For my wife’s birthday, I treated her to 53 By The Sea, a fine-dining restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii. We’ve lived here for four years, and I figured we should start dining at “bucket list” restaurants. Read on for our experience, photos, and whether it’s worth it for the price.
Reservations
I easily made a reservation online through OpenTable. I booked late—only a week ahead, so I was left with the only available slot at 5 pm. We’re older millennials, so we were actually glad it was early.
I didn’t want to stress about traffic or hunting for parking space, so we took a Lyft to the restaurant. The driver dropped us off, and I was surprised to see ample free parking at the lot in front of the building, which is rare in town. Valet was available, but I’m not sure if it was free.
Service
After a warm welcome, my wife and I were immediately seated at an outdoor table with a view of the ocean and Diamond Head. We specified our seating choice beforehand on the app. The service was professional and attentive; our wine and water glasses never left empty.
Our dishes came at a relaxed pace, and we had plenty of time to savor our meal and linger. We unknowingly spent three hours there, but we didn’t feel rushed at all (the restaurant wasn’t busy at the time). The vibe was elevated, but not stuffy.
dress code
My outfit leaned smart casual, but we didn’t feel out of place. I wore a simple top with linen pants from Uniqlo with Olukai sandals, while my wife wore an aloha shirt and dress pants (a combo that never fails in Hawaii).
Tasting Menu
The tasting menu at 53 By The Sea was definitely worth it for the flavor and the variety of dishes alone. Despite its name, you’ll find filet mignon, foie gras, and lamb in addition to seafood.
My wife and I both chose the Kaui prix fixe menu with 6 courses for $160 per person. We passed on the wine pairing and opted for a bottle of the wine special instead. The portions were small, though a little bigger than we expected, so we didn’t leave hungry. Both our meals included the seafood & local vegetable jardinier, sautéed foie gras, seafood stuffed lobster, and hand-cut noodles. Then I chose filet mignon for my entree and flan for dessert.
final thoughts
After dessert, the server brought a plate with a mini cake for my wife’s birthday. She tried to light the candle a few times, but it was too windy. The gesture is always appreciated; we can never turn down a free dessert!
Our favorites were the first-course salad, handmade noodles, and the flan. The seafood tasted fresh, and the savory dishes were rich and perfectly seasoned.
We definitely recommend 53 By The Sea for the flavors, service, tranquil vibes, and the views of the ocean and Diamond Head. It’s the perfect place to treat someone or celebrate a special occasion.
