PAI Honolulu

With cases on the rise in Hawaii I still feel a little uneasy about dining out. But, I have been gravitating and feeling comfortable with certain settings such as private rooms and outdoor seating (where air ventilation is the key draw). Looking around for options on the 4th of July, I decided to head down to PAI Honolulu as it has been a while since I’ve eaten there. PAI offers some very well-spaced seating both inside and outside. I opted for outside seating. There are only two tables set up outside and they are spaced about ten feet apart.

PAI is currently serving a pretty full menu including a nightly prix fixe option. One of the draws for me to revisit was that one of their signature dishes, the agedeshi XO turnip cake, is now available ala care on the regular menu (where previously it was on just the chef’s tasting menu).

Here is what we had for our dinner on July 4, 2020:

Shrimp Chips - Dried shrimp, maui onion, horseradish crème fraiche 

Chef’s Signature Agedashi XO Turnip Cake - Smoked akule, preserved Ali’i mushroom, ti leaf consommé 

Maitake, Biscuits & Gravy - Buttermilk fried maitake, shiitake gravy

Lemongrass Coconut Cioppino - Kona prawn, green lip mussel, tomato-saffron broth

Toasted Marshmallow Liliko`i Tart - Li hing, thai basil, almond cookie crust

One of the things I like about PAI’s menu is that there is a great balance between dishes that appear “fine dining” (XO turnip cake and cioppino) and ones that feel more like comfort foods (shrimp chips and biscuits/gravy). However, even those dishes that appear visually more like simple comfort food items have elevated flavors.

If you’re looking for a relatively safe dining environment with elevated food in a casual atmosphere, then PAI Honolulu is a great option (especially if you sit outside).

PAI Honolulu
Harbor Court
55 Merchant Street Ste. 110
Honolulu, HI 96813
www.paihonolulu.com