ok - similar, nothing special D = Not very good - wouldn't order F = Terrible - avoid

Pai Honolulu is understated and underrated! The menu is heavily Chinese-influenced. My husband and I dined here for our wedding anniversary last year. We've actually had this restaurant on our bookmarks for a couple years and waited that long to finally dine here after I saw them introduce a more affordable three-course menu in early 2024 (they've had their four-course menu much longer)! During anniversaries and birthdays, we like to splurge...on a budget lol. I made a reservation at Pai via OpenTable. Our reservation was for 5:00pm, right when Pai opened, so we were the only diners for about half an hour. The restaurant wasn't too large, but still looked and felt spacious. Since I indicated on the reservation that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, our host provided a menu which included a "happy anniversary" greeting! What a thoughtful touch lol. Also because of our anniversary, the restaurant offered both of us complimentary glasses of champagne. Our drinks were tasty. My husband and I have a strategy every time we dine out--we split everything so we could taste a variety of dishes. We ordered a three-course menu and a four-course menu. Both include appetizers and dessert, but the four-course menu includes both pasta AND entree, whereas the three-course menu allows either or.OUR ORDERS:Three-course menu:- Kona Kampachi (my fave)- Braised beef (my fave)- Strawberry panna cotta (my fave)Four-course menu:- Chilled crab corn soup (also my fave if I didn't take a pic of it)- Lemongrass curry chow fun- 5-spice pork shoulder- Espresso martiniWe took photos of all our dishes except the chilled crab corn soup. We must have enjoyed it that much that we couldn't stop for a picture!I can't comment on parking since my husband's car was already parked at his workplace in Downtown, while I took the Skyline rail from the Westside + the bus from Aloha Stadium to a block away from Pai. It took me awhile to find Harbor Court and the restaurant itself. Overall, we enjoyed our anniversary dinner at Pai. Gourmet dinner at reasonable prices and friendly customer service. I'd say Pai is a restaurant for real foodies, for those who want casual fine dining even without those so-called sunset or beach views.

It's been on my list for a while but due to circumstances, never had the pleasure... until now.Looking for a destination place for that special someone, an experience akin to a private dining meal? Yes, this is the place.After scanning a number of posted menus, I thought there were plentiful menu options, various prix fixed meals and perhaps an ala carte menu. When we arrived for our 5 pm midweek dinner, we were seated next to the open kitchen in a four-seat table.To be honest, it was not what I expected when I read the two page menu on the table. Well, let's just say the choices are limited with options in the "snacks" section. At that point, the options were sparkling or still water, our beverages, and snacks to be shared since none of us were wine drinkers. We started with the Oishi oysters (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=iyYULNhauQVGVe9a-TgxLw) and the Pai aged Charcuterie (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=K-hdIuyMVZbzKucUI-CdrA). The descriptions are Kuushi oysters, lilikoi mignonette, Kiawe smoked chili pepper water and salted nuts, pickles respectively. The oysters were akin to the familiar Kumamoto variety and were refreshing with the applied sauce. The soppresatta slices, housed cured, played well with the garnishes in alternating bites. For the main meal, here's a summary of my favorites:A. Kona lobster (before pouring of the bisque (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=1WV0rhFpapcuczXpmjmWHg) and after (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=jl1vcmVou85CCH5eaimlKw)) - half lobster tail, green lip mussel, fennel, ogo, cherry tomato, fennel and tomato bisque. Every ingredient shined with the rich yet not heavy soup B. He'eia Samoan crab (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=Ft3khDSIrXJxNM_L2cv35Q) - opakaka Siu Mai, Ewa sweet corn, edamame, pickled ginger, garlic chive, red vinegar. This is a dumpling like no other with the heart fish pairing with the subtle crab meat and flavor.C. Kona Kampachi (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=ypCWqmafd1sHQZWL_I-cFg) - citrus cured Kampachi, bay scallop, cucumber, cherry tomato, bell pepper, ginger wasabi dressing, lemongrass, coconut curry puree, ogo, cilantro. The sweetness of the fish made the other ingredients clean tasting.Other favorites were the Chef's buttermilk cornbread (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=UuknbQRuI7-kAAcPrKVETQ) (honey miso butter) and the Mai Tai Sherbet (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=kn8ZclyGROvFwRyb5LPaBw) (pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut milk, rum). The Dark Chocolate Haupia (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=fIOSspaK1fBQLSBoD3jnTQ) (almond cookie crumbs, cacao nib, coconut sugar, toasted coconut) was ridiculous too.I enjoyed the other dishes too but these were particularly memorable for me.Being familiar with the chef's background, I learned from a mutual friend from the area that my family and me are familiar with many of his family. He made the time to speak with us and took photos with us. My local friend was particularly impressed by the many awards that lined the bar shelves and a cabinet. Thank you to our waiter Tyrell, enthusiastic and boisterous, and his assistant Malik, the cool and collected one. Thank you and your sous chef, Kevin, for providing a wonderful meal who my friend thought was on her 'best ever' dinners list. It was impressive that you and your sous crafted this experience for us to enjoy, like having private chefs cooking for us.** Not so subtle pre Valentine's hint.

Service was excellent, ambiance was quant and classy, cocktails with exceptional and the oyster with caviar was amazing. I want to also say the short ribs and curry pappardelle were very flavorful.With all the wonderful things I just said why not 5 stars? The papparrdelle was hand made, but it lacked consistency and it was a bit too al dente for me. The main reason for taking a star away was that our entrees were served lukewarm, which we found to be a major misstep for this price point and caliber.

I had the pleasure of dining at PAI Restaurant in Oahu, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. The moment you step inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere sets the tone for an unforgettable meal. The modern, yet cozy decor creates a perfect ambiance for a relaxed, upscale dining experience.The service was impeccable - attentive without being overbearing, and the staff was knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. It's clear that the team at PAI cares deeply about providing a top-tier dining experience.Overall, PAI Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in Oahu looking for exceptional food, great service, and a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, PAI is a true gem that should not be missed!

This was the restaurant we were most looking forward to on our brief trip to Oahu. Unfortunately, it did not meet our hopes on so many levels. A huge disappointment.First, finding parking in this area is difficult at best. Apparently they have their own parking lot which should make it easy, but their signage from the street is poor, especially in the dark. They should have made the parking situation clear to us before we arrived during the several times they contacted me, which would have saved us a lot of frustration.Walking in, first impression: The lights are too bright (like a cafeteria) and the decor so minimal. A plastic plant separates our table at the window from the other half of the dining room. We are in front of the chef's kitchen with a view of the cooking. The restaurant is half full. A portion of the space is blocked off with paper screens. It looks temporary. The party of 8 on the other side of the restaurant is so loud and the acoustics are terrible. Ambience overall is poor. We start with a cocktail, which is lovely. They have this part down, as well as the wine pairings. We are served a buttermilk corn bread with honey miso butter compliments of the chef. It is delicious and we are off to a good start.After that, the meal goes down hill. The $25 foie gras is so small and watery in texture. For some inexplainable reason, it is served with an overly thin and crisp bread cracker that falls apart when you put anything on it, and the watery foie gras drips through all of the holes. A complete mistake on all levels. The kona kampachi, although pretty in presentation is bland and the elements just don't go together well - kampachi with tomatoes and jicama? The sauce also just doesn't add anything to the dish. Fortunately, my husband will eat anything, especially meat and he devoured his pork shoulder. That being said, he didn't rave about it. He said he was just hungry. My curry pappardelle on the other hand, for me was almost inedible. I thought the concept sounded interesting and I love pappardelle pasta, but the noodles were so thick and gummy, I took a bite or two and was done. When our server came by and took my plate and noticed I had hardly touched it, he said nothing except that he would wrap it up to take home. Desserts were fine. By that point I was uninterested. The service throughout was very attentive by the chef's wife and additional staff. She was friendly and had a birthday greeting and welcome printed on our menus, which was a nice, personal feature. But the chef could have also come out to greet his few guests and inquire about our experience, which he did not. He did not seem friendly, more studious and analytical and happy to be in his kitchen, far from his guests. Not inviting. As we were leaving, I realized that the server never brought me my dish to take home. As I was thinking of asking, I realized I wasn't going to eat it anyway. Not here, not there, not anywhere. Why didn't anyone in the restaurant care about our food experience? Not sure but would not return and could not recommend. Unfortunate and odd as the reviews for this restaurant are very polarized. Not for me.

This place is a hidden gem. I couldn't believe it was my first time in, and a friend of mine suggested we try it out! I thought I had tried every restaurant in China town.The service was excellent! It's a family run business which I love because it adds a homey touch with delicious food. We stopped by for cocktails mostly but ended up having to try the pana cotta desert. I took a look at their tasting menus because I knew I had to come back with a bigger appetite!