The better half of the world food tour duo trekked over to Kailua and met me at Gaslamp, on Ho'olai St. The parking lot was full so we both found parking on the street. Hah, when I got back to my car, I found another car illegally parked behind me. So, parking appears to be an issue in this area.
There is no signage outside that tells you it’s Gaslamp, the signage says Kailua Town Pub and Grill. You have to go past the left side of the bar to a door, give a wait staff the secret passcode (which I failed to remember) and be taken through a door behind you, up a steep staircase to a small space overlooking the bar downstairs. There are about six tables and it’s a very dark space.
Natalie was our server and we started with a Botanist gin & tonic ($18) and a glass of J Lassalle Champagne ($25). I didn’t have any details about the wine, but it was not complex and was lacking bubbles.
We ordered the Kagoshima Wagyu Carpaccio($32) and the Escargot Bone Marrow ($42) to start. The carpaccio was a visual treat with capers, thin slices of radish, dill, pecorino and caviar. It tasted as good as it looked. The bone marrow was even better … two large bones topped with garlic buttered escargot, decorated with blistered tomatoes, and an arugula salad with two pieces of grilled sourdough. So unctuous, so decadent, so divine!
We split two entrees … The Wagyu Sampler (market price, it was $179), and the Black Truffle Risotto ($54). We added extra truffle ($12) and a side of Miso Brussels Sprouts ($16). The sampler came with two pieces of A5 “Snow Beef”, a piece of American “Wagyu” Filet Mignon, and pieces of ribeye an NY striploin, 12oz in all, and two sauces. The risotto contained sea asparagus, mascarpone and mozzarella cheeses, Hamakua mushrooms, and tomatoes. I consider the extra black truffle mandatory … It’s not special without it.
We ended our meal by sharing a Tiramisu ($12) and I had an espresso ($5). The tiramisu was very good, made in the classic style with pieces of fruit on top.
There was live music … a saxophonist played soft jazz starting at 6:30pm. It was our kind of music. Service was fine … we asked Natalie to slow down the delivery of food, and she ensured it was so. The food was great and we enjoyed our first visit to Gaslamp. One note: they apply a service charge if you use a credit card … It seems to be the new norm. Highly recommended (4.5), even if you must search for parking.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
V
We found a true gem of Oʻahu. The concept is unmatched. I didn’t take photos on purpose - this is something guests should discover for themselves. A hidden, four-table restaurant with impeccable service and exceptional food. So romantic, so Gatsby, so beautifully secluded. Live saxophone music made the evening feel timeless. I would come back to Oʻahu just to experience this place one more time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Madison G
Went last week and this is a Super cool & cute speakeasy!!! Our waiter was so attentive and the food and drinks are top notch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Toshi Grebb
Awful experience. Never coming back or recommending to visitors. Ever.
A slew of disappointments through out the night which is just too exhausting to write all out but let me cap it off with the below…
Server gives us a visibly burnt butter cake dessert (we thought a chocolate cake had been mistakenly served to us…yes…that burnt) to which I ask “is this burnt?” And the server responds with “I don’t know”….how is this a ‘top tier’ restaurant in Kailua? I was embarrassed that I brought my visiting family here.
Do better. Respect people’s time, money, and decision to choose YOUR establishment to reconnect and build memories with family/friends.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Nolan Grebb
We are locals and had family in town and went with high expectations. Reservations got pushed 2 hours due to scheduling malfunction which we completely understood and had a beer in the pub.
Once we were seated we did not get asked our drink order for 35-45 min and received our food before our first drink which was a glass of wine over an hour after being seated.
There was a woman next to us who was recording social media videos with an extremely bright light in a speak easy which I assume was a social media influencer. That couple got served drinks, appetizers and dinner before we got drinks. They were seated after us.
We are not overly booshie but when olives were offered with your martini the drink should come with them and now 10 min later.
Again not crazy but hoped for better service for the price point we are willing to pay.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Jackson Glassel
The tomahawk was alright, but with the presentation being the most impressive part of it, I wouldn’t go breaking the bank on it again. The Wellington was great, but the stuffed mushrooms and snow crab were incredible. Drink service was good. Jaime did an incredible job however and her service was fantastic, thank you again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Miranda
We definitely recommend arriving close to your reservation time. We got there early and ended up filling up on drinks before the food arrived.
The ambiance is fantastic and there was live music from a musician that played a flute, clarinet, and sax. He played a mix of music and even paused his break upon finding out that it was someone's birthday!
The drinks were interesting and tasty and the food was delicious too. They did a great job with the plating and service was quick and communicative.
I will say that this was on the pricier side, but if you are seeking a higher end experience that feels a bit fine and adventurous then this is the spot for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Virgil Corpuz
Overall a great experience. Our service was Madeline (if we remember that correctly), she was very knowledgeable of the menu and made great suggestions to improve our experience. The scallops were delicious and I’m glad we added the caviar. Wagyu tomahawk steak was the center oh our dinner and it did not disappoint. Would comeback and recommend this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ray Chaacon
I want to begin saying that this restaurant has an exceptional customer service! The menu is breathtaking, I really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. We even received complimentary drinks, and it was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mary
Gaslamp always gives a great experience. I brought my friend here and she loved the flaming drink served in a skull and seafood selections.
This was way more dynamic and delicious than I expected. Tomahawk with melted bone marrow.. sensational!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jake Brody
What an experience. What a night. The drinks were impeccable. The food remarkable. I do not know how this restaurant is not on a Michelin guide or recommended list. The French Laundry tomahawk steak and potatoes were heavenly, as was the octopus appetizer. The restaurant is very intimate as well, with about 20-25 diners. It can be a bit noisy but not overwhelmingly so. Perfect for a special celebration.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt Hardesty
If you are looking for a fantastic intimate dining experience this is a great choice. Our group has some major foodies that have eaten at Michelin star restaurants all over the world. We attended on and with a recommendation from a local and were not disappointed. I understand some people may not like the intimate, jazzy speakeasy vibe but the experience of it all makes it more fun. The staff were all very attentive. Any drinks I tried were top notch and delicious. The divers sea scallops were fantastic. My wife and I shared the French laundry which was also incredible. Every dish was fantastic and our table had the full spectrum of food dishes. That is when a restaurant has a good chef/culinary team. Sure, you *may* be able to get a steak for slightly cheaper and close to or equal price. But being able to get a wide variety of food and drinks that are all top notch in a unique venue is not an easy find. I would highly recommend, my only moderate suggestion/complaint is you will end up ordering so much food you run out of table space lol.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cynthia
Very memorable experience. The food and the service were great! Definitely a place I will return to.
Hannah
The ambiance was perfect - light jazz music, uniquely served foods with attention to detail. I'd would go again for that total intimate experience. Only miss was our server not knowing drink prices.
The better half of the world food tour duo trekked over to Kailua and met me at Gaslamp, on Ho'olai St. The parking lot was full so we both found parking on the street. Hah, when I got back to my car, I found another car illegally parked behind me. So, parking appears to be an issue in this area.
There is no signage outside that tells you it’s Gaslamp, the signage says Kailua Town Pub and Grill. You have to go past the left side of the bar to a door, give a wait staff the secret passcode (which I failed to remember) and be taken through a door behind you, up a steep staircase to a small space overlooking the bar downstairs. There are about six tables and it’s a very dark space.
Natalie was our server and we started with a Botanist gin & tonic ($18) and a glass of J Lassalle Champagne ($25). I didn’t have any details about the wine, but it was not complex and was lacking bubbles.
We ordered the Kagoshima Wagyu Carpaccio($32) and the Escargot Bone Marrow ($42) to start. The carpaccio was a visual treat with capers, thin slices of radish, dill, pecorino and caviar. It tasted as good as it looked. The bone marrow was even better … two large bones topped with garlic buttered escargot, decorated with blistered tomatoes, and an arugula salad with two pieces of grilled sourdough. So unctuous, so decadent, so divine!
We split two entrees … The Wagyu Sampler (market price, it was $179), and the Black Truffle Risotto ($54). We added extra truffle ($12) and a side of Miso Brussels Sprouts ($16). The sampler came with two pieces of A5 “Snow Beef”, a piece of American “Wagyu” Filet Mignon, and pieces of ribeye an NY striploin, 12oz in all, and two sauces. The risotto contained sea asparagus, mascarpone and mozzarella cheeses, Hamakua mushrooms, and tomatoes. I consider the extra black truffle mandatory … It’s not special without it.
We ended our meal by sharing a Tiramisu ($12) and I had an espresso ($5). The tiramisu was very good, made in the classic style with pieces of fruit on top.
There was live music … a saxophonist played soft jazz starting at 6:30pm. It was our kind of music. Service was fine … we asked Natalie to slow down the delivery of food, and she ensured it was so. The food was great and we enjoyed our first visit to Gaslamp. One note: they apply a service charge if you use a credit card … It seems to be the new norm. Highly recommended (4.5), even if you must search for parking.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
We found a true gem of Oʻahu. The concept is unmatched. I didn’t take photos on purpose - this is something guests should discover for themselves. A hidden, four-table restaurant with impeccable service and exceptional food. So romantic, so Gatsby, so beautifully secluded. Live saxophone music made the evening feel timeless. I would come back to Oʻahu just to experience this place one more time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went last week and this is a Super cool & cute speakeasy!!! Our waiter was so attentive and the food and drinks are top notch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awful experience. Never coming back or recommending to visitors. Ever.
A slew of disappointments through out the night which is just too exhausting to write all out but let me cap it off with the below…
Server gives us a visibly burnt butter cake dessert (we thought a chocolate cake had been mistakenly served to us…yes…that burnt) to which I ask “is this burnt?” And the server responds with “I don’t know”….how is this a ‘top tier’ restaurant in Kailua? I was embarrassed that I brought my visiting family here.
Do better. Respect people’s time, money, and decision to choose YOUR establishment to reconnect and build memories with family/friends.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We are locals and had family in town and went with high expectations. Reservations got pushed 2 hours due to scheduling malfunction which we completely understood and had a beer in the pub.
Once we were seated we did not get asked our drink order for 35-45 min and received our food before our first drink which was a glass of wine over an hour after being seated.
There was a woman next to us who was recording social media videos with an extremely bright light in a speak easy which I assume was a social media influencer. That couple got served drinks, appetizers and dinner before we got drinks. They were seated after us.
We are not overly booshie but when olives were offered with your martini the drink should come with them and now 10 min later.
Again not crazy but hoped for better service for the price point we are willing to pay.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
The tomahawk was alright, but with the presentation being the most impressive part of it, I wouldn’t go breaking the bank on it again. The Wellington was great, but the stuffed mushrooms and snow crab were incredible. Drink service was good. Jaime did an incredible job however and her service was fantastic, thank you again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
We definitely recommend arriving close to your reservation time. We got there early and ended up filling up on drinks before the food arrived.
The ambiance is fantastic and there was live music from a musician that played a flute, clarinet, and sax. He played a mix of music and even paused his break upon finding out that it was someone's birthday!
The drinks were interesting and tasty and the food was delicious too. They did a great job with the plating and service was quick and communicative.
I will say that this was on the pricier side, but if you are seeking a higher end experience that feels a bit fine and adventurous then this is the spot for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Overall a great experience. Our service was Madeline (if we remember that correctly), she was very knowledgeable of the menu and made great suggestions to improve our experience. The scallops were delicious and I’m glad we added the caviar. Wagyu tomahawk steak was the center oh our dinner and it did not disappoint. Would comeback and recommend this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I want to begin saying that this restaurant has an exceptional customer service! The menu is breathtaking, I really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. We even received complimentary drinks, and it was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gaslamp always gives a great experience. I brought my friend here and she loved the flaming drink served in a skull and seafood selections.
Restaurantji Recommends
This was way more dynamic and delicious than I expected. Tomahawk with melted bone marrow.. sensational!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What an experience. What a night. The drinks were impeccable. The food remarkable. I do not know how this restaurant is not on a Michelin guide or recommended list. The French Laundry tomahawk steak and potatoes were heavenly, as was the octopus appetizer. The restaurant is very intimate as well, with about 20-25 diners. It can be a bit noisy but not overwhelmingly so. Perfect for a special celebration.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you are looking for a fantastic intimate dining experience this is a great choice. Our group has some major foodies that have eaten at Michelin star restaurants all over the world. We attended on and with a recommendation from a local and were not disappointed. I understand some people may not like the intimate, jazzy speakeasy vibe but the experience of it all makes it more fun. The staff were all very attentive. Any drinks I tried were top notch and delicious. The divers sea scallops were fantastic. My wife and I shared the French laundry which was also incredible. Every dish was fantastic and our table had the full spectrum of food dishes. That is when a restaurant has a good chef/culinary team. Sure, you *may* be able to get a steak for slightly cheaper and close to or equal price. But being able to get a wide variety of food and drinks that are all top notch in a unique venue is not an easy find. I would highly recommend, my only moderate suggestion/complaint is you will end up ordering so much food you run out of table space lol.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very memorable experience. The food and the service were great! Definitely a place I will return to.
The ambiance was perfect - light jazz music, uniquely served foods with attention to detail. I'd would go again for that total intimate experience. Only miss was our server not knowing drink prices.
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