It feels like a gust of fresh air on your face. It’s like stepping away from noisy traffic into a tranquil beach. That’s the initial vibe you get at the newly opened tropical Hawaiian style restaurant, Waikiki: Contemporary Dining & Tiki Bar. Nestled in the Hotel Peninsula Grand premises in the vibrant Mumbai suburb of Andheri East, the restaurant offers a complete dining experience. 

Eating out is more than just delicious food. It is a complete sensory experience, engaging all senses, including taste. Waikiki offers sights, sounds, and flavours that truly immerse you in the cuisine of Hawaii’s tropical island.

Waikiki is a beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, renowned for its calm surf, crescent-shaped harbour, and breath-taking sunsets. The proprietors of the restaurant have carefully created an experience that embodies the atmosphere of this famous location, drawing inspiration from Hawaii’s carefree attitude and aloha culture. Aloha means the friendly, hospitable, welcoming spirit that prevails in the island and has much deeper and spiritual meaning to the locals.

A friendly smile and welcoming atmosphere greet you as soon as you enter Waikiki restaurant. The entrance walls are covered in colourful tropical murals, tiki torches, and bamboo accents that create a perfect fusion of modern and Hawaiian design elements, making it absolutely perfect for both casual and special occasions.

 

The restaurant’s interiors are decorated with similar Hawaiian decor. The lighting is soft, casting a warm glow that enhances the overall dining experience, making it suitable for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The seating is well-arranged to provide a cosy nook for couples and larger tables for family and groups ensuring comfort and privacy without feeling cramped. 

One of the restaurant’s highlights is the tiki bar (rum-based mixed drinks) area, which has a vibrant, upbeat ambience with a wide selection of cocktails and drinks. The rooftop seating at Waikiki restaurant provides a unique and intimate dining experience, with a nest-like atmosphere. The restaurant offers live music performances, including Hawaiian music, reggae, and other tropical genres that enhance the overall ambiance and dining experience. 

Hawaiian cuisine is influenced by its history of settlement. It is a blend of dishes from Japan, Korea, Peru and Portuguese origins, among many others. The Waikiki menu takes diners on a gastronomic exploration of all cuisines, with a dash of contemporary culinary influences. 

A variety of dishes showcasing the freshness and complexity of Hawaiian cuisine have been meticulously selected by the chefs. As you peruse the menu, you’ll be captivated by the diverse and appetizing options, each offering a taste of the tropics. The name of each dish is chosen with careful consideration after extensive research.

The assorted mushrooms made in teppanyaki style was a delightful surprise. The combination of the smoky flavour from the teppanyaki griddle and the tender, earthy variety of mushrooms such as king, shitake, black fungus, shimeji mushrooms was a match made in heaven. The dish was cooked to perfection, with a nice char on the outside and a juicy interior. The mushrooms were cooked with a variety of seasonings, including homemade vegetable sauce, which added depth and complexity to the dish.

The Robata Yaki Sea Bass was absolutely ono-licious! The Chilean sea bass is perfectly grilled to perfection and glazed with a delicious miso butter sauce that just melts in your mouth. It’s the ultimate combination of savoury and sweet flavours that will transport you straight to the islands with every bite. Truly a must-try dish at Waikiki! This Crispy King Salmon is a true taste of aloha! The crispy salmon pairs perfectly with the refreshing cucumber, tangy pickled daikon, and crunchy snow peas. And the perilla seed vinaigrette adds a unique and flavourful twist that ties everything together beautifully. 

The drinks menu at Waikiki is a tropical paradise in itself featuring the wide array of cocktails, mocktails and an impressive section of wines and spirits. Each of the cocktails on the menu is known for its creative and expertly crafted cocktails, making it a popular spot for those looking for unique and delicious drinks. 

Therefore, a trip to Waikiki wouldn’t be complete without sampling one of their specialty cocktails. You have to try the Waikiki Mai Tai, a traditional Hawaiian drink mixed with rum, orange curaçao, passion fruits, and a little pineapple juice. It is a classic cocktail that is both refreshing and flavourful. Hawaiian Panna Cotta is another must-try. It features a creamy coconut, mango, and passion fruit panna cotta, topped with crunchy almond crumbs and a scoop of rich French vanilla ice cream. Its sweet, tangy, and creamy flavour will give you a taste of Hawaii in Amchi Mumbai. 

In addition to their wide selection of drinks, Waikiki also offers exciting bar takeovers. Their first event featured the renowned Jungle Ballroom from Singapore. These events bring a lively atmosphere and offer a must-attend opportunity for cocktail enthusiasts.