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Liholiho Yacht Club
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Liholiho Yacht Club
8.7
Hawaiian-rooted New American from chef-owner Ravi Kapur with bright, layered flavors and a lively dining room. The menu balances raw seafood, smoky grilled meats, and shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Poke, Steamed Beef Tongue Buns, Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Hawaiian flavors filtered through a modern California lens.
Who should go: Adventurous share-plate fans
When to visit: Book early; prime times fill fast
What to order: Poke; tongue buns; fried rice
Insider tip: Look for the tiled “ALOHA” floor near the bar for a quick photo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Lower Nob Hill is limited and metered; no valet service offered. Plan extra time or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish edge; jeans are fine but most diners lean dressy for the lively setting.
Noise level: High-energy with music and buzz; conversations are possible but expect a vibrant, loud room.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats fill quickly too.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; dinner-only service Tuesday–Saturday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several shareable plates feature vegetables and grains.
Vegan options: Limited – usually 1–2 options but menu changes seasonally.
Gluten-free options: Yes – staff can point to naturally gluten-free dishes, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the lively energy and creative plates make it memorable, though the volume level leans more fun and upbeat than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally at opening or late-night, but most prime dinner slots require advance booking. Bar seating can be a fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal – the scene is geared toward adults with cocktails and a buzzy dining room. Best for ages 12+ who are adventurous eaters.
Best For
Better for: Bold Hawaiian-inspired flavors and a social, high-energy atmosphere compared to more traditional American spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, relaxed dinner or need extensive vegan/gluten-free choices.
Liholiho Yacht Club
8.7
Hawaiian-rooted New American with bright seafood plates in a lively, design-forward room. Locals book it for tuna poke, raw bar starters, and shareable grilled dishes that balance smoke, acid, and spice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ahi tuna poke, Yellowtail crudo, Grilled octopus
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Hawaiian flavors reframed through California produce and technique.
Who should go: Seafood-loving share-plate fans
When to visit: Book early; weeknights are easiest
What to order: Ahi poke; crudo; grilled octopus
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal raw specials before ordering mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Lower Nob Hill and fills quickly after 6pm; nearby garages on Sutter and Bush are your best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish edge—jeans are fine if paired with something dressy on top.
Noise level: High energy and lively; conversation is possible but expect a buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes available for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; easy to walk in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dishes like vegetable-forward small plates and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 2–3 options, mostly in starters or sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many raw and grilled dishes are naturally gluten-free, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the lively atmosphere and shareable plates make it playful and social, though it’s more energetic than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s tough on weekends, but bar seating and late arrivals can sometimes secure a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the menu skews adventurous and the vibe is adult-centric, though older teens who enjoy seafood could fit in.
Best For
Better for: Inventive Hawaiian-Californian flavors with a fun, design-forward room that feels fresher than traditional seafood houses.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, formal dinner or need a broad kids’ menu—this is better suited to adults looking for buzz and bold flavors.
Liholiho Yacht Club
8.6
Chef-driven Cal-Hawaiian cooking with wood-grilled meats, bright seafood, and playful snacks in a buzzy, design-forward room. Locals come for the nori-cracker tuna poke and lively bar energy that turns dinner into a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna poke on nori cracker, Baked Hawaiian rolls with honey butter, Spam fried rice
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Modern Cal-Hawaiian flavors with precise execution and playful plates.
Who should go: Diners chasing buzz and bold flavors
When to visit: Early evening or late slots to avoid peak waits
What to order: Nori-cracker tuna poke; baked rolls; grilled short rib
Insider tip: Walk-in bar seats often open before the dinner rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Lower Nob Hill, especially after 6pm; nearby garages on Sutter or Bush typically run $10–$15 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean stylish and dressy given the trendy vibe, but nice jeans and a button-down or chic top are fine.
Noise level: High-energy and buzzy; conversation is possible but expect raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins should aim for bar seats.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable as it is dinner-focused; minimal waits on early weekday evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple plates like veggie starters and some mains are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates can be adapted, but not a strong focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff are knowledgeable and can adjust several dishes; cross-contact is possible so clarify with server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's stylish, lively, and food-forward, making it a memorable spot. Just note the energy level is more fun and social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s tough, but possible. The bar area offers walk-in seating if you arrive before 6pm or closer to closing time.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the vibe is adult-focused, with loud music and cocktails. Teens who enjoy adventurous food may be comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Buzzy, chef-driven Hawaiian-Californian flavors in a design-forward room—perfect for social dinners and nights out.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate evening or a highly vegan-friendly menu; consider a more serene fine-dining spot instead.