Backstage Pass: Diving into the menu of Roy’s Waikiki

by VICTORIA ELIZABETH

The namesake establishment of the critically-acclaimed Roy Yamaguchi family of restaurants, Roy’s Waikiki is located in the chic, stylish, and bustling heart of Honolulu, along the Waikiki Beach Walk.

Since its grand opening in 2007, this iconic dining establishment has been consistently wowing locals, tourists, and critics alike, with a true luxury dining experience and an incomparable design aesthetic, creating both an undeniably chic, and inviting dining experience.

Roy’s Waikiki features contemporary art with a focus on Hawaiian and Asian influences, including works by local artists, reflecting its upscale, trendy atmosphere, though specific recurring exhibits might change (they’ve previously hosted events featuring artists like Satoru Abe, known for his “Webbed Tree” sculpture). Visitors can expect modern, vibrant, and culturally relevant pieces complementing the famous fusion cuisine for which Roy’s is known, beloved, and acclaimed worldwide.

The Backstage Pass Team and I were thrilled to receive the exclusive opportunity to return to this prestigious establishment for a ‘25 spotlight on all the lunch specials you absolutely must try during any visit to Roy’s Waikiki.

Our friendly and hospitable server Tanner greeted us warmly and provided us with numerous helpful recommendations to help make our dining experience as smooth and cohesive as possible.

Roys Signature Hawaiian Martini: One of the most popular and often-requested beverages at Roy’s Waikiki, featuring still vanilla vodka, Koloa coconut rum, infused with fresh Maui gold pineapples.

Local draft: Rice Breaker Tokyo Pilsner. A light, palatable beer, perfectly suited to enjoy with your favorite Roy’s Burger at lunchtime. Hana Koa makes this beer in collaboration with The Rice Factory.

Most of the award-winning cocktails at Roy’s can be made sans alcohol, upon request, and the Strawberry Guava and Lilikoi frozen daiquiri options were a smash hit with our resident non-drinkers, photographer Lynn, and Mimi.

Each Roy’s dining experience begins with a perfectly seasoned bowl of nutritious and delicious edamame.

APPETIZERS:

Crispy zucchini: Crown noodle crispy bao and cilantro XO relish.

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: Bacon orange sauce /granola.

ENTREES:

Misoyaki Butterfish: Forbidden black rice, sweet ginger wasabi beurre blanc.

By Chirashi: Maguro, kanpachi, shake, blue crab mix, crispy shrimp, cilantro XO and garlic soy.

DESSERTS:

Peanut Butter Crunch Bar: Featuring a rich and decadent peanut butter flavor topped off with delightful crunch, fresh berries , salted caramel.

Special thanks to Robbyn Shim and the entire Roy’s Waikiki team for the amazing hospitality and for arranging our visit for this spotlight feature!

WEBSITE: royyamaguchi.com/roys-waikiki-oahu

PHONE NUMBER: (808) 923-7697