Diner-Style to Luxe: Where to Book Valentine’s Day Dinner

(Sponsored) A.k.a. where you can still get reservations for Feb. 14.

February 12, 2020

Frolic Hawai‘i,

t is not, repeat NOT too late to find a romantic spot for Valentine’s Day dinner. Whether you’re looking for a killer deal or an exquisite wine pairing, check out the options below.

53 By The Sea

Get your Valentine tickets to a Taste of Kyoto this March at 53 By The Sea. Honolulu’s most romantic restaurant welcomes chef Kunio Tokuoka of the famed Kyoto Kitcho restaurants for three extraordinary culinary events from March 11-13. While it can take up to one year to get a reservation at the coveted Kyoto Kitcho restaurant in Arashiyama, Kyoto, 53 By The Sea now offers three exclusive opportunities to experience his artistry for yourself, without the wait. Learn why chef Tokuoka’s flagship Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama is consistently awarded Three Stars by the Michelin Guide.

Contact the Taste of Kyoto event concierge at 400-3311 or events@53bythesea.com for reservations and further information.

53 Ahui St. • Kakaako • 536-5353 • https://53bythesea.com/tok/

Dean & DeLuca

The Artisan Loft at Dean & DeLuca offers a level of luxury and serenity unique in Waikiki. The intimate setting features wood-grained tables, comfortable Italian-import chairs and wrap-around lounge seating that accent the crisp, white interior. It is ideal for brunch and pau hana happy hour during the day, and perfect for a romantic Valentine’s weekend dining experience.

Executive chef Kevin Carvalho’s $90 prix fixe menu offers three beautifully plated courses with locally sourced ingredients. “There are many ingredients in Hawaii that people have never seen or tasted,” Carvalho says. “I want to encourage people to reconnect with nature through food and experience how we utilize all parts.”

Sommelier Rebecca Sinn offers a selection of wine pairings ($30 additional) that take the experience to new heights.

This special Valentine’s menu is available from Feb. 14 to 16 from 4 to 10 p.m.:

Ho’i’o fern and lilikoi salad: Torched hearts of palm, lotus root and Maui lavender — 2017 Domaine Pallus Messenger Rose, Loire Valley, France
Kauai prawn and saffron dashi: Akule and saffron broth, limu kohu and Manoa tomato — NH Etoile Brut Rose by Domaine Chandon, Napa Valley, California
Butter-poached lobster and Waimea-raised beef tenderloin: Waimea Ranch tenderloin, butter-poached lobster and potato cream — 2018 Reserve de Bertrand Elegance Rose, Provence, France
Chef’s Gift: Chocolate-dipped strawberries with Valrhona chocolate — NV Terre Dei Buth Rizzante Rose Prosecco

The Artisan Loft at Dean & DeLuca is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. (last order 9:30 p.m.). Walk-ins are welcome.

The Ritz Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach • 383 Kalaimoku St. • Waikiki • 729-9720 • https://www.deandeluca-hawaii.com

Halekulani Bakery

At Waikiki’s chic new destination eatery, chef de cuisine Aaron Furuto has created a special four-course lunch and dinner for the most romantic day of the year.

Kualoa oysters with cucumber, lime and Hawaiian chili pepper granita
Hirabara mixed greens, Sumida Farm watercress with strawberry, mozzarella pearls with balsamic vinaigrette
Beef wellington with cherry port wine sauce and roasted seasonal vegetables
Special dessert

Halekulani Bakery & Restaurant is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $59 per person. Please call 808-931-6673 to reserve a table.

2233 Helumoa Rd. • Waikiki • 931-6673 • https://www.halepuna.com

Herringbone Waikiki

Celebrate Valentine’s Feb. 14-16 with a special four-course dinner menu including wine pairing for $95 per person.

Start with an amuse bouche of a Crispy Oyster followed by your choice of Beef Steak Tomato Salad or Lobster Bisque. For the third course, enjoy a Surf & Turf of filet mignon and grilled prawns with a merlot demi-glace and citrus butter. Dip into a Strawberry Panna Cotta with Tahitian vanilla, market berry marmalade and oat crumble for dessert.

Herringbone Waikiki is on the third floor of the International Market Place. Validated parking available. Call 808-797-2435 or go to herringboneeats.com to reserve.

2330 Kalakaua Ave. • Waikiki • 797-2435 • https://herringboneeats.com/locations/waikiki/

Liliha Bakery

For an incredible $25, Liliha Bakery’s Valentine’s Dinner special delivers a 10-ounce carving of prime rib with lobster bisque, butter rolls and choice of tossed salad or potato mac salad. You’ll also find a variety of Valentine-themed pastries including heart-shaped cakes ($24.50), cookies (prices vary) and cupcakes ($2.99) to sweeten the day. This walk-in only special is available at the Nimitz and Ala Moana locations.

580 N. Nimitz Hwy. • Honolulu • 537-2488
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. (inside Macy’s, third floor) • Ala Moana • 944-4088 • http://www.lilihabakery.com/