At Morimoto Asia Waikiki, you step into a sleek, lively room where plates fly out fast and dinner can stretch to 2.5 hours if timing slips. You’ll want an early reservation, either online or at (808) 922-0022, and a game plan: sticky ribs or dim sum, maybe the roast duck, then the glossy chocolate sphere. It isn’t cheap, with starters near $15 and duck halves at $45, so what actually earns your money?
Key Takeaways
- Reservations are dinner-only; book early by phone at (808) 922-0022 or the restaurant website for the best seating times.
- Busy nights can delay seating slightly, and omakase may last up to 2.5 hours after you’re seated.
- The smartest order is one shareable starter, one splurge entrée, and dessert rather than trying all eight menu sections.
- Must-order favorites include sticky ribs or dim sum to start, with the signature roast duck as the standout showpiece.
- Prices range from moderate to splurge: sticky ribs cost $15, garlic shrimp $22, dessert $12, and roast duck runs $45 to $88.
What Is Morimoto Asia Waikiki Like?
If you walk in expecting a standard hotel sushi spot, Morimoto Asia Waikiki quickly shifts that idea. At Morimoto Asia, you enter Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s chic room inside Alohilani Resort and Resort Waikiki Beach energy gives way to a polished, interactive culinary experience. The colonial-indo-chic design mixes wood, glow, and traditional Asian touches without feeling themed. You can hear lively dining room chatter, watch plates move fast, and settle in for a fine dining experience that still feels relaxed. The menu’s eight sections make dinner easy to map out, so you’re not boxed into sushi. Like many last-minute tours on Oahu, the experience feels approachable even when you make plans late. Service usually earns award winning praise, though peak hours can test your patience. If you time it right, even diamond head feels close, like scenery built for dinner nearby. Before or after dinner, Kakaako is another strong option if you want street art, coffee, and a sunset walk.
Which Morimoto Asia Waikiki Dishes Are Worth It?
Because the menu stretches from dim sum to ribeye, the smartest move at Morimoto Asia Waikiki is to order two or three dishes with a plan instead of trying to conquer all eight sections. You’ll usually get the best return from Morimoto Asia’s menu by mixing one shareable starter with one splurge and dessert. Start with sticky ribs or dim sum, then add sushi if you want something lighter and cleaner. If you’re ready for the showpiece, the roast duck earns its reputation with crisp skin, rich meat, and serious table drama. Finish with the chocolate sphere, which arrives as a small event, not just dessert. For a Waikiki dinner, Morimoto rewards focused ordering. If you want to keep the tasting theme going beyond dinner, Oahu also offers coffee, chocolate, and pineapple tours as easy food-focused day trips. For travelers comparing evening experiences, the Alii Luau Package is another popular Oahu splurge known for its included cultural program and timing appeal. Even Iron Chef Morimotos fans should pace themselves on busy nights. Earlier in the day, you can balance the indulgence by exploring Oahu’s Koolau Range or the Waianae Range.
What Does Dinner Cost at Morimoto Asia Waikiki?
While Morimoto Asia Waikiki doesn’t price itself like a casual noodle stop, you can still shape dinner to fit anything from a moderate night out to a full-on splurge. At this Resort standout, you can keep dinner in Waikiki moderate with sharables and dessert, or chase the Best experience with bigger plates. Travelers planning an Oahu hop-on hop-off day can pair sightseeing with dinner here for a convenient Waikiki evening. If you want to balance a pricey dinner with daytime adventure, pairing it with a two-hike package can help round out an active Oahu itinerary.
| Pick | Price |
|---|---|
| Sticky ribs | $15 |
| Garlic shrimp | $22 |
| Banana rum caramel pudding | $12 |
| Roast duck half or full | $45 or $88 |
Morimoto Asia Waikiki is one of the best restaurants in Waikiki, yet not every dish stays near $12. Add ribeye at $109 and the total climbs fast. Busy nights may slow service, so pace courses. That makes it one of the best among Waikiki’s Best Restaurants for flexible appetites and budgets.
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How Do Morimoto Asia Waikiki Reservations Work?
After you’ve settled on your budget, booking your table is the next part of the plan. At Morimoto Asia Waikiki, reservations are for dinner only, and you’ll want one early for the best experience. Call phone (808) 922-0022 or use the website. Because this signature restaurant ranks among standout restaurants in Hawaii, busy nights can shift seating. You might arrive at 6:55 for 7:00 and sit at 7:15. Service can glide or crawl, especially if you choose omakase, which has stretched to 2.5 hours after seating. Dishes may land when ready, not in neat order, so plan around a sunset view, the wine list, and that Choice Award level buzz. If you’re fitting dinner around Pearl Harbor, remember Arizona tickets are released daily at 3:00 pm HST through Recreation.gov in 24-hour and 8-week booking windows. The Pearl Harbor visitor sites, including museums and grounds, are free, though program reservations are recommended. A little patience helps and timing dessert after dark can feel surprisingly smooth. If you’re comparing activities for the rest of your evening, Oahu also draws travelers weighing underwater tours like Submarine Scooter or Atlantis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code at Morimoto Asia Waikiki?
No official dress code details are stated; you’ll likely fit in with smart casual attire. Call about reservations etiquette, dining ambiance, seating expectations, menu pacing, alcohol policy, timing for arrivals, and accessibility accommodations before booking.
Does Morimoto Asia Waikiki Offer Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, you’ll likely find vegetarian options and some gluten free choices, but you’d need menu customization for dietary accommodations; ask about tofu dishes, rice noodle bowls, vegan friendly items, allergy protocols, and cross contamination risk.
Where Can Guests Park Near Morimoto Asia Waikiki?
You’ll park in nearby garages, use valet availability; check street parking options, metered street rules, accessibility parking, first hour discounts, walking distance tips, public transit access, and parking reservation tips when you call for validation.
Is Morimoto Asia Waikiki Suitable for Children or Large Groups?
Astronomically, you’ll find Kid Friendly Vibe: High Chair Availability and Kids Menu Options lag; Group Seating Plans rely on Sharing Dishes Culture, so Large Party Policies, Noise Level Considerations, Timing for Rushing, Service Pace Expectations.
Can Morimoto Asia Waikiki Accommodate Special Occasions or Private Dining?
Yes, you can plan a special occasion with private dining, celebration seating, anniversary options, chef consultation, group buyouts, and pre set menus; you’ll want to confirm event timing and any reservation deposits directly when booking.
Conclusion
At Morimoto Asia Waikiki, you step into a room that moves like a polished orchestra, all clinking glasses, glossy duck skin, and quick plates. If you book an early dinner and give the meal up to 2.5 hours, you’ll settle in better. Order two or three standouts, watch the dining room hum, and save space for dessert. It’s not cheap, but if you’re choosing one Waikiki splurge, this one earns its chopsticks by night’s end.
