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The evening at Liholiho Yacht Club began with a palpable energy that vibrated through the air, an intoxicating blend of lively chatter and the rhythmic clinking of glasses. As we approached the entrance, the warm glow of Edison bulbs spilled onto the sidewalk, inviting diners to experience the vibrant atmosphere within. The host stand, adorned with tropical motifs, greeted us with a genuine smile that hinted at the laid-back charm synonymous with this San Francisco establishment. Inside, the decor strikes a balance between casual and sophisticated, with rich wood surfaces and a lively bar that serves as the heart of the space. As we settled into our seats, the subtle scent of grilled meats and spices wafted through the air, a prelude to the culinary adventure that awaited us.

The music, a curated selection of upbeat tunes, enveloped us in a cozy ambiance, enhancing the communal spirit that Liholiho embodies. The menu, a playful homage to diverse culinary influences, is designed to inspire exploration. We opted for the tasting menu, an experience that unfolded in a delightful rhythm, with each course arriving in a cascade of vibrant colors and textures. Highlights included an exquisite swordfish, its delicate flavor perfectly balanced with a tangy sauce that danced on the palate. The bao, while commendable, seemed a touch overshadowed by the more vibrant dishes but provided a satisfying introduction to the meal. A memorable moment arrived with an off-menu secret dish, a delightful surprise that showcased the kitchen’s creativity and mastery of flavor.

As the evening progressed, we were captivated by the attentive yet unpretentious service, with staff who seemed genuinely invested in our experience. Each dish was introduced with enthusiasm, and recommendations flowed seamlessly, enhancing our appreciation for the thoughtful pairings of wine and sake. Liholiho’s beverage program complements the food beautifully, with a selection that invites exploration and conversation among the diners. Our time at Liholiho Yacht Club revealed a dining experience that is both dynamic and welcoming, where the spirit of ohana permeates every detail. The energy of the tables shifted gracefully from the buoyancy of early evening to a more intimate ambiance as the night unfolded, encouraging guests to linger a little longer, savoring the last bites and sips of their meal. Our concierge recommends reserving the Ohana Table for an experience that fosters connection, or, if you prefer a more traditional setting, the bar seats provide a fantastic front-row view of the culinary artistry in action.

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Google • Jonathan J • ★5.0 • Jan 07, 2026

Snagged some reservations for a NYE’s dinner; this is one of my favorite restaurants in SF, and as usual, it did not disappoint! I liked how for NYE, while there was a prix fixe menu available to order for the occassion, they had their regular menu items as well so I didn’t feel “forced” to order the set menu.

All the food was delicious, though in particular I enjoyed the Chips & Dip and the Baked Hawaii!

February 11, 2026, 6:25 pm

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1st Class Traveler Listing Owner

Google • Charlotte Chen • ★5.0 • Jan 23, 2026

We did the tasting menu and it was ~$80/p. They’ll give you whatever the highlights are at that time but you could kinda request if you have a few that you want to try the most. It’s between 10-12 dishes and we got 11 dishes including an off-menu secret dish which ended up being one of our fav! Lol! But of course, the duck liver mousse is the must-try and save room for dessert for baked Hawaii!

February 11, 2026, 6:25 pm

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Google • Anthony Giang • ★5.0 • Jan 29, 2026

On a chilly Sunday evening, my partner and I were looking for a nice dinner spot, so we ended up booking a reservation at Liholiho Yacht Club. This restaurant has been on my list for a really long time, so I was super eager to try it out. However, before we could even make it to the restaurant, we realized how hard parking is in the area. Literally no street parking was available so our last resort was a little valet parking garage across the street. Anyways, we parked the car and headed into the restaurant. It took a while to be greeted, but once we started the server was super nice and convinced us to do the chef’s tasting menu at 85/person. The meal was actually really great with so many dishes. It was a ton of food too and we definitely left full. Every item was well executed and it was super satisfying, but I don’t really see the Hawaiian influence. They say they are Hawaiian inspired, but from the decor to the food items, it seems disingenuous. If it were up to me I would simply change the restaurant’s name and reword the mission, but I would keep the food the same. I would go back for sure, but I will check out their sister restaurant first.

February 11, 2026, 6:25 pm

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