Big Fish Dive Club
Taking everything into consideration, our dim sum experience here was good. Leave it to our compatriots from Guangdong; they have the ability to turn any restaurant, anywhere on earth, into an old Hong Kong-style dim sum eatery. The atmosphere was quite noisy, with crowds waiting in the cramped space left over from packing tables into a room clearly not meant for them. Just like your standard run of the mill Hong Kong dim sum eatery.
As for the food, the dishes were pretty tasty. Everything we tried was above average for Honolulu, though more or less average or slightly below average when compared to the dim sum scene in Los Angeles, a 3/star at best. The service was friendly and quick, and the seating area was tight and noisy—no surprises there.
… moreTherese Howe
Our foodie group held our annual lunar new year gathering of 33 people – 11 per table, which was too tight but that was our fault for not capping the guest count.
The staff was very helpful and accommodating, and everyone thought our set menu selection ($50 per person) was excellent. By the final dishes, though, we were too stuffed to really eat it all. BTW, they serve the rice and veggies toward the end, so if you want those served earlier in the course, you should request that.
Parking is a bit of an issue – spots are limited in the lot, so come early before the dining rush if you want to snag one.
… moreKimberly Do
Stopped by Kapiolani Seafood and was pleasantly surprised. It’s in a blue, slightly run-down building, but don’t let that fool you. The food was good. I ordered the clams with black bean sauce, green beans, dumplings, and fried rice. Everything came out flavorful, hot, and fresh.
Service was fast and straightforward, and there’s parking available, which is a big plus in this area. Overall, a solid spot if you’re looking for good, no-frills seafood and Chinese dishes. I’d definitely come back.
… moreNina V
The dining area is packed full of local people catching up with friends, eating with older relatives. There are a few couples. The process to get a table is a little unclear. Some people were sitting outside, but at the cashier counter a notepad of names and party count seem to be used somewhat. I had to chase someone down to inquire whether there was a wait. Then the people sitting outside came inside and she said “who was first?” She quickly triaged us to 3 different tables. The menu is a paper half sheet and a laminated color picture menu to aid people in making the correct selections. The order is confirmed; tea pot and cups are delivered; paper inventory of your order is taped to the table. As food is delivered they are crossed off the sheet. The portion sizes are very large here. We had to bring home about half of what we ordered because of the generous sizes. The good thing about fresh-out-of-the-kitchen delivery is that everything is steaming hot.
… moreSang “JohnLee” Moon
Yesterday I got to try the Sichuan Spicy Boiled Fish Fillet and it was my first time trying and it tasted so good. Also, the the service was very friendly and helpful.
… moreFavorite Things
Wow, what a find. Crazy they’re not in China Town, but that actually makes it more convenient. Driving here is shorter and parking might be easier. The food is better than anything I’ve tasted in China Town. Not the best I’ve ever had, but still the best I’ve had on Oahu so far
… moreSharlene Wong
We arrived around 11 am and there were already people waiting to go into the restaurant. You leave your name with the ladies at the front and they call you as tables become available. You complete a form to order dim sum. If you want noodles or something other than dim sum you need to wait till after 10. The restaurant is very clean and the staff very friendly and accommodating. My friend and I had 5 dim sum items- taro with pork, shrimp lookfun, Shanghai pork dumplings, shrimp dumplings, pork buns and beef chow fun. The food arrived in stages so we were able to eat without being rushed. Most items were flavorful with the exception of the taro filled with pork. That was a bit bland. You will need to request ice water but the waitress brings you tea with the place settings. The tables seem to rotate quickly so I think the wait is not longer than 15 to 30 minutes. I will be adding this restaurant to my take out list for the week. Apologies for the lack of food items in the photos as I forgot to take pictures until we had devoured most of the food.
… moreDanny Dang
Food came out quickly. Authentic dim sum. Convenient location inside next to Ala Moana mall. Staff are attentive and courteous.
… moreGi C.
It’s not another dim sum place. They have their own flavor. Service was fast and efficient. We got their with people already in line, but we got called after 15 minutes even after listing ourselves 5th in line.
It was crowded but surprisingly not noisy and having your (personal) space.
Enjoyed the food, especially that it was fair priced.
Crispy green onion = exactly what it sounded comparable to that Crispy seafood pancake fresh off the grill
Chicken feet – yum, fall off the bone, melt in your mouth. Mild flavor but satisfying.
House dumpling – nutty, crispy with umami taste.
We enjoyed all.
… moreR
Authentic Chinese food. Have all day dim sum. Nice wok fried noodles but wish they wiped the wok a bit longer. Wontons weren’t that good. The beef chow fun and peppered steak was good! We skipped the lobster it was $40/lbs
… more