THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS CLOSED 'Elua
Uraku Building
1341 Kapiolani Blvd. (Piikoi St.) 
Send to Phone
Honolulu, Oahu HI 96814
808-955-3582
Cuisine
Open
Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightlyFeatures
- Full bar
- Reservations suggested
- Open late Fri.-Sat.
- Parking garage
- Business casual
Wine
Great Wine List* Click here for rating key
 Naysayers grumbled that two such talented and headstrong chefs couldn't work together and doubters opined that the concept was flawed. But true food lovers kept their fingers crossed when word leaked that Philippe Padovani and Donato Loperfido were opening a restaurant together. It turns out that the true food lovers were blessedly right. 'Elua (the Hawaiian word for "two") exceeds all culinary expectations. Do not look for collaborative dishes here. Each chef carries one complete side of the seasonally shifting menu. The dilemma is from which side to order; does one mix and match or commit to a single chef? We find it impossible to make such a choice and recommend ordering with abandon. Why not have the simple-sounding yet flavor-rich Yukon gold potato and leek vichyssoise from Padovani and the roasted heirloom tomato soup drizzled with a delightful surprise of blood orange-infused olive oil from Loperfido? Both chefs remain true to their individual expertise with Padovani crafting French-influenced, highly refined Hawaii Regional cuisine and Loperfido adhering to classic Italian fare. Padovani fans will find his crispy confit of duck leg and Loperfido devotees will surely order his mushroom risotto. We like those dishes just as much as anyone, but recommend seeing what else is on the menu, as you could find yourself eating crisped-skin onaga atop a bed of pasta in a light broth. Take advantage of the flexibility offered by the cruvinet system which allows for two-ounce pours from a thoughtfully-crafted wine list dominated by old-world and boutique winery selections. Do not miss dessert. The menu offers smaller portions of seasonal fruit panna cotta and crème brûlée though our preference is for the lighter-than-air mounds of delicately sweet meringue snow eggs floating in a sauce infused with Tahitian vanilla. |
- Find deeply discounted gift certificates for restaurants in your area from Restaurant.com
- Plan Your Valentine's Day with Gayot's Guide to Romance
- Find the Best Heart-Healthy Restaurants Near You
What's Hot
Soothe
Whether you want a new hair regimen or new body care products, our favorite spa products will help you look and feel better. Check out Weleda's new Pomegranate Body Care Line, featuring organic pomegranate seed oil and more.
Sip
We've reviewed libations of all sorts—everything from Top Wines, Top 10 Vodkas, Top 10 Spirits and Top 10 Prestige Cuvées to bottled water and fine tea from around the world.
Give
Looking for a gift? You'll find great ideas for foodies and fashionistas, globetrotters and gourmands. Our categories include Top 10 Valentine's Day Gifts, Top Spa Gifts and more. Nothing like the present!
Serve
Try out a new international cuisine or plan your next dinner party with help from our cookbook reviews. We've explored everything from desserts and sweets to books by famous chefs from around the world.
RESTAURANT AWARDS
Just published! Our annual restaurant issue features the Best Cheap Eats and our Top 40 U.S. selections, including including Corton in New York and more!
