14 Honolulu Restaurants That Treat You to Freebies, Special Deals on Your Birthday

Got a birthday coming up? Happy birthday! There’s nothing more rewarding than getting recognition (in the form of a special discount or freebie) on your special day to make you feel even more special! We’ve rounded up the best places in Honolulu that’ll make you feel like a rockstar on your birthday.

January 1, 2016

Diane Lee,

The “Celebration Cake” at Chef Mavro.

Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Dessert

Tell the staff at Chef Mavro it’s your birthday, and they’ll send out the “celebration cake,” a white chocolate-mocha decadent cake covered in dark-chocolate ganache, complete with a birthday candle. Pastry chef Jose Calpito was inspired to create this cake after trying a white-chocolate mocha from Starbucks.

Chef Mavro, 1969 S. King St., 944-4714, chefmavro.com

If you love coconut, then you’ll love the complimentary haupia crème brûlée at the end of your meal.

Ryan’s Grill, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., 591-9132, ryansgrill.com

After stuffing yourself with all-you-can-eat king crab legs, tender prime rib and fresh sashimi at the Oceanarium, leave some room for dessert. You’ll get a small slice of birthday cake with a “Happy Birthday” song from the staff.

Oceanarium, 2490 Kalākaua Ave., 921-6111, pacificbeachhotel.com/Dining/The-Oceanarium-Restaurant

Nostalgic ice cream parlor Farrell’s will make you feel super special on your birthday. The staff will bring you a complimentary sundae (choose from chocolate, vanilla or rocky road), while singing “Happy Birthday” accompanied by banging drums.

Farrell’s Hawai‘i, Pearlridge, 488-9339, farrellshawaii.com

We’re big fans of Shokudo’s honey toast, but we’re also cool with geting the tempura bread pudding as a complimentary birthday treat.

Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar, 1585 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Ste. 905, 941-3701, shokudojapanese.com

Dine at the Iron Chef’s restaurant on your birthday, and get a scoop of sorbet or ice cream on the house.

Morimoto Waikīkī, 1775 Ala Moana Blvd., 943-5900, morimotowaikiki.com

You’ll certainly feel loved at Chef Chai’s when you receive a heart-shaped white chocolate gelato truffle.

Chef Chai, 1009 Kapi‘olani Boulevard, 585-0011, chefchai.com

If you visit Roy’s, the server will always ask if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Top off your meal with a dark-chocolate soufflé (an oozing hot chocolate center combined with vanilla ice cream)—yum! Though, there’s no guarantee they’ll provide the dessert on the house.

Roy’s Restaurant, various locations, royshawaii.com

Come in for dinner at MW Restaurant and leave with a bag of homemade cookies from the chef.

MW Restaurant, 1538 Kapi‘olani Blvd., 955-6505, mwrestaurant.com

Alan Wong’s gets creative when it comes to birthdays. You’ll receive a menu with a personalized Happy Birthday message, plus a surprise, complimentary birthday dessert.

Alan Wong’s, 1875 S. King St., third floor, 949-2526, alanwongs.com

What’s not to love about a homemade cheesecake with a candle on your birthday? The complimentary photo snapshot is a nice touch.

Hy’s Steak House, 2440 Kūhiō Ave., 922-5555, hyswaikiki.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House will toast your birthday with a complimentary glass of Champagne and a strawberry flambé.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., 599-3860

Food

The Honolulu Burger Co. is generous on birthdays. Enjoy any burger (except for the buta kau kau burger) on the house. If you want some fries with that, we recommend ordering a side of garlic fries ($5.29).

Honolulu Burger Co., 1295 S. Beretania St., 626-5202, honoluluburgerco.com

Discounted Meal

Bring a friend to Japanese dinner buffet Makino Chaya to get a discount on your meal. Seniors (65+) and keiki (under 12) can eat for free on their birthdays.

Makino Chaya, 98-150 Kaʻōnohi St., Suite B219, makinochayahawaii.com