The Original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai

The "Original" Roy's Hawaii Kai: Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

When visiting the Honolulu area, make a dinner reservation at the famous, award-winning Euro-Asian family restaurant that has been beloved for over 30 years and utilizes only the best in bold Asian spices, fresh local ingredients, and globally sourced original wines. This is the “original’ Roy’s Hawaii Kai and proudly features outstanding fine dining options all with a breathtaking view of the picturesque Maunalua Bay. 

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Offering stunning views of the beautiful Maunalua Bay, the “Original” Roy’s Hawaii Kai in Honolulu, Hawaii is a must-visit family fine-dining restaurant with a Euro-Asian flair. This original version of the restaurant began more than 30 years ago when it opened its doors in 1988. Today’s vibe is still much the same and the owner Roy envisions this place to be one where “everybody knows your name.”

The delicious dinner menu features classic favorites like the Misoyaki Butterfish, or the Blackened Island Ahi, but also features items like the Hawaii Kai Crab Cakes and the Slow Braised Beef Short Rib. Finish off this meal with a scrupulous signature treat or enjoy a drink, choosing from one of the many specialty drinks and global wines. 

At The Original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai, each menu item is purposefully created with bold spices and fresh local ingredients. The European sauces used by the renowned and award-winning chef highlight the fresh seafood and other Hawaiian Inspired Euro Asian Cuisine. Seating in the main dining area includes the previously mentioned view of Maulau Bay, which you can enjoy from there, or the private dining area you can reserve for business gatherings or other special occasions. 

Head Chef Roy Yamaguchi is from Tokyo, Japan where he was born and raised. He is renowned for his skills that have been used to create Hawaiin-inspired cuisines. His unique California-French-Japanese style of cooking combines fresh ingredients from the islands with decadent flavor. He was even named the James Beard Best Pacific Northwest Chef in 1993. This along with many other awards like being named in the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, and winning the Heckathorn Dining Excellence Award from Honolulu Magazine further prove his immense skill and unique flair.

While there is no dish on the dinner menu that isn’t delectable, there are some that are known by guests as must-have options when visiting the Original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai:

Sunset Supper Prix Fixe Menu
Three Courses: This specialty of the house comes in three courses for one price per guest, not including gratuity or tax. The first course is Seared Shrimp Stick, served with sesame seeds, Wasabi cocktail, and Kiawae smoked baby back rib chives. The second course is the Tender Braised Beef Short Ribs and Hibachi Grilled Salmon with Orzo mac & cheese. The third and final course is the Vanilla NY Style Cheesecake with mixed berry compote. 

Bites
You can choose from a wide array of Bites dishes. These include the Rainbow Crudo, the Grilled Goose Point Oysters, the Shell-Preme Roll, the Crispy Zucchini, and the Canoe Samplers, just to name a few. 

Fields
On the lighter side, you can opt for something off the Fields portion of the menu. This includes the Hawaii Kai Roman Caesar, featuring citrus herb poached shrimp and Ho Farm tomato, the Kuliouou Organic Mix Salad, served with creamy herb dressing and Big Island goat cheese, or the Bacon Orange Fried Brussel Sprouts with bacon marmalade. 

Fish and Game
Moving on to the menu, you can choose from a variety of delicious options in the Fish and Game section of the menu, including the Blackened Island Ahi, the Macadamia Nut Crusted Hawaiian Fish, the Crispy Whole Tai Snapper, and more. You can also opt for Surf & Turf featuring a Grilled Filet Mignon paired with Orzo mac & Cheese stuffed Lobster Tail, with Au Poivre demi-glaze. 

Sweet Treats
No trip to The Original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai is complete without ending it with a delicious treat. Choose from three equally delectable desserts including Roy’s Signature Chocolate Souffle with raspberry coulis, Roy’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake with foster sauce, or the Banana Sweet Bread Pudding called Panipopo with caramel and Haupia sauce.

Insider Tips:
-The Original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai is open for dine-in or carry-out for dinner hours.
-You can make reservations when dining at Roy’s, which is highly recommended. 
-Sign up for Roy’s newsletter to keep up with special offers along with birthday and anniversary deals.