Senia

Went here with my boyfriend to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. This had to be one of the best dinners we have ever had. We would put it on par with a Michelin star dinner we had earlier this year. The dishes were unique and surprised us in the most pleasant way. The service was excellent and they really made us feel special for our occasion.

It was one of those experiences that I wish ended good, because it started out pretty good. Let me hit the "good" first: - I was warmly greeted by the host and was escorted to my seat. The server introduced himself and started offering drinks and the menu. - The server checked on me to explain the menu in detail as well as the drink selections. - The dishes were brought out with the right intervals, and the execution was pretty solid and the taste profile was right on. The Not-So-Good - The level of attentiveness and service fell of toward the end. I was having dessert, and the server brought the check without asking if I needed anything else. I was going to have a cup of coffee but I took the act of bringing me the check as a "get out" sign. - The dessert was absolutely sub par -- the crust was dry and the filling was dry. The pear slices lacked flavors and the presentation was something that I'd expect at a third-class restaurant. - At this point, the server had already brought the check to me, and I had no chance of properly explaining what I didn't like about this dish. The server did not bother to actually talk to me about offering something else or comping the dessert (I did not expect this at all by the way) - As I was walking, no sign of "bye bye" or "thanks for coming" The restaurant fastly turned into a shut down mode and the staff seemed hasty to close the shop. That was a wrong vibe to feel as one leaves the restaurant. I will not be returning to this restaurant. It was a disappointing experience from the food perspective, the service perspective, and the overall vibe perspective. All the hype, less substance.

We weren’t able to book the tasting menu as it books out very early, but the à la cart was very delicious and worth trying. The smoked ahi cigars are must try and were the the star. We also tried the bone marrow and the sea scallops and the hamachi with a side of maitaki mushroom and blackened cauliflower. It was a fun and creative experience. Everything was tasty.

Easy Five stars all around. Beautifully executed food, with truly outstanding plating. Solid cocktails with attentive service was a total highlight and truly elevates the food scene in HNL. Influences of Per Se and French Laundry can be felt, but what makes this restaurant glow is the Hawaiian aloha. The wait staff was professional and helpful but also relaxed and approachable. We were expecting some pretentiousness but were surprised and happy how inviting and relaxed it was. Thoughtful interior design with repetitions of soft curves and monochromatic tones accentuates a open concept kitchen which sets up nicely for a Chefs Table. Finally after spending a month here on multiple islands it was nice to see a truly international menu. Many restaurants we’ve gone to have strong Pan Asian flavors and have become one dimensional. Senia still brings Island sensibility and flavors to the menu but expands nicely into French and Italian influences. We will be back!

Wow, wow and wow..our server knew the menu, made recommendations and was just pleasant. Everything we ordered was amazing. The flavors are so complex. The smoke ahi as a snack to start was sheer bliss in your mouth. Then the venison tartare, scallops melts in your mouth. The bone marrow to round out our meals along with the mushrooms. This has been the best I've ever had! Everyone was very attentive to your needs! The peach dessert to end the evening with a bang, not too sweet, just perfect!