Best Upscale Chinese Restaurants in Honolulu | Upscale Chinese Food

18 restaurants in Best Upscale Chinese Restaurants in Honolulu | Upscale Chinese Food

• Morimoto Asia Waikiki — Japanese · rated 4/5: Perched above the sun-drenched shores of Waikiki, this sophisticated retreat blends sleek, modern design with the rhythmic energy of an open kitchen where glistening Peking ducks and artful sushi take center stage. The air hums with a vibrant island spirit as Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s masterful Pan-Asian creations—from delicate dim sum to sizzling aromatics—transform fresh ingredients into a breathtaking culinary performance overlooking the Pacific.
• Heart Moon — Chinese · rated 4/5: Heart Moon unfolds as an intimate sanctuary of private dining, where soft lighting and elegant, secluded suites create a tranquil backdrop for shared stories and whispered celebrations. Whether tucked into a cozy alcove for a romantic evening or gathered in a grand VIP chamber, guests are invited to lose themselves in a world of refined hospitality and quiet luxury designed for meaningful connection.
• Siam Square — Thai · rated 3/5: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the electric energy of Bangkok’s street food scene meets refined urban elegance, wrapping guests in an atmosphere of bold colors and warm hospitality. The air hums with the rhythmic sizzle of red-hot woks and the fragrant perfume of fresh lemongrass and Thai basil, setting the stage for a meal that masterfully balances fiery chilies with cooling coconut milks. Each plate serves as a transportive journey through the soulful heart of Thailand, offering a sensory escape that lingers long after the final bite.
• Stix Asia — Chinese · rated 3/5: Step into a vibrant culinary playground where the electric energy of an Asian night market meets modern flair, filled with the enticing aromas of charred skewers and simmering broths. Guests embark on a cross-continental journey through a tapestry of bold flavors, from the smoky depth of street-style yakitori to the delicate balance of hand-pulled noodles and zesty aromatics. This bustling hub invites communal celebration, where every bite captures the spirited essence of the East in a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.
• Mr. Tea — Chinese · rated 3/5: This vibrant tea sanctuary invites guests into a world of fragrant infusions and playful textures, where the rhythmic shake of ice and the sweet aroma of caramelized brown sugar set a lively tempo. Velvety milk teas crowned with sea salt foam and fruit-forward blends bursting with chewy pearls offer a refreshing escape within a sleek, light-filled space designed for social sipping.
• Legend Seafood Restaurant — Seafood: Steaming bamboo baskets and the earthy fragrance of lotus leaves define the atmosphere of this bustling sanctuary, where the timeless art of dim sum is celebrated with every delicate fold. Diners delight in a vibrant contrast of textures, from the lacy, golden crunch of deep-fried taro puffs to the silky, translucent glide of rice noodle rolls filled with savory char siu. It is a lively space where communal tables buzz with energy over plates of pan-seared turnip cakes and steaming bowls of comforting rice soup, offering a true taste of Cantonese tradition.
• Won Kee Sea Food — Chinese: Steaming platters of ginger-scented fish and golden-fried salt and pepper squid emerge from a high-heat kitchen, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of authentic Cantonese seafood. The vibrant dining room buzzes with the energy of communal feasts, where families gather around large round tables to share in the ocean’s freshest bounty. It is a sensory journey through coastal traditions, where every bite captures the briny sweetness of the sea and the masterful char of a seasoned wok.
• Dragon Tea Cafe — Chinese: A vibrant sanctuary where the fragrant steam of premium loose-leaf teas mingles with the playful pop of boba pearls, creating a lively yet soothing escape from the city bustle. Hand-shaken infusions and creamy milk teas are paired with an array of delicate, sweet, and savory snacks, inviting guests to linger over colorful creations that celebrate the art of modern tea culture.
• Yee Hong Pavilion — Chinese: Step into a grand, light-filled hall where the fragrant steam of jasmine tea and the rhythmic clink of porcelain set the stage for an authentic Cantonese feast. Tables overflow with translucent, hand-pleated dumplings and succulent roasted meats glazed to a mahogany sheen, showcasing a masterful balance of delicate textures and time-honored flavors. The vibrant atmosphere hums with the warmth of communal dining, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming sanctuary for both spirited weekend brunches and elegant evening banquets.
• Lobster King — Seafood: Stepping into this vibrant culinary hub feels like entering a celebration of East Asian flavors, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of honey-glazed char siu and rich, simmering seafood broths. Guests gather around bustling tables to share golden, crispy gau gee and steaming baskets of mandoo, while the kitchen balances the refreshing crunch of Chinese chicken salads with the luxurious, velvety textures of crab meat and fish maw soup. It is a place where tradition meets a lively, communal energy, offering a rich tapestry of tastes that range from the delicate snap of marinated jellyfish to the smoky depth of a signature BBQ platter.
• Lunar Tea — Chinese: Lunar Tea invites guests into a vibrant, modern space where the comforting aroma of bubbling cheese and toasted garlic mingles with a fresh, contemporary energy. Crispy, spice-dusted fries and zesty buffalo cauliflower provide a playful start to a meal that transitions seamlessly from garden-fresh zoodle salads to artisanal red and white pies baked to golden perfection. Whether you are craving the crunch of a Mediterranean bowl or the savory pull of a classic mozzarella-topped pizza, this neighborhood gem offers a balanced fusion of bold, indulgent flavors and light, nourishing bites.
• Restaurant XO — Chinese: Restaurant XO offers a sophisticated playground for the palate where bold global influences and whimsical artistry collide in every meticulously plated dish. The kitchen transforms familiar comforts into elevated experiences, pairing the savory intensity of adobo-spiced fried chicken with decadent highlights like foie gras over salt-roasted crispy rice and succulent duck brightened by blueberry jam. From the refreshing chill of gazpacho sorbet to the playful charm of chocolate chip bunnies, every bite captures a sense of culinary wonder that lingers long after the final course.
• Golden Eagle Chinese Restaurant — Chinese: Stepping into Golden Eagle Chinese Restaurant, guests are greeted by the aromatic dance of ginger and garlic wafting from a high-heat kitchen where time-honored tradition meets the plate. The dining room hums with the energy of shared meals, featuring everything from crackling, honey-glazed favorites to delicate, hand-folded dumplings that burst with savory depth. It is a neighborhood cornerstone where the art of the wok creates a soulful, communal experience that lingers long after the last pot of tea is poured.
• Char Hung Sut — Chinese: Stepping into this legendary Chinatown institution feels like a journey back in time, where the air is thick with the sweet, savory perfume of steaming dough and the rhythmic bustle of a kitchen that has mastered its craft over generations. Pillowy manapua bursting with honey-glazed pork and delicate, hand-pleated dumplings are tucked into simple paper bags, offering a nostalgic taste of island tradition that transforms a humble storefront into a vibrant community ritual. It is a place where the warmth of a freshly steamed bun captures the soul of the neighborhood, inviting diners to savor the timeless artistry of handmade dim sum.
• Golden Duck — Chinese: Glistening, amber-hued ducks hang prominently in the window, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the air is thick with the savory perfume of five-spice and roasting meats. The rhythmic cadence of the kitchen’s cleaver provides a soulful backdrop for communal feasts of crackling, honey-glazed poultry and delicate, steam-filled baskets that capture the timeless essence of traditional Cantonese craftsmanship.
• Rabbit Rabbit Tea — Chinese: Step into a whimsical oasis where playful design meets the art of the brew, inviting guests to escape into a world of vibrant colors and sweet, floral aromas. Handcrafted infusions come alive with the snap of fresh fruit and the satisfying chew of honey-soaked pearls, creating a refreshing symphony of textures in every sip. This charming destination reimagines the tea experience as a delightful daily ritual, blending modern creativity with the comforting essence of perfectly steeped leaves.
• Cowcow's Tea — Chinese: This playful haven invites guests into a world of creamy indulgence, where the scent of toasted oolong and floral jasmine wafts through a bright, contemporary space. Each handcrafted cup is a masterpiece of texture, blending velvety milks with jewel-like boba and artisanal toppings that create a delightful symphony of sweetness. It is a whimsical retreat for those seeking a refreshing escape, where traditional tea culture meets a modern, decadent flair.
• Sharetea — Chinese: This lively destination serves as a modern sanctuary for tea lovers, where the rhythmic sound of cocktail shakers signals the creation of vibrant, customizable brews. Sun-ripened fruit jams and creamy coconut foams swirl into fragrant infusions of black and green tea, punctuated by the satisfying chew of honey-soaked pearls. From the icy indulgence of a lychee-studded strawberry blend to the comforting richness of a classic milk tea, each cup captures a playful balance of tradition and contemporary flair.