The Crouching Lion

"AMAZING food in a simply glorious setting. Away from all the touristy areas. The "shareables" concept brilliantly done. Charming waiter. Very romantic."

"The Crouching Lion: An Unmissable Masterclass in Modern Asian Gastronomy Honolulu’s dining scene has a dazzling new focal point. Tucked away from the tourist traps, The Crouching Lion delivers an experience so fundamentally precise, vibrant, and soul-stirring that it doesn't just deserve your attention—it demands five stars! From the moment our party of four arrived at the hostess station, it was clear that this evening would be defined by top service. The Liquid Prelude: Mastery Behind the Bar The opening of any elite meal belongs to the bar, and here, a bartender named Kai orchestrates liquid poetry. Ordering food was a breeze while the menu is very specific, the verbal explanation makes you want to order every dish in it. When the food arrives, the culinary vision of the owner, Dr. Kim, truly comes alive. The menu is a brilliant dialogue between traditional foundations and playful, modern interpretations. The small shareable plates like Scallops, Crispy Mandu, scallions pancakes, Kimbap roll and Labra, and the craft sliders; each bite is a flawless balance of crunch, earth, and savory depth. The Grand Finale: The Dessert Hall of Fame You cannot leave without witnessing the architecture of their signature deserts. Served on a wooden board alongside traditional fish-shaped pastries (Taiyaki) resting in custom wooden holders, the presentation alone warrants applause. Which we did! "The Crouching Lion Dessert Hall of Fame"—proves that dessert here is never an afterthought; it’s an institution. Service as an Art Form A kitchen this talented requires a service staff capable of matching its energy, and Anthony did so effortlessly. Hailing from Washington state, Anthony brings a genuine, magnetic warmth to the table. In a delightful twist that absolutely made our night, he showcased flawless Spanish skills—hilariously and impressively conversational—which he proudly confessed to learning entirely through YouTube. It is exactly this kind of passionate, above-and-beyond engagement that transforms a great dinner into an unforgettable memory. The Verdict Dr. Kim, whom I had the privilege to meet briefly, has fostered something truly magical here. Every element—from Kai’s precision-built cocktails to Anthony’s charismatic hospitality, right down to the breathtaking plating—aligns perfectly. All four of us walked out 100% spellbound. The Crouching Lion isn't just a restaurant; it’s a culinary destination. Get a table while you still can. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 Stars)"

"Took my wife here for “The Feast” dinner (feast like a king or queen they said). $120 per person. For $120 per person, they should serve some more protein, more seafood and beef for sure. The served a little cheap Kalbi and fried greasy salmon, and the rest fealt like fillers. Plain asparagus, sweet potato etc. Our server ask if we wanted rice. We didn’t pay $120 each to eat rice. We paid to eat like a kings and queens. Where’s the meat and where the feast. Stick to Haliewa Joe’s or the Brazilian steakhouse for a fraction of the price. Service was also slow. Nice guy but probably slow kitchen and bartender."