




About
A Precision Approach to Honolulu Dining
Tucked away in the vibrant culinary landscape of Honolulu, The Cutlery shifts the focus back to the fundamentals: sharp technique and fresh, local ingredients. Stepping inside, you are greeted by an interior that prioritizes clean lines and an open kitchen layout, where the steady rhythm of chefs at work provides the soundtrack to your meal. It is the kind of place that feels polished without being pretentious, making it an excellent choice for a quiet weeknight date or a focused business lunch where the conversation needs to take center stage.
Crafted for the Discerning Palate
The menu reflects a meticulous dedication to sourcing, pulling from the bounty of the islands to create dishes that feel both familiar and precise. You will find that the plating here is architectural, yet the flavors remain rooted in comfort. While the space is undeniably sleek, be prepared for the acoustic energy of the room; the polished surfaces mean that when the dining room fills up, the chatter of satisfied patrons tends to bounce off the walls, adding a lively, bustling edge to the experience.
Why It Fits the Local Scene
For those navigating the often-busy streets of Oahu's capital, this spot offers a refined refuge. It captures a specific segment of the modern Honolulu food culture—one that favors quality and clarity over excess. Whether you are leaning into a signature composed salad or one of their carefully seared proteins, every element on the plate serves a purpose. It is a no-nonsense experience for diners who value consistency and a sharp, well-executed menu above all else.
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Location
3435 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816-2656
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 4 community reviewsLaura JMGoogle Maps
Recently
Relaxed, casual, and full of local charm, Cutlery Steakhouse gives cozy neighborhood steakhouse vibes with just the right touch of romance from the dim, moody lighting. It’s perfect for a special occasion without feeling overly formal. Parking is very small and tight, so be prepared. I was lucky enough to squeeze my Tacoma along the parallel wall and carefully reverse out with guidance from the friendly parking lot staff (major clutch moment 😅). We also loved the surprise of the light-up menu, we actually laughed because it was the only bright thing in the room. Such a fun little touch that totally fits the dark, intimate ambiance. Service was great. Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and consistently checked on us for refills or anything we needed. She explained the 2-hour dining limit upfront and let us know the main entrée would take about 45 minutes. We had no issues and finished right on time without feeling rushed. Don’t skip the sides: duck fat fries, truffle mash, Brussels sprouts, and a generous escargot perfect for sharing. The 16oz Nakamura Cut Prime Rib with bone marrow au jus and horseradish cream was juicy, flavorful, and easily fed two, and the leftovers were just as good the next day. And dessert? Non-negotiable. Mud pie with Oreo crust and two crème brûlées… because one is simply not enough. 🤎✨
Keaurora GrigsbyGoogle Maps
Recently
Beautiful atmosphere! Extremely unique! You will get your appetizer and drinks immediately! Be prepared to wait 2 hours for your actual meal🤷🏾♀️. Arrived at 1815… meal came at…. Still waiting… Update! Food came! Everything came with a side of “oil”🫣!
CWGoogle Maps
Recently
Celebrating Christmas with friends, we shared all the selections and the portions are large, including appetizers! Love the lighted menu, great selection of cocktails and wine, entree portions are also generous. Cutlery is dog friendly ( with a special something for your furry friends ) with covered lanai seating. The restaurant was super busy but service was great and we were in no rush. The NY steak is one of my favorites and they grill to perfection.
b SalaGoogle Maps
Recently
Went for a birthday party. Probably not a place you want to bring kids to. I was really excited to try this spot, but it fell a little short of expectations. The prime rib was really good — great smoky flavor, and the au jus sauce was bomb. The downside was the timing: the main dishes came out about an hour after we sat down, even though we pre-arranged our food orders ahead of time. Overall, still a great place for a date night with no kids.
David SiuGoogle Maps
Recently
Easy to find and ample street parking in a residential neighborhood at dinner time. Food was cooked right and tasty. Very good value for the money. A good diversion to the Wikki restaurant food. Highly recommended.
U'ilani Corr-YorkmanGoogle Maps
Recently
From right when we got there, the uncle parking cars was so friendly! Everyone was so friendly. Our waitress was so sweet. Our food runner was so friendly and so was Our host. We ate there on Friday, September 19th at 6pm. Every dish we ordered was so delicious!! We only ordered appetizers and a salad and we were so full!! We will return for sure to try the main menu!
RoninGoogle Maps
Recently
The Cutlery Restaurant, a popular spot known for its pet-friendly atmosphere, and depending on the day could be good or bad experience. Our recent Tuesday evening visit, was quieter. Historically, the quality of food at The Cutlery has been a point of contention for our group, with consistency issues arising during peak hours. However, this visit proved that when the restaurant isn't bustling, the quality and taste is delicious. Appetizers: The duck fat fries in the shishito peppers sauce was outstanding. The crispy brussels sprouts was good with a more charred texture than a crispy one. Main Courses: The main dishes generally impressed. The New Zealand rack of lamb with chimichurri sauce was a highlight, with the sauce perfectly complementing the tender lamb. The oxtail ragu was also good, boasting a flavorful tomato sauce and well-cooked pasta, though the oxtail itself could have been a touch less chewy, in my opinion. The New York striploin was "alright," not memorable as the other entrees. Desserts: all three items – the creme brulee, blueberry cheesecake, and the famous Cutlery mudpie – earning high praise in our group. What truly sets The Cutlery apart is its remarkably dog-friendly policy. Not only are pets welcome, but the restaurant also prepares and serves food specifically for canine companions, making it a unique draw for pet owners. Having visited The Cutlery four times now, the overarching impression is one of inconsistent food quality, yet remarkably consistent service and atmosphere. The staff is consistently friendly and helpful, contributing to a pleasant dining experience regardless of the kitchen's performance. Seating options include both indoor and outdoor areas. The outdoor seating is notably spacious and offers a sense of privacy, though it can still be quite loud, especially when the restaurant is busy. In conclusion, The Cutlery Restaurant offers a charming and welcoming environment, particularly for those with pets. While the food quality can be inconsistent, a visit during a slower period might provide better quality food. With consistently good service and a unique pet-friendly appeal, it remains an interesting option for a casual meal.
Hawaii Fun TourGoogle Maps
Recently
Went in for a last minute birthday treat and was able to get a table. The food was sooo good. I wish I could come more often for this treat. The rib eye was cooked perfectly and was so good and the rack of lamb was the best ever. Mudpie and crème brûlée 🍮 were also very good
Maui World TravelersGoogle Maps
Recently
The spouse wanted a steak dinner. I was not about to spend ridiculous amounts at Hy’s, Ruth’s or Signature. The Cutlery was close to Waikiki and the prices were reasonable. ATMOSPHERE: It’s a casual vibe with dark decor and mood lighting. A nice mix of music played overhead. The bar area is open-air but air conditioned, with a few bar seats and high tops. A traditional dining room is off to the side. Outdoor seating wrapped around a forth of the eatery, with shrubbery for privacy from the road. There is an actual barbershop on the backside of the restaurant which is run by the spouse of the owner, according to our server. RESERVATIONS: We reserved via OpenTable about two days prior. Only counter and outdoor types were available. Definitely recommended if you prefer to sit indoors. PARKING: A small, free lot shared with other businesses is right behind the restaurant on 9th Ave. It looks like it belongs to the neighboring apartments but it’s not. Simply check in with the friendly attendant. MENU: Backlit menus made for easy viewing. Nice cocktail list. Seafood & meat apps, salads, grilled meats, pasta, kids menu & desserts. BEVERAGE: Mojito Excellent version with an intense mint flavor. FOOD: Charred Romaine Caesar Salad Served warm, the salad had nice char to the leaves with a unique smokiness from the grill. The sweet bread croutons were a positive first for me. The dressing was more tangy than creamy. Recommended. Mushroom Medley Literally swimming in garlicky butter, it needed more seasoning or salt. Enough for two to share. New York Striploin My absolute fave cut of meat was naturally flavorful and perfectly medium rare. Though I’m unsure why it sat in a puddle of oil since it was grilled. Ribeye The spouse loved and devoured it. It had a similar oil puddle as well. Fire Roasted Corn Damn, these were really good and big enough for four to share. Nicely grilled & sliced cobs sprinkled with parmesan and bathed in garlic butter. Highly recommended. DESSERT: Mud Pie I’ve never had a mud pie in my favorite trifecta of chocolate, vanilla & coffee flavors. Traditional Oreo crust, whipped cream and dripping with chocolate & caramel syrups. Highly recommended. SERVICE: We were 15 minutes late so we had an understandable maybe 5 minute wait to be seated. Female server was friendly, professional and checked on us throughout our meal. OVERALL: Good food at affordable prices. Wish they had a baked potato option.
Anna OngGoogle Maps
Recently
My usual approach to restaurants as it is with most of my experiences starts on the negative spectrum. But this super underrated steakhouse deserves more than 5 stars. Everything was superb BUT if you love oysters…. This place doesn’t disappoint. The steaks…. so so so good and def worth the price which def is on the sane side. Service was 100% on point (thanks Deb). Ambiance was nothing spectacular BUT who cares. I def want y’all to try this spot out. It does not disappoint.
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