Enjoy fine dining in a relaxed environment

Chocolate Duo ($11, one half of the dessert pictured)

If you haven’t been to Ruth’s Chris Steak House within the past year, you’re in for a treat. The restaurant renovated its entire interior, floor to ceiling. There’s also new artwork and chairs, but one still can expect the same great dining experience.

“We always try to exceed expectations for our guests. It’s not the cheapest place to come for dinner; you’re spending good money, so you should have good food, good service. Everything should be perfect. And that’s why we have two, three managers on the floor every night, walking, touching the tables, talking to the guests,” says general manager Don Asam.

Trying the steak is a must when visiting this steak house, especially the mammoth Porterhouse for Two ($117), a prime cut that consists of both New York strip and filet mignon. Seasoned with Hawaiian salt and black pepper, it is simply prepared and yet so savory.

“I suggest ordering it medium rare, but if you like it well done, it will still be juicy because it’s a prime cut,” says executive chef Eser Domingo.

Porterhouse for Two ($117) and Veal Osso Buco Ravioli ($19)

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It’s a dish meant for two, but Domingo has seen people eat it entirely by themselves before. Domingo only prepares so many of the porterhouse meals each day, so if you know you want one for dinner, feel free to call ahead to ask that the restaurant hold it for you.

Sides are ordered separately at Ruth’s Chris, so some prefer to order appetizers in place of sides with their meals. One delicious suggestion is Veal Osso Buco Ravioli ($19). Pillows of saffron-infused pasta are served draped in a white wine demi glace. Inside is veal shank prepared in a way that makes it fall off the bone, alongside onions, garlic, shallots, mushroom and cheese.

When it’s time for dessert, try Chocolate Duo ($11), a popular choice that wasn’t on the menu for a while but recently has made a comeback. It is a homemade chocolate cake filled with molten chocolate ganache, with berries on top. The second element of the duo is a pot of chocolate mousse topped with cool whipped cream.

Ruth’s Chris also has daily happy hour specials on appetizers and drinks at a fraction of the original cost. It runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and features the steak house’s most popular appetizers, like Oysters Rockefeller ($12 happy hour, $19 regular) and Crispy Fried Calamari ($11 happy hour, $19 regular). Happy hour seating is on the lanai, which quickly becomes crowded since it is just around pau-hana time.

“The whole thing is the experience. You come here for the service, the good food, the wine, the ambiance and friends. It’s fine dining but

you don’t feel like you’re fine dining because you don’t have to dress up. It’s a real cozy environment,” says Domingo.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Waterfront Plaza
500 Ala Moana Blvd, No. 6C, Honolulu
599-3860
Daily, 5-10 p.m.