La Mer at Halekulani

Review summary

1. W

   Wendy VIP

   Seattle6 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 1

   I had been to La Mer 20 years ago and had an amazing meal. My spouse and I revisited here last week for a special anniversary dinner and were greatly disappointed. The dining area and view are still extraordinary; the staff and food still excellent. We were seated at the windows, which were open. The problem that night was there was a wedding reception in the adjacent building and for 3 hours there was loud music and shouting--behavior appropriate for a wedding reception, but not for La Mer, which lists itself as superlative fine dining that's tranquil, graceful, and refined. People at all the tables near us were also commenting on the atmosphere, and the waiters apologized for the noise. Finally near the end of the meal we asked the maitre d' to move us to another table and were accommodated. The noise level was reduced, but still noticeable.
   

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2. M

   Maurice VIP

   Greater Boston40 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Innovative delightful cuisine Beet salad was outstanding. Banana fois gra “different” glad to have soufflé for dessert.
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   New York City1 review

   5.0

   Dined on January 19, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   One of the best restaurants in the USA. For special occasions.
   

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4. l

   lawrence VIP

   New York City23 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on January 17, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   If you want one special dinner during your trip to Oahu, this is the place to go. Time the reservations so you get to watch the sunset.
   

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5. M

   Mark

   Milwaukee3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on January 10, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   An absolutely spectacular experience! The beautiful scenery and sunset right on Waikiki Beach is second to the food and service.
   

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6. C

   Catherine

   Central Coast5 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on January 1, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Just be aware, if you book through OpenTable, you might not get communication from the restaurant ahead of time. I made a reservation in August for NYE. Apparently they had sent out email communication on the prix fixe menu that I did not receive, and several of the courses contained items that both my partner and I do not eat. They worked with us, but their attitude was a bit demeaning, giving us an opportunity to leave to go to someplace “more casual” when we went to La Mer specifically for a fine dining experience, and had no idea that the prix fixe would be our only choice that evening. Additionally, the service was very slow when we first sat at our table. Two tables next to us each received two courses before they even approached our table, one of which was seated after us. The food was interesting and good, but I don’t think we will be returning, and I would recommend other restaurants over this one if this is the kind of vibe you are looking for.
   

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7. M

   Mel

   Hawaii19 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on January 1, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We dine at La Mer 2-3 times a year, usually for our birthdays and for our anniversary. Food is always exceptional. Service is normally impeccable; you'll feel like royalty during the experience. With this being the New Year's Eve event, we expected the mandatory service charge (spoken tip) and the set menu. Disappointed that there was no wine pairing with the set menu. The sommelier did have recommendations and those recommendations did compliment the meal. However, they did not embellish the meal like the normal wine pairing does with the "normal" meal; to be clear, La Mer's food is so exceptional, it is a misnomer to label anything "normal." The other disappointing aspect of the evening was that where we were seated, there was not much of an ocean breeze. Normally we're seated on the lanai, or immediately next to the lanai and any sort of sea breeze can be felt. This time, we were far enough away that I had to remove my jacket because because of getting to hot. We'll continue to come for our birthdays, but maybe choose another venue for NYE.
   

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8. M

   Mary VIP

   Grand Rapids3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on December 31, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Perfect experience. Our table selected the 7 course meal. Each course was excellent and delicious. Service was best ever. Great for a special occasion like our daughter’s 30th birthday.
   

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9. C

   Connie

   Philadelphia16 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on December 29, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was excellent, service very good as well. It was just extremely overpriced. Many other restaurants around with same quality for half the price!!
   

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10. M

    Maura

    Chicago42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 29, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    La Mer is such a special restaurant—Chef Trancher and his team provide the best blend of French and Hawaiian cuisine with excellent wines and exceptional service. We were there last year and it was the first restaurant we booked once we made our plans to return to Honolulu this December. La Mer would have Michelin stars if Hawaii restaurants were rated by Michelin. It is a perfect spot for a special occasion or to just enjoy amazing food prepared with great attention to detail. It is worth every penny for this unforgettable dining experience!
    

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