Senia Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#99 of 1,736 Restaurants in Honolulu American

Senia Restaurant

4.6(190 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Senia Restaurant, offering the best American experience in Kalihi / Nu'uanu. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

Modern Hawaiian Elegance in Downtown Honolulu

Stepping into Senia on the edge of Chinatown, you immediately notice the shift from the humid bustle of the city streets to an interior defined by polished wood, industrial lighting, and an undeniable hum of culinary precision. Chefs Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush have cultivated a space that feels both high-end and accessible, making it an ideal destination for those who want to experience the evolution of Hawaiian cuisine away from the typical tourist trails.

A Culinary Bridge Between Islands and Technique

The menu acts as a playground for seasonal ingredients sourced from local Oahu farms. While the composition shifts with the harvest, the charcoal-grilled octopus is a recurring triumph, arriving with a deep, smoky char that pairs perfectly with bright, acidic accompaniments. The kitchen’s commitment to French technique applied to Pacific bounty is evident in every bite, particularly in their refined takes on comfort foods like the Scotch egg, which has become a silent icon on their rotating menu.

The Rhythm of the Dining Room

The space is lively, bordering on cacophonous during the peak dinner rush, so do not expect a quiet, hushed corner for an intimate whisper-conversation. Instead, you get the energy of an open kitchen where you can watch the team assemble intricate plates with rhythmic efficiency. Note that parking in this historic district can be a hunt, so plan to arrive a few minutes early to navigate the nearby lots. It is the kind of place where locals head for a celebratory night out, valuing the balance between sophisticated service and the relaxed spirit of Honolulu dining.

Photos

Senia Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Senia Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Senia Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Senia Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Senia Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Senia Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Senia Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Senia Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

75 N King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817-5108

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 190 community reviews
S

Subash PariyarGoogle Maps

Recently

I went to this restaurant yesterday and overall had a good experience. The food was really good and the servers were super nice and welcoming. The only downside was the waiting time. It took quite a long time for each dish to arrive at our table. We spent around 2 and a half hours there for just two appetizers, three entrees, one dessert and couple of drinks. The ambience was okay, nothing too special, but the quality of the food and the kindness of the staff made the experience enjoyable overall. If you plan to visit, just make sure to expect a longer dining time.

M

MX KGoogle Maps

Recently

if senia was in NYC, it would definitely get a michelin star. each dish was prepared with great attention to detail and it was the small touches that helped elevate the dish to the next level. hits: ahi cigars, a must order. smoky and loved the crunch on it. hamachi tataki, dish looks more like a bed of flowers than it does food. loved how the fish was cut thick so it retains that bite. mad cute how there is like a sprout on the tomatoes and how different parts of the radish are carved in star shapes to give a color gradient. the prettiest dish ive had during this trip. the agnolotti. its like mini dumplings that burst in your mouth when you bite into it. misses: salad felt plain and ordinary, a stronger sweeter dressing is needed to accompany it. dishes missed spice. would have preferred greater spice in some dishes like the kampachi crudo. dessert menu also felt plain and ordinary.

Z

Zach OlsonGoogle Maps

Recently

The food here is amazing. I had high expectations going in and they exceeded them! The service was exceptional! The ahi cigars to start were savory and a wonderful way to start the meal. The hamachi was extremely fresh. The agnolotti was a burst of flavor. The salmon was the best I've ever had! It's not a cheap meal but IT IS exceptional!

G

Giana SGoogle Maps

Recently

We ordered multiple dishes, started with zucchini tots, and had smoked ahi cigars, scallops, bone marrow, etc. All taste just right. Not plain at all. It is balanced and cooked thoroughly. The cocktails are really good, too. They must have great bartenders. The Freddie, the 007, and Dressed for success. Try. We didn't try any large dishes, so no comments on that. Glad to find a favorite restaurant. The servers are informative and nice, too. We had a really good time. Very Satisfied.

O

Olena PrykhodkoGoogle Maps

Recently

We had an absolutely incredible experience at Senia Hawai‘i! Since we’re visiting Hawaii, we decided to skip mains and go all-in on appetizers—and tried about 10 dishes. Every single one was outstanding. The standouts for us were the Cheshire cheddar (a must!), the Cheese & Mushroom Tartlets, the Zucchini Tots, and the Smoked Ahi “Cigars”—each one was creative, perfectly balanced, and packed with flavor. And the desserts… truly some of the best we’ve ever had in our lives. Every bite felt special. The service was also fantastic—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. This was such a fun and memorable dining experience, and we can’t recommend it enough!

D

Dymple LovetisGoogle Maps

Recently

We had such an amazing experience at SENIA that we’re going back to try the tasting menu next time. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious and so beautifully plated. My favorite is still the smoked ahi cigars I’ve never tasted anything like it before. The Kona kampachi was incredibly fresh, and the roasted bone marrow is a must-try, especially with the three different salts they give you. The chestnut agnolotti with sage and cranberry was so flavorful and perfectly balanced. If you’re looking for a chill but elevated dinner spot, this place is worth it. Great food, great service, and such a nice vibe. Can’t wait to come back!

J

Jason HGoogle Maps

Recently

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Senia, and the entire evening felt effortlessly special. The space is refined yet comfortable - perfect for a relaxed date night with a touch of elegance. We started with ahi cigars and a beautifully charred grilled romaine, both fresh and full of flavor. The pastas were standout highlights - the gnocchi was rich and comforting, while the cavatelli delivered depth and perfect texture. Even the sides, like the grilled broccolini, were thoughtfully prepared. A light, airy venison brioche added a creative finishing touch, and everything paired wonderfully with a crisp, bone-dry Riesling from the Pfalz. Service was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without ever feeling rushed. It’s clear the team at Senia cares deeply about the full dining experience. We left already planning our return - which is always the best compliment. A true Honolulu gem.

E

Eric CharltonGoogle Maps

Recently

The dining space is cozy and intimate, creating a calm atmosphere that’s never too noisy, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The service was outstanding—attentive without being intrusive. The cocktails were both creative and delicious, setting the tone for a great meal. Every dish was exceptional, especially the raw shareable plates, which were fresh, balanced, and full of interesting flavors. The triple-smoked salmon truly stood out and is easily one of the best salmon dishes I’ve ever had. If you’re visiting Honolulu, Senia is absolutely worth a visit—you won’t be disappointed.

L

LaniGoogle Maps

Recently

This restaurant is known as one of the best in Hawaii, and we decided to try it because we had a $150 credit from our credit card. The Smoked Ahi Cigar and Venison Tartare were absolutely outstanding — truly “wow” dishes that impressed us from the first bite. The brioche bread was generously loaded with butter. While flavorful, the texture was a bit dry rather than soft and chewy. The grilled romaine salad was tasty, but the dressing was a bit too heavy. Next time, I would definitely ask for the dressing on the side. The bone marrow was beautifully presented and came with pickles, three different salts, and oxtail. It was delicious and well worth the price, especially when spread on the bread that was served alongside it. Unfortunately, the Wagyu steak ($90) was extremely disappointing. I mention the price because it was honestly one of the worst steaks I’ve ever had. After the first bite, it genuinely crossed my mind to ask for a refund. It was surprisingly tough for Wagyu, which was very puzzling. The service was excellent and everything else was great, but the steak was a major letdown.

K

Kent YoungGoogle Maps

Recently

A great restaurant at the edge of Chinatown. The venue is small but elegant and well designed. The service was on point. The menu features a selection of small dishes (sort of build your own tasting menu) and a few larger dishes to share. Some highlights were the ahi cigars (don’t miss these!), the hamachi, and the chestnut agnolotti. All were outstanding. A solid wine list and creative cocktails. Super for a special date night or anniversary, or just an awesome meal! I’ll be back for sure!

Comments & Reviews

Please sign in to write a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!

Frequently Asked Questions about Senia Restaurant

Common questions from diners about Senia Restaurant in Honolulu.

They offer a casual a la carte menu in the main dining room and an exclusive, luxurious tasting menu at the Chefs' Counter.

Nearby Restaurants

Charleys Philly Steaks
$$
0.0(0)

Charleys Philly Steaks

Restaurant

Honolulu
O'sun Grill - Oahu Restaurant Image
$$
0.0(0)

O'sun Grill

Asian • Hawaiian

Honolulu
The Gatsby Hawaii - Oahu Restaurant Image
$$
0.0(1)

The Gatsby Hawaii

Mexican

Honolulu