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Menu Dégustation at La Mer at Halekulani: Hawaii’s Only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 Star Restaurant with a Million Dollar View

Writer's picture: Emily SimpsonEmily Simpson

Updated: Jan 15, 2024


Supermoon from table on beach in Hawaii
Dinner with a view... and a supermoon. Image by Emily Simpson.

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. 


red rose on menu
What could be better than a red rose to greet you? Image by Emily Simpson.

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:


Smoked Salmon Amuse Bouche
Smoked Salmon Amuse Bouche

AMUSE-BOUCHE SMOKED SALMON BITE

Smoked salmon in a spring pea brodo with chlorophyll drops and fresh ricotta


Foie Gras de canard on plate
Perfectly plated first course

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



SAINT-JACQUES RÔTI FEUILLES DE SEICHE, GRAINS DE CAVIAR, CONSOMMÉ DE CRUSTACÉ
Second course- delicious and beautiful

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 couse, lobster claw beurre blanc
Third course- look at that lobster claw

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 Boeuf
Fourth course- Filet de Boeuf

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- fromage plate
Fifth course- Chariot de Fromage

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- Caramel mousse with apple compote
Sixth course- Caramel mousse with apple compote

SIXTH COURSE: LE CANELÉ À LA MOUSSE DE CARAMEL, COMPOTE DE POMMES

Caramel Mousse, Apple Compote Canelé Style



Seventh course- Honey crème fraîche semifreddo
Seventh course- Honey crème fraîche semifreddo

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


palm trees on Hawaiian beach
The gorgeous view from our table

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!


woman taking photograph

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