Diners Net Bountiful Flavors at Atlantis

While the curtains at the historic Waikiki 3 Theater have remained closed since the iconic building ceased operations in 2002, the show goes on for fans of surf ‘n turf.

Head down to the Kalakaua Avenue location today, and one may catch some of Waikiki’s freshest seafood and succulent beef at Atlantis Seafood & Steak.

As its name suggests, Atlantis is a hidden treasure nestled in the heart of Waikiki surrounded by numerous retail establishments that help make the trip into Waikiki worth the while. According to the restaurant’s executive general manager Steven Matsuno, “Waikiki is still Waikiki. It’s right in our front yard, and it’s an awesome place. Come check it out!”

Adds general manager Frank Bennett, “we have some nice seating out on the lanai overlooking Kalakaua Avenue. It’s romantic, but also has a fun, family feeling to it.”

When starting one’s Atlantis experience, diners are encouraged to dive in to try Deep Fried Ocean Wrap ($12.95). The beautifully presented appetizer includes jumbo scallops and shrimp wrapped in a slice of tasty bacon that is then deep-fried until golden brown and served with a mango salsa.

A crown jewel of Atlantis’ bountiful menu also happens to be one of the better deals around town — both above and below the sea. The eatery offers up its Atlantis Garlic Rib Eye ($42.95) that features a mouth-watering 16 ounces of tender roasted beef served on a sizzling skillet and smothered in onions and garlic. Bennett suggests sharing the dish, or if one is feeling adventurous, digging in and enjoying the full pound of steak as the alluring aroma is sure to hook you.

“The garlic steak is one of our top sellers,” Bennett says. “It comes out on a sizzling platter and once we bring one out, everyone looks around. And usually tables sitting next to it end up ordering one too. It’s a great sharing steak, one whole pound, so two people can eat it. Or, if you’re adventurous, one person can go for it.”

Bennett also takes pride in Atlantis’ pasta dishes, which as one might expect, come chock-full of delec-table seafood and other fresh ingredients. Ocean Seafood Pasta ($28.95) offers diners a mountain of premium pasta smothered in a rich basil tomato cream sauce and brimming with fresh island fish, Manila clams, tiger shrimp and leeks. Whole Maine Lobster Pasta ($49.95) reels in diners with a perfectly cooked crustacean served over premium pasta with a creamy lemon butter sauce and fresh asparagus.

“Ocean Seafood Pasta has tons of shrimp, clams and mussels, and it’s also one of our best-sellers,” says Bennett.

In addition to its extensive menu, Atlantis also offers Early Bird Special items priced at $12.95 and are available for Kamaaina all day and night — the dishes are discounted for non-residents from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. The Early Bird dishes include Sauteed Mahi with Lobster Sauce, Steak and Shrimp, and Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Each entree also comes with a choice of vegetable as well as either mashed potatoes or rice, and makes for a perfect combination of quality and value.

Atlantis is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and serves lunch from opening through 4 p.m. Bennett recommends Loco Moco Pasta ($12.95), a local favorite with a hamburger patty covered with two eggs over easy served atop a bed of pasta carbonara. Dining Out readers are encouraged to ask for this tasty favorite that doesn’t appear on the regular menu.

While Atlantis has established a loyal following with tourists, Matsuno hopes that Kamaaina will make the trip into Waikiki to enjoy the ambience and electricity emanating from a revitalized Kalakaua Avenue and, especially, some of the eatery’s surf ‘n turf.

“For local people, if you haven’t come down to Waikiki in a while, a lot has changed,” Matsuno says. “You can get a little bit of everything right here at Atlantis. While you can’t catch a movie here anymore, you can catch some excellent, fresh seafood and steak.”

Atlantis Seafood & Steak

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