Travel Blogger's Paradise: PESCA Waikiki's Must-Visit Status
Travel bloggers and food enthusiasts alike are raving about PESCA Waikiki, a seafood restaurant nestled on the 30th floor of the Ilikai Hotel in Hawaii. Known for its fresh seafood, diverse menu, and a stunning view of the Waikiki coastline, PESCA has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best seafood restaurants on the island.
Guests frequently highlight the breathtaking ocean and city views that accompany each meal, making it a top dining destination for those visiting Honolulu. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner or a family celebration, PESCA's commitment to quality and its unforgettable setting make it a must-visit spot for any traveler.
Let's dive into what travelers, bloggers, food enthusiasts, and guests have to say about this iconic restaurant and why it’s recommended. We have gathered feedback from different travel sites to make you decide to choose PESCA Waikiki as your next dining destination.
What is Waikiki best known for?
Waikiki is best known for its beautiful beaches, especially Waikiki Beach, which is famous for its white sand and calm waters. It's also known for its lively atmosphere, with many shops, restaurants, and nightlife options, and its iconic Diamond Head, a volcanic crater that offers stunning views of the area.
A Stunning View of Waikiki Beach
One of the key reasons travel bloggers recommend PESCA Waikiki is its unbeatable view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. As diners enjoy fresh seafood, they are treated to a panoramic vista of the ocean and cityscape, which creates an unforgettable dining atmosphere. Reviewers frequently mention how the location, high above the bustle of Waikiki, offers the best spot for a romantic sunset meal or a celebratory dinner with friends.
PESCA’s strategic location on the 30th floor not only delivers a quiet escape from the crowds but also showcases Hawaii’s natural beauty in a unique way. With such views, PESCA earns its status as one of the best seafood restaurants for both locals and visitors.
“Pesca is an elegant venue with a contemporary vibe and luxurious accents offering truly magnificent views of the mountains and the ocean. It also features semi-private dining rooms, a wedding chapel, a bridal salon, and a lounge.” - Tasting Table
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pesca, and I can't recommend it enough! The beautiful views alone make it a must-visit, but the experience goes far beyond that…” - My Sugar Free Life
“Hidden gem. This restaurant at the top of the Ilikai hotel on Waikiki was excellent. private entrance within the hotel and not much advertising. Was hard to find. The view of Honolulu was spectacular. This was Valentine’s Day and we just walked in due to complications on other reservations we had. They accommodated the four of us at a very nice table off the bar overlooking the city.” - Richard C., Trip Advisor
“PESCA is a definitely must try for the view and come back for the food restaurant. From the moment we walked in, we were surrounded by the stunning panoramic view overlooking the beach and diamond head. It's the perfect setting for a memorable meal…” - Mark D., Yelp Review
“What an amazing establishment . Great fresh food , outstanding customer service , our waitress was attentive and made us feel like family. The view was unbelievable, arguably one of the greatest views on the island . Will definitely visit again when i'm back.” - Giovanni G., Yelp Review
“What a view! Hands down one the better places for brunch with an amazing view. We came here for an anniversary celebration and wanted a nice place with a view and this spot had what we wanted…” - David B., Yelp Review
Fresh Seafood with a Diverse Menu
PESCA Waikiki offers an expansive and diverse menu, a feature that travel bloggers particularly appreciate. The restaurant is celebrated for its fresh seafood, offering everything from locally sourced fish to specialties like Dover Sole and Uni Pasta. Bloggers have emphasized the balance of traditional seafood dishes with modern culinary twists, providing options for a variety of palates.
The chef’s commitment to freshness is evident in each dish, with many reviewers noting that the seafood tasted as though it had just been caught. Whether you’re craving a simple fish dish or something more luxurious, PESCA’s diverse menu is a major reason it’s considered the best seafood restaurant in Waikiki.
“The highlight of the menu is the rich seafood selection. You can order Benedicts for breakfast with an array of seafood toppings, including smoked salmon, lobster, and crab. The dinner menu features an awe-inspiring and equally impressive selection of fish and seafood. The restaurant offers a seafood platter that comes with sashimi, oysters, lobster, jumbo shrimp, and crab meat. But you can customize it further with more unique options like sea urchin and abalone.
The star of the appetizers is the grilled octopus, served with vinaigrette toasted salad and roasted potato. Freshly caught whole fish is flown in daily from around the world, including from Europe, New Zealand, and Japan. The fish is served grilled or very lightly seasoned to highlight its natural flavors. “ - Tasting Table
“The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as the Grilled Octopus with Chimichurri and the Dover Sole Meunière cooked tableside. For cocktails, the establishment offers the signature 30th Floor Martini with blue cheese olives and a selection of wines, including bottles up to $21,000. Non-alcoholic options include the refreshing Pineapple Ginger Spritz and the Hibiscus Lemonade.” - Restaurant Guru
“..the spot has the best Seafood Platter with fresh catches such as shrimp, oysters, and sashimi. The most ordered dish here is Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine with special garlic butter sauce and pasta of choice. One should also devour the Pesca Signature Poke Bowl with salmon marinated in soy-based sauce.” - Slurp.com
“Fantastic meal with a beautiful view. Beautiful restaurant with exceptional food. We had the seafood bisque, beet salad, mong chung, Brussels sprouts and pistachio cheesecake. Everything was made to perfection.”- Mom_2_the_4th_Power, Trip Advisor Review
“Top Notch Dining on Top of the Iliakai Hotel. We celebrated my father in law’s birthday with dinner at Pesca. From the very start everything was perfect. Our waitress gave us a tour of the fresh fish display and was very knowledgeable on the types of fish and various ways to prepare them. We chose the Japanese snapper and bought one for sashimi and the other cooked in salt. Both were excellent and went well with the Greek white wine that was on the happy hour list for only $10 per glass. All of the side dishes were delicious and we were glad we went with the recommendation of garlic rice. The desserts and view were another reason we had such an amazing meal. As a former chef and current freelance travel and food writer, I can say this is one fine dining experience not too miss in Oahu.” - 805KurtJ, Trip Advisor
“To my total surprise, the food is absolutely amazing. Not just one dish, every single one. We started with Seafood Platter, which is exquisite (a little pricey at $100). Continued with the Catch of the Day and had it cooked in two different ways (steamed and sautéed); both were delicious. Continued with Filet Mignon, New York Steak, seafood Pasta…man, what a feast! All good! All 5 stars!” - Nick, Google Review
What is the best time to go to Waikiki?
The best time to visit Waikiki is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. These months offer a good balance of affordability and enjoyable weather, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit.
Fireworks and Ambiance: A Must-Visit Spot
One of the unique experiences highlighted by bloggers is PESCA’s Friday night fireworks display, which can be viewed right from your table. This spectacle adds to the ambiance of the restaurant, elevating it as a premier dining destination in Hawaii. Many visitors recommend making a reservation for Friday evenings to pair your fresh seafood meal with a show-stopping view of fireworks over Waikiki Beach.
The lively atmosphere, combined with excellent service, makes it a memorable experience that travelers suggest not to miss. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Hawaii or a returning guest, PESCA’s ambiance is unmatched.
“The perfect time to dine in the restaurant is in the evening, for which you can easily make reservations or walk in.” - Slurp.com
“We were looking for a nice sunset view for our last night on Oahu. This restaurant was great…” - Mel S., Yelp Review
“Stellar by far the best experience in Hawai'i . The restaurant is located on the 30th floor of the hotel . The view in itself is awe inspiring. 730pm on the nose be sure to catch the firework display…” - Tiffany L., Yelp Review
“I've gone here twice now and coincidentally have had the privilege of having Kevin as my waiter both times! This place is amazing! Great view, great food, drinks and ambiance!!! And Kevin's warm and inviting energy just makes it even more special! They also have a reasonably priced HH and prefixed menu! It's definitely one of my go to spots on Waikiki!” - Sheba D., Yelp Review
“I was celebrating my 50th birthday with my wife and son in Waikiki and was pleasantly surprised when we had breakfast at Pesca! The food was delicious and the service was excellent, thanks to Kevin and Hap. The ambiance was amazing and refreshing with views to remember. Great place to be and to make lasting memories.” - Myint W., Yelp Review
“I visited Pesca for a private event, and it exceeded my expectations. The upscale ambiance, elegant table settings, and stunning views set the perfect tone…” - Tammy L., Yelp Review
“Great ambiance, amazing food, and the service was excellent! Shout out to Kevin for providing a phenomenal dining experience” - Jessica M., Yelp Review
Exceptional Service and Dining Experience
While the fresh seafood and stunning view of Waikiki are major draws, the service at PESCA also leaves a lasting impression on travelers. Bloggers consistently describe the staff as attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience. Some reviews highlight the personalized recommendations from waitstaff, particularly when helping guests navigate the diverse menu.
The combination of professional service, a welcoming atmosphere, and high-quality cuisine has made PESCA a favorite among both tourists and locals. It’s clear that PESCA prioritizes creating an enjoyable and relaxing dining experience, making it a standout among Hawaii’s top restaurants
“Kevin, our server, was outstanding and super friendly and attentive, ensuring we had a top-notch dining experience. His recommendations were spot on, and his service really made our experience great. Joe, the manager was also friendly and nice to talk with. Kevin served us our house bread which was complimented with 3 dipping sauces, all which are very tasty.” - Mark D., Yelp Review
“My wife and I had a few drinks at the bar one evening at the top of the Ilikai at Pesca. Drinks were good and we got great and friendly service from our bartender - definitely made us feel welcome! 100% would go back. Mahalo!” - Christopher, Trip Advisor
“Service was impeccable as was breakfast. The views are the icing on the cake. Generous portion sizes too. Would recommend.” - FarAway15522201645, Trip Advisor
“The service is impeccable… every effort made to provide a exceptional dining experience.
A special thank you to Kevin, our server on two occasions.
An “East Coast Kindred Spirit”, he has truly embraced the spirit of Aloha. We are glad we met you!” - briangU2590LF, Trip Advisor
“Amazing service and views--can even have a wedding!
Had a family meal and it was wonderful! The service was outstanding and they took great care of a table of seven. The drinks were amazing! We were all treated extra special no matter the request for so many.” - Aymster, Trip Advisor
“..The service was exceptional, with attentive waitstaff ensuring prompt delivery of drinks and food. Although it was a set menu, they graciously accommodated a last-minute request for a delicious vegetarian course, complete with salad, soup, main course, and dessert. The flavors were exquisite, and the presentation was impeccable.” - Tammy L., Yelp Review
Why Travel Bloggers Recommend PESCA Waikiki
After exploring numerous dining options in Hawaii, many travel bloggers return to PESCA Waikiki as their top recommendation. Between the stunning view of the Waikiki coastline, the fresh seafood, and the diverse menu, PESCA offers a truly exceptional experience that is hard to beat.
Travelers appreciate that the restaurant balances luxury with comfort, making it accessible to a wide range of diners. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for the best seafood in Honolulu, PESCA is a must-visit. The combination of setting, service, and superb cuisine ensures that it will remain a favorite in Hawaii’s culinary scene.
READ MORE:
Family-Friendly Activities Near PESCA Waikiki
Sunset Magic at PESCA Waikiki: The Best Time to Dine
Fireworks and Fine Dining: The Perfect Friday Night at PESCA Waikiki
PESCA Waikiki is a Paradise You Must Visit - Book A Reservation Today
If you're planning a trip to Honolulu, PESCA Waikiki should be at the top of your dining list. With its fresh seafood, diverse menu, and stunning view of the Waikiki Beach, it promises an unforgettable experience. Travel bloggers consistently praise PESCA for its quality and ambiance, recommending it as a must-visit for any seafood lover.
Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the best seafood restaurants in Hawaii; make your reservation today!