‘Empire’ state of mind in the sky

Romantic atmosphere? Check.

Dry-aged steaks? Check.

Panoramic views? Check, check and check.

Located on the “sky floor” of the ‘Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites, New York-based Empire Steak House recently opened its fifth location in Hawai‘i. The steakhouse’s other locations are in New York (Midtown West, Midtown East and Times Square) and Japan (Tokyo); this is it’s first location in Hawai‘i.

FYI: The eatery opened in the former space of Pesca Waikīkī. During a recent media event, we were told Pesca was relocating.

The restaurant’s interior now features dark brown hues and earthy tones. A baby grand piano is a newer addition to the dining room, which can seat more than 100 diners. 

The steakhouse is known for its fine cuts of USDA prime steaks and Japanese and American wagyu. The eatery’s menu, however, includes much more than steak — diners can choose from a variety of appetizers, soups and salads, seafood entrees, pastas and side dishes.

If you love crab cakes, the Empire crab cake ($34.95 appetizer, $49.95 entrée) won’t disappoint. Each bite features a generous portion of lump crab meat with minimal filler.

Other customer faves thus far include sizzling Canadian bacon ($10.95) and Caesar salad ($18.95).

The steaks at this restaurant are dry-aged in the eatery’s own aging box. Choose from options like filet mignon with au poivre sauce ($99.95); porterhouse for two, three or four ($99.95 per person); bone-in rib-eye steak ($119.95); and double cut rack of lamb ($79.95). Wagyu lovers can opt for the Snake River Farms wagyu tomahawk steak for two ($275) or imported A5 grade wagyu rib-eye steak ($450 for 12 ounces).

The tomahawk was delivered to our table on a sizzling platter. Servers expertly placed the cut pieces of meat on each individual’s plate to avoid the steaks overcooking. 

Pair your steak with a variety of side dishes designed to share, ranging from Empire home fries for two ($15.95) and mac and cheese ($19.95) to fried onion rings ($15.95) and creamed spinach ($16.95). Creamed spinach is my go-to, and this version is indulgent and creamy.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the selection, which includes options like Dover sole (market price), grilled branzino ($54.95), seared sesame tuna ($56.95), fresh catch of the day (market price) and broiled salmon ($52.95). We tasted the latter at a recent media event; the salmon was moist, flaky and tender, and the flavorful broccoli puree it came with made me wish broccoli always tasted like that.

If the dinner prices seem steep, remember — you’re paying for dry-aged steaks and ambiance. The steakhouse also has a happy hour menu from 3 to 6 p.m. with dishes like hamburger sliders ($14), steak sliders ($24) and mini loco moco ($18), along with $9 cocktails, martinis and wines by the glass.

Another notable mention is the eatery’s power lunch ($39.95), served from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. It includes your choice of starter (fried calamari, fresh mozzarella and beefsteak tomatoes, mixed green salad, soup of the day or meatballs) and choice of entrée (beef short rib, broiled salmon, chicken parmigiana, pappardelle Bolognese, mushroom risotto, the Empire burger or boneless New York strip for an additional $10).

The beef short rib is an underdog of a dish; I highly recommend it if you’re going for lunch. It’s fork-tender and served with sweet Barolo wine sauce, rice and green peas. Rest assured you’ll be using the rice to mop up every last drop of that flavorful wine sauce. 

The dessert selection ($14.95) includes chocolate lava cake, New York apple crumb cake and New York cheesecake. While I enjoyed the spongy, delicate tiramisu, the vanilla lavender crème brulee is proving to a unique option popular with customers. It’s fragrant without the lavender flavor being too overwhelming, and who doesn’t love a crème brulee’s crunchy, caramelized topping?

CONTACT
Empire Steak House Hawai‘i
1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
808-777-3100
empiresteakhousehawaii.com
Instagram: @empiresteakhousehawaii
Open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. lunch daily; 3-10 p.m. dinner Sundays-Thursdays, 3-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays Validated valet parking available for $6

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.