Cost: $$$$ $295/person with additional Caviar service available
Description: La Mer is Hawaii’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 Star restaurant and is located on the second floor of the Halekulani hotel’s oceanfront bungalow building with a perfect view of Waikiki Beach and Diamondhead.
I was lucky enough to dine during a supermoon and it put on quite a show!
Chef Alexandre Trancher, trained in France, creates menus highlighting local and tropical ingredients. Each dish is truly a work of art.
The restaurant offers three dining experiences – Menu du Soir, Menu Dégustation, and a la carte options of both Menus. I opted for the Menu Dégustation when I dined at La Mer and could not have been happier. The service, food, and view were unmatched – from the red rose upon arrival to the truffles upon departure.
Tips & Hacks: Have a cocktail at the bar (L’Apertif Cocktail Bar) beforehand. Each curated drink comes with a small bite that compliments the cocktail perfectly. Also, opt for the wine pairing – it was perfectly curated.
Dining Details: The Menu Dégustation is a seven-course French-inspired menu with an Amuse Bouche and Mignardises, as well as an optional caviar service. Having dined at The French Laundry, I must say this menu was even more decadent, beautifully plated, and creative – and the view cannot be topped.
Note: all images below by Emily Simpson.
La Mer’s Menu Dégustation:
AMUSE-BOUCHE SMOKED SALMON BITE
Smoked salmon in a spring pea brodo with chlorophyll drops and fresh ricotta
FIRST COURSE: FOIE GRAS DE CANARD, CHUTNEY D’ANANAS À LA GRAINE DE MOUSTARDE COCONUT GELÉE, RAISIN AU VIN BLANC
Duck Liver, Pineapple Chutney, Mustard Seed,Gelée Coconut, White Wine Marinated Grapes, paired with Karthäuserhof, Karthäuserhofberg, Riesling Kabinett
SECOND COURSE: SAINT-JACQUES RÔTI FEUILLES DE SEICHE, GRAINS DE CAVIAR, CONSOMMÉ DE CRUSTACÉ
Roasted Scallop, Cuttlefish Leaf, Lobster Consommé, paired with Robert-Denogent, Pouilly-Fuissé “La Croix”
THIRD COURSE: HOMARD POCHÉ, BEURRE BLANC À LA VANILLE MOUSSELINE DE ROMANESCO À L’AMANDE
Poached Lobster, Romanesco Purée, Almond Syrup, White Vanilla Butter, paired with Finlayson, Chenin Blanc “Camino Africana”
FOURTH COURSE: FILET DE BŒUF SAUCE PÉRIGUEUX FAÇON ROSSINI, MOUSSELINE TRUFFÉE, ET POMMES SOUFFLÉES
Filet of Beef, Foie Gras, Truffle Mashed Potato, Truffle Sauce, paired with Domaine de Terrebrune, Bandol
FIFTH COURSE: CHARIOT DE FROMAGE
Choice of domestic and international soft and hard cheeses from a cheese cart, paired with Fonseca “Siroco,” White Port
SIXTH COURSE: LE CANELÉ À LA MOUSSE DE CARAMEL, COMPOTE DE POMMES
Caramel Mousse, Apple Compote Canelé Style
SEVENTH COURSE: MOUSSE GLACÉ AU MIEL ET CRÈME FRAÎCHE COMPOTÉE D’AGRUMES DE SAISON
Honey Crème Fraîche Semifreddo, Seasonal Citrus Confit, paired with Cháteau Roûmieu-Lacoste, Sauternes
MIGNARDISES: SELECT COOKIES, TRUFFLES, AND CHOCOLATES
Don’t Miss: Splurging and choosing the Menu Dégustation, even if you are dining alone (like I did). The a la carte menu offers most items off the curated menu, but it is an amazing experience to go all out, especially if you are celebrating a honeymoon, engagement, or birthday.
Meh, Skip it: If you are looking for a relaxed family vacation dinner, skip La Mer. The restaurant restricts guests to adults and children ages 8 and older. Anyone younger than 8 really would not appreciate the menu.
Also, be prepared to dress up at La Mer. They have a dress code of elegant evening attire. Dinner jackets, long-sleeved collared shirt, or aloha shirts with dress slacks and close-toed shoes are required for gentlemen.
All in all, a beautiful meal, setting, atmosphere, and ending to my vacation on Oahu!
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