In the heart of bustling Waikīkī, a culinary revolution is quietly unfolding at Romer House’s newest restaurant concept. 855-ALOHA isn’t just another hotel dining spot—it’s a nostalgic journey through Hawai’i’s rich culinary heritage, reimagined for today’s discerning palates. As Honolulu’s dining scene continues to evolve, this innovative restaurant stands out by looking back at the islands’ diverse cultural influences while pushing boundaries with contemporary techniques and presentations.
A Telephone Call to Culinary Adventure
The moment you approach 855-ALOHA, you understand this isn’t typical resort fare. The restaurant’s name—inspired by Hawai’i’s iconic sky-blue payphones—sets the stage for an experience that’s equal parts whimsy and culinary craftsmanship. An actual vintage phone booth greets guests at the entrance, inviting that perfect “calling home” photo opportunity that’s already becoming a social media sensation across visitor feeds.
“We wanted to create something that connects people to the soul of Hawaiian food culture,” explains newly appointed Executive Chef Brad Dodson. “These dishes aren’t just meals—they’re stories, memories, and traditions shared across generations of island families.”
Dodson, who brings more than 15 years of culinary expertise, has crafted a menu that perfectly balances nostalgia with innovation. His Portugal upbringing and journey from humble food trucks to Michelin-starred kitchens informs his approach to 855-ALOHA’s cuisine—a melting pot of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and European influences that mirrors Hawai’i’s unique cultural landscape.
Island Classics, Reimagined
The menu at 855-ALOHA reads like a love letter to local Hawaiian cuisine, with each dish telling a story of cultural cross-pollination that’s been happening on these islands for generations.
Every dining experience begins with a complimentary “Uhilani” party shot—an amuse bouche that combines vibrant pineapple, ube, and coconut flavors to awaken the palate. This small but thoughtful touch establishes the restaurant’s commitment to hospitality and signals that something special is about to unfold.
The restaurant organizes its offerings in playful sections with names like “Fresh Talk” (salads), “Party Line” (shareable small plates), and “Main Line” (entrees). This telephone-themed nomenclature might seem gimmicky elsewhere, but here it feels authentic—a genuine homage to the communication that happens around a shared meal.
Standout dishes include the Cabbage Crunch salad—a textural masterpiece that elevates a humble ingredient to star status—and the create-your-own Poke Nori Wraps that allow guests to customize their experience. The Aloha Platter serves as the perfect introduction to the kitchen’s capabilities, featuring an assortment of island favorites executed with precision.
For main courses, the Hammah Pork Chop has already developed a following, as has the Chinatown Chili Crisp Chicken—a dish that beautifully showcases the Chinese influences woven throughout Hawaiian cuisine. The Surfin’ Turf provides a luxury option without the stuffiness, delivering exceptional ingredients with the restaurant’s signature approachable style.
“What we’re doing at 855-ALOHA is celebrating those potluck traditions, where everyone brings their family’s special recipe to the table,” says Dodson. “These are the dishes that grandmothers—tutu, as they’re known here—have been perfecting for generations. We’re just adding our own chapter to that story.”
Sweet Finales and Theatrical Cocktails
No meal at 855-ALOHA would be complete without exploring the “Sweet Talk” dessert section. The Chocolate Haupia Pie offers a perfect balance of rich chocolate and coconut cream—a beloved Hawaiian classic executed with technical precision. The Pineapple Upside-down Mochi Cake brilliantly fuses Japanese and American dessert traditions in a way that feels uniquely Hawaiian.
However, it’s the 855-SUNDAE that truly captures the restaurant’s theatrical spirit. This family-style banana split flambé, served in a tiki hula bowl with a flaming volcano centerpiece, transforms dessert into an interactive event. It’s precisely the kind of memorable experience that guests will talk about long after their vacation ends.
The cocktail program deserves special mention, with tableside service adding drama to already impressive concoctions. The Banananphone Rum Old Fashioned exemplifies this approach—theatrically smoked and topped with dried banana for added visual appeal and flavor complexity. This attention to presentation extends throughout the beverage menu, where island ingredients and spirits come together in unexpected combinations.
Design That Tells a Story
Design That Tells a Story855-ALOHA’s physical space is as thoughtfully curated as its menu. Located at 415 Nahua Street, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, with design elements that reinforce its nostalgic-yet-contemporary identity.
Murals by local artist Solario flank the windows, paying tribute to Hawai’i’s iconic blue phone booths and the classified ads of beloved O’ahu institutions. Large-scale photographs by Joe Rovegno document the island’s remaining payphones—a poignant reminder of how we communicated before smartphones dominated our lives.
Interior design firm IndiDesign has created a space that feels simultaneously retro and modern. Fabric pendants cast a warm glow over tables and corner nooks designed for lingering conversations. The Garden Room creates an oasis-like atmosphere with lush overhead greenery and a wraparound, ocean-inspired watercolor mural—perfect for private dining events or larger gatherings.
“The design elements aren’t just decorative—they’re conversational,” notes Michael Politz, CEO of Food & Beverage Magazine. “They prompt stories and memories, which is exactly what good food and drink should do as well. This integration of concept across menu and environment is what separates merely good restaurants from truly memorable ones.”
The Romer House Experience
As impressive as 855-ALOHA is, it represents just one facet of the comprehensive Romer House Waikīkī experience. Since its June 2024 debut, this property has positioned itself as Waikīkī’s ideal “beach city clubhouse”—a place where locals and visitors naturally converge.
The restaurant joins The Lei Stand Waikīkī (the hotel’s reimagined bar concept) and The Backyard (a social pool and cabana deck) to create what Romer calls an “island clubhouse”—spaces designed for gathering, eating, and drinking together in a distinctly modern Hawaiian style.
For overnight guests, the Romer House experience extends beyond exceptional dining. The property offers room rates starting from $209 per night, with accommodations that blend mid-century boutique charm with island influences. Guests enjoy complimentary perks like cruiser bikes, beach gear, and unique programming that ranges from floating sound baths to sunset hula classes.
This holistic approach to hospitality—where food, design, and experience work in harmony—represents the future of resort dining. Rather than isolating restaurant operations from the broader property experience, 855-ALOHA serves as a natural extension of the Romer House philosophy: creating authentic connections through thoughtful hospitality.
The Future of Island Cuisine
What makes 855-ALOHA particularly noteworthy within Hawai’i’s evolving culinary landscape is its reverence for tradition without being constrained by it. While many high-end restaurants in Waikīkī have historically leaned toward continental cuisine with minimal local influence, 855-ALOHA proudly centers Hawaiian food heritage while elevating it through contemporary techniques and presentations.
This approach reflects a broader trend we’re seeing in destination dining—a move away from imported concepts toward cuisines that authentically represent their locations. For industry professionals, 855-ALOHA offers a masterclass in how to honor culinary traditions while making them relevant for today’s diners.
The restaurant’s success also demonstrates the power of storytelling in modern hospitality. From the phone booth concept to the carefully researched local references throughout the space, every element contributes to a narrative that engages guests on multiple levels. This narrative coherence—where concept, menu, design, and service all reinforce a central theme—creates a memorability that generic luxury dining simply cannot match.
For travelers seeking authentic Hawaiian experiences beyond the typical tourist offerings, 855-ALOHA provides a genuine connection to island culture through its most accessible medium: food. And for locals, it offers a fresh perspective on familiar flavors—a reimagining of potluck classics that honors their origins while pushing them into new territory.
With its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and genuine island hospitality, 855-ALOHA isn’t just a welcome addition to Waikīkī’s dining scene—it’s a glimpse into the future of resort dining, where authenticity and sense of place take precedence over predictable luxury tropes.
For reservations and more information, visit 855aloha.com or follow the restaurant on Instagram @855aloha.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
