When you want to enjoy a truly memorable fine dining experience, there’s perhaps no better place to go in Waikiki than Morimoto Asia. At this popular island eatery, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto flaunts his expertise in the kitchen, serving up truly imaginative Asian fusion dishes with flair. To enjoy it all, plan to savor every course, starting with drinks and appetizers and ending with their world-famous desserts.
To get a seat at Morimoto Asia, reservations are a must. Everyone is clamoring to get a taste of the pure deliciousness served by the famed iron chef. You can easily book your table online or by giving the restaurant a call. Either way, be sure to reserve your spot at least t days in advance. Their tables fill up rather quickly all throughout the year, after all.
Once you arrive on your set dining date, take a moment to soak in the swanky ambiance and admire the elegant décor. Every last inch of their eatery is beautifully designed to make you feel like you’re dining in the lap of luxury. Barrel chairs and couches pair together to create a homey feel, while geometric wood accents and whimsical light fixtures add endless style. Open views of palm trees framing the oceanside complete the picture of perfection.
The food and drinks are the real stars of the show, though. Award-winning Iron Chef Morimoto combines culinary influences from all over Asia and beyond to create his imaginative menu. His offerings range from exquisitely moist roasted duck to ultra-spicy lobster tails. In true Iron Chef fashion, everything is plated to the hilt, ensuring each appetizer, entrée, and dessert looks just as decadent as it tastes.
Don’t miss the chance to try these dishes at Morimoto Asia:
Smoked Old Fashioned
The Smoked Old Fashioned is much more than a drink. It’s a tableside show you’ll be talking about for years to come. When you order this drink, your server expertly prepares everything right in front of you, starting with filling the glass with thick hickory smoke. After that, they will pour Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon through the smoke, followed by Carpano Antica Vermouth, Luxardo Liqueur, and Angostura. The process creates a subtle smoky finish that will have you coming back for more.
Sticky Ribs
Sticky Ribs are the appetizer of choice by locals and tourists alike and for good reason. This dish features breaded and fried pork spare ribs with a generous hoisin sweet chili sauce drizzle. Cilantro and chives go over the top right at the end to elevate the flavors even more.
Angry Lobster
You haven’t truly had lobster until you’ve tried the Angry Lobster at Morimoto Asia. To create this dish, the chef takes lobster tails to the next level with an ultra-spicy Thai red curry sauce. The lobster lands on a bed of rice noodles made using bell peppers, cilantro, and more. The whole lot comes out sizzling mad on a skillet fresh out of the oven, ready for you to devour every last morsel.
Your meal is not complete until you’ve savored their incredible Chocolate Sphere. This dessert features chocolate ice cream wrapped in a rich chocolate ganache. The sphere comes with sable cookies, raspberries, and whipped cream as well. Although that’s plenty enough, your server will take the dessert experience to the next level by setting the chocolate ganache on fire to turn your ice cream into a hot fudge sundae to remember.
Insider Tips:
-Parking is easy at Morimoto Asia. Either find a spot in the self-park garage or use the valet for the hotel. Ask your server to validate your parking ticket to avoid the parking charge when you leave.
-Happy hour is usually from 5 pm to 7 pm, but it’s on hold for the moment.
-The menu features a few wine-pairing options to consider for certain dishes. For the full inside scoop, just ask your server about their recommendations.