Top 6 restaurants in Hawaii for business dining

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Understanding Hawaii's restaurant landscape requires examining actual spending patterns rather than relying solely on reviews or tourist recommendations. With the state's unique blend of local traditions and international influences, combined with its position as a major Pacific business hub, choosing the right venue for business dining involves navigating cultural expectations, seasonal variations, and the distinct dining customs that shape professional relationships across the islands.

Understanding Hawaii restaurant industry

Hawaii's restaurant sector generates $7.4 billion in annual sales while supporting 90,900 jobs across 4,431 establishments. The industry benefits significantly from Hawaii's 9.5 million annual visitors, who contribute substantially to restaurant revenues. Business dining reflects the state's multicultural heritage, blending indigenous Hawaiian ingredients with Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and Korean influences. The farm-to-table movement has transformed local dining, with restaurants increasingly sourcing from island farms and fisheries. This creates unique opportunities for business entertaining that showcases Hawaii's agricultural diversity while supporting local producers.

Top 6 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Based on aggregated business expense data, these establishments consistently rank highest for corporate dining across Hawaii. The selection reflects venues where companies frequently host clients, conduct meetings, and entertain business partners, prioritizing locations that balance professional atmosphere with authentic Hawaiian hospitality. The top three venues—MKT Restaurant, Fête, and Hanalei Dolphin—demonstrate the diverse dining preferences of Hawaii's business community.

MKT Restaurant

MKT Restaurant exemplifies Hawaii's modern culinary evolution through its innovative market-to-table concept within Kahala's upscale Foodland gourmet market. Since opening in 2019, this 120-seat establishment has attracted business diners seeking sophisticated yet approachable dining in a unique retail environment. The open kitchen design and direct market access create conversation starters ideal for client meetings.

Notable facts: MKT gained national recognition through features on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and Honolulu Magazine's "Best New Restaurants" list. The restaurant's collaboration with Hawaii's largest grocery chain demonstrates innovative partnerships between retail and hospitality sectors. Their weekend brunch service featuring Hawaiian sweet bread French toast has become a popular option for informal business meetings.

Signature dishes:

• Poke Trio: Ahi shoyu, tako kimchi, and smoked marlin served with taro chips
• Kahuku Corn Chowder with Kalua pork and crispy taro
• MKT Burger: Grass-fed beef with smoked gouda, bacon jam, and fried egg

Best for: MKT excels for casual business lunches and team gatherings where the market atmosphere encourages relaxed conversation. The Kahala location attracts executives from nearby business districts, while the diverse menu accommodates various dietary preferences. The ability to purchase specialty items from the adjacent market adds value for out-of-town clients seeking local products.

Fête

Fête stands as Honolulu's premier destination for sophisticated business dining, occupying a meticulously restored 1920s building in historic Chinatown. Chef-owners Robynne Maii and Chuck Bussler earned the 2022 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific, elevating the restaurant's profile among discerning business clientele. The 85-seat industrial-chic space creates an intimate atmosphere ideal for important negotiations.

Notable facts: The restaurant has hosted former President Barack Obama and appeared on Netflix's "Somebody Feed Phil," establishing its reputation beyond Hawaii. Fête sources over 75% of ingredients from Oahu farms and fisheries, appealing to sustainability-conscious corporate diners. Wine Spectator recognition and three consecutive Hale 'Aina Awards for Best Restaurant in Honolulu underscore its consistent excellence.

Signature dishes:

• Beef Tongue Pastrami with rye spaetzle and mustard seed
• Moi Crudo with coconut-lime dressing and macadamia nuts
• Chocolate Haupia Pie with kiawe-smoked salt

Best for: Fête serves as the ideal venue for closing deals and entertaining VIP clients who appreciate culinary innovation. The Chinatown location offers convenient access from downtown business districts, while the sophisticated menu and natural wine selection impress food-focused executives. Limited operating hours (dinner only, closed Mondays) require advance planning for business entertainment.

Hanalei Dolphin

Hanalei Dolphin has anchored Kauai's North Shore dining scene since 1973, combining fresh seafood excellence with spectacular riverside views of the Makaleha Mountains. This 200-seat establishment operates both a restaurant and sushi bar, offering flexibility for various business dining formats. The venue's appearance in films like "The Descendants" adds cultural cachet for entertaining mainland clients.

Notable facts: National Geographic recognized Hanalei Dolphin as one of "America's Classic Restaurants," while eight Hale 'Aina Awards confirm its local prominence. The restaurant sources over 90% of seafood from Kauai waters, often featuring same-day catches. The on-site fish market and nightly Hawaiian music create authentic experiences that distinguish business dinners from standard corporate fare.

Signature dishes:

• Opakapaka (Pink Snapper) steamed in ti leaves with ginger-scallion oil
• Hanalei River Roll: Tempura lobster with mango and lilikoi sauce
• Kalua Pig Nachos with taro chips and pineapple salsa

Best for: Hanalei Dolphin excels for entertaining clients visiting Kauai, particularly those in tourism, hospitality, or real estate sectors. The riverside patio provides a memorable setting for relationship-building dinners, while the extensive seafood selection accommodates pescatarian preferences. The North Shore location requires planning for business travelers but rewards with unmatched ambiance.

Romer House Waikiki

Romer House Waikiki represents Waikiki's new generation of hotel dining, opening in 2021 under James Beard semifinalist chef Mark Noguchi. The 120-seat restaurant features retractable glass walls creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow, with Diamond Head views enhancing business breakfast meetings. The zero-waste program demonstrates environmental leadership increasingly valued in corporate dining decisions.

Notable facts: Hawaii Magazine awarded Romer House the "Most Sustainable Restaurant" designation, while Condé Nast Traveler featured it among "Best New Hotel Restaurants." The innovative zero-waste initiative transforms coffee grounds into desserts and fish bones into ramen broth. The pau hana menu with $5 tapas creates affordable options for team gatherings and informal client meetings.

Signature dishes:

• Loco Moco Benedict with poi hollandaise and kalua pork
• Waikiki Poke Bowl with crispy sushi rice and avocado mousse
• Haupia Malasadas with lilikoi curd

Best for: The Waikiki location makes Romer House ideal for business travelers staying in nearby hotels, with all-day dining accommodating various meeting schedules. The sustainable focus resonates with ESG-conscious companies, while reasonable pricing and diverse menu options work well for team meals. Early morning availability serves executives maximizing productive hours before beach activities.

University of Hawaii at Manoa Dining

University of Hawaii at Manoa Dining operates 12 venues serving 20,000 daily customers across the 320-acre campus, offering unexpected options for academic-business partnerships. The 'Aina Aloha initiative emphasizes local sourcing, with over 40% of ingredients from island farms. Multiple dining formats from food courts to all-you-care-to-eat facilities provide flexibility for various business meeting types.

Notable facts: The dining program earned national recognition from the National Association of College & University Food Services for comprehensive sustainability initiatives including composting and biodiesel conversion. Exclusive partnerships with Oahu Hydroponic Farmers Cooperative and North Shore Cattle Company demonstrate commitment to local agriculture. The program serves approximately 15,000 meals daily across 200,000 square feet of dining space.

Signature dishes:

• Lau Lau Plate: Steamed pork and butterfish in taro leaves with lomi salmon
• Adobo Chicken Bao with purple sweet potato bun
• Ube Haupia Parfait with toasted coconut

Best for: Campus dining venues excel for education sector meetings, research collaborations, and recruiting events targeting students or faculty. The variety of venues accommodates everything from casual coffee meetings at Roots Cafe to formal dinners at Hale Aloha Dining Commons. Academic calendar scheduling and parking considerations require advance planning for off-campus visitors.

Alohilani Resort Dining

Alohilani Resort Dining encompasses four venues serving 1,000 daily guests, anchored by Morimoto Asia Waikiki featuring chef Masaharu Morimoto's first Hawaiian outpost. The $115 million property renovation created a 25,000-square-foot culinary complex with aggregate seating for 500 across oceanview terraces. Forbes Travel Guide recommendations establish credibility for high-stakes business entertainment.

Notable facts: Celebrity diners including Bruno Mars, Jason Momoa, and Gordon Ramsay (who featured the property on "Uncharted") enhance the resort's prestige factor. Honolulu Magazine awarded "Best Hotel Dining" recognition in 2023. The signature 30-foot aquarium at Morimoto Asia creates a dramatic backdrop for important client dinners, while multiple venue options allow progression from cocktails to dinner.

Signature dishes:

• Morimoto's Poke Don: Ahi, ikura, and uni over sushi rice
• Kona Lobster Dynamite with truffled tobiko
• Hawaiian Vintage Chocolate Soufflé with kona coffee ice cream

Best for: Alohilani Resort excels for impressive client entertainment requiring multiple venue options, from casual beachfront drinks at Shorefyre to exclusive omakase experiences at Morimoto. The Waikiki beachfront location provides convenient access for business travelers while offering resort amenities for extended meetings. Premium pricing reflects the luxury positioning but delivers corresponding prestige value.

Tips for business dining in Hawaii's restaurant scene

Hawaii's business dining culture blends mainland professionalism with island hospitality traditions, creating unique considerations for corporate entertainment. Make reservations at least one week ahead for popular venues, particularly during winter months when mainland executives escape cold weather. Many restaurants offer private dining rooms, but outdoor seating often provides better ambiance—just confirm covered options during rainy season from November through March.

Timing matters significantly in Hawaii business culture. Lunch meetings typically run 11:30am to 1:00pm to accommodate mainland conference calls, while dinner reservations before 6:00pm allow for spectacular sunset views. The local custom of removing shoes when entering private dining rooms applies at some traditional venues—watch for shoe racks at entrances. Dress codes lean toward "aloha crisp" rather than full business formal, meaning quality aloha shirts are acceptable even for important meetings.

Understanding local food customs enhances relationship building. Sharing dishes family-style reflects island values, so order variety for the table rather than individual entrees. Poi, the traditional Hawaiian staple, may appear at authentic venues—trying it demonstrates cultural respect even if the taste requires adjustment. When hosting mainland clients, balance familiar options with local specialties, allowing adventurous dining without forcing unfamiliar foods.

Budget considerations vary dramatically between locations. Waikiki and resort restaurants command premium prices, often 30-40% higher than neighborhood venues. Many establishments offer special business lunch menus providing value without sacrificing quality. Corporate accounts at major hotels can secure preferential reservations and billing arrangements. Don't overlook BYOB options at smaller local restaurants, which allow you to control wine costs while supporting local businesses.

Finally, gratuity customs in Hawaii match mainland standards at 18-20%, but check whether large party service charges are automatically added. Some venues include a "living wage surcharge" supporting staff—this isn't a tip substitute. For exceptional service, particularly with regular business dining, building relationships with specific servers through consistent generous tipping ensures priority treatment for important future meetings.