USA | Romer House Waikīkī has introduced its reimaged restaurant offerings, 855-Aloha, inspired by nostalgic island dishes.
Romer House Waikīkī O‘ahu’s premier neighbourhood island clubhouse and hotel has unveiled an exciting new culinary experience at its signature restaurant, 855-ALOHA, helmed by newly appointed Chef Brad Dodson.
Celebrating the culturally diverse, unique-to-the-islands cuisine of Hawai‘i’, Portugal-raised Dodson has crafted a new culinary story that honors its legacy as a crossroads of cultures and flavors, calling back to the cherished tradition of "potlucks” (family dinners) featuring favorite dishes; often recipes from a tutu (grandma), or a dish inspired by a popular local eatery, nostalgic bites that do more than nourish they delight, connect and feel like home.
855-ALOHA serves up iconic local flavours with vibe-on-speed-dial. Named in honour of Hawai‘i’s historic (and still ubiquitous) sky blue payphones, the menu riffs on long-distance cultural connections that meet in a devotion to Hawaii’s favourite local pastime...food. Its style of cuisine has origins of communal meals, shared over generations. This unique mashup of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and European flavours comes through in playful dishes and vibrant cocktails.
855-ALOHA reminds guests that connection is the main course, where friendly service, vintage vibes, and one of Waikīkī’s original phone booths (literally) bring guests into the culinary conversation, one ring, or dine, at a time. Guests are invited to ‘call home’ in an iconic photo moment at the entrance of the restaurant.
With more than 15-years in hospitality, 855-ALOHA’s Executive Chef Brad Dodson, brings a grounded approach to island cooking inspired by his upbringing in the Azores and his culinary journey from food truck to Michelin-star kitchens; with a passion for serving inspired dishes that awaken memories and nostalgia.
Guests begin their journey with a complimentary party shot called ‘Uhilani’ (imagine an amuse bouche packed with vibrant flavours of pineapple, ube and coconut to stimulate the palate). Featuring the best of local ingredients, must-try family-style plates include “Fresh Talk” salads like Cabbage Crunch, share-worthy “Party Line” dishes like The Aloha Platter, Auntie’s Gau Gee Crispy Wontons and create-your-own Poke Nori Wraps. Save room for “Main Line” large-plate favourites like the Hammah Pork Chop, Ahi Katsu, Chinatown Chilli Crisp Chicken, Kalbi Ribs and an off-the-hook Surfin’ Turf. Don’t forget to indulge in a little “Sweet Talk” with 855’s signature Chocolate Haupia Pie, the Pineapple Upside-down Mochi Cake, or the show-stopping 855-SUNDAE, a family-style banana split flambé, served in a tiki hula bowl with a flaming volcano centrepiece. The perfect finale for the table, and your camera roll. As for cocktails, tableside service adds even more charm, including the Banananphone Rum Old Fashioned, theatrically smoked and topped with dried banana for a touch of drama and flair.
Following its debut in June 2024, Romer House Waikīkī quickly established itself as the ideal beach city clubhouse where local character, mid-century boutique charm, and island flavour blend effortlessly in the spirit of Waikīkī’s ideal clubhouse. Every neighbourhood has a spot where visitors and locals naturally rub shoulders, and in the heart of Hawai‘i’s most energetic district, Romer House is just that.
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