Backstage Pass: Go on, go to Goen in Kailua

by VICTORIA ELIZABETH

Powered by the masterful celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi, Goen Dining + Bar has established itself as a premier establishment for world class dining in a warm, friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Located in the peaceful, pristine, naturally breathtaking city of Kailua, Hawaii, Goen prides itself on affording guests the opportunity to select artfully prepared cocktails, starters and entrees from an expertly curated menu from the talented team at Goen.

Utilizing only the freshest and mostly locally-sourced ingredients, Goen has been ranked by critics and patrons alike as the premier neighborhood restaurant in Kailua, which is conveniently located near the Lau Hala Shops, offering a casual, yet upscale, trendy aesthetic.

Since its grand opening in 2018, Goen has served thousands upon thousands of satisfied customers from around the world, garnering a myriad of top industry awards and 5 star reviews on various platforms throughout the duration of their run.

The Backstage Pass Team and I were elated to return to this legendary dining establishment for a 2025 spotlight feature on some of the most dynamic new dishes on the Goen menu, as well as a highlight on some recurring favorites.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by our friendly and personable server, Tyler, who escorted us to our seat on the elegant lanai, where we enjoyed the warm night island breezes.

We ordered the following:

DRINKS:

Omakase hazy IPA (Local): Bold and robust, this tropical, fruit-forward New England IPA (NEIPA) by Beer Lab Hawaii, is known for its juicy flavor, smooth body, and citrusy-tropical notes.

Ko’olau Sour: Rye bonded, lemon, lilikoi , honey simple , and ginger beer is blended for an undeniably unique and irresistible mix of flavors.

Howzit Goen: This signature cocktail is one of the most popular at Goen, featuring a mix of mi campo, tequila blanco, Hawaiian chi, mango, strawberry. Best described as a tropical vacation in a glass…with a twist.

Most beverages are available free of alcohol as well, and our photographer, Lynn, and Mimi indulged in the following mocktails.

Mango Spritzer: A mango spritzer mocktail that blends sweet mango -juice, puree, or nectar- with bubbly  water, often balanced with a tart splash of lime juice and garnished with fresh mango or mint, creating a light, tropical, and refreshing drink.

Coconut Spritzer: This light and decadent mocktail blends coconut -water, milk- a bubbly element -soda, seltzer- and often pineapple juice and lime juice for a tropical, refreshing drink, garnished with mint and fresh fruit.

APPETIZERS:

Arrabbiata Flatbread: Fontina cheese, focaccia, lemon aioli, Parmesan, and parsley.

Crispy Brussels and Cauliflower: Toasted cashews, Dijon vinaigrette , and za’atar Greek yogurt  

Fry Basket: Featuring thick cut organelle mushroom fries and herb cream cheese.

ENTREES:

Truffled Gnocchi: Onda Gnocchi, fontina cheese, Truffle Alfredo, truffle oil.

Japanese Style Mushroom Spaghetti: Shimeji, maitake, eringi, shishito peppers, shiso, bacon, garlic dashi soy and scallions.

DESSERT:

Basque Cheesecake: With mixed berries, whipped cream, and honey drizzle.

DESSERT BEVERAGE:

Pumpkin Martini: Vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree /liqueur, Irish cream and heavy cream or half-and-half, spiced with pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Special thanks to the amazing Robbyn Shim and the awesome Goen team for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.

WEBSITE: https://www.royyamaguchi.com/goen-kailua

PHONE NUMBER: (808) 263-4636

INSTAGRAM @goendiningandbar