When you think of Valentine's Day you typically imagine a romantic dinner, candlelight, sensual dishes like lobster, steak and chocolate... well to my surprise there is a new restaurant in Waikiki that serves all this for Valentine's Day weekend (Friday-Sunday). Buho Cantina opened just over 7 months ago off of Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki. Located above Victoria's Secret this restaurant is a beautiful rooftop oasis from the bustling streets below. 

A more upscale Mexican cantina-style eatery, this place takes Mexican food to a whole new level. Forget about Tex Mex and other eateries that specialize in chip and salsa... this is a more refined approach to latin cuisine, while highlighting local flavors, local ingredients and pushing the limits of those flavor profiles. The dishes are well seasoned, fresh and simple but also very elegant. I got a chance to try their special 4-course Valentine's Day set-menu and it was such great value for the cost of $98 for two people. They are also offering fresh roses for purchase too $5 for a single long stem rose or $60 for a dozen waiting for you table side and it will add that special touch to your romantic evening. Here's a look at the prix fixe dinner. 

Here's the contact info for Buho - reservations suggested and the ala carte menu is also available.


Address: 2250 Kalakaua Ave Suite 525 (rooftop), Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone:(808) 922-2846 Menu: buhocantina.com

You know that restaurant in Waikiki , the one at the top? Yeah, the one that spins? Top Of Waikiki -- known for it's amazing views, super awesome happy hour and traditional surf and turf menu items. But the traditional restaurant is boasting not so 'traditional' flavors and with Chef Lance Kosaka now at the helm of it all. Kosaka is a teddy bear at heart but a beast in the kitchen when it comes to incorporating flavors from Vietnam, Japan, France, Hawaii and new twists on the traditional steakhouse favorites utilizing local produce and protein. Kosaka has slowly transitioned the menu to include some of his favorites and his following from the local community would be proud!

My hubby and I went to the restaurant to celebrate Valentine's Day a little early. It was a perfect dinner. The bread is a sweet potato roll served with mango butter. For appetizers we had poached pear salad, corn chowder, crab cakes and Lance sent out Peggy's Chips which is something not featured on the menu. For our entrees we ordered some of the newest and best entree hits - braised short ribs with wasabi mashed potatoes and bubu crusted onaga on a bed of shrimp risotto. The meal was a great combination of bold flavors, Hawaii delicacies cooked to perfection and service with aloha. 

You may think this place is for tourists because of it's location. But hey parking is free with validation, and the food is so good it's become one of our favorite special occasion restaurants. Last year we came to celebrate our anniversary and left with huge smiles on our faces. 

Here's a look at some of the highlights... We can't wait to go back. I am already hoping someone will ask me to happy hour soon. I gotta try the new drinks and some of the other new menu items.