Amazing meal. He'e ragu was a standout... How they get octopus to have such a great smoky, meaty flavor and tender texture, I'll never know! Drinks are excellent as well, with beautiful craft cocktails and a very interesting wine list (Hungarian wines, orange wines, etc.). And prices are very reasonable for the portions and quality.
Amazing food. Everyone needs to go there and try. Wine pairing is excellent.
We ate at the Chef's counter. Such fun being able to watch the action while enjoying amazing food with perfect wine pairings. Atmosphere and staff completed the experience. I'm looking forward to going back soon.
This was our second time at PAI Honolulu. The first time we had an amazing dinner from their $65 Prix Fixe Menu. This time we opted for a more casual but still totally complex and equally amazing Bar+Lounge menu. As far as my wife Julie and I are concerned, PAI is by far the best restaurant in all of the Hawaiian Islands. Kevin Lee has gone all out to create a truly special dining experience. There's no egos nor pomposity here. I can only compare PAI to two of our favorite restaurants in the world; Marea in NYC and Ze Kitchen Galerie in Paris. As soon as you walk through this restaurants doors you are taken over by a very special staff. Never once did we have to wait for anything. And the staff has a total understanding of each and every dish. Being former Wine Educators from NYC I marveled at our sommelier’s knowledge of the wines on her list and how they pair with each dish. Our Close Ste Magdeleine, an amazing Rose from Casis in the south of France reminded us of the best Bandol Rose wines but with more structure and a hit more acidity. Perfect with Kevin’s complex ingredients and dishes. We started off with two Sampler Plates which consists of really small portions of their Small Bites selection. We started with Citrus Cured Salmon with Ikure, creme fraiche, buttered toast. The BEST Beef Tartare in the world with garlic chives, olive oil on a truly French toasted baguette. A Mushroom Puff to die for with crimini mushroom mouse, pecorino gougere and finally a Deviled Egg “Look-On black tea, Chinese mustard, ginger. Then we went to their Shared Plates which are normal size portions. First choice was their Lamb Rendang Torchon. It is a round pate of Lamb Rendang incorporating all of the flavor of the traditional Malaysian stew with coconut, lime and pickled chili. Following this was my absolute favorite of the shared Plates. It was a Cornflake Crusted Dry Aged Hen with House tare, lemon, egg salad. We really had to ask our server to explain all of the many components of this awesome dish. The last time we had anything like this was over a month ago in Paris, France where we cooked our own quail in our apartment. How Kevin and his team succeeded in cooking this bird so that it was so moist and crusty was beyond belief. Our last dish was an Australian Black Winter Truffle with house-made tagliatelle, pecorino. We chose this dish because we love French Black Truffles which we buy in Paris and in the southwest of France. To be honest the Australian Black truffle cannot be compared with the French but Kevin’s tagliatelle was incredible and for us saved the dish. All we can say is that there is so much to choose from whether from Small Bites or the Shared Plates. Next time we will opt for the Chefs Tasting Menu. Can't wait!!!
Love the decor and bar area ♡
Pai Honolulu is a US Bar based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Pai Honolulu is located at 55 Merchant St Suite 110, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
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