Anniversary Dinner in Honolulu: How to Plan a Memorable Evening

teaganbaumann

3 hours ago

6 min read

Table Of Contents

Choose a Restaurant That Fits Your Celebration
Make the Menu Part of the Occasion
Plan the Reservation Around Your Evening
Budget for Your Anniversary Dinner
Small Details That Make an Anniversary Dinner More Personal
Frequently Asked Questions About Anniversary Dinners in Honolulu
Celebrate Your Anniversary at Upstairs at Pier 38

Anniversary Dinner in Honolulu: How to Plan a Memorable Evening

Planning an anniversary dinner in Honolulu? Start by choosing a restaurant that suits the kind of evening you want to share. Whether you're celebrating with a quiet dinner for two or gathering with family, the setting and menu can make the occasion feel more personal.

At Upstairs at Pier 38, we welcome couples celebrating special occasions at our waterfront restaurant overlooking Honolulu Harbor. Our French-inspired steak and seafood menu offers a setting for an evening away from Waikiki's busy resort area.

Here's how to plan your anniversary dinner, from choosing the right table to making the most of your reservation.

Choose a Restaurant That Fits Your Celebration

Not every anniversary calls for the same type of evening.

Some couples enjoy a formal multi-course dinner, while others would rather order their favorite dishes and spend the evening talking. Honolulu offers both experiences, so consider what will make your celebration feel personal.

For a Quiet Dinner for Two

Choose a restaurant where you can sit comfortably and enjoy a meal without rushing between activities.

Before booking, consider the dining room's atmosphere and whether the restaurant offers the type of seating you prefer.

A table for two does not necessarily need to be secluded to feel special. The most important consideration is whether you and your partner will enjoy spending time there.

For a Waterfront Anniversary Dinner

Honolulu's waterfront dining experiences vary by location.

Waikiki restaurants often feature beach or resort surroundings. Along Honolulu Harbor, the scenery shifts to working vessels and the activity of the port.

At Upstairs at Pier 38, our second-floor dining room overlooks the harbor. Rather than a beachfront setting, you'll experience a different part of Honolulu's waterfront.

If a harbor-facing table is important to your plans, let our team know when making your reservation. Specific table placement is subject to availability.

For a Milestone Anniversary

A significant anniversary may call for more planning, especially if family or friends will be joining you.

If you're celebrating with a larger group, ask whether the restaurant has a private dining area or can accommodate your preferred seating arrangement.

For events at Upstairs, our private event options include an enclosed Private Dining Room and a semi-private space. We also offer larger event formats for organized celebrations.

For an ordinary anniversary dinner for two, a standard dinner reservation is the appropriate starting point.

Make the Menu Part of the Occasion

The food should reflect what you both enjoy eating.

If one person prefers seafood and the other would rather have steak, selecting a restaurant that offers both can make planning easier.

Our culinary team works in collaboration with Chef Nico Chaize, bringing rustic French techniques to a menu influenced by island ingredients.

Our dinner menu includes seafood dishes, steak entrées, and traditional French-inspired selections.

Begin with Something to Share

An appetizer can be a pleasant way to begin an anniversary dinner, especially if you want to try a dish neither of you usually orders.

Our menu includes Crispy Brie served with strawberry pepper jelly and apricot compote, as well as French Onion Soup with Gruyère.

If you enjoy seafood, our menu also includes a Seafood Tower featuring the chef's selection. Its contents and market price should be confirmed when ordering.

Choose Entrées You'll Both Enjoy

For guests interested in seafood, our Blackened Ahi is served with Citrus Beurre Nantais and toasted coconut gastrique.

Our Misoyaki Sea Bass offers a different preparation, with daikon purée and miso caramel.

Steak selections include a USDA Prime New York Strip and a Petite Filet with Bordelaise sauce.

You can review these options before visiting, then ask our team about current availability.

We also list a Catch du Jour on our menu, with the fish selection determined by availability.

Leave Room for Dessert

A shared dessert can be an enjoyable finish to an anniversary dinner, even if you aren't planning an elaborate celebration.

Our published dessert selections include Basque Cheesecake with berries and caramel, as well as a Chouquette featuring haupia whip and coconut streusel.

Because menu offerings can change, check current selections when planning your visit.

Plan the Reservation Around Your Evening

An anniversary is a good reason to make a reservation rather than leave dinner plans to chance.

If you're planning to eat at a popular time, booking ahead gives you an opportunity to communicate any preferences before arriving.

Mention the Occasion When Booking

Let the restaurant know that you're celebrating an anniversary.

You can also ask whether the venue can accommodate your preferred table location.

It is worth communicating requests early, but remember that special seating or other arrangements are not guaranteed unless the restaurant confirms them.

At Upstairs, you can make your plans through our reservation page.

Consider the Time of Your Reservation

Dinner timing affects how the rest of your evening unfolds.

An earlier reservation may suit couples who prefer to enjoy a meal before continuing with other plans. A later reservation may work better if dinner is the main event.

At Upstairs, our dinner hours are 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, although hours may vary.

We recommend confirming availability for your preferred date before arranging transportation or other activities around dinner.

Plan for Transportation and Parking

If you are visiting from Waikiki or another part of Honolulu, include travel time in your plans.

Our restaurant is located at 1129 N Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI 96817, on the second floor at Pier 38.

Parking is available at Pier 38. If you have questions about parking or getting to the restaurant, contact our team before your visit..

Budget for Your Anniversary Dinner

A special dinner doesn't need to involve an extensive tasting menu. What matters is choosing a meal that fits your preferences and budget.

Before booking, review the restaurant's current menu and consider the full cost of your plans.

For example, you may want to include an appetizer or dessert in addition to your entrées. Beverages and applicable charges will also affect your final bill.

At Upstairs, guests can order individual entrées rather than being required to purchase a multi-course tasting menu.

Our dinner menu, reviewed in October 2026, lists examples such as:

Menu item	Price
French Onion Soup	$16
Blackened Ahi	$44
Misoyaki Sea Bass	$49
6 oz Petite Filet	$55
Basque Cheesecake	$14

These are menu prices, not fixed anniversary packages. Current prices and availability should be checked before dining.

If you plan to bring your own wine, ask about the restaurant's current corkage policy before arriving. Do not assume that outside bottles are permitted.

Small Details That Make an Anniversary Dinner More Personal

A memorable dinner often comes down to planning around what your partner enjoys.

Consider these details before the evening:

Seating preferences: Decide whether a waterfront-facing table or another dining area would better suit your plans.
Food preferences: Look through the menu together, particularly if one of you has specific food requirements. Discuss dietary needs directly with the restaurant.
Timing: Allow enough time for dinner without scheduling another activity too close to your reservation.
Personal touches: If you have a special request, contact the restaurant and confirm what can actually be arranged.

You don't need a complicated itinerary. Having the important details settled allows you to enjoy the evening without spending dinner making decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anniversary Dinners in Honolulu

Where can couples have an anniversary dinner away from Waikiki?

Honolulu has restaurant options outside Waikiki, including waterfront locations near the harbor. Upstairs at Pier 38 offers French-inspired steak and seafood at Honolulu Harbor for couples looking to dine outside the resort district.

Should I make a reservation for an anniversary dinner?

Yes, we recommend making a reservation so you can confirm availability and share relevant requests in advance. Our operating hours can vary, and particular seating preferences depend on availability.

What should I wear to an anniversary dinner at Upstairs at Pier 38?

Smart casual is the dress code for our restaurant. If you have questions about appropriate attire for your visit, contact our team before arriving.

Can we arrange a private anniversary celebration?

Yes. We offer private dining spaces for anniversary celebrations with family or friends. Our Semi-Private Dining Room accommodates up to 20 guests, while our enclosed Private Dining Room accommodates up to 40. Contact our team to discuss your guest count and preferred date.