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Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (13) menu (12) amazing (11) wine (11) dish (10) French (8) restaurant (8) meal (8) delicious (8) recommend (8)
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  • 5/5 Jea K. 8 months ago on Google
    An exceptional contemporary French restaurant where culinary innovation meets impeccable service. Recently came here to celebrate my dad’s birthday. We were ushered into an unexpectedly serene dining room on our first night in Hawaii. It was the aesthetic backdrop to what would be an outstanding dining experience. Our culinary journey commenced with the seasonal menu. To kick off, we were treated to a selection of light and sophisticated amuse bouchés - a comforting mushroom brioche with goat cheese & pesto, a delicate gougère, flavorful oysters topped with an icy vinaigrette sorbet, and an adventurous nibble of fried frog legs. Each morsel was a testament to the artistry and flavor-profile balance La Vie exemplifies. Our first course, Fruits de Mer, was a carefully curated medley of high-quality seafood. Harmonisouly fused with a vadouvan curry spice sauce, the dish showcased light yet impactful flavors. Another highlight was the hearts of palm salad. The subtle acidity from the hearts of palm, wrapped around fresh baby romaine, was flawlessly offset by the creamy Maui onion soubise. For the first time, I tried a fish-based Milanaise and though it didn't strike me as exceptionally unique, it was pleasing to the palate. The black truffle risotto, on the other hand, while sweet rather than savory, was a flavorful indulgence. The crowning glory of our meal was undoubtedly the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu. It was executed to absolute perfection - the tender meat, with its buttery consistency, melted immediately upon contact with the tongue. The aromatic whisper of lavender heightened the gastronomic experience. Generously portioned into two long strips, this was a dish that truly celebrated the art of fine dining. The grand finale was the Vacherin Exotique - a beautiful and refreshing medley of mango sorbet, poached pineapple wrapped in a cloud of meringue. It was the perfect close to our meal. All things considered, La Vie delivered one of the most memorable contemporary French courses I've ever had. If you find yourself in Waikiki, looking for an exquisite culinary experience to celebrate a special occasion, La Vie is undoubtedly a must-visit.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G C. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down, one of the best cocktail in Hawaii, if not the world. The mixologist did a great job with the old fashioned. The food was amazing, you get to pick three plates from any section on the menu, so you could get 3 meat dishes if you want, skipping appetizer. Amazing service and is a real gem for Hawaii.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marina C. 11 months ago on Google
    My family and I stopped in for breakfast (for four of us), and we ended up sharing three dishes (+ a side of toast) which was the perfect amount of food for us. All three dishes were not only tasty but also beautiful! We got the loco moco, the paniolo omelet, and the kurobuta pork benedict. The omelet had kalua pork inside which was so tender and flavorful. Our waiter suggested we make sure to enjoy with the sour cream and she was so right - that really made a difference! My favorite dish was probably the kurobuta pork benedict which was a classic benedict with pork belly on top. I loved the combination and the english muffin was toasted perfectly. Everything was honestly so good and I wish we had more meals so we could try more things! The staff were also all incredibly nice and welcoming. We loved our meal here!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wayne 9 months ago on Google
    What an absolutely amazing restaurant! The food is delicious ! We also had the wine pairing which were spot on! My partner and I will definitely be back when we are next in Hawaii. A definite recommendation from me !
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gerard L. 2 years ago on Google
    We continued our world food tour in France, at La Vie in the Ritz Carlton. It's an austere space; I was expecting more in the decor but when you have views like these, perhaps patrons overlook the restaurant itself. We started with a bottle of Chateau Montrose 2012, from St. Estephe. It was more delicate than I recall and could have used a few more years of aging, but it was fine. My tablemate ordered the Beef Tartare Marrakech, Foie Gras Brule and the Venison Noisette while I had the Crispy Grenouille (frog legs), a special whose name I can't recall but it contained gnocchi and Australian black truffes, Dry Aged Yellowtail and the Truffled Cheese Tarte. Each dish was a visual work of art. Interestingly, the beef tartare tasted like ahi, served with crispy eggplant chips. We shared the Foie Gras Brule ... I can never get enough of well-prepared foie gras. The frog legs were delicious, and no, it doesn't taste like chicken. It's more delicate and tender. The special (whose name I can't recall) was sublime, the black truffles delicious! I found it fascinating that they dry age the yellowtail ... it concentrated the flavor of the fish; I scarfed it up in just a few bites, but I savored every mouthful. The venison wasn't gamy (we love fresh venison) at all. Finally, the piece de resistance, the Truffled Cheese Tarte. This was served warm and was savory, not sweet even though it was a dessert. It was served with a small salad and shaved white truffle. I was so full i could only partake of a single bite, but it was sublime. A wonderfully rich cup of coffee completed one of the finest meals we've experienced in 2021. Vive la France!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trista M. 8 months ago on Google
    La Vie is a beautiful restaurant with fantastic service! I highly recommend getting the caviar as your first plate, was the best I've ever tasted. Fine dining at it's best. The Wagyu steak was cooked PERFECTLY. The Lavender Mist cocktail was amazing (non-alcoholic).
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 J M. 1 year ago on Google
    Cocktails were fabulous with great presentation. The views and atmosphere are superb. I had the egg white frittata, it was very oily, mushy and not warm. I was disappointed, as I was expecting a clean, light, healthy plate. The plate presentation was gorgeous though. We also had the Eggs Benedict, which was pretty good. The service was phenomenal; I am certain that if I had said something, they would have remade the frittata and it would have been spectacular. I would recommend the restaurant and would go back, but I would be specific in my request if I was expecting a dish to be a certain way from a health perspective.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annabelle B. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to La Vie for my birthday dinner and it was seriously the best meal I've had in well over 10 years. The food here is out of this world! We did the 4 course with the drink pairings and OMG! The sommelier definitely knows what he is doing through and through! I eat out at nice restaurants as often as possible and my old favorite was back in Virginia. This totally replaces it. I cannot even believe how perfect everything truly was. And not just the food and wine pairings. The hostess was amazing; so happy and helpful. I totally adore her and our birthday is on the same day! Our server was absolutely incredible; totally awesome to spend time with and chat. The sommelier (could have been an incredibly knowledgeable manager) was so knowledgeable and also awesome to chat with. This is my #1, you HAVE to visit restaurant anywhere in the world.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maria L. 2 years ago on Google
    We had so much fun at Le Vie. The tasting menu and wine pairings are fantastic and the space is clean and modern feeling. Nice break from the bustle of Waikiki.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melissa L. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a wonderful dinner for my birthday. It was worth every penny! We had the beef tartar, cheese tart, truffle gnocchi, grenouilles, Maui venison and the snapper fish. Everything was delicious and very flavorful.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher M. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was delicious, especially the cheese tarte, but a little disappointed at the size of the oysters. For a prix fixe menu there is sufficient choice, which is nice, and the overall price is very reasonable for fine dining. Also appreciated that the tables are nicely spaced so you don’t feel like you’re sharing your intimate dinner conversation with strangers within arm reach (although this may be a remnant of social distancing and not the norm). Service was attentive but not intrusive however the time between courses felt quick, would have preferred a more leisurely rate.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica C. 1 year ago on Google
    Perfect way to celebrate on a honeymoon. Come near sunset for amazing views The service was impeccable and the food was amazing. My husband says the truffle gnocchi was the best pasta dish he's ever had.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ya L. 2 years ago on Google
    Food is excellent. Menu and service follows the Michelin style in France. Overall experience deserves the money. Great for a relaxing long dinner with loved ones or celebrations. Only downside is the desert and paring wine. I have expected French wine for all dishes as this supposed to be a French cusine experience which should provide good French wine instead of wine from different countries. Desert definitely could do better. Also, no cheese to serve in the end. I'd expect this as well for a French cusine.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great views, excellent service, food was awesome. Had three course with frog legs, venison, and chocolate dessert all with recommended wine pairings. Definitely worth it if you're in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Winnie H. 2 years ago on Google
    Best cold lobster I’ve ever had! I also really enjoyed the chicken. The quail was a bit on the gamey side but overall it was a very delicious meal. You can pick either 3 dishes or 4 dishes, and they can all be dessert/entree/ appetizer- however you want the combination to be! I am usually not a dessert person, but I finished all the cake myself👍 highly recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alec L. 2 years ago on Google
    Standout dinner. Plan on what is essentially a pre-fixe meal, but let the servers help you choose. They know the menu. Wonderful service, top notch food preparation and presentation. It was wonderful. Note: The menu changes, as all high end dining does, based on the chefs designs. Every dish we tried (two prefix courses of 3 dishes each, where we select from a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts - any combination thereof so you could have all dessert!) was on point and amazing. But none more so that the Morel Mushrooms. Wow. So much wow in that dish. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the drinks. Very well created and tasty.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tiffany A. 1 year ago on Google
    This was the best anniversary dinner! It was great that we could mix and match stuff from the 3 courses for $99 and have the other person get the chef's selection. Some tasting menu places require everyone at the table to get the same thing. The ambience was amazing and the food and drinks were delicious! Highly recommend for date night or special occasions. My only critique would be to have the langoustine peeled for easier consumption, maybe put the shell back on top for presentation?

  • 5/5 deianira joy dela t. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely loved the experience provided at La Vie! Celebrated our anniversary here during a 2week trip to Oahu - its definitely on our to-go-back-to list. Did a 4- and a 3-course menu without the wine pairing (we ordered the drinks we wanted and just asked for recommendations to go with our entrees). Side note: the venison dish was amazing. Will probably never have game meat again that isn’t French prepped.

  • 5/5 HR 1 year ago on Google
    Best restaurant we tried during our stay in Oahu. Absolutely phenomenal. Henry’s knowledge and hospitality was amazing. Not a single bad plate. The frog legs changed my life. 🥰

  • 5/5 Norman S. 5 months ago on Google
    I am glad I found La Vie during my vacation in Waikiki. Such a wonderful place to dine with a great view of the sunset. I really enjoyed the seasonal menu and my favourite dish of the evening was actually dessert. It was a perfect end to a fabulous menu. I also must mention the outstanding service. Alejandro and Tessa were awesome! Very personable and welcoming. If and when I come back to Waikiki, I will make sure to stop by.

  • 5/5 Crystal N. 7 months ago on Google
    My boyfriend took me to La Vie for my birthday and we both thought this was one of the best tasting restaurants we have ever been to. The quality of the food was impeccable, the service was on point and the atmosphere was serene. We even caught some fireworks at the end of our meal. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for a delicious French tasting menu with beautiful views!

  • 4/5 Jessica H. 2 years ago on Google
    We rarely go anywhere twice but we have been to LaVie twice in 7 months: one for my husbands birthday and then again for our anniversary. We recommend doing the three courses (we tried the four courses but it was so much food!) with the wine pairings. The wine selections and descriptions are phenomenal and worth every penny. The service is always impeccable. This last time we went we were a tad frustrated with the ambiance being marred by the loud obnoxious people at the pool just below the resturant. The first time we went was during covid restrictions so there were very few tourists. This time, the pool-goers seemed to have their own discordant music and were having a blast - much to our chagrin as they seemed to be partying right below our table. Sorry, when you pay that much for a nice meal, hearing loud music and obnoxious people puts a damper on the affair. That all being said, we still highly recommend it with the caveat to ask to sit further back away from the bar where the pool clad people congregate for beers.

  • 4/5 Kenny L. 2 years ago on Google
    The service was pretty good. The food on the other hand was okay. If I was to come to Honolulu again I probably won’t go here again. It was a one time thing. I ordered the poached egg, truffle with potatoes, and poisson. It was all decent.

  • 5/5 Travis H. 6 months ago on Google
    Had an amazing dinner at La Vie for my 2nd anniversary. The tasting menu was excellent and the service was courteous and attentive. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a special occasion.


Call (808) 729-9729 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Valet parking
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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