Get whisked away by Wisp’s cuisine

1 Pound Steamed Sake Dashi Manila Clams ($18)

With its stunning view of Diamond Head glistening in the afternoon sun, Wisp Restaurant & Lounge is located at the edge of Waikiki in the Lotus Honolulu boutique hotel. The eatery and bar opened Nov. 1 and has quickly become a go-to place for unwinding and dining.

Though Wisp is relatively new, many kamaaina still remember the former hot spots Bobby McGee’s and W Nightclub that used to be in the same spot.

“I think this location is really nostalgic to multiple generations,” explains co-owner and general manager Lani Nakamura. “We really want to bring back people from multiple generations to this spot,” she adds.

Meat & Cheese Platter ($16)

One taste of the delicious fare and diners will be coming back in no time. Whether they stop in for breakfast, pau hana or a romantic dinner, customers can enjoy Hawaii Regional Cuisine and a top-notch selection of beverages.

With the goal of attracting locals, Wisp offers numerous tantalizing dishes at affordable prices, too.

Start your experience off right with an appetizer like 1 Pound Steamed Sake Dashi Manila Clams ($18) or a Meat & Cheese Platter ($16). The abundance of clams are served in a spicy garlic dashi, while the popular platter comes with assorted cured meats, cheeses, crackers, red seedless grapes, pickled onions and cranberries.

Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb ($39)

For the main course, Nakamura recommends Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb. Priced at $39, guests will receive three pieces of mouth-watering lamb seasoned with rosemary, thyme and lamb jus. It’s all complemented by seasonal vegetables and your choice of garlic mashed potatoes or white rice.

“We don’t think of ourselves as fine dining, but I think some people perceive us as fine dining,” says Nakamura. “We want to be inviting and affordable, but also have quality food that’s just as good as anywhere else.”

Wisp offers happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. and again from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. There is ample street parking around Kapiolani Park or valet at the hotel.

Wisp Restaurant & Lounge

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head,
2885 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki
791-5163
Breakfast: 6-10 a.m.; dinner: 5-10 p.m.; happy hour: 4-7 p.m.; late night happy hour: 9:30 p.m.-midnight; lounge open Friday-Saturday until 2 a.m.