By Honolulu Coupons Editorial Team
Empire Steak House Hawaii brings New York steakhouse tradition — 28-day dry-aged USDA Prime beef, cut to order — to the 30th floor of Waikiki’s Ilikai Hotel.
While most steakhouses have designs that compel patrons to look inward, Empire Steak House Hawaii’s interior design pulls the gaze outward. The ambiance at most traditional steakhouses is captured by warm mahogany or walnut, burnished brass, and leather or velvet upholstery, illuminated by the warm glow of incandescent sconces and resplendent chandeliers. Nestled atop the 30th floor of the Ilikai Hotel, Empire Steak House transforms the archetypal New York steakhouse experience by adopting an elegant European interior décor infused with Waikiki’s unique mise en scene. The neutral earth tones frame panoramic daytime views of the shimmering cerulean ocean and at night, the radiant dazzle of Honolulu’s city lights. Yet, for all the visual drama, the sizzling steak remains the undisputed star.
A New York Steakhouse, Rebuilt for Hawaii
Neutral tones and floor-to-ceiling glass keep the view the centerpiece.
While building their business on a foundation of tradition, the Sinanaj brothers, whose nearly 40-year steakhouse legacy began in New York after learning the trade at Peter Luger, understood that bringing a classic steakhouse to Hawaii required a thoughtful departure from convention. Rather than incorporating the customary dark-stained woods that might compete with the breathtaking surroundings, they designed Empire Steak House Hawaii to embrace its milieu, creating a brighter, more contemporary space in which the sweeping views of the yacht harbor and Pacific Ocean become an integral part of the dining experience. The result is a thoughtful marriage of New York steakhouse tradition and Hawaii’s spectacular sense of place.
That view is not one view but three. Late afternoon belongs to the yacht harbor and the open Pacific; the sunset then takes over the entire western wall of glass; and by the time dessert arrives, the windows have filled with the lights of Honolulu. Guests who book before sunset get all three in a single sitting. From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. each evening, a pianist plays the grand piano at the center of the room.
100% USDA Prime, Dry-Aged 28 Days In-House
Porterhouse, ribeye, New York strip and the Emperor’s Steak are dry-aged in-house for 28 days.
What further distinguishes Empire Steak House Hawaii from other steakhouses happens behind the scenes. The 100% USDA Prime beef from Washington State is grass-fed before being finished on grain. Four cuts — the Porterhouse, Ribeye, New York Strip, and the Emperor’s Steak — are dry-aged in-house for 28 days, concentrating the beef’s natural flavors while developing a deeper, more pronounced umami character. The American Wagyu Tomahawk sits outside that program, offering a richly marbled alternative for those after a different kind of indulgence.
The American Wagyu Tomahawk, served outside the dry-aging program.
The porterhouse, sliced and served family style.
How Empire Cooks Its Steaks
While Hy’s Steak House, which uses kiawe wood in its broiler to impart a distinct smokiness, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House serves its steaks on sizzling plates with butter, Empire Steak House gives its steaks a sear to deeply caramelize the exterior while locking in the juices before being finished in the broiler.
Starters, Soups, and Sides
Sesame seared tuna, one of the starters that opens the meal.
Complementing the exceptional steaks are irresistible starters and sides including classics such as a jumbo shrimp cocktail, seafood platter, sesame seared tuna, and grilled octopus. Even the soup and salad courses offer tempting choices such as lobster bisque and Empire’s salad, a refined assemblage of chopped vegetables with fresh shrimp and hearty Canadian bacon. And every steak deserves a companion, be it jumbo baked potato or mac & cheese, and possibly some creamed spinach.
Beyond Steak: Seafood, Chicken, and Pasta
For those who are not in the mood for steaks, the menu offers many options. Seafood dishes such as broiled salmon, grilled branzino, live lobster by the pound, and seafood pasta are perfect alternatives as are chicken parmigiana and a pappardelle bolognese.
Cocktails, Champagne, and More Than 400 Wines
More than 400 labels from France, Italy, Australia, and California.
Start off with an inspired cocktail menu that puts fresh spins on classic libations. Or maybe a local beer or Champagne. Then, pair the meal with some wine from an expertly curated list of over 400 labels, spanning France, Italy, Australia, and California. The list has earned the restaurant Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence in both 2025 and 2026.
Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, 2025 and 2026.
For teetotalers, a thoughtfully concocted mocktail list sounds more tempting than the orthodox lineup of soft drinks.
Service That Remembers You
Service is polished but personal — staff make a point of remembering returning guests.
Regardless of what is ordered, the trained waitstaff will enhance the experience. The service is polished yet personal, with staff members greeting guests warmly, anticipating their needs, recommending dishes and beverages, and even making an effort to remember returning diners.
“Because you are in Hawaii, we want you to enjoy our finest steaks while enjoying this breathtaking view, one that can only be experienced here,” says General Manager Masaki Shinohara. “Our team will create new traditions for you with our premium beef, fresh seafood, extensive beverage program, and attentive hospitality.”
In a city where ocean views are plentiful but exceptional steak is a more specialized pursuit, Empire Steak House Hawaii makes a compelling case for having both in the same seat.
Why Empire Steak House Is Unlike Other Steakhouses
- Signature Cuts: Emperor’s Steak, Chateaubriand, and American Wagyu Tomahawks provide rare cuts not easily found at other steakhouses.
- Flavor is in the Feed: The 100% USDA Prime beef from Washington is grass-fed but finished with grain to forge a distinctively delicious flavor.
- 28-Day Dry Aging: Four cuts are aged in-house, a lengthy process that elicits an extracted beefiness punctuated by umami.
- Perfect for all occasions: Whether it be for brunch, dinner, or happy hour, enjoy an informal bite to a formal dinner.
Dinner service, with the wine wall running the length of the room.
Empire Steak House Hawaii: Address, Hours, and Contact
The entrance on the Sky Floor of the Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites.
Address: Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Sky Floor, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (dinner), daily
Happy Hour: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., daily
Brunch: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Live piano: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., daily
Phone: 808-777-3100
https://www.empiresteakhousehawaii.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Empire Steak House Hawaii different from other steakhouses in Hawaii?
It combines New York steakhouse tradition, USDA Prime dry-aged beef, attentive service and panoramic Honolulu views in a brighter, contemporary setting.
What cuts of steak does Empire Steak House serve?
Empire Steak House offers a variety of steak cuts, including Filet Mignon, Bone-In Ribeye, Prime New York Strip Steak, Emperor’s Steak for Two, The Empire Filet for Two, Porterhouse, Chateaubriand, and American Wagyu Tomahawk for Two, and more.
How long are Empire Steak House’s steaks dry-aged?
Four cuts — the Porterhouse, Ribeye, New York Strip, and the Emperor’s Steak — are dry-aged in-house for 28 days. The American Wagyu Tomahawk and the other cuts are not dry-aged.
What is the dress code at Empire Steak House Hawaii?
The recommended attire is smart casual.
Does Empire Steak House offer Happy Hour?
Yes, Happy Hour is offered daily from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
What is the price range for steaks?
Steak prices range from approximately $108.95 to $432.95.
Is there live music at Empire Steak House Hawaii?
Yes. A pianist performs on the grand piano nightly from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
This article was researched and written by the Honolulu Coupons Editorial Team, which visited Empire Steak House Hawaii in August 2026. Menu items and prices are current as of publication and subject to change.
Published August 2026.
