I like coming here for lunch because of the ceiling fans and the view. Recently I had the scallops with potato gnocchi, edamame, and corn swimming in a slightly creamy but very tasty sauce. I would order it again..helped that the gnocchi was wrapped in bacon. Tried the special dessert that day, a ginger-lime creme brulee. The sugar was burnt to my liking but the creme itself wasn't the best texture.
(4)
Toshi I.
Beautiful views if you get a good seat. Awesome food and wine selection. Service was ok altho I detected just a tiny bit of snobbery.
(4)
Marisa O.
Alright, yes, the popovers are delicious, the rest of the food is pretty good, and the ambiance is nice (although not the absolute most spectacular ever), BUT the service is just stinky. I hate to rip into servers (after all, I spent many years waitressing) but I've gotta say that if you're grouchy, you really shouldn't take it out on your tables. I say stinky and not bad because they are not rude, and not bad at their jobs, just obviously grouchy. Some will say I'm being picky, but take a moment to check it out. They refill your drinks and are polite enough, but never friendly. Want GREAT service and food that's a touch better? One word: Longhi's. MMMmm.
(2)
Rose R.
First time here the other night on a Monday. Food and ambiance was as expected. The Monkeybread as amazing! The wine selection is endless, love! However, biggest down side was the service! Our server was really friendly and all, but so so slow and not attentive...it wasn't even busy and there were no big parties, with our party being only 5. For example, we waited 10 minutes after asking him for more bread until we resorted to asking the food runner for it. Did I mention it wasn't even busy! All in all, not a horrible experience, but would've expected way more on the service end for this type of restaurant.
(3)
Amber W.
Lunch is definitely the way to go - dinner is overpriced and the food isn't as good. Good wine/champagne selection and the cheese plate is totally the way to go at dinnertime.
(4)
Stephanie C.
This place is great. Nice views, good service, and delicious food. I've been to Mariposa many times and I have yet to get anything here that I didn't like. The ahi tuna sandwich and lobster club are my favorite, but everything else is delicous too. If you come for lunch make sure to make a reservation as the wait can be pretty long sometimes, especially on the weekends.
(4)
Jerrel C.
satisfactory dish ( had the baked Salmon), long wait, nice views, snobby patrons....the view made my expirence, the food....i might have to go back and try something else but the pop overs was great... i will be back to see if i can come across a better experience.
(3)
Kathy T.
I love their popovers with the strawberry butter! I've been there several times and I always leave there satisfied. The service and food is always great!
(4)
Sacha M.
This rating can only be applied to lunch, as I have yet to have dinner at Mariposa. Everyone talks about the popovers with strawberry butter, and they should; those are delicious. Overall, the food is fresh, somewhat innovative, and beautifully presented. Some of the lunch portions are a bit on the small side, but they often have great soups/small salads (and popovers) to supplement. The lunch menu seemed a bit overpriced for what we were actually getting, but it wasn't outrageous. This is generally the best bet for dining at Ala Moana Shopping Center.
(4)
Jessica C.
A more extravagant store with great food to complement it. The waiter we had was very polite and very nice. Plus he was very attentive to our table. Overall, the food was quite wonderful. And the drinks are amazing. Mariposa is super classy but also very casual.
(4)
Tiffanie U.
I love this place!!! It's the perfect place to have lunch while doing some retail therapy. Popovers are wonderful!!! They have the best french fries. And the food is always great. This place would have gotten 5 stars but the service hasn't been that great lately and I often feel neglected when we're there. Our waiter only checked on us once the last time we were there. We had to ask the busboy for our check...
(4)
Ji-hye Y.
Just OK restaurant. I only go here when I crave pop over and strawberry butter. Oh! Don't forget to order their Texas cooler. It is my favorite drink. Food is just ok and over priced. They have nice view but very crowded. Not super kind too. Shrimp was yummy but too small and the chicken was dry. However, I would rather go here than go to those family restaurants in Ala moana. FYI, they don't have pop over for the dinner ;)
(3)
Rita L.
I'm in love with their porcini fries! Crispy fries sprinkled with porcini powder, accompanied with aoli sauce and ketchup! OMG! The best fries ever! I had the tuna melt and it was soooo delicious! Great portion! Lunch at Mariposa is always a treat! The service is great, the food is soo yummy, and you get all u can eat POPOVERS with strawberry butter...what more can you ask for?
(4)
gregory t.
My wife and I always go here for a Christmas lunch every year. This year we came away very disappointed.We ordered the large crab salad - $25 salad that had maybe 2 oz of "canned" crab! I could not believe it because last year it was just wonderful. I told them either take this item off the menu or increase your entree price so you don't continue to embarrass yourself!
(2)
Sandy N.
Beautiful view and fresh food. We were lucky to have a table on the patio overlooking Ala Moana Beach today. This whole weekend has been pretty much about eating so my friend and I shared a plate. The popover with the strawberry spread was yummy, along with the tasty chicken consoume. I ate the ahi tuna melt, ordered it raw. The salad that came with it was fresh and had a nice dressing. The tuna was so fresh - loved it! The kahuku corn soup was bland. I wish I wasn't so full so I could've eaten more of the porcini fries with black truffle aioli. We're supposed to go pupu hopping tonight before I get on my flight so I'll be reviewing those places as well. Like Gazen.
(4)
Licie Y.
This is a beautiful and simple restaurant. Service is great. Food is delicious! Not much can go wrong when you have the view of Ala Moana beach and amazing food.. Their menu is smaller. I like how they put the amount of calories beside each dish too.
(5)
Patti K.
Really sad. Got there on their off hours (3:15 PM-ish). Place was nearly empty but waited forever for them to prepare our table. Then when we finally got walked to our table, the floors were insanely filthy. Candy wrappers. Sugar packets. Embarrassing We came here with visitors from Europe and was expecting a special dining experience. Not so. Food was good and minimal waiting (yay!) Coffee was okay...except "sorry, we're out of cream." And no one asked if I wanted a refill. Waaah. Very disappointing, NM.
PLEASE hire someone who has a professional attitude when answering the phone. BAD customer service will bring this excellent establishment down. I called to make a reservation but had to leave a message. When the lady returned my call, her voicemail was rushed and irritated. I almost wanted to cancel my reservation when I called back (and when I called back, I got the message machine again). I don't mind leaving messages, I know everyone is busy and your restaurant is one of the best on the island. But PLEASE hire someone professional to answer the phone. Thank you.
(1)
Alexander G.
Eat somewhere else in Ala Moana, there so many other much better options! After stumbling upon this restaurant while walking through Neiman Marcus, my dining companion and I booked a reservation for what the hostess said was a special brunch menu on a Sunday. We arrived early for our reservation and ended up waiting well past our quoted time. That was unacceptable as there were a number of open tables and servers just standing around. When we were finally seated, the hostess was unprofessional and flat-out unfriendly. With our long wait we were given a table in a section different from that of our reserved request. The lanai was beautiful in theory, but the close proximity to Ala Moana Blvd. meant we got to listen to the beautiful sounds of traffic compounded with construction of the new Ewa Wing. Our waiter was good; very professional. The food he brought was nothing special. Their special puffs were overdone and considerably less than 'special.' I liked the simple elegance of the place settings and silverware. The iced tea was delicious and refreshing. The food service was slow. I opted for the gyro with special fruit tzaziki, which was good but tiny and just not worth the price (even including the decor). Everything just had a boring and dull feeling to it; the food, and ambiance. This is one of many restaurants in the Waikiki/Ala Moana area that has a feeling of catering to Japanese tourists. It's advertised as a place to go, but exists solely to take advantage. I won't be going again.
(2)
Deb D.
This used to be one of my fave restaurants. I went so often that when I called, they knew my name before they answered the phone which I thought was very classy. Then something changed. I think they got a new chef and possibly a new manager. That was a few years ago. I tried the restaurant 3 x after the change and have never been back. It wasn't the service or the ambiance, it was the food. I wrote a letter to the manager who was very defensive with no apologies or concerns to find out how things could be rectified. I'm sad because it used to be SO good. I have heard from others that have not been happy recently either.
(2)
Trish N.
Considering how pricey the lunches are here, it's a VERY big deal for me to give them a five-star rating. Standards go way way up when I have to pay $25 for a lunch entree! That said, Mariposa has never let me down. Consistently great service, amazing food, and you can't beat the ambiance on the lanai! Overlooking Magic Island...on a beautiful sunny day...with light trade winds lending that decadent island-life feel...and nothing to do but enjoy being pampered...aack, I'm missing it already, just thinking about it. ;-) Today, we celebrated a special occasion with some co-workers, & I had the seared scallops (as usual). Everything about this dish was "fantasmic" (if that's a word)! Basically, you can never go wrong with the scallops. [Disclaimer: there was ONE occasion when I might've given their scallop dish 3-stars, but only bc I wasn't a fan of the sauce they paired it with--the preparation changes every one in a while--and it was my fault for ordering it anyway, bc the sauce was exactly as described in the menu.] Actually, I don't think I've ever ordered any entree besides the scallops...but there's a great variety of options for lunch, and when I go with friends, we always sample each other's selections--really, why wouldn't you--and everything's always gotten rave reviews, no matter what we ordered. Long story short, if you've never been to Mariposa, you simply must go!
(5)
Lisa R.
Nice ambiance, good service, but the food is no heck... The pop over are the best but the food needs to be kicked up a notch!!
First of all we waited over 10 min after being seated to receive any service. If your gonna make us wait that long at least offer our drinks for free. That is after I mentioned I waited that long. We also asked to sit outside and they said they are not seating anyone outside. So if your going to tell us that, then why do I see a party of 2 being seated outside after you seat us. Ridiculous right? While watching them being seated and being served first, were still wondering where our service is. We were craving the pop bread and I had to ask for bread. They said that they just put the bread in the oven to heat it up. So we finally get our bread after the food comes and it's not even the pop bread. I asked if they had anymore left and our slow server said No sorry. Alright now this is where it gets ridiculous when they serve the people next to us the bread we just asked for. Finally... When the heck do you have the right to charge an Auto Grat of 20% for a party of 2. With the service we received, we should've been given the choice of putting 0 for tip. Disregard the server name on our receipt which shows Gino. He was not our server, it was the server before him. Gino was quick enough to give us our check and leave Mariposa in disappointment.
(1)
Angie S.
I really enjoyed Mariposa! Located inside of Neiman Marcus, Mariposa is a nice dining experience after shopping. I think that the best part of the decor is the fans extending from the ceiling; a feature I was not expecting to see when I arrived. Our waiter was attentive for the most part. The food was really great. Boyfriend had a scallops which were in a sauce similar to mine, delicious. I had the Lobster Spaghettini which is a dish I seriously wouldn't mind eating everyday if I had an extra $30 layin' around. I wouldn't mind going back on a day where there was less people and it was not so loud.
(5)
Lauren M.
Mariposa seems to be going downhill. I went yesterday for lunch and I was not impressed at all. First, I have to vent about the check-in. The girl that was working there was a mix between an employee that absolutely hates her job and an employee who thinks she owns the restaurant. I'm still a paying customer so there's no need to give me attitude when I ask how long the wait is. Then to forget about us just took me over the edge. My mom actually had to be sarcastic with her and ask if she "forgot" about us to make her realize that she f.o.r.g.o.t about us....sigh. At least she seated us right after that at one of the 14 open tables (not kidding). The only reason why they're still getting 2 stars is because the crab salad is delish...and the popovers.
(2)
Valerie M.
Most people think of Mariposa for lunch or dinner, but I got there at 11 am and they were serving brunch items, meaning entrees with eggs. The crab eggs Benedict was awesome and so was the loco moco. The Benedict had shelled crab legs on their own homemade fluffy biscuit and the loco moco meat was not a hamburger patty, but tender braised short ribs. The waiter kept coming by offering their delicious popovers, but these babies are so rich that I could eat only one and a half. The store itself does not open until noon on Sundays, so if you plan to go to the restaurant before noon. You have to enter through the door on the beachside of the building then catch the elevator to the 2nd floor. Takes you right into the restaurant.
(4)
Denalee C.
Convenient, great view, amazing food, attentive service...what's not to love? We came in for dinner this past Saturday night and I was a little bit surprised that the entire inside area was empty and the outside wasn't completely full of diners. We got prime balcony seats and Todd was an amazing server. I really enjoyed the bread...soft, warm and the butter was silky and sweet. We got: bbq tiger prawns, pear and gorgonzola ravioli, braised pork belly and seared scallops, pork chops, lamb chops and their ice cream/waffle dessert. The prawns came in a pile of grilled avocado-how does one grill avocado? Anyways, the prawns were tasty and grilled perfectly. The ravioli was different but yummy-the consistency of the insides were thick and indulgent. The scallops were delicious! The lamb chops were covered with a greek yogurt and were very tender and juicy. The pork chops...I took a whiff of it and the smell of coffee got my taste buds going. It has a smokey smell and taste which I absolutely loved. The meat itself was impressive...it was the juiciest, most tender, tastiest pork chop I've ever had. I even reheated the left overs the next day and it still was juicy! The ice cream was...woah. Silky, sweet and I wanted another couple scoops! By the end of our meal at around 9:30, we were the only ones there! However, they didn't rush us at all and let us take our time finishing our meal. I'm very much impressed.
The bad reviews almost discouraged me from trying this place out. But I'm really glad I ended up having lunch here for the first time recently. Honestly, I'm not the type of person that can afford to shop at Neiman Marcus, but that did not affect the quality of service I received, which was excellent. The seafood curry is delicious, and is of the Thai coconut variety. The lobster club sandwich was good, but the bread it came with was not so impressive: just your average wheat bread. I'm not sure if it would have tasted better with a croissant or french bread? The popovers were OK, but the strawberry butter was good, and the chocolate mint at the end was a nice touch. Pro tip: If you want to split a meal, they can portion it out for you on separate plates. I hope to come back here in the future. Viva Mariposa!
Delightful! Sit on the patio outside if able. Enjoy great service, outstanding ocean view and five star lunch. On my trip, I had the breaded chicken with carrot, mushroom, & pesto cous cous, along with a tomato sauce that rivaled Delfina (SF,) & Bistro Don Giovanni (Napa.) It was executed perfectly, and has me looking for my next reso at Rotunda SF BECAUSE this was my favorite spot all week.
(5)
Lillian S.
I like their Salmon salad for lunch! It comes with chicken broth and Yorkshire pudding!
(5)
Kathy A.
This is one of my favorite places for lunch. I have brought numerous customers and work associates here for the food, atmosphere and view. It's a place where people are just so impressed with the view that no matter what else happens during lunch or dinner it will be forgotten. Came here the other day with my daughter in law so I could actually take pictures of the food without shocking anyone. Too much fun! It was a beautiful sunny Saturday, dropped the car at the valet and spent a couple of hours just talking and enjoying her company. Started with the Peach Bellini, always my choice here. Rob ordered the ice tea with Lemon Sorbet in it. The service is exceptional and in addition to the drinks we ordered, water and their signature popovers with raspberry butter were on the table before we were even asked what we would like for lunch. Rob ordered the French Dip Sandwich with Sweet Potatoe Fries. Didn't try her sandwich but I did imbibe in the fries? Delicious! I went for the Chilled Crab Salad, what a treat. Bib lettuce, hearts of palm, avocado, green onions all chopped and tossed with a lovely green goddess dressing and loaded with delicate pieces of sweet crab. I wished it was a bottomless salad, it was terrific. I've always wondered if your popovers keep disappearing how many times they would continue to replace them, I'm thinking of bringing a large purse. He he! Mariposa has a number of desert choices but we decided to split the bread pudding and it did not disappoint. Espresso and a Mocha Coffee and we were in a food coma. There is no rush here, if you are talking over coffee they don't rush you with the check.
(4)
Jen M.
Came here for the first time with a friend I used to work with so we could catch up over lunch. Just the fact that it's located inside Neiman Marcus makes it feel fancy! I love that we were able to make reservations online. We were seated right when we got there. The complimentary bread puffs are delicious they are like borderline dessert! Lol. Our waiter was nice but kind of weird cuz he seemed to have trouble refilling my ice tea..... (He poured directly onto the pineapple causing it to spill!?? I thought it was awkward and just let it go lol). My friend recommended the lobster club but I wasn't amazed by it. There was a certain taste that was absolutely disgusting! I pulled out some red floppy thing and the sandwich was then enjoyable. I really liked the sweet potato fries that came with the sandwich! I could probably eat a whole plate of those fries. My friend got a salad and she said it was nice. Both of us having architecture/engineering backgrounds, we were distracted by the huge spinning fans hanging from the ceiling! It's a nice attempt at fancy dining but I just think it's awkward and distracting lol. Poor approach to a tropical ambience just my opinion hahahah... I was also kind of sad we weren't offered a seat outside as I would have liked the scenery. Despite all that, I still give it a 4 star and would come back to try something else from the menu!
(4)
Jonathan C.
A lot of places give you some sort of french bread and butter before your meal, but not at Mariposa. They give you something called a Popover with strawberry butter which for the most part was tasty. The only thing about the one I ate was that it tasted a little burnt. No biggie though because the Orecchiette Pasta which consists of housemade Italian sausage, roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, broccolini, olive oil, garlic sauce and crumbled goat cheese were absolutely delicious! I tried the Lobster Club too and it was very tasty. I really liked the food, the ambiance and the service was great. Definitely a fan =)
(4)
Christine E.
Came here for a belated Mother's Day brunch with my family. Overall the ambience is nice, we were seated promptly with our reservation time, things tasted fine, and some workers were nice (others were just ok). I felt like the hostess wasn't the nicest person in the world, one of them was semi-friendly, the other seemed like she hated her life. Our waiter was ok, but he couldn't hear us at all (the restaurant being so open I guess makes it difficult) so my niece kinda gave up on asking for things she wanted...like ordering a coffee. I loved the popover guy. I mean, not only was he bringing us yummy warm popovers and strawberry butter, but he could hear us and he spoke loudly so we could hear him, and he was very friendly. Overall, I would probably eat here again. Do I think it's worth the price?...no. Do I think anything about the place is stellar? No. But everything is decent, and that's not a bad thing. I do have to say that the popovers when they are warm, are delicious! I came here once before because my friend RAVED about them, and when I had it it was dry and crappy, this time, it was SOOOOO good! Warm and not overdone. It was great! I especially love that when they give you a second one, they replace your strawberry butter with a new one! That's awesome :) Also, skip the dessert. We had the Thai Panna Cotta and the Malted Milk Bars. It was just alright. Milk Bars needed ice cream or more of a crunch or something. Thai Panna Cotta was ok, very buko pandan-ish, but nothing I NEED in my life. And with dessert, I feel like when I order a dessert from a restaurant, it should be stellar and happy-belly-dance worthy. These were just ok. I'd skip the dessert and wander around the mall for something better.
(3)
chris f.
Having been wanting to try Mariposa for some time now, the first thing that I must say is that although almost no one was there [it was a laaaate lunch], service was rather slow. Of course that may because they were beginning to set up for dinner. Having once been in the food industry myself, I cannot fault them for this. Other than that the wait staff was really very patient and welcoming. Onto the food....it was good. That's just it. It wasn't taste bud overload awesome sauce like I thought it would be though :( If I were to be nit-picking at my entree (The Mariposa Burger): 1.) The salad was overdressed 2.) It would have been nice if the burger was cut in half mainly because it was very messy to eat 3.) The popovers weren't warm and delicious but rather hard and cold Yeah...I'm just being picky Conclusion: Check it out if you happen to be in Neiman Marcus looking for a bite to eat. The atmosphere is one where you can see yourself catching up with old friends or family and the wait staff is chill (something not all establishments have) P.S: I like that although it seems pretentious, casual attire is A-OK ^__^
(3)
Jonathan K.
Pre-fix new years eve menu was decent. The place was empty so it's tough to measure the level of service. It was good but then again they were running at 20% capacity so that's expected. The place is nice and has a great ambiance. The menu included oysters with poke, lobster tail, and braised short ribs. All were great. The food had nice flavor and the presentations were pleasant. Most of what I had is offered on the normal and I recommend all of them especially the oysters. Definitely a great place to bring a date.
(4)
Lester S.
Went there for a birthday dinner. The plantation iced tea was perfectly sweetened. Wonderful buttery rolls and fruity butter. I had the Lobster Spaghettini. Maine lobster meat, spinach, leeks, smoked golden tomatoes with garlic-saffron clam sauce served over fresh pasta. It was delicious. Light and not overwhelming.
(4)
Tim H.
For the price the food is not worth it, but when you come here you expect a mark-up due to its location (in Neiman Marcus) and if you're lucky, the beach view. Although the balcony has a nice view of Ala Moana Beach park, it may be a little noisy, but come here on a Friday evening and you have perfect seats for the firework show. All in all not so fantastic food, but great view on a Friday evening.
(3)
Michelle M.
the food was up to par, the atmosphere was spectacular but the service was lackluster. i hated the fact that everyone else around was attentively being served while my table was always skipped over since our average age was about 10 years younger than everyone else. i don't blame them for judging me but at the same time, i don't think i'll return. i used to go here once a month or so during freshman year of college thinking eventually they'll recognize me and be nicer. the recognizing part happened but never really the nicer part..... however, the food was always good. i'm a fan of the cheese platter. formmage d'affinois is my favorite but i think i'll just get it from the store. but like porky penguin s. said, "overpriced".
(2)
Marina E.
I absolutely love Mariposa. The popovers and their strawberry butter sauce, the chicken consume', and their salads are amazing. It is a little pricey, but in my opinion, as long as they have the taste to back it up, I'm ok with it. I didn't think it was worth it to sit outside on the balcony, though. The noise from all the traffic made it hard to hear and their isn't much of a view anyhow. The service is wonderful.
(4)
Kevin S.
Great restaurant with a great view that over looks Ala Moana beach park. The food is great and so are the drink specials - I would especially recommend the Texas Tonic (a mix of prickly pear, citrus juice, and mint). Generally, speaking all the food is good and on a whole this a great place to rest and recuperate from a day of shopping at Ala Moana. I will admit its a little spendy, but I think its totally worth it especially if you're looking for great asian fusion cuisine. One great tip - they have a great view of the weekly firework shows in Waikiki and for the fourth of July their view is front and center.
(4)
Esther Y.
Lobster club: Delicious, but difficult to eat. It was as if a lobster was crawling out alive out of my sandwich. And the avocado was also busting out everywhere onto my hands, which I had to smear all over my napkin. Boyfriend got Laksa seafood curry. Not the strong curry flavor you would expect. Lots of seafood that was cooked well. Popovers ... what do I have to say? They are always delicious, although they seem smaller in Hawaii than they are in California. They are also a little skimpier on the strawberry butter.
(4)
Brooke M.
I loved the "free" popovers with strawberry butter and the "free" Amedei chocolates, and service was good, but there weren't really any veggie options unless you get a salad without whatever meat item they put on it. Then it just becomes a really expensive pile of spinach. The fries with porcini dust were really good. Enough to bump it up to 3.5 stars. Nice atmosphere, but small menu and pretty pricey...
(3)
Dean S.
Pretty good food. Good seafood of course. But what makes this restaurant special is the view of the sunset while you dine. Half of the restaurant is indoors and half of it is outdoors on a terrace, and since it is on top of Ala Moana Shopping Center, you have a perfect view of the sunset while you eat. Whoever created this restaurant is genius. Plus after you are done eating you can go drink beers at Mai Tai's inside Ala Moana...
(4)
Daisy S.
The cute place is located in Neiman Marcus Department Store inside Ala Moana Center. What I ultimately love about this place is the bread and the papaya-pineapple butter they have! Gosh!! it is soooooo awesome!!! So, for the bread and butter alone, I would give 3 stars and plus another star for the view when you reserve a table outside in the lanai (balcony) overlooking Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Wai Harbor. The food is good, but not memorable to me. The service has always been friendly and courteous.
(4)
Jodi K.
the first time i went here was like almost two years ago and back then i had this lobster hoagie sandwich (actual chunks of real lobster mixed with mayo, and some other stuff which i can't remember-sorry!) with those cute, round, waffle-shaped fries on the side and a chocolate creme brulee for dessert (of course i shared!). so when i went to meet my good friend last week for lunch i was so disappointed to find that there was an espresso creme brulee and NO chocolate creme brulee...do they change their menu to fit the season? i was so looking forward to it and sadly i had to force myself to eat some of the espresso creme brulee and enjoy it... the other problem was my lobster club. apparently i did not read the full description of this sandwich. in my pea brain head i thought it would be the same thing i had eaten a couple of years ago, the lobster hoagie. but no, when my plate arrived it was literally a 'club sandwich' with tiny, shredded-like pieces of lobster, with sliced avocado, roasted red peppers, and bacon all inbetween slices of toasted white bread. needless to say i was disappointed. being the oinky i am i miss my huge, lobster hoagie and still daydream about it... the good thing was i had a gift card and so it wasn't like i just wasted my money...=)
(3)
Lynn N.
Every time I visit O'ahu, this is one place that I always visit. The staff are very friendly and accommodate for large groups and/or handicap patrons, the suggestions are always fitting, and the meals are delicious. The outdoor patio has a beautiful view of Ala Moana park and beach, and is conveniently located in the Ala Moana shopping mall. I plan on going back on my next visit as well.
(5)
Satoru Y.
I went there for lunch one day. I have heard some good things about the place. However, I was thoroughly disappointed. I got a corn chowder soup, which was actually okay. However, my pork loin was way overcooked. here is no excuse for the pork to be that hard; it was really amateur. I can see what the flavors were supposed to be, but that kind of poor execution is inexcusable for this kind of place. I had the other dish that my girlfriend was having: equally as awful. The service was pretty sad. They were too attentive to any of the tables. I was actually pretty surprised. I do love the view however. It is an amazing view, and solid interior decorating. Despite the wonderful atmosphere, this place needs better execution.
(3)
Robert C.
go on Friday before sunset, you get the added bonus of viewing the fireworks in front of the Hilton. great food, can't wait to go back.
(4)
Meep M.
I love coming here for lunch. The restaurant is beautiful, service is excellent, and the food is wonderful. They do all these little things that make you feel special.
(4)
Nate R.
Went here for a fixed 3-course meal for a rehearsal dinner before a wedding. Had the porkchops, and they were delicious. The bread and corn chowder before the meal were great too. Nice ambiance, good service, and delicious food and wine.
(4)
Miu M.
This restaurant is on the top floor of the Ala Moana Neiman Marcus. Mariposa is a very lovely, open air dining room which looks out onto Ala Moana park. The food, which is generally Asian/Hawaiian fusion, was just slightly above average, but yes, the popovers with honey butter are yummy. (I believe most/all NM restaurants serve popovers, but eating popovers in an open air restaurant in Hawaii is a little weird - who in Hawaii eats popovers?) The crowd is a good mix of locals and tourists - though the last time I was there, there were more locals around. I would definitely come back - it's a very nice restaurant with a classy island feel to it. Good place for a small office luncheon, or a baby shower, or a bridal shower. Be sure to make reservations, especially for lunch. I believe you can use opentable.com .
(4)
Jenny M.
The reason I go to Mariposa every time I am back in Hawaii is the popovers. They are delicious and large, and are served with strawberry butter (formerly lilikoi butter). Whenever I go there, the service is impeccable and the food is always amazing. I would recommend going for lunch or an afternoon snack. If you want a drink, order the plantation iced tea. If you want a cheap meal, get the kahuku corn chowder. I also love love love the pork loin. Be sure to make reservations before you come--lunch is often crowded--or else be willing to get a seating time after 2pm. I know this place can be pricey, but it is worth it! Oh and don't feel shame asking for a second popover--the staff is used to it and will gladly oblige.
(4)
John N.
The brioche and the soup they serve before you get what you order is worth the price of admission. Service is great. What do you expect with a restaurant in Neiman Marcus? This place can get busy so if you don't want to wait try getting a seat at the bar.
(4)
Lena H.
my friends and i love this place. i haven't been here in years! but the other day a friend of mine treated me and of course it was yummy! this time i had the tandori-spiced chicken salad with something on the bottom. whatever it was it was good. they didn't have the portobello mushroom salad like they used to. i guess they change the menu time to time. thank goodness for the yummy pop-overs!
(4)
Robert D.
Every time I come to Oahu, I make a point of stopping by Mariposa just to sample the popovers and consomme. This week's visit did not disappoint. The food is not the best in the world, but the prices and the dining experience, not to mention the views of the Pacific, make this a memorable experience.
(5)
Chantelle J.
This place is so great for breakfast! I love the popover's with the fruit spread and the mimosas are fabulous! The soup and salad's are all so delicious (corn chowder) My favorite item off the menu is the lobster club, it has lobster, bacon, avocado & mayo on toasted bread......how much better could a sandwhich get? LOVE IT! The waiters are always filling water and making sure everything is perfect!
(5)
CJ C.
Celebrated a friend's birthday here earlier this week. We come here every year for his birthday lunch. Although it was crowded, the service was very good. Started with the popover and chicken consomme. I love that! If it were not tacky and rude, I could make lunch over popovers and consomme. Since I want to be a return guest, I ordered off the menu. I had the ahi sandwich; he had the lobster club. He substituted porcini fries for the salad. Both sandwiches were excellent! Ahi was perfectly cooked, onions were nicely grilled to take the edge off of them. Lobster club was fresh and flavorful. Fries--EEK! They were soggy--awful, in fact. We sent them back. The waiter was so apologetic; he whisked them away and returned with regular fries (they ran out of porcini and even sweet potato fries). These were better, but still not great. I think their oil isn't hot enough to give them that snap of crispness that makes fries so yummy. But, they comped the fries, so that was fine. The crowning glory was the chocolate creme brulee topped with caramel popcorn (what?) Sounds weird; tasted heavenly. Definitely will be back again, maybe even before my friend's annual birthday lunch.
(4)
JAN I.
I have always enjoyed eating here. The kahuku corn chowder and pop overs is a great starter. It's kind of over priced.... but what do you expect to be in Neiman Marcus. The atmosphere is great...especially eating outside, you could see the happenings at the Ala Moana Beach park and the traffic below. Also, very relaxing. The staff is great and knowledgeable.
(4)
Stephanie G.
I love going here on Sundays or just with the girls. The atmosphere is so calming, like sitting out on a patio and the view of Ala Moana Beach is beautiful. You start off with their infamous Popovers and Consume. I love their Eggs Benedict, on Sundays, or their Lobster BLT. We also like to get the Seafood Curry with Rice. Sunday Brunch is really good and I heard that you can rent the place for Wedding Receptions!
(4)
Ali B.
the scene wasnt too bad..really open and no background music..so at times it was a bit too quiet. The staff was really very nice and helpfull waiters were a bit clumsy but they were on their game. The Food: honestly i expected alot more especially for what you pay. I had the Lobster Tagliolini the lobster was kinda fishy..the sauce was alright . like a coconut curry sauce maybe? The spinach in it was really nice, i feel like the sauce kinda tasted " right outa the can" if you know what I mean. My mother had the BBQ tiger prawns, ok first off the plate was $12.00 and she got 3 teeny prawns with a ton of sauce. I think it was a beet sauce with maybe some onions on it, really pretty spicey and a real ripoff for her portion. We also had the 3 cheese plate. It was pretty nice, i think the best part of the meal, they havea decent amount of cheeses to choose from, and the dish came with sliced almods, white raisins and dried crannberrys. Also with a farely large amount of crostinis. Drinks: the average drink list is kinda boring you know ..mai tai..hurrricane punch all that crap in my book. But their wine list...very nice. Great selection of italian wines and an even amount of each , red, white, spark...etc. You can buy either glass, half or full bottle. Over all, this place was a real ripoff...with those few things our meal came to $90.00 , dont get me wrong i dont have a problem paying for quality food...but this was not quality. I would only go back there to half a late day cheese plate and a glass of wine but not for a meal.. major let down..
(3)
S L.
I love this restaurant! Great view and ambience. Lunch is great, but you have to absolutely try the high tea or afternoon tea. There's not much places in Honolulu that offers that. This is great for a date or getting together with your girlfriends.
(5)
Jess M.
I've always had great experiences dining at Mariposa. It's a perfect way to treat yourself for lunch or dinner after a long day of hard shopping at Ala Moana! The view is great, I love the open air dining, and in my experience the service has always been top notch. To start off I really love the popovers and the spread they bring out to start- I always have trouble not filling up on that! For starters, entrees and desserts you can enjoy lots of local favorites with a twist. I usually end up getting fish (which is fresh an tasty and never disappoints) or they also have a great steak salad which I enjoy. No matter what you choose I don't think you will go wrong.
(4)
Grimeater A.
The food here is pricey and bland for my tastes. Feels like they focus more on presentation than taste. I've only had breakfast and lunch here so I'll give it 4 stars based solely of their "Popovers" These large puff pastries are such a great alternative to the "bread" other places serve. Just the right amount of sweetness, flaky on the outside and moist on the inside. So perfect with the "fruit butter" they give you. I could make a meal out of a couple of these for breakfast.
(4)
Brian L.
I took my grandma here last Monday. She really enjoyed her rib eye sandwich and the sweet potato fries and the bread that they serve to start the menu. We had the lobster sandwich (I could have used a lil' more lobster) and the crab salad (the dressing was light and tasty) both of which were very delicious. The service was great and the atmosphere is so nice and relaxing. I will definitely return on my next trip. The total for for three was $77 with tip.
(4)
warren k.
had HIGH expectation for this place & even bought the NM cookbook before i ever tasted the restaurants however, the food was only so-so... we went with a party of 6 & everyone got something different but no-one totally loved their dishes... the only spectacular thing about this place was the view outside where we sat & fireworks in the background from hilton village & i love the decor inside with the fans... the service was whatevers too.... nordstrom cafe tastes MUCH better & better price for the taste too. oh & their famous strawberry butter is so over-hyped~ didnt taste anything special about it just butter. eh.
(3)
Naoko T.
View is ok especially aroun sunset time. It is hardto find the entrance if Numan Marcus is closed. Last time I orderd salad but warm was inside. I didn't wanna eat anymore.
(3)
Kenji O.
I've been here twice, once for dinner and once for lunch. Though the dinner experience was very good, I would mainly recommend getting breakfast or lunch out on the patio there. For one, the view of the ocean is so nice! The other thing is their popovers with lilikoi butter which I realize isn't complicated to make but is still so good (the dinner rolls were good but not as memorable as the popovers). Overall the food here is good, nothing special but tasty enough if you want to have a nice meal in Hawaii and not spend an arm and a leg.
(4)
Alita M.
We came to Mariposa at the request of my best guy friend's girlfriend, who had been told to eat dinner here on her trip by another friend. Whew. That was a lot. Ok. So on to the experience. Very nice ambience, not to overwhelming and everyone was so eager to help us see a menu and service us. I wasn't too sure about going to a competitor's dining room, but it was beyond worth it. They had a wonderful special menu with loads of local fare. The plantation tea is all that everyone raves about....quite yummy passion berry tea with pineapple and guava juices mixed in. I had the Short Rib Agnolotti for appetizer and the duck dish with pasta for dinner. All very unique in flavor and tasty. Not to mention they made the perfect Ciroc Cosmo to wash it all down. Our waiter was wonderful, in that he originally told us that they no longer carried Ciroc vodka for my martini and that Moi Moi for my friend's special was being substituted with Ahi...and he managed to come up with both Ciroc and Moi Moi for us. Always the best when you waiter goes out of his/her way for you. Hence the reason they get 4 stars instead of three. The best thing ever was their special Monkey Bread with Strawberry butter! Mmmmm so Japanesey but good! Overall it was a nice dinner. Pricey and not something I'd do on a regular basis, but is worth checking out.
(4)
Raquel R.
this place is awesome. Yummy bread and butter. Its a little awkward if you want more though cause they are walking around handing it out and so if you want more the whole restaurant knows. Not cool. Back when i ate chicken that all i would get and it was delish! Too bad i dont live anywhere near Neimans. bummer
(4)
Yuki T.
Stopped in for lunch today. The popovers were great, but the strawberry butter was just pink and sweet. No berry taste going on. Consomme was nice and clear and richly flavored. The smoked pork tenderloin entree I got was terribly sweet and vinegary. The balance was so off I had to li hing mui wince with every bite I took and the accompanying sauteed kale served on my plate was haphazardly cut (or not) into unappealing, bunched up 10 inch long strips. My server was great, attentive and friendly, too bad the food was off.
(2)
Lin T.
Took my cuz to lunch for his birthday--no problem getting reservation or great table near the window--wait help very courteous and popovers delicious, as were our meals and dessert. However...my cuz ordered a side salad that consisted of just a handful of what looked like nalo greens--nothing more. When I got the bill I was shocked at the $12 charged for the salad and asked the waiter if that was the right charge. He said, "yes, that's our Mariposa salad." which was not listed on the menu, so had no idea ahead of time what cost would be for that. Because Mariposa is one of the finer restaurants, I did expect to pay somewhat more for lunch...however, $12 for a handful of plain greens w/dressing is what I deem OUTRAGEOUS, considering their "Grilled shrimp cocktail" is listed @$14, their "Applewood King Salmon Salad" is $18, and "Mariposa Cheeseburger" is $15, just for comparison. Our tab for lunch with one drink and one dessert came to $78; with tip $90, which I do NOT consider fair because of the overpriced side salad, and why this rating is so low.
(2)
Mrs. Val V.
Lovely place to have lunch and shop.
(4)
Loves G.
Mariposa is a great location for lunch with beautiful views of the Ala Moana Beach Park. Food and service are okay, but not exceptional. The complimentary popovers with pineapple butter and the chicken consomme are exceptional and that is where it ends. I had the white bean and italian sausage soup of the day, which was bland. Edible, but not delicious. Next, was the special salad of the day, calamari and shrimp salad with a sherry vinaigrette, cucumbers, kalamata olives and tomatoes. It sounded great, but when it arrived it did not live up to its verbal description. Heavy on the dressing and 2 shrimps! Dessert was a Green Tea Panacotta and a Lilikoi Cheesecake combination that was okay at best. We arrived at 11:40 am and did not depart the restaurant till 1:45 pm. This was on a Saturday and the restaurant was not full, so I am not sure why the food took so long. The waiter was average. Nothing to write home about. Overall, the food and service does not stand up to the location. The check for the 3 of us, no alcohol was $125.00 for lunch, not including gratuity. Pricey, but the overall experience does not deliver.
(3)
Sherry T.
2nd time here a week ago. boss took us there for our annual christmas lunch. last time, i got the lobster club sandwich. decided to try something different this time so went with a scallop thing with gnochhi and it was just okay. should've stuck to the lobster club. oh well. still like this place b/c of the popovers. this time it was some kind of berry butter and the complimentary broth...oh yeah i remember, it's called consomme in a small little tea cup. probably wouldn't bring the husband here b/c he would still be hungry but great place for lunch with the girls
(4)
Kimi E.
definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Honolulu. great for lunch....amazing view, with a nice atmosphere! i really like the pop-overs!
(4)
Michelle E.
My boyfriend and I were on vacation in Oahu last week and we had a lovely dinner at Mariposa. We experienced the true "aloha spirit" with our server, Dave, who was very friendly. My boyfriend had the Diver Scallops which were delicious, and I had the Pacific Catch Provencal which was very good. We had a nice table outside which is a treat for us since we live in San Francisco and rarely get to dine al fresco!
(5)
Charles W.
Notwithstanding the excellent service and the pleasant ambiance, the food, though expensive, was not even average. The few pieces of meat in the $29 entree were so tough I could not even chew them. The bed of pasta on which it was served had stuck together in a way I have never seen. I have had better food in the Army.
(2)
Eric L.
Was excited to try this place out. Stopped by on a friday night to get a good view of the fireworks (short 5 minute show but it is a pretty good view from the balcony). Decor is nice and relaxed. Meal started off well - the bread was a pillowy soft roll with very nice strawberry butter. We pretty much finished off the whole bread and butter. As for appetizer, had a curry bisque with caulifower and abalone. The cauliflower was cooked just enough not to be raw, but still crunchy. Gave the soup a nice texture with the soft creamy bisque. Would have preferred a bit more curry flavor, but overall it was pleasant. The abalone was slightly toug/chewy in the middle, but sort of to be expected. Entrees were lobster spaghettini and a prawn/snapper special. I had a few major problems with the spaghettini - it was cold on the outside and warm on the inside ( probably had been sitting out too long ). Also, found 4-5 bits of shell in the lobster. I understand that some shell might be missed in preparing the lobster, but if you are portraying yourself as a fine dining establishment, I think you have less leeway on that matter. Also the lobster was a bit dry/overcooked so some of it was a bit chewy. The sauce had a hint of wine flavor, but coudln't really discern anything else in the sauce. There were a couple of caper berries in the sauce. While they provided a nice punch of salt, after eating them, I couldn't taste anything else. Would have been nice to incorporate them better in the dish, or maybe use capers in the sauce to tie things together better. As for the fish and prawn, fish was cooked nicely, and the prawn was a bit overcooked (dry/rubbery). The dish also suffered a bit from the sauce being a bit bland. Sauce would have been better with a bit of acid and salt. Not sure if it was intended, but there were a few crushed peppercorns in the kubocha garnish. The peppercorn would give a big peppery taste, but seemed sort of out of place with the mild sweetness of the kubocha and the mild sauce.
(2)
Thomas L.
No complaints from me. I came for an evening snack with a friend. I ordered an appetizer of scallops. They were seared at just the right temperature, and the flavor was great. Definitely a pricey joint, about $13 for an appetizer. So when the waiter asks if you'd like water, make sure you specify tap or bottle. We had Voss water (personally I think its ridiculous that people pay extra for a label and a nice bottle, but I didnt pay!) I loved the intimate feel of the restaurant late at night, when they dim the lights, and light candles at the tables. They also have some quiet background music from the live band. I also enjoyed the decor with the tropical fans on the ceiling. Service was attentive and just fine.
(5)
Kacey K.
The first time I was introduced to Mariposa was maybe about 5 years ago. My friends and I stopped by for Sunday brunch. This place is on my list of places to return to. I have been back to Hawaii quite a few times but never managed to stop in for a bite until just recently. The service and food is pretty good. The experience, however, is great. The open layout of the restaurant provides a panoramic view of the water. Combine the view, the food, the heat, and the nice hawaiian breeze. You've got yourself a pretty nice chill spot for the next hour or so. Definately a place that screams "You're finally on vacation" for me.
(5)
Travis M.
Went over here for lunch. Popovers were good as usual. They also gave a soup broth served in a small tea cup which was also good (almost like a high class chicken broth). Decided to eat a salad because I wasn't too hungry. Asked the waiter if I should get the tandori-spiced chicken salad or chef salad. He recommened the chef salad which was on special, so I went along with his suggestion. BAD IDEA!! It was probably the worst salad I've ever ate. Not much lettuce, or dressing and only consisted of raw calamari, shrimp, and scallops. On first site it didn't even look good to the point that my co-workers even offered me half their burger and lobster sandwiches. And this was before I even took a bite of my salad. The bad part too was the seafood wasn't spoiled, but you could tell that it was the last day of being considered fresh, thus the special I guess. I would normally have given this place a one star for this experience, but I've been here a couple of times and had four star experiences all of those times.
(3)
Daisy D.
I first tried this restaurant with my S.O. a few months back and they had killer deserts and excellent coffee to boot. We went back to celebrate a monumental occasion this past week. We had steaks which were pretty good, but not as good as what I make at home.....they lacked in flavor more than expected. The wine was Tres Fabu--we had the Medoc. The service was also very good and we were attended to but not hovered over. Sadly the dessert menu was underwhelming this time. This place is still worth the money because the view is very romantic!
(4)
Waynele Y.
three reasons to come here: 1) the ocean view (especially if you're a mainlander visiting hawaii-you take this for granted as a local) 2) the popovers & the flavored butter (just keep asking for more) 3) the plantation iced tea the rest of the food on the menu is just about average, and when you factor in the price, a bit expensive, yet i would recommend visiting this mariposa over the one in the SF neiman marcus
(3)
Melissa K.
I'd give them 3.5 stars, really. The monkey bread is fantastic. Those were the best fresh baked dinner rolls I've had on the island. The kahuku corn chowder is delicious, too. Our entrees weren't that great though, especially at those prices. I think most people would expect a lot more out of a $30 entree. The service was very good though. It's worth a try, but I don't think we'll go back-- unless it's to eat a big bowl of chowder and lots of monkey bread. Oh yeah, the view is nice, but it is above a busy street so you get a lot of traffic noises. If you go on a Friday evening you can see the fireworks display from the balcony.
(4)
Ruth D.
When Mariposa first opened I loved there service and food. The filet mignon was good and it went great with my plantation iced tea. Then it started going down hill. I took my gfren from Japan there and we were in shock in how crappy the service was! I had a damn bug in my plantation iced tea and when I let my waiter know he didn't apologize or anything. He just asked if I wanted another one.... That wasn't my only problem he totally ignored our table and catered to the people around us even before the stupid bug incident. And it wasn't like we didn't order just dessert (there is nothing wrong with that because I like to go to places to just order desserts and the service should still be the same nonetheless..) we ordered a full blown four course meal. Yeah, and the food sucked.... so no I don't recommend this place it's way to overrated. Maybe if you eat it outside on the balcony the sunset view will make up for your dinner. Doubt it though... you could go to Bubba Gump's and get at least better service and semi decent food for both.
(1)
Aubrey H.
I held a bridal shower here for my sister. we reserved a table for 18 adults and 4 children. A week prior we submitted our menue. Asked for an estimate because we needed to know approx total for splitting bill purposes. And they said they DON'T give estimates. How can you not give a party an estimate of the bill when they are ordering the same 3 dishes with drinks included. So party wise, not so helpful. Prepare to get a surprise bill. Food is good. The chicken salad was yummy. The roast beef sandwich is very good. They also provide extra dipping sauce when asked. My most favorite out of everything was actually the soup broth that they served prior to meal. It was in a little cappuccino cup, very cute, but so filled with flavor. Amazing. For our entire party we only had one server. His name was Keoni. Very polite gentlemen and on top of everything. We couldn't have had better customer service. We asked why he was serving all by himself, he said they only had 8 servers that day (2/21). Poor thing he was exhausted. The scenery at the restaurant was so beautiful. It's like front row seats to paradise. :)
(4)
Kristen C.
Visited Mariposa for my first time. I left in a food coma. Best lunch in a long time! I ordered the special for the day: Mahi Mahi over spinach and pumpkin with a love sauce drizzled over it (they have another name for it, but I will remember it this way). It was plated pretty and it was a perfect portion. Then the waitress came back and asked if I wanted to try the decadent chocolate cake (4 layers).... Ummmmm Yes!!! I will definitely come back. Next time I might hold out for a seat with a view.
(5)
Lisa O.
One of my favorite places for fancy lunch. Great food and excellent service. I tried this seafood curry for the first time and it was so good!
(4)
Chad Y.
Guys (or sons for that matter), when you go to the mall with your special lady (e.g. girlfriend, wife, mother, best friend,etc) and you've reached the point where you don't think you can go any further, I am going to give you the best tip around. Suggest a quick snack or a lunch at Mariposa so that you can sit down, grab a bite, and possibly even enjoy a cocktail! The menu is interesting and showcases an array of salads, sandwiches, and entrees for lunch and a full array for dinner. However, my review is about lunch and their sandwiches are good...the salads aren't too bad either, yet you go here for one thing: the popovers. The pillowy rolls of carby goodness are served up with strawberry butter that entices your palate to want more. Once the roll is over, because one can't survive on bread one, you are going to want to try the pork chop with the ravioli which was full of flavor from the mushroom ravioli and the simply seasoned pork that was beautifully prepared. The scallops are nothing to sneer at even if the squid ink pasta might scare you away. Service is good and water glasses didn't go empty which is a pretty good indication in my book. The ambiance is nice and welcoming as if you were dining on a private veranda. Yet if street noise disturbs you or you want to avoid the sun, get a table indoors. So like I said, if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the mall...stop by Mariposa and you can get that much needed rest from a day of running all over Hawaii's largest mall.
(4)
Aulii H.
We went here for dinner with the aunties, and everyone was more than satisfied. I ordered the salmon dish, and it was perfectly cooked. We were having dinner so that we could all talk more, but I was too busy eating. I ate everything unless it required me to lick the plate to get it off. My husband was also happy with his pork meal, although I can't remember what it's called... (See the pics) He also loved his okinawan sweet potato cheesecake, while I enjoyed the chocolate chip cookies, and the recipe that it comes with. There server was very nice, and very professional. We stayed there and talked way after the restaurant was closed, and they constantly told us to take our time. After we realized we were the last ones we finally left. Since the store was closed we had to exit using the elevator that goes downstairs. Overall, we would have dinner there again.
(5)
Timothy Y.
Nice selection and good service. I ordered the french dip and a lava flow and it was very good both in quality, quantity, and price. I do not recommend the dessert, however. The portions were small and it didn't taste particularly good. All and all I think I would return in a few years.
(4)
Christina A.
So overpriced and not worth it. Came here for my birthday dinner and the food was bland. The best thing about the meal were the popovers and the view. Other than that, the only people who come here are those who don't have taste buds but have lots of money to spend. They come because it's "Mariposa" NOT because the food tastes good. Wake up people! There are better spots on the island.
(2)
Anuhea P.
Mariposa reminds me of when my grandmother would take me Christmas shipping in "Needless Markup" for a keepsake ornament when I was a girl and then we would have a classy lunch at Mariposa. The decor is understated elegance...high ceilings, sweeping views of the harbor and magic island, and giant fans. I dined recently during restaurant week with a friend and enjoyed my meal but don't know if I'd make it a habit to come back unless it was a special occasion (food is pricey). We were started out with an amuse bouche of warm chicken consume and their famous pop overs with deliciously fruity strawberry butter. Our waiter was very helpful in answering questions and giving suggestions. I decided on the restaurant week set lunch menu of crab cauliflower soup, shrimp pasta in a creamy kabocha sauce, and a chai panna cotta with autumn fruit compote. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal (except for finding crab shell in my soup-I thought It was a fingernail! No worries, it was comped) and I loved the chocolate mints that finished our meal. Mariposa lives up to it's name, elegant and delightful as a butterfly and perfect for a special treat.
(4)
Dwayne Y.
We went here for a quick dessert before shopping. We were seated by a lovely hostess. However, it took around 10 mins for a water/server to acknowledge we were actually at a table. This was quite upsetting since it wasn't too crowded. The waiter finally came and comped our two drinks which was nice. I prefer better service than free stuff. Anyway, I have to say the service got better after that. If they removed the first 10 mins then I can actually say the service was great. Now onto the food. We had the Malted Milk Chocolate Bars, Warm Lilikoi Pudding Cake, & Butterscotch Macadamia Pie. The milk chocolate bars were very silky in texture. It melded well with the combination of milk and white chocolate drizzle. The dish also had some chocolate balls to offer a nice contrast of texture. The lilikoi pudding cake was outstanding and actually surprised me. It looked like a glop of fresh fruits on a small custard dish. But after getting through the fruits, the pudding cake was very light and airy. The cake was moist and worked in harmony with the fruit. Finally we had the butterscotch macadamia pie. Nothing was wrong with this dessert but it didn't "wow" like the first two. Overall, the evening started out poorly, but the waiters redeemed themselves and made the dining experience a good one...
(4)
Chris A.
Beaitiful place for lunch and dinner. The puff pastry is amazing with the Strawberry butter, they also give you a small cup of chicken broth to start with.
(4)
Leon H.
Gotta go for lunch and have the puff pastry. They also have a great corn chowder. But In general this place has a great view and great food.
(4)
Melissa C.
I went here for brunch with one of my friends. I ate their special that day which was a grilled chicken and vegetable omelette. It contained chicken, orange and red bell peppers, cheese, onions and eggplant. I also requested that the hollandaise sauce be on the side. It was delicious! I also ordered the Plantation Tea which was refreshing and a nice compliment to the meal. Of course we ate their popovers as well. The service was wonderful and I have no complaints. They also gave us complimentary popovers to take to go which was nice. Great place to have a lunch. I would definitely go back.
Sit at the bar and skip the 45 min wait. Fast service, have a cocktail for lunch and enjoy the delicious food. Salads great and huge. Just had delicious corn chowder and split chicken pallaird Milanese with yummy couscous and arugula. Great place for ladies who lunch. Splurge a little!!
(4)
Jayson N.
So, bread and a decent view, the two things this place has going for it.. A friend and I came here after a long day. We were hungry. We were starving. We wanted to be blown away by amazing food. We made a reservation and were seated by the hostess shortly after our arrival. The table was beautiful, but when the hostess pulled out our chair, their was clearly something on minds and she merely swept it off with her hand. GROSS. For a higher end establishment, you expect a high level of service and quality which Mariposa seems to lack. We ordered 3 entrees for two of us. We were both excited for the scallops and the rib eye. The third dish we decided on was the crab pasta. Scallops were executed perfectly but the accompaniment did not do the scallops any justice. The rib eye was just okay, for the price I would probably pass next time. The crab pasta was bland if you ask me. It lacked depth of flavor and honestly seemed like wasted calories to me. After the meal was over, we looked at the dessert menu and we decided to grab the check and get dessert someplace else. The service from the waitstaff was pretty decent just the food to me is not worth the price. However the bread is good so maybe you can come here for water and Bread.. HAHA I probably won't be back willingly to Mariposa. I love the view and the bread but the food just lacks flavor. For the prices they charge you, I would rather take my business elsewhere..
(2)
Lia F.
Once a year, for Christmas, my mom and I come to Mariposa for Sunday brunch. It would be any other day except the only day they serve eggs benedict is on Sundays. First of all, Mariposa uses open table so it's super easy to make reservations. Believe me when I say this makes a difference as far as picking a place to eat. When you're seated, if you're wearing black pants, they give you a black napkin. Woo! No white napkin lint on my nice black pants. Then the servers bring you a small cup of chicken consomme and a pop over with strawberry butter. Yummy. I almost always order the eggs benedict which is divine. The egg is always poached perfectly with the whites well cooked but the yolk still soft. The French fries are also super yummy. You can get a mix of herbed fries and sweet potato fries and they come with several different dipping sauces. BBQ, garlic aioli, and spiced ketchup. I thought the sweet potato fries with BBQ sauce was awesome. If by chance you're not here on a Sunday, I recommend their French dip sandwich. Dessert-wise I recommend the Mac nut pie as well as the sweet potato cheesecake. I've always had exceptional service here. The wait help has always been honest and spot on as far as recommending dishes. Once my mom's egg was over done and she didn't say anything but the waitress noticed and asked her if she wanted another one. Definitely attentive!
(4)
Betsy B.
The restaurant is in Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center. I wasn't aware of it until a friend took me there. I was glad to discover it. A reservation is definitely a good idea as it is often crowded and there is a wait. There is outside balcony seating or indoor seating with a nice view of the Ala Moana Park with some beautiful trees and the ocean behind it. You can park by the restaurant but currently there is some construction going on in that area so may not work out. There are fans that keep the air moving and it is very pleasant. Service is attentive and outstanding. The food was wonderful and beautifully presented. The scallops were cooked perfectly-tender and tasty. The desserts though were really amazing especially the lilikoi pudding.
(4)
Eileen B.
I've been to Mariposa twice now, once for dinner and once for lunch and the two experiences were very different. In short: 3/5 lunch - the combination of disorganization with seating, greeting, service and quality of food. 5/5 dinner - service was above and beyond outstanding and the food was far better. Averages out to 4/5. Mariposa, located on the 3rd floor of Neiman Marcus in Ala Moana mall, can be reached by going through Neiman's or from the direct door entry on the south side top floor of the parking by Neiman's. It has a great view of the ocean and Ala Moana park & is a great view point if you plan a head for the friday night fireworks. **Dinner** Dinner, I was invited to with a group of girls, that ended up down scaling to a group of 10 to just being 3 of us for a dinner reservation my friend had made. One of the girls ordered the wine pair - two of the same wine, different vintage. I was very surprised to be able to taste the difference, even with my unrefined wine sense.... I had ordered the chef's set menu and have to say everything was memorably delicious, especially the scallops with pork belly. It also happened to be my friend's birthday, so they even brought out a little something sweet just for her. **Lunch** I gave my name to the hostess at the door by the mall and was told it would be about a 15 minute wait while they clear some tables. Me, my friend's mom, my mom and I all wandered the food section of candies and cookies in Neimans as we waited. I don't remember if the time estimate was correct, but seemed about right. We were guided to our table on the lanai. The lunch came with a puff bread with some delicious strawberry butter and a consume, that neither of the moms really seemed to drink, so I ended up with at least 2... Trying to be lean, I ordered the scallops with squid ink pasta ($25). It was tasty, but I must say after the fantastic Dinner I had previously had, I had higher expectations out of lunch. The dish came out tepid and there was already a thin um... crust/film ? of the sauce that was starting to form. The pasta was stuck together as if it had been sitting out cooked a while already. I tasted my mom's burger and fries. She is sort of picky about her fries (she likes something between a jojo and a mcdonalds size fry, but fresh cut) and although she enjoyed the fries, at $17 for the burger and fries, at Neiman's, I would have expected a little something better. As far as quality for the meat, the Honolulu Burger Co. has a much better burger. I did enjoy the hint of some herb I think rosemary on her fries though; and they did taste yummy sopping up the rest of my semi filmed pasta sauce. I didn't try my friend's mom's salad, but it did look pretty good and seemed to have a nice variety of greens, unlike other places on this island that have a 'salad' as something with just one type of lettuce. Overall, the setting was nice and its a relaxing shopping break with a good ocean view & open air environment. I will still likely return, but would likely just do the friday night firework dinner there.
(4)
Jay C.
PASS ON THE POPOVERS BECAUSE THE SERVICE IS UNACCEPTABLE! I have been avoiding this place for YEARS because the service SUCKS! For some reason, they do not have a grasp on how to greet customers, seat them in a timely fashion and serve them with a smile. The food is basic, it's a bit pricey, yet the pop-overs are great! But the hostess stand is ALWAYS a MESS and the dining room service lacks luster as well. It's a shame to have such a prime location, okay menu, but TERRIBLE SERVICE. What is it about CRAPPY SERVICE? Why is it okay in this day in age?
Was originally planning on dinner reservations but after reading reviews regarding popovers, only served at lunch, opted for a late lunch. This restaurant does not disappoint. We arrived and waited maybe 5 minutes while they prepared the window table set aside for our reservation. Popovers were a hit with our teenagers and food was excellent. A couple of snags with our order because our waiter brought out wrong starter for our daughter and got son's order incorrect. Our daughter did not mind since she enjoyed her food and our son's order was corrected. My husban and I only wish we had more room to take in all the great food. Overall, I will definitely return.
Getting off a plane and looking for a good food experience is a challenge. We travel 'cause we want to explore and for me, the food experience is one of the most amazing explorations of that experience. A friend and myself found ourselves a little disheveled after getting ourselves to Oahu from Kona. Right off the plane we were excited to enjoy some time in the "City", and decided to look for some amazing food to begin our excursion. Upon arrival, dressed in our causal Kona gear, we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a dinner (highly rated on yelp) at Mariposa. When we arrived to Mariposa, dressed in jeans and slippers, skirt and a tank, it's obvious the servers assessed us as customers based on our clothes, meaning... We had a 15 minute wait when there were clearly empty tables. Whatever, we had money and wanted to indulge on a food experience! When we were finally seated I ordered a steak, a salad and a bottle of wine (be careful here). My friend ordered the 5 course Food Tasting. Our server was so sweet when we ordered. We chatted and it seemed we connected, which to me is a great start to to a good dinner! Or so I thought. My friend was served her first course and I was poured a glass from the bottle of wine I ordered ($59.00) along with the starter salad. Fireworks actually and literally were going off in the distance over the ocean, and my friend and I felt like we made an awesome decision to splurge to have an amazing food "experience". And then, we wait...and wait...and wait. No Server. 45 minutes later I politely ask our server, when we finally see her, if the main course might be ready? She quickly and defensively answers that it is ready, and that she had "... picked it up! I picked it up!". I really don't know what that means, but I am hoping it means I get some protein soon! Nope. 15 minutes later I ask her again, she again says that she had "picked it up!". Okay my overpriced steak must be under a warmer 'cause I for sure don't have it! Finally food is served... Yay! But wait, I don't have a steak knife! I ask another server, since ours clearly has no interest in us any longer, if I could get a steak knife, which they were happy to provide. Our server must have seen me ask because she quickly came by asking what I needed. I told her I needed I steak knife for my steak, and she she responded, "The knife you have isn't sharp enough?". Really? Um no... It's a butter knife! Okay, she was clearly on the defense and I think it's because first, she thought (and I am assuming here based on the vibe and experience) that we were not dressed to tip her sufficiently (rude) and second, I asked her for food after I waited for sooooo long! Totally not impressed by the long wait! And when the food was finally delivered it was super greasy and everything seemed wilted. My friends "tasting" which sounded amazing in print on the menu, was drowned out in sauces and oils and simply not that impressive. My steak was extremely greasy and the "Gorgonzola" steak sauce was a hard ball of crusted butter. My friend, pregnant and craving chocolate, asked if her tasting menu might possibly include a chocolate dessert? Our server responded ... "No! And chocolate desserts are much more expensive!". Okay, we get it! You think we are broke. Poor service, little attention... We get it. We decided to get our check realizing our foodie splurge was not well spent. No "experience" just money spent. I review the check and my $59.00 bottle of wine was suddenly $80.00! WTF. Ok, what's up? Apparently I, the underdressed (should not be there) customer ordered the bottle, but I should have realized on the menu (according to our server) that the price was actually only half bottle! I am still confused about this one. When I asked our server about the discrepancy, she quickly removed the half drunk wine bottle from our table,as if I were a thief trying to rob her of a bottle of wine, because I the customer didn't realize the two column pricing on the menu is actually not just two prices - glass and bottle - there are actually 3 prices! You (the customer) have to really, really, really read the fine print (and actually it's not even really printed) to realize there is a hidden 3rd price point on wine! I am telling you now, cause your server won't! Seriously still regretting Mariposa "experience".
(1)
Sasha L.
Came here for lunch and my server was Justin Tweedy. I have been to Mariposa for lunch a lot, and I have to say that Justin is the best server I have ever had! He's polite, not overbearing, and really gave us the service I've had there.. And that's saying something, because all the servers there are really nice! He just rocked and I had such a nice, relaxing lunch experience. I had the corn chowder, mango sorbet iced tea, and quinoa spaghetti. Normally I get the pork chops, other pasta with goat cheese, or the scallops..but this time I tried the quinoa spaghetti..and I think I'll get it next time, too! It's really tasty (kind of like a mellow pesto) and really healthy! Nice and light, since I kept making myself full with popovers lol. Justin was really nice and let us split a full serving of chowder in two bowls to share (thank you!). He also put the topping of the quinoa spaghetti in a separate container in case I didn't want it in my spaghetti..and he was right lol. Seriously, one of my favorite places for lunch and outstanding service!
(5)
Rhemielyn U.
This place is pricey but a nice restaurant to go to if you want to be fancy plus the lanai is awesome to sit and catch up with friends. Their service is excellent. I love their food as well. I always get their corn chowder and roasted beef sandwich. This time I decided to order their turkey gyro and it was yummy and healthy.
(4)
Jenel O.
This review is for the Peter Pan tea in conjunction with Ballet Hawaii's Peter Pan ballet. The decor was fantastic. I'm guessing Ballet Hawaii coordinated all of that. The plate stand was decorated with Peter Pan themed items as well as items left on the table to help with the festivities. As you entered the restaurant, there was a check in table (this is the pay in advance type packages). At the check in table, they gave you your tickets for the ballet (the following weekend) as well as each child received an crocodile wearing a ballerina costume (very cute idea!). Upon entrance they had dancers dressed up and you got to stand on stage with some of cast dressed up and they took your picture. You were then escorted to your table. On the table was an assortment of 3 teas and the plate stand with desserts on it. A server quickly came over and filled my cup with hot water (for the tea) and asked what type of juice my daughter would like. Another server then brought over a plate of the saltier flavors such as pigs in a blanket, mini burger, etc. After biting into my burger, I noticed it was quite pink and texture off (I do eat rare meat). I dug some of the middle out and it seemed totally uncooked in the middle. I checked my daughters and hers was the same. I returned mine to see if I could get a new one but they didn't have anymore, instead exchanging it for another kalua pig empanada (mini) which I already had 2 of and it was dry. I overheard the second server we had (that gave us the regular food plates) telling another table there was a choice of iced tea. So I asked my original server (who poured the hot water) if I could get an iced tea as I overheard that was a choice. He replied that you only can get one, it's hot tea or iced tea. I told him I should've been offered a choice from the beginning before he poured me hot. To which he wasn't happy but said he would get me one... he knew he was wrong. Ballet Hawaii had hand written a few lucky numbers on the tags to the crocodiles and gave away prizes of Nutcracker tickets for later in the year. What a nice surprise! They also did a short presentation. The downside was that we were sitting next to a table of ladies who decided they would rather talk than listen so it was very hard to hear the speaker. On the way out, they had the pictures printed and ready to take home! What a nice treat! Overall, Ballet Hawaii did a fantastic job of decor, organization, presentation, etc. However, the tea experience at Mariposa left something to be wanting.
(3)
Harry K.
Duane his staff & executive chef simply put down the best lunch in town! From pop - ups to start w strawberry butter to the crab salad or Lobstah BLT (hold the B) killer food, view & dessert! Impress here! Killer view on Lanai!
(5)
Grace H.
Mariposa is one of my favorite restaurants. I go there if I want to enjoy good food and great company. I would recommend Mariposa to everyone who loves good food, an inviting atmosphere, and a nice view! It's a bit pricey, but for being in Neiman Marcus, it is really good! I would recommend it and I enjoy myself every time I go there.
(4)
Brandy W.
I also don't understand how this place doesn't have higher reviews. We were very impressed with not only the food but the service. Located in Neiman Marcus, the best entrance is on the side of the store closest to Ala Moana blvd. In fact, if you aren't going to the mall, park near here and take the elevator straight to the restaurant. There seemed to be a ton of really close parking nearby. If the restaurant is open, I'd even call this a hidden handy mall entrance. We arrived for dinner with a reservation of 10. They told us ahead of time that splitting of checks is not allowed, so we came prepared with cash. By an unfortunate happenstance, our group of 10 was whittled down to 3. Despite my embarrassment, the staff was very willing to move us to a smaller table closer to the terrace and the view. However keep in mind, if you aren't on the right side of the terrace along the bannister, you will have a hard time watching Friday fireworks. I ordered the vintage taster which provided 2 glasses of wine from different years. I loved this unique offering because as a wino, the difference in vintage is very apparent, but not an option frequently offered. We began with the ravioli appetizer, the popovers, and a meat and cheese plate for appetizers. I believe pea ravioli is an acquired taste, but I absolutely LOVE the difference and freshness it provides fresh ravioli. The strawberry butter with the popovers, absolutely buttery goodness! really! A few of us ordered the seafood pasta. I asked about for a wine pairing with the pasta. The server wasn't entirely confident with his choice and asked for my opinion once the dish came. The pasta, frankly, was a little too fishy for my taste. It overpowered the sauce that drizzled the noodles. The wine also didn't pair perfectly with the pasta. However, when the server came by for my opinion, he left and returned with wine from the private collection as trials to find the perfect pairing with the pasta. Now that is service! He went above and beyond to make our experience one of the best I've had on the island. Don't discount this restaurant yet. I think everyone should try it, if not just for the view.
(4)
Kiyomi C.
Two stars because its the only way to really address my disappointment in a restaurant that MAYBE once was worth the money you waste to eat here. Two stars because the lovely spinning fans and the outdoor seating and view of Ala Moana Beach Park have remained the same but its really not enough to warrant a better review. Honolulu has clearly up'd the ante in terms of better fine dining establishments and this place needs to get with the times. The menu consisted completely of non-local seafood and your everyday meat proteins. Its like we could've been looking at a menu of some boring hotel restaurant on the mainland. My Dad was saving up to take his lady friend and myself for a nice dinner for her birthday. We get there maybe 10 minutes before our reservation. The hall from the elevator to the hostess stand greets you with a smell of smelly hotel kitchen. Not a great initial waft into a restaurant. The restaurant is not even half full of patrons, mostly in shorts, tourists, etc. while we had actually gotten a little dressed up for the birthday occasion. The hostess tells us we're early, and that we'll need to wait 10 minutes until our reservation and suggests walking around Nieman Marcus. My Dad is OLD with a cane. And the restaurant is HALF EMPTY. Really couldn't believe it. When we do get seated, after we sauntered through overpriced gifts at NM, the view outside in the evening was great. A few different waiters waited on us, and they were not particularly nice or clear about the menu. In fact they were not very forthcoming about the prix fixe versus the regular menu. Towards the end of our meal, the waitress shouts at my Dad - "YOU WANT DESSERT?" Now I'm all for fostering the local flair in a respectful manner - Roy's really has a knack for this - but Mariposa was totally off. You don't shout questions to a man like that in a nice restaurant - we're not in a nursing home. Dad talked for weeks about how much he overpaid at this place. Looking forward to seeing new indications of "Under New Management." People who like food and want to go somewhere nicer than Zippy's, try MW or Roy's.
(2)
Chris O.
My score for Mariposa is averaged between one of the best drinks I've ever had and some of the poorest service I've experienced. First off, we should have had a reservation! Middle of the day for lunch and we had to wait for 30 min. No biggie though since I've been wanting to try this place. Took about 15 minutes to make drink orders then another 15 minutes to put in our food orders. Server was nice but I could barely hear her. Had to ask her to repeat herself multiple times. Judging from other reviews, I probably should have ordered one of the signature pasta dishes to justify such a high price for lunch food. I ordered the Turkey BLT and though it was tasty (along with combo regular/sweet potato fries), it wasn't worth the near $20 price tag :( neither was the Greek pita sandwich special. My North Shore Breeze grapefruit cocktail was pricey as well, but worth it....it was delicious. Pop bread and strawberry spread was a cool "free" appetizer, but I was confused when our server also brought over tiny teacups filled with chicken broth. Random and not anything special. A waste of sodium if you ask me. Would have rather had two helpings of the bread... Wouldn't be back except to drink, but I bet I can get the cocktail at the Mermaid Bar. With so many great lunch places in the area, I wouldn't recommend unless you find yourself starving in Neiman Marcus.
(3)
Jennifer S.
I've been here less than a handful of times, and I've enjoyed each visit. The latest visit was for my boss' retirement lunch. They accommodated our large party and the manager worked with me through email to get our orders. Parties over a certain amount are asked to order off of one of their fixed menus. They had 3 fixed menus with 3 options of dishes (one being a salad). It also included a soft drink/iced tea and their sorbet dessert trio. We started with their popovers. An airy flakey pastry with their strawberry (?) butter. Yummy!! It's hard to eat just one. So of course, I had two. Next they bring a small espresso sized cup of broth to clear your palatte. I ordered the Mariposa Burger. I always enjoy their burger with their fries and their flavored ketchup. Try it! My coworkers ordered the pork chop (which looked really good and he said he said it was tasty, and the bistro salad which I also heard was good. Definitely planning on going back to try some of their other dishes. It is a little pricey for lunch but I enjoy the atmosphere, the service and the food so it's worth the visit once in a while.
(4)
K L.
Went for an early lunch to a just opened and barely filled Mariposa's only to be told we had to sit outside in the 95 degree weather because inside was all taken.... There were maybe 3 tables taken inside and I was the only person at the reception desk. Who were they taken by???? Unbelievable. The woman was unapologetically rude about it. I guess we didn't look like we had enough money to be showing our faces in the restaurant.
(1)
Kit W.
I have been wanting to have lunch at Mariposa for a while and finally got around to doing so last Sunday for restaurant week! =D Making a reservation was a breeze and since it was for Sunday and Neiman Marcus opens late on Sundays, the receptionist made sure I knew to take the outside elevator to get to the restaurant. Once we arrived, I appreciated that our hostess inquired whether we would prefer indoor or outdoor seats. We chose to sit indoors but we were seated next to the lanai and I could understand the appeal of lanai seats. Maybe next time! I ordered a Texas Cooler (tasty and refreshing!) and went with the restaurant week luncheon prix fixe. The starter, a butternut squash bisque, was decent but not super memorable. For the entree, you could choose between kabocha pumpkin ravioli & shrimp or roasted beet salad but they had sadly run out of the former because it was so popular. However, in its place, Mariposa offered shrimp tagliarelli with mushrooms and prosciutto in a garlic sauce, which screamed umami and was so. darn. delicious!!! The tagliarelli was cooked al dente and the shrimp were succulent mmhmm. The dessert--pumpkin brulee with a crispy Fuji apple chip--sounded scrumptious but didn't deliver in execution. The caramelized sugar part on top was mostly burnt and you could still see some sugar granules. I got to try the Ahi Tuna Melt off the regular menu and that was delicious! In sum, there were both high points and low points during my first Mariposa experience. However, since the service was so pleasant and on it, I would say the experience averaged out to be closer to 4-star than 3-star.
(4)
Sheryll Y.
My friend and I came here for high tea and while the service was attentive, friendly, and fun; we were a bit disappointed that there were no vegetarian option for sandwiches, however. Which kinda killed the mood for high tea with a friend... As only one of us could truly experience it. It was also a hot day and instead of getting hot tea we both settled for refreshing drinks. Was disappointed in the plantation tea though, after hearing amazing reviews, all one could taste was pineapple juice... We wondered were the tea part was in all of that. Oh well. The waiter refilled our glasses constantly with water and regular iced tea once we were done with our main drinks (I'm going to repeat myself on this part). Upon seating, we were greeted with someone who placed the napkins on our laps, and another employee (sorry don't know titles) came around with a buttery monkey bread and this strawberry butter. Delightful and so delicious! I found myself getting a bit full, and we didn't even get the three tiered delights yet. I posted pictures of the three tiers and I would say I was most happy with the monkey bread and desserts. I'm sure if you're a person that loves onions you would've loved the shrimp salad sandwiches. While they were delightful, I struggled - but again I'm not an onion person so it probably wouldn't be bad for someone else. The pork empanada was... Well... If our waiter hadn't told us it was pork I wouldn't have known... That was ok. The second tier had tomato and cheese quiche and while I tried it - I find for some reason I don't care for quiche - but my friend said it was delicious! The third tier of desserts were delightful, tiny but full of a variety of tasty flavors. My favorite was the pecan bar - super sweet though & my friend's was the coffee flan - which I had to agree with. Throughout our waiter Keoni was attentive with keeping us hydrated - which I find awesome! At the end with the check we received two snippets of chocolate in an envelope with Neiman Marcus on it, they were thin and filled with mint. All in all it was a delightful and fun experience and at least I could enjoy it with my friend Stef D. Also an elite member. I would give them 5 stars but this is only based on one experience. I would have to try again at least one more time before being willing to give the 5. :D
(4)
Corrie S.
Great food! Lunch and Friday dinners are amazing as you're able to watch the fireworks across at the Hilton. The only thing I advise against is the bread pudding, everything else is delicious!
(5)
Rynn A.
I rarely, actually, I never have written a bad review but I am unbelievably disappointed with Mariposa. I remember coming here when I was younger with my step mom and my memories were always pleasant ones. I remember feeling like a princess when I came here. Maybe the problem is I grew up, and the mystique and grandeur of this place was always just pretentiousness. It's been years since I've been here and I was genuinely excited to come. Being in the hospitality industry as well, I do expect a level of service but I feel for the most part I am understanding. From the start though the hostess seemed agitated and stressed. Although she was pleasant to me, her demeanor was that of annoyance. Even though her attitude wasn't directed toward me it was at her coworker which was uncomfortable. The gentleman that served me was sweet and attentive and that was probably the only delightful part of my experience. The food however was not memorable. Honestly, it was sad. I had the Ahi Sandwich and it was edible. That's it. Nothing spectacular. At the end of my under climatic meal I left, walking out without a goodbye or thank you. Patronage is important and making your patrons feel appreciated can turn a bad experience into a better one. Mariposa and their staff failed. I will not be returning and unfortunately I will be letting my fellow foodies know that the Mariposa experience is not worth it. I've gotten better service and food at IN-n-Out.
(2)
Van T.
after confirming that they had received our list of notations on the reservation for our party of three stating that we were celebrating two promotions and that we had a diner with celiac disease, we were seated with none of the information passed on to the server team. after we received our entrees, a hair was discovered on the chicken milanese and was replaced. we were still charged for the plate. so, instead of celebrating, we were presented with a parade of missteps. bravo, mariposa.
(2)
Tom M.
I really like the classy open space at Mariposa, with its long rows of electric fans keeping the outdoor breeze flowing through the dining room, and the patio outside overlooking the park and the water. They serve good quality, tasty dishes--perfect for ladies who lunch (and dudes that dine). They also offer a good wine list by the glass (so we couldn't resist). We ordered the grilled shrimp salad, which was good but perhaps a bit skimpy on the shrimpers. I'd bet that the dinners are more generous. My guess is that everybody comes for the big warm popovers they bring to the table before you dine (with fresh strawberry butter, no less). I inhaled mine, and keep wishing they'd bring me another--or twelve. If they did, I wouldn't mind that the prices are a double-skosh high. Hey, I like a light meal, but here, "light" is how your wallet feels when you pay the bill (ba-dum-bum!). It is because of the ingredients, the presentation, the cost of the learned chefs? Or is it simply that it shares a floor with Neiman-Marcus, and taint of overpricing oozes through the walls and overpowers the menu? Not sure. Guess I'll ruminate on it next time time I'm stuffing their popovers in my mouth.
(3)
A C.
Great setting, but....busy with 35 minute wait for a Sunday lunch. Menu selection is very limited and not that appealing. Food was so-so. Service was friendly, but kinda slow. I wish this were a better restaurant. Main complaint is the menu selection and tastiness of the food. Overpriced for what is offered. Wish another restaurant would take its place. I guess the tourists don't know any better which is the majority of the customers.
(1)
Brigitte S.
This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants at Ala Moana. I love that it is inside a department store yet when you enter the restaurant you feel very classy & there's a beautiful view to accompany your meal. Even the ceiling fans add a whimsical touch. The food is absolutely delicious. When you're first seated they bring you these popovers & fruit butter that are mouthwatering. The popover is crispy on the outside yet light & airy on the inside. The butter adds a perfect sweet note. The popovers alone are reason to stop in. The main plates are all great; I'm a sucker for the lobster club which we order every time we go. The whole sandwich feels decadent! The chicken breast Milanese is also fantastic, served over a well flavored orzo. The specials are usually winners as well. We like to go here to treat ourselves to a nicer lunch as it is a little higher in price. Great service and staff. Wonderful vibe!
Best thing to order is their lobster club for lunch! The club is bursting at the seams with tons of lobster that goes perfectly with the bacon. And their popovers are the best. Updated Oct 2014. Same lobster club order, different sandwich. My club had very little lobster and it was not a true club with only 2 slices of bread. I will try it again next time and see if I just went on a bad day.
(3)
Eunju J.
Two star for the view of sunset. 1star for the food taste. So disappointed on every food what we have sorry .. But the service was very nice . I wouldn't go back pay for wilt salad ..oh the bread with strawberry butter was good and the mint chocolate was the best meal we had
(2)
Yasmin N.
I used to like the food at Mariposa, but I haven't eaten there in years, so I decided to go there with my husband for his birthday dinner. Ambience is nice and you can't beat that view, but honestly I think that the food is overpriced and average at best. Hubby had the salmon appetizer and I had the corn chowder, which were both good. We both had the grilled beef tenderloin for the main course. The beef comes with a port reduction sauce, which I found to be sour. I don't think that the port was reduced enough. For dessert, my husband had the banana bread pudding, which was highly recommended by the server. It was awful. The bread pudding was hard, had a cake-like consistency, and the sauce was sparse and too thick. We paid around $125 (w/o tip) for our dinner, which comes to around $60/person. For that price, I expect better quality food, and I can name several restaurants who would be able to deliver a quality meal for that price. Sadly, Mariposa doesn't seem to be one of them anymore.
(2)
Kris O.
Chicken consomme to "cleanse our palettes," he said. I'm sold. I feel fancy. I only give it four stars because I can't afford to eat here anymore, woops. My friend and I came with a motto: "Treat yourself," and boy did we ever. We've only heard good, great and amazing things about Mariposa, and we didn't leave disappointed. The service was exceptional. We met about three different waiters who were all more than happy to help with whatever it was we waved them down for. The view on the lanai was great, if you could get past all the infrastructure and see that glimmer of the ocean. It could be better but the whole dining while we breathed the natural air was more than satiable for the both of us. The menu was simple and lacked a massive list of options, but that's always a good thing to me. The more options there are, the more time you spend battling with yourself about what you want. Minimalist and clean, much like the rest of the setup at Mariposa. They do a very good job of distracting you. Between the view, the glorious popover with strawberry butter (you can put strawberries with anything and find a happy camper out of me), sipping our Plantation Iced Teas, and the chicken consomme, I didn't find any room or time at all to be impatient about my food. Everything came together perfectly and come time my food arrived, I realized that I wouldn't have minded a wait regardless. If you know me, you'd know that I don't do cream. Cream sauces are my nightmare, but I took a chance here and I was surprised to find it thoroughly enjoyable. My scallops were cooked to perfection and it was obviously smart to choose a cream-based sauce as anything otherwise might have masked the richness and texture of the main event of the dish. My friend didn't hesitate to voice her newfound love with her lobster club sandwich either. It was no mystery we were having a ball when every time our waiters came 'round for a check-up we would just ooze words like 'yum' and 'so good' at them. Everything about this experience was wonderful, and I would definitely come back if my sad college girl budget would allow.
(4)
Masa I.
This place was my favorite before, but not anymore. Somebody's lipstick was still on the glass, so disgusting !! Shrimp was overcooked, lobster pasta was salty:( Even server never fill up my water. I won't go to this restaurant again.
I go here pretty often for an afternoon tea or a light lunch with my girlfriends. Nice environment, simple and light food, and some good drinks! :) Perfect for a shopping day~ PS: I love their fries, suqid ink pasta and Sweet potato cheese cake
(4)
Joanne P.
The best thing about Mariposa is the elegant setting and the popovers. The food and service is usually pretty good too. Unfortunately, during my recent visit (July 2nd at 2pm), I was sorely disappointed by, of all things, my welcome. My friend and I walked up to the front podium and stood expectantly while 3 ladies behind the desk ignored us. They were not helping others at the time. From what I could see, one was looking down, one was looking at a snack baggy of crackers and the third (who appeared to be in charge) was also looking off into space. They were all facing forward so I'm sure all 3 knew we were standing there, yet they let us just stand there without a greeting. After 15 long seconds of being ignored, I finally said "hi." The two younger ladies (trainees?) finally made eye contact with us and asked how many etc. while the older lady looked bored and told one of the ladies which table to give us, all the while not looking at us or even smiling. My friend and I were so shocked by this treatment that we both commented about it. Very disappointing. 4 stars for everything else, minus 1 star for the hostesses.
(3)
Grendo G.
We have holiday feasts here and I always enjoy it- the food and service, but I do think for such a luxury place, they can step it up and have air condition? Or crank it up more? I kind of feel like I'm in a cafeteria setting.......
(3)
Isa M.
Delicious food, amazing service, and a very peaceful atmosphere. If you have a happy wallet, this is a great place. If you're an average person like me, you can get the same type of food at a better price elsewhere. However, if you are going for afternoon tea, or want to feel fancy for the day, definitely check this place out. It's on the third floor of Neiman Marcus. When you get off the escalator turn right and head in the opposite direction. Before your entree, enjoy delicious popovers with strawberry butter. The bread is flaky, chewy inside, and sweet. They are delicious. I usually eat about three or four before my meal comes. We sat on the lanai to enjoy the view and our server was very good in consistently checking up on us. We had the shrimp 'cocktail' as an appetizer. It is not a shrimp cocktail, but delicious nonetheless. The shrimp is grilled and served over generious portions of avocado and a tangy yellow sauce that is made from pineapple (it has a 'chef language' name so our server explained all the components of the sauce to us). For entrees we had the Seafood Curry, Lobster Club, and Salmon Salad. Everything was great. The Lobster Club had a surprising amount of lobster in it; most places are stingy with their lobster. The Seafood Curry had the perfect balance of heat and flavor, but it did send me to the restroom in half an hour. Just carry around some One Drop or travel sized Febreeze and you have nothing to worry about! We had coffee and tea to finish. They all had a good strong flavor and the coffee didn't have that burnt taste like most places, which I really appreciated. Overall, I had a good experience! Nice place to go and talk story over some delicious food and beverages. Everything that comes out looks like it's from the Food Network. Gentlemen, take your ladies here! All girls want to feel like a princess once in a while. ;) Just make sure they don't eat the Seafood Curry.... or you won't have a very romantic afternoon.
(4)
Educated Consumer M.
I love this place for special occasions, work lunches, and (when I'm feeling self-indulgent) a quiet meal by myself. The veggie options are numerous. The popover and butter are always a favorite. But the view of the homeless in Ala Moana, not so much.
(5)
Lisa S.
Great place to eat if you want to have a moderately fancy lunch with friends or family. Highlights of this place: Poppers and the strawberry spread. I can eat it all day. Popovers is like a light, hollow croissant -- it's buttery and flaky in the inside, and toasted on the outside creating a firm shell. I appreciate that they give seconds or sometimes a third serving! The chicken broth is delicious! Everyone is served this before they receive their meal. Unfortunately, they don't provide seconds. Ambiance is nice. The outside view is amazing because you're facing the ocean, and the ceiling fans are a nice touch to the upscale "touristy" atmosphere. They display calorie counts on the menu. A little depressing, but it's good for those who are on a diet. The food is mediocre and the cheapest entree is approximately $16. I had the ahi melt, the mariposa burger, and the Tuscan chicken sandwich, and all of them were a little disappointing. The burger was delicious, but if I'm paying $5 more than other restaurants that serve burgers, then I expect it to be mind-blowing! The Ahi melt was OK. I'm not sure if I would get it again though. The Tuscan chicken sandwich -- promoted for its low calories. They don't tell you that it's only half a sandwich and the chicken is pretty dry. On a positive note, beautiful food presentation, and the dessert is highly recommended!
(3)
Edwina K.
When you want reliable dining service and a beautiful view, I come and spoil myself and my guests here. My recent visit reminded me why Mariposa is on my list of favorite lunch spots. Making reservations is ideal if you want to be quickly ushered to a table. The sooner you start buttering that delicious airy popover, the sooner you're in egg batter heaven. My usual order - the lobster club sandwich with hapa fries and washing it all down with plantation iced tea. Honestly, I don't think I have ordered any differently! I had cousins visiting from Canada this past weekend and we were here to celebrate a birthday and talk stink about our parents! Not kidding:) Many of us enjoyed the lobster club and the other dishes such as the seared diver scallops looked delicious. My cousins confirmed that American plate portions are HUGE! As expected, the service and food were good. The ocean view and open atmosphere contributed to the positive experience. And of course, my family and their significant others made it memorable.
(4)
Terrence Q.
I like this place because of these simple facts. Any seat in this restaurant is pretty cool. Roomy and spacious. Food is great. The ice tea sorbet is also good. The salad are awe-some too. But the ambiance is worth sitting at overlooking ala moana beach park especially during the lunch hour. So if you wanna jus get away from the busy food court atmosphere, make reservations right here on yelp it helps and goes a long way on making it easier to shop and dine without waiting in line.
(4)
Linda M.
Took my mini-me that just graduated from 8th grade to Mariposa last night for dinner. Told her she could order anything she wanted so she got the table-side soup and the prix fix dinner. I ordered the Mariposa salad and crab tagliatelle. Everything was just a little off. The table-side soup was a filet mignon meatball with roasted red pepper soup which sounded awesome but tasted more like tomato soup, couldn't taste the red pepper at all. The "table-side" service was lame. All it was they bring a small pot of soup and pour it around the meat ball table-side. The Mariposa salad that was supposedly koolau greens, looked and tasted just like the Costco organic salad, and the kamuela tomatoes were over ripe and seemed like it was about to go bad. For the prix fix, the starter was a mussel ceviche with avocado salsa. The mussel tasted over cooked? and the avocado salsa was absolutely tasteless. The sprinkling of the wilted micro greens on top was so sad. The braised pork belly was overcooked and with the combination of the mustard sauce with the bed of pickled red onions made the dish just taste sour. How do you mess up braised kurobata pork!!! Mini-me choose the natural beef tenderloin which was ok but the truffle potato did not have any truffle taste and the tomato/eggplant gratin was just slice roasted tomatoes and eggplants stacked together with barely any seasoning. Really sad. The crab tagliatelle looked beautiful but swiss chard is just a really weird addition to the pasta which was in a very light and watery sauce. We also got the Pot de caramel for desert and while it was ok, it was overly sweet so nothing I would ever order again. Overall, very disappointing dinner. The only thing that was good was the service and the view. Mariposa seems to be on the decline. I tried to take a picture of the ceiling fans but couldn't get a good shot with my iphone since they were moving but they looked horrible. Many of the fan/blades are falling apart, I was afraid the one above us was going to come flying onto us.
(1)
Ash K.
What a great first experience I had at Mariposa :) my boyfriend brought me here for Valentine's day lunch. We waited about 5 minutes and was seated about the time of our reservation. The waiter was very nice and we had really good, refreshing lemonade. The popovers were light and delicious. I had the lobster club (of course) and he had pork chops. We both thoroughly enjoyed our food. Nothing else really caught my eye, so I don't know if I would come back here unless I was craving the lobster club... (: Not sure how I feel about the Nordstrom models walking around modeling dresses that none of us can afford. It was a little awkward to give a obligatory smile, nod, and then have them walk away...only for another couple to walk around 5 minutes later... Also, can't forget that we were seated outside which had a great view! Beautiful Hawaii!
(4)
Paul K.
Beautiful views, delicious food, wonderful wine selections, scrumptious deserts and way too ling to wait even though the restaurant has many empty tables. I don't mind waiting but not just for effect. Today started with the popovers and the poke, past fajiole and truffle fries! Yummmmm...
(4)
Brent K.
Fabulous view and lunch to ! We had the salmon salad witch was delicious. And the main course was snow crab eggs benedict. Very good service. Nice large dinning area. This has a old plantation feel. Everyone likes the bread here, Great lunch spot to relax and enjoy the view.
(5)
Cindy L.
Excellent location overlooking Ala Moana beach, so it's perfect for lunches, especially when you have a big group. For big parties, they usually recommend having a fixed menu, which offers three choices to choose from: salad, burger or pork tenderloin. The menu includes ice tea and sorbet and costs about $25 to $30 per person. This place is always packed, so make reservations. The staff were accommodating and friendly, the food was also delivered quickly. Or maybe I was too busy enjoying the view that I didn't notice the time. Great for any lazy Sunday brunch. I also had dinners here, which has a great sunset view. Yes, it's all over the VIEW!!!!!
(3)
Denise K.
How does this place only get 3 1/2 stars? Lunch here is fantastic and should be AT LEAST 4 stars. Service is excellent and very friendly. The complimentary popovers with strawberry butter are downright delicious and perfectly airy. I ordered a plantation iced tea and I would have liked it better with more pineapple juice. I was eyeing (and drooling over) the Yelp pictures of the lobster club sandwich. That definitely did NOT disappoint. Huge, fresh chunks of lobster, crispy bacon, roasted red peppers, perfectly ripe avocado... I loved that sandwich and would order it again in a heartbeat. When you order a sandwich, you have the option of a house salad or fries - barbeque fries or sweet potato fries or a combo. I chose the combo and was glad to have the different flavors and their respective dipping sauces. For dessert, we ordered the lilikoi bread pudding and it reminded me of japanese desserts - just subtly sweet. The presentation is beautiful with the butterfly cookie on top. What a wonderful experience and I can't wait to return!
(4)
Onyekachi A.
So I went here yesterday with one of my besties for lunch dressed to the nines. Just a few hours prior we were talking about going somewhere for Afternoon Tea but I was so hungry I knew I would be able to wait until 3pm. So we went to Mariposa and LOOK AT THAT! They are doing Winter Tea from December 9-23 I believe. If you can get it DO IT. Normally Afternoon Tea at Halekulani is $32 and at Mariposa it's $20 bucks a person...now that''s what I call a good deal! The sandwiches are delicious...that day it was Curry Chicken Salad with White Bread. There was also smoked salmon and mushroom quiche. It was SOO good. The tiramisu was divine and we chose the Vanilla Decaf Tea. It pairs very well actually. Now normally I don't drink my tea with cream but it was actually very nice. When you look at the platter you think to yourself...will this actually fill me up? Yes...yes it will beyond stuffed. But the great thing about it is that you will be stuffed but won't have those terrible side effects that come with stuffing your face. Also don't be afraid of looking like an alcoholic for ordering the Rudolph the Red Nose cocktail...which is DELICIOUS. I'm sure my girlfriend and I looked like drunkies since it was only 2pm but hey we didn't care! That cocktail is SO GOOD SO GET IT!. Anyways after 3 Rudolph cocktails, 1 Mimosa, and the afternoon tea the bill came out to be $91. Not bad...not bad at all. I come to Mariposa often but this Winter Tea needed a review! Also if you ever get Mary as a server she is amazing. I wish they had customer satisfaction forms you could fill out cause I wanted to give her a lot of praise...but they didn't have it. Mariposa is always a great place to come and people watch...it's one of the few places where people actually dress up. It's refreshing.
(5)
Kelly M.
Great food. Everything we ordered was awesome. Keoni is a great server. Definitely coming back for lunch again!
(5)
Paul T.
A fine menu, sumptuously prepared to delight your taste buds. Come for the food. Stay for the breezy, relaxing environment overlooking Ala Moana park as you sip from your drink. Exquisite dining with a view. Priced accordingly.
(4)
Amy F.
Actually, NO STARS for this place!!! Tried to get a table here for two and was greeted very rudely by the two women standing at the counter. They just smuggly said in their snooty tone-"90 minutes". I would have been okay if they apologized and explained that there would be wait and I would go back at another time. Because of their attitudes, I plan on NEVER, EVER going there to spend my money! Dear Management of Mariposa...first impressions are VERY important.... I will be sure to let my friends know.
(1)
Jojo R.
I took my wife for Valentines here, unfortunately, i could only get a 230pm reservation. The good was excellent. Our waiter was awesome, even recommended a cheaper but awesome food. Food was fast, and tasty, ambience even though was in he afternoon feels cozy, nice view from where we're seating. Price was reasonable.
(4)
Tess Y.
Although this place is highly popular and has good food, the service here that we experienced were below expectations and dissapointimg. First off the waiter that was on charge of table was not friendly and made negative expressions when we told him that we wanted to share our main order instead of each getting one dish , he made a comment that was obviously meant to make us feel bad for not ordering more, I assume he was dissatisfied as leas order of food would mean a lower tip for him...furthermore we called the manager to get our waiter changed. The manager did not even apologize but simply said oh okay so I will change your waiter, then as the waiter approached with our drinks she told him right in front of us that he was no longer in charge of our table, making the air uncomfortable both for him and us. She should've told him in private not while he was serving us. Both the waiter that we had and the store manager handled the situation poorly. Although not all the waiters are as bad or unfriendly, the service is still something that should be improved.
(1)
Carin H.
You might think it's weird that I say I'll come back. You also might think it's weird that I'm giving 4 stars. But, I do believe in second chances. Ok so first visit for lunch I had the lobster club sandwich. It was good! But I honestly like the one at morimotos better. So this last time I went again for lunch, I had the scallops with the squid ink pasta. Okay so it was good..but everyone at our table who ordered food..everything came out COLD. We are in the restaurant industry and it was a busy day so we didn't complain. Our waiter was the sweetest guy ever!!! I totally understand when it gets crazy you can't make everyone happy. Food took long to come out but customer service is key. He was calm and friendly each time he came by. Really nice guy. I will be back. I believe in second chances. And I give the guy props for doing his best. I won't mention names but my point is that I will return and hopefully my food will be nice and hot. Perhaps I should avoid the busy lunch hour. The rest of the staff were also very friendly and attentive to us. Not once did we complain about a thing. Good food and good people. That's all we need.
(4)
Kenson K.
I've always had a pleasant experience at Mariposa. I absolutely love the monkey bread here. It is divine. You can just smell the butter whafting from its light, airey, decadence. This time around I opted for the prefixe dinner. I was very impressed. Ok, so I don't remember what I had but it was good. I remember my main dish was a filet mignon and it was delicious. I also remember a scallop dish as one of the courses. Also good. I am never disappointed here. Good also for lunch.
(4)
Sash T.
Thank god I made a reservation online via Open table to get us a table before the lunch crowd today. It was a full house with some Japanese tourists waiting to be seated outside. We thought everything was great. The ocean views, service, restaurant design, n parking was conveniently located right outside the restaurant. We ate the clam chowder soup, lobster club sandwich, ahi sandwich, poppers, n a fruit dessert. We thought everything tasted great n our server Phillip was on it. We can't wait to bring our family here when they'll visit us in October.
(5)
Paul R.
I love this place!!! A lot of my friends don't share my perspective, but what do they know :p. I always start with the corn chowder.. Its so so so good. And its consistently good. I devoured it before I remembered to take a pic :/. The bread rolls are very tasty as well. Soft, warm, great flavor. Goes perfect the chowder, it comes with a strawberry butter.. Whaaat!! Entree, again, I always get the tenderloin. A little less consistent, but most of the time perfect. Served with yams and spinach. I forget the name of the dessert, but it was an apple bread thing with pumpkin ice cream. Good but nothing too special. Also what helps me like this place is the atmosphere. Its quiet, intimate, and has a good view. A little more upscale, but not so much to where its formal. Wait staff this last time was great, but historically not too good. Nothing bad, but just haven't been a fan of their lack of character.. A little mechanical.. But they get the job done. Great place. A must try in my book. Will definitely keep coming here!
(4)
Wanda T.
Mariposa never disappoints, regardless of which store or city you are in. But this location is my favorite. There are a few reasons: (1) the fabulous bread served to welcome you with a little side of strawberry butter; (2) the amazing view of Ala Moana Beach Park; (3) the welcoming, gracious knowledgeable staff, sincerely hoping to make your dining experience special. When I booked my reservation, I selected an arrival time of 5:00 pm but arrived an hour earlier. Mariposa staff was very gracious and sat us immediately. We had a delicious late luncheon on the patio with beautiful views, great service, and wonderful ambiance. We are going back again tomorrow. I need that monkey bread recipe!
(4)
Emmett J.
For the price, food was disappointing. I used to look forward to going to Mariposa in past. Not now.
(3)
Jordan Aaron C.
NEW FAV! This place is one of my new favorite restaurants. I want to come here more until I have tried all of their dishes. I came here for the first time this past Sunday night for dinner and had the greatest time ever!!!!! I left stuffed, satisfied and smiling. It was a great experience, definitely a memorable one. FOOD The food and drinks may seem a little pricey, but I honestly think it is worth the price. Their dishes were made too perfection. The portions and detail of each dish is what you pay for. The main course was definitely larger than I expected and I barely finished it all. Since it was my first time here, I wanted to try everything. I ordered the Mariposa Punch ( yelp.com/biz_photos/mari… ) and the Mariposa Plantation Iced Tea ( yelp.com/biz_photos/mari… ). I enjoyed both during my meal, but I would say that the Plantation here is the best I have ever had. I tried several other places, but my favorite is here. We also had several servings of their Monkey Bread with Guava Butter ( yelp.com/biz_photos/mari… ). It was so delicious! One of my friends was stuck in traffic so this kept us occupied while we waited. I loved how the bun was buttered in layers so that it would just fall apart into pieces easier to eat. The guava butter was a perfect match with the toasty hot monkey bread. I swear I had like 4 buns and it really filled me up. For appetizer I ordered the Braised Pork Belly & Seared Scallops ( yelp.com/biz_photos/mari… ). This was one of the best dishes I have ever eaten. It was the perfect mix of pork belly and scallops with a bunch of watercress or some type of vegetables. I would have loved this as a meal if it were offered. It was cooked perfectly and super tasty. The flavors mixed well with the sauce and green vegetables under it. For my main course I order the Lamb. I totally forgot to post the pic and I emptied my phone. But it was amazing. I not a hug fan of lamb because of the game taste, but I wanted to try something different. The plate was huge!!!! It had four thick pieces of lamb with tender juicy meat. It had some dark red sauce to eat it with and it totally killed the game taste. There were eggplant fries which were good to munch on and a heavy layered potato cake thing with cream on the inside. This plate had a lot going on, but it all tasted great together in your mouth. For dessert, we had the macadamia nut pie; another photo I didn't upload. It was better than I expected. It was very cold and not too sweet. I loved that you could taste the macadamia nut and it wasn't over powered with sugar. The pie was very thick, but easy to run your fork through it. I would totally take one to go. LOCATION It is located in Niemen Marcus, but they do have their own private elevator from the beach side entrance on the top floor of the parking lot. There is a lot of parking since it is at the mall, and since it is located on the emptier side of the mall. There is always a lot of self-parking stalls open. There is also valet available as part of Niemen Marcus. The inside is fancy, and at night it's quite dim. Your eyes adjust easily, so you are able to see all the detail of your food. Perfect Location. SERVICE Talk about awesome service. I never had a glass empty and there seemed to always have someone wait on us. If we turned our head out of the table conversation, someone would come to our assistance within seconds. That was good. Sometime I was just stretch my neck or observing the restaurant and they would come to ask if I needed something. The service was great and the made sure we always had monkey bread and a fresh scoop of guava butter. We did pretty much have the whole restaurant to ourselves, so maybe that's why everyone was waiting on us, but it was good that they paid attention. Everything was perfect, no complaints and no suggestions. They just need to stay the same. I recommend every single person on this island to try this place out ASAP!!!!
(5)
Yenny R.
Went here for my bday brunch (sun6/15). Overall I had a great time except for the hostess. Our waitress was great. We couldn't decide wat to get so ordered things to share. She offered to separate our portions for us. She was super nice n friendly. Except for that hostess I wouldv'e given 5 stars. She was so rude. Blonde hair, name was Lisa or Risa? I saw she was busy so waited till the line died done to ask for help with a pic. She pretended not to hear me so I went up to her. Then she waited till another hostess returned and whispered rudely that we had asked for a picture and didn't want to take one for us (my friend was standing close enough to hear). I understand if u r having a bad day but damn, so rude! Check your attitude if u r working at a fine dining restaurant.
(4)
Keiko J.
Food is good as usual. Service Speed improved Quality of service. Room to improve The server wants us to consume more beverage That was the only concern
(4)
Jen W.
Gorgeous setting and view. Food is good, not great. Love the popovers. They are the reason I go, combined with the view. It is over priced, but hey, vacation.
(3)
Jon E.
I like Mariposa, I don't love Mariposa like some people, but I do like it. Maybe I'd like it more if they charged for popovers and monkeybread and consomme so I could just order those, pay for it, and not feel guilty for scarfing down 5 popovers prior to eating the obligatory entree. Which is not to say the entrees are bad, they are ok, not cheap obviously, but you're not expecting a deal here, if you are... well... eat more popovers. Lobster roll is a winner, considering that is the only thing I eat there it had better be. Even after 5 popovers it still is appetizing and tasty. But I'd rather drop $3 a popover and leave after my fill, just saying. Big tip here is to buy your wine outside in the NM store and have them bring it over, no corkage. It blows away paying the margins in the restaurant. The big winners they have right now (6/14) instore are the Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chard and the Shafer 1.5 Cab (hard to find and way less than Hillside Select). Ideal menu, 5 popovers, consomme, and a bottle of Red Shoulder Ranch. Yes, I did suggest the popover as the storefront photo for yelp...
(4)
Jenifer G.
Been here quite a few times, absolutely love the view. Food hasn't been spectacular every time but this is a special place for sure. Once came for lunch during a weekday, it was super busy, waited for ever for our food and the pork tenderloin was as hard as a hockey puck -- okay a little exaggerated but it was not edible. We had to head back to work soon so we had no time to send the food back for them to get it right. Had an awesome dinner here once. Came for lunches, I do like the burgers, can't go too wrong with that. Normally order the ahi sandwich, which typically is delicious but the last time it was just so-so. Love the little cup of warm consomme (is that what it is?) they serve you. And the popovers but the last time the popovers were super duper burnt! Thought at first it was just a bad batch since it wasn't just mine that looked quite brown, but the rest of the lunch it was burnt batch after burnt batch being walked around. Yikes. Service is normally good, but the last time the gal didn't pack the rest of my sandwich (I had a full half, and some bits of my first half..I was expecting the full half to be packed up!). The server guy who took care of us went back to the kitchen and had them make me a fresh half sandwich to take home. He was very awesome. The gal needs to be more aware. Had the bbq steak fries, mostly just means with bbq sprinked stuff on it, with guava ketchup, regular ketchup and a white thing which was prob packed with mayo? It was okay nothing great. Although the food can be a hit or miss, I know I will still return. The ambiance is awesome. Patio seating can be hard so you should make reservations and ask in advance to sit outside. But ask for the left side so you're away from the parking area and buses. There was a slight scent too so maybe inside is better. They normally do fashion shows too so a couple of tall skinny girls walk around and stop here and there. There are times I look but I don't really care for that stuff, although it is fun and interesting if I care to turn to look. A great place to take out of town visitors, mostly for the ambiance and view. Food, that's a hard one, can't say I have a favorite to order.
(3)
Darren M.
Been here a few times now. The food always seems to be good. Today I had some Chicken Milanese with couscous. I am not a big couscous fan but this seemed more like a rice starch as opposed to the fine grain I normally see in mid eastern food. Anyway service is always good but not better than expected for the price of the food. Oddly enough I never feel ripped off when leaving so thats a plus
The waiter was informed that my friend and I would split both the salad and entree. He offered to split it for us! Delish as usual. A light, not heavy lunch with a view. Reservations were made on open table. Please note that during the busy shopping season, upon arrival, just wait your turn in the line up. The hostess sorts through those with and without reservation. Those with reservations are seated promptly. :)
(4)
She Hunter H.
Just love the ambiance here. food and wine selection is great too! Would definitely recommend.
(3)
Johnny T.
Our group of 11 came here for our 10 year wedding anniversary dinner. I picked this place based on reviews, quality of the food photos and price. The view was spectacular in the photos of other reviewers as well. We were not disappointed. In fact, the food here is a steal and the service was great. Some of the dishes could have been price 30% more to reflect the kind of pricing you would find at other similar restaurants. I never thought I would dine in a department store restaurant for an occasion like this, but glad we did it. We had a variety of dishes between the 11 of us, but I can say that every single person thoroughly enjoyed their meals. All the dishes were presented beautifully. My wife's salmon was cooked to perfection, nice and moist. My chicken was the same. Moist and juicy and tasted great! The kids meals were much less desirable, but then again, they're kids meals and they don't care. Our server, Edward, was very attentive and professional. I would return in a heartbeat for some excellent value, fine dining. One piece of advice. If you plan on dining here while the Neiman Marcus closes, make sure you park in the parking lot in front of it. We parked on the other side of the mall and it was quite the adventure trying to find our way back
(5)
Juliene C.
Sorry, but i am not into this place! I have eaten at tons of high end restaurants in my lifetime and never before have i been treated like a second class citizen! Our waiter did not even care about my daughter and i. He came by only once to check in on us and he did it in a rush. He asked us if we needed anything, but did so while walking fast and not even looking at us. He was also the waiter for the the table next to us and he totally treated them way differently. More accommodating and with great personality. I will never eat here again! The thing this place has going for them is their popovers!
(1)
Julia S.
First off, the service here is horibble. The front host was rude, the server was non existent, the dude who brought over the popover looked miserable and didn't say anything, and everyone else lacked manners. From the decor, three dollar signs, location inside of Neiman Marcus, and verbal hype surrounding Mariposa I naively expected the environment to be better and service top dollar. But they were lacking greatly in delivering a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. The popover was cold, but the butter was nice. Yay. The chicken soup shot came 10 minutes later cold. I have tried their ahi sandwich, lobster club, and salmon filet. I would only recommend their ahi sandwich done medium. It comes with a side salad, and $2 more for french fries (skip that option). The ahi is yummy and nicely portioned, but the loaf they use has been dry twice and ruined the sandwich for me. Salmon dish was cold when delivered to me. Why do I always get cold food?? I guess I look feline like or something because they seem to assume I have a cat's tongue. The salmon was placed on top spaghetti balls in oily tomato sauce that had no taste. The veggies in it were few to none, salmon was dry but oily ( didn't think that could be possible!), and best part of the dish was the broccoli like vegetable that was cold and incredibly hard to cut.... Lobster club is meaty which is nice. Very buttered, it's a meh dish. I really don't even want to write about their food because it was all very unmemorable. I was also duped when it came to the food comparison and decor. I really hate how they market themselves as a more upscale restaurant, but then toss around expensive prices for mediocre food and service. They have calories written down beside each dish on their menu. If you're looking for a nice dining experience in the Ala Moana center similar to Mariposa, there is none. But that doesn't mean Mariposa is worth the view they offer on their patio or the feeling of being posh. I would recommend Nordstrom's cafe over here, or even California Pizza Kitchen for a sit in restaurant. Food quality + service + environment = not worth it. I would come back if someone offered or I had no choice, but never on my own will. It's not worth the price.
(2)
Ay C.
Beautiful view and great service as always! I love their plantation tea and ahi and kanpachi soba noodle salad *^^*
(5)
Kimberly D.
So, we went for Mother's Day for a special treat. $45 a head, but we knew that up front. Mostly, the food was bland, but some was right down unacceptable. Potatoes "lyonnaise" that were frozen, not fresh potatoes, then kept on a steam table. Nary an onion in sight! Hollandaise lacked lemon - no flavor. Service was adequate. Would be hesitant to try this again. None of the food was worthy of the price.
(2)
Brooke N.
Mariposa...high tea. I'm actually a little weary about writing a review, then the secret will be out!! Ok here we go...it's only on Sundays, @3pm, by reservation only. They have an array of bites to eat from savory to sweet and the traditional scone to Kahlua pig empanadas. Oh and I forgot to mention it's only $25 + tax & tip. You have a choice of 10 teas, plantation iced tea, or from any of their coffee/cappuccino menu. So the reason why I chose only 4 stars...although I'm ranting and raving about this place. There is a limit of teas and you don't get that fancy cart and white glove service with your traditional high tea service. Honestly I don't need that stuff, I like it just the way it is.
(4)
Cheryl K.
I was hanging out with my mom one day and she suggested Mariposa. Neiman Marcus is uncharted territory for me. The only times I walk in that place is to buy gifts for the high maks people in my life. I love their bathroom by the way. Hung out in the bathroom for an hour, watched some television, and then headed to lunch. (Just kidding, it wasn't for an hour, lol) Love those popovers and mini chicken broth soup thingies that they served before our meal. My mom ordered the Ahi Tuna Melt and I ordered the Tuscan Chicken Melt. Pretty decent although I felt like I was chewing at my bread A LOT. But I think it was chiabatta bread anyway. Pretty tasty though. Love their Plantation Ice Tea too. Overall nice place to have lunch although the prices are a little high. If and when I have the need for a baby shower I would totally have it there! So relaxing.
(4)
Joy H.
I expected better, especially for the price, thankfully they have a a nice staff. But I would have preferred better food.
(2)
Lauren C.
The other night I was watching the Food Network and they were showcasing this amazing lobster po-boy filled with juicy chunks of lobster between a toasty roll. I was on a mission to find something similar here at home and I remember hearing about Mariposa's Lobster Club Sandwich. I decided to get my fix and dragged my reluctant boyfriend here with the promise of lobster...lots of lobster. He was skeptical of a "fu-fu" restaurant inside of Neiman Marcus thinking it was "chick food". To be perfectly honest he does have a bit of a point. This place is more of a lunch with the gals rather than a boyfriend-girlfriend place. But I was determined to get my lobster sandwich and he was the only one available on short notice. We made the mistake of choosing to sit outside in the middle of Summer (okay, end of Summer). We're not tourist. We've seen Ala Moana Beach before. We should have just sat inside with the a/c. I found myself leaning towards the door to catch some of the cool air from inside. After gulping down our six dollar sorbet floats, we ordered our lobster clubs. I've heard all about Mariposa's magical pop overs and they were just as delicious as I had imagined. The strawberry butter was delectable and paired perfectly with the buttery and flakey popover. I just wanted to sit there and eat popover after popover. When the sandwiches came, I was briefly disappointed because I had imagined a big buttery roll filled with lobster (like the one I saw on tv) and then remembered that this is a club sandwich and not a po boy. They were very generous with the lobster and I like that they didn't slather the whole thing with mayonnaise. My only problem was that it was nothing spectacular. Definitely not for twenty five bucks. If I were to go out and buy lobster meat, I could probably recreate this dish at home. For this price I expected a lil more oomph but the flavor profile was unremarkable. I'm not sure if I would return...maybe the next time I see a lobster type sandwich on Food Network?
(3)
John S.
Had lunch yesterday with a group of friends and the service was terrible, the food was not worth the high price! More importantly the service was awful every time we asked our server for something he was obviously irritated and huffy! If I'm paying over $100 for a meal why are you annoyed? Disappointed !!!!
The service here is excellent!! We planned our family lunch at the same time as two large baby showers. We were put off slightly by this and by the hostess with an attitude, who made an unwarranted comment about not being able to change our seating even though we didn't ask. However, the servers were more than apologetic about the noisy inconvenience and they offered us another complimentary serving of their chicken consomme (in larger cups than the little "one-sippers"), more popovers, and iced tea. The hamachi salad and salmon salad were both excellent and they even treated us to dessert (mochi waffles with ice cream and gourmet chocolate bars) because of our "troubles." Highly Recommended!!
Service was excelled . Our server was knowledgeable and friendly. Always appreciate good service. My Andean Dream Quinoa Spaghetti was no dream. This green spaghetti sauce with shrimp was not that good. The sauce was too heavy and too thick. Shrimp was over cooked. No taste . Kind of flat . Still love the popover.
(2)
Patrick F.
We love the restaurant especially for me sit outside on the lanai. The view is amazing the atmosphere is great and most of the time the service is spot on. The food is always delicious but I have to tell you we go there specifically at lunch time for the pop over bread you get served complementary before your meal. I highly suggest visiting this lovely restaurant
Ah I salad is good with the some noodles. However should cut down on the soba noodles.
(4)
Reiko S.
This is our go to place for celebrations! We just got married on December 3rd so I definitely wanted to have a celebratory dinner at Mariposa. The view and the cuisine go hand in hand for a special evening. We had the lamb chops and scallops. My hubby is super picky but he was very pleased with the sauces and the skill that was used in creating both dishes. Highly recommended!!!
(5)
Jenny S.
I came here with my friends for a good friends birthday dinner and personally for the price I paid I expected better food. The service was excellent but the food wasn't up to par. Good points: - excellent service - bread was good and fresh - steak portion was pretty big - serves lamb dishes Bad points: - I had the salmon dish and it was over cooked - My friend had ravioli and she said it was greasy - my other friend had pork chops and it was dry - they had charged us for a cake we brought for my friend, we had to let them know they charged us for this Overall we all had an issue with all our foods but the atmosphere of the place was nice. My friend enjoyed his birthday dinner but I'm pretty sure we won't be coming back anytime soon.
(2)
Christina Y.
Went here for the first time on Wednesday for a lunch meeting. This is definitely fine dining. I ordered the ahi sandwich and plantation iced tea, which comes with POG (I think). Everything was excellent, including the service. Lunch is reasonably priced, so I will definitely come back here again.
(5)
Rachel I.
Lunch is a great time to go in and grab well cooked food. Their complimentary bread and strawberry butter is the bomb! I shared the seared marlin + shrimp salad and the seafood curry with rice. I saw some other tables get dessert, which looked amazing. Our waiter was very attentive and friendly.
(4)
Manny B.
Afternoon snack menu is terrible. I had the cold crab salad and the greens were terribly chopped and the presentation was not the greatest. . Wasted $25 on a salad which I feel is overpriced and not carefully thought of. Ambiance is good though, very private and relaxing. They need to improve on the afternoon menu or maybe ditch the crab salad altogether. Not worth the money.
(2)
Mike M.
I enjoyed dinner here on a recent trip to Honolulu . We sat on the terrace and enjoyed the sunset while eating a delicious pasta dish with dungeness crab. My gf had the Chilean sea bass which was incredible. It's located on level three of the Neimann Marcus store. A must if in the area
(4)
Vanesa J.
Wonderful lunch, food was excellent, ahi n tuna .sashimi salad, lobster sandwich. Waitstaff so polite and smiling all the time, Shaun was on top of his game, always check back on me refill my tea. The only disappointing thing is we were sitting by the door Where the ac coming from, the terrace area ! was super freezing to me. I check with one of the wait staff if possible I can move to the next table. He return and tell us there is a rez for somebody. Overall no bad. Just a little customer service careless. But will retun.
(3)
Karlos d.
A+. The food was fantastic. Our server Keoni was calm, and relaxed in his delivery. He knew everything about each dish and steered 4 of of us to a perfect meal. The food was delicious. As a small restaurant owner I also really appreciate great service. The meal was so nice I took the 10 minutes to update my yelp account. We live on Kauai but are here often for business. We will return often. Both Keoni and Kerl were spot in. Mahalo!
Flew home early when Chef Marc told me he was serving cornbeef Brussel sprout omelette for Sunday brunch. Chef Marc made my trip home early worth it. Service and food here is always consistent and excellent. Never a bad meal or a horrible experience.
(4)
Lorraine S.
Every time I come here, I leave happy. The food is a little pricey, but the quality is consistently excellent. My only negative concerns the popovers: I think they're over baked. I've had them served slightly burned. However, the always-courteous staff will cheerfully bring you another, if you think yours is overdone. I like this place much, much better than Longhi's. I infinitely prefer Mariposa for brunch, I think it's simply finer than Longhi's.
(4)
Trish P.
Father's Day lunch! but my mom picked the restaurant..... go fig. again, i used OpenTable again for reservations (super easy!) the service from our waitress was really great - she was super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful with questions about the menu. the "pop-over guy" (they give you individual pop-overs instead of a bread basket) looked like he hated his job, as did the other server guys that were present that day..... speaking of pop-overs - those things were delicious! served with a strawberry butter, they were flaky and airy. after browsing the menu, we all decided to get the pre-fixe menu. it had a tomato salad starter with (i think) goat cheese. for your main dish - a choice of either a crab fettuccine pasta OR a prosciutto wrapped steak. my father got the steak, my mother and i got the crab fettuccine, and for dessert, a rum cake topped with ice cream and a pineapple caramel sauce. sounds great right? well.... here's what happened.... before you get your food, they tease your palate with a tiny tea cup of rich chicken broth... i know this sounds simple and boring, but it was actually really tasty! i was highly anticipating the rest of my meal.... the tomato salad was also very good. slices of fresh local tomato, a small bunch of arugula and other greens, chunks of artichoke, and the dressing was amazing. the main dishes? well.... my father had ordered his steak medium - when it came out, he mentioned that it was like eating raw meat..... much more rare than he wanted, but, because he's a simple guy and doesnt complain much, he ate it anyway. my mother loved her pasta, but complained there was not much crab in it. i echo this sentiment! AND ADD, they used way way way too much dill in this dish. it was a little overwhelming. also, there were tons of chopped scallion in there, so much in fact that when i finished the noodle portion, there was a pile of the stuff in the middle of my plate, that i couldnt pick up while eating. i also ordered a drink called a "Texas Cooler" which had prickly pear as its main ingredient. it was VERY tart, but good.... by the time dessert came, we were ready to throw in the towel, however it looked so good, we decided to dig in. the rum cake was nothing to write home about. it was overly soggy (not moist, but soggy). the ice cream was AWESOME... it had chunks of chocolate toffee, and i could have just eaten that alone. also, this was served with a drizzle of pineapple caramel sauce, with bits of dried pineapple. that, while a little weird with the ice cream, still had good flavor by itself. and the presentation was really cool - they made a thin dried pineapple slice to look like a flower. also - like any other place, avoid outdoor seating!! birds come in all over, and they are DIRTY. sit inside!! overall - Mariposa was pretty much a 3 star kinda place TRYING to be a 5 star. some things are good, while others, not so much. i'd say, if you're in the mall shopping, save your money and grab lunch somewhere cheaper!
(3)
Lana O.
My favorite lunch spot on a good payday. Love the view and the food never fails to please!
(4)
Rupert L.
I'll give it a four star for now until I come back again. Still great service after coming here only twice since 08. This time around I came to treat my parents to lunch. The roast beef dip which was good according to my dad. Tuscan chicken melt was just right for my mom and the plantation iced tea was perfect, not too sweet. I had the corn chowder cup and that was good. Then I had the Mariposa burger which actually filled me up! I've never been a burger guy but that was good. Dessert was the special of the day.
(4)
Takashi H.
If Nieman Marcus is the kingdom of Hawaii's kings and queens, then Mariposa is where they congregate to dine on the finest of delights. Hey, we all want a taste of the finer things every now and then, so why not stop by Mariposa for a late night dessert and tea with friends? Just don't wait too long between visits because desserts rotate seasonally. I'm still dreaming about this coconut cake that my friend treated me to in 2010. That's a long time to be hung up on an old flame, er dessert that is. Anyway, the lunch crowd is usually lively and a great place for four friends (SATC-style) or a business casual meeting. Dinner's delightful too, but my favorite times to go would be for dessert, lunch, then dinner -- in that exact order.
(4)
Karl H.
Mariposa disappointed a little today. But they still get 5 stars because this is my favorite place to lunch. ever. Riding up the escalator to the 3rd floor, it's always tradition to guess how much clothes cost. Today took the cake, simple black T-shirt.... I guessed $200 in my head. My friend said $500. I scoffed at her, "are you crazy?!" Turned out to be $550. What?! So I haven't been here in a while, but after tasting that first sip of chicken broth, its like you've never left. You're home. Lol ok a little dramatic, but it's soo good! Popovers are great, the fancy fruit butter is great, but together, synergy. You know one plus one is three! So, for mine, actually it added up to six, cause I got another one. Usually I go with the seafood curry, which has never disappointed. But, I decided to go with something else today, the lobster club, which would be expensive at $25, but after seeing that a shirt cost $550, the lobster club seemed like a steal! I wonder if Neimans' does that on purpose....? So, I was left a little bit wanting after the eating the club. Which was good. It was just that the lobster was a little skimpy. I think the problem is that Mariposa set the bar so high that I was expecting a little too much? Or maybe it was just the fact that it wasn't the seafood curry, that it wasn't that good? Im going back to the curry next time. (Just FYI, I would rather choose 25 Lobster Clubs than one black Tee Shirt!) Everything else was great; the plantation Iced Tea, popovers, and especially the service. Our waiter Oliver really took care of us. Went out of his way to really take care of us. Giving us a couple of extra goodies to take home. I wanted to hug him, but kept it together. Let's just say it's gonna be a great year!
(5)
Grace D.
Took mom here for her birthday! I have given lesser ratings (in person, but now I'm a Yelper so watch out) for lunch, mainly due to service, but this dinner was a home run!!! My Ribeye was as perfect as any top rated steak house and my Mom's Ahi was cooked to pink in the middle perfection. I do admit though that I wish they had that hole-y monkey bread in the evening. The service was excellent. Just the right amount of attention and personality. GREAT JOB Mariposa!
(5)
Gaby O.
Mariposa used to be a great place to eat. I just went with my family and the whole experience was poor. From the hostess to the servers, there's much to be desired. I was seated and my husband had to stop me from getting wet from something left on the seat. The hostess seating us just looked at it and said something I could not hear. Then she returned with a napkin and wiped the seat. We sat down and waited a long time to even get water. The napkins smelled so bad that my husband and son asked for new napkins. They received new napkins but the rest of our party was left with the smelly napkins. We ended up not using them and just placing them on the side. Then I noticed my fork was dirty. Again we had to signal the waiter to ask him for a clean fork. At that point I was ready to walk out but decided against it because my family was hungry and because it was my birthday. The food was just OK and I agree with other reviewers that it is overpriced considering the quality of the service and food. The popovers were good but that was the only thing that was good about our experience there. I saw another table with a birthday dessert/ lit candle. At no time was I offered a birthday dessert or menu to look at the desserts. The hostess and servers knew it was my birthday since my family told them and since I was wearing a birthday Lei. I was very disappointed.
(1)
Brady O.
Service: average/poor Time: average Price: $$$ These guys set themselves up to fail, knowing that I was going here for my daughters birthday. I looked at some of my other friends reviews and it wasn't so good, and they are elite yelpers Emi, Shay & Jean. They started off good and we got seated early, only because they were slow. didn't see too many local customers, mostly Japanese tourist. if anyone has a complaint they have no translators to complain too anyway. everyone in my party (9) was from japan, good thing they had Japanese menus. The hostess wasn't too friendly, and when we asked for the kids high chairs she left them at the end of the table for us to decide where we wanted to put it. If this was McDonald's it would be normal, but I thought this place was fine dining, not self service. Food was average not the greatest, I had the ahi special. The worst part, is they kept getting the orders mixed up with who ordered what, a mistake only fast food restaurants would make. I give them credit for asking me, if i wanted another beer, and bringing it to the right person. LOL. When we got the bill they automatically add 20% gratuity to the bill for a party over 6 which they clearly didn't deserve. When I asked the manager about it, she said it was in the menu, so that was my fault for not reading/ seeing it. They don't do anything for birthdays so don't plan on going there for that. Overall the service was normal, but for a fine dining place you would expect more. If I wanted normal I would go to McDonalds. We spent about $350 for dinner with the tip included, felt like we didn't get the fine dining experience you would expect from a company like Neiman Marcus. I went there last year, and it was a totally different experience, I guess things have changed for the worst. Not going back or recommending here for a longtime. #fail Tips: Try to use opentable.com to book a reservation but had to call in for big group. Big groups over 6 get %20 gratuity added automatically. Not child friendly. Not good for birthdays.
(1)
Emi H.
Mariposa, you and I are lovers who just don't see eye to eye on certain things and this has resulted in ups and downs over the years. First off, I just want to say that I've always appreciated the lovely giant pop overs and chicken consume which comes with each meal. I enjoy your casual yet elegant atmosphere which makes a quick meal feel like a special occasion. Your corn chowder is always a beautiful bowl of comfort which over the years has never let me down. Most recently I stopped in for a birthday lunch and cocktails at the bar. Our bartender was not the most jovial of sorts, but on the flip side we had a server who made happy small talk throughout the meal. Older asian man, I am going to request to sit in your section next time! As always the corn chowder was great, but my shrimp cocktail was this weird dish that I can only explain as very fishy. I think in my mind I thought it was going to be a contemporary twist on traditional shrimp cocktail, but it had limu, avocado and a funky sauce. For $14 I almost sent it back, but my Japanese side stopped me from doing so. I should know better than to veer off the tried and true dishes which are my lunch staples of lobster salad and hamburgers!!! Overall the experience was fairly ordinary but I really wanted to love it! I remember the first time I went to Mariposa years ago and felt it was magical! Can we somehow revive this relationship which has managed to go stale? Honestly, do you want me to keep cheating on your with Nordstrom Cafe?
(3)
Miss P.
Mariposa for lunch is where I like to go on special occasions such as my birthday or Valentine's Day. I always order the Lobster Club with fries. I recently visited Mariposa after 1.5 years. I was VERY DISAPPOINTED that the BBQ fries have been discontinued for a year now. They were unique and tasty, kind of like BBQ chips but on fries. Please bring it back!!! The Lobster Club was amazing, as usual, but I sorely miss the BBQ fries. Thus, 4 stars.
(4)
Michael M.
Wanted to take my wife out to a decent lunch before getting our xmas shopping on. Great choice to come to Mariposa. Despite not dressing to the nines like all the other patrons here, we were accepted wholeheartedly by the wait staff. Today, service is flawless. The patrons here cut no slack as it's all eyes on you like some kinda sordid fashion show. Wife and I ordered the rib eye roast beef sandwich and the beet and tomato salad with goat cheese. It is nice that Mariposa puts the calories of each dish on the menu. Probably not good for sales of the good stuff. The always classic popover with strawberry butter and shot o' chicken consomme are welcome favorites. Food is prompt and excellent. You can't go wrong with melted brie cheese on a roast beef sandwich. You also can't lose with the classic beet and goat cheese pairing. Surprisingly, lunch for two came out to under 40 bucks. Probably because we shared. At least we know how many calories we consumed.
Mariposa is the most average "fancy" restaurant I've been to. it's in Neiman Marcus, so I expected way better quality, and a more surreal experience than the "blah" that I got. Reservations are pretty easy. I used the OpenTable app in the past, but on my most recent visit, I had to call the restaurant because there didn't seem to be any dinner service on the day I was interested in. The person who answered the phone seemed confused and wasn't sure if they were serving dinner that night (Friday), and had to call me back, It turned out they did, and I'm sure the OpenTable hassle was just a fluke. Service was mediocre. Checking in was easy, the bus people are prompt, and the manager is very nice. Unfortunately, the server (the person we saw the most of) was uptight and cold. She couldn't answer even the most basic questions about the wine list, instead her answer was always, "I can bring a sample for you to try." That kind of ignorance about the menu would be inexcusable at most other restaurants of this price point and caliber. When asked about an items on the menu, she seemed confused. Everyone in my party ordered variations of that day's chef's prix fixe menu ($65). The first course that came was Barbecued Tiger Prawns. The charring on the shrimp was nice, but it was a bit dry and the "grilled avocado" tasted more like guacamole. The only word I can use to describe that dish is "odd." Next was the Big Island Tomato Salad. I still don't understand what the chef was going for combining the overwhelmingly strong grape leaf with the rancid cheese, all it achieved was burying the tomato flavor. The main entree was a boring Seared Salmon Filet. Sadly, I've had better salmon at lesser restaurants. The roasted sweet potato tasted more like hard carrots, with less flavor. What I remember of the salmon was the strong balsamic taste. It seems like they coated the salmon with it then drizzled it over the plate. Overall, the sauces covered up the main ingredients in each dish, and the meal lacked variation from one plate to the next. Everything was acidic, and I still have that bitterness in my mouth. Each of us ordered different desserts and none of them were outstanding. All I remember is the macadamia nut pie and the pumpkin ice-cream on top of a tart thing. Mariposa earns a star just for its (free) amazing monkey bread rolls and strawberry butter. The rolls are made in-house, and they come to the table buttery soft and totally addictive. I also liked the Harvest Punch cocktail. It was perfect for the season, with frothy pineapple juice, rum, cinnamon and more. If you're looking for casual eating without expectations, Mariposa could be the place for you. If you're looking for an amazing special occasion restaurant that impresses the guest of honor, I would go elsewhere.
(2)
Russel M.
Nice ambiance along with good service make this a regular go-to Lunch spot. The Chicken Consume is amazing and the Pop-over with strawberry butter make a good beginning to any meal.
Mariposa...you're such a tease. You lure me in with your nice ambiance and your great customer service. You spoil me with fluffy popovers and chicken consume...whetting my appetite. You excite me with your special of the day: opakapaka over a bed of risotto and drizzled sauce. But then you disappoint. My fish was cold, dry and small. Even after 2 popovers, a side of fries, the consume, my 3 iced teas (btw, if you order plantation, you only get refilled with regular tea, lame) AND my main course, I was still hungry. I'm not a huge eater by any means, but I feel like if you order the special of the day, you should be left with a satisfied fullness. This was not the case. The risotto was almost non-existent and could have been an easy, inexpensive way for them to fill your plate up. I ate this in envy of my friends' burgers which were half the price.
(3)
Linda L.
I eat here once every two months. I would love to give this a 4 stars or 5 stars but my last trip here really made me give this place a 3 star. I know, so sad. The the ambience is nice, it's spacious and a wonderful view of ala moana beach park and ocean. Usually I have wonderful service from beginning to end. This time, however, was not. I had reservations- the hostess forgot about us. She sat other guests who came after us. I had to tell another hostess and she sat us right away. In the reservations, I had requested for a high chair- I never got it. And this is also reminding the hostess who was seating us that I needed a high chair. Once seated at the table, we waited for about 12 mintues. The pop over and strawberry butter was served. Two mintues later our server shows up, introduced himself, Offered to get water and took our order. My seafood curry with rice on the side came cold. I was so disappointed for lunch. And I know they give better service than this.
(3)
Thanh N.
This is my second times at Mariposa. I heard they just got renovation after my first visit and this time I came back, nothing change, except for little things I noticed like the table and the window. Talking about their atmosphere, they have good outside seating with great view that you can see firework on Friday. The distance between tables is far enough. About the food...nothing have "wow" me. First time I got the Sauteed Salmon Filet, it was good, the salmon was tender and soft but the taste was just plain to me. The second time I had Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop, the piece of pork was huge and thick, and the meat inside was a little bit cold; dry and hard. Overall, I only like their Corn Chowder. The other thing that was really bother me was the flash lights from tourists taking pictures...
(3)
Rogei M.
PROS: +Food is tasteful +MONKEY BREAD over Popover Bread +Strawberry Butter! +Ambiance is nice +Great View overlooking Ala Moana Beach +Location & Parking CONS: -Service not all that great AMBIANCE: Inside and outside (lanai) seating is nice, relaxing, and clean. SERVICE: Every time I've checked in with Mariposa the ladies at the front desk seems like there not happy to be there. Waiters/tres are not attentive. I always have to flag one of them down. Since this is a higher end luxury department store I would think they would offer a WOW service. I feel like they could improve on better service. FOOD: +Popover w/STRAWBERRY BUTTER is so delicious (served during lunch hours) +Mimosa - orange juice & champagne. Always, made right! +*Lobster Club Sandwich- fresh and tasteful! My favorite dish! Portion is very filling! I always take home a doggie bag! +Mixed greens - tasteful w/house dressing +*French fries- thick poatoe-y, backed, not oiley! + *Monkey Bread w/STRABERRY BUTTER is so Amazing (served during dinner hours). I like the monkey bread over the popover bread. +Lobster Spagettini - tasteful, thick lobster meat, portion looks small but very filling VALUE: More on the pricey side $20-$30 meals. Easily rack up a $30-$40 meal on self. TIPS: Ambiance is nice during lunch hour and I prefer the lunch menu over dinner menu. The good food balances out the awful service. So I give them 3 stars.
(3)
Laura C.
Loved everything about this place...view, service, and oh, that food. Went at 5pm for sunset, sat on the lanai by the railing, and enjoyed a couple of drinks before dinner while watching sailboats and barges go by. I had the diver scallops and my companion had the lobster spaghettini. Both were excellent. The only thing I could see being a problem for someone is the traffic noise because it is directly on Ala Moana Blvd. but it didn't bother me at all. We will go back soon, this time for lunch.
(5)
D M.
Very disappointed Was to be higher end rest We sat at the bar, bread was great. Service ok when we were ready to order. Bartender nice.
(2)
Donna Lyn B.
Ooh, dining at the fancy schmancy Mariposa at Neiman-Marcus. Never been there until I went with my friends. I thought the restaurant would look upscale and it did until you let your eyes wander and notice the fans have holes in them, the carpet is dirty, and the seats need new upholstery. For an upscale dining restaurant, it's aged over the years and for the price customers pay for their food, they could invest in a makeover. Yet, the food is awesome. I liked their popovers with the strawberry butter. The duck ravioli, scallops and pork belly, and tiger prawns were all delectable and savory. Our server was super nice, but he had the whole gauges and face piercing thing going on that kind of clashed with his straight laced employee attire. I didn't expect Mariposa to think piercings would be appropriate for their fine dining establishment, but I guess they're not that snooty. :D Since the entrees were pricey, we just decided to stop at the appetizers and get our grub on at another restaurant at the mall. I would return to try their entrees on another day.
(4)
Kay W.
This a must when in Waikiki Beach! The best restaurant ever! Highly recommend!
(5)
Drea L.
Located inside the Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Mall is Mariposa. It is right next to the NM chocolates / cookies / tea section of the store which is actually nice because you can wander around as you wait for your table if you forgot to make a reservation. The food is similar to the items available on the mainland with the exception of some of their beverages and some of the specials of the day. Yes, this is probably not an "everyday" place for lunch, but it is a nice treat for either lunch or if you like afternoon tea. The service is fine and courteous. There is an option to sit indoors or on their fairly large lanai which overlooks to the Ala Moana beach. It can be nice since you feel the warm ocean breeze as you sit on the lanai. The decor indoors is simple with large tropical fans and what is nice is the high ceilings which make it very airy and expansive. If this is your first time there, enjoy the warm popovers which are served to you fairly quickly as you sit down. It this this warm airy eggy pastry that is served with a side of their strawberry butter. Accompanying the popover is a small cup of consume served in this white teacup and saucer. Which is just a clear chicken soup that is nice and savory to start off the meal. If you don't know what to get, splurge on getting the lobster club sandwich which is always a winner. Large chunks of lobster in this buttery croissant with a side of greens. The last time I went I chose the smoked salmon salad (see pic). I was a bit underwhelmed by it. It was basically smoked salmon wrapped into a rose shape served along side some spring greens. The salmon wasn't overly salty or smokey but savory enough. Around lunch time, there are usually two models that linger around the restaurant, I guess to show off the couture clothing available for purchase at NM and if you sit there long enough, they actually change into different outfits. The first time I saw it, I thought it was interesting, but then the last few times I went, I found it annoying. How am I suppose to enjoy putting strawberry butter on my popover as these scrawny towering 6 feet plus models in 4 inch heels start walking around me?! No worries, I'm not a hater, but it just kinda spoiled the mood of splurging on a lunch if you know what I mean. LOL!
(4)
Tiani B.
First time here! My sister and I were starving and happened to be at the mall and really really wanted to eat here. We waited about 30-40mins before being seated. We sat on the outside lanai area of the restraunt. The view isnt the best but it was still nice, the food was wonderful and so was the service. I will be returning for lunch again sometime, however, I will be sure to make a reservation, I will be seated on the inside (it was a bit hot out there) AND I will leave room to try the deserts!
(4)
Jesslynn A.
Excellent upscale (pricey) lunch destination. Great pupus, salads and lunch. Get the pumpkin ravioli, it's great! i wasnt terribly impressed with the lobster roll, but I'm still drooling over the mesquite fries and sweet potato cheesecake...so delicious. It also has a nice (though a bit pretentious) ambiance with a gorgeous view of ala moana beach.
(4)
Lori I.
I don't understand why people like this place. I've been here numerous times for lunch (which I'm not too fond of either), but this review is for dinner...and here are my list of pros and cons. PRO 1. Open Table 100pt reservation 2. Beautiful sunset ocean views yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… 3. Really nice bathrooms 4. Presentation of the dishes was excellent but that didn't make up for what it lacked in taste. 5. Today we discovered the private entrance via elevator which goes straight up to the restaurant facing Ala Moana Blvd. yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… CON 1. $35 corkage, unless you buy a bottle right outside, then they waive the fee 2. We asked for a lanai seat but was told we couldn't have one. I think it was due to space. They put us in the center of the restaurant instead, when the place wasn't even 30% full. See above #2...maybe if they had put us on the lanai we would have been distracted enough not to notice the: 3. SERVICE was slow and spotty. The place was EMPTY so I don't know why it took so long. Spoons weren't provided when the soups arrived, our food took EXTREMELY long and wasn't even hot when it arrived. 4. Popovers are only served during lunch, monkey bread for dinner. 5. KIDS MENU sucked. It included a salad (really now, which kid loves to eat salad?), kid un-friendly entrees, and an ice cream sundae but NO PRICES LISTED on the menu. When I asked the server how much the kids menu was, he didn't know. When the pasta arrived, it was undercooked and chewy and the marinara sauce was terrible. 6. FOOD ugh. There was nothing that was outstanding. The appetizers were not very good; the braised pork belly (dry, not very melt in your mouth) with seared scallops (dry, not very tasty) was very pretty but that's about it. The sour watercress salad underneath didn't do much for me either. yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… 7. It's EXPENSIVE. There are so many other places with much better food and way better prices.
(2)
Erin Y.
For the price, I'd go to Nordstrom Cafe. Yes, it's in the dungeon of Ala Moana. Yes, its hard to find and is always crowded. Yes, it's cafeteria style. But oh so good. Back to Mariposa. I come here for lunch once in awhile with my family because they love it so. Me, not so much. I'm always unimpressed by anywhere serving Pepsi and I hate to overpay for a simple salad or sandwich. I admit, the lobster sandwich is actually quite good. So is the salmon salad. The true reason for coming to Mariposa is the popovers. The popovers rule the lunch, especially with the guava butter. Their strawberry lemonade is terribly good, too bad its so expensive that I can only have one. The food is fairly simple, with good flavors, just very overpriced in my opinion. The atmosphere is very calm, but it does get hot at times. Service is good, but the one waitress we had this last time was a little... too Type A personality for me. Especially for a waitress. 5/31 October 2012
(3)
Dennis M.
Business lunch with boss and team. had the Lobster club, tasty, french fries good. service good with lots of service staff. Price on the high side, trendy, lots of trendy, business type people in the crowd.
(3)
Lai T.
I don't understand the hype associated with Mariposa. I had it bookmarked for a while and was eager to experience a meal there. Even the infamous popover left me wishing for the meal to be over sooner. The service was a bit off when we dropped by for lunch with my bf's mom. Our lunch dragged on for almost two hours because our server was no where to be found (big pet peeve for me). The food was nothing extraordinary. Our view on the patio was nice but after an hour of wanting to leave but having to wait for the server to get around to us-it became a moot point. One other thing that drove me a little crazy was the models who would stroll on by every 15 minutes or so, showcasing outfits. Shouldn't Neiman Marcus be a tad bit classier? I mean really, do I need to be ambushed by these walking ads as I eat my lunch? *shakes my head*
(2)
Julie C.
Great food and impeccable service. I had the Applewood king salmon salad and seared diver scallops both of which were excellent and perfectly cooked. The service was excellent and our waiter was very attentive. Definitely would go back!
(5)
Evan A.
YUM. I've been to Mariposa a lot (well more when I was younger) but my friend and I were shopping and needed a lunch break. 2 seats at the bar and we were set. I had the ahi sandwich with a glass of wine, my friend the turkey sandwich. $49 for a fabulous meal. I can't complain. I think I'll have to make this a regular when I'm visiting home.
(4)
Boki C.
Expensive, but yummy! It would be a 5 star if it wasn't so pricey! I'd rather have sushi for the price. But if i wanted yummy "fresh" seafood that wasn't Japanese style, then I would return to this place. I had the large corn chowder and the scallops. YUMMY! There were 4-5 pieces of scallops and I thought it wouldn't be enough, but I was full! The tiger prawns were ordered for the table, they were OK. Beautiful view! For these prices, I MAY prefer Alan Wong's ... May....
(4)
Irene T.
I love the view from this restaurant over looking Ala Moana Beach Park. The atmosphere is relaxing as the big palm ceiling fans bring the trade winds in. The food is fabulous and the wait staff attentive. I especially enjoy the King Crab Salad served with the puff-puff bread along with a glass of Champagne. A great way to celebrate a fun day of shopping at the Ala Moana Mall!
(5)
Kayla R.
I finally went to Mariposa for their dinner menu. It's such a nice place to eat, especially after a long day of shopping. My waitress was very pleasant and had positive comments on every dish I ordered! First off, their popover is so fresh, soft, and fluffy. It's served with a side of strawberry butter. Which makes it sweet! Yum! The most outstanding thing I had are their Scallops! First restaurant in Hawaii where the scallops don't have the crunchy sand! It was so soft and flavorful. With a little bit of risotto in the middle of the dish. I recommend everyone order it, at least once to try it out! Everything was so delicious, I can't wait to go back and try everything else on the menu.
(4)
Terry K.
$30 per person for lunch? Okay, I think it was worth the treat. Atmosphere-excellent Service-excellent Food- very good I was the benefactor to a great lunch- had the Lobster BLT Sandwich. A must for lunch and worth it's price. huge pieces of lobster with an abundance of avacado, a couple strips of bacon (they made sure the lobster remained the star of the sandwich) and some lettuce and roasted peppers. The whole sandwich was too much for me; brought 1/2 of it home with me and had it for dinner... Oh, let's not forget the wonderful popover and broth they serve to clear your pallet before a delicious lunch. And on your way out, try the candied potato chips by NM; they usually have samples at the confection counter
(4)
Dean N.
The Mariposa is a great restaurant. I say this not because I like Neiman Marcus, but from my previous dining experiences here. I've had no bad experiences at Mariposa. My friend and I dined here on a whim as our original restaurant choice turned out to be a ghetto place that didn't provide sit down service. Ewh! Although the Mariposa was not on my "Eating my way through Oahu" for my visit, it was a great addition. First the view from the Mariposa is amazing. Amazing!! The Mariposa is an "open" restaurant that has a view of Ala Moan beach. There's nothing like relaxing, sipping your drinks and staring at the ocean. Tourist and locals alike enjoy the view. As for the food, I've ordered nothing here that I did not enjoy. I ordered the special which was beef mandolin in red sauce with pasta. The beef was cooked very tender and juicy. The red sauce was light and flavorful. My friend ordered the turkey sandwich which she enjoyed. For dessert, I ordered the lilikoi bread pudding for dessert. OMG. Can I say that I could have simply eaten that and been satisfied with my meal. It was simple delish!!!!!! They also served strawberry butter with their bread. So yummy. I'm not a fan of butter as I am very conscious of my diet. However, I couldn't resist trying it and devouring all of it. The service is excellent. Our waiter was attentive to our needs and checked on us. The bus boys are also attentive - paying attention to see if we needed refill with our drinks. The ambiance at the Mariposa is Hawaiian causal. Not too fancy and not to relaxed. Overall, the Mariposa is wonderful
(5)
Robbie M.
I love this place. It is my second time here. All the food is to die for and the cocktails are creative and refreshing.
(5)
Wayne T.
got the scallop dish. was good, but not fantastic. friend got the quinoa salad. expected a lot of quinoa, but it was more like a sprinkle. aunty got the laksa. also, ok, nothing special. worst part was that the popovers were over baked and pretty much burnt. asked for new ones which were better, but still a little over baked. service was excellent though
(3)
Tim B.
We have eaten here for lunch several times but this was our first time for dinner. We had a great experience. The service was great (thanks Todd). The food was excellent. We had the corn chowder, pork chop, and beef tenderloin. The pork chop was very juicy and flavorful. The steak was very tender. This experience has put Mariposa in our top 3 favorite restaurants.
(5)
Kyle H.
The service, convenient location and ambiance cannot be beat. I haven't been here in years, my date made the arrangements (Thank you lord, decisive men do exist). Previously, I had only been here for lunch and was disappointed to discover the much-raved-about popovers and lil' cup of chicken broth are exclusively lunch items (our server relayed a story to us about a couple who came in for dinner, when asked when their popovers would be served found out they weren't available actually walked out because they were so damn bent out of shape about not being able to get them... I don't particularly remember them but they must be damn good) However this did not deter us from staying and ordering a menagerie of dishes. Our server Michael was quite possibly the most awesome waiter i've ever had. When he heard i've never had the chicken broth, he arranged to have some brought to the table. The food is another story completely, I enjoyed elements of a few of the dishes - I can't say I really loved or craved anything on its own and that bottle of cab was great (I can't credit them for that though). The king crab bruchetta appetizer was ice-box cold and bland, like they forgot to add any seasoning. The Sauteed Calamari was very tasty though, the spicy pomodoro sauce worked well after I dumped some of the sauce atop my bruschetta to add some flavor (i'm positive that is very uncouth of me but who ever said I had any sophistication to begin with...) We (I mean ME of course) got very excited when the lamb shank arrived, it was enormous. The restaurant was dim and impossible to get a good photo to help you appreciate its scale but DAMN! yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… Our server was right, it was fall off the bone tender but too fatty for my companion's taste. I really enjoyed the beet salad, the kicker was the panko fried goat cheese fritter it was served with, nothing beats fried cheese! I refused dessert but our five-star waiter Michael brought something out anyway (I think it was the I ALWAYS SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT sign that's written on my plump ass) - i'm not sure exactly what it was but it was very light and refreshing, a version of fruit shortcake with a whip, light custard and seasonal fruit on top. Though the food this time around was nothing to rave about, the dining experience was stellar thanks to great service and company. Also, this is a random observation but I am in love with those giant ceiling fans!
(3)
Michelle E.
Bread is amazing! Service is good. But the ability to cook a filet is in desperate need. I order the tenderloin medium rare, when I got it there was a small amount of warm pink in the center....medium well. So I sent it back....after 10 minutes they brought the new one out. It was medium rare in the center but burnt on the outside. Not happy!!!! I had to cut the burnt off that tasted exactly like charcoal! And then it was way over seasoned and salty....
(2)
Little D.
This is a lunch only review as I have only been here for lunches. The best choice for a special occasion. A little pricier but view, taste, service guaranteed. Reservation recommended by the terrace, so you can see outside and the ocean! PS. I always want to have the second serving of the great tasting brioche... it is unfortunate that my stomach does not hold too much food. YELP 365 - 69/365
(5)
Joanna L.
After wanting to come here for quite some time, I finally arrived knowing exactly what I wanted to order. The Corn Chowder and Lobster Club. Of course, I hadn't taken into account that there would be specials. I very nearly changed my order too! I was glad my lunch date ordered the special: Mac Nut crusted Mahi Mahi over a bed of risotto. I had a bite and it was lovely! Lovely like the warm breeze and scenic views. Lovely like the service we experienced. Our server was very attentive and never let our waters and other drinks empty. Whatever problem we had, he took care of it swiftly and apologized profusely. And I could go on and on about how great the service was, but I won't. You just need to know service was 5 stars! After our orders were taken, they immediately presented us with chicken consomme and popovers with strawberry butter. My lunch date was highly impressed with the consomme. The popovers had a very appealing texture on the inside, but they were very bland without the strawberry butter. The strawberry butter was very light and fragrant. Soon after, they brought out our Plantation Iced Tea and Mai Tai. The Mai Tai is sweeter than expected and the Plantation was a bit too watery. Refills of the Plantation is only the unsweetened iced tea, which I normally wouldn't mind, but the Plantation wasn't very sweet to begin with. We shared the Corn Chowder, which they split into two dishes for us. I thought this was very considerate. Although I wasn't blown away by the Corn Chowder, it was still tasty and very enjoyable. The Lobster Club came with a salad that I was very impressed with. The salad dressing was tossed in so amazingly well that just by sight, you may not be able to tell there's any dressing at all! A perfect balance of flavors. The Lobster Club was delicious and definitely worth trying, but at $25, it's too pricey. I would not order this again, but I also don't regret ordering it. Definitely don't come here starving, but if you're wanting to really enjoy a nice drawn out meal with good food, lovely atmosphere, great service, and amazing company, Mariposa is an excellent choice.
(4)
Karen D.
Great service and tasty food. Love the scallops and the corn chowder. Can't stop loving the Yorkshire pudding!
(5)
Sara P.
Nice place to sit down and have a bite to eat during lunch time. Take a break from shopping and enjoy the classy and comfortable atmosphere of Mariposa. Expect it to be a little bit on the pricey side, it is in Neiman Marcus after all. It's about $25 or more a person for entrees. Loved the chicken comsomme and pop overs they served at the begging of the meal. I ordered the scallops and they were tasty!
(4)
Karen Y.
ORECCHIETTE PASTA housemade italian sausage, roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, broccolini, olive oil garlic sauce, crumbled goat cheese. $18.00 Straight from their website, I ordered that. Minus the sausage. :P And it was deliciousss. They listed the calorie count next to it which was like 900+ but it sounded too good to pass up. :) The oreccheitte was cooked just right and the sauce was light but tasty. So good. Everything worked well together. They give these popovers as free appetizer when you get there with some strawberry butter I think. The sweet butter isn't my thing though. They keep refilling your bread plate with popovers until you say when. And they give you an espresso sized cup of consume (chicken broth) to "cleanse your palate". We fancy now.
(4)
Sharon H.
It's been about a year since I last visited Mariposa for dinner, so I suppose I forgot that the fabulous airy popovers are no longer, alas! Instead, the pre-dinner roll is a soft buttery sweet bread still served with the delicious fruity berry butter. After munching halfway through it, the waitress burst my happy bubble by breezily saying that the roll is 400 calories -- without the butter! In fact, every item on the menu is carefully calorically accounted for in exacting amounts. Seriously, between a bowl of the delicious Mariposa corn chowder with a Big Island tomato salad followed by the chocolate crunch bar dessert shared among three (I must add), I ate enough calories to make Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers cringe or perhaps clap furiously as they sense another client in the making. My already thin friend ordered the 170 calorie Mariposa Salad. At $12, I'm not sure she ate enough calories to get her money's worth but my friend enjoyed the flavors of the fennel and Maui onions served over greens with a light balsamic dressing. My other slender friend ordered the asparagus salad which came with a slice of fresh mozzarella, an anchovy and tomatoes. At $14 and 350 calories, perhaps she got her money's worth! They also ordered the smoked salmon starter and the baby clams. Although slightly higher in calories, their meal still totaled under 700 calories. Oops, maybe not, we each ate one roll! Plus 400 for everyone, argh. So, was it worth it?! Well ... I, for one, recommend ordering a couple of starters if opting for a "light" dinner -- as in "you might still be hungry later but don't want to spend too much." Or, if calories or cost is of no concern, skip the starters all together and order an entree which starts at $26 - $42 and 500 calories up to nearly 1800 calories. Gads. What I enjoyed best about Mariposa may have nothing to do with the food ... Instead, there was great conversation and laughter with close friends, the fabulous ocean view, and the sunset skies fading into twilight. That was priceless.
(3)
Lily B.
So the friends and I were loooong overdue for a nice lunch... so after the date and time was set, we did a lil vote and decided to have lunch at Mariposa which is located on the 3rd floor of Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana. There is seating "inside" and "outside", and we opted to sit outside on the lanai. It was a beautiful sunny day in Honolulu and we wanted to enjoy the view of Ala Moana Beach Park, the ocean, and the blue skies. I had made reservations via Open Table and although the restaurant opened a little late, we were seated fairly quickly. Karla, (I think) the hostess, sat us down and put our napkins on our lap. She didn't seem to have very much personality and I was a little concerned that if the rest of the staff was like her... we were going to have a mundane lunch. Kim, the next woman to greet us, welcomed us and offered to get us something to drink. We were still waiting on one more person so my other friend and I both ordered the plantation iced tea which was supposed to be very popular. We waited a good 15 minutes before the iced teas arrived, and when they did... well, the taste and I just didn't jive. It was bitter and just tasted... funky. I didn't even bother to add sugar, when our waiter, Shaun A. arrived, I sent it back and instead ordered a glass of Moscato (as he recommend as a sweet alcoholic beverage) which I truly enjoyed. Shaun A. was very professional. He went over the specials of the day, answered all of our questions, made great recommendations, and was super friendly. We were given pop overs to start. It was accompanied by a strawberry butter which tasted really good. The pop over itself was... bland. Boring. LOL my friend called it an oversized malasada without sugar. Ha ha. We ate some of it and didn't finish. We were offered more pop overs but we declined. Not impressed! yelp.com/user_local_phot… We all skipped appetizers and went straight to entrees. One person ordered the ahi tuna sandwich with a salad, which she said was "good". The other person ordered the lobster club sandwich which he LOVED, and I ordered the lobster club sandwich, but instead, I swapped the lobster out for king crab. YUMMY! I couldn't decide between the bbq dusted fries and the sweet potato fries, and because Shaun is awesome, he actually gave me half and half. Swapping out lobster for king crab AND giving me the best of both french fries, umm... he is ON HIS GAME! Let me tell you, this king crab club was DEE LIIIII CIIIOUSSS!!! OMG. King crab. Bacon. Avocado. Bell peppers. Some fancy truffle aioli (I HATE mayo but I ate some of this stuff, it was good!). HEAVEN!!! Okay $24 and pricey, but damn good!!! yelp.com/user_local_phot… As for dessert... we were told that the lilikoi pudding was the best seller. So my friend ordered that. I was stuck between choosing the dark chocolate cake and the lemon creme brulee, so my other friend, who is awesome, said he'd order the cake so I could order the creme brulee, and we'd just share (which we're cool with since we've known each other for like 11 years!). We waited about 15 minutes for dessert, and here's what we got. yelp.com/user_local_phot… The lemon creme brulee was good. You can't really mess up creme brulee. The lemon twist was interesting, but in a good way. YUM!! Ruth's Chris still has the best creme brulee though! The dark chocolate cake with layers of mousse was dense but very yummy. It came with a berry mixed with ice cream and cream in the shot glass. We poured it over the cake and it made the cake taste 939409 times better. YUM!! Finally, the lilikoi pudding was... disappointing. It wasn't quite a bread pudding consistency but it was softer. It was very bland and tasted as if it was... missing something. ALL of us didn't like it! Our waiter was so surprised that we ALL didn't like it and stated it should be served warm (which it wasn't) so he offered to take it back and get us a new one, but we declined. He's so sweet (and such a sneak!) and he told a manager we didn't like it. So Janet, a manager, came over to chit chat with us. She was quite friendly and sociable and went over the desserts and tastes with us... I mean she liked the lilikoi pudding it but it wasn't her favorite. Her fave was the cake! We appreciated her honesty, taking the time to come to our table, and taking the dessert off of our bil! So for 3 drinks, 3 sandwiches, and 2 desserts, our bill was $110. LUNCH is PRICEY. The atmosphere is UPSCALE. The food is FANCY. But for the most part it tastes good. Would I return? I would... once in a while when I want a fancy lunch and to feel... well off. Haha. So long as SHAUN A. is our server as well. If you go, ASK FOR HIM!!! He's GREAT!
(4)
Lindsey G.
The view is great in the balcony, overlooking Ala Moana Beach and Waikiki. The service is excellent. They will even give you a black napkin in exchange for the white if you are wearing black pants so as not to get lint in you. The popovers and strawberry yummy and I highly recommend all of their salads for lunch. Everything I've had has been tasty though!
(4)
Victoria C.
This is my fav place for lunch date with my girls or fiance! I love the atmosphere and being able to sit on the lanai looking at the view. A few of my favorite dishes are the lobster sandwich with fries and the aoli sauce (mmm getting hungry just thinking about it), the salad nicoise (ask them to add anchovies.. it makes it so much better!!) and the crab salad (comes with an abundant amount of pieces of crab and lots of lettuce!! Good meal size salad). Another reason I love coming here is cause of the excellent customer service!! Seriously, if we ever have any sort of problem with any of the dishes, they will have no problem sending it back and letting you order something else. The waiters are so nice and friendly. Never had any problems coming here :) Oh and you must try the Texas Cooler.. it's like a virgin mojito with some kind of cactus juice that makes it pink? Uberrrr cool in my book.
(5)
Candice L.
We choose Mariposa for a special occasion....my friend's birthday. For an expensive lunch the hostess is horrible!!! The hostess stand is the first person who is suppose to greet you!!!! We made reservations at noon for two by the window. We got there a little early like 11:45. The older hostess looked up at me with a irritable look then looked up our reservation and said it will be a moment you can have a seat over there. Mean time they sat 2- 2 tops a 5 top and a few 3 tops. 10 mins later I went back and said "Did you forget about us?" she said it will be a moment. I said that's what you told me 10 mins ago. If that's the case we could have walked around and come back! So then she has someone seat us on a table farthest from the window! I was pissed!!! I told the lady who sat us, that I had requested by the window and if we could take that other table that was open by the window? duh! She says let me check. She comes back and moves us. For a top expensive lunch for a special occasion....I expected better service! Starting your meal feeling upset and shaky was not very enjoyable. We had a bottle of wine which calm my nerves. The waiter was nice the food was okay. Not sure if I would spend my $$$ there again.
(2)
Nicole R.
Mariposa is a beautiful restaurant perched atop Ala Moana Mall, just inside Neiman Marcus. It's a rather elegant place - a perfect spot for a ladies luncheon or client meeting when you really want to make a good impression. Do be sure to make a reservation, and definitely don't be late, or you will likely be looking for a place to eat at the mall's food court instead. Did you notice -- you can make your reservation on Mariposa's Yelp page! Easy peasy! The food is beautifully prepared and presented. Some extra special touches include the delicious, espresso-sized cup of piping hot consomme they bring before your meal, along with freshly baked popovers served with strawberry butter. YUM! Some other menu items I recommend: the king crab salad, the burger and the lemon shrimp salad. I've been here for a baby shower and a bridal luncheon and both times we were accommodated very nicely and the service didn't lag in spite of our large groups. Mariposa is a bit on the spendy side -- perhaps the prices are a bit too much for the food, but it is undoubtedly a lovely spot with delicious food and good service, so well worth the occasional splurge!
(4)
Anson D.
What more can we add to my previous review? The location is excellent and food quality as expected for a higher-end restaurant. The First Lady dined here last weekend but we missed her and her secret service entourage by 15 minutes. That alone should suggest this restaurant needs your attention if undecided and want a very nice place to dine and invite your closest friends and family. It's not cheap, but anyone patronizing the restaurant should already know that in advance. We will definitely give this place another visit on my next trip to the island.
(4)
Inthira M.
My mom has been feeling down lately so I knew that her birthday had to be just perfect! Remembering that she had a wonderful time when I took her here for Mother's Day last year I decided to take her here again. Seeing that I don't come here often of course I had to Yelp the place! When we walked in we were greeted warmly and then seated promptly. I had asked for a table either on the lanai or by it and we got a table near it. While we were looking over our menu our server recommended several dishes to us (since every dish pictured on Yelp looked so good!) and when he left to give us a couple of minutes to decide we were given some pop overs and consomme to clear our palate. I decided on the lobster club sandwich after I almost drooled from watching another table get it, my mom had the laksa, and we decided to share the grilled shrimp "cocktail" as an appetizer (all were the servers recommendations). The pop overs were wonderful, but I remembered from before that I didn't like the butter that was served with it because it is sweet and I'm more of a savory type of woman. When our appetizer arrived I was amazed at how pretty it looked! There was a tomato gazpacho sauce (except the gazpacho was orange which I assumed would be red because it was tomato sauce) on the bottom and then three large pieces of shrimp and it was garnished with cubed avocado and a seaweed salad. I don't usually like fennel so I was a little aprehensive about this dish but I LOVED it. The grilled shrimp was a nice twist on a classic "shrimp cocktail." The gazpacho was so good I kept trying to put all the sauce on top of the shrimp and the avocado and seaweed salad was very refreshing. When our entree's came (immediately after our appetizer was removed. So speedy!) I was already kind of full. But, it's hard to resist a sandwich that has a fresh lobster claw hanging out of it so of course I dug in! At only 770 calories (I love that they post their calories on their menu!) how could I not love this dish!! It was accompanied with a side salad, but I was too concentrated on my sandwich! My mom's laksa had clams, shrimp, fish (I believe they said three different kinds), vegetables and it was served with a side of rice. I'm used to getting laksa served with noodles and I'm used to that so it was sort of a let down, but my mom didn't seem to mind. The laksa still tasted good so that's what counts! We were so full by the time we finished! Our meal ended with some chocolate mint. What a nice touch! My mom had a great birthday; mission accomplished! Because of this experience I will definitely come back more often!
(5)
Riana S.
Man, people really talk up this place, pretty much hyping it up to the point where my expectations were at a "I JUST DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN" high. Sadly, I left the restaurant feeling...very mediocre. It is a very nice setting, the ambiance is nice, a place to take your mom for lunch (maybe not my mom, a Filipino old-fashioned woman would not appreciate this) and the service is excellent and it just made me disappointed that the food was just...like the rating I gave it, A-OK. I ordered the italian sandwich and it was okay, I felt kind of ridiculous spending the amount of money I did. It lacked real flavor and taste, almost to the point of bland. The pop overs and the strawberry butter tasted better. I can understand if people wanted something light but I guess it's just not for me. It is all very pretty though.
(3)
Jim F.
Had a reservation for 2 for 1:15 here. Checked in with the hostess 20 minutes prior to our reservation. She told us to come back at 1:15. When coming back she said it will be only a few minutes. That went on until 1:30 when I asked how long will it be now, she said 10 more minutes, which I had to press to get an answer for. So they expected us to wait 25 minutes when we had a reservation. I spoke with the outside dept manager Chip, who was just the nicest guy you could meet and explained to him the situation. He offered to rectify it with mariposa's management, but by then my fiance and I were too turned off by the whole thing to want to eat there anymore. So we left. At 1:45 the manager called my fiance to let her know our table is ready. By then were already in the car. Wow.... I know things get crazy, but as a manager you need to handle it, that's what you're paid for. Half hour wait with a reservation is unacceptable. Follow-up: The food and beverage manager for Neiman Marcus called my fiance' and apologized for the issue. He said the tables weren't turning the way they expected and asked us to give them another chance. He also sent us a small gift package and a handwritten card apologizing, which was really nice. So im changing my rating due to the damage control and am hoping my next visit is better.
(4)
Christa Lei S.
I'm pretty disappointed with this place now. While it used to be one of my favorite spots-- they've completely done away with all the best aspects of the restaurant. I understand that it's a recession, but please don't hike your prices up while using lower quality ingredients. I feel ripped off and gypped. The once amazing porcini fries have turned into BBQ fries... the truffle aioli? Turned into a figment of its former glory: truffle honey aioli, in which I can't even TASTE the truffle. The scallops? They aren't accompanied with anything. I miss the risotto! I even miss the gnocchi! Stop skimping out on me, Mariposa! :( Thankfully, they still serve complimentary broth, and the popovers are still amazing. I'll probably only stop here for pupus and cheese from now on. Everything on the menu is more expensive, and I'm not sure I want to pay for something that used to taste better at a lower price.
(3)
Rick L.
Mariposa! There's nothing like doing some shopping and browsing around Nordstrom then enjoying a breezy lunch at Mariposa. Great selection of food and it's always top notch here. The food plating are superb. However, the menu rarely changes. It's the same ole, same old the dozen times I've patron this lovely establishment.
(4)
Kelly K.
Nice place to relax and have a cocktail at the bar after a long day of shopping. Unfortunately if you sit at the bar, you'll have your back to the pretty ocean view. The bartender makes some tasty strong drinks. The only criticism I have is for the impossibly high bar stools. I had a heck of a time getting onto one.
The food is good and the waitstaff is great - attentive, friendly, and helpful. Never disappoints!
(4)
Mike O.
This is the place you end up when you wait until Feb 12 to make Valentine's dinner reservations. I wondered why there was so much reservations still available? They had a special pre fixe menu for Valentines for $75. 1) Kabocha soup with a duck dumpling - not bad. Soup was creamy and yummy. Dumpling was ok. 2) lobster Tempura - Best dish of the evening. Batter was light and fluffy but lacked taste. 3) Kurobuta (pork) shoulder. Really big piece of pork which was dry and tough. I had absolutely no flavor. 4) Scallops and Branzino (European bass). Again tasteless and undercooked. 5) Dessert was rose flavored pudding - ok The service matched the food which was uninspired, flat and flavorless. Our waithelp had no personality and probably said less than 10 words throughout our entire service. The best part of the entire experience was the great sunset view and luminous clouds that suddenly showed over magic island as it poured rain.
(1)
Waikiki S.
Ocean view balcony dining area. Great service. Glad we went at 2pm. There was less people. The free bread with sweet butter was a great start. The burger was generic & the lobster inside the lobster club sandwich was the best part. Sweet Potato mixed with regular potato fries was a treat.
(5)
Christina S.
Lobster Club with fries...O-M-G! Yes, I order the same thing for lunch every time I get a chance to go there. I have tried other items because who ever I am with loves to share their food if I give them a portion of my lobster club. But hands down you can't go wrong with the lobster club. If you want to be healthier you can order it with the salad instead of fries. I just figure I would burn the carbs while shopping (hahahaha...sarcastic laugh). DUH, of course I want fries. Plus that aioli sauce, ask for extra. It's good with the fries as well. Don't forget your plantation iced tea as well. Just remember if they come by for a refill it's gonna be regular iced tea unless you pay for another plantation iced tea. OHHHHH, I forgot the puffed bread they give in the beginning...yummy with that strawberry butter. Don't worry if you eat it all and you want more someone will come by to offer you one. Don't be shame. Although one is pretty big and you should feel satisfied. One last thing, only sit outside if there are trade winds or the air is cool. If not, you'll be hot, sweaty, sticky and not enjoying your lobster club with plantation iced tea. :)
(4)
Chris M.
Mariposa does certain things well enough, but when it really comes down to it, you go to a restaurant for the food.....and for me personally, theirs is just okay. I've had lunch here a few times and nothing was especially memorable. My most recent visit was for a Christmas lunch with some girlfriends. I had the Applewood King Salmon Salad ($18). It came with spiced pecans, a few thin slices of onions, and chunks of goat cheese. The portion size was decent, but the salmon didn't really have any flavor. The champagne papaya vinaigrette was the best thing about it. yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… The popovers weren't that great either. Thinking back on it, my perception of it very well could have been affected by the pencil-thin, waify models who constantly pranced around during lunch. Ok, I understand that male diners may appreciate this sort of thing while eating. However, nothing will make me lose my appetite faster than a runway show at meal time. C'mon, I shouldn't have to feel guilty for eating while in a restaurant!! I do appreciate the atmosphere; you can sit and chat without feeling like you have to eat and run. It is definitely one of the nicer places in the mall. Service is usually attentive, no complaints there. When all is said and done, Mariposa wouldn't be my first choice for lunch, but I'd go along with it if decided upon by friends.
(3)
Laurie K.
Please. The food here is terrible. This place is only good for its ambiance. I've been here numerous times on my trips home from NYC, and I mostly only come for the view of Ala Moana beach. This past trip I had the Panzanella Salad which was a special. The worst salad I've ever had in my life -- and for $18. It was just old bread ripped up with romaine lettuce. I've had many panzanella salads, but this one was easily the worst. At least put in an effort, guys. This place is pretentious and tries too hard to be upscale, but just can''t deliver.
(2)
Paul L.
Discrimination. Indifference. rude. slow service, dismissive. devious menu. My wife and I ate lunch there yesterday with our two friends, one of which was in a wheel chair. Our reservation was at noon, and my wife showed up ten minutes early to check in. The Filipina receptionist did not invite my wife (who is also Filipina) in to wait at the bar, or to a table. She acted like she was not welcome to come in until reservation time. (The receptionist has been there a long time. We know this because we've eaten there a few times over the past six years.) Me and my two friends arrived at 2 minutes after noon, and were seated right away. My wife returned a few minutes later. The pop-over man came to our table right away twice, but for twenty minutes nobody brought us any water. People that arrived to tables after us had water served and menus before us. My wife had to get up, go to the receptionist, and ask if we'd been forgotten. The receptionist gave her a dismissive answer, but finally a waiter brought us water along with menus. Then we sat there another twenty minutes waiting for the waiter to return. We had to wave him down. Three of us ordered the most expensive thing on the menus, and our friend in the wheelchair ordered something else to be different. The food was OK, even good. No problem with the food. The waiter filled my wife's glass with water up to the brim, so that she couldn't pick it up without spilling it. (Getting even for complaining?) Our friend asked about complimentary birthday deserts (for my wife and I), and the waiter said they don't do that. But, because we had to wait, as a comp, they'd cut a piece of pie in half and give it to us for free. Those came with chocolate ovals with "happy birthday" on them, even though they "Don't do that". They used to do that in years past, incidentally, because we've been there before for birthdays - ours and others. After we were done eating, it seemed like it took forever for them to bring us our bill. The people that came after us ate, got their checks, and left already. The manager, ignoring our table, walked around the dining area talking to almost EVERY OTHER customer to ask how things were. Even the "super models" dissed our table. They strutted around pausing and posing at most tables. But they glanced our way, and prequalified us not knowing the guy in the wheel chair and his wife are practically zillionaires. We were dressed nice and our hair was combed, what more could they want? We even smiled a lot to show we were friendly. We were perplexed by the indifference shown to us by the wait staff, the manager, and the other staff, and suspect it was because they had more important rich orientals to serve. We were three simple Caucasions (one being invalid), and a Filipino. Be warned, the menu is cleverly (and deviously) arranged to encourage selecting high priced items. Each item has the calorie count listed below it. The highest priced items on the menus had lowest calorie counts, and the cheapest stuff had the highest calorie counts. The menu didn't have that last year at this time. We were very disappointed. After all these years, we finally must give this place up. We'll never be back. One final note: We paid the full 20% tip.
(1)
Gemma R.
I hate reviewing places based on conversations but this was horrible. I called to get information about their High Tea service. I didn't realize how long and irritating this would be. The girl on the phone did not know about the tea service, placed me on hold, answered and said yes they have it. Okay? So when is it? She then had to put me on hold to find out when they had it. "Sunday's". Okay? So how much? Do I need reservations? What's included? - I'm placed on hold again, the costs is about $23-$24 per person (she doesn't know about children) the menu changes so she has no idea what they serve and she said she's not sure what time it ends. When I asked about making reservations she suggested calling my manager tomorrow because they can help me more. I have a party of 25-30 for a baby shower and we're not going to Mariposa.
(3)
Veronica P.
The servers are fab! They know their wine pairings with the food- don't try and be an expert - let them guide you. This is a pricey place with a great view- like everything else in Hawaii with an awesome ocean front view. Due to the seating arrangement (small tables that seat 4 max) please do not bring your small kids cause the space is close in between tables. Alsoif they are going to be noisy- it will echo and upset the mojo of the dining experience- so be considerate
(4)
Sara T.
Came here with Mom today, and we had a great lunch. We sat indoors but closest to the balcony, so we could enjoy the pretty view of Ala Moana beach/park. To start, we had the delicious, tiny cup of chicken consomme, which is so flavorful and was served HOT today (last time it was only warm). Mmmmm, I wanted more! I had an iced decaf coffee (free refills), and it was nice and strong. Then the famous popovers with strawberry butter arrived, and we feverishly ripped them apart and devoured them. The soft, creamy strawberry butter is such a nice and unexpected departure from the normal restaurant butter. We split the king crab salad with green goddess dressing and the lobster club sandwich with sweet potato fries instead of salad and no mayo. The crab salad had a generous amount of fresh crab, along with hearts of palm, tomatoes, shredded carrots and radish, and butter lettuce. The dressing was not too creamy, and I'm glad I got it on the side because it's packed with flavor, so you don't have to use much. I couldn't believe how big each of our "half" salads was - basically a whole plate! The lobster club had so much lobster! I was impressed. We also asked for bacon extra crispy and they did a pretty good job. The bread was nothing special (boring toasted white bread), but the sweet potato fries were excellent - crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Our server was Gino Kim, and he was exceptional. He was polite, professional, and anticipated everything we needed (like asking if we wanting dressing on the side, since the kitchen sometimes drowns the salads). He also apologized profusely when the kitchen forgot to split our sandwich, and brought over another share plate immediately. Probably one of the best restaurant service experiences I've had in a long time. Mom pointed out that she had a black napkin while I had a white one, and told me that it was because she was wearing dark colors and I was wearing lights. Apparently they look at what you're wearing and give you an appropriately-colored napkin so you don't get linty. I thought that was a cool fancy-pants touch! The food is pricey, but if you choose wisely and share, you can get decently stuffed on good quality ingredients for not too much.
(5)
Janel K.
I had an espreso martini and the crab pasta. The martini was good. The pasta on the other hand.... I got really excited when I saw dunganeese crab on the menu. Its not often you come across fresh crab in Hawaii, at least compared to Connecticut. But it was just so salty. And the thing is, I cant tell if it was intended to be salty and then balanced by the asparagus or if it was the crab or if it was just a really heavy handed cook. The end result was, edible but not really pleasent. The atmosphere is elegent. The staff a little clumsy. The bar man could not set a place setting. and then I had my place setting set up just so, and the runner bring my food just starts grabbing things which resulted in silverware falling off the plate and really just give it to me i'll do it myself.
(3)
Caroline K.
Late post from 2/16/14. Ive been here a few times now and dont really have any complaints except for the checking in service. Every time Ive checked in to Mariposa's the hostesses have been a little rude. The waiters and food have been great. I love the monkey bread and spread. This time around we had Sweet Potato & Parmesan Fries, Chilled King Crab Salad, Orecchiette Pasta and Seared Diver Scallops. Finished off with a cup of coffe. Delish! Will return.
(4)
Clara Y.
If you are near Ala Moana and want to avoid chain restaurants and enjoy a lovely ambiance with quality service THIS is the place. I came here for my good friend's farewell party and will definitely add it to my Honolulu favorite restaurants. The popovers are delicious..I ordered the pork and it was absolutely delicious, enjoyed the porcinni( sp?) fries , as well as the nice dessert selection and wine selection. Lovely view of Ala Moana beach park is another added plus! highly recommend :)
(4)
Kat M.
A 5-star place that I'm giving 4 stars just because it's so pricey. I was most recently there for dinner to celebrate my birthday with a small group of friends. I chose Mariposa for its ambiance, good food, and great view because I wanted something special to mark a special year in my life. I had a wonderful evening so I think I made the right choice. The service was excellent... everyone was very attentive to me and my guests. My friends enjoyed the food and wine and particularly loved the Monkey Bread and Strawberry Butter! I loved everything, including my Lobster Spaghettini, a deliciously elegant pasta dish with just the right amount of pieces of lobster in a delicate white wine sauce. Almost melts in your mouth. This is the place to go for a special celebration.
(4)
Christine L.
If you know me, you know that I am a big fan of eggs benedict. The perfect hollandaise is a real hot button issue for me. Mariposa is one of the very few restaurants I've been to with suprb eggs benedict. First of all I love that they serve consomme to all their guests to start off their mean. Its just a small serving, but refreshes your palette, while also bring out the hunger you didn't know you had! And those popovers! Mmm! Light and airy served with strawberry butter. I always want more, even though I know my breakfast will be huge. But their eggs benedict...OMG. SO DELICIOUS. The eggs are cooked perfectly. The hollandaise is light and buttery and melts in your mouth. And the portion is huge. Served with yummy potatoes and fresh fruit. And its good fruit too. Always whatever is in season. This is one of my very favorite restaurants in Hawaii. And you have to get a mimosa with your meal. Tops it off perfectly!
(5)
raechelle v.
Wonderful dining experience. Mariposa was an excellent choice in hosting a baby shower. There were a little hiccups along the way though. Mariposa was in the middle of changing their party menu during the time I was planning the baby shower. I had to wait a while and the guests were asking about the menu. I kept having to call Mariposa to follow up as the hostesses who were answering the phone never knew when the new menu would come out. Finally, things got squared away. There are quite a few managers and I learned to speak directly to the Food and Beverage Manager, not just the regular attending manager. As a result, I learned that I was supposed to get a head count of who was eating what on the party menu! It was too late to do that as I did not have everyone's phone numbers on the RSVP list and the invitations were already sent out. So, I decided to take my mom with me and we headed down to Mariposa. I met directly with another manager named Janet Akers who was EXCELLENT! She helped to sort things out for us, especially allowing us to just tell them ahead of time the Party Menu Set we were going with instead of giving the head count of who was eating what ahead of time. She gave us helpful tips like printing out our own menus for the guests to look at. We were also allowed to bring in our own cupcakes. The day of the shower arrived and Mariposa allowed us to enter 30 minutes before they opened so that we could set up. A server was sent down with a cart to help us unload all of things for the party. In general, ALL of the servers were EXCELLENT! Our glasses were always filled and they all served us with a smile. Those popovers with that creamy spread was so delicious! We kept asking for more. And I really liked the chicken soup. For the Menu Set A that we chose, it comes with Ice Tea or soft drinks (refillable), 3 flavors of sorbet for desert, and choice of main dish (Greek Salad, Mariposa Burger, or Pink Peppercorn Crusted Pork Tenderloin), all for $25. I decided to go with the Mariposa Burger and it was ONO! I could only finish half of it and had to take the rest home. The ambiance of course was beautiful. We enjoyed the food and had a blast! The servers helped to bring out another table when we didn't have enough space to put all the presents on. At the end, a really helpful young man offered to carry and push the cart full of gifts down to the parking lot. The Manager Janet kept coming to our party to check on us, especially making sure we were taken cared of at the end. I was pleasantly surprised by Mariposa. I would for sure be back again.
(5)
Seiji O.
The atmosphere was great and the food tastes excellent. Each dish is creative with unique ingredients. We had the pork chop and rack of lamb which were both great. Also we split the Mariposa salad and if you tell them to split it when ordering they'll bring it out on two plates. Also the dessert was great as well. The service was excellent and it's worth going to for a fancy night out. The view along with drinks and a nice dinner to celebrate was perfect.
(5)
Zar A.
Zar likes Mariposa. Okay, so I wasn't exactly highly impressed here. But I like the simple and elegant dining and great atmosphere here. And the fact that it's located in Ala Moana, a busy and extremely big mall (largest outdoor mall in the US)......... is a plus. It's a great quiet getaway lunch spot with girlfriends when you stressed out from shopping!!! I came here for lunch. I had a good time with my girlfriends. It was like a cute British tea time/lunch. I will come back another day with a different group and do a second evaluation. :)
I'm surprised at the overall Yelp rating of this place...3.5 stars?! I think it deserves a 4 star! My friend recommended to try this place for lunch and I'm glad I did. Great setting and you can see the beach while dining if you sit outside or close to it. For a starter, the server brought us a little cup of consomme. That was a nice starter along with the famous popovers. They reminded me of cream puff without the cream. For lunch, I had a cup of the lobster bisque and the Applewood Salmon Salad. The lobster bisque was not creamy as I expected, but it was still flavorful and I kinda liked that it was light like consomme. It wasn't too heavy like the typically creamy ones. The salad was very good and perfect portion with the spiced pecans, goat cheese, and champagne papaya vinaigrette. I finished the whole salad! My husband had the Lobster Club sandwich and that was pretty good too, with the luscious lobster meat. Service was attentive and friendly. If you want a nice sit-down lunch at the mall, go here. You can make OpenTable reservations.
(4)
Scott H.
Surprisingly good hamburger. Cooked to perfection, with a very nice basil-tarragon aïoli and grilled onions. It's big enough to share for lunch. They charge to split entrees, but the servers usually don't mention it and waive the charge (it's like $8 more!...the burger is only $14, and adding $8 to split the entree is a bit ridiculous). The pop-overs are really good, and so is the consume that both come with your meal. I've had the lobster Club (bacon, roasted peppers, avocado). It's alright, but not worth $22! It's a great place for a relaxing lunch.
(4)
Gigi Y.
I had lunch there with 7 others. The service was excellent. The food was good. The little cup of chicken broth served with the famous popovers was excellent! I wouldn't mind drinking a whole cup full (regular size) of it! As for the popovers... I've heard a lot of great things about it but I thought it was just OK. Not sure what all the hype is all about. Price is on the higher end but portion size is nice.
(4)
miki m.
I would rather go to different restaurants (some in downtown, kaimuki area) than this restaurant. But my friend wants to go there for just popovers. We made reservation and went for lunch. Their foods were mediocre as we already know. The popover was somehow burned a little too much. It was very dry inside out. And unfortunately, we had a really rude waitperson at our table. Only thing that he cares about was a tip. There were no greeting, no smile, no polite attitude and words, no checking during we eat. Definitely we talk to him in English but somehow he thought he didn't need to talk to us (because he though we don't understand him or we are not important customer??). I think that he forgot what his job is because he will get tips eventually without his efforts. There is the big paper says with some different languages to explain about the tips inside check holder. After I signed check, he came to our table and opened check holder on the table in front of us and stared at it for a while and left (yes, we left generous tips even if we don't want to...). It was embarrassing and also it was rudest thing I ever experienced at the restaurant. I usually have good service here before. Maybe we just had a bad luck this time but sill it was big disappointment.
(1)
Tina L.
This is a review for Afternoon Tea at the Mariposa. It is a nice, quiet restaurant, but it does seem odd to be fine dining in a department store, but it shouldn't surprise me based on the prices of the stuff Neiman Marcus sells. Due to food allergies we had asked for some substitutions, and they were really great about making those changes. And they give you a TON of food. I think I was stuffed for a few days afterwords. All and all a pleasant tea experience.
(4)
Keith W.
Lol
(5)
Noelle L.
Menu items were pretty uncommon which is fun to try but wasn't impressed with the taste and flavor if the food. Very pricey, especially for what you get.
(2)
Malia H.
This is a great place to have a leisurely lunch. It is spacious and has a great ocean view of Magic Island. The consomme is a great beginning to your meal. Its light and not oily. Then comes the popovers. This is one of the best things to have here. The popovers are light and airy and come with a sweet creamy spread. Make sure you flag the waiter down for seconds, sometimes they're busy and forget to come back. The ahi nicoise is a great salad to order. It is my favorite. The ahi is seared just right and has no fishy taste and is complemented well with the vinaigrette. The scallops are also yummy with gnocchi. The french fries and spicy ketchup are delicious too. They have a wide wine selection to choose and some yummy colorful and nonalcoholic drinks like the hot pink Texas Cooler. Plantation iced tea is good, except when yu get a refill...you get iced tea but no refill on the pineapple juice portion. The food is a bit expensive but you're paying for the ambiance and high quality ingredients. Don't expect a fast meal service, it will be a leisurely meal. There are also models who walk around wearing the latest fashions. On Sundays they have an afternoon tea service which is quite good. Expect high price but high quality. ^_^*~
(4)
Chloe M.
My mom and I were feeling fancy and decided to dress up and go to Mariposa for lunch. By fancy, I mean we wanted to stuff our faces with expensive food, and by dress up I mean ditching the slippers and putting on a pair of converse. Coming before 12: NM opens at noon, so if you want to eat lunch at Mariposa before then you need to go through the separate Mariposa entrance. If you're facing NM's main entrance from the parking lot, turn right and go up the elevator. Lunch: COME FOR LUNCH. My mom took me here for dinner on my 13th birthday and I remember not being served a popover or the consomme. I don't know how they do it now, but I was a very angry little girl on my 13th bday! For lunch, everyone is served a popover with strawberry butter and a delicious little consomme. The popover is nice and crunchy on the outside, and soft and doughy on the inside. Consomme is tasty too. Pretty darn good for free "appetizers". Haleakala: Basically a virgin lava flow. All of their froo-froo drinks are around 5 dollars, and this one is very tasty. Seafood Laksa: I don't think this is laksa... When I think of laksa, I think of spicy broth and noodles. Mariposa's laksa is a cream based curry and is served with white rice. This is one of those dishes where it's super delicious for the first five minutes you eat, then after a while it tastes so rich you want to throw up. I had a really hard time finishing this. The seafood in the curry was very high quality, but I don't know if my tummy can handle this again. I stole some of my mom's fries and truffle sauce from her burger plate and it was DELICIOUS! Gotta order a sandwich next time. Overall: Mama and I enjoyed our lunch. I don't think we can afford to feel fancy any time soon, but this time was well worth it.
(4)
Sherrie D.
Only 1 star cuz food was tasteless. Five in our party. 4 ordered the lobster club 1 ordered the crab cake app. The crab cakes: 2 in total were the size of a dollar coin, came with some greens. If u mashed it together u would still be looking for the crab. It was also very fishy, I would think canned. Disappointing also cold when it came to the table. My girlfriend didn't want to send it back but I would have. The lobster club was dry, just boiled lobster pieces, bacon, and lettuce, did they forget any sauce? We had salad with it instead of sweet potato fries. The reason I think we had salad with it was because my girlfriend who order first said salad, then the waiter went around the table getting orders and didn't ask for any other alternatives. 2 people in the party asked if the plantation ice tea was refillable, the waiter said yes, then when they ordered it, refilled it with plain ice tea. The worst part was my girlfriend had to tell the waiter that it was my birthday and too put a candle in my dessert. My friend had made the reservations a couple weeks earlier and told them it was for a birthday party, the receptionist actually asked if it was for any special occasions. Overall only one star cuz service was bad, oh I forgot, as soon as we sat down a waiter gave us popovers, which we loved, but no one came to our table for a good 10 minutes and we had to actually ask the popover guy for water, none of us ate the hot popovers before we could get a drink, by the time the water arrived the popovers were ofcouse cold. I have been coming to Neimans since it opened and my kids basically grew up eating at the 3 different restaurants. My girlfriends and I also eat at one of the restaurants every week, so often the staff calls us by our name. This was not a good experience, I'm sorry that they treated me to this luncheon. The staff needs a wake up call.
(1)
Michael C.
I probably should have written this review sooner, but, as they say better late than never. I took my mom to Mariposa for a belated birthday dinner on a Sunday afternoon, reservations made on opentable.com I had only been here once, but that was several years ago and my mom had never been her so I thought this would be a good experience for both of us. We took the elevator with access from the parking lot of the makai side of the mall directly to the restaurant. As soon as you get off the elevator, there's a stand/podium where you would think the host or hostess would greet you. There was a guy standing behind this podium and my mom and I patiently waited for him to greet us. Instead, he directed us, with a slight bit of sarcasm, to the entrance that connects the restaurant with the store (Neiman Marcus) and that the hostess would help us. Thankfully, this was the only negative thing about our evening at Mariposa. The hostess greeted me as "Mister" and asked us if we preferred seating indoors or out doors. I thought it was still a bit hot outside so I chose indoors. Needless to say on my next visit, I will definitely choose outdoor seating as the view from the lanai area is pretty spectacular. Our server, who's name ironically was also Michael, greeted us and offered us drink selections and pointed to certain sections of the menu where we could find various drinks they served. Overall, throughout the evening his service was impeccable and excellent. As far as appetizers were concerned, my mom had the kahuku corn chowder and I had the Mariposa salad. My mom raved about the corn chowder and she said she would definitely order this again. I on the other hand wasn't as pleased with my salad, as it was just very, very ordinary, nothing spectacular about it, just tomatoes, nalo greens, and fennel. Our dinner entrees, on the other hand were much more enjoyable and memorable. I had the dinner special of the evening, prosciutto wrapped opakapaka, while my mom had the pan roasted salmon. She loved her entree, while he only complaint was the lack of rice or some kind of carbs. I loved my entree, which was also accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes, quail eggs, and a butter hollandaise sauce. Simply delicious! Our evening was capped off by sharing a grand marnier cheesecake for dessert. Overall, a pleasant experience with plans to return in the future sometime. I
(4)
Sheryl G.
what: a very chic eatery ;) something good: love, love the atmosphere here. you feel all girly when dining with the girls~! i love the attention to detail that the waiters give, overall this place just makes you feel good :D something not so good: the food is good but it can be slightly pricey for lunch, totally worth it in my books tho ;) !! something to try: seared diver scallops (24)
(4)
Henry S.
Great lunch while shopping . Lobster club With mimosa royal . Lunch was on the house thanks gang ...
(4)
Edgar M.
Great for ambiance and relaxing conversation ~ but of course the food is the main attraction. The consomme is my favorite little teaser before lunch. Definitely will be back in town for lunch if they can maintain the service and food. Great view of the Oahu's beach and setting.
(4)
Lei-dy B.
Dined here recently for lunch, party of 2. Positives: excellent staff & service, lovely view from the terrace, cold king crab salad was huge and filling. Negatives but expected: a bit pricey, proportion was small for the pork tenderloin lunch.
it was wonderful, came here for my birthday and it was delicious.
(5)
Lei P.
The best thing about Mariposa for dinner is the view. The food is mediocre, not very much as far as selection. I liked the bread the best out of the prawn appetizer, Big Island tomato salad, Salmon entree and Ocean View cocktail. A bit overpriced for small portions.
(2)
Tisha N.
Food: Delicious. But with a limited menu Service: Excellent. Those servers can hustle Ambiance: Beautiful. You can't go wrong with an unobstructed 4 story view of Ala Moana Beach Park As a side note, their Prefix menu offers two choices, one at $55 for a 3-course menu and dessert, and the other, a $65 4-course menu and dessert. Do not get the $55 prefix, because according to our waiter, the 3 courses are half the portion size compared to the listed item on the regular menu and it costs the same price (not including the dessert). The only reason why I did not give it 5 stars was the artichoke risotto in the seared diver scallop dish was still hard and they ran out of their signature Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookie jewel box. I mean, come on, you run out of your namesake item?
(4)
Irene G.
I finally ate here and it really doesn't live up to the hype and expectation of Neiman Marcus. Mind you, only came here for lunch so dinner might be different. I had a turkey sandwich and salad. It's pretty hard to mess up a turkey sandwich but for a Mariposa, it should have some kind of special sauce or extra flavoring. Nope, it was just a plain sandwich that I could have made at home. Friend's of mine had their salads and ahi sandwich. No one really raved about the food so it was all just ok....
(3)
Yuko A.
Mariposa has some major pros and some major cons which is why I think it should get 3.5 stars. The food has always been consistently good. They serve complimentary popovers with strawberry butter for lunch and monkey bread for dinner. Both are addicting! They used to serve a squid ink risotto with scallops which was my favorite but I guess they took it off the menu. They serve a scallop with risotto still but with a different sauce. I recently ate there for dinner and had the lobster spaghettini. On the menu it is described as a pasta served with a white wine clam sauce but the dish is filled with orange tomatoes, making it taste more like a tomato base sauce. It wasn't bad and had a good amount of lobster in it but probably not something I would order again. Last but not least, they probably have the best view in the mall, especially at night. Now for the cons. I don't know why but the service here is sub-par. I have been here a handful of times and twice I have been disappointed with the service. You would think with all the people working that they would be more attentive but they didn't even serve us water till we asked for it the other night. They also forgot our dessert until we asked them if it was on its way. It is definitely too pricey, especially for what you get. If they are going to charge $30+ for most dinner entree's they should at least improve the service and maybe even serve bigger portions. It definitely more affordable at lunch.
(3)
Julee H.
What is all the hype about the food here? Tomato soup was sent back. It was super oily and tasted like watery spaghetti sauce. Ribeye steak sandwich with brie cheese was sent back. It was all bread, barely any cheese, one slice of meat and the sliced tomatoes all had the green core center still in them. The kitchen did not bother to cut out this hard part that never should be served at a restaurant, especially if they want $18 for a sandwich. The lobster club sandwich is on basic white bread....nothing special...again for that price? Cucumber martini was good, and the service was good.....but really? I will stick with Longhi's ::: homemade bread, lotsa meat on the sandwiches, few bucks less and filling Will never go again. Super over rated food.
(2)
LeaDan Y.
Brunch / lunch only. I LOVE their popovers and the view but for the amount that I am spending, I'm not too impressed by the food.
(2)
Tze M.
Located on the third floor of Neiman Marcus in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Parking is in the mall and free. I recently went there for dinner with a bunch of my girl friends. I've only been there twice before; once for lunch and once for dinner. I prefer having lunch there because I enjoy the popover bread they serve over the monkey bread. A bit more upscale than your regular dining. Since I'm trying to make a life style change for a cleaner living, I was happy to see the menu has a healthy selection with calorie count. I ordered the Big Island Kampachi (a white fish). It is served with a hearts of palm puree, alii mushrooms, tuscan kale, pancetta, and a cherry tomato vinaigrette. The puree and vinaigrette was a nice blend of flavor and I loved the chopped up mushroom and pancetta mix with the kale. The Kampachi was a bit salty for me. My friend ordered the Spiced Rack of Lamb. She shared a bite and it was delicious! The service is always excellent. The view is spectacular over looking Ala Moana Beach Park. We got a treat during our dinner and had a fireworks show for us. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Overall a good experience.
(4)
Brian A.
I like wandering around Neiman Marcus. It's nice to walk around and almost none of the salespersons bother you. Take that for what you want, good or bad. So, wandering into Mariposa for a nice sunset dinner with the fiancee is always a great time. I made the reservations on Open Table via Yelp. So, bonus points there. We sat inside near the windows. We'll leave the hot and bright outside to the tourists. The ambiance is perfect for an island atmosphere. The fiancee loves corn chowder, but this wasn't anything to write home about. I guess this wasn't the local one made with kuhuku corn. They seem to vary these same things throughout the day. The strawberry butter on the monkey bread was devine. Sweet and light, almost like a creme. Just so you know, the popovers everyone talks about is only served in the morning or lunch. The pork chop I ordered was tender and full of flavors, from the peach which that added that sweetness to the smokey and salty bacon. It was a smorgasbord of flavors that went well together. The greens that accompanied it were well selected, having a slightly lemon flavor and adding that extra zest to the plate as a whole. Having the barley underneath was a great idea and was executed to perfection. It was nice to have something that wasn't a "normal carb." On a side note, the presentation was fantastic. The service was excellent and our server knowledgeable as it should be for a place located inside a Neiman Marcus. Parking on the NM side is always pretty available and if you want to valet it, they have that option also.
(4)
Laurie V.
A friend wanted to take me here for my bday and I'm not a huuuge fan of Mariposa just because I always have to think about what I'd eat there (other than their popovers); but, I just loooooooooooove the view =)=)=) .....when in Hawaii, right!?!?! He had the ahi tuna salad and I had the corn chowder (hungry, huh?!) Both were good; nothing crazy exceptional but, the atmosphere was perfect for us to just catch up...intimate but, open. Sadly, it started raining but, service was stellar. Yes, even with salad and soup the service was great. Maybe it's because my friend knew the waiter and some other waiters there ---- all about who you know, right!?!
Dinner at this place is sub-par, far inferior to lunch. Even the rolls/bread were different, not as tasty. The menu has fewer selection, too. Simply put, I was really disappointed. I ordered the ribeye steak steak priced at $42.00, which was not cheap by any standard and yet the meat was too tough. The worst part was the chef soaked the steak with unwanted sauce to cover its natural taste. Not a memorable experience. As for the drinking water, I don't understand why they didn't bother with filter it, considering the fact that this is a pricy establishment. Perhaps, they want to encourage customer to drink their bottled water.
(2)
Criselda W.
My husband and I usually go to Morton's for our anniversary but since we were celebrating a semi-milestone (5th year) wedding anniversary, we decided to try something different. This experience makes me not want to try new things. We also left Mariposa wishing we had celebrated at Morton's instead. People, go to Morton's instead! I had made reservations through the Open Table app and under special instructions, I requested outdoor seating for our 5th wedding anniversary so that we would be able to enjoy a nice sunset dinner. I was hoping they would give us a seat next to the railing so that our view would not be obstructed by other diners. Perhaps you need to specify this request because we were seated adjacent to the wall, even though there were open seats next to the railing. Made a mental note to myself and continued on with dinner. While the hostesses could definitely be friendlier, the two waiters serving us were very courteous. If I based my rating on service alone, I'll give Keoni 5 stars. The husband and I both ordered the four course meal ($55) and after every small plate, I found the food to be just okay. My husband really enjoyed the roasted pork belly dish and my favorite of the night was the scallop with asparagus risotto dish. But when I say they're small portions, I mean SMALL PORTIONS. My main dish consisted of TWO scallops. The worst part of this meal though was the dessert and this is saying something because I'm the definition of a dessert person. Now, I've been spoiled by other restaurants (Morton's!) that automatically give you a free dessert during any celebration but upon hearing that we will only be receiving the fixed menu dessert, we were hopeful that they would at least write "Happy Anniversary" on the plate - ANYTHING to make our dinner a little more special. However, we received our desserts like any other non-celebrating patron that evening. And to make matters worse, the pudding cake was so sweet, I could not finish it. Possibly the worst dessert I've ever had at a restaurant. In the end, the bill came out to be a little under $200. At this price, we could have celebrated at Morton's where they treat you special. At Morton's, we always receive a complementary picture, they print out a special anniversary menu and offer complimentary dessert. At Mariposa, we didn't even receive a "Happy Anniversary" greeting. Thanks for nothing, Mariposa. As a side note, we heard that the table next to us received a free appetizer just because they knew someone from the restaurant. Sooooo... I'm assuming the only way to feel special at this place is if you personally know someone working at the restaurant? If so, I'm happy to take my business elsewhere.
(2)
Rochelle F.
Came here for lunch today with my girlfriends and the food was great! I got the scallop dish and it was to die for. There were only 4 pieces of scallops but it was enough for lunch. The view of Ala Moana park is pretty and soothing during lunch. You start off with popovers with their yummy butter; I think it was a berry butter but it was yummy. They also serve a tiny tea cup of chicken broth (I don't know why). Awesome place for lunch!
(5)
Karen D.
We had an early dinner here during the week so we could enjoy the view from the lanai. We were one of just a few diners, so it was very peaceful, and we also benefited from the nearly undivided attention of the wait staff. We had their interpretation of paella, which is made with israeli couscous, and the scallop risotto with squid ink. Both dishes were good, and the scallops were perfectly prepared. We thought the fresh monkey bread was especially tasty. We also had the "mariposa" (garden) salad, which was good. The servers were very attentive without hovering, keeping our glasses filled. Our waiter was friendly and helpful. Overall, a pleasant experience dining above the water at sunset, eating good food, enjoying great service.
(4)
Jimmy J.
Very good food and I paired the prix fixe dinner with their wine suggestions. I was very pleased and it was a very enjoyable meal. The portions were small but it was an artsy meal but we were full when we left. I hear that this place is popular for business lunches. It is worth trying once or at a special occasion.
(4)
S. R.
excellent service and good food. A little pricey however worth it once in awhile. Nice view overlooking Ala Moana blvd and the ocean. I like good service and you will find it here. Desserts are pretty awesome too! Go for it...
(4)
Caryn W.
My family decided to go to Mariposa to do a joint-birthday lunch for me and my brother. I made reservations for lunch today and we would be able to advantage of the Restaurant Week specials. We made reservations for 11:00, but had to wait a little bit because a table wasn't set up for us yet. My mom was a little upset with this, especially since we had made reservations and she felt that the table should have been ready already. We were seated and we gave our drink orders shortly after. My husband and I both ordered the plantation iced tea. When I started looking at the menu, my brother noticed that the calorie count was listed next to the items. This was interesting to look at, but there was no calorie count for the Restaurant Week specials! After going through the menu, I decided to go with the RW pre fixe, which included a curried bisque soup, wagyu burger, and a mango-lilikoi cheesecake. Popovers were served with strawberry butter today. Do they change the butter daily? The food came out quickly and we never had to wait too long between courses. The bisque was tasty and the burger was cooked just right. No option of fries though; looked like all the sandwiches came with salad. The dessert was really good! I don't care too much for cheesecake, but this one was light and had lots of flavor. It wasn't as heavy as a normal cheesecake. Service was pretty good. Our water glasses were never empty and our plates were cleared quickly after every course. Would probably come back for another special occasion in the future.
(4)
Leslie G.
Came here in October 2012 for dinner Spectacular!!!!! Every bit and piece of the evening was amazing!!!! I have been to several other NM restaurants and they all pale in comparison! From the views to the menu! Perfection for NM!
(5)
Monica A.
Always a favorite stop when at Ala Moana. I am a sucker for their mango king crab salad. Can't have the mango anymore though but still good. Everybody loves the popover bread they serve. Nice and light.
(4)
Jean P.
I would have given this place more stars if they had seated us on time. We made a reservation through Yelp and it was confirmed. When we went there, they took forever to seat us and the snotty hostess said that they didn't have tables in her most (unjustified) stuck up tone. The food is delicious, however and I really appreciate that they include the calories in each dish and offer healthy selections. The scenery is really nice and the view is so calm and relaxing. The bartender (Wesley I think) made the BEST Bloody Mary I have ever had in my life. All of the waiters and waitresses were awesome. They are attentive, knowledgeable, friendly and really happy to serve you. The prices are fair and not what you'd expect from a high end place like Neiman Marcus. It's right in most people's budgets but still manage to use quality ingredients in their food. I would give this place more stars but the hassle I went through just to get seated really turned me off from going here. It's a shame that they don't honor reservations. I could understand if I had just showed up but I had a reservation and the flippant attitude given to myself and my mother by the hostess named Michelle was uncalled for. Just because someone works at Neiman Marcus doesn't mean they deserve or are in the place to be rude and condescending to people, especially when most of the crowd that goes there are well off or affluent.
(2)
Jessyca M.
Popovers! A little pricey for a lunch spot, but it is in Neiman Marcus after all... LOVE the barbecue fries. Burger is inconsistent, but everything else is pretty reliable. My friend asked if she could have a mimosa with guava juice instead of orange juice. Our server informed us it was called a "pink lady," but wasn't on the menu...ooh...secret drink...yes please! It was delicious and would recommend it to anyone!
(4)
Asako O.
After a long day of shopping, my mom and I decided to treat ourselves for lunch at Mariposa. Located on the third level of Neiman Marcus in the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Mariposa has fabulous views of the ocean and Ala Moana beach park. This upscale restaurant is not only convenient but offers plenty of free parking. With its gourmet menu and elegant island atmosphere, it would be great for celebrating a special occasion. Instead of being served bread, we were served their famous popovers. Popovers is a very light and airy hollow roll which Mariposa serves with a strawberry butter which compliments very well together. The strawberry butter adds a nice sweetness to the popover without making it overly sweet. From their lunch menu I ordered the ahi sandwich which is grilled ahi on a whole wheat potato roll with grilled red onions, cheese and topped with an aioli sauce and served with homemade chips. Yum! Even though this restaurant is pricey, the service received was great.
(4)
Julynn T.
(Dinner menu)Had lobster spaghettini. :/ not the best, not great at all. It's missing a white wine...or something to give it an 'umph'. I added salt to it... At least lobster was in big chunks. :)
(3)
Mahina K.
The food was delicious. I mean it has to be for the price we're paying. I guess it's a new thing for them to print the calories in the dish next to it. It took the fun out of eating. I don't particularly want to think about how many calories are in each dish I really want to order. Normally I'd order the rib eye steak, but it was well over 1,000 calories. So I settled with the Grilled Beef Tenderloin, with polenta and green beans. They started us off with Monkey bread and strawberry butter. The monkey bread was buttery and flaky, it went well with the butter. When I got the Beef tenderloin, it was wonderfully plated. I've never eaten Polenta before but from my understanding it's deep fried corn meal, much like a hush puppy. I didn't care much for the grainy texture or the taste. There wasn't much to it. The grilled beef tenderloin was very tender and tasty. It had a sauce that had a strong Worcestershire flavor that went with it, but it was flavorful enough with just a little bit of it. I was a bit jealous of my mom's grilled potatoes, but I suppose that's why the caloric intake was so much less. For dessert I had the warm lilikoi cake. But the milk chocolate bars looked really good from across the table. The lilikoi cake was really good, it had a soft lilikoi pudding inside but still had the consistency of cake. The server had heard us talking about how it was someone's birthday so she brought by a free butterscotch mac nut pie slice for our table. I loved the food, I loved the service. Therefore the price is justifiable, I wish it weren't but it is.
(4)
Marsha W.
Got seated immediately. Waited half an hour for a waiter. Had to hail down a waiter for to start with water. He apologized but ...half an hour? Sets you in a lousy mood.
(3)
Jen C.
My favorite place to go for a girl's day out for lunch. Nice view, nice environment, love the complimentary bread (pop overs) and chicken broth. Ordered the rib eye sandwich and sweet potato fries here this past weekend. Mariposa makes the BEST sweet potato fries. However, I was very very disappointed with the rib eye sandwich. I asked if they could cook the rib eye meat so that it was well done when I placed my order. Instead, my request was ignored and the meat came cold and bloody and there was a TON of fat. I would say my sandwich was 70% fat and 30% bloody meat. I didn't eat my sandwich, and wanted to send it back but by the time the waitress came back, my friends were done eating and we were in a rush. I ended up just eating my sweet potato fries. It was a very disappointing rib eye sandwich for $18. The brie also had the casing on it which made it taste awfully bitter. The french bread was hard. I really should have sent the sandwich back, it was more fat than meat. Like not marbled fat, but white solid fat. I will stick to a salad next time. This used to be my favorites place to go with the girls, not anymore, it has gone downhill. The guy passing out the pop over bread looked miserable. Even the models they have walking around modeling clothes look miserable. This used to be a place of outstanding service, however the service was horrible.
(3)
Will L.
Mariposa the perfect place to have a business lunch. I like using the private elevator entrance that leads directly to the dining room, so you can avoid going through Neiman Marcus or the mall itself. Today was the perfect day to be outside as it was sunny and there was a slight brisk in the air that we don't normally don't have. So to be seated in the lanai area overlooking Magic Island and set up for a nice lunch was just pleasant. Of course the popovers are just excellent and to have that complimentary (I had two, I know I'm a pig) is a nice touch. Today I had the smoked salmon whole wheat spaghettini. I was wondering how they would do it with smoked salmon in a light (somewhat watery) sauce but it worked. The spaghettini had more the texture of Asian noodles, very light and thin, and the smoked salmon was gently placed around a nice array of veggies like bok choy, ginger, and tomatoes, with some ikura placed on top as a garnish. It was beautifully done; the food, along with the ambience, makes it slightly better than the comparable Pineapple Room, in my book.
(4)
Shauna S.
I've been to the lovely Mariposa Restaurant twice now, and have had a decent experience both visits. The waiters are attentive, the view pretty, and the food good. Selling points for me are the elegant, open air atmosphere, Neiman Marcus clothes being modeled as you eat, and mmm, those delicious popovers. I will say that this is NOT the best option for us vegetarians. I had salads both visits and while they were very fresh and big enough to be filling, I would have loved to see at least one vegetarian-friendly option on the menu besides salad. Aside from that one small hiccup, I think that overall this is a nice restaurant, good for small get-togethers with friends and family, or lunch meetings with co-workers.
(3)
Jonn D.
Rating: 5/5 Date(s) visited: 5/13/2012, 2004, 2005, 2006 Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Price: 4/5 Parking: 5/5 Another satisfied dinner. Celebrated Mother's day here and the food and service was again, right on.
(5)
Kristin N.
SUMMARY: Popovers with strawberry butter, a bright airy space and a luxurious ambiance almost make up for average food...but not quite. DETAILS: I really want to like it. I like being there, it's a good place for lunch with the girls and I love the popovers with strawberry butter. But every time, the food is good but not great, and priced higher than I feel it's worth. I suppose if you factor in the fact that they don't charge you for the best part of the meal (popovers and consumme), it tempers the cost a bit. I'm happy to meet up with friends there, but I wouldn't choose to go there otherwise - just get some popovers to go!
(3)
Corinne S.
If you want a fancy lunch with a great view, this place is for you! Open air ocean view, however make reservations, and if you show up last minute do not have high expectations on a table on the patio, they get very busy. Love the popovers, and they are not stingy with them either, they will even give you some to take home if you ask. (Popovers are at lunch) Never had a bad meal here, and I have dined at the one's in Troy MI and San Francisco. Consistent across the board
(5)
Porky Penguin S.
Very slow service, even though the restaurant was only half full. Overpriced for the quality of food. Nuff said.
(2)
Debbie I.
My husband and I went to Mariposa with a gift card I'd received. I'd been there for lunch which I'd say was an okay experience. Since I had the gift card I thought I'd try it again for dinner. I'd say the atmosphere was very nice for dining. That we the best part. The wait staff was okay. Attentive enough but I finished my ice tea in the first half hour and no one asked me for a refill. I kept thinking, are they even going to ask me to refill it. They never did. We started with the Mariposa salad. Which was okay. Nothing special mixed greens with a basic balsamic vinaigrette dressing. They brought us a bread rolls with a strawberry butter. I think plain butter might have been better. The rolls were sweet already so it was a bit too sweet with the sweet roll bun. My husband had the scallops ($30) on the recommendation of the waiter and I had the rib eye ($42). I knew the scallops wouldn't be enough food for my husband since I had asked how many scallops were on the plate and the waiter said four. Yes there were four about an 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" in diameter if you have a generous ruler. And it was plated with lots of sauce and a very small bump of vegetables in the center. No starch, no pasta, to give it some weight in an attempt to possibly fill you up. And my husband said the taste was just okay. The rib eye was probably the worst version of that steak I've had. I ordered it medium rare and it came out perfectly cooked however at medium rare it should have some tenderness and the fat in a ribeye cut should make it juicy however it was far from juicy. It was almost dry and kind of tough. Not only that but it had some sort of macadamia nut cheese butter that was on top and a type of teriyaki sauce. The best rib eye steaks I've ever eaten were simply seasoned and not masked with other flavors. Why they'd mess with that expectation is beyond understanding. The mac-cheese butter flavor was so strong and sharp that all I could taste was that flavor. I think it may have been some sort of goat cheese. Secondary was the flavor of the teriyaki sauce. I barely tasted the meat flavor. I gave my husband half my steak and he didn't even finish his either not impressed in any way with the steak. To say the least we were very disappointed. I should have had a clue when I called that day for a reservation and could get in at any time on a Saturday night. A restaurant with such a great view of the park and sunset should be packed with people but it was barely half filled. I don't usually like reviewing negatively but I felt the need to warn others that you might be better served spending your hard earned dollars to another fine dining restaurant for special occasions. I'm just glad we didn't pay for that with our own money since the gift card covered the bulk of the bill.
(2)
Mami S.
great venue and nice place to have a lunch. love going here for girl talk. classy place and the view is great. the food is good not great. love the bread!!!! cocktails to die for!!!!!!!
(4)
Keesha G.
Yeah once again. This place just always delivers the right way. I had a salad, the vegetable curry, the roasted strawberry and lemon mousse plenty of champagne. I saw that they do high tea now and Ill definitely be trying that out one afternoon.
(5)
Andrew D.
Came here to eat on a Tuesday night with my lady. We walked into the hostess area and saw there were open tables available...wrong. The tables were empty because they didn't want people sitting there for dinner service. So, that being the case, the hostess/manager put us on a waiting list. After ~15 minutes, we were seated outside on the lanai. Nice view, not so nice smell of sewage. Our waiter came by to take our drink orders, he had a very strong Filipino accent so I had some trouble deciphering what he was saying. I said yes to something, he came back with a bottle of VOSS sparkling water, I guess that's what I said yes to? The food! We ordered the house smoked salmon, grilled tiger prawns with orzo and the pork chop with bacon. The house smoked salmon came with golden beets, pickled onions, radishes and creme fraiche. My girlfriend had ordered the grilled prawns. The prawns came grilled on top a bed of orzo and grilled veggies...it was ok. I ordered the pork chop with bacon. The pork chop came with a side of barley, one strip of bacon and a grilled peach...pork chop was not bad. Overall, 3-stars. -Food was pretty good, but expensive. -Service was good, but our server should work on his accent...just being honest. -The wait time for a table in a half-filled restaurant is ridiculous! Get a new hostess/manager, someone that knows how to make their restaurant money!
(3)
Casey R.
I didn't know that most Neiman Marcus stores had this restaurant inside them. Well now I do. The dining room is huge and has a great view looking out to the ocean. The service was very very good. They were prompt, courteous and kept my drink full. Our table of six each had the lobster club sandwich. I was slightly disappointed with it. There was a good amount of lobster meat but it tasted almost like imitation and had very little texture. It had to be real though for $22. The ice tea may have been one of the better ice teas I've ever had. Just eating here is fun. It's upscale and fits in great at the Ala Moana Center. I'll come back for sure and try something else next time.
(3)
John O.
I love this place! The service and food are always good. Sometimes I just come in here for a nice glass of wine during my shopping break. I have had a couple of light lunches here. Both were sandwiches or wraps. They were very good and fresh. Included with the sandwich was a small salad and their famous puff. I love their puff and their creamy butter. They also serve Illy coffee. Major plus! It is nice to sit outside and catch the fresh air and breeze while looking out at the Ala Moana Beach Park. I usually just it at the bar. Although there is not TV in the bar, it is nice to just sit there and chat with the bar staff. I love this place and always look forward to my trips out to Ala Moana. I just don't care for the food and the environment in the Food Court! Haha
(4)
Jewelyn T.
OMG, I'm in LOVE with Mariposa! I had lunch here on my birthday last month when visiting the islands for the summer! I've been coming here for lunch and dinners over the past couple years while a resident of Honolulu. What gets me coming back is the yummy food! I'm a huge fan of their monkey bread they serve during lunch & dinner with the strawberry butter. This past visit, I had their pre fixed special... pork chop special with orzo. YUMMMM! Not to mention the pineapple cake dessert was to die for! My bff had the the seared ahi tuna sandwhich which was lovely! Service was really good. Called in last minute for a reservations and it wasn't a problem. We got a table right on the lanai. I'm always happy with my visits here! Centrally located in Honolulu. Great View. Free Parking. Excellent food & service. Mariposa is always on my list while in Honolulu! If you haven't experienced Mariposa, stop by for a meal.
(5)
Yasuo O.
went there on Saturday with a few high profile friends visiting from Japan. One of them is a daughter of the CEO of the largest carrier in Japan. The other is an actress and since they both wanted a nice view and good food, did not disappoint. Thats about all that was good. we were seated outside as requested towards the window. we sat down, had some pupu's and ordered a bottle of bubbles. Then we went ahead with the entree and had a nice bottle of red. During the course of the meal, I asked for water 5 times. After the initial pour of wine, I stood up TWICE and served my friends. Remember, this place was DEAD for a Saturday night. We could have easily walked right in and sat outside with NO reservations. So the staff was there. There was a table of three girls sitting closer to the ledge and they were served on hand and feet. My friends were ok and busy catching up and when I had the chance to break, I took off and looked for the manager. She was a pleasant person and very apologetic. My question was, when she did her walk around outside previously, I was standing up serving the wine while she was busy chatting with the girls. Why didnt she even notice I was serving the wine? They took care of the tab and I left $50. Do I feel bad about leaving only $50? Nah, that $50 was there to say thanks for the minimal service even thought I probably got better service at Zippys. I didnt expect a comp dinner. Most people would immediately give this 5 stars for a comp dinner. But whats done is done and I honestly didnt feel like we should have paid. Am I being stubborn? possibly. Am I being realistic with the way I spend money? absolutely. They have to earn it from me again and until then, I have already told the concierge at my credit card this is a HIGH non recommend.
(3)
Kevin B.
This has to be my favorite restaurant in Hawaii. A lot of people won't agree with that but I simply fell in love with that place my first time there (which happened to be my 2nd day in Hawaii, almost 5 years ago). Every single things tastes good at Mariposa. The monkey bread, the popovers, the drinks, the entrees, the desserts. I usually sit at the bar especially when Ricky (The Bartender) is there. I let him come up with a drink, and he never ceases to amaze me with some special rum-or-vodka-based smoothie. To sum it up: Pros: - Food: Awesome-balls. - Setting: Great view - Price: You get more than what you actually pay for. - Parking: Ala Moana shopping center. - Shopping break? Mariposa is the answer. Cons: - None whatsoever.
(5)
Christy M.
So i'm giving Mariposa only 3 stars mainly because of the customer service. The front desk ladies are not the friendliest and the staff (waiters) are not very attentive. They don't have enough workers waiting on the tables. If they've missed something from your order, good luck trying to reach them to get it back or to order something else. All the waiters seem to be trained not to catch eye contact with any of their dining customers. The atmosphere is great, relaxing, sitting on the lanai is pleasant when it's not too hot or muggy outside. The food is not bad. I really enjoy the salads and burgers. Again, this place is not bad and I would have given it four stars if it weren't for the bad service. This is a NM restaurant and I expect better service.
(3)
Traci H.
The popovers are the best things. They only serve it at lunch. That alone made me want to just walk out of dinner. To be fair, I think lunch here is about 4 stars and dinner is about 1/2 a star. I'm sure if I keep going back for dinner it might go back up but after this last experience I think I might stick to lunch. For lunch they serve you popovers (unlimited!) and they are so light and fluffy. Just perfect! And I don't even like bread. They have great main dishes and often times will have a hearty salad option for the main dish. Dessert is also quite good with the lemon cake. Service was friendly, fairly fast and super helpful. For dinner, however, it was another story. Yes it was right before Christmas but still it was like Scrooge Central working at Mariposa that night. First I was so let down there was no popovers so the bread server mentioned our waitress could get us the recipe and that the monkey bread was just as good. NO WAY. Anyway, ordered the Kahuku Corn Chowder and tomato salad. Also got the lobster spaghettini. Our waitress was totally in a bad mood and made sure we knew she had no intention of being nice to us. What a great way to ruin a dining experience. She alone gave Mariposa a bad name in my mind. The soup came fairly quickly but then it was like I had to tackle a server to get me fresh ground pepper. And twice! It was tasty, I will admit. But like I said our waitress already made it clear we were going to have a bad meal so no surprise. The tomato salad was ok--the greens were really bitter but whatever. at this point I just wanted to get out of here so me not wanting to finish my yucky food wasn't a big deal. The spaghettini was ok. Really oily and the lobster was all yucky claw meat. It didn't even taste too fresh. She did offer us dessert menus but I just wanted out. Oh I can't forget: beautiful peaceful view though. That's sure a plus. So overall I'm left with a really bad taste in my mouth from dinner but I do remember what a great lunch spot it is so that's what saved it from getting 1 star. I wonder if our server wasn't so yucky if it wouldn't have been such a miserable dinner???
(2)
Bryanie R.
Ate lunch here today with my mom. First thing I noticed was how nice the servers were. The hostess pulled our chairs out for us and had us seated. And she opened up our napkins for us too! They seemed very classy over there, I was almost afraid I wasn't up to par with them. But anyways, the view was amazing as you're sitting there eating lunch on the outside. It's kind of pricey though. My sandwich was a little too toasted and the chicken inside was way too big of a chunk for a sandwich. But it's delicious.
(4)
Mai T.
I love the feel of Mariposa, but the two times that I have visited here.. i have been disappointed with the food both times! Perhaps it is the selection of the food i chose. Both times i got a pasta dish that was recommended by the server and on both occasion i was not able to finish my plate..which is HORRIBLE, because I will finish my plate almost all the time!! Kinda like a drink.. I will finish my drink, however if i am sipping it sooo slow it takes forever to finish... Im just not feeling it! I went to Mariposa with my friend who was visiting Oahu and she chose the sandwich, and I got the Vongole. I knew from the moment that the server dropped the plate on the table, it was not going to be good.. i could tell from the color and how the spaghetti looked that it was waaaay over cooked.. where the spaghetti is soft it is no longer al dente. So my spaghetti was a mush swimming in clam soup and all in all it it was a sad lunch for me. However on the bright side my friend really enjoyed her sandwich, so perhaps when you go there it might be best to just keep away from the Pasta selections.
(2)
Jennine T.
Keeping this review short and sweet: Great service. Love the popovers. Don't get the pork tenderloin entree. Dry meat, undercooked potatoes. Macadamia nut cake with butterscotch. . . SO good. Prices are a little steep for what you get.
(4)
Ben M.
This is a comfortable place to come to for dinner and is a great place for a first date even though it's a bit noisy. So you can check each other out while you eat without having to be to glib or clever in your conversation. Lunchtime is also a good event there. A lot of the food is quite nicely presented and is usually very good. There is one issue however that never comes up while you're eating at the restaurant itself. The food there is fine. However with take-out food sometimes the burger has seasoning salt (msg reaction - you know). So if you're sensitive to that it's good to know that. If you are sensitive that way then just eat the burger in the restaurant and it'll be fine.
(4)
Karma G.
Best Business Lunch! Quality and Value is definitely there. Service from the servers always attentive and sincere. Hostess attitude/expression may be a hit or miss depending on whom seats you (reason I did not give it a five star). I do recommend calling in a reservation (even for two) to bypass the line. Start off your meal with complimentary Popovers served with Strawberry Butter and a teeny cup of Chicken Consomme. Our faves are the Lobster Club Sandwich w/Sweet Potato Fries substitution and the Corn Soup is flavorful. Very relaxing atmosphere offering an ocean view of Ala Moana beach park. Classy place located conveniently at the mall.
(4)
Hillary J.
The service was great, very good. the only reason it deserves stars, the food was not anything remarkable, borderline bad. the space is beautiful and the view is nice. it;s located in a fun spot. why does the food have to fall so far behind? eh, maybe i am comparing them with san fransisco standards.
(2)
Crys A.
This is a special restaurant if for no other reason than the stunning views. I was there at sunset, flame orange dappling blue water as I sipped lemon drops and ate remarkable appetizers of pork belly and pumpkin ravioli. Yet it was the server who made the experience. He wore a coral tie which was precious and played along with a bunch of tipsy (and mostly single) girls who wanted him to explain precisely what a cod-piece might be, for godsakes. Yes it might technically be construed as sexual harassment, but at those prices? Mahalo for laughing with us and comping us the dessert. Good man, good show! The aloha spirit is not just an idea at Mariposa. It is the rule. This place looks good, smells good, feels good and wow, make no mistake --- tastes really, REALLY good. Only drawback is the price, but sometimes a sister has to dig deep into the wallet to watch a sunset like that in such great company. Aloha Mariposa, and very well done!
(5)
San M.
Yummy popovers. Munched on some BBQ fries. I got the crab salad and texas cooler today. Generous size salad. Cooler didn't look very vibrant today. Feeling a little stuffed, since I also had the frozen yuzu mousse(shared) and a double expresso.
(4)
Jeff O.
Quick post: All I gotta say is, (Sous) Chef Dell, Thanks! Mariposa is always awesome! Popovers! Mmmmm!
(4)
Hyunny P.
Best place for lunch to celebrate a friend's birthday or to just enjoy a relaxing time with beautiful views of Ala Moana-best atmosphere with wonderful service. I love their complimentary chicken consomme and popovers with lingonberry/raspberry butter...nyum nyum I love everything on their menu!!! It's great that they always have some specials for the day, too *something different off their regular menu to liven it up a little* ^^
(5)
Ken G.
Yet another great meal here...this time I had the burger and it was fantastic. A really good, well-seasoned portion of beef, decadent cheese and a really good, quality bun. The fries were great and arrived with an aioli sauce that was perfect. The service is still really good and I think this is an excellent lunch option when you're at Ala Moana.
(5)
M H.
Great for lunch - amazing crab salad. Very nice view. Have it with a good glass of white wine. Dinner is okay, but I think it is a bit expensive.
(4)
Glady O.
One of my favorite lunch spots. I always go just for the popovers and strawberry butter. I won't lie, I usually have two of these. :) My favorite thing to get for lunch is the seafood curry. It comes with a small bowl of rice. Inside the curry is shrimp, clams, two types of fish, and various veggies. Very delicious with a bit of a spicy kick. When I'm adventurous, I try their other seafood dishes. They always cook their fish to perfection and I'm always wowed. Can't say much for their desserts. They have a better selection downstairs in the expresso bar so if you are a desert fiend, I'd have my meal here and my dessert downstairs. Overall, this is one of the few places where I think the food is definitely worth the money.
(4)
Clarissa M.
This was a decent place to spend Father's Day Lunch. No buffet offered like (Alan Wong's Pineapple Room Mother's Day Lunch) but they did offer a Prie Fix Menu that included a soup, entree of your choice (between 2 dishes), and a dessert. Our table had the lobster club sandwich with sweet potato fries, salmon filet (special request to cook without salt or any seasoning and sauce on the side) with white rice, the Prie Fix menu (Buffalo Burger), and the Laksa Seafood Curry (which is not that spicy but if you want the heat you can request for that too). We enjoyed their strawberry butter and house made rolls - fluffy and light inside. Our meals arrived in reasonable time and prepared as requested. For dessert the Prie Fix menu came with a peach upside down cake of some sort and we ordered a Lilikoi Souffle. Dessert was different - tangy, citrus, tart flavors with sweet overtones. Overall, I think the celebrant was quite pleased.
(3)
Kenyan K.
I ate an early Valentine's dinner here last month with my girlfriend. We sat outside so we had a nice view of Ala Moana beach park. The service was excellent as the waiters and waitresses were very knowledgeable and attentive. The food was average to me. Like most fine dinning restaurants, the portion size was small. I ate the Big Island Kampachi. It was juicy but not that tasty. My girlfriend had a seafood dish with scallops that she liked. I ate her leftovers and it was pretty good. The bread was one of my favorite so far. It's just like eating a buttery breakfast muffin. It was fresh and warm and came with some strawberry flavored butter. They also served one of my favorite beers that I haven't really found anywhere else besides Yard House - Mehana Humpback Blue. Prices weren't too bad either. On the lower end for a fine dining restaurant.
(3)
Karina U.
I've come here a number of times for lunch, but this is a review of their dessert/coffee. After Ho'ala Spa-ing, pizza and beer-ing at V-Lounge, Chanj and I decided to have dessert over at Mariposa. Can you say spoiled? Shyeah. Food: Mariposa is known for their popovers, but did you know they serve monkey bread at night? I sure didn't. Their strawberry butter still makes an appearance. I'm getting verklempt. I'll give you a topic. I think their monkey bread is better than their popovers. (discuss) We ordered the pineapple cheesecake, the frozen lemon souffle, a cappucino and some crazy tea. The frozen souffle was an amazing surprise. Light, airy, lemony and wow. The graham cracker crust and lemon honey drizzle just kicked me right in the babymaker. The cheesecake was whatevers. And while we told our server we didn't care, that we were loving our souffle, he brought us a pudding cake instead. That was delicious too. Not overly moist. The diced fruit was a bit messy but it tasted great. You'll recognize the dessert when you see a ramakin go by your table with a MASSIVE butterfly cookie on top. Its obscene. I called shenanigans when I saw it. And while most cookies on desserts are dismissable, this was a lovely light butter cookie w roasted coconut flakes. It was like the crunchy part of a macaroon. Yay! Service: Michael Moore (yes, his name tag showed his whole name) was a riot. A really fun waiter that patiently explained the menu items and made the night that much more hilarious. Was gratious in comping our undesired dessert and despite the restaurant closing down, continued to refill our coffee/tea and never made us feel rushed. Bang-a-rang: Always ask for outdoor seating. Why the hell not. Open table reservations available. Heads-up: Peach melba is on the menu but they LIE! Its never made. Seriously. They just don't make it and refuse to reprint menus. Verdict: Winners.
(4)
Moani K.
Honestly..I dont understand why everyone raves about the popovers.. They remind me of scabs..the roast beef sandwich was delicious..but the horrible service discounted the sandwich.. I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and I wish I hadn't..we got bread before our waters.. We had to ask for the complimentary cups of soup because he forgot to bring it.. The bus boy had to come over and asked what we order after already waiting 15minutes after we had ordered..then had to ask another server for our check.. All in all I will never go back there. Ps.as a server at a bar we give better service and our managers enforce putting the customers first.I thought its funny a bar has higher standards than a 5 star restaurant in Neiman Marcus
(1)
Gspot H.
Great place for Lunch. with an amazing view. Soups are good. Bread refill's is desired by lots of people
(4)
Janice C.
The service was good but the menu was very unattractive as well as the environment. I was expecting more, I wouldn't recommend this place unless you happen to be shopping at the mall and needed a break.
(2)
Shandis C.
Before you read on, know that this review and rating is SOLELY based on Mariposa's HIGH TEA service. If you are interested in the restaurant overall, I will write an updated review because 2 stars is definitely not representative of Mariposa overall. But for high tea enthusiasts like myself, you'll want to know about their high tea service. Let me first of all say that I am a lover of high tea...the whole thing, the pretty dishes, the dainty finger foods, the hot steaming fruity smelling tea, the service and the whole experience overall. So when I go to high tea, I expect it ALL! After all, high tea is not just another meal, it's an experience, kind of like going to a spa. While Mariposa is a beautiful setting and their food is always good, their high tea left me wanting more. Everything came out all at once, on a beautiful 3 tiered tower. Though beautifully displayed, it wasn't like the usual, leisurely, tea experience in which your food comes to you slowly. Our waiter was really nice and attentive, however, it was just "different" from the traditional high tea experience. Yes, there were sweet scones and mini pastries, but no clotted cream. And yes, there were finger sized savories, but NO tea sandwiches! That day we had sauteed mushroom palms, chicken curry wraps and stuffed mushrooms with ratatouille. They were all just "OK". On the sweet side though, I will say that they had the most delectable chocolate covered strawberries....large sweet strawberries with a thick coating of dark chocolate....mmmmm! I think I had 3! Someone in our party did ask about why there were no tea sandwiches while they used to serve them before and our waiter informed us that the high tea menu changes weekly. So on any given weekend, you will get something different. This could be a positive thing, if you like variety. He also said that you can call in advance and request certain things and that they would try their best to accommodate your requests. So if you are a purist, and you MUST have your tea sandwiches, then I would definitely call ahead. I will also mention that Mariposa lacked the dainty, authentic tea cup and saucers. Tea was served in everyday white, tea or coffee mugs made in china. Not important to some people, but to crazy high-tea-aholics like myself, a very big part of the tea experience! So in summary, 2 stars only because Mariposa's High Tea is not your typical high tea experience. No stars knocked off for lack of service or poor quality of food. On yelp 2 stars = "Meh. I've experienced better" and if I could just edit it a little it would be 2 stars="Nice, but I've experienced better" high teas. But of course, this is just my opinion. All that to say that the company was great, I mean, I was with some fellow yelpers, and that in and of itself is always a 5 star experience! :o)
(2)
Lyn L.
Because I've always enjoyed lunch so much, I decided to take my friend to the Mariposa for dinner....BIG MISTAKE!!!!! The menu was sparse....I thought they have some of the same items they offer for lunch. Sad to say, we did not enjoy the meal. I had the Onaga...it was uninteresting....I think there were olives that had an overpowering flavor. The portion of fish was small and the dish was just simply not good. No popovers....they stop serving them at 3pm... For a dinner for two, that ended up being almost $100, it simply was not worth it. I would not go there for dinner again...Lunch yes, dinner NO!
(1)
Tara M.
On the top floor of Nieman Marcus in the Ala Moana Shopping Center across from Ala Moana Beach Park. It is open air seating and balcony seating with a view of the beach. You really need reservations for balcony seating. We sat in the back, but still could see. They start you off with a chicken broth in a cup and popover bread (croissant type with a a puff of air in it) and a yummy butter. Meals are pricey, but unlike other dinning places in Waikiki it actually was worth it. Three adults and once child was about $150 including taxes and tip. The children's plate is $16 with a free juice (not soda, the waiter did not correct me, and when the bill came I saw the $2.50 charge - when I inquired he took it off but explained children's meals are only with juice) and a small free ice cream sunday. Their deserts are delicious. The cheapest adult meal on the menu is a hamburger for $16 and it the price goes up to $50 for lunch. It was a fancy dinning experience and worth it. While waiting for our table we walked the store and looked at the sale racks = it is fun to see how people think $1200 for a coat is clearance!
(4)
Lyn P.
I loved coming here and eating on the outside patio. The view is lovely (especially at sunset) and it really makes you forget that you're pretty much on the top deck of the Ala Moana parking lot. As for the food, I ordered off the appetizer menu which was perfect if you like to try more things and not have huge portions. They start you off with a New England style popover which they serve with flavored butter - strawberry when I went. So heavenly. Then for my first course, I had the Brie Agnolotti which is pasta filled with brie, toasted marcona almonds, caramelized apples, and golden raisins, with a balsamic brown butter sauce. The flavors went so well together and the sauce was a wonder. Then they brought out round 2 - the braised pork belly and seared scallops. Both the pork belly and the scallops were perfectly seared - the carmelization was perfect. There wasn't much seasoning on either the pork or scallops, which I thought was good because the lilikoi butter was all they needed to bring out their flavors. Round 3 was dessert - I had some sort of macadamia caramel tart thing. The crust was shortbread-like, then a layer of the macadamia goodness, then whipped cream, all the while swimming in caramel. Very, very good. I really enjoyed my experience here and will definitely make a point to come back the next time I am in Honolulu.
(4)
Jason S.
Beautiful spot for a lunch date. My wife and I come here every few months and always have a nice lunch. I have also been here with a small group and was equally happy with dinner except that they only have to popover bread at lunch (be advised). Experienced wait staff add the little bits of service one would hope to find. And the food value for dollar is quite reasonable; probably the best value for dollar is the whole store! I like the roast beef dip, the pork tenderloin, and the steak has been quite good. My wife enjoys the fish! Aloha!
(4)
Kalae P.
I haven't ventured to Mariposa in a while, mainly because there's no one that is willing to splurge a little money on some pretty good food. Well, that's not really the case. Mariposa is located inside one of the islands exclusive luxury retailers store's Neiman Marcus; therefore, many people may presume that Mariposa itself is a high-class restaurant offering high-climate pricing. That isn't so. DINNER-ONLY Review Mariposa's menu offers a wide-variety of choices. From the suited up (garnished & 'fancied) steak to the delectable daily fish, Mariposa is sure to offer something to your liking. It really comes down to where the funds are at (average $20-30/pp). My favorite is definitely the bread (free, even refills)! Although not serving pop overs anymore, Mariposa hands out a basket full of monkey bread which is sort of like an airy buttered croissant w/o the flakiness. Favorite dinner entree is most obviously the roast dish ($25)! Cooked to perfection & tenderness, the roast will fill you up and keep you wanting more. To end the evening, I believe Mariposa offers creme brulee ($8), if not, wrong place. But if you serve creme brulee then I'm all in! Great for family, parties, and good food. It's not a crime to hit this spot up once in a while. *Think there's going to be a rush of people the night you're planning on going? (there usually isn't ANY night where Mariposa is packed unless for a special function) Use opentable.com , Mariposa takes res from there also.
(3)
Lulu C.
Not vegan friendly but great view from the balcony of the nightly Friday fireworks.
I enjoy coming here for a special occasion or when you've got friends or family in town. Service is first class, they really take care of you. Even going as far as giving you a black napkin if your wearing black pants to prevent any stray fibers from a white napkin getting on your pants. I've had the corn chowder, smoked salmon, pork belly and scallops, the filet, the ribeye, and lamb chops. All of the aforemention were excellent and it really makes you appreciate the flavors and well thought combinations of side dishes. Hint, go for dinner on a Friday night to catch the fireworks from the Hilton. I have only one complaint...do I really need to know that the ribeye has 1800 calories?!
(4)
Emoh E.
This place is hit or miss with service and food. The view is quite lovely though so it can be worth it just to go for a light lunch. Prices are high but that is to be expected. Service and Food - I've gone twice where the server forgot my soup. They either forgot to enter it in or the runner didn't get it to me before my entree (yes, it was specified that the soup be served before the entree). Horrible attention to detail. Another time we had ordered a side of fries which, 1. Did not come out with our entrees 2. I had to wave done someone to get our server to inform them that we had not gotten our fries 3. Worst of all, the fries came out cold. Horrible. My mom used to love their lobster club. Absolutely not anymore! Skimpy pieces of lobster in the sandwich. Not worth the price at all! And sorry, adding the meat from the cheliped (that's what I looked up as the part of the claw that pinches) doesn't count. It has no flavor and the texture does not mix well with the meat from the body. It does make for a pretty picture though.
(2)
E P.
My experience at Mariposa is a mixed bag. We recently went for Afternoon Tea. I made the reservation well in advance, and having had their tea service once before at a baby shower, I was expecting a good experience. We arrived promptly and were seated without a problem. Once our waiter came over however, the problems started. It was clear he didn't know much about tea. He started to tell us about a few teas that were available. One of which he called a "French tea," that he couldn't pronounce. When we asked him what was in it, he said he would be back with the teas and a tea menu. He returned with the menu and a plate of tea bags. Of which there were only four varieties. One member of my party asked about decaf tea, and he said that he was sorry but they were all out and the reason he brought bags, was because they were out of tea infusers so no tea pots, just cups and tea bags. After explaining to him that this was very disappointing we began asking him about other selections on the menu that weren't on the plate. He said they were out of those also, particularly a flowery herbal tea that my mom wanted to try. When she asked the waiter what would be close to it, that they did have available, he told her Earl Grey which is not very floral, nor is it herbal. When it became apparent that he wasn't satisfactorily serving my group. He did the right thing and got the manager, who went out of her way to help us, and make it a good experience. Even still, I can't say the pastries and savories they brought we all that good. There was only one kind of sandwich and they forgot macaroons on one of the tea services. I applaud the manager for being so accommodating and going out of her way, but I feel like customers should be told when they make a reservation that they are out of certain key things like infusers and half of their tea selection.
(3)
Kelly T.
Lunch at Mariposa is always a convenient choice, but lately I've been a bit underwhelmed by my menu choices. The husband and I split the roast beef sandwich and a regular green salad. Sandwich came with sweet potato fries, which were nice, but I don't think It went so well with the roast beef. The sandwich itself was a bit messy to eat...as the tomatoes and arugula combo made it a hard-to-hold-on-to experience. It was difficult to keep the contents of my sandwich from ending up in the au jus dip completely. The popovers are always a nice touch, but they were a little burnt that day... :-(
(3)
Toni M.
Mariposa came highly recommended, so I stopped in after a mind-numbing massage for a healthy lunch with a bubbly cocktail. Well, it was a half-healthy lunch and the cocktail rocked. I arrived and chose a seat at the bar. The bartenders were awesome and kept me suitably entertained throughout. I ordered a French 75, a champagne cocktail with gin and lemon...very refreshing. And it was spot-on. For lunch I had the BBQ frites and salad nicoise. Both were surprisingly good and fresh...and accompanied by a popover and small cup of chicken consomme. The frites were crisp and the sauces were very tasty (truffle aioli & guava BBQ)...I hadn't had frites for such a long time...yum! The salad was a bit deconstructed, with the greens piled high and dressed on one side and the goodies in an artistic arrangement on the other. But it was very good...only a few leaves remained and maybe one green bean. The tuna was nicely seared and seasoned. The olives were small and exquisite. Overall the meal was great and service was top-notch. I'll definitely go back, next time for a truly sinful affair...the prime rib sandwich...
(4)
Philip H.
I frequent Mariposa with my mom and or friends because it is a nice place to sit down for lunch at the hot, crowded mall. Take off one star because sometimes the hostesses can have some serious attitude problems. You are a hostess. Get over yourselves. I have been to Mariposas in Neiman Marcus' all over the country, and it seems to be a trend to have pompous hostesses. Oh well. Onward and upward. Now, the food and the service in the restaurant is spot on. The servers are polite and relatively attentive. My lunch time favorite is the steak salad or the Mariposa burger. The steak salad is delicious slices of steak gently laid on a bed of fresh, crisp greens. Cant go wrong. My other favorite, the burger, is a HUGE burger with cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. You can get it with salad, parmesan fries, or sweet potato fries. Both items are a hearty portion, and in conjunction with the chicken consume and popover, I always leave full! I have recently discovered that Mariposa has one of THE best bloody marys in town! They do not use a mix, but make it from scratch! You can also request it to be extra spicy, if that tickles your fancy. They also have a great liquor and wine selection, so if not for great food, stop by the bar for a refreshing mid day drink! The bartenders are relatively friendly depending on the time of day. In short, aside from the sometimes rude and annoying high and mighty hostesses, Mariposa is still a favorite for food at the mall.
I so want this place to be a 'rock star' restaurant. It has all the elements... A great location looking over Ala Moana beach and park, a bit of lanai seating, along with a generous size indoor dining area, and it's part of the Neiman Marcus Brand. But none of this matters when the service is mediocre. The hostess team is pretty cool...not in the nifty-cool way...more like the chilly reception way. Like you are lucky to even be talking to them. At our table, our orders got mixed up on three different occasions. Appetizers, drink order and entree served to the wrong people. My guess is that in order to be so consistent, our main server made the original mix up, thereby screwing up the people who delivered the food. That said, they didn't really care. They are there, putting their time in, not loving their job and it shows. My experience with the service was not a one-time deal. I have noticed the weak service the last few times I have dined here. The food itself is tasty and they have a range from soup and salads to fish and steaks and such. However, for the price, with the 'meh' service, the value proposition is weak. That said, it's still my favorite place on a Friday night to enjoy the sunset and watch the Waikiki fireworks.
(2)
Malia A.
The food there is always lovely and the portions are just right. The service is usually very attentive.
(4)
Gloria S.
Took my coworker to lunch here and I was disappointed with the Salmon Pasta I had. Maybe I should have added more salt since it was a bit bland for my taste, the only umph of flavor I tasted was from the spinach! It's has a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, great for business meetings or lunch with friends. I would probably try another dish if I ever decided to go again. The plantation ice tea was so so...
(2)
Raymond H.
Best corn chowder anywhere! If you like the pop overs at BLT steak the ones at Mariposa are even better and taste fresher. My greek chicken salad was very fresh, flavorful and exceeded my expectations. Patio is a nice option if you can get a seat.
(4)
Julie F.
I love their food, service, and setting.
(4)
Sage O.
Finally, my first visit to Mariposa. When we arrived at noon, there was already a 30-45 minute wait time for a table for 2. I decided the wait was worth it when our waiter took us to our seats out on the lanai facing the huge south swells. My friend and I were surprised with the complimentary popovers with the strawberry cream cheese spread. Despite the limited menu, we still had a difficult time choosing what to eat. We later decided to get a mix of the sweet potato and barbecue french fries. My friend had a chicken sandwich served with a pesto sauce and I had an 'ahi sandwich with an aioli sauce. Like the service, the food was outstanding!
(4)
Trish R.
In my opinion, the only restaurant in the entire Waikiki area that provides dark greens and healthy options with substance for a good price. I had the smoked salmon salad and the two gals I was sitting beside at the bar each had different salads and we were all cooing and moaning with delight as we savoured our lunches. My salmon was a very large filet slow smoked so that it was so tender and juicy. I'm from Vancouver and we have salmon all the time, but this was absolutely outstanding. The dressing was interesting and good, and there were a lot of interesting and fantastic ingredients in the salad that chimed in harmony to the huge plate of fresh greens. The waiter brought a demi-tasse of "consume" (gratis) while we were waiting, and afterwared, the coffee, well, it was over the moon (I know, it's Kona country, but they really did a good job with the drip coffee). To me, this is the ONLY place to have lunch when at the mall, and if you're looking for health-conscious cooking at a fair price, this is about the only place I found in my entire week hunting for healthy food while on vacation at Waikiki Beach. Outstanding menu, outstanding food quality, fantastic atmosphere. Be sure to call ahead for a reservation because there's always a wait. Thank you, Mariposa! Definitely a highlight during my vacation.
(5)
Jody S.
I always feel a little giddy with excitement when I know I have a lunch meeting at Mariposa. Service is ALWAYS excellent and the waitstaff truly knows their stuff. Whether it's recommending the specials on the menu or sharing insight into an entree or even offering a recommendation, the staff is always on point. I will admit I am definitely boring when it comes to trying anything new as I have my tried and true faves which are the crab salad and the lobster clubhouse. Both are divine and to die for! Every time I get one or the other I feel liked I've died and gone to culinary heaven!! It's such a great place to dine with your special girlfriends and to enjoy a special lunch together or to take clients to impress. Duane, who is one of the managers is super personal and has impeccable customer service. If anyone ever wanted to learn about customer service, they need to see how Duane manages at the restaurant. I've seen him in action at his previous place of employment and he still carries the same professionalism, customer relationship management and personal touch to the 9th level. AND he encourages that with his employees. That to me is truly what separates (besides the yummy food!) this restaurant from the rest--the excellent customer service. But enough about Duane and the waitstaff, let's get back to speaking about the food. So the popovers you get upon being seated are definitely delectable, and lightly buttered with their "special" butter (usually lilikoi, I believe!) it is pretty much gone in under 3 minutes. I am NOT a fan of the chicken consomme however being vegetarian, go figure. (I just get another popover to eat while my co-diners are sipping on their consomme). :) I recently discovered that they had these really cute desserts--little ice cream cones--bite size and yummy! What a neat refreshing idea during these hot summer months.
(5)
Lynn S.
I come here whenever I want to entertain out-of-town friends for lunch. My daughter likes to come here, too, when it's just us. I don't usually like to wait to be seated, so I make online reservations via OpenTable on the Yelp app (iPhone). The atmosphere is open and breezy. If you get seated on the lanai it can get a little humid, but it's a nice view. Noise level is not bad at all. A couple of times in the past I was seated by the kitchen... high-traffic area. Too busy with the wait help whizzing by. You're greeted with popovers with strawberry butter. Mmmm!!! My daughter comes here just for those! And she likes the "chicken broth in a cute pinkie cup!" LOL. There are daily lunch specials that should be taken advantage of. The menu is kinda pricey, but what do you expect from a restaurant in Neiman Marcus? I have my faves like the ahi nicoise salad. Two people can share that, IMO. The Mariposa Burger is huge. It's good though. Not the item to pick if you're trying to look classy while eating. Last time I ordered the sweet potato & parmesan fries they came out kinda limp. I only had a few instances where I was less-than impressed with the items I've had, but overall dining experience is excellent! I'm definitely a fan, and you will see me there again.
(4)
John N.
Expectations were high for this restaurant as it is inside Neiman Marcus over at Ala Moana. I definitely love open air dining, especially when there is a great view of Ala Moana Beach Park at the perfect height. We went there for lunch and I ordered Laksa Seafood Curry. Before my food came, they served us complimentary house bread which was very good, along with strawberry butter. Definitely among the best house breads of any restaurant on the island. I was a bit surprised by my curry. It's not a traditional curry that is ingrained in our minds. Even remotely not close to Thai but since it is Laksa, I would consider it Malaysian or Singaporean style. I love the curry though as the flavors were perfect. Service was to be expected. Good but nothing spectacular. One would expect some spectacular for the price you pay though.
(4)
Christopher T.
I have to admit that Mariposa does not fit into my comfort level. I prefer someplace more laid back. It is even more uncomfortable for me to go there after Neiman Marcus is closed. I feel a little too shut off from the rest of the world, which is probably a big plus to most people dining there. With all that being said, the staff are all very helpful and efficient. The food was also wonderful. I really love a citrus tartness in my food. I had the Seared Diver Scallops with peas, speck, artichoke risotto. The Lilikoi Butter was wonderfully tart with the scallops. I also loved the risotto, but found the larger stalk pieces of the artichokes a slight hindrance while eating. I passed on dessert and just had some Jasmine Green Tea. Thank goodness my wife ordered the Frozen Yuzu Souffle. The yuzu souffle with the winter fruit compote were an eye opener. A really nice tart surprise to your tongue. The meringue offset it just a little. It was very good and light.
What's not to like? First, you get an ocean view. Second, you get to have home-made popovers with strawberry butter. So when I'm at the mall, this is where I go. Lot's of aloha here. Not an extensive menu, but when you can order a lobster club sandwich... who cares?
(4)
Tania L.
Based on what they have to offer, it's great stuff. The only thing is, if you're craving red meat like a big, fat, juicy, bloody steak -- you're gonna have to walk over to Morton's. That said, whatever. It's not a big deal. You're going there to have a nice afternoon get-together with a bunch of older ladies - or at least that's how I picture it. I have a great time there for lunch. I love their salads and the portions seem to have gotten bigger for what you pay for, which is a positive. Not the cheapest place, no, but pretty good food. Service is really dependent on who you get... when I went a couple of days ago the kid messed up my "dressing on the side" and "no mayonnaise" in my club order so that was not great (I mean, I'm dropping some real money here you know?). I didn't get pissed cuz it wasn't a big deal (with the dressing) but I really don't like mayo so he got that fixed fast. He just should have gotten a pen and paper and written that sh*t down you know? You HAVE to have their corn chowder. It seems expensive, but put it this way: I went to Bubba Gump's for dinner and they charged $5.59 for a small cup of clam chowder and the chowder at Mariposa's is $5 for a cup so it's really not that bad. Dessert and coffee is also nice, if you can make it that far. All in all, it's nice. But surprisingly on a random wednesday afternoon they were pretty packed... Make reservations if you can plan ahead. Skip the dinner there. You'd be better satisfied dropping $30 at Zippy's. At least you're going to get what you pay for there. Finally, I must agree with Philip H. regarding the hostesses... I mean, that's faux pas number one!!!!!!!! to have crappy, attitude, insincere hostesses. You're the first ones we deal with. But that's a management issue, and the lady that I dislike there wasn't working that day (or maybe at all?!?! Wishful thinking.)
(4)
Kevin H.
Came here for lunch. The atmosphere is definitely nice, with a country-club/plantation vibe and a good view of the ocean. The popovers were not as good as I remember, but still noteworthy. My mom had the pork tenderloin which was the best dish amongst the five of us. Overall, I would have the say that the food was just "ok" given the price and expecations going in.
(3)
Aline T.
QUICK RAVE: Best affordable lunch spot on Oahu. Dinner not so great. FOOD If you want a great lunch for 2 people, around $40 with tip, come to Mariposa, order the burger and ribeye roast beef sandwich with jus and NOTHING else. Burger is $14 and comes with the best damn truffle aioli (don't forget to substitute fries! + $2). Roast beef is so good with the jus (reminds me of French Onion soup) and runs $17. These are the only items I eat when I come here, but most entrees are around $20, so not too shabby. Food is great. INSIDE TIP Lunch hours - 11am to 3pm - you get free popover & chicken consume with full menu. They're usually busy until around 2pm. Food comes out a little cold and not as good if you go when they aren't busy. Late Lunch hours - 3pm - 5pm - you only get the popover and the LIMITED lunch menu (but it's still got the burger and roast beef!); not crowded, so fantastic service and food comes out hot! Parking - Go directly to the right side of the Neiman Marcus valet and look to the left - you'll see the MARIPOSA sign. Here hides a service elevator that takes you straight there. I park in the narrow strip area near there, put up my sun shade and take the elevator up. Warning: It smells bad outside of the elevator and stale in the elevator.
(5)
Rise D.
Mariposa is not worth the hype unless you are a Japanese tourist or making over $80,000 a year. My bf and I went here for lunch...one of my besties gave us a gift card to here for Christmas. We went on a Sunday at around noon, and had to wait half an hour to be seated. Then when I sat down, my chair was wet! The pillow of the chair was patterned and had a plastic covering. There was a puddle of liquid like someone had spilled their drink but no one wiped the chair. So on top of waiting over half an hour to be seated, I was sitting with wet shorts and underwear. It was very uncomfortable. I told the waiter that I had just sat in a puddle of liquid on my chair but he didn't seem to care. We started off ordering a bowl of corn chowder. It's a good thing we ordered that bowl of soup because I was starving and it held me over for another 30-45 minutes or so until the rest of our food came out. I had the roast turkey Italian sandwich. It was ok, but not worth the long wait or price! The turkey was dry but the sandwich itself was pretty good. Definitely not the best. My bf ordered the kobe beef burger, which was very good. It came with parmesan cheese fries and some kind of yummy aioli. The waiter hardly ever checked up on us, but I noticed that he cared more about the tourists and other people who looked like they were meeting for business. I wanted to talk to the manager but she wasn't walking around to all the tables, just talking to one of the tables far away. My bf managed to talk to the manager when he asked for another napkin so I could sit on it to dry my shorts. I heard that Hillary Clinton and her staff once came to Mariposa, and my supervisor also said he saw Michael Caine here too. What if they had sat in a wet chair and waited as long as we did for our food? Something would definitely be done and I'm sure the staff would care more. So when the bill came and I saw that there was no discount or anything, I asked to talk to the manager. The waiter looked nervous when I asked to speak to the manager and apologized for "being so busy". The manager seemed genuinely concerned that the chairs were not wiped before we were seated and took care of the bill. She even offered that if I took in my shorts for cleaning that they would reimburse me for the bill. I was just glad that something was done and assured her that the dry cleaning wasn't necessary. She said that the waiter should have told her sooner that the chair wasn't wiped down. She apologized again and hoped we would come back to Mariposa. I would only come back to Mariposa again if I had a gift card or was friends with a celebrity or important leader, otherwise this "upscale" restaurant is not worth the price for the quality of food and service. The good things about Mariposa are the popovers and strawberry butter and that chicken drink they serve. Like I mentioned earlier, the corn chowder and kobe beef burger were also pretty yummy. The menu lists the number of calories next to each dish so that one can make healthy dining choices. The lunch menu, however, is not very extensive at all. You have a limited number of choices and even the kids' menu is expensive at $16 per item. The other good thing about Mariposa is that the manager seems to care about the customers even if the wait staff doesn't. I appreciated that the manager took care of the bill...although the bill was only $40, and I'm sure eating lunch at Mariposa could easily go over $60, or with a larger party, it could total over $100. She probably saw a lot of bigger bills and didn't mind comping our $40 lunch lol. I'm just glad that the manager seemed concerned over what had happened and she was nice and did something about it, unlike the waiter.
(2)
Diana B.
Great place to dine in if you're feeling fancy! It is located inside Neiman Marcus (yes, that's right! inside the store itself!) on the third floor. The restaurant has great views of Waikiki through the glass walls that adorn throughout the vicinity. The food can be pricey. However, not long ago I dined at an Indian place and it cost me an arm and a leg and I promise you that place looked like a dump compared to Mariposa... The service here is good too. Our waiter was attentive, friendly and cracked jokes with us. For starters they serve you the bread with a side of strawberry spread. So yummy! You will notice their breads here are puffy. I ordered the shrimp salad, substituted the goat cheese for feta cheese and it was very fresh and light. My girlfriend ordered the seafood curry which was OK. I've had better curry elsewhere. The other person in our party ordered the cheeseburger. It came with all the fixings and just like that it was gone off her plate! So don't be intimidated by the price, especially if you don't dine at fancy-looking places often like myself. Mariposa provides a good experience with tasty food and great service. P.S. Don't forget to make reservations. Our party was VERY late for our reservation and they still let us have a table without any fuss. Based on my experience I can see myself coming back here.
(4)
Brent S.
Great place for lunch. The unlimited popovers with strawberry butter are great, but don't get too filled up on them. The Sweet Potato and Parmesan fries are a great accompaniment. The Seared Ahi Nicoise is a tasty light dish. The Lobster Club is amazing. The Orecchiette Pasta is hearty, but not too heavy. The oceanviews are a welcome setting for tourists and local alike. Definitely a place to revisit.
(4)
Matthew N.
Mariposa is like an aging movie star. People keep coming to her movies more for what she was than what she is, because she's got style and grace. And every once in a while she really surprises you and makes you remember. Although you'd think that the patio seating would be too hot or noisy, counter-intuitively it's probably the best place to enjoy a more relaxed and quiet meal. There's a great view and, unlike the cavernous interior, it actually feels more intimate. I've never been disappointed with the food, particularly the brunch menu, but nothing has ever been so extraordinary that it makes me want to come back. The dishes aren't necessarily imaginative or blow-your-socks-off good; even their signature chicken consomme and popover are, after the novelty wears off, simply okay. The servers I've had tended to be very well-mannered, helpful, and efficient (the hostesses have been just as consistently clueless, rude, and stuck up). Don't get me wrong: I've had great meals here: fantastic dinners and fun, raucous lunches, and there are worse ways to spend a lazy weekend morning than having am omelette on the Mariposa terrace. But it usually isn't my first choice and is, more often, an afterthought.
(3)
Jeanie S.
Great dinner rolls with strawberry butter! It was the best thing on the menu! My boyfriend and I each had the $65/person tasting menu. It was good but nothing really stood out. The server was funny, he would talk to us while walking away! and he never asked us how our food tasted. sometimes, he would replace my boyfriend's silverware but not mines. I guess I would've expected more from a place like this but I kind of liked his approached, jus left us alone.
(4)
Teri Y.
Dined here with a friend on a gift certificate. Believe it or not, it was a little bit hard to spend $100 for 2 people for dinner. That's not a bad thing, as the prices were pretty reasonable. However... The waitress was pretty cool and distant, not personable at all. I got bitten by a sand flea within minutes of sitting down. It's pretty far from the beach, and it's not Mariposa's fault I suppose, since it was probably brought in by a customer, but the itchy red welt is not something I want to repeat during a fine dining experience. The table we sat at, on the railing (makai) side of the lanai directly in front of the open restaurant sliding doors, had a pleasant breeze--except for my back, that endured the cold blast of a/c coming from the indoors the whole time. That's not just uncomfortable--what a waste of energy, too! As for the food--we had 2 pupus: Braised Pork Belly & Seared Scallops pupu and Baked Mussels clam pupu. Both were very good. We also had the Bone-in Ribeye Steak and the Grilled Beef Tenderloin. Both were very tasty, but they were both ordered medium-rare and neither came to us that way. the ribeye was almost raw, and the tenderloin was more medium-well than medium rare. They came with sauces in dishes on the side, and the sauces were only lukewarm, so I'm glad that the flavor didn't make it necessary to use the sauces. We enjoyed our meats as they came and didn't send them back, but for a place like Mariposa, and the price you pay for such dishes, it was disappointing that they couldn't get it right. The flavor of our meats was very good, but I was a little confused because part of the ribeye was strangely sweet on some of the more caramelized parts of the steak. It was as if it was sprinkled with sugar to increase the caramelization. It wasn't unpleasant, just, er, different. I made the best of the ribeye, eating the edges that were a little less rare, knowing that I'd be taking most of it home, and the fact that it's so rare will make re-warming it become the medium-rare that I ordered to begin with. The tenderloin came with polenta fries which were great. The ribeye came with sliced potatoes which really had no flavor, and one of them was so undercooked that it was crispy. So, I'd give this place 2.5 stars if I could. Good flavors, nice view, awesome sunset. But -2.5 stars for getting our orders wrong and the staff that's way less friendly than I'm used to locally. The good news is that it's not a pricey as we thought it was going to be, and $100 can buy 2 people a bunch of food.
(2)
Jennifer C.
Great Brunch/Lunch spot. The resto is in Neiman Marcus and has an outside dining area overlooking the ocean. The ambiance is, well, it's in a Neiman Marcus store. You might also want to factor in that it's in a Neiman Marcus store in Hawaii, so it's more casual than you think. I ordered the Greek Salad with dressing on the side but the server brought the dish with dressing. I don't mind this too much but I have to say, they are liberal with the stuff. All in all, I would def come here again with gfs.
(4)
Liz T.
I like the gorgeous bird's-eye view of Ala Moana Beach Park from the open-air lanai. I like that I can be in a t-shirt and slippahz and receive good service. But I don't like the cuisine and that's what I came for. All smoke and no fire. The ladies and I lunched here in between shopping. There's something about Neiman Marcus that makes me feel like I'm a rich housewife in a lunch club when I'm at Mariposa. That's pretty true minus the money, marriage and membership. Ok, so it's completely untrue. That's why I like visiting Neiman Marcus anyway--it's like dressing up on Halloween. Anyway, the best thing I had was the Kahuku corn chowder. It warmed my soul even on a warm day. I gotta learn how to make chowdah, so I don't pay $5 for this a cup of this stuff--or $1 for the canned variety. Then I had the Mariposa Burger with Porcini fries and truffle aioli. The burger didn't make my eyes roll backward for $14 and the potato roll was pretty underwhelming. I was even more disappointed with the Porcini fries, which weren't mushroom fries but porcini dust-sprinkled fries! The truffle aioli was really good, but everything tastes great with truffle, foie gras or caviar. This should be called the Joel Robuchon Rule. I wasn't crazy about the overhyped popover with strawberry butter. I love the dry-wet dichotomy of popovers and I love flavored butter, but I still prefer the foccacia and chili garlic aioli at mall rival the Pineapple Room in Macy's. Now there's a winnah and it's not even warm. Come here if you eat with the eyes. Otherwise, take your tummy to the Pineapple Room.
(3)
J Z.
This is a nice place to have lunch. It is very loud inside so we usually ask for outside seating. The service is good but very slow. If you have plans and expect a quick meal, don't come here. Otherwise, it's a good place to eat. Parking is easy. There is an elevator from the 3rd level lot straight to the restaurant. As far as the food, I think it depends on what you order.
(3)
Tolkien L.
I honestly think this place is probably one of the best places to splurge on a very nice weekday or Saturday lunch with a good friend or date. The soup and bread they serve before the meal is amazing, service is very good too. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Angel L.
Well, what can you say about this Mariposa?! I say today since I've eaten here with my aunty we've really enjoyed drinking the complimentary chicken soup, which you can ask them to bring more if you like:) That's a bonus! Their bloody mary are great! The best sandwich that I've eaten there is Lobster Club, I highly recommend eating! Its fresh Lobster all the way through:) their dessert is great! This place everybody must eat!
(5)
Jas A.
fun place to take people for lunch, brunch, or even high tea. I am a frequent eater at the mariposa. I've been there about 80+ times for lunch and brunch; and about 5 times for high tea. Mariposa gets 5 stars for their everything. service is wonderful, the food is awesome, and the ambiance is bright and airy. high tea is fun with friends and family and you can request seating wherever you want. the menu is always changing like the specials so if you want a certain item you should move quickly!
(5)
Diana J.
The atmosphere was what I would described as "relaxed elegant." They provided a high style of service but that is also paired with the open-aired, ocean view restaurant setting. We took a while to decide what to order. During that time, our server delivered the wine and refilled ice waters. A bus boy brought Monkey Bread and strawberry butter. The bread was warm, if a tad oily. I ordered the four course tasting menu. I replaced the house smoked salmon with the Mariposa salad. The salad had locally-grown greens, shaved fennel, maui onions, kamuela tomatoes, white balsamic vinaigrette. The second course was steamed clams with fingerling potatoes, bacon, maui onions, garlic-cherry tomato broth. I thought the portion size was teeny, and would have enjoyed having a couple more clams. The clams were baby sized, fresh and sweet. The tomato broth was flavorful. For the third course, beef tenderloin. It came with garlic-roasted hamakua mushrooms, baby spinach, potato pearls, and a zinfandel reduction. The portion was tiny. I definitely left the restaurant still hungry after this being the main portion of my meal. The sauce was light but flavorful and it enhanced the beef. The beef was ordered medium rare, but it arrived rare. The vegetables were at the zenith of freshness and were perfectly cooked. My guest ordered the five course tasting menu. The first course was barbecued tiger prawns with grilled avocado and gazpacho. The second course was a fresh mozzarella and Waialua asparagus salad. Neither of us could find any asparagus, shaved or otherwise, in this dish. The roasted tomato and the greens with the dish were in nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. Next was a braised duck ravioli with a brie fondue. The sauce was a fantastic contrast to the meaty ravioli. Despite that it was a creamy cheese sauce it was so light! The fourth course was a rack of lamb with two small lamb chops, a goat cheese and potato gratin, and tempura'd eggplant. The meat had a wine and fennel sauce that complimented it nicely. The dessert of the day was a "warm" lilikoi cake. Only the very edges of the cake were in the least warm - it was mostly cold. It tasted good, and the fruit was fresh, but the cake would have been much better if it had been warm. Courses arrived in a timely manner, though were mostly delivered by runners or other servers. Once the wrong dishes were put in front of us Both of us found our meat less done than we had ordered. In both cases, it came rare, but was ordered medium rare. Although the meal was not without mis-steps, the overall rating was that it was a great meal, and we would order any individual component again.
(4)
Minnie L.
I loved the atmosphere! It's really nice, and classy. They didn't give us looks for wearing crappy clothes, since it was a last minute decision we made to eat here. It probably has one of the best views in town, the ocean was just right there and of course you needed a reservation to sit outside. The menu was little but there was the chefs daily specials. Probably small to make things manageable. We were served popovers (my waiter told me monkey bread and I was like what? This isn't monkey bread...) and they were great! Warm, sweet (not too sweet), pillowy, buttery, it was so good! We were given a strawberry whipped mousse spread to go with it and that was sort of a dessert by itself. I had the salad because I was full from the popover. The regular green salad looked like a pile of rabbit food, so I'm glad I didn't get that. I got the beet salad it was ok, not great. I really wish I was hungrier because the other entrees looked absolutely stunning. Amazing plating and they were like plates of art. Dessert and tea menu offered at the end of service.
(4)
Amar P.
Went here on my last day in Hawaii with the family before we headed to the airport on the recommendation of a friend. Having seen the prices on the lunch menu and knowing the food quality, I doubt I'd come here for dinner again, but for lunch, maybe. This 3 is maybe like a 3.5 in actuality. Ate outside on a nice day and got to see the sunset and look out over the ocean, which was nice. Popovers with strawberry butter hyped in other reviews were tasty and warm. I had for my salad the tomato salad with avocado gelato. I liked it. The avocado gelato was sweet and cold and different for a salad and I liked that. My pork chop was overall solid, but nothing amazing, though the risotto it came with was creamy and good. Bro liked his lobster spaghettini, but I didn't taste it. Looked good though. Put up a picture of that. Dad was meh about his prawns but he was the one who was paying and is not a big fan of paying so much for food, so that probably added to the bias. So overall it was pretty good, but for the money I've had better. Probably my choice of entree accounted for that. Actually, if I had had a salad and one of the more appealing appetizers as my meal, then I probably would give it 4 stars.
(3)
COURTNEY K.
Lovely view. My friends all ordered steaks and they were overcooked. NIce place for Friday night fireworks.
(4)
Cynthia H.
Bad Experience one: I came her a few years ago with a group of my friends since we wanted to try this place out. My friend had two little ones with her, as did I. When we went to the front and asked to be seated (party of 8 with 3 kids), they kind of looked at us like we were crazy to even think about coming here. There was hardly anyone in the place, and when we asked to be seated they didn't say anything but just looked at our kids. I got upset and said, so what is there a no small child rule here?! They finally told us that we would have to wait 30 minutes for a table?! WTF?! There are like 10 people in there! Let just say we turned around and left and went to Antipasto's instead. Mediocre Experience 2: Came here for a bridal shower for a brunch. The food was horrible for such a nice, and apparently super expensive place! Seating was weird for such a large group (About 30). It was a really really long table so those at the end had to look down the length of the table to see what was going on in the middle. They also sat us at the very back against the wall so people had a hard time getting out of the their seats. Overall, would not waste my time here.
(1)
Katrice K.
My review is for lunch only, I have never been to dinner or tea time here. I love to go to lunch here for two things: the popovers and the chicken consomme. While the popover and chicken consomme have gotten smaller since they first opened, both are still extremely delicious. I have three dishes that I absolutely love to order, the lobster club (amazingly large piece of lobster with bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato), crab salad (the dressing is amazing), and the lobster bisque (I haven't found anything better). The place is pricey (it is in Neiman Marcus after all), but well worth it for a quiet lunch or to catch up with friends and the service is always top notch!
(4)
Sungeun P.
After a hectic day at work on saturday, my girl friend and I decided we'll go to Mariposa to catch up with each other. I honestly DREADED going there. I went there ONCE when they opened. At that time I ordered a Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich for $27 and about 30 minutes after I finished eating, I started to throw up and it did not stop for 3 days. Needless to say I was SCARED. Realized that menu has changed I braced myself and grabbed a seat. As everyone have mentioned, the view is fantastic and very open. we sat on the Lanai and it was quiet until 30 million police, firetruck and EMS cars ran through ala moana BLVD. We started out with Water and the bread+strawberry butter. We took forever to decide on what to order because we haven't met up in a while. Our server's name was Keith and he waited patiently until we decided to order. Here's what we ordered : Kabocha Ravioli($12), Jasmin Tea($5), Decaf. Vanilla Tea ($5), King Crab Bruschetta ($14) One of the servers brought the food out. I wish I took a picture but I forgot my camera at home. The crab bruschetta was arty and pretty. Taste was bit bland like the other reviews have mentioned but I guess that was to enhance the crab's natural flavor. Try taking each bite with a small bit of lemon. It matched well. My Kabocha ravioli came out and as soon as the plate landed infront of me I felt my mind go blank for a sec. There were 3 one inch raviolis on my plate. I think I expected at least 4. The server (not Keith) turned around, saw my expression and came back "Is everything ok?" Since I was in a good mood I told myself "Taste it first" "Yes everything's fine" I took one of the ravioli and chewed it up. It was filled with mild sweetness of kabocha. Very light but the sauce (made with lobster stock?) was rich and it had a great balance. After the 3 ravioli was done, I tried the sauce with my half of monkey bread. It was really good and I offered a piece to my friend and she agreed that the bread was even better with the ravioli sauce (than the butter). Almost right after my friend said that, the server who brought our food came to our table and asked if I was done with my plate. I told him that I was using the sauce for my bread. When he came back to get my plate he said, "Are you finally done with the sauce? Haha Just kidding" REALLY? Did I give an impression like Im licking the plate clean or something? I'll remember this guy and the next time I go, I'll speak with the manager if he says something rude and retarded again. Anyway, people, do not be alarmed if you see 3 raviolis. It was a good thing I had a ginormous lunch. We happily chatted away and it was a pleasant evening, minus the 20 something yr old, tall asian server. I'll go back next time and we'll see how that goes. More Yelpin coming your way.
(3)
Anna D.
popover, squid ink risotto, soups, salads, bloody mary's, burgers, dang it.. it's all good! the popovers are free and i eat about 3-4 of them since they're like air! The drinks are great and perfect to the taste in mixtures. I honestly love eating here with my friends since we all enjoy the ambiance, the food, and the service. It's definitely one of those girls lunch/dinner and sometimes a "boys allowed" event.
Lunch this time around proved to be a LOT better than dinner. Emily wanted to check this place out because of the more positive lunch reviews, so of course, I gave in and made reservations on OpenTable. Made the first reservation of the day... until our time, we wandered around the candy section of Neiman Marcus waiting for the curtain to roll up.. even went as far as to check out the Christmas section that was starting to open up... speaking of which $35 for an ornament?!... ha! Sat down outside, on a gorgeous sunny day overlooking Ala Moana Beach Park... The sky was a gradient of dark blue, to slightly light, white clouds... it was a beautiful sight. Our service was very quick and guess what they had?! ... Popovers!... and the strawberry butter was oh-so-good! On our plates were the Lobster Club for her, and the Rib-eye Roast Beef Sandwich for me. Not being Sweet Potato fries fans, we substituted them for the Porcini Fries... (which are like regular fries, really). For my sandwhich, I did enjoy that the au jus-like dip was like onion soup... that was delicious, yum! For hers, The lobster club isn't like one of those sandwiches that makes you question "where's the lobster?" -- there really are large chunks of lobster you can see and taste! The bottom line: Lunch is definitely THE time to check this place out. The energy is high, view is nice, and there are a lot more selection from the menu, also the Popovers are readily available!
I love this place. love love love love. I definitely would have given five stars if they hadn't taken their stuffed chicken breast and risotto off the menu. The popovers and strawberry butter are delicious and the chicken consomme is bomb diggity. I decided on the pasta this last time that I went. And it was good. Sausage, broccolini, tomatoes, eggplant and topped off with fresh goat cheese. Yessssss! Also, the plantation iced tea is soooooooo delicious and cute!
(4)
A G.
I had the opportunity to dine here for the first time and was impressed. The service was fabulous! The popovers were delicious, my orecchiette pasta was very tasty, and the desserts we ordered were equally delectable. Although a bit pricey, there is also soup and salads that are within a decent price range for lunch.
I was really disappointed in our dinner experience here. There wasn't anything on the menu that sounded appealing, the setting wasn't as nice as most high-end Honolulu restaurants, and the service was just ok. I will have to come back and try it again during lunch.
(1)
Leimalani F.
Normally a f-n rock star, but last visit more of a meh-star. OK, read the reviews yelpers. People come here for the POPOVERS. Yes, they are delicious and the consomme is a nice touch. BONUS is you can ask for seconds :) which I like to accompany the soup of the day. On my last visit these tasted a wee-bit burnt which made me a lot-a-bit sad :( Oh, and they only serve these at lunch so that's the only time I'll come here. They'll give you the recipe if you ask the host desk and care to try these at home. Corn chowder is always creamy and delightful. This is the best corn chowder I've ever eaten and I don't even like chowders. I also like the beef and barley soup when they have it. I love the wild salmon salad. Too bad they stopped serving it with Purple Haze goat cheese from Maui's Surfing Goat Dairy. Now it is regular old Sonoma. On my last visit, I had the ahi nicoise. The tomatoes and potatoes tasted like they had been cut days in advance and had a slightly sour tang. Also, the sashimi salad was not good. The salmon slices did not taste fresh and were discarded. Crab salad was a let down for a colleague who said it lacked flavor. Everyone loves the burger and the tuna melt. Don't expect a huge slab of rare ahi b/c that's not gonna happen here at "Needless Markup". In the past I've really enjoyed their scallops in butter lettuce sauce (no longer on the menu). Desserts and specialty drinks are tasty for the most part. They gave me a creme brulee once for my birthday which was winnahs! I love idea of the mini ice cream cones, but these came way too melted. The waitress even mentioned that the kitchen can't figure out how to serve them better. Service used to be posh, but seems like the restaurant is cutting down on the number of servers so they are very busy and hard to catch. I felt that the quality of food has gone downhill, perhaps because of the recession? tho you'd never know by how busy this place still is for lunch. I still give em tree-stah b/c I love popovers. Ladies, if you must DO lunch, perhaps try the Plumeria Bar at the Kahala for ocean views, high tea and a more relaxed atmosphere: yelp.com/biz/plumeria-be…
(3)
Janis K.
Took my mom here for her birthday since we were drooling over the popovers. We were somewhat disappointed with it. Although it was warm, it was kind of chewy but not as crumbly as the last time. We both agreed that it wasn't the same since when they first opened. The strawberry butter was a nice save. I had the daily special (moi) and she has the roast beef sandwich. My moi was perfectly cooked, crunchy skin & just enough salt. The broth was slightly sweet with baby bok choi & all types of mushroom. Yum! The plantation iced tea was as pretty as ever (it'd better be for $5/glass). Our waiter was very sweet & recommended a new dessert & steered us away from the creme brulee (which is a staple). The pumpkin crunch was like a mousse on top with glazed walnuts for a crust. Perfection!!
(4)
Leona Y.
The interior of this place is very airy and sophisticated, especially with the numerous fans on the ceiling. I dined here with my parents on a Sunday night so it was wasn't too busy, but I would recommend a reservation if possible. Try and sit outside since you can watch the sunset around 7pm, but be aware this place is full of Japanese tourists!! They have menus in both English and in Japanese which is very convenient for people like my parents who are more comfortbale with reading a Japanese menu. I ordered the $55 Chef's Tasting Menu which came with three main courses and a dessert. The first course was smoked salmon, the second course was baked mussels, and the third course I chose the pork chop (you also have the choice of hawaiian pink snapper if you'd like). Dessert was a type of pudding with some cream and fruits on top. Each portion is very small which I like since you don't get bored or too full to enjoy the other courses. My favorite dish was the baked mussels!! If it's your first time at Mariposa, I would reccomend the Chef's Tasting Menu since you can get a little taste of everything the restaurant has to offer. This is a great place to go for dates, with girlfriends, or with family. Next time I come back to Honolulu (with my parents or when I have a lot of $$$) I will be coming back for sure!
(4)
Alex G.
Looking for a brunch place? Consider mariposa. Pros: Service, drinks (plantation ice tea, guava juice, pineapple juice, etc), sandwiches are good. If you are looking for a lunch spot that won't bloat you and make you feel fat the rest of the day, you should come here. Cons: Pricy and the menu lacks diversity.
(4)
Scott R.
Wonderful ambience! Reserve ahead to get a table on the terrace with a view of the ocean. And save room for dessert, the choices are excellent!
(4)
David G.
Mariposa located at Needless Mark Up (Just kidding, Neiman Marcus) offers great ocean, beach and boat harbor views. All of their ingredients are fresh and utilized extremely well. The food as well as the service is wonderful and the restaurant is extremely clean making Mariposa a great place to eat. PS. Their Strawberry Butter is really great....
(4)
Sophia K.
The view is very nice. The food is tasteless and bad. I had the salmon and it tasted frozen. It came with some couscous with tomato sauce that tasted exactly like canned tomato juice. It was bland, tasteless and flavorless.
(1)
Alex A.
Come here for lunch! We came here once for dinner and we weren't as impressed...the prices sky-rocket, there's no popover (you get monkeypod bread or something), and they do suffer a bit from a case of "elf food". However, it was still mucho deliciouso. My girlfriend loves this place, by the way...something about the atmosphere brings out the little princess inside of her. You can choose to eat outside which is quite lovely, but we actually enjoy eating indoors, because it is so nice inside. Very simple, yet elegant (plus I like the A/C). I feel a bit like a plebeian saying so, but I come here to eat their hamburger! Yes, it's practically a $10 hamburger and there's absolutely nothing fancy about it in terms of fixings...but it's SOOOO GOOOD! The combination of their fresh ingredients, sexy bun, and a perfectly cooked patty makes this one of my favorite no-frills burgers on the island. But let's talk about what you're not paying for (directly).... popovers! These things are like huge bready clouds, the kind you daydream about jumping in as kids, and they taste just as buttery delicious as your childhood imagination would believe. They come with some kind of flavored butter that used to be an even better flavored butter, but is still quite delicious. They serve the popovers with a small cup of chicken broth or "consomme" if you're fancy. I like it because it makes ME feel fancy to sip broth from a tiny cup (pinky out). But it does add to the ambiance and complements the popover well. Anyway, this is one of our favorite places to go. It's a little more expensive than our usual low-brow fare, but it's totally worth it for the setting, service, and free popovers and consomme!
(4)
T. L.
Havent been here for a while. This place is really nice , the service is friendly, nice atmosphere, the food is really good , but limited selection. I had some chicken forgot what its called but it was roasted. And it was awesome. Coming back for sure !!!! :-)
(4)
Shep G.
Unusual location that is just lovely, very open and airy with a fantastic view over the palm trees in Ala Moana Park across the street. Pop overs with lunch were HUGE! :) We all had great food, it was a working lunch and it was a good location for that....
(4)
Jesse C.
I guess? I keep hearing about how great the popovers are. But when I had gone with my folks. They said that they no longer serve the lilikoi butter. Apparently that made all the different. Yeah, ok, so they gave us strawberry butter compound. *Yawn* I can make better popovers. And before you ask, yes, I do own those silly popover pans. I had the thai curry. The view was nice; magic island from afar. But I went on the weekend and some guys have those high-speed gas r/c boats. Boy, are they friggen loud. Not enjoyable. The wait service I received was not on par with their expected dining experience. I'll keep my money, next time. Thanks.
I drop it one star because they don't have the pop over bread and soup after 3pm. SUCKS! *rawr* I went to "Girls Day Dinner" here just because I wanted those two items.....now, it's blah.....They should have those two items ALL DAY!
(3)
m m.
I used to love coming here for lunch. I don't know what's happened to this place. The food has completely deteriorated. The popovers are so dry. The king crab salad, which used to be my favorite, was horrible. Under-ripe, hard avocado, wilted lettuce w/ brown spots, unfresh crab...yuck. I was so disappointed. We also split the salmon pizette which was also horrible. The crust was super tough and very salty. I seriously don't know what happened to this place. It used to be one of my favorites. And for the prices, the food should be top notch...but it's not.
(2)
Darci N.
It looks like it belongs in Neiman Marcus and it serves like its in Neiman Marcus. I ordered a Pork Tenderloin but I didn't care too much for the carmelized apple sauce they had it in. My friend ordered some pasta and that was good. Service was great, view was great, besides the B-52 roach climbing the sun screen.
(3)
Thomas N.
I had the potato-crusted salmon and it was pretty good. The popovers are cool and much more interesting than plain bread. I was not a fan of the strawberry butter but I suppose other people will enjoy it. Our waitress was slightly awkward, but nice and polite.
(3)
Tara C.
Sometimes, you just want to slip away and pretend you're the one on vacation. Or maybe you just want to be one of the ladies who lunch. In either case, Mariposa is the place for you. Laid back but elegant with beautiful views on the patio or inside. Service is as you would expect: spot on. Can't really find a single complaint about it. Last time I was there (lunching with a gal pal, with our new purchases in hand) I had the Ahi Nicoise, which is a refreshing choice for those of us who eat Ahi a lot. I also loved the lobster bisque. I can't say its the best I EVER had, but I have a high standard. I also like the Applewood Salmon Salad, perfect for a summer day. I see lots of local food on the menu (but not exclusively) still, it matters and I appreciate it. Prices are, well, Neiman Marcus-esque. But fortunately, the splurge is worth it.
(4)
Alan K.
We went on a dinner date on Friday around 6-ish. It was not too busy. The service was quite excellent. The food on the other hand varied a great deal. The dinner roll was some sort of pull apart butter bread. It was awesome. I could eat it all day. The strawberry butter was okay but the bread didn't need it. I tried the Iced Coco Coffee. The coffee was strong but not that remarkable. The coconut taste was subtle. If you are not the whipped cream type, ask for it without. I ordered the 3 course tasting menu. The corn chowder was decent. Lots of fresh corn, thicken properly with potato and cream instead of corn starch (so it is not pasty). It was a tad under-seasoned. I had to resist using the salt shaker. The crab bruschetta was fair. A nice crunchy piece of toasted baget topped with ripe tomato, a bit of crab meat, a bit of green with the whole thing sitting on a dap of guacamole. 3 things made this only a fair dish. First, the tartness of the tomato overwhelmed everything. Second, the dressing was spooned onto the plate instead of tossed with the toppings. Third, a bruschetta is meant to be eaten by hand, this is piled so high that it can't be handled gracefully. The ribeye steak was not a whole steak. Instead it was slices, on top of a bed of parsnip mash potato and cooked spinach. I ordered the steak medium rare and it wa perfectly cooked. Everything tasted good but the plate is on the small side. Wifey had to special order (due to allergy) scallop, asparagus on top of rice. We ordered it plain without seasoning. The first attempt failed as they put black pepper on it. The second attempt was better but of course, my steak was already cold. Overall, we had a nice time together but the food was only fair. Almost every dish has something against it. The exception is the bread.... That is a pretty sad state of things. Oh and two peeves, their steak knife handle was round so it does not rest well on the plate. I couldn't put it down or it slid right into the food. The chairs were super uncomfortable. These people should be made to sit down for a whole meal so they can tell how bad it felt. Both my feet went pins and needles at the end. The meal wasn't cheap either. At over $100, I'd expect better.
(2)
Justin W.
My wife has been wanting to come here for a while. Mariposa is located in Nieman Marcus on the top floor in Ala Moana mall. Upon walking up we were promptly greeted by the hostess. She told us it would be around 20 minutes. So we decided to wait. As we sat there and looked through the menu I was also messing around on my YELP app for android and noticed that this place accepts reservations through Open Table. I would say during lunch time you will be better off doing this since you might be able to get seated faster. Once we sat down at our table our server brought out a small cup of a chicken broth to drink. She was very nice. She took our order after that. While we were waiting for our food they brought pop puts with a strawberry butter. I think our pop outs were a little burnt but the strawberry butter was pretty good. I ordered the roast beef sandwich and it came with sweet potato fries. The sandwich was very good and it came with a dipping sauce. Our server was very attentive and nice. The atmosphere is also very nice, it is bright and inviting. The noise level is not bad, so you can hold a normal conversational tone with the people across the table. I am pretty sure we will be back to try other foods.
(4)
Emi N.
This is my favorite weekday lunch spot! The lanai seatings are great!!!
(5)
Ryan Y.
Review is for lunch. Went this past weekend since someone was willing to treat me to lunch. Walked up to podium, and was asked if we had reservations, said no. Was asked for my first and last name, hmmm.... are they keeping track of me, will I be greeted by name next time and what I ate? Got seated right away. Thought service would have been better, we ordered drinks, I had the Mariposa punch which was okay, the plantation ice looked better. Long wait for the drinks, in the mean time we get the popovers which is excellent but still no drinks and not even water, had to flag waiter down to inquire about drinks. Had some kind of chicken/beef broth in a small espresso type cup, I guess this is the predrink drink. Had lobster club sandwich and partner had soup and salad. Food was good, little on the pricey side. So to conclude food was good but over priced, service was junk, ambiance was okay. ps-after finish was waiting outside by candy and wine area since lunch partner went to restroom, so sales person tells me that the wine bottle I'm holding is good, jokingly told her cheaper at Tamura's, she laughs and tells me she shops there also sometimes then walks away.
(3)
Doris D.
I've been here a few times for lunch, the entrees are take it or leave it, but the things to come here for are the atmosphere, consume, and popovers.
(3)
Tracey U.
Let me just start off by saying....these popovers are life changing!! I had these for the first time in May while having lunch with a few girlfriends. When the Popover came over to the table I did not realize how delicious it was going to be. Also, the butter that accompanies the Popover is excellent. I believe I had 4 or 5 Popovers in addition to my lunch that day. I just couldn't stop myself. Popovers are a definite must eat!!!
(4)
Kristen C.
More like a 3.5...Came here around 12 and the place was filled with others still waiting to be seated. Since we didnt have a reservation we had to wait 15-20 mins. It wasnt too bad as I just walked around looking at the expensive candy/chocolate. When we were finally ready to be seated we sat next to the outside window and wished I were outside because the weather was really nice. After being seated our popovers came a bit after. This was my first time coming here and my friend said that their popovers were good so I was really excited to try it and it was just a-ok. Not really my kind of thing I guess, too light and airy, although the outside did have some crunch to it; I just prefer bread with more substance. Its just like eating an unfilled cream puff so if you like that then you'll like popovers. It also came with a whipped strawberry butter that was also just okay. A while later our chicken consomme came and that was really good and flavorful and dipping the popover in it made the popover even better. As for entrees, I ordered the laksa seafood curry that consisted of clams, jumbo black tiger shrimp, fresh fish and sliced veggies. My friend got the mahi with blue crab risotto. Throughout our wait our water was filled so that was good. When our dishes came my curry smelled really good and tasted really good too. It still needed some heat so I asked for some tabasco and they brought some mini tabasco containers 8-) in which i used the whole thing but could have used 2 =P. The shrimp was really huge and tasted good, the clams were chewy so I didnt really like those, then again, i dont really like clams to begin with, as for the fish, it was a big dry. The veggies consisted of red bell pepper, eggplant and onions and they made a nice addition to the dish. The rice came on the side so that was nice, rather than it being in the curry and having it soaked. It was just plain 'ol white rice, I was hoping that it would be jasmine considering the restaurant is more on the expensive side; it was cooked perfectly though so i'll give them that. As for my friend's dish, he said the risotto tasted "mayonaisy" so I tried it and yeah, it tasted like they probably mixed some mayo in it, which I thought was weird. It also tasted a bit undercooked as it kind of had a bite to it. I've tasted other places where it was a bit more softer and another place were it also had a bite. Seeing as though mariposa is a more upscale place, i wasnt sure if they just messed up on the risotto or that it really does have a bite to it. So, I'm not sure what "true" risotto is supposed to taste like, I think im just gonna have to try it at some fancy italian restaurant where they know what they're doing. As for dessert, so many things on the menu sounded yummy. I either wanted to try the lilikoi pudding cake of the frozen lemon souffle. I never had a souffle before and was curious what "frozen" meant in the dish so I decided to choose that to share. When it came out we were surprised why they called it a souffle as it wasnt "cakey" at all, it was more like a frozen lemon cool whip kind of thing, nevertheless it was good and very tarty. It also came topped with raspberries and blackberries, whip cream and candied lemon rinds, with honey drizzled on the plate. Overall food and service was pretty good so 3.5 for that; and yeah, i'd like to come back to try other dishes, especially that pudding cake that looked really good when a waiter passed by =9.
(4)
Mina F.
The view is what you pay for. Good food too, love the crab salad and grilled flat iron steak salad. Not cheap but you get to enjoy the nice view of the harbor. Nice place to have sunday brunch.
(4)
Elle H.
Went there for dinner with my husband and sat on the outside patio. I called three times to see if we'd be able to get sunset seating, and was kept on the phone waiting for several minutes. Finally just showed up as a walk-in and was able to get the outside seating I wanted. The sun wasn't too strong on us as it set, and the view of Ala Moana Beach park was nice. I had the prix fixe menu-- bruschetta, corn chowder, salmon and chef's dessert selection. Hubby had the carrot marsala soup that was poured table side and mahimahi. Everything was very delicious and well prepared. Everything was at the right temperature and the timing between courses was perfect. Service was above average but I thought it could have used some improvement. My water remained less 1/4 full for most of my meal. On the plus side, waiter explained menu and wasn't too intrusive. Great place for an intimate and casual dinner (business or aloha casual-- jeans may be a little too casual). More pricey than what I normally would go for, but certainly worth it for the quality of food and ambiance. I would leave the kids at home for this place.
(4)
Linh P.
I ordered the daily special, which was a trio of halibut the day I went. Sampled a few appetizers. Shared two ridiculously overpriced bottles of French wine with my company. My dish was way too busy (see photo I uploaded in gallery) - there must have been about 50 things on it (dash of miso here, pineapple there, hibiscus flower decoration here, 4 different sauces, macadamia nuts hiding beneath a slice of fish, slivers of possibly every vegetable and spice they had in the pantry). Seriously, was the chef on crack? It didn't taste bad, it was actually ok ( when consumed in several separate bites). The service was excellent. And the breathtaking view from our dinner table out on the balcony really did a lot for the overall experience.
(4)
Gil G.
Excellent food with pristine service by Johnson Wong!
(4)
Tessa t.
yelp 365 challenge #36/365 took my best girl out for her birthday... this is the place she chose... meh. our choices: she got some sweet wine. i got a chard. (the wine isn't what the review is about) king crab cocktail... warm. not too crabby :( she didn't like it. i ate it because i wasn't about to waste $14... we also ordered a soup... i wish i remember what "cream of...." soup it was because that was the highlight of our meal... smoked kurobuta pork chops... eh. the cipollini did not complement the pork chops too well... lobster spaghettini... lobster pieces were sometimes mushy... or overcooked :( my spaghettini was also cooked too long :( my tab was $107... i was buzzing... and the food still didn't make my taste buds happy... sad face. on the other hand... service was nice. extra star for that :)
(3)
Vikki W.
Had lunch at Mariposa in Neiman Marcus on Saturday. Hadn't been there in a long while. I was pleasantly surprised that the menu was very good. I had the house Salmon salad. All the components were excellent! My aunt had the sea bass special and she gave me a bite. The flavor was just right, fish cooked perfectly. I will definitely go back. Oh BTW, as usual, the service was impeccable! My only complaint was that the roadwork on Ala Moana made for a noisy outside lunch but they have no control of that.
(5)
Lindsay J.
i love getting all dressed up for dinner... :) one of my besties and i got here just as the sun was setting. lovely atmosphere, very... ethereal. my breakdown: the food: buttery popovers with fruity butter = to die for! soft, warm, fluffy... delicious butter. we had to ask for seconds... definitely better than any bread and butter i've ever had. brie agnolotti = brie and almond dumpling-like concoction with caramelized apples and raisins = savory/sweet love going on. great combination of flavors. grilled australian lamb chops = chickpea/yogurt encrusted lamb chops with fingerling mashed potatoes and a pomegranate-port sauce = yummm. i had to fight the urge to pick up those damn bones and gnaw every little morsel off of it... but no. a lady mustn't do that... well, in public anyway. my only complaints were that the lamb was overcooked and the crust wasn't particularly that flavorful. i ordered it med-rare, and they came out well done. sigh. minus 1 star. vanilla creme brulee with fresh berries = not overly sweet. very creamy, and i loved the burst of hidden berries folded into the custard. the service: exceptionally well. the wait staff was very knowledgeable and quick to refill our drinks. i am so looking forward to my next dining experience here.
(4)
Cat K.
I've eaten here many times and surprisingly have not gotten sick of their food yet. I love the Lobster Club Sandwich with fries, their plantation ice tea, and all of their desserts! If you can grab a seat outside with a view...that's really nice too.
(4)
Kelli C.
My husband and I went here for dinner on a Monday night. One star for a nice waiter but the food was really disappointing. My starter was a beet salad which really lacked flavor. Our entrees were the scallops and the fish of the day which was opakapaka. Both were served to us undercooked--the fish was literally raw inside. Plus the garnish with the fish was again totally lacking in flavor. The management took my fish off the bill but I felt that they should have also taken the scallops off since only 3 of the 4 could be eaten. My husband ordered one of the signature drinks which was more like fruit punch than a cocktail. The atmosphere was sleepy and lifeless. This is the kind of place the blue haired ladies eat.
(1)
Jade L.
Well thought out menu and restaurant layout make it a pleasure to dine at the Mariposa. The quality and flavor of all their food is top notch. I enjoyed a memorable lunch with family here and plan on returning next time I'm in Honolulu.
(5)
Heather L.
Really enjoy the views, and the food is consistent...but I think overpriced, even for Hawaii. We have gone or dinner multiple times..but it was never one of those places that jumped to mind when we went out. We never saw the restaurant busy, yet hey almost always made us wait for our table. Seems to be a Japanese tourist favorite...the monkeybread with the homemade butter at the start of the meal is a nice touch...
(3)
Paul T.
For the money you spend, the experience at Mariposa is only average. I went for business lunch during the week and the service was extremely slow, although polite. Lunch took nearly two hours -- unacceptably long for the middle of the work day. And following a restaurant trend, they automatically add a 20% tip for parties of 5 or more. (I rue the day when restaurants start charging a tip automatically for *any* sized party.) The food is fairly good, especially the well-known popovers, but the quality is not as high as you'd expect. Once for lunch I had meat that was fairly fatty; for another lunch I had seared ahi and the fish was tasty but less than top notch. The ambiance is pleasant, and the view of the ocean and Ala Moana Beach Park is nice, but better views exist elsewhere. I'd go back if I had a gift card or if someone else were paying. Otherwise, nope.
(3)
Tyler D.
I give it a four star because the view is hard to beat. The food is more like a three star...barely I like the tuna melt. It is seared ahi with melted cheese, but most of the other things I have tried here are nothing too great. Yup..of course the popover and butter (is that strawberry butter) are too die for...Most of the time after eating here, I tell myself I should have just had the popover and some coffee...and kept ordering popovers....
(4)
Kris N.
Lobster club. So yummy
(5)
Janet K.
Mariposa does lunch better than dinner. I like the seafood Laksa curry. I ordered it spicy and it was wonderful!!! The coconut milk wasn't too over powering or sweet. The level of spiciness was perfect. The ahi melt was also delicious. I ordered it with the porcini fries and it came with a truffle aioli. The Acqua Pazza fresh catch is good, but it could use more saffron and starch. The corn chowder was bland, but it was nothing a little salt couldn't fix. And yes, of course the popover and strawberry butter were awesome as usual.
(4)
Christine C.
Wonderful food and service! Enjoy lunch on the balcony that overlooks Ala Moana Beach Park. I sure did! I also had dinner there once, but was surprised that the service wasn't as good as my lunch experience.
(4)
Sandi W.
Good food but slow service.
(4)
Murray K.
Food is good, but overpriced. Don't ever ever go there with a big crowd. Due to the lazy chef, they will allow you a set menu for only 3 items to pick from and NOT even giving you a choice between fries or salad with your entree. This place is a NAZI restaurant. Kincaid's has better service...go there not here!!
(2)
Al B.
We had a large group and this was a good option for nice food with a good view. Maria, who handled our reservation, did a good job of ensuring things went smoothly with our table arrangement and party size. We chose a course option, which included soup, a main dish, and dessert plus a drink. Pricing was reasonable considering the location, and service was adequate. I think we would go back next time we visit the area.
(3)
Brendan J.
Kind of overpriced for what you get. You can definitely get the same quality of food for less on the island. I really like the actual restaurant though - very airy and cool with the breeze and fans going, and awesome awesome view of Ala Moana beach. The popover things are huuuge! They remind me of those Dutch Baby pancakes in taste and are kind of eggy. Ahi tuna melt - Winnahs! The best dish ordered. Beautiful seared ahi steak. Potato encrusted moi with clams - Tasty. It would have been nice to have some French bread or something to soak up all that broth. Seared diver scallops - Tasty, but a little overcooked. They were getting a little tough. The sauce with the gnocchi and mushrooms was good. Seared scallop salad - Smaller than expected, but our server let us know it was on the small side. Scallop cooked much better on this one. Warm lilikoi pudding cake - Came topped with a big sugar cookie thing. Was okay, but I prefer lilikoi things more sour. The complimentary chicken consomme and peppermint stick were nice. Their version of pog juice just tasted like straight up pineapple juice and got watered down fast. Pretty good food, but like a lot of things at Neiman Marcus, kind of overpriced. It may be worth checking out for the amazing view though.
(3)
Danielle Y.
Wonderful place if you need a view and expensive-ish fancy food that tastes pretty good (expensive wine prices!!!). My popovers were a little wonky (a tad too crispy on the outside, kinda doughy on the inside) but I did enjoy the strawberry butter. One thing I'm a little pissy about (and it's my fault, really) is that they put prosciutto on the portobello sandwich. I assumed (ass out of u and me...bah!) that the portobello sandwich ($16) was veggie as there were no other veggie options and didn't read the ingredient list carefully (once again, my fault!). It is a little annoying that they would ruin the one non-salad potential veggie option, but specifically I can't eat pork! It was bad news later that afternoon lemme tell ya. Anyway, once I got water (!) service was quite friendly while still being professional, the food while not exceptional for the price was, when packaged with a spot on the lanai, worth it. If I didn't want to eat outside with a view, I'd probably choose somewhere else.
This is one of my favorite places to grab lunch in Honolulu now. I know, I effing hate the idea of eating at the mall sometimes . . . or worse, dressing up a little more nicely for a joint at the mall, but I love this place. It is my experience to go a little earlier to land a table on the lanai although the interior has very nice ambiance as well. Again, I am all about the complimentary items. Consomme and popovers are wonderful. After tasting their strawberry butter, I damn near made a vat of it at home . . .who doesn't love sweet+savory? Scallops and gnocchi are good, but don't expect to be filled. . . .as there are five scallops and three gnocchi -- as in 8 little (albeit, tasty and flavorful) morsels to much on. Favorite item on the menu is the seared ahi sandwich. Caper aioli was fucking delicious. The seared ahi, as opposed to the scallops, was generously portioned. Thank God. And if that's not enough, some of the male servers are nice to look at. Who doesn't like being served by pretty boys?
(5)
Ernest P.
I made a reservation for 8 people for this Sunday to celebrate my daughter's baptism and made the reservation two days in advance. When we arrived there 15 min early and checked in, the manager with a scowl on her face, told me to come back at our reservation time at 130pm. I asked if they could give me a pager so they could notify me when our table was ready and she refused to give one to us, while walk in customers were given them. Instead of trying to accommodate us, she tried to push us on the side. We waited for 15 minutes, to our designated reservation time and when I went to check in, one of the hostesses said our table was not ready and told me, move to the side. Instead of trying to accommodate the customer, they totally made us feel like 3rd rate citizens, with the manager being no help at all. Usually, managers are very helpful, or will try to diffuse a situation in any way possible, but this manager and front staff, did nothing to keep our business.... I have been there before, and have gotten good service, but this experience alone will make me never go back there ever again... I recommend restaurants all the time to friends and family alike, and will give a bad recommendation from now on for this restaurant. When they were unable to seat us at our reservation time, nor were they apologetic, we decided to leave. We ended up at BUBBA GUMPS, a supposed far cry from the high end service and quality one would expect at Mariposa, and were treated like VIPS. That's how any customer-service oriented place should treat their customers. I have lots of money to spend on restaurants, sorry for Mariposa, my money and my network of friends and family's money will never be spent on that restaurant until they get rid of the non-customer service attitude that starts from the top.
(1)
Duke N.
Reservations highly recommended. This is a very popular lunch spot among locals and visitors. The ambiance is pleasant with ceiling fans in the dining room that resemble butterflies (mariposas) and a view from the balcony overlooking Ala Moana Beach. The lobster club came highly recommended and seems to be the popular choice. It was $22 but lunch comes with their signature all you can eat fresh popovers with strawberry butter and a cup of chef's clear chicken broth soup. The lobster club was fantastic with fresh avocado, lettuce, bacon, and roasted red pepper. We ordered a side of fries that came with a delicious truffle dipping sauce. Make your reservations early and treat yourself to a great lunch! It's well worth it.
(5)
Matthew M.
Went here while I was back in Hawaii for winter break. Got a seat on the balcony during the sunset. Really great view. Good food, service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere was great. The monkey bread is pretty good although I hear the popovers are better. Would definitely go here again.
(4)
Gabby V.
I came here with my boyfriend's family for his birthday last month. I love sitting out on the veranda. The timing was so perfect because the fireworks show on Fridays went off while we were sitting outside. I had the Farm-Raised King Salmon and it was delicious! I also like their homemade strawberry butter and bread. The service there was fast and the servers were very friendly and accommodating. Plus the restaurant is really nice and cozy looking but has a light airy romantic feel to it. It is a bit pricey but what can you expect from a Neiman Marcus restaurant, only the best. I suggest making reservations in advance because this restaurant is worth it!
(5)
Stacey K.
I went here again today.. I don't know why I always end up here, the food isn't spectacular and is ridiculously predictable.. the ambiance is colonial old school honolulu.. The pop overs and consume is good. Had the texas cooler or something, it was alright, next time i'll just get the lemonade. These are a few things I've had on the menu in the past month or so: the thai curry: won't order again, way too creamy the king crab salad: huge, lighter greens which I don't really like, kinda boring and bland mariposa burger: alright average, less better than you think it would be predictable lobster club: kinda taste like zippys club but with bland lobster instead of turkey. greasy fries. ahi salad: ask for the shoyu n wasabi, kinda blah but the dressing is good I would recommend going to the Halekulani instead for lunch, their lobster club is WAY WAY better and so is their drinks. Plus can't beat the ambiance there plus validated parking
(3)
Kevin M.
What's the Scoop? Good popover bread and butter. Great airy atmosphere. Decent menu selection. Price: Fair Must try: The Lobster dish was good but it was a little salty. The salads are good, can't go wrong with those. Try the cheese platter. Drinks: Average Parking: Valet or Mall parking. Note: The quality is all there as you would expect from Neimans but other than that, it's not a place to die for.
(4)
Rach L.
I'd give this place 4 stars because of the popovers with the strawberry butter alone. But minus 1 star because of the servers I overheard gossiping about a Japanese diner's breasts. I had some kind of ahi burger which was delicious! I like the airy atmopshere they have, where you can even sit out on the lanai. But it has just been so humid lately that even sitting inside isn't as cool. Maybe if the fans above worked...
(3)
David C.
Generally the portion sizes run large for my taste. I appreciate the option to split an order into 2 separate portions. They do a great job at plating even when the dishes are split.
(4)
Tracie F.
Mariposa has a wonderful view and is fabulous for lunch or dinner. The sunset is beautiful from the lanai. Service is generally consistent. The popovers (at lunch) and the monkey bread (at dinner) are reason enough to dine here. The burgers, pasta, risotto, and salads are wonderful. Steak and porkchops at dinner are also fabulous! Desserts are pretty good although I would fill up on their entrees instead of saving room for dessert. Wonderful ambiance with great food! I highly recommend it!
(4)
Soo M.
Popovers and tiny cup of consumme are to die for. fun, yummy place to re-energize for more shopping!
(5)
Michelle F.
My mother takes me here. The food is expensive but worth it. You really need to know what to order. I love the little cup of "soup" and the "bread" thing in the beginning, probably my favorite thing. The service is amazing!!
(4)
Jocelyn L.
"Great popovers! And great "cheese" nite"
(3)
Ellen Mae V.
Prior to moving to Hawaii I was a tourist who visited the islands numerous times. Each time (and I'm sure other visitors will agree) I had that sense of awe, excitement and wonder with the island, the culture and it's natural beauty. After living in HI for 3 years now, I've become accustomed with the scenery and culture that I've taken a lot of things for granted. Today's lunch at Mariposa reminded me that I live in paradise! My girlfriends and I dined on the lanai; from that vantage point Ala Moana and the never ending ocean behind it glistened with serenity, splendor and simply mirrored the tropical/[pacific feeling you expect and want to feel when you think of Hawaii. I love eating at restaurants that remind me of how beautiful my home is. Food wise, we all started off with the consume and the ever popular popover and strawberry butter/creme. Both are nice light starters to our meal. I ordered the portobello sandwich with the green salad, had a glass of prosecco and we shared a lemon souffle for dessert. The food was tasty, nothing too extravagant and perfectly light for lunch on a warm day. Everything was cooked and seasoned well but frankly I can't say that anything in particular about my dish or the menu selection stood out in particular. The food was good but nothing different. From a solely culinary standpoint I'd give it 3 of 5 stars: A-OK. I wish I could give 1/2 a star more because Mariposa is one of those restaurants that I would love to dine in with my mother, my sister, my close girlfriends etc. It's a perfect place, ambiance, seating, decor, setting and view, to sit and enjoy some causal dining with the women in your life. Not to say that this place isn't appropriate for men... b/c it is. Overall: not cheap and nothing particularly "wow"-ish culinary wise, gosh darn long wait (nearly an hour to have lunch on a weekend) but a nice place to have a calm lunch with some friends.
(3)
Frank S.
How can anything at Nieman-Marcus not be expensive? Food is consistently very good.
(4)
Susan N.
Lobster salad is perfection. Price is high, but worth. Also they have great popovers. Popovers have delicious strawberry butter. View is spectacular
(5)
Bret H.
Just doesn't live up to its billing. At an average $9 an appetizer, and $30 for a main course, the food ought to be well-executed and imaginative. Instead it's generally ho-hum, with poor spots and bright spots. Corn chowder is allegedly a specialty of the house, but it didn't have nearly enough corn, and what there was, was pretty flavorless (albeit in December). Most bizarrely, there was stale popcorn added after the pour. What? Scallops with squid ink were serviceable, but had a slight chemical sweetness that I couldn't place. Lilikoi pudding was delicious, but I am a total sucker for lilikoi. As ever, the view from the balcony is excellent by an absolute measure, but only average relative to others in the state. Service was great, but the entire experience is just too expensive for what you get.
(2)
Daniele S.
Food here was delicious, as expected. Ambiance: Romantic with a good view, not exactly what my best friend and I were going for. Service was decent. Slightly pricey for the product, then again, this was located within Neiman Marcus. It's worth a try but not the best.
(3)
Fedora A.
Kahala laundromat had the right idea to put a Street Fighter 2 arcade console right at it's doorstep when it was still open. Why? When parents would do laundry, the kids would have to follow. But we wouldn't mind. Because that's where Blanka was. Now fast forward twenty years. Yes, we men still get dragged along to carry out the errands of women. Is it pleasant? Sometimes. But most of the time is spent walking around, holding bags, trying to be nonchalant while walking past the lingerie section...not very entertaining. But now there's leverage: Steak. IN the department store. Yessss. Blanka strikes back. The first thing you notice when you sit down is the gigantic submarine propeller fans churning above you. Dizzying? Yes. Unnecessary? Yes. Awesome? Double yes. Service was quick, friendly and efficient. My waiter knew what he was talking about: where the food was, WHAT our food was, and how to refill water appropriately. Popovers were crispy and warm. Strawberry butter was balanced perfectly by the ridiculously small tea cup filled with chicken broth. The grilled flat iron prime steak sounded good. And it was. I've never had steak on pizza bread before...much less with hummus. Add in the cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a dash of garlic...and you'll walk out wondering whether you really had a steak or had just gotten raped by a V8 can with a Garlic pizza penis. And no, I don't know why I capitalized the, "G" in garlic.
(4)
O O.
Orchetti pasta. Insane popovers with guava butter. Yow! Nuff said.
(5)
KC J.
My absolute fav place to chill in between shopping at Ala Moana. I love the view from the balcony seating more than the food here! They get all five stars just for that and their popovers! So for the real ratings: Servers/Hostesses - are always friendly and so willing to accomodate seating. I always ask for the balcony and they will make room even if they need to rearrange a couple tables. Servers are constantly checking up on you and more than willing to bring over more popovers lol! Food - I always get the lobster pasta dish here during lunch and it is perfect! I hate creamy and heavy pasta dishes but this doesn't feel like that. The only thing is that I don't truly believe the lobster they use is the freshest quality but it's pasta so it's forgiven =). Side note, their rack of lamb is heavenly for dinner. I've only had it once but I'm hooked! Atmosphere - Ocean view and cool breezes! Enough said.
(5)
Y C.
3.5 stars. My experience at Mariposa is always decent, never stellar. It might just be me. I am not of the ladies that lunch crowd. I work for a living, like lots of people. And every time I come here or call to make reservations, it seems like the hostesses are giving off ATTITUDE. I know it sucks to have your conversations interrupted so you could do your job. And really, it doesn't look like I have money, and I'm probably being paranoid, so all these things combine to make it seem like you are giving off attitude. Please forgive my delusion. Once I get over the hostesses, I do enjoy it here - for lunch. I could just eat popovers and the consomme for lunch. But I liked the pappardelle (?) and the pork chops w/ okinawan potatoes. Their pear cactus juice was interesting, too. And service is really attentive. I would rate them 4 stars if the hostesses were more friendly. Okay, I'll stop griping about them.
(3)
Ty D.
I had this place listed on my foodie list for my recent trip to Honolulu from a friend's recommendation. She told me that they bring endless popovers, which I love. So this was a must go place for me! After getting fried in the sun our first day at the beach, we decided the next day to go shopping, with lunch at Mariposa. The service was excellent, view of the Ala Moana Marina/Park beautiful, the food was excellent, and the popovers.....awesome! The waiter comes by to your table from the time you're seated with a basket full of fresh out of the oven, warm, mouth watering popovers and throughout the course of your meal! I was in popover heaven! It's served with a tiny cup of chicken broth along with tropical butter. yummo! Now on to the meal. I ordered the applewood salmon over island greens, with a lite poppyseed dressing. This salad was so good! I loved it! The lunch definitely was a topper for a successful shop outing! Mariposa will be on my list to return to the next time I'm back in Honolulu!
(5)
Michelle H.
Rating: 3.5 stars Came here twice. Once for drinks and desserts and the other for lunch. Desserts: Lilikoi pudding cake and the frozen lemon souffle are musts!! Lunch is pretty good. Known for their lobster club sandwich. Everyone at the table seemed to enjoy it. The king crab salad was pretty good but not outstanding. This place is pretty pricey for Hawaii. Entrees were about $22 for lunch. Oh, the popovers with strawberry creme were pretty solid. Nice ambiance and good service. Good place if you want a more upscale dining experience.
(3)
Tracy L.
I ate here twice in one week. The first time was with a wine rep buddy of mine, and the second time was with a client and an editor of a popular Magazine in Hawaii. Both times the service was outstanding, the food we ordered was tasty, and the dessert was to die for. I've had the corn chowder there on this visit, plus my client and I shared the burger. It was really good and cooked to perfection. I also had the shrimp with greens (local greens I believe) and that as also very good. Both times, we had the same dessert: the signature Mariposa dessert and some dark chocolate dish that resembled lincoln logs. They were good but also very rich so we didn't eat too much of it. Kudos to Dean (manager) for training such an outstanding staff. The waiters and waitresses never visit the table too much, know how to read a table, and are very professional. On of the days I visited, they had informal modeling and the outfits they showed off were very cute. It was a nice addition to the meal.
(5)
Akiko I.
We were here for a dinner with my bf's potential employers. We were staying at Ala Moana Hotel so I guess they decided that this restaurant was the most convenient. It was a pretty interesting restaurant. Not too pretentious but at the same time classy. The food was very fresh and tasty. They know how to prepare seafood very well. The wine was ok but I'm not a hardcore wine drinker so I could be totally off on this. Overall, it was a very nice experience and we would go back there again if the opportunity comes. *Location = very nice *Food = very good *Service = very good *Price = expected
(4)
Rob T.
Ah, Mariposa, always the safe pick for any event. I went there today -- no reservations mind you -- to celebrate an aunt's 76th birthday, Happy Birthday Aunt Carolyn!!! Here's hoping to look just as good when I turn that young!!! So, let's start this review on an upbeat. Today at Mariposa seemed to be the place to be. From left to right, the room was filled with a lot of people, some of them boasting their helium filled mylar balloons ... that's what I forgot! Balloons!! Oh, well... I was pleasantly surprise our small party was able to get a table the minute we walked up to the reception. Mariposa has always been a great place to go to regardless what you're celebrating. I have always been a fan of their ono-licious menu. Mariposa is all about Hawaiian sophistication, although I'm not sure the word "ono" is chic enough to describe the classy experience ... but I digress. Moving on... they have a new theme going on in their menu called "Heart Couture - Healthier Cuisine With A Fashionable Flair." Good marketing!! Despite their efforts for healthy eating though, I decided something that is probably completely the opposite, the Mariposa burger with fries. Don't judge me. It's been a while I had a good burger. I was ready to scarf down a good burger... if it helps, I started with a small Mariposa salad. How's that for roughage. By the way, their salads are tops! We sat inside because it was much too hot to be outside. You could tell the wait service was working as a team. You got to love it when the wait staff works together in symmetry. It's like poetry in motion, you know, working bees working in harmony, which leads me to the second part of my review and its service. Despite the fact we were there celebrating my aunt's 76th birthday, and yes, we told Aaron, she didn't get anything for it even after Aaron said he would bring out a birthday dessert with a candle for her. Sadly, Aaron forgot. We had different people servicing us every now and then - you know the poetry in motion thing - no one came out with my aunt's birthday dessert... but if it didn't faze her, I guess I could leave it alone. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. Despite the fact they forgot the birthday dessert -- the very reason we were there -- the food was excellent and the service has, in the past been exceptional. We had a great time and I would recommend this place for anything like first dates, small birthday get-together, and even a wedding reception (if you have the money to close down the place). You have to go and check it out if you haven't been here before. Just remember to repeat yourself to the wait if you're going there for a birthday occasion. Happy eating!
(4)
Remy Z.
Come for the decor Stay for the impressive food Hoard the popovers
(4)
Mark W.
Came for an early afternooon dinner during the week with family. Good service, food and great views.
(4)
Elle V.
The bread and strawberry butter was so good. The service is terrible. Every time I go there something wrong happens. Last time I went we sat near the kitchen and all I could hear were servers fooling around and one dropped something and all of them ran out making a scene. Then our waiter spilled soup on one of the ladies on the table next to us and even spilled some on my louis :( The lobster club is the only thing worth coming here for because every other dish I've had was not worth speaking of.
(3)
Julie H.
My bf and I also came here for restaurant week and I was very disappointed. This place is located in Neiman Marcus so it's all fancy schmancy so I expect to have good service. We were seated outside, which i thought would actually be fine even though it was hot out. I wish the fans on the ceiling weren't so high up so that they could actually be useful. In any case, it wasn't a big deal since I would only be here for an hour or so. I ordered the plantation tea and my bf got the lemonade. The lemonade was really good! At other places it's too sweet or tastes fake but this was obviously freshly squeezed (probably the only highlight of the meal... except that it cost $5). -roasted pepper salad on ciabatta toast -maui onion crusted mahi mahi -gingerbread financier caramel poached apples & spiced cream I won't bother reviewing each item because overall, nothing was hot or cold... everything was just above room temperature. It was like the roasted peppers came straight out of a jar and I couldn't taste anything but the mushroom bisque sauce on top of the fish. The gingerbread financier thing was alright but nothing special. It was like a big gingerbread cupcake but more dense and I would have preferred it with ice cream or something. But even though the food wasn't that great, my biggest disappointment was because... ... ... WE DIDN'T GET ANY POPOVERS! I know right?? How can there be no popovers?? Well let me tell you. At first I was thinking that maybe you have to buy them now because I didn't see anyone else with them. But after we finished the first course I noticed a waiter carrying a basket full of popovers going to each table!!! I was so excited! My bf hadn't been to Mariposa before so he didn't understand why I was having such a fit. The waiter made it to the table next to us and ran out. :( But I figured they would eventually come out with another basket and we'd be next. I was picturing nice fresh hot popovers. YUMMMM.... In the mean time, it had been about 5-10 minutes between our first course and our main course. I was baking in the sun and thought I might die soon from overheating. WHERE WAS OUR WAITER??? I actually went to the bathroom 3 times during the course of our meal NOT to actually use the bathroom but just to get some nice AC. How sad is that? As I was walking back I saw our waiter carrying popovers. HOORAY! I sat there and waited... and waited... and waited... and finished my fish ... but still no popovers. I saw other tables inside enjoying their lovely popovers sensuously buttering them with that special Mariposa butter. :( But now our waiter was back with our dessert so I couldn't very well ask for them now. I just wanted to leave and be out of the heat. I'll probably come back again and I'll be sure to ask to be seated inside. It seemed like the people sitting outside were neglected. Or maybe our waiter was just new.
(2)
Cynthia A.
Meh. Wish they had more on their menu. I don't eat seafood, so more options would be appreciated. The popovers are good. Ocean view is nice. Brides (and involved, awesomely cool grooms...), if you do a bridal registry at Neiman Marcus, the registry person will give you a gift certificate for lunch at Mariposa up to $50, not including alcohol (we didn't order any alcohol anyway). You don't have to register for a ton of stuff - I'm registered at Macy's for most of my things. For lunch my mom and I went about $6 over the gift card allowance, and we didn't order dessert or coffee. Mariposa was good for me a few times, but given that I don't eat seafood, eating here is a little mundane. This past time I visited I realized I ordered the same thing as the time before. The food is good, just need more choices.
(4)
Sean S.
I had the Pink Peppercorn Ahi (Appetizer), Monkey Bread (dinner bread), and Lobster Spaghettini (Entree) which were all very good. Good food and service. If you are near the lanai area, you will also have the bonus of a great view. Dinner at sunset would be fantastic; and if you go on Friday at around 7:45pm, you can catch the weekly firework show hosted by the Sheraton Hotel in Waikiki (to the left if you are looking from the main dining area). Although good service, it's not the quickest. So if you are in a rush, this is probably not the best place to go. Mariposa is only open for lunch and dinner. Prices are a little high; you could probably easily spend $100, at least, for a party of two for dinner. Mariposa is great local fine dining, so dress appropriately :)
(4)
Sita L.
I had dinner here last night. Great, just great. Hamachi with orzo that was cooked with beets. Presentation was beautiful and the taste. Really nice. Sweet, savory, fish perfectly cooked. Beautiful dish. Biggest disappointment is their dinner rolls. I think I would prefer a popover the dinner rolls any day. The view wasn't too shabby either. Makes you appreciate where you live and how lucky we are.
(4)
Catherine L.
Mariposa is a great spot if you want a nice, cool, somehow trendy spot with very good food. I like the calm islander feeling of the dining room, but the lanai is just great (if you are not afraid of bright light though). They have very refreshing menu, with great salad (although the salmon salad has been too salty and too smoky for a few times now. I am not ordering it anymore. But the crab salad is very good). The deserts are all good, with this little island twist I love (lilikoi bread pudding). The service is usually very good too, to the exception of a woman named Aloha. If you get her, well, too bad. She has such an attitude ! I hated her, she called everyone at my table "dear" or "honey". Even my friend who was probably older than her!
(4)
Cheryl M.
Went to lunch with friends and have to say that the food has gone downhill. I ordered a cup of corn chowder and it was thick like porridge and not creamy. It wasn't hot at all and had no flavor, like it needed salt. Also had the soft shell crab salad with one small crab, the rest was large leaves of lettuce and some avocado. The leaves were there just to cover the large plate. I left still hungry and unsatisfied. I won't be back. The salad was over $20.00 and the cup of soup was $5.00. I would expect better quality and quantity of food at those prices. I prefer the food at the Nordstroms cafe over Mariposa any day.
(2)
Joseph B.
I went to Mariposa many times for lunch and I enjoy it everytime. I really enjoy the consomme and pop over before your meal. The drinks are tasty, the food is delicious. I don't think I haven't ordered anything that I didn't like. The wild rice risotto was creamy and cheesy delicious. The Laksa curry was really tasty with seafood. I had the catch of the day with a potato crust with a wonderful broth. The stuffed chicken was moist and full of flavor. I'd recommend this place for lunch. Haven't tried the dinner menu yet. Also the drinks were delicious. The view overlooks Ala Moana Beach Park. The service is alright.
(4)
Michael D.
Popovers! Popovers! Popovers! Probably the main reason I dine here. Make sure it's for lunch if you want them cause they don't serve popovers at dinner. I know, what is going on in this world!!! This review is for lunch, if it were for dinner, there would be less stars for sure. The lunch is very reasonably-priced and not very heavy, so you can still go along with your day and not crash after eating. Probably best to make reservations if you're going to be there during the peak lunch hours, although they do take walk ins if available. Finding Mariposa is really easy. They are located on the top floor of Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Shopping Center. You can access the restaurant from both inside Neiman Marcus or from the ocean side elevator located near the open parking lot, hit "3" and it will take you right to the back door of the restaurant. Parking is free and normally readily available unless it's during the Christmas shopping season, then it's a total frenzy! Ambiance is perfect for a lunch date, meeting, or intimate family and friends lunch time. There are two options on sitting, either inside where it's much cooler or outside on the patio to enjoy the beautiful ocean and palm tree views. Inside isn't extremely noisy so you should be able to hear your dining companions and have a great conversation while dining. Most of the lunch dishes run from about $12 - $24. There's not a whole lot to choose from but enough to suit everyone's taste. They even have a kids' menu with your choice of chicken, fish, pasta, or pizza, which includes a drink and dessert for $16. I'm one of those that's always fighting with my diet and to my surprise, the calorie count for each dish is clearly labeled on the menu. Really helps take the guess work out from being able to squeeze in dessert or a glass of wine and still stick to my calorie count. The plantation iced tea is yummy and their wine selection is decent but overpriced IMO. My personal favorite is the ahi tuna melt. Nice sized ahi filet served medium rare on a potato roll with all the fixings which also includes salad on the side. You could always sub for fries instead of the salad. The sweet potato fries are very tasty and seasoned just right. They have two other choices of fries which I think are a white truffle fries and a regular style fries. Your server will know best.. Speaking of service, it's good but not the best. I found my water empty fairly often with our server no where to be found. When asked questions about the menu or making suggestions, she knew her stuff. Her presentation and representation of the restaurant was superb though. For lunch, Mariposa's a winner in my book. Dinner is a whole nother story. There are many lunch options at Ala Moana, but most will be hard to compare in terms of atmosphere, food quality, service, and value compared to here. I heart popovers!
(4)
Alyssa K.
The food's ok (kinda pricey), but man, the free Pooof breads get 5 stars!!!! I come here only to get the poof bread. I did recently find out though, that during a certain time frame (i forgot when) you can order the poof bread at the cafe downstairs for $4. That's actually better for your wallet.
(5)
Jesse W.
7/18/10: Dinner with family here tonight. We initially tried to make reservations using Open Table but was turned down as it indicated no available times, instead we called them direct and they took us without problems. We sat inside instead of opting for the lanai, baby was probably happier inside with the a/c. I ordered the dinner prix fix menu, it started with a warm roasted Kamuela tomato bruschetta (toasted bread and crunchy), Kahuku corn chowder (interesting twist in adding popcorn as topping), rib eye steak served over mashed potatoes and bed of spinach with a savory red-wine sauce, dessert was a tropical fruit atop lillikoi bread pudding. Our server was absolutely meticulous and very cordial, thanks M. Moore! Delish overall!
(5)
Hanna M.
I have been here a few times. The food is average but the ambience is what is worth coming for! Being able to eat, relax and see the ocean is amazing!
(3)
Esugi I.
Yes! I like the Mariposa. The atmosphere is really nice and if you can sit outside on the lanai you'll get a great view. first time i went, i had the pasta, which was pretty good albeit salty and really heavy on that sausage. second time, i had the nicoise salad, which is basically some fancy salad greens with tataki style sashimi. if you don't ask for shoyu/wasabi, you don't get it. the home-made popovers they bring as an appetizer are nice on the eyes, but to me look a little burnt and taste burnt too. try the mango sorbet for dessert. silky and ono. tastes just like mango!
(4)
Tao M.
Mariposa to me is the perfect brunch or leisure (2hour) lunch treat spot. Atmosphere is wonderful, service is great and the food is top notch. I especially appreciate the pop-over bread and consume soup service. Their crab sandwich is super and and you typically cant go wrong with their entre's. Just a all atound relaxing ambiance for a nice and aslow lunch. Outside seating for abeautiful coold day.
(4)
Flyboy F.
I've only had lunch here so that's what this review is based on. Lobster salad is awesome, ribeye sandwich awesome, seafood bouillabaisse awesome, lobster club sandwich, chilled king crab salad, endless popovers awesome and great kahuku corn chowder. I have had spagetti with Kobe meatballs, laksa seafood curry, and orecchiette pasta, these were uninspiring. Overall service is excellent, only one bad experience with an overly macho, overly muscled Asian waiter. ( avoid him ). Place is pricey but with a fantastic view, great service, and good food.
(4)
Daniel K.
Had the worst experience while dining there. They ran my card by error and refused to admit it. Lucky I had fraud protection on my PayPal card. Before that I had two guests join me, and they could get their orders in, and when there food did arrive they still did not have settings or napkin. Then they brought the consume and popovers. While my friend went to the bathroom they even cleared his plate without asking if he was done.
(1)
Jennifer W.
I enjoyed a leisurely late Saturday afternoon lunch with the girls here, and it truly was lovely. The ambiance is everything in this place. It's so open and bright and fresh. We sat on the lanai. It was a bit warm, but certainly not unbearable. The restaurant was packed. A reservation is crucial. I'm giving Mariposa three stars because of service and food, the two most important things, in my opinion, when one considers a restaurant. Both the service and the food were merely average. Our server was extremely friendly and pleasant. However, I didn't really get the impression she was too "on it." Her presence wasn't entirely felt. We ordered the truffle fries, and my friends who had eaten here in the past, said they seemed different. When we brought this to her attention, she agreed and brought us another plate. They were still basically flavorless and a bit cool, but the aioli dipping sauce they serve them with...suuuuuper good! I would have eaten that stuff with a spoon if I could have done it all ladylike. The sweet potato fries were stellar, and served with some sort of guava barbecue sauce, also stellar. We also had to ask for plates. They served our appetizers with no plates! We had to ask for the famed, popovers (I think that's what they're called) because we had not received them when our food was already coming out. And I see why everybody makes such a fuss over them. I'm a big fan of texture, and those were little puffs of heaven served with killer strawberry butter, another item I could have eaten with a spoon. The lobster club sandwich was tasty, but nothing I'm going to be dreaming about or craving for the next month. I do have to say I had the most amazing and thoroughly overpriced drink! It was a glass of pretty good champagne with pomegranate liqueur and a sugar cube effervescing in the bottom of the glass. That thing was AWESOME! But at $21 a pop, I certainly felt too cheap to treat myself to more than one. Overall it was lovely dining experience with the ladies. The mediocrity of service and food was passable because the atmosphere and the company was so good. But...I certainly think I paid too much for all of it.
(3)
Shige O.
Love the service here and love the food and more so the deserts. Food is light but filling and can be a bit steep its not for your every day lunch dinner kinda place. There famous puff and cream cheese they offer is also great! Good stop in if your shopping in the mall and looking for abit more upscale place to eat at. Inside and outdoor eating available.
(4)
Nicole C.
Definitely a lunchtime favorite. I come here once in a while on a lazy Saturday, and have never dealt with waiting for a table. I love the popover bread, which is probably the most popular thing that people talk about (other than what's actually on the menu itself haha). They have a very polite staff, and the gorgeous view from the lanai adds a great quality to the whole experience and gives the restaurant its charm.
(5)
Alexis T.
I don't think I'd go back. The complimentary popover and strawberry butter was yummy but otherwise I didn't enjoy my lunch, orrechiette pasta all that much. Two others in my party didn't like their meals too much either.
(2)
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Address :Neiman Marcus,1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI, 96814
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Thi L.
I like coming here for lunch because of the ceiling fans and the view. Recently I had the scallops with potato gnocchi, edamame, and corn swimming in a slightly creamy but very tasty sauce. I would order it again..helped that the gnocchi was wrapped in bacon. Tried the special dessert that day, a ginger-lime creme brulee. The sugar was burnt to my liking but the creme itself wasn't the best texture.
(4)Toshi I.
Beautiful views if you get a good seat. Awesome food and wine selection. Service was ok altho I detected just a tiny bit of snobbery.
(4)Marisa O.
Alright, yes, the popovers are delicious, the rest of the food is pretty good, and the ambiance is nice (although not the absolute most spectacular ever), BUT the service is just stinky. I hate to rip into servers (after all, I spent many years waitressing) but I've gotta say that if you're grouchy, you really shouldn't take it out on your tables. I say stinky and not bad because they are not rude, and not bad at their jobs, just obviously grouchy. Some will say I'm being picky, but take a moment to check it out. They refill your drinks and are polite enough, but never friendly. Want GREAT service and food that's a touch better? One word: Longhi's. MMMmm.
(2)Rose R.
First time here the other night on a Monday. Food and ambiance was as expected. The Monkeybread as amazing! The wine selection is endless, love! However, biggest down side was the service! Our server was really friendly and all, but so so slow and not attentive...it wasn't even busy and there were no big parties, with our party being only 5. For example, we waited 10 minutes after asking him for more bread until we resorted to asking the food runner for it. Did I mention it wasn't even busy! All in all, not a horrible experience, but would've expected way more on the service end for this type of restaurant.
(3)Amber W.
Lunch is definitely the way to go - dinner is overpriced and the food isn't as good. Good wine/champagne selection and the cheese plate is totally the way to go at dinnertime.
(4)Stephanie C.
This place is great. Nice views, good service, and delicious food. I've been to Mariposa many times and I have yet to get anything here that I didn't like. The ahi tuna sandwich and lobster club are my favorite, but everything else is delicous too. If you come for lunch make sure to make a reservation as the wait can be pretty long sometimes, especially on the weekends.
(4)Jerrel C.
satisfactory dish ( had the baked Salmon), long wait, nice views, snobby patrons....the view made my expirence, the food....i might have to go back and try something else but the pop overs was great... i will be back to see if i can come across a better experience.
(3)Kathy T.
I love their popovers with the strawberry butter! I've been there several times and I always leave there satisfied. The service and food is always great!
(4)Sacha M.
This rating can only be applied to lunch, as I have yet to have dinner at Mariposa. Everyone talks about the popovers with strawberry butter, and they should; those are delicious. Overall, the food is fresh, somewhat innovative, and beautifully presented. Some of the lunch portions are a bit on the small side, but they often have great soups/small salads (and popovers) to supplement. The lunch menu seemed a bit overpriced for what we were actually getting, but it wasn't outrageous. This is generally the best bet for dining at Ala Moana Shopping Center.
(4)Jessica C.
A more extravagant store with great food to complement it. The waiter we had was very polite and very nice. Plus he was very attentive to our table. Overall, the food was quite wonderful. And the drinks are amazing. Mariposa is super classy but also very casual.
(4)Tiffanie U.
I love this place!!! It's the perfect place to have lunch while doing some retail therapy. Popovers are wonderful!!! They have the best french fries. And the food is always great. This place would have gotten 5 stars but the service hasn't been that great lately and I often feel neglected when we're there. Our waiter only checked on us once the last time we were there. We had to ask the busboy for our check...
(4)Ji-hye Y.
Just OK restaurant. I only go here when I crave pop over and strawberry butter. Oh! Don't forget to order their Texas cooler. It is my favorite drink. Food is just ok and over priced. They have nice view but very crowded. Not super kind too. Shrimp was yummy but too small and the chicken was dry. However, I would rather go here than go to those family restaurants in Ala moana. FYI, they don't have pop over for the dinner ;)
(3)Rita L.
I'm in love with their porcini fries! Crispy fries sprinkled with porcini powder, accompanied with aoli sauce and ketchup! OMG! The best fries ever! I had the tuna melt and it was soooo delicious! Great portion! Lunch at Mariposa is always a treat! The service is great, the food is soo yummy, and you get all u can eat POPOVERS with strawberry butter...what more can you ask for?
(4)gregory t.
My wife and I always go here for a Christmas lunch every year. This year we came away very disappointed.We ordered the large crab salad - $25 salad that had maybe 2 oz of "canned" crab! I could not believe it because last year it was just wonderful. I told them either take this item off the menu or increase your entree price so you don't continue to embarrass yourself!
(2)Sandy N.
Beautiful view and fresh food. We were lucky to have a table on the patio overlooking Ala Moana Beach today. This whole weekend has been pretty much about eating so my friend and I shared a plate. The popover with the strawberry spread was yummy, along with the tasty chicken consoume. I ate the ahi tuna melt, ordered it raw. The salad that came with it was fresh and had a nice dressing. The tuna was so fresh - loved it! The kahuku corn soup was bland. I wish I wasn't so full so I could've eaten more of the porcini fries with black truffle aioli. We're supposed to go pupu hopping tonight before I get on my flight so I'll be reviewing those places as well. Like Gazen.
(4)Licie Y.
This is a beautiful and simple restaurant. Service is great. Food is delicious! Not much can go wrong when you have the view of Ala Moana beach and amazing food.. Their menu is smaller. I like how they put the amount of calories beside each dish too.
(5)Patti K.
Really sad. Got there on their off hours (3:15 PM-ish). Place was nearly empty but waited forever for them to prepare our table. Then when we finally got walked to our table, the floors were insanely filthy. Candy wrappers. Sugar packets. Embarrassing We came here with visitors from Europe and was expecting a special dining experience. Not so. Food was good and minimal waiting (yay!) Coffee was okay...except "sorry, we're out of cream." And no one asked if I wanted a refill. Waaah. Very disappointing, NM.
(2)Kent H.
I had no idea about this place until the two ladies I was flying with told me about their plans to go for lunch. So, being a good Captain, I had to accompany them. We had to wait until they opened at 1100, but it was worth the wait. The starter popovers were good, but I thought the signature cup of consommé was odd, but good as well. We all had the same thing...Lobster Club Sandwich. We had been talking and drooling about this all the way on the flight from SoCal. It didn't disappoint. A huge green salad came with it, and I was happy about that. The sandwich itself was as tasty as advertised. I can't wait to go back for some of the other delicious looking items on the menu.
(4)Yamato T.
PLEASE hire someone who has a professional attitude when answering the phone. BAD customer service will bring this excellent establishment down. I called to make a reservation but had to leave a message. When the lady returned my call, her voicemail was rushed and irritated. I almost wanted to cancel my reservation when I called back (and when I called back, I got the message machine again). I don't mind leaving messages, I know everyone is busy and your restaurant is one of the best on the island. But PLEASE hire someone professional to answer the phone. Thank you.
(1)Alexander G.
Eat somewhere else in Ala Moana, there so many other much better options! After stumbling upon this restaurant while walking through Neiman Marcus, my dining companion and I booked a reservation for what the hostess said was a special brunch menu on a Sunday. We arrived early for our reservation and ended up waiting well past our quoted time. That was unacceptable as there were a number of open tables and servers just standing around. When we were finally seated, the hostess was unprofessional and flat-out unfriendly. With our long wait we were given a table in a section different from that of our reserved request. The lanai was beautiful in theory, but the close proximity to Ala Moana Blvd. meant we got to listen to the beautiful sounds of traffic compounded with construction of the new Ewa Wing. Our waiter was good; very professional. The food he brought was nothing special. Their special puffs were overdone and considerably less than 'special.' I liked the simple elegance of the place settings and silverware. The iced tea was delicious and refreshing. The food service was slow. I opted for the gyro with special fruit tzaziki, which was good but tiny and just not worth the price (even including the decor). Everything just had a boring and dull feeling to it; the food, and ambiance. This is one of many restaurants in the Waikiki/Ala Moana area that has a feeling of catering to Japanese tourists. It's advertised as a place to go, but exists solely to take advantage. I won't be going again.
(2)Deb D.
This used to be one of my fave restaurants. I went so often that when I called, they knew my name before they answered the phone which I thought was very classy. Then something changed. I think they got a new chef and possibly a new manager. That was a few years ago. I tried the restaurant 3 x after the change and have never been back. It wasn't the service or the ambiance, it was the food. I wrote a letter to the manager who was very defensive with no apologies or concerns to find out how things could be rectified. I'm sad because it used to be SO good. I have heard from others that have not been happy recently either.
(2)Trish N.
Considering how pricey the lunches are here, it's a VERY big deal for me to give them a five-star rating. Standards go way way up when I have to pay $25 for a lunch entree! That said, Mariposa has never let me down. Consistently great service, amazing food, and you can't beat the ambiance on the lanai! Overlooking Magic Island...on a beautiful sunny day...with light trade winds lending that decadent island-life feel...and nothing to do but enjoy being pampered...aack, I'm missing it already, just thinking about it. ;-) Today, we celebrated a special occasion with some co-workers, & I had the seared scallops (as usual). Everything about this dish was "fantasmic" (if that's a word)! Basically, you can never go wrong with the scallops. [Disclaimer: there was ONE occasion when I might've given their scallop dish 3-stars, but only bc I wasn't a fan of the sauce they paired it with--the preparation changes every one in a while--and it was my fault for ordering it anyway, bc the sauce was exactly as described in the menu.] Actually, I don't think I've ever ordered any entree besides the scallops...but there's a great variety of options for lunch, and when I go with friends, we always sample each other's selections--really, why wouldn't you--and everything's always gotten rave reviews, no matter what we ordered. Long story short, if you've never been to Mariposa, you simply must go!
(5)Lisa R.
Nice ambiance, good service, but the food is no heck... The pop over are the best but the food needs to be kicked up a notch!!
(4)Kanoe I.
Popovers!!! They are one of the best things about Mariposa. Yummy!!! Went there for lunch last week.....Although it was busy and there was a line, it certainly was worth the wait. Ordered two salads for lunch and they were delicious! Applewood King Salmon Salad: ($24) "Lightly smoked salmon, tender mixed greens, shaved maui onions, goat cheese, spiced pecans, served with a champagne papaya vinaigrette (500 calories). The portion was generous, greens were fresh, presentation was beautiful. Salmon was cooked to perfection. Thoroughly enjoyed this salad. Seared Hamachi Salad ($21) "Kale, hijiki, jicama, green apples, watermelon radish, served with a ume shiso vinaigrette (400 calories)." This dish was recommended by the waiter and my Mom enjoyed it. The fish was very fresh, the salad was light with an Asian flair. Very tasty! I liked how Mariposa's menu includes the calorie count of all dishes and uses symbols to indicate all selections that are gluten free, healthy choices, and are part of the Neiman Marcus cookbook. Certain entrees had an asterisks next to it saying that these are cooked to order and how consuming raw or undercooked meats, fish, poultry, eggs, shellfish or seafood can cause foodbourne illnesses. Wow...so detailed! Service was excellent, thanks to our waiter Jeremy. We had two desserts: Pumpkin Creme Brûlée and the Mochi Waffles. Both were divine! I always liked the view and atmosphere at Mariposa but it can get warm at times. Although the balcony is beautiful, dining out there on a hot day will be very uncomfortable. I'm an a/c girl all the way! So if you're near Neiman Marcus in Ala Moana, don't forget to check out this great eatery!!
(5)Spencer M.
First of all we waited over 10 min after being seated to receive any service. If your gonna make us wait that long at least offer our drinks for free. That is after I mentioned I waited that long. We also asked to sit outside and they said they are not seating anyone outside. So if your going to tell us that, then why do I see a party of 2 being seated outside after you seat us. Ridiculous right? While watching them being seated and being served first, were still wondering where our service is. We were craving the pop bread and I had to ask for bread. They said that they just put the bread in the oven to heat it up. So we finally get our bread after the food comes and it's not even the pop bread. I asked if they had anymore left and our slow server said No sorry. Alright now this is where it gets ridiculous when they serve the people next to us the bread we just asked for. Finally... When the heck do you have the right to charge an Auto Grat of 20% for a party of 2. With the service we received, we should've been given the choice of putting 0 for tip. Disregard the server name on our receipt which shows Gino. He was not our server, it was the server before him. Gino was quick enough to give us our check and leave Mariposa in disappointment.
(1)Angie S.
I really enjoyed Mariposa! Located inside of Neiman Marcus, Mariposa is a nice dining experience after shopping. I think that the best part of the decor is the fans extending from the ceiling; a feature I was not expecting to see when I arrived. Our waiter was attentive for the most part. The food was really great. Boyfriend had a scallops which were in a sauce similar to mine, delicious. I had the Lobster Spaghettini which is a dish I seriously wouldn't mind eating everyday if I had an extra $30 layin' around. I wouldn't mind going back on a day where there was less people and it was not so loud.
(5)Lauren M.
Mariposa seems to be going downhill. I went yesterday for lunch and I was not impressed at all. First, I have to vent about the check-in. The girl that was working there was a mix between an employee that absolutely hates her job and an employee who thinks she owns the restaurant. I'm still a paying customer so there's no need to give me attitude when I ask how long the wait is. Then to forget about us just took me over the edge. My mom actually had to be sarcastic with her and ask if she "forgot" about us to make her realize that she f.o.r.g.o.t about us....sigh. At least she seated us right after that at one of the 14 open tables (not kidding). The only reason why they're still getting 2 stars is because the crab salad is delish...and the popovers.
(2)Valerie M.
Most people think of Mariposa for lunch or dinner, but I got there at 11 am and they were serving brunch items, meaning entrees with eggs. The crab eggs Benedict was awesome and so was the loco moco. The Benedict had shelled crab legs on their own homemade fluffy biscuit and the loco moco meat was not a hamburger patty, but tender braised short ribs. The waiter kept coming by offering their delicious popovers, but these babies are so rich that I could eat only one and a half. The store itself does not open until noon on Sundays, so if you plan to go to the restaurant before noon. You have to enter through the door on the beachside of the building then catch the elevator to the 2nd floor. Takes you right into the restaurant.
(4)Denalee C.
Convenient, great view, amazing food, attentive service...what's not to love? We came in for dinner this past Saturday night and I was a little bit surprised that the entire inside area was empty and the outside wasn't completely full of diners. We got prime balcony seats and Todd was an amazing server. I really enjoyed the bread...soft, warm and the butter was silky and sweet. We got: bbq tiger prawns, pear and gorgonzola ravioli, braised pork belly and seared scallops, pork chops, lamb chops and their ice cream/waffle dessert. The prawns came in a pile of grilled avocado-how does one grill avocado? Anyways, the prawns were tasty and grilled perfectly. The ravioli was different but yummy-the consistency of the insides were thick and indulgent. The scallops were delicious! The lamb chops were covered with a greek yogurt and were very tender and juicy. The pork chops...I took a whiff of it and the smell of coffee got my taste buds going. It has a smokey smell and taste which I absolutely loved. The meat itself was impressive...it was the juiciest, most tender, tastiest pork chop I've ever had. I even reheated the left overs the next day and it still was juicy! The ice cream was...woah. Silky, sweet and I wanted another couple scoops! By the end of our meal at around 9:30, we were the only ones there! However, they didn't rush us at all and let us take our time finishing our meal. I'm very much impressed.
(5)Joanne E.
The lanai view is great, but during the humid, sweltering days, the inside seating is much preferred. Love the popovers with strawberry butter and chicken consommé. The service is usually great, and the servers try their best to accommodate special requests. On our last visit we had the quinoa-coated scallops with pasta, poke salad and crab salad with hearts of palm. All dishes were good, although the poke needed a bit more seasoning. Presentation was beautiful. My dad missed the simpler pan-seared scallops with squid ink pasta, which complemented and highlighted the scallops better. All in all, Mariposa provides a soothing atmosphere in which to enjoy a decadent meal.
(4)Sheila K.
The bad reviews almost discouraged me from trying this place out. But I'm really glad I ended up having lunch here for the first time recently. Honestly, I'm not the type of person that can afford to shop at Neiman Marcus, but that did not affect the quality of service I received, which was excellent. The seafood curry is delicious, and is of the Thai coconut variety. The lobster club sandwich was good, but the bread it came with was not so impressive: just your average wheat bread. I'm not sure if it would have tasted better with a croissant or french bread? The popovers were OK, but the strawberry butter was good, and the chocolate mint at the end was a nice touch. Pro tip: If you want to split a meal, they can portion it out for you on separate plates. I hope to come back here in the future. Viva Mariposa!
(4)Brian F.
My fiancé and I had lunch on Sunday, 8/23/15. We have been to Mariposa's a few times in the past but this is the first review I am writing for this establishment. We arrived and were greeted immediately but chose to take a seat at the bar due to our time constraints. As always, the staff was very friendly and the place was very clean without any noticeable issues that would have given us cause for concern. For lunch, I had the lobster club sandwich with fries and a glass of pinot grigio. My fiancé had the smoked salmon salad. The lobster was well prepared, moist and perfectly cooked and chilled to the right temperature. The avocado in the sandwich added a nice balance of creaminess to the dish and the roasted red peppers gave it that little extra flavor that rounded out the entire meal. The fries were cooked to just the right crispness that I love and were not overly seasoned as to take anything away from the sandwich. My fiancé's salmon was prepared medium and also very moist and tender. The greens in the salad were not noticeably wilted and had that nice crunch that gave the dish its overall textural balance along with the spiced pecans. The dressing was a vinaigrette adding the citrus flavor you want in a dish that has fish. The goat cheese brought the salad together rounding out the many flavors the dish has to offer. Both meals were exceptional! The meal was delicious and we would have given 5 stars but their signature popovers were overcooked and the bartender forgot our chicken broth/consommé until we asked about it and we received it well after we were already into our lunch. Both of these items are part of the Mariposa experience and we were slightly taken back due to the lackluster effort in this area.
(4)Vince C.
Delightful! Sit on the patio outside if able. Enjoy great service, outstanding ocean view and five star lunch. On my trip, I had the breaded chicken with carrot, mushroom, & pesto cous cous, along with a tomato sauce that rivaled Delfina (SF,) & Bistro Don Giovanni (Napa.) It was executed perfectly, and has me looking for my next reso at Rotunda SF BECAUSE this was my favorite spot all week.
(5)Lillian S.
I like their Salmon salad for lunch! It comes with chicken broth and Yorkshire pudding!
(5)Kathy A.
This is one of my favorite places for lunch. I have brought numerous customers and work associates here for the food, atmosphere and view. It's a place where people are just so impressed with the view that no matter what else happens during lunch or dinner it will be forgotten. Came here the other day with my daughter in law so I could actually take pictures of the food without shocking anyone. Too much fun! It was a beautiful sunny Saturday, dropped the car at the valet and spent a couple of hours just talking and enjoying her company. Started with the Peach Bellini, always my choice here. Rob ordered the ice tea with Lemon Sorbet in it. The service is exceptional and in addition to the drinks we ordered, water and their signature popovers with raspberry butter were on the table before we were even asked what we would like for lunch. Rob ordered the French Dip Sandwich with Sweet Potatoe Fries. Didn't try her sandwich but I did imbibe in the fries? Delicious! I went for the Chilled Crab Salad, what a treat. Bib lettuce, hearts of palm, avocado, green onions all chopped and tossed with a lovely green goddess dressing and loaded with delicate pieces of sweet crab. I wished it was a bottomless salad, it was terrific. I've always wondered if your popovers keep disappearing how many times they would continue to replace them, I'm thinking of bringing a large purse. He he! Mariposa has a number of desert choices but we decided to split the bread pudding and it did not disappoint. Espresso and a Mocha Coffee and we were in a food coma. There is no rush here, if you are talking over coffee they don't rush you with the check.
(4)Jen M.
Came here for the first time with a friend I used to work with so we could catch up over lunch. Just the fact that it's located inside Neiman Marcus makes it feel fancy! I love that we were able to make reservations online. We were seated right when we got there. The complimentary bread puffs are delicious they are like borderline dessert! Lol. Our waiter was nice but kind of weird cuz he seemed to have trouble refilling my ice tea..... (He poured directly onto the pineapple causing it to spill!?? I thought it was awkward and just let it go lol). My friend recommended the lobster club but I wasn't amazed by it. There was a certain taste that was absolutely disgusting! I pulled out some red floppy thing and the sandwich was then enjoyable. I really liked the sweet potato fries that came with the sandwich! I could probably eat a whole plate of those fries. My friend got a salad and she said it was nice. Both of us having architecture/engineering backgrounds, we were distracted by the huge spinning fans hanging from the ceiling! It's a nice attempt at fancy dining but I just think it's awkward and distracting lol. Poor approach to a tropical ambience just my opinion hahahah... I was also kind of sad we weren't offered a seat outside as I would have liked the scenery. Despite all that, I still give it a 4 star and would come back to try something else from the menu!
(4)Jonathan C.
A lot of places give you some sort of french bread and butter before your meal, but not at Mariposa. They give you something called a Popover with strawberry butter which for the most part was tasty. The only thing about the one I ate was that it tasted a little burnt. No biggie though because the Orecchiette Pasta which consists of housemade Italian sausage, roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, broccolini, olive oil, garlic sauce and crumbled goat cheese were absolutely delicious! I tried the Lobster Club too and it was very tasty. I really liked the food, the ambiance and the service was great. Definitely a fan =)
(4)Christine E.
Came here for a belated Mother's Day brunch with my family. Overall the ambience is nice, we were seated promptly with our reservation time, things tasted fine, and some workers were nice (others were just ok). I felt like the hostess wasn't the nicest person in the world, one of them was semi-friendly, the other seemed like she hated her life. Our waiter was ok, but he couldn't hear us at all (the restaurant being so open I guess makes it difficult) so my niece kinda gave up on asking for things she wanted...like ordering a coffee. I loved the popover guy. I mean, not only was he bringing us yummy warm popovers and strawberry butter, but he could hear us and he spoke loudly so we could hear him, and he was very friendly. Overall, I would probably eat here again. Do I think it's worth the price?...no. Do I think anything about the place is stellar? No. But everything is decent, and that's not a bad thing. I do have to say that the popovers when they are warm, are delicious! I came here once before because my friend RAVED about them, and when I had it it was dry and crappy, this time, it was SOOOOO good! Warm and not overdone. It was great! I especially love that when they give you a second one, they replace your strawberry butter with a new one! That's awesome :) Also, skip the dessert. We had the Thai Panna Cotta and the Malted Milk Bars. It was just alright. Milk Bars needed ice cream or more of a crunch or something. Thai Panna Cotta was ok, very buko pandan-ish, but nothing I NEED in my life. And with dessert, I feel like when I order a dessert from a restaurant, it should be stellar and happy-belly-dance worthy. These were just ok. I'd skip the dessert and wander around the mall for something better.
(3)chris f.
Having been wanting to try Mariposa for some time now, the first thing that I must say is that although almost no one was there [it was a laaaate lunch], service was rather slow. Of course that may because they were beginning to set up for dinner. Having once been in the food industry myself, I cannot fault them for this. Other than that the wait staff was really very patient and welcoming. Onto the food....it was good. That's just it. It wasn't taste bud overload awesome sauce like I thought it would be though :( If I were to be nit-picking at my entree (The Mariposa Burger): 1.) The salad was overdressed 2.) It would have been nice if the burger was cut in half mainly because it was very messy to eat 3.) The popovers weren't warm and delicious but rather hard and cold Yeah...I'm just being picky Conclusion: Check it out if you happen to be in Neiman Marcus looking for a bite to eat. The atmosphere is one where you can see yourself catching up with old friends or family and the wait staff is chill (something not all establishments have) P.S: I like that although it seems pretentious, casual attire is A-OK ^__^
(3)Jonathan K.
Pre-fix new years eve menu was decent. The place was empty so it's tough to measure the level of service. It was good but then again they were running at 20% capacity so that's expected. The place is nice and has a great ambiance. The menu included oysters with poke, lobster tail, and braised short ribs. All were great. The food had nice flavor and the presentations were pleasant. Most of what I had is offered on the normal and I recommend all of them especially the oysters. Definitely a great place to bring a date.
(4)Lester S.
Went there for a birthday dinner. The plantation iced tea was perfectly sweetened. Wonderful buttery rolls and fruity butter. I had the Lobster Spaghettini. Maine lobster meat, spinach, leeks, smoked golden tomatoes with garlic-saffron clam sauce served over fresh pasta. It was delicious. Light and not overwhelming.
(4)Tim H.
For the price the food is not worth it, but when you come here you expect a mark-up due to its location (in Neiman Marcus) and if you're lucky, the beach view. Although the balcony has a nice view of Ala Moana Beach park, it may be a little noisy, but come here on a Friday evening and you have perfect seats for the firework show. All in all not so fantastic food, but great view on a Friday evening.
(3)Michelle M.
the food was up to par, the atmosphere was spectacular but the service was lackluster. i hated the fact that everyone else around was attentively being served while my table was always skipped over since our average age was about 10 years younger than everyone else. i don't blame them for judging me but at the same time, i don't think i'll return. i used to go here once a month or so during freshman year of college thinking eventually they'll recognize me and be nicer. the recognizing part happened but never really the nicer part..... however, the food was always good. i'm a fan of the cheese platter. formmage d'affinois is my favorite but i think i'll just get it from the store. but like porky penguin s. said, "overpriced".
(2)Marina E.
I absolutely love Mariposa. The popovers and their strawberry butter sauce, the chicken consume', and their salads are amazing. It is a little pricey, but in my opinion, as long as they have the taste to back it up, I'm ok with it. I didn't think it was worth it to sit outside on the balcony, though. The noise from all the traffic made it hard to hear and their isn't much of a view anyhow. The service is wonderful.
(4)Kevin S.
Great restaurant with a great view that over looks Ala Moana beach park. The food is great and so are the drink specials - I would especially recommend the Texas Tonic (a mix of prickly pear, citrus juice, and mint). Generally, speaking all the food is good and on a whole this a great place to rest and recuperate from a day of shopping at Ala Moana. I will admit its a little spendy, but I think its totally worth it especially if you're looking for great asian fusion cuisine. One great tip - they have a great view of the weekly firework shows in Waikiki and for the fourth of July their view is front and center.
(4)Esther Y.
Lobster club: Delicious, but difficult to eat. It was as if a lobster was crawling out alive out of my sandwich. And the avocado was also busting out everywhere onto my hands, which I had to smear all over my napkin. Boyfriend got Laksa seafood curry. Not the strong curry flavor you would expect. Lots of seafood that was cooked well. Popovers ... what do I have to say? They are always delicious, although they seem smaller in Hawaii than they are in California. They are also a little skimpier on the strawberry butter.
(4)Brooke M.
I loved the "free" popovers with strawberry butter and the "free" Amedei chocolates, and service was good, but there weren't really any veggie options unless you get a salad without whatever meat item they put on it. Then it just becomes a really expensive pile of spinach. The fries with porcini dust were really good. Enough to bump it up to 3.5 stars. Nice atmosphere, but small menu and pretty pricey...
(3)Dean S.
Pretty good food. Good seafood of course. But what makes this restaurant special is the view of the sunset while you dine. Half of the restaurant is indoors and half of it is outdoors on a terrace, and since it is on top of Ala Moana Shopping Center, you have a perfect view of the sunset while you eat. Whoever created this restaurant is genius. Plus after you are done eating you can go drink beers at Mai Tai's inside Ala Moana...
(4)Daisy S.
The cute place is located in Neiman Marcus Department Store inside Ala Moana Center. What I ultimately love about this place is the bread and the papaya-pineapple butter they have! Gosh!! it is soooooo awesome!!! So, for the bread and butter alone, I would give 3 stars and plus another star for the view when you reserve a table outside in the lanai (balcony) overlooking Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Wai Harbor. The food is good, but not memorable to me. The service has always been friendly and courteous.
(4)Jodi K.
the first time i went here was like almost two years ago and back then i had this lobster hoagie sandwich (actual chunks of real lobster mixed with mayo, and some other stuff which i can't remember-sorry!) with those cute, round, waffle-shaped fries on the side and a chocolate creme brulee for dessert (of course i shared!). so when i went to meet my good friend last week for lunch i was so disappointed to find that there was an espresso creme brulee and NO chocolate creme brulee...do they change their menu to fit the season? i was so looking forward to it and sadly i had to force myself to eat some of the espresso creme brulee and enjoy it... the other problem was my lobster club. apparently i did not read the full description of this sandwich. in my pea brain head i thought it would be the same thing i had eaten a couple of years ago, the lobster hoagie. but no, when my plate arrived it was literally a 'club sandwich' with tiny, shredded-like pieces of lobster, with sliced avocado, roasted red peppers, and bacon all inbetween slices of toasted white bread. needless to say i was disappointed. being the oinky i am i miss my huge, lobster hoagie and still daydream about it... the good thing was i had a gift card and so it wasn't like i just wasted my money...=)
(3)Lynn N.
Every time I visit O'ahu, this is one place that I always visit. The staff are very friendly and accommodate for large groups and/or handicap patrons, the suggestions are always fitting, and the meals are delicious. The outdoor patio has a beautiful view of Ala Moana park and beach, and is conveniently located in the Ala Moana shopping mall. I plan on going back on my next visit as well.
(5)Satoru Y.
I went there for lunch one day. I have heard some good things about the place. However, I was thoroughly disappointed. I got a corn chowder soup, which was actually okay. However, my pork loin was way overcooked. here is no excuse for the pork to be that hard; it was really amateur. I can see what the flavors were supposed to be, but that kind of poor execution is inexcusable for this kind of place. I had the other dish that my girlfriend was having: equally as awful. The service was pretty sad. They were too attentive to any of the tables. I was actually pretty surprised. I do love the view however. It is an amazing view, and solid interior decorating. Despite the wonderful atmosphere, this place needs better execution.
(3)Robert C.
go on Friday before sunset, you get the added bonus of viewing the fireworks in front of the Hilton. great food, can't wait to go back.
(4)Meep M.
I love coming here for lunch. The restaurant is beautiful, service is excellent, and the food is wonderful. They do all these little things that make you feel special.
(4)Nate R.
Went here for a fixed 3-course meal for a rehearsal dinner before a wedding. Had the porkchops, and they were delicious. The bread and corn chowder before the meal were great too. Nice ambiance, good service, and delicious food and wine.
(4)Miu M.
This restaurant is on the top floor of the Ala Moana Neiman Marcus. Mariposa is a very lovely, open air dining room which looks out onto Ala Moana park. The food, which is generally Asian/Hawaiian fusion, was just slightly above average, but yes, the popovers with honey butter are yummy. (I believe most/all NM restaurants serve popovers, but eating popovers in an open air restaurant in Hawaii is a little weird - who in Hawaii eats popovers?) The crowd is a good mix of locals and tourists - though the last time I was there, there were more locals around. I would definitely come back - it's a very nice restaurant with a classy island feel to it. Good place for a small office luncheon, or a baby shower, or a bridal shower. Be sure to make reservations, especially for lunch. I believe you can use opentable.com .
(4)Jenny M.
The reason I go to Mariposa every time I am back in Hawaii is the popovers. They are delicious and large, and are served with strawberry butter (formerly lilikoi butter). Whenever I go there, the service is impeccable and the food is always amazing. I would recommend going for lunch or an afternoon snack. If you want a drink, order the plantation iced tea. If you want a cheap meal, get the kahuku corn chowder. I also love love love the pork loin. Be sure to make reservations before you come--lunch is often crowded--or else be willing to get a seating time after 2pm. I know this place can be pricey, but it is worth it! Oh and don't feel shame asking for a second popover--the staff is used to it and will gladly oblige.
(4)John N.
The brioche and the soup they serve before you get what you order is worth the price of admission. Service is great. What do you expect with a restaurant in Neiman Marcus? This place can get busy so if you don't want to wait try getting a seat at the bar.
(4)Lena H.
my friends and i love this place. i haven't been here in years! but the other day a friend of mine treated me and of course it was yummy! this time i had the tandori-spiced chicken salad with something on the bottom. whatever it was it was good. they didn't have the portobello mushroom salad like they used to. i guess they change the menu time to time. thank goodness for the yummy pop-overs!
(4)Robert D.
Every time I come to Oahu, I make a point of stopping by Mariposa just to sample the popovers and consomme. This week's visit did not disappoint. The food is not the best in the world, but the prices and the dining experience, not to mention the views of the Pacific, make this a memorable experience.
(5)Chantelle J.
This place is so great for breakfast! I love the popover's with the fruit spread and the mimosas are fabulous! The soup and salad's are all so delicious (corn chowder) My favorite item off the menu is the lobster club, it has lobster, bacon, avocado & mayo on toasted bread......how much better could a sandwhich get? LOVE IT! The waiters are always filling water and making sure everything is perfect!
(5)CJ C.
Celebrated a friend's birthday here earlier this week. We come here every year for his birthday lunch. Although it was crowded, the service was very good. Started with the popover and chicken consomme. I love that! If it were not tacky and rude, I could make lunch over popovers and consomme. Since I want to be a return guest, I ordered off the menu. I had the ahi sandwich; he had the lobster club. He substituted porcini fries for the salad. Both sandwiches were excellent! Ahi was perfectly cooked, onions were nicely grilled to take the edge off of them. Lobster club was fresh and flavorful. Fries--EEK! They were soggy--awful, in fact. We sent them back. The waiter was so apologetic; he whisked them away and returned with regular fries (they ran out of porcini and even sweet potato fries). These were better, but still not great. I think their oil isn't hot enough to give them that snap of crispness that makes fries so yummy. But, they comped the fries, so that was fine. The crowning glory was the chocolate creme brulee topped with caramel popcorn (what?) Sounds weird; tasted heavenly. Definitely will be back again, maybe even before my friend's annual birthday lunch.
(4)JAN I.
I have always enjoyed eating here. The kahuku corn chowder and pop overs is a great starter. It's kind of over priced.... but what do you expect to be in Neiman Marcus. The atmosphere is great...especially eating outside, you could see the happenings at the Ala Moana Beach park and the traffic below. Also, very relaxing. The staff is great and knowledgeable.
(4)Stephanie G.
I love going here on Sundays or just with the girls. The atmosphere is so calming, like sitting out on a patio and the view of Ala Moana Beach is beautiful. You start off with their infamous Popovers and Consume. I love their Eggs Benedict, on Sundays, or their Lobster BLT. We also like to get the Seafood Curry with Rice. Sunday Brunch is really good and I heard that you can rent the place for Wedding Receptions!
(4)Ali B.
the scene wasnt too bad..really open and no background music..so at times it was a bit too quiet. The staff was really very nice and helpfull waiters were a bit clumsy but they were on their game. The Food: honestly i expected alot more especially for what you pay. I had the Lobster Tagliolini the lobster was kinda fishy..the sauce was alright . like a coconut curry sauce maybe? The spinach in it was really nice, i feel like the sauce kinda tasted " right outa the can" if you know what I mean. My mother had the BBQ tiger prawns, ok first off the plate was $12.00 and she got 3 teeny prawns with a ton of sauce. I think it was a beet sauce with maybe some onions on it, really pretty spicey and a real ripoff for her portion. We also had the 3 cheese plate. It was pretty nice, i think the best part of the meal, they havea decent amount of cheeses to choose from, and the dish came with sliced almods, white raisins and dried crannberrys. Also with a farely large amount of crostinis. Drinks: the average drink list is kinda boring you know ..mai tai..hurrricane punch all that crap in my book. But their wine list...very nice. Great selection of italian wines and an even amount of each , red, white, spark...etc. You can buy either glass, half or full bottle. Over all, this place was a real ripoff...with those few things our meal came to $90.00 , dont get me wrong i dont have a problem paying for quality food...but this was not quality. I would only go back there to half a late day cheese plate and a glass of wine but not for a meal.. major let down..
(3)S L.
I love this restaurant! Great view and ambience. Lunch is great, but you have to absolutely try the high tea or afternoon tea. There's not much places in Honolulu that offers that. This is great for a date or getting together with your girlfriends.
(5)Jess M.
I've always had great experiences dining at Mariposa. It's a perfect way to treat yourself for lunch or dinner after a long day of hard shopping at Ala Moana! The view is great, I love the open air dining, and in my experience the service has always been top notch. To start off I really love the popovers and the spread they bring out to start- I always have trouble not filling up on that! For starters, entrees and desserts you can enjoy lots of local favorites with a twist. I usually end up getting fish (which is fresh an tasty and never disappoints) or they also have a great steak salad which I enjoy. No matter what you choose I don't think you will go wrong.
(4)Grimeater A.
The food here is pricey and bland for my tastes. Feels like they focus more on presentation than taste. I've only had breakfast and lunch here so I'll give it 4 stars based solely of their "Popovers" These large puff pastries are such a great alternative to the "bread" other places serve. Just the right amount of sweetness, flaky on the outside and moist on the inside. So perfect with the "fruit butter" they give you. I could make a meal out of a couple of these for breakfast.
(4)Brian L.
I took my grandma here last Monday. She really enjoyed her rib eye sandwich and the sweet potato fries and the bread that they serve to start the menu. We had the lobster sandwich (I could have used a lil' more lobster) and the crab salad (the dressing was light and tasty) both of which were very delicious. The service was great and the atmosphere is so nice and relaxing. I will definitely return on my next trip. The total for for three was $77 with tip.
(4)warren k.
had HIGH expectation for this place & even bought the NM cookbook before i ever tasted the restaurants however, the food was only so-so... we went with a party of 6 & everyone got something different but no-one totally loved their dishes... the only spectacular thing about this place was the view outside where we sat & fireworks in the background from hilton village & i love the decor inside with the fans... the service was whatevers too.... nordstrom cafe tastes MUCH better & better price for the taste too. oh & their famous strawberry butter is so over-hyped~ didnt taste anything special about it just butter. eh.
(3)Naoko T.
View is ok especially aroun sunset time. It is hardto find the entrance if Numan Marcus is closed. Last time I orderd salad but warm was inside. I didn't wanna eat anymore.
(3)Kenji O.
I've been here twice, once for dinner and once for lunch. Though the dinner experience was very good, I would mainly recommend getting breakfast or lunch out on the patio there. For one, the view of the ocean is so nice! The other thing is their popovers with lilikoi butter which I realize isn't complicated to make but is still so good (the dinner rolls were good but not as memorable as the popovers). Overall the food here is good, nothing special but tasty enough if you want to have a nice meal in Hawaii and not spend an arm and a leg.
(4)Alita M.
We came to Mariposa at the request of my best guy friend's girlfriend, who had been told to eat dinner here on her trip by another friend. Whew. That was a lot. Ok. So on to the experience. Very nice ambience, not to overwhelming and everyone was so eager to help us see a menu and service us. I wasn't too sure about going to a competitor's dining room, but it was beyond worth it. They had a wonderful special menu with loads of local fare. The plantation tea is all that everyone raves about....quite yummy passion berry tea with pineapple and guava juices mixed in. I had the Short Rib Agnolotti for appetizer and the duck dish with pasta for dinner. All very unique in flavor and tasty. Not to mention they made the perfect Ciroc Cosmo to wash it all down. Our waiter was wonderful, in that he originally told us that they no longer carried Ciroc vodka for my martini and that Moi Moi for my friend's special was being substituted with Ahi...and he managed to come up with both Ciroc and Moi Moi for us. Always the best when you waiter goes out of his/her way for you. Hence the reason they get 4 stars instead of three. The best thing ever was their special Monkey Bread with Strawberry butter! Mmmmm so Japanesey but good! Overall it was a nice dinner. Pricey and not something I'd do on a regular basis, but is worth checking out.
(4)Raquel R.
this place is awesome. Yummy bread and butter. Its a little awkward if you want more though cause they are walking around handing it out and so if you want more the whole restaurant knows. Not cool. Back when i ate chicken that all i would get and it was delish! Too bad i dont live anywhere near Neimans. bummer
(4)Yuki T.
Stopped in for lunch today. The popovers were great, but the strawberry butter was just pink and sweet. No berry taste going on. Consomme was nice and clear and richly flavored. The smoked pork tenderloin entree I got was terribly sweet and vinegary. The balance was so off I had to li hing mui wince with every bite I took and the accompanying sauteed kale served on my plate was haphazardly cut (or not) into unappealing, bunched up 10 inch long strips. My server was great, attentive and friendly, too bad the food was off.
(2)Lin T.
Took my cuz to lunch for his birthday--no problem getting reservation or great table near the window--wait help very courteous and popovers delicious, as were our meals and dessert. However...my cuz ordered a side salad that consisted of just a handful of what looked like nalo greens--nothing more. When I got the bill I was shocked at the $12 charged for the salad and asked the waiter if that was the right charge. He said, "yes, that's our Mariposa salad." which was not listed on the menu, so had no idea ahead of time what cost would be for that. Because Mariposa is one of the finer restaurants, I did expect to pay somewhat more for lunch...however, $12 for a handful of plain greens w/dressing is what I deem OUTRAGEOUS, considering their "Grilled shrimp cocktail" is listed @$14, their "Applewood King Salmon Salad" is $18, and "Mariposa Cheeseburger" is $15, just for comparison. Our tab for lunch with one drink and one dessert came to $78; with tip $90, which I do NOT consider fair because of the overpriced side salad, and why this rating is so low.
(2)Mrs. Val V.
Lovely place to have lunch and shop.
(4)Loves G.
Mariposa is a great location for lunch with beautiful views of the Ala Moana Beach Park. Food and service are okay, but not exceptional. The complimentary popovers with pineapple butter and the chicken consomme are exceptional and that is where it ends. I had the white bean and italian sausage soup of the day, which was bland. Edible, but not delicious. Next, was the special salad of the day, calamari and shrimp salad with a sherry vinaigrette, cucumbers, kalamata olives and tomatoes. It sounded great, but when it arrived it did not live up to its verbal description. Heavy on the dressing and 2 shrimps! Dessert was a Green Tea Panacotta and a Lilikoi Cheesecake combination that was okay at best. We arrived at 11:40 am and did not depart the restaurant till 1:45 pm. This was on a Saturday and the restaurant was not full, so I am not sure why the food took so long. The waiter was average. Nothing to write home about. Overall, the food and service does not stand up to the location. The check for the 3 of us, no alcohol was $125.00 for lunch, not including gratuity. Pricey, but the overall experience does not deliver.
(3)Sherry T.
2nd time here a week ago. boss took us there for our annual christmas lunch. last time, i got the lobster club sandwich. decided to try something different this time so went with a scallop thing with gnochhi and it was just okay. should've stuck to the lobster club. oh well. still like this place b/c of the popovers. this time it was some kind of berry butter and the complimentary broth...oh yeah i remember, it's called consomme in a small little tea cup. probably wouldn't bring the husband here b/c he would still be hungry but great place for lunch with the girls
(4)Kimi E.
definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Honolulu. great for lunch....amazing view, with a nice atmosphere! i really like the pop-overs!
(4)Michelle E.
My boyfriend and I were on vacation in Oahu last week and we had a lovely dinner at Mariposa. We experienced the true "aloha spirit" with our server, Dave, who was very friendly. My boyfriend had the Diver Scallops which were delicious, and I had the Pacific Catch Provencal which was very good. We had a nice table outside which is a treat for us since we live in San Francisco and rarely get to dine al fresco!
(5)Charles W.
Notwithstanding the excellent service and the pleasant ambiance, the food, though expensive, was not even average. The few pieces of meat in the $29 entree were so tough I could not even chew them. The bed of pasta on which it was served had stuck together in a way I have never seen. I have had better food in the Army.
(2)Eric L.
Was excited to try this place out. Stopped by on a friday night to get a good view of the fireworks (short 5 minute show but it is a pretty good view from the balcony). Decor is nice and relaxed. Meal started off well - the bread was a pillowy soft roll with very nice strawberry butter. We pretty much finished off the whole bread and butter. As for appetizer, had a curry bisque with caulifower and abalone. The cauliflower was cooked just enough not to be raw, but still crunchy. Gave the soup a nice texture with the soft creamy bisque. Would have preferred a bit more curry flavor, but overall it was pleasant. The abalone was slightly toug/chewy in the middle, but sort of to be expected. Entrees were lobster spaghettini and a prawn/snapper special. I had a few major problems with the spaghettini - it was cold on the outside and warm on the inside ( probably had been sitting out too long ). Also, found 4-5 bits of shell in the lobster. I understand that some shell might be missed in preparing the lobster, but if you are portraying yourself as a fine dining establishment, I think you have less leeway on that matter. Also the lobster was a bit dry/overcooked so some of it was a bit chewy. The sauce had a hint of wine flavor, but coudln't really discern anything else in the sauce. There were a couple of caper berries in the sauce. While they provided a nice punch of salt, after eating them, I couldn't taste anything else. Would have been nice to incorporate them better in the dish, or maybe use capers in the sauce to tie things together better. As for the fish and prawn, fish was cooked nicely, and the prawn was a bit overcooked (dry/rubbery). The dish also suffered a bit from the sauce being a bit bland. Sauce would have been better with a bit of acid and salt. Not sure if it was intended, but there were a few crushed peppercorns in the kubocha garnish. The peppercorn would give a big peppery taste, but seemed sort of out of place with the mild sweetness of the kubocha and the mild sauce.
(2)Thomas L.
No complaints from me. I came for an evening snack with a friend. I ordered an appetizer of scallops. They were seared at just the right temperature, and the flavor was great. Definitely a pricey joint, about $13 for an appetizer. So when the waiter asks if you'd like water, make sure you specify tap or bottle. We had Voss water (personally I think its ridiculous that people pay extra for a label and a nice bottle, but I didnt pay!) I loved the intimate feel of the restaurant late at night, when they dim the lights, and light candles at the tables. They also have some quiet background music from the live band. I also enjoyed the decor with the tropical fans on the ceiling. Service was attentive and just fine.
(5)Kacey K.
The first time I was introduced to Mariposa was maybe about 5 years ago. My friends and I stopped by for Sunday brunch. This place is on my list of places to return to. I have been back to Hawaii quite a few times but never managed to stop in for a bite until just recently. The service and food is pretty good. The experience, however, is great. The open layout of the restaurant provides a panoramic view of the water. Combine the view, the food, the heat, and the nice hawaiian breeze. You've got yourself a pretty nice chill spot for the next hour or so. Definately a place that screams "You're finally on vacation" for me.
(5)Travis M.
Went over here for lunch. Popovers were good as usual. They also gave a soup broth served in a small tea cup which was also good (almost like a high class chicken broth). Decided to eat a salad because I wasn't too hungry. Asked the waiter if I should get the tandori-spiced chicken salad or chef salad. He recommened the chef salad which was on special, so I went along with his suggestion. BAD IDEA!! It was probably the worst salad I've ever ate. Not much lettuce, or dressing and only consisted of raw calamari, shrimp, and scallops. On first site it didn't even look good to the point that my co-workers even offered me half their burger and lobster sandwiches. And this was before I even took a bite of my salad. The bad part too was the seafood wasn't spoiled, but you could tell that it was the last day of being considered fresh, thus the special I guess. I would normally have given this place a one star for this experience, but I've been here a couple of times and had four star experiences all of those times.
(3)Daisy D.
I first tried this restaurant with my S.O. a few months back and they had killer deserts and excellent coffee to boot. We went back to celebrate a monumental occasion this past week. We had steaks which were pretty good, but not as good as what I make at home.....they lacked in flavor more than expected. The wine was Tres Fabu--we had the Medoc. The service was also very good and we were attended to but not hovered over. Sadly the dessert menu was underwhelming this time. This place is still worth the money because the view is very romantic!
(4)Waynele Y.
three reasons to come here: 1) the ocean view (especially if you're a mainlander visiting hawaii-you take this for granted as a local) 2) the popovers & the flavored butter (just keep asking for more) 3) the plantation iced tea the rest of the food on the menu is just about average, and when you factor in the price, a bit expensive, yet i would recommend visiting this mariposa over the one in the SF neiman marcus
(3)Melissa K.
I'd give them 3.5 stars, really. The monkey bread is fantastic. Those were the best fresh baked dinner rolls I've had on the island. The kahuku corn chowder is delicious, too. Our entrees weren't that great though, especially at those prices. I think most people would expect a lot more out of a $30 entree. The service was very good though. It's worth a try, but I don't think we'll go back-- unless it's to eat a big bowl of chowder and lots of monkey bread. Oh yeah, the view is nice, but it is above a busy street so you get a lot of traffic noises. If you go on a Friday evening you can see the fireworks display from the balcony.
(4)Ruth D.
When Mariposa first opened I loved there service and food. The filet mignon was good and it went great with my plantation iced tea. Then it started going down hill. I took my gfren from Japan there and we were in shock in how crappy the service was! I had a damn bug in my plantation iced tea and when I let my waiter know he didn't apologize or anything. He just asked if I wanted another one.... That wasn't my only problem he totally ignored our table and catered to the people around us even before the stupid bug incident. And it wasn't like we didn't order just dessert (there is nothing wrong with that because I like to go to places to just order desserts and the service should still be the same nonetheless..) we ordered a full blown four course meal. Yeah, and the food sucked.... so no I don't recommend this place it's way to overrated. Maybe if you eat it outside on the balcony the sunset view will make up for your dinner. Doubt it though... you could go to Bubba Gump's and get at least better service and semi decent food for both.
(1)Aubrey H.
I held a bridal shower here for my sister. we reserved a table for 18 adults and 4 children. A week prior we submitted our menue. Asked for an estimate because we needed to know approx total for splitting bill purposes. And they said they DON'T give estimates. How can you not give a party an estimate of the bill when they are ordering the same 3 dishes with drinks included. So party wise, not so helpful. Prepare to get a surprise bill. Food is good. The chicken salad was yummy. The roast beef sandwich is very good. They also provide extra dipping sauce when asked. My most favorite out of everything was actually the soup broth that they served prior to meal. It was in a little cappuccino cup, very cute, but so filled with flavor. Amazing. For our entire party we only had one server. His name was Keoni. Very polite gentlemen and on top of everything. We couldn't have had better customer service. We asked why he was serving all by himself, he said they only had 8 servers that day (2/21). Poor thing he was exhausted. The scenery at the restaurant was so beautiful. It's like front row seats to paradise. :)
(4)Kristen C.
Visited Mariposa for my first time. I left in a food coma. Best lunch in a long time! I ordered the special for the day: Mahi Mahi over spinach and pumpkin with a love sauce drizzled over it (they have another name for it, but I will remember it this way). It was plated pretty and it was a perfect portion. Then the waitress came back and asked if I wanted to try the decadent chocolate cake (4 layers).... Ummmmm Yes!!! I will definitely come back. Next time I might hold out for a seat with a view.
(5)Lisa O.
One of my favorite places for fancy lunch. Great food and excellent service. I tried this seafood curry for the first time and it was so good!
(4)Chad Y.
Guys (or sons for that matter), when you go to the mall with your special lady (e.g. girlfriend, wife, mother, best friend,etc) and you've reached the point where you don't think you can go any further, I am going to give you the best tip around. Suggest a quick snack or a lunch at Mariposa so that you can sit down, grab a bite, and possibly even enjoy a cocktail! The menu is interesting and showcases an array of salads, sandwiches, and entrees for lunch and a full array for dinner. However, my review is about lunch and their sandwiches are good...the salads aren't too bad either, yet you go here for one thing: the popovers. The pillowy rolls of carby goodness are served up with strawberry butter that entices your palate to want more. Once the roll is over, because one can't survive on bread one, you are going to want to try the pork chop with the ravioli which was full of flavor from the mushroom ravioli and the simply seasoned pork that was beautifully prepared. The scallops are nothing to sneer at even if the squid ink pasta might scare you away. Service is good and water glasses didn't go empty which is a pretty good indication in my book. The ambiance is nice and welcoming as if you were dining on a private veranda. Yet if street noise disturbs you or you want to avoid the sun, get a table indoors. So like I said, if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the mall...stop by Mariposa and you can get that much needed rest from a day of running all over Hawaii's largest mall.
(4)Aulii H.
We went here for dinner with the aunties, and everyone was more than satisfied. I ordered the salmon dish, and it was perfectly cooked. We were having dinner so that we could all talk more, but I was too busy eating. I ate everything unless it required me to lick the plate to get it off. My husband was also happy with his pork meal, although I can't remember what it's called... (See the pics) He also loved his okinawan sweet potato cheesecake, while I enjoyed the chocolate chip cookies, and the recipe that it comes with. There server was very nice, and very professional. We stayed there and talked way after the restaurant was closed, and they constantly told us to take our time. After we realized we were the last ones we finally left. Since the store was closed we had to exit using the elevator that goes downstairs. Overall, we would have dinner there again.
(5)Timothy Y.
Nice selection and good service. I ordered the french dip and a lava flow and it was very good both in quality, quantity, and price. I do not recommend the dessert, however. The portions were small and it didn't taste particularly good. All and all I think I would return in a few years.
(4)Christina A.
So overpriced and not worth it. Came here for my birthday dinner and the food was bland. The best thing about the meal were the popovers and the view. Other than that, the only people who come here are those who don't have taste buds but have lots of money to spend. They come because it's "Mariposa" NOT because the food tastes good. Wake up people! There are better spots on the island.
(2)Anuhea P.
Mariposa reminds me of when my grandmother would take me Christmas shipping in "Needless Markup" for a keepsake ornament when I was a girl and then we would have a classy lunch at Mariposa. The decor is understated elegance...high ceilings, sweeping views of the harbor and magic island, and giant fans. I dined recently during restaurant week with a friend and enjoyed my meal but don't know if I'd make it a habit to come back unless it was a special occasion (food is pricey). We were started out with an amuse bouche of warm chicken consume and their famous pop overs with deliciously fruity strawberry butter. Our waiter was very helpful in answering questions and giving suggestions. I decided on the restaurant week set lunch menu of crab cauliflower soup, shrimp pasta in a creamy kabocha sauce, and a chai panna cotta with autumn fruit compote. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal (except for finding crab shell in my soup-I thought It was a fingernail! No worries, it was comped) and I loved the chocolate mints that finished our meal. Mariposa lives up to it's name, elegant and delightful as a butterfly and perfect for a special treat.
(4)Dwayne Y.
We went here for a quick dessert before shopping. We were seated by a lovely hostess. However, it took around 10 mins for a water/server to acknowledge we were actually at a table. This was quite upsetting since it wasn't too crowded. The waiter finally came and comped our two drinks which was nice. I prefer better service than free stuff. Anyway, I have to say the service got better after that. If they removed the first 10 mins then I can actually say the service was great. Now onto the food. We had the Malted Milk Chocolate Bars, Warm Lilikoi Pudding Cake, & Butterscotch Macadamia Pie. The milk chocolate bars were very silky in texture. It melded well with the combination of milk and white chocolate drizzle. The dish also had some chocolate balls to offer a nice contrast of texture. The lilikoi pudding cake was outstanding and actually surprised me. It looked like a glop of fresh fruits on a small custard dish. But after getting through the fruits, the pudding cake was very light and airy. The cake was moist and worked in harmony with the fruit. Finally we had the butterscotch macadamia pie. Nothing was wrong with this dessert but it didn't "wow" like the first two. Overall, the evening started out poorly, but the waiters redeemed themselves and made the dining experience a good one...
(4)Chris A.
Beaitiful place for lunch and dinner. The puff pastry is amazing with the Strawberry butter, they also give you a small cup of chicken broth to start with.
(4)Leon H.
Gotta go for lunch and have the puff pastry. They also have a great corn chowder. But In general this place has a great view and great food.
(4)Melissa C.
I went here for brunch with one of my friends. I ate their special that day which was a grilled chicken and vegetable omelette. It contained chicken, orange and red bell peppers, cheese, onions and eggplant. I also requested that the hollandaise sauce be on the side. It was delicious! I also ordered the Plantation Tea which was refreshing and a nice compliment to the meal. Of course we ate their popovers as well. The service was wonderful and I have no complaints. They also gave us complimentary popovers to take to go which was nice. Great place to have a lunch. I would definitely go back.
(4)Darin O.
Mariposa Many people come here to celebrate wedding announcements, anniversaries, push gift giving, or any other or special family occasions. For me, I'll always remember Mariposa for celebrating just signing my two time gold winning artist and award winning artist as their music manager and signing a lease for office space. Reason plenty for all of us to celebrate. How else would you enjoy the love of music than with great company to talk about the industry and view the beautiful weather and ocean off the lanai? After ordering iced tea and getting that first, the Grilled Shrimp Cocktail came quickly. the Grilled Shrimp Cocktail had more vibrant flavor than I expected or have ever had before. Details of the lunch we being etched into my mind and all the info was being processed- if you know smell links memory closely, it was a wonderful choice to come here as I could smell the fennel + orange, quite unique. Lobster Club looked wonderful. One of my artists is a light eater and gladly shared some. OHHH rich was my first taste impression. (my impression before I tasted it was - why are you taking out the bacon from the club?????) The lobster was pilled in it and the bacon only added to the taste overall- not overpowering it. The dressing was light - not like a heavy BLT thick in mayo. Sautéed Salmon Filet is an easy good choice. The salmon looked crisp and was cooked well. IT smelled wonderful. Seared Diver Scallops- soooo looking forward to getting one of my favorite dishes. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I had access to the freshest / cleanest seafood- scallops being one of my favorite. The scallops were worth the price and just as fresh as I remember as a PCV. Ohh they were good. Just a note, it was fine dining and not a bottomless pit of food. I would have liked to have more on my plate or at least bread or a pasta to make the plate look fuller and make me fuller but I understand. I still loved the scallops and next time when I don't have to be on my best behavior I'll order 2 dishes of scallops and another entrée- hehehehehehe! OHHH Gluttony - I have found you here! Take me down my own memory lane gladly. Be ready to spend $100~ $300 on a meal for two. It is wonderful high end food. Everyone is polite from being handed a small buzzer to know when your table is ready, to those taking your order. Everyone wants you to have a pleasant experience. It is worth the 5 stars as they deliver on everything they say with taste (at a reasonable price for this kind of place). It may not be how many people are used to eating but it is an experience worthy of a 5 star place. The view is worth the wait for a table and prices on the menu. I don't think there can be many places as beautiful as Hawaii with restaurants like this. High end and high class can only be highlighted by the beauty of nature and picturesque views during the day of slow moving boats off the ocean. Also- it is restaurant week, so I'm trying to review just restaurants until the week is over- trying my best. Let me know if this is good or not.
(5)Jannet L.
Sit at the bar and skip the 45 min wait. Fast service, have a cocktail for lunch and enjoy the delicious food. Salads great and huge. Just had delicious corn chowder and split chicken pallaird Milanese with yummy couscous and arugula. Great place for ladies who lunch. Splurge a little!!
(4)Jayson N.
So, bread and a decent view, the two things this place has going for it.. A friend and I came here after a long day. We were hungry. We were starving. We wanted to be blown away by amazing food. We made a reservation and were seated by the hostess shortly after our arrival. The table was beautiful, but when the hostess pulled out our chair, their was clearly something on minds and she merely swept it off with her hand. GROSS. For a higher end establishment, you expect a high level of service and quality which Mariposa seems to lack. We ordered 3 entrees for two of us. We were both excited for the scallops and the rib eye. The third dish we decided on was the crab pasta. Scallops were executed perfectly but the accompaniment did not do the scallops any justice. The rib eye was just okay, for the price I would probably pass next time. The crab pasta was bland if you ask me. It lacked depth of flavor and honestly seemed like wasted calories to me. After the meal was over, we looked at the dessert menu and we decided to grab the check and get dessert someplace else. The service from the waitstaff was pretty decent just the food to me is not worth the price. However the bread is good so maybe you can come here for water and Bread.. HAHA I probably won't be back willingly to Mariposa. I love the view and the bread but the food just lacks flavor. For the prices they charge you, I would rather take my business elsewhere..
(2)Lia F.
Once a year, for Christmas, my mom and I come to Mariposa for Sunday brunch. It would be any other day except the only day they serve eggs benedict is on Sundays. First of all, Mariposa uses open table so it's super easy to make reservations. Believe me when I say this makes a difference as far as picking a place to eat. When you're seated, if you're wearing black pants, they give you a black napkin. Woo! No white napkin lint on my nice black pants. Then the servers bring you a small cup of chicken consomme and a pop over with strawberry butter. Yummy. I almost always order the eggs benedict which is divine. The egg is always poached perfectly with the whites well cooked but the yolk still soft. The French fries are also super yummy. You can get a mix of herbed fries and sweet potato fries and they come with several different dipping sauces. BBQ, garlic aioli, and spiced ketchup. I thought the sweet potato fries with BBQ sauce was awesome. If by chance you're not here on a Sunday, I recommend their French dip sandwich. Dessert-wise I recommend the Mac nut pie as well as the sweet potato cheesecake. I've always had exceptional service here. The wait help has always been honest and spot on as far as recommending dishes. Once my mom's egg was over done and she didn't say anything but the waitress noticed and asked her if she wanted another one. Definitely attentive!
(4)Betsy B.
The restaurant is in Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center. I wasn't aware of it until a friend took me there. I was glad to discover it. A reservation is definitely a good idea as it is often crowded and there is a wait. There is outside balcony seating or indoor seating with a nice view of the Ala Moana Park with some beautiful trees and the ocean behind it. You can park by the restaurant but currently there is some construction going on in that area so may not work out. There are fans that keep the air moving and it is very pleasant. Service is attentive and outstanding. The food was wonderful and beautifully presented. The scallops were cooked perfectly-tender and tasty. The desserts though were really amazing especially the lilikoi pudding.
(4)Eileen B.
I've been to Mariposa twice now, once for dinner and once for lunch and the two experiences were very different. In short: 3/5 lunch - the combination of disorganization with seating, greeting, service and quality of food. 5/5 dinner - service was above and beyond outstanding and the food was far better. Averages out to 4/5. Mariposa, located on the 3rd floor of Neiman Marcus in Ala Moana mall, can be reached by going through Neiman's or from the direct door entry on the south side top floor of the parking by Neiman's. It has a great view of the ocean and Ala Moana park & is a great view point if you plan a head for the friday night fireworks. **Dinner** Dinner, I was invited to with a group of girls, that ended up down scaling to a group of 10 to just being 3 of us for a dinner reservation my friend had made. One of the girls ordered the wine pair - two of the same wine, different vintage. I was very surprised to be able to taste the difference, even with my unrefined wine sense.... I had ordered the chef's set menu and have to say everything was memorably delicious, especially the scallops with pork belly. It also happened to be my friend's birthday, so they even brought out a little something sweet just for her. **Lunch** I gave my name to the hostess at the door by the mall and was told it would be about a 15 minute wait while they clear some tables. Me, my friend's mom, my mom and I all wandered the food section of candies and cookies in Neimans as we waited. I don't remember if the time estimate was correct, but seemed about right. We were guided to our table on the lanai. The lunch came with a puff bread with some delicious strawberry butter and a consume, that neither of the moms really seemed to drink, so I ended up with at least 2... Trying to be lean, I ordered the scallops with squid ink pasta ($25). It was tasty, but I must say after the fantastic Dinner I had previously had, I had higher expectations out of lunch. The dish came out tepid and there was already a thin um... crust/film ? of the sauce that was starting to form. The pasta was stuck together as if it had been sitting out cooked a while already. I tasted my mom's burger and fries. She is sort of picky about her fries (she likes something between a jojo and a mcdonalds size fry, but fresh cut) and although she enjoyed the fries, at $17 for the burger and fries, at Neiman's, I would have expected a little something better. As far as quality for the meat, the Honolulu Burger Co. has a much better burger. I did enjoy the hint of some herb I think rosemary on her fries though; and they did taste yummy sopping up the rest of my semi filmed pasta sauce. I didn't try my friend's mom's salad, but it did look pretty good and seemed to have a nice variety of greens, unlike other places on this island that have a 'salad' as something with just one type of lettuce. Overall, the setting was nice and its a relaxing shopping break with a good ocean view & open air environment. I will still likely return, but would likely just do the friday night firework dinner there.
(4)Jay C.
PASS ON THE POPOVERS BECAUSE THE SERVICE IS UNACCEPTABLE! I have been avoiding this place for YEARS because the service SUCKS! For some reason, they do not have a grasp on how to greet customers, seat them in a timely fashion and serve them with a smile. The food is basic, it's a bit pricey, yet the pop-overs are great! But the hostess stand is ALWAYS a MESS and the dining room service lacks luster as well. It's a shame to have such a prime location, okay menu, but TERRIBLE SERVICE. What is it about CRAPPY SERVICE? Why is it okay in this day in age?
(1)Eric Robert R.
Ahhh Mariposa! I've been coming here for years! Over a decade now! I guess a review is well overdue. In fact, my former agent was the hostess (Melani) here for many years. I believe she recently left- haven't seen her here in years! Maybe I'll ask her on FB, but she's so wrapped-up with those ultra-conservative viewpoints the last we spoke, so I'm sure it's not the best idea. Plus, she's a twin, so you never know! Anyways... Ahhh Mariposa! Sounds so fancy. Yet, during lunchtime it's quite casual. However, I still would avoid tank tops, holes in shorts, and broken Surfah slippahs. I mean have a little pride since we're shopping for underwear at Neiman Marcus afterwards, right? I've been here for lunch & the occasional fancy dinner date. The views of Diamond Head and the Pacific are spectacular! If you can time your dinner at sunset... You're in for a visual treat! I do suggest reservations for dinner, especially weekends and the holidays. Lately, I've been here only for lunch, usually sticking with the sandwiches. My favorites include: -The Mariposa Burger- Local grass-fed beef, melted cheddar, basil, tarragon aioli, grilled Maui onions, fresh Kamuela lettuce & tomatoes on a potato roll w/ french fries. Very delicious and always consistent. It's my go-to lunch meal! -The Ribeye Roast Beef Sandwich- Thinly sliced beef, wild arugula, Kamuela tomatoes, melted brie, Maui onions, Hawaiian sweet bread w/ Okinawan sweet potato fries! -Ahi Tuna Melt- Grilled Pacific tuna, caper aioli, grilled Maui onions, fortina cheese, whole wheat potato roll, w/ house kabacha chips! At dinner my favorite was the Australian Lamb Chops with the most heavenly mashed potatoes out there, but my last dinner here was maybe last year, so I'm hoping it's still on the dinner menu as I usually opt for unique entrées for dinner. Desserts are a must at Mariposa! Fancy tropical drinks are available too, top quality wine, or simple plantation iced tea, Kona coffee or magical Hawaiian water. Sandwiches run in the $15-$18 range and dinner entrées can run in the $20-$40 range! So, it can be costly for a casual encounter, but I look at it this way... Are you satisfied after you stuff your face with a Big Mac? I'll pay if it's top quality and satisfying. Plus, the calorie counter menu is pretty cool, but admittedly quite annoying too. Needless to say, I'll stick with the casual lunches for now, I mean at dinner-time I can find a bunch of other restaurants with a more diverse dinner menu for the same price or less! Ahhh Mariposa! That amazing ocean view on your fancy open-air lanai... That might be worth the price of admission alone! BIG KAHUNA TIPS: Conveniently located at Ala Moana Shopping Mall, level 3 at Neiman Marcus. Parking open at all levels. Neiman Marcus CC accepted too. OVERALL GRADE: 4.0-STARS! LIVE ALOHA... YELP REVIEW #352
(4)G A.
Was originally planning on dinner reservations but after reading reviews regarding popovers, only served at lunch, opted for a late lunch. This restaurant does not disappoint. We arrived and waited maybe 5 minutes while they prepared the window table set aside for our reservation. Popovers were a hit with our teenagers and food was excellent. A couple of snags with our order because our waiter brought out wrong starter for our daughter and got son's order incorrect. Our daughter did not mind since she enjoyed her food and our son's order was corrected. My husban and I only wish we had more room to take in all the great food. Overall, I will definitely return.
(5)Cyndy K.
Cyndy's Bottom Line: Great ambiance, food and service. Went for a quick lunch. Too bad it needed to be quick because I could have sat there all day enjoying the view and having Parisian Pony cocktails! The Parisian Pony cocktail is magnificent! So refreshing! Sorry I forgot what was all in there. I do remember the St. Germain.......... Love the chicken consommé to start! Love the popovers with aioli! This is what we ate: FRESH HERB FRIES: roasted garlic aÃoli. I requested the fries to be extra crispy and our server Yoon Kim did not blink an eye on the request. Love the aioli! MARIPOSA POKE: hamachi, king salmon, ahi, cucumber, maui onion, ogo, garlic-chili, brown rice. This Mariposa poke is a one of a kind poke with a nice flavorful variety of fish in it. Simply delicious! The presentation is beautiful. Love the sweetness of the Maui onions and the real ogo. SEARED ISLAND AHI & KONA KAMPACHI: chilled soba, snow peas, orange peppers, watercress, toasted nori vinaigrette. Hubby had this dish and stated that the fish was fresh and delicious but that the soba tasted bland. Our super server Yoon Kim to the rescue. She brought over vinaigrette to dress the soba. Aloha & Mahalo!
(4)Annie S.
Getting off a plane and looking for a good food experience is a challenge. We travel 'cause we want to explore and for me, the food experience is one of the most amazing explorations of that experience. A friend and myself found ourselves a little disheveled after getting ourselves to Oahu from Kona. Right off the plane we were excited to enjoy some time in the "City", and decided to look for some amazing food to begin our excursion. Upon arrival, dressed in our causal Kona gear, we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a dinner (highly rated on yelp) at Mariposa. When we arrived to Mariposa, dressed in jeans and slippers, skirt and a tank, it's obvious the servers assessed us as customers based on our clothes, meaning... We had a 15 minute wait when there were clearly empty tables. Whatever, we had money and wanted to indulge on a food experience! When we were finally seated I ordered a steak, a salad and a bottle of wine (be careful here). My friend ordered the 5 course Food Tasting. Our server was so sweet when we ordered. We chatted and it seemed we connected, which to me is a great start to to a good dinner! Or so I thought. My friend was served her first course and I was poured a glass from the bottle of wine I ordered ($59.00) along with the starter salad. Fireworks actually and literally were going off in the distance over the ocean, and my friend and I felt like we made an awesome decision to splurge to have an amazing food "experience". And then, we wait...and wait...and wait. No Server. 45 minutes later I politely ask our server, when we finally see her, if the main course might be ready? She quickly and defensively answers that it is ready, and that she had "... picked it up! I picked it up!". I really don't know what that means, but I am hoping it means I get some protein soon! Nope. 15 minutes later I ask her again, she again says that she had "picked it up!". Okay my overpriced steak must be under a warmer 'cause I for sure don't have it! Finally food is served... Yay! But wait, I don't have a steak knife! I ask another server, since ours clearly has no interest in us any longer, if I could get a steak knife, which they were happy to provide. Our server must have seen me ask because she quickly came by asking what I needed. I told her I needed I steak knife for my steak, and she she responded, "The knife you have isn't sharp enough?". Really? Um no... It's a butter knife! Okay, she was clearly on the defense and I think it's because first, she thought (and I am assuming here based on the vibe and experience) that we were not dressed to tip her sufficiently (rude) and second, I asked her for food after I waited for sooooo long! Totally not impressed by the long wait! And when the food was finally delivered it was super greasy and everything seemed wilted. My friends "tasting" which sounded amazing in print on the menu, was drowned out in sauces and oils and simply not that impressive. My steak was extremely greasy and the "Gorgonzola" steak sauce was a hard ball of crusted butter. My friend, pregnant and craving chocolate, asked if her tasting menu might possibly include a chocolate dessert? Our server responded ... "No! And chocolate desserts are much more expensive!". Okay, we get it! You think we are broke. Poor service, little attention... We get it. We decided to get our check realizing our foodie splurge was not well spent. No "experience" just money spent. I review the check and my $59.00 bottle of wine was suddenly $80.00! WTF. Ok, what's up? Apparently I, the underdressed (should not be there) customer ordered the bottle, but I should have realized on the menu (according to our server) that the price was actually only half bottle! I am still confused about this one. When I asked our server about the discrepancy, she quickly removed the half drunk wine bottle from our table,as if I were a thief trying to rob her of a bottle of wine, because I the customer didn't realize the two column pricing on the menu is actually not just two prices - glass and bottle - there are actually 3 prices! You (the customer) have to really, really, really read the fine print (and actually it's not even really printed) to realize there is a hidden 3rd price point on wine! I am telling you now, cause your server won't! Seriously still regretting Mariposa "experience".
(1)Sasha L.
Came here for lunch and my server was Justin Tweedy. I have been to Mariposa for lunch a lot, and I have to say that Justin is the best server I have ever had! He's polite, not overbearing, and really gave us the service I've had there.. And that's saying something, because all the servers there are really nice! He just rocked and I had such a nice, relaxing lunch experience. I had the corn chowder, mango sorbet iced tea, and quinoa spaghetti. Normally I get the pork chops, other pasta with goat cheese, or the scallops..but this time I tried the quinoa spaghetti..and I think I'll get it next time, too! It's really tasty (kind of like a mellow pesto) and really healthy! Nice and light, since I kept making myself full with popovers lol. Justin was really nice and let us split a full serving of chowder in two bowls to share (thank you!). He also put the topping of the quinoa spaghetti in a separate container in case I didn't want it in my spaghetti..and he was right lol. Seriously, one of my favorite places for lunch and outstanding service!
(5)Rhemielyn U.
This place is pricey but a nice restaurant to go to if you want to be fancy plus the lanai is awesome to sit and catch up with friends. Their service is excellent. I love their food as well. I always get their corn chowder and roasted beef sandwich. This time I decided to order their turkey gyro and it was yummy and healthy.
(4)Jenel O.
This review is for the Peter Pan tea in conjunction with Ballet Hawaii's Peter Pan ballet. The decor was fantastic. I'm guessing Ballet Hawaii coordinated all of that. The plate stand was decorated with Peter Pan themed items as well as items left on the table to help with the festivities. As you entered the restaurant, there was a check in table (this is the pay in advance type packages). At the check in table, they gave you your tickets for the ballet (the following weekend) as well as each child received an crocodile wearing a ballerina costume (very cute idea!). Upon entrance they had dancers dressed up and you got to stand on stage with some of cast dressed up and they took your picture. You were then escorted to your table. On the table was an assortment of 3 teas and the plate stand with desserts on it. A server quickly came over and filled my cup with hot water (for the tea) and asked what type of juice my daughter would like. Another server then brought over a plate of the saltier flavors such as pigs in a blanket, mini burger, etc. After biting into my burger, I noticed it was quite pink and texture off (I do eat rare meat). I dug some of the middle out and it seemed totally uncooked in the middle. I checked my daughters and hers was the same. I returned mine to see if I could get a new one but they didn't have anymore, instead exchanging it for another kalua pig empanada (mini) which I already had 2 of and it was dry. I overheard the second server we had (that gave us the regular food plates) telling another table there was a choice of iced tea. So I asked my original server (who poured the hot water) if I could get an iced tea as I overheard that was a choice. He replied that you only can get one, it's hot tea or iced tea. I told him I should've been offered a choice from the beginning before he poured me hot. To which he wasn't happy but said he would get me one... he knew he was wrong. Ballet Hawaii had hand written a few lucky numbers on the tags to the crocodiles and gave away prizes of Nutcracker tickets for later in the year. What a nice surprise! They also did a short presentation. The downside was that we were sitting next to a table of ladies who decided they would rather talk than listen so it was very hard to hear the speaker. On the way out, they had the pictures printed and ready to take home! What a nice treat! Overall, Ballet Hawaii did a fantastic job of decor, organization, presentation, etc. However, the tea experience at Mariposa left something to be wanting.
(3)Harry K.
Duane his staff & executive chef simply put down the best lunch in town! From pop - ups to start w strawberry butter to the crab salad or Lobstah BLT (hold the B) killer food, view & dessert! Impress here! Killer view on Lanai!
(5)Grace H.
Mariposa is one of my favorite restaurants. I go there if I want to enjoy good food and great company. I would recommend Mariposa to everyone who loves good food, an inviting atmosphere, and a nice view! It's a bit pricey, but for being in Neiman Marcus, it is really good! I would recommend it and I enjoy myself every time I go there.
(4)Brandy W.
I also don't understand how this place doesn't have higher reviews. We were very impressed with not only the food but the service. Located in Neiman Marcus, the best entrance is on the side of the store closest to Ala Moana blvd. In fact, if you aren't going to the mall, park near here and take the elevator straight to the restaurant. There seemed to be a ton of really close parking nearby. If the restaurant is open, I'd even call this a hidden handy mall entrance. We arrived for dinner with a reservation of 10. They told us ahead of time that splitting of checks is not allowed, so we came prepared with cash. By an unfortunate happenstance, our group of 10 was whittled down to 3. Despite my embarrassment, the staff was very willing to move us to a smaller table closer to the terrace and the view. However keep in mind, if you aren't on the right side of the terrace along the bannister, you will have a hard time watching Friday fireworks. I ordered the vintage taster which provided 2 glasses of wine from different years. I loved this unique offering because as a wino, the difference in vintage is very apparent, but not an option frequently offered. We began with the ravioli appetizer, the popovers, and a meat and cheese plate for appetizers. I believe pea ravioli is an acquired taste, but I absolutely LOVE the difference and freshness it provides fresh ravioli. The strawberry butter with the popovers, absolutely buttery goodness! really! A few of us ordered the seafood pasta. I asked about for a wine pairing with the pasta. The server wasn't entirely confident with his choice and asked for my opinion once the dish came. The pasta, frankly, was a little too fishy for my taste. It overpowered the sauce that drizzled the noodles. The wine also didn't pair perfectly with the pasta. However, when the server came by for my opinion, he left and returned with wine from the private collection as trials to find the perfect pairing with the pasta. Now that is service! He went above and beyond to make our experience one of the best I've had on the island. Don't discount this restaurant yet. I think everyone should try it, if not just for the view.
(4)Kiyomi C.
Two stars because its the only way to really address my disappointment in a restaurant that MAYBE once was worth the money you waste to eat here. Two stars because the lovely spinning fans and the outdoor seating and view of Ala Moana Beach Park have remained the same but its really not enough to warrant a better review. Honolulu has clearly up'd the ante in terms of better fine dining establishments and this place needs to get with the times. The menu consisted completely of non-local seafood and your everyday meat proteins. Its like we could've been looking at a menu of some boring hotel restaurant on the mainland. My Dad was saving up to take his lady friend and myself for a nice dinner for her birthday. We get there maybe 10 minutes before our reservation. The hall from the elevator to the hostess stand greets you with a smell of smelly hotel kitchen. Not a great initial waft into a restaurant. The restaurant is not even half full of patrons, mostly in shorts, tourists, etc. while we had actually gotten a little dressed up for the birthday occasion. The hostess tells us we're early, and that we'll need to wait 10 minutes until our reservation and suggests walking around Nieman Marcus. My Dad is OLD with a cane. And the restaurant is HALF EMPTY. Really couldn't believe it. When we do get seated, after we sauntered through overpriced gifts at NM, the view outside in the evening was great. A few different waiters waited on us, and they were not particularly nice or clear about the menu. In fact they were not very forthcoming about the prix fixe versus the regular menu. Towards the end of our meal, the waitress shouts at my Dad - "YOU WANT DESSERT?" Now I'm all for fostering the local flair in a respectful manner - Roy's really has a knack for this - but Mariposa was totally off. You don't shout questions to a man like that in a nice restaurant - we're not in a nursing home. Dad talked for weeks about how much he overpaid at this place. Looking forward to seeing new indications of "Under New Management." People who like food and want to go somewhere nicer than Zippy's, try MW or Roy's.
(2)Chris O.
My score for Mariposa is averaged between one of the best drinks I've ever had and some of the poorest service I've experienced. First off, we should have had a reservation! Middle of the day for lunch and we had to wait for 30 min. No biggie though since I've been wanting to try this place. Took about 15 minutes to make drink orders then another 15 minutes to put in our food orders. Server was nice but I could barely hear her. Had to ask her to repeat herself multiple times. Judging from other reviews, I probably should have ordered one of the signature pasta dishes to justify such a high price for lunch food. I ordered the Turkey BLT and though it was tasty (along with combo regular/sweet potato fries), it wasn't worth the near $20 price tag :( neither was the Greek pita sandwich special. My North Shore Breeze grapefruit cocktail was pricey as well, but worth it....it was delicious. Pop bread and strawberry spread was a cool "free" appetizer, but I was confused when our server also brought over tiny teacups filled with chicken broth. Random and not anything special. A waste of sodium if you ask me. Would have rather had two helpings of the bread... Wouldn't be back except to drink, but I bet I can get the cocktail at the Mermaid Bar. With so many great lunch places in the area, I wouldn't recommend unless you find yourself starving in Neiman Marcus.
(3)Jennifer S.
I've been here less than a handful of times, and I've enjoyed each visit. The latest visit was for my boss' retirement lunch. They accommodated our large party and the manager worked with me through email to get our orders. Parties over a certain amount are asked to order off of one of their fixed menus. They had 3 fixed menus with 3 options of dishes (one being a salad). It also included a soft drink/iced tea and their sorbet dessert trio. We started with their popovers. An airy flakey pastry with their strawberry (?) butter. Yummy!! It's hard to eat just one. So of course, I had two. Next they bring a small espresso sized cup of broth to clear your palatte. I ordered the Mariposa Burger. I always enjoy their burger with their fries and their flavored ketchup. Try it! My coworkers ordered the pork chop (which looked really good and he said he said it was tasty, and the bistro salad which I also heard was good. Definitely planning on going back to try some of their other dishes. It is a little pricey for lunch but I enjoy the atmosphere, the service and the food so it's worth the visit once in a while.
(4)K L.
Went for an early lunch to a just opened and barely filled Mariposa's only to be told we had to sit outside in the 95 degree weather because inside was all taken.... There were maybe 3 tables taken inside and I was the only person at the reception desk. Who were they taken by???? Unbelievable. The woman was unapologetically rude about it. I guess we didn't look like we had enough money to be showing our faces in the restaurant.
(1)Kit W.
I have been wanting to have lunch at Mariposa for a while and finally got around to doing so last Sunday for restaurant week! =D Making a reservation was a breeze and since it was for Sunday and Neiman Marcus opens late on Sundays, the receptionist made sure I knew to take the outside elevator to get to the restaurant. Once we arrived, I appreciated that our hostess inquired whether we would prefer indoor or outdoor seats. We chose to sit indoors but we were seated next to the lanai and I could understand the appeal of lanai seats. Maybe next time! I ordered a Texas Cooler (tasty and refreshing!) and went with the restaurant week luncheon prix fixe. The starter, a butternut squash bisque, was decent but not super memorable. For the entree, you could choose between kabocha pumpkin ravioli & shrimp or roasted beet salad but they had sadly run out of the former because it was so popular. However, in its place, Mariposa offered shrimp tagliarelli with mushrooms and prosciutto in a garlic sauce, which screamed umami and was so. darn. delicious!!! The tagliarelli was cooked al dente and the shrimp were succulent mmhmm. The dessert--pumpkin brulee with a crispy Fuji apple chip--sounded scrumptious but didn't deliver in execution. The caramelized sugar part on top was mostly burnt and you could still see some sugar granules. I got to try the Ahi Tuna Melt off the regular menu and that was delicious! In sum, there were both high points and low points during my first Mariposa experience. However, since the service was so pleasant and on it, I would say the experience averaged out to be closer to 4-star than 3-star.
(4)Sheryll Y.
My friend and I came here for high tea and while the service was attentive, friendly, and fun; we were a bit disappointed that there were no vegetarian option for sandwiches, however. Which kinda killed the mood for high tea with a friend... As only one of us could truly experience it. It was also a hot day and instead of getting hot tea we both settled for refreshing drinks. Was disappointed in the plantation tea though, after hearing amazing reviews, all one could taste was pineapple juice... We wondered were the tea part was in all of that. Oh well. The waiter refilled our glasses constantly with water and regular iced tea once we were done with our main drinks (I'm going to repeat myself on this part). Upon seating, we were greeted with someone who placed the napkins on our laps, and another employee (sorry don't know titles) came around with a buttery monkey bread and this strawberry butter. Delightful and so delicious! I found myself getting a bit full, and we didn't even get the three tiered delights yet. I posted pictures of the three tiers and I would say I was most happy with the monkey bread and desserts. I'm sure if you're a person that loves onions you would've loved the shrimp salad sandwiches. While they were delightful, I struggled - but again I'm not an onion person so it probably wouldn't be bad for someone else. The pork empanada was... Well... If our waiter hadn't told us it was pork I wouldn't have known... That was ok. The second tier had tomato and cheese quiche and while I tried it - I find for some reason I don't care for quiche - but my friend said it was delicious! The third tier of desserts were delightful, tiny but full of a variety of tasty flavors. My favorite was the pecan bar - super sweet though & my friend's was the coffee flan - which I had to agree with. Throughout our waiter Keoni was attentive with keeping us hydrated - which I find awesome! At the end with the check we received two snippets of chocolate in an envelope with Neiman Marcus on it, they were thin and filled with mint. All in all it was a delightful and fun experience and at least I could enjoy it with my friend Stef D. Also an elite member. I would give them 5 stars but this is only based on one experience. I would have to try again at least one more time before being willing to give the 5. :D
(4)Corrie S.
Great food! Lunch and Friday dinners are amazing as you're able to watch the fireworks across at the Hilton. The only thing I advise against is the bread pudding, everything else is delicious!
(5)Rynn A.
I rarely, actually, I never have written a bad review but I am unbelievably disappointed with Mariposa. I remember coming here when I was younger with my step mom and my memories were always pleasant ones. I remember feeling like a princess when I came here. Maybe the problem is I grew up, and the mystique and grandeur of this place was always just pretentiousness. It's been years since I've been here and I was genuinely excited to come. Being in the hospitality industry as well, I do expect a level of service but I feel for the most part I am understanding. From the start though the hostess seemed agitated and stressed. Although she was pleasant to me, her demeanor was that of annoyance. Even though her attitude wasn't directed toward me it was at her coworker which was uncomfortable. The gentleman that served me was sweet and attentive and that was probably the only delightful part of my experience. The food however was not memorable. Honestly, it was sad. I had the Ahi Sandwich and it was edible. That's it. Nothing spectacular. At the end of my under climatic meal I left, walking out without a goodbye or thank you. Patronage is important and making your patrons feel appreciated can turn a bad experience into a better one. Mariposa and their staff failed. I will not be returning and unfortunately I will be letting my fellow foodies know that the Mariposa experience is not worth it. I've gotten better service and food at IN-n-Out.
(2)Van T.
after confirming that they had received our list of notations on the reservation for our party of three stating that we were celebrating two promotions and that we had a diner with celiac disease, we were seated with none of the information passed on to the server team. after we received our entrees, a hair was discovered on the chicken milanese and was replaced. we were still charged for the plate. so, instead of celebrating, we were presented with a parade of missteps. bravo, mariposa.
(2)Tom M.
I really like the classy open space at Mariposa, with its long rows of electric fans keeping the outdoor breeze flowing through the dining room, and the patio outside overlooking the park and the water. They serve good quality, tasty dishes--perfect for ladies who lunch (and dudes that dine). They also offer a good wine list by the glass (so we couldn't resist). We ordered the grilled shrimp salad, which was good but perhaps a bit skimpy on the shrimpers. I'd bet that the dinners are more generous. My guess is that everybody comes for the big warm popovers they bring to the table before you dine (with fresh strawberry butter, no less). I inhaled mine, and keep wishing they'd bring me another--or twelve. If they did, I wouldn't mind that the prices are a double-skosh high. Hey, I like a light meal, but here, "light" is how your wallet feels when you pay the bill (ba-dum-bum!). It is because of the ingredients, the presentation, the cost of the learned chefs? Or is it simply that it shares a floor with Neiman-Marcus, and taint of overpricing oozes through the walls and overpowers the menu? Not sure. Guess I'll ruminate on it next time time I'm stuffing their popovers in my mouth.
(3)A C.
Great setting, but....busy with 35 minute wait for a Sunday lunch. Menu selection is very limited and not that appealing. Food was so-so. Service was friendly, but kinda slow. I wish this were a better restaurant. Main complaint is the menu selection and tastiness of the food. Overpriced for what is offered. Wish another restaurant would take its place. I guess the tourists don't know any better which is the majority of the customers.
(1)Brigitte S.
This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants at Ala Moana. I love that it is inside a department store yet when you enter the restaurant you feel very classy & there's a beautiful view to accompany your meal. Even the ceiling fans add a whimsical touch. The food is absolutely delicious. When you're first seated they bring you these popovers & fruit butter that are mouthwatering. The popover is crispy on the outside yet light & airy on the inside. The butter adds a perfect sweet note. The popovers alone are reason to stop in. The main plates are all great; I'm a sucker for the lobster club which we order every time we go. The whole sandwich feels decadent! The chicken breast Milanese is also fantastic, served over a well flavored orzo. The specials are usually winners as well. We like to go here to treat ourselves to a nicer lunch as it is a little higher in price. Great service and staff. Wonderful vibe!
(5)Coty G.
Mariposa is one of my favorite places to have lunch when I'm looking to be spoiled just a tad bit. Golden popovers, chicken consommé, elegant decor, and friendly service is all part of the Mariposa experience. I can't pinpoint it, but the restaurant has this old Hawaii vibe about it. Maybe it's the open-air balcony seating that overlooks Ala Moana beach. This was my first time experiencing the Mariposa Poke, and I'll admit that visually, it's perfect. This version of the local favorite features a mix of ahi, king salmon, and hamachi, with cucumber, maui onion, ogo, garlic-chili, on brown rice. I'm happy whenever there's hamachi, and there were a few blocks of hamachi in this dish. It's the garlic chili and ogo (seaweed), though, that really helps to make the flavors of each fish pop. Ditch the chopsticks, and use a spoon to scoop up all of the flavors! Finally...Malted Milk Chocolate Bars Malted Milk Chocolate Bars Malted Milk Chocolate Bars...
(4)S A.
Best thing to order is their lobster club for lunch! The club is bursting at the seams with tons of lobster that goes perfectly with the bacon. And their popovers are the best. Updated Oct 2014. Same lobster club order, different sandwich. My club had very little lobster and it was not a true club with only 2 slices of bread. I will try it again next time and see if I just went on a bad day.
(3)Eunju J.
Two star for the view of sunset. 1star for the food taste. So disappointed on every food what we have sorry .. But the service was very nice . I wouldn't go back pay for wilt salad ..oh the bread with strawberry butter was good and the mint chocolate was the best meal we had
(2)Yasmin N.
I used to like the food at Mariposa, but I haven't eaten there in years, so I decided to go there with my husband for his birthday dinner. Ambience is nice and you can't beat that view, but honestly I think that the food is overpriced and average at best. Hubby had the salmon appetizer and I had the corn chowder, which were both good. We both had the grilled beef tenderloin for the main course. The beef comes with a port reduction sauce, which I found to be sour. I don't think that the port was reduced enough. For dessert, my husband had the banana bread pudding, which was highly recommended by the server. It was awful. The bread pudding was hard, had a cake-like consistency, and the sauce was sparse and too thick. We paid around $125 (w/o tip) for our dinner, which comes to around $60/person. For that price, I expect better quality food, and I can name several restaurants who would be able to deliver a quality meal for that price. Sadly, Mariposa doesn't seem to be one of them anymore.
(2)Kris O.
Chicken consomme to "cleanse our palettes," he said. I'm sold. I feel fancy. I only give it four stars because I can't afford to eat here anymore, woops. My friend and I came with a motto: "Treat yourself," and boy did we ever. We've only heard good, great and amazing things about Mariposa, and we didn't leave disappointed. The service was exceptional. We met about three different waiters who were all more than happy to help with whatever it was we waved them down for. The view on the lanai was great, if you could get past all the infrastructure and see that glimmer of the ocean. It could be better but the whole dining while we breathed the natural air was more than satiable for the both of us. The menu was simple and lacked a massive list of options, but that's always a good thing to me. The more options there are, the more time you spend battling with yourself about what you want. Minimalist and clean, much like the rest of the setup at Mariposa. They do a very good job of distracting you. Between the view, the glorious popover with strawberry butter (you can put strawberries with anything and find a happy camper out of me), sipping our Plantation Iced Teas, and the chicken consomme, I didn't find any room or time at all to be impatient about my food. Everything came together perfectly and come time my food arrived, I realized that I wouldn't have minded a wait regardless. If you know me, you'd know that I don't do cream. Cream sauces are my nightmare, but I took a chance here and I was surprised to find it thoroughly enjoyable. My scallops were cooked to perfection and it was obviously smart to choose a cream-based sauce as anything otherwise might have masked the richness and texture of the main event of the dish. My friend didn't hesitate to voice her newfound love with her lobster club sandwich either. It was no mystery we were having a ball when every time our waiters came 'round for a check-up we would just ooze words like 'yum' and 'so good' at them. Everything about this experience was wonderful, and I would definitely come back if my sad college girl budget would allow.
(4)Masa I.
This place was my favorite before, but not anymore. Somebody's lipstick was still on the glass, so disgusting !! Shrimp was overcooked, lobster pasta was salty:( Even server never fill up my water. I won't go to this restaurant again.
(1)Ada F.
A place that strives to be excellent in customer service? Mariposa definitely delivers. Located on the third floor of Neiman Marcus is a hidden gem that faces the ocean. Been here twice now and on both visits we were treated like royalty. The staff is super friendly. They are constantly walking around to refill your ice tea or to offer you more popovers. Their popovers are warm and delicious. It pairs perfectly with their strawberry butter. All you can eat popovers!! Dangerous for someone like me. The meal begins with a small cup of chicken consommé. Then a warm popover arrives. During my last visit I ordered their chilled crab salad. Fresh crab meat on top of butter lettuce with hearts of palms and a few cherry tomatoes. The dressing is light and refreshing. A few slices of avocado adds the finishing touch to the salad. Absolutely delicious!! The finale for the meal is a piece of chocolate mint. Yum! Highly recommend this place if you want to enjoy good food and a million dollar view. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. If you come at 11am on a Sunday, make sure to enter from the ocean side, 2nd floor parking. There is an elevator that will take you upstairs to the restaurant. Neiman Marcus does not open until 12pm.
(5)Biny C.
I go here pretty often for an afternoon tea or a light lunch with my girlfriends. Nice environment, simple and light food, and some good drinks! :) Perfect for a shopping day~ PS: I love their fries, suqid ink pasta and Sweet potato cheese cake
(4)Joanne P.
The best thing about Mariposa is the elegant setting and the popovers. The food and service is usually pretty good too. Unfortunately, during my recent visit (July 2nd at 2pm), I was sorely disappointed by, of all things, my welcome. My friend and I walked up to the front podium and stood expectantly while 3 ladies behind the desk ignored us. They were not helping others at the time. From what I could see, one was looking down, one was looking at a snack baggy of crackers and the third (who appeared to be in charge) was also looking off into space. They were all facing forward so I'm sure all 3 knew we were standing there, yet they let us just stand there without a greeting. After 15 long seconds of being ignored, I finally said "hi." The two younger ladies (trainees?) finally made eye contact with us and asked how many etc. while the older lady looked bored and told one of the ladies which table to give us, all the while not looking at us or even smiling. My friend and I were so shocked by this treatment that we both commented about it. Very disappointing. 4 stars for everything else, minus 1 star for the hostesses.
(3)Grendo G.
We have holiday feasts here and I always enjoy it- the food and service, but I do think for such a luxury place, they can step it up and have air condition? Or crank it up more? I kind of feel like I'm in a cafeteria setting.......
(3)Isa M.
Delicious food, amazing service, and a very peaceful atmosphere. If you have a happy wallet, this is a great place. If you're an average person like me, you can get the same type of food at a better price elsewhere. However, if you are going for afternoon tea, or want to feel fancy for the day, definitely check this place out. It's on the third floor of Neiman Marcus. When you get off the escalator turn right and head in the opposite direction. Before your entree, enjoy delicious popovers with strawberry butter. The bread is flaky, chewy inside, and sweet. They are delicious. I usually eat about three or four before my meal comes. We sat on the lanai to enjoy the view and our server was very good in consistently checking up on us. We had the shrimp 'cocktail' as an appetizer. It is not a shrimp cocktail, but delicious nonetheless. The shrimp is grilled and served over generious portions of avocado and a tangy yellow sauce that is made from pineapple (it has a 'chef language' name so our server explained all the components of the sauce to us). For entrees we had the Seafood Curry, Lobster Club, and Salmon Salad. Everything was great. The Lobster Club had a surprising amount of lobster in it; most places are stingy with their lobster. The Seafood Curry had the perfect balance of heat and flavor, but it did send me to the restroom in half an hour. Just carry around some One Drop or travel sized Febreeze and you have nothing to worry about! We had coffee and tea to finish. They all had a good strong flavor and the coffee didn't have that burnt taste like most places, which I really appreciated. Overall, I had a good experience! Nice place to go and talk story over some delicious food and beverages. Everything that comes out looks like it's from the Food Network. Gentlemen, take your ladies here! All girls want to feel like a princess once in a while. ;) Just make sure they don't eat the Seafood Curry.... or you won't have a very romantic afternoon.
(4)Educated Consumer M.
I love this place for special occasions, work lunches, and (when I'm feeling self-indulgent) a quiet meal by myself. The veggie options are numerous. The popover and butter are always a favorite. But the view of the homeless in Ala Moana, not so much.
(5)Lisa S.
Great place to eat if you want to have a moderately fancy lunch with friends or family. Highlights of this place: Poppers and the strawberry spread. I can eat it all day. Popovers is like a light, hollow croissant -- it's buttery and flaky in the inside, and toasted on the outside creating a firm shell. I appreciate that they give seconds or sometimes a third serving! The chicken broth is delicious! Everyone is served this before they receive their meal. Unfortunately, they don't provide seconds. Ambiance is nice. The outside view is amazing because you're facing the ocean, and the ceiling fans are a nice touch to the upscale "touristy" atmosphere. They display calorie counts on the menu. A little depressing, but it's good for those who are on a diet. The food is mediocre and the cheapest entree is approximately $16. I had the ahi melt, the mariposa burger, and the Tuscan chicken sandwich, and all of them were a little disappointing. The burger was delicious, but if I'm paying $5 more than other restaurants that serve burgers, then I expect it to be mind-blowing! The Ahi melt was OK. I'm not sure if I would get it again though. The Tuscan chicken sandwich -- promoted for its low calories. They don't tell you that it's only half a sandwich and the chicken is pretty dry. On a positive note, beautiful food presentation, and the dessert is highly recommended!
(3)Edwina K.
When you want reliable dining service and a beautiful view, I come and spoil myself and my guests here. My recent visit reminded me why Mariposa is on my list of favorite lunch spots. Making reservations is ideal if you want to be quickly ushered to a table. The sooner you start buttering that delicious airy popover, the sooner you're in egg batter heaven. My usual order - the lobster club sandwich with hapa fries and washing it all down with plantation iced tea. Honestly, I don't think I have ordered any differently! I had cousins visiting from Canada this past weekend and we were here to celebrate a birthday and talk stink about our parents! Not kidding:) Many of us enjoyed the lobster club and the other dishes such as the seared diver scallops looked delicious. My cousins confirmed that American plate portions are HUGE! As expected, the service and food were good. The ocean view and open atmosphere contributed to the positive experience. And of course, my family and their significant others made it memorable.
(4)Terrence Q.
I like this place because of these simple facts. Any seat in this restaurant is pretty cool. Roomy and spacious. Food is great. The ice tea sorbet is also good. The salad are awe-some too. But the ambiance is worth sitting at overlooking ala moana beach park especially during the lunch hour. So if you wanna jus get away from the busy food court atmosphere, make reservations right here on yelp it helps and goes a long way on making it easier to shop and dine without waiting in line.
(4)Linda M.
Took my mini-me that just graduated from 8th grade to Mariposa last night for dinner. Told her she could order anything she wanted so she got the table-side soup and the prix fix dinner. I ordered the Mariposa salad and crab tagliatelle. Everything was just a little off. The table-side soup was a filet mignon meatball with roasted red pepper soup which sounded awesome but tasted more like tomato soup, couldn't taste the red pepper at all. The "table-side" service was lame. All it was they bring a small pot of soup and pour it around the meat ball table-side. The Mariposa salad that was supposedly koolau greens, looked and tasted just like the Costco organic salad, and the kamuela tomatoes were over ripe and seemed like it was about to go bad. For the prix fix, the starter was a mussel ceviche with avocado salsa. The mussel tasted over cooked? and the avocado salsa was absolutely tasteless. The sprinkling of the wilted micro greens on top was so sad. The braised pork belly was overcooked and with the combination of the mustard sauce with the bed of pickled red onions made the dish just taste sour. How do you mess up braised kurobata pork!!! Mini-me choose the natural beef tenderloin which was ok but the truffle potato did not have any truffle taste and the tomato/eggplant gratin was just slice roasted tomatoes and eggplants stacked together with barely any seasoning. Really sad. The crab tagliatelle looked beautiful but swiss chard is just a really weird addition to the pasta which was in a very light and watery sauce. We also got the Pot de caramel for desert and while it was ok, it was overly sweet so nothing I would ever order again. Overall, very disappointing dinner. The only thing that was good was the service and the view. Mariposa seems to be on the decline. I tried to take a picture of the ceiling fans but couldn't get a good shot with my iphone since they were moving but they looked horrible. Many of the fan/blades are falling apart, I was afraid the one above us was going to come flying onto us.
(1)Ash K.
What a great first experience I had at Mariposa :) my boyfriend brought me here for Valentine's day lunch. We waited about 5 minutes and was seated about the time of our reservation. The waiter was very nice and we had really good, refreshing lemonade. The popovers were light and delicious. I had the lobster club (of course) and he had pork chops. We both thoroughly enjoyed our food. Nothing else really caught my eye, so I don't know if I would come back here unless I was craving the lobster club... (: Not sure how I feel about the Nordstrom models walking around modeling dresses that none of us can afford. It was a little awkward to give a obligatory smile, nod, and then have them walk away...only for another couple to walk around 5 minutes later... Also, can't forget that we were seated outside which had a great view! Beautiful Hawaii!
(4)Paul K.
Beautiful views, delicious food, wonderful wine selections, scrumptious deserts and way too ling to wait even though the restaurant has many empty tables. I don't mind waiting but not just for effect. Today started with the popovers and the poke, past fajiole and truffle fries! Yummmmm...
(4)Brent K.
Fabulous view and lunch to ! We had the salmon salad witch was delicious. And the main course was snow crab eggs benedict. Very good service. Nice large dinning area. This has a old plantation feel. Everyone likes the bread here, Great lunch spot to relax and enjoy the view.
(5)Cindy L.
Excellent location overlooking Ala Moana beach, so it's perfect for lunches, especially when you have a big group. For big parties, they usually recommend having a fixed menu, which offers three choices to choose from: salad, burger or pork tenderloin. The menu includes ice tea and sorbet and costs about $25 to $30 per person. This place is always packed, so make reservations. The staff were accommodating and friendly, the food was also delivered quickly. Or maybe I was too busy enjoying the view that I didn't notice the time. Great for any lazy Sunday brunch. I also had dinners here, which has a great sunset view. Yes, it's all over the VIEW!!!!!
(3)Denise K.
How does this place only get 3 1/2 stars? Lunch here is fantastic and should be AT LEAST 4 stars. Service is excellent and very friendly. The complimentary popovers with strawberry butter are downright delicious and perfectly airy. I ordered a plantation iced tea and I would have liked it better with more pineapple juice. I was eyeing (and drooling over) the Yelp pictures of the lobster club sandwich. That definitely did NOT disappoint. Huge, fresh chunks of lobster, crispy bacon, roasted red peppers, perfectly ripe avocado... I loved that sandwich and would order it again in a heartbeat. When you order a sandwich, you have the option of a house salad or fries - barbeque fries or sweet potato fries or a combo. I chose the combo and was glad to have the different flavors and their respective dipping sauces. For dessert, we ordered the lilikoi bread pudding and it reminded me of japanese desserts - just subtly sweet. The presentation is beautiful with the butterfly cookie on top. What a wonderful experience and I can't wait to return!
(4)Onyekachi A.
So I went here yesterday with one of my besties for lunch dressed to the nines. Just a few hours prior we were talking about going somewhere for Afternoon Tea but I was so hungry I knew I would be able to wait until 3pm. So we went to Mariposa and LOOK AT THAT! They are doing Winter Tea from December 9-23 I believe. If you can get it DO IT. Normally Afternoon Tea at Halekulani is $32 and at Mariposa it's $20 bucks a person...now that''s what I call a good deal! The sandwiches are delicious...that day it was Curry Chicken Salad with White Bread. There was also smoked salmon and mushroom quiche. It was SOO good. The tiramisu was divine and we chose the Vanilla Decaf Tea. It pairs very well actually. Now normally I don't drink my tea with cream but it was actually very nice. When you look at the platter you think to yourself...will this actually fill me up? Yes...yes it will beyond stuffed. But the great thing about it is that you will be stuffed but won't have those terrible side effects that come with stuffing your face. Also don't be afraid of looking like an alcoholic for ordering the Rudolph the Red Nose cocktail...which is DELICIOUS. I'm sure my girlfriend and I looked like drunkies since it was only 2pm but hey we didn't care! That cocktail is SO GOOD SO GET IT!. Anyways after 3 Rudolph cocktails, 1 Mimosa, and the afternoon tea the bill came out to be $91. Not bad...not bad at all. I come to Mariposa often but this Winter Tea needed a review! Also if you ever get Mary as a server she is amazing. I wish they had customer satisfaction forms you could fill out cause I wanted to give her a lot of praise...but they didn't have it. Mariposa is always a great place to come and people watch...it's one of the few places where people actually dress up. It's refreshing.
(5)Kelly M.
Great food. Everything we ordered was awesome. Keoni is a great server. Definitely coming back for lunch again!
(5)Paul T.
A fine menu, sumptuously prepared to delight your taste buds. Come for the food. Stay for the breezy, relaxing environment overlooking Ala Moana park as you sip from your drink. Exquisite dining with a view. Priced accordingly.
(4)Amy F.
Actually, NO STARS for this place!!! Tried to get a table here for two and was greeted very rudely by the two women standing at the counter. They just smuggly said in their snooty tone-"90 minutes". I would have been okay if they apologized and explained that there would be wait and I would go back at another time. Because of their attitudes, I plan on NEVER, EVER going there to spend my money! Dear Management of Mariposa...first impressions are VERY important.... I will be sure to let my friends know.
(1)Jojo R.
I took my wife for Valentines here, unfortunately, i could only get a 230pm reservation. The good was excellent. Our waiter was awesome, even recommended a cheaper but awesome food. Food was fast, and tasty, ambience even though was in he afternoon feels cozy, nice view from where we're seating. Price was reasonable.
(4)Tess Y.
Although this place is highly popular and has good food, the service here that we experienced were below expectations and dissapointimg. First off the waiter that was on charge of table was not friendly and made negative expressions when we told him that we wanted to share our main order instead of each getting one dish , he made a comment that was obviously meant to make us feel bad for not ordering more, I assume he was dissatisfied as leas order of food would mean a lower tip for him...furthermore we called the manager to get our waiter changed. The manager did not even apologize but simply said oh okay so I will change your waiter, then as the waiter approached with our drinks she told him right in front of us that he was no longer in charge of our table, making the air uncomfortable both for him and us. She should've told him in private not while he was serving us. Both the waiter that we had and the store manager handled the situation poorly. Although not all the waiters are as bad or unfriendly, the service is still something that should be improved.
(1)Carin H.
You might think it's weird that I say I'll come back. You also might think it's weird that I'm giving 4 stars. But, I do believe in second chances. Ok so first visit for lunch I had the lobster club sandwich. It was good! But I honestly like the one at morimotos better. So this last time I went again for lunch, I had the scallops with the squid ink pasta. Okay so it was good..but everyone at our table who ordered food..everything came out COLD. We are in the restaurant industry and it was a busy day so we didn't complain. Our waiter was the sweetest guy ever!!! I totally understand when it gets crazy you can't make everyone happy. Food took long to come out but customer service is key. He was calm and friendly each time he came by. Really nice guy. I will be back. I believe in second chances. And I give the guy props for doing his best. I won't mention names but my point is that I will return and hopefully my food will be nice and hot. Perhaps I should avoid the busy lunch hour. The rest of the staff were also very friendly and attentive to us. Not once did we complain about a thing. Good food and good people. That's all we need.
(4)Kenson K.
I've always had a pleasant experience at Mariposa. I absolutely love the monkey bread here. It is divine. You can just smell the butter whafting from its light, airey, decadence. This time around I opted for the prefixe dinner. I was very impressed. Ok, so I don't remember what I had but it was good. I remember my main dish was a filet mignon and it was delicious. I also remember a scallop dish as one of the courses. Also good. I am never disappointed here. Good also for lunch.
(4)Sash T.
Thank god I made a reservation online via Open table to get us a table before the lunch crowd today. It was a full house with some Japanese tourists waiting to be seated outside. We thought everything was great. The ocean views, service, restaurant design, n parking was conveniently located right outside the restaurant. We ate the clam chowder soup, lobster club sandwich, ahi sandwich, poppers, n a fruit dessert. We thought everything tasted great n our server Phillip was on it. We can't wait to bring our family here when they'll visit us in October.
(5)Paul R.
I love this place!!! A lot of my friends don't share my perspective, but what do they know :p. I always start with the corn chowder.. Its so so so good. And its consistently good. I devoured it before I remembered to take a pic :/. The bread rolls are very tasty as well. Soft, warm, great flavor. Goes perfect the chowder, it comes with a strawberry butter.. Whaaat!! Entree, again, I always get the tenderloin. A little less consistent, but most of the time perfect. Served with yams and spinach. I forget the name of the dessert, but it was an apple bread thing with pumpkin ice cream. Good but nothing too special. Also what helps me like this place is the atmosphere. Its quiet, intimate, and has a good view. A little more upscale, but not so much to where its formal. Wait staff this last time was great, but historically not too good. Nothing bad, but just haven't been a fan of their lack of character.. A little mechanical.. But they get the job done. Great place. A must try in my book. Will definitely keep coming here!
(4)Wanda T.
Mariposa never disappoints, regardless of which store or city you are in. But this location is my favorite. There are a few reasons: (1) the fabulous bread served to welcome you with a little side of strawberry butter; (2) the amazing view of Ala Moana Beach Park; (3) the welcoming, gracious knowledgeable staff, sincerely hoping to make your dining experience special. When I booked my reservation, I selected an arrival time of 5:00 pm but arrived an hour earlier. Mariposa staff was very gracious and sat us immediately. We had a delicious late luncheon on the patio with beautiful views, great service, and wonderful ambiance. We are going back again tomorrow. I need that monkey bread recipe!
(4)Emmett J.
For the price, food was disappointing. I used to look forward to going to Mariposa in past. Not now.
(3)Jordan Aaron C.
NEW FAV! This place is one of my new favorite restaurants. I want to come here more until I have tried all of their dishes. I came here for the first time this past Sunday night for dinner and had the greatest time ever!!!!! I left stuffed, satisfied and smiling. It was a great experience, definitely a memorable one. FOOD The food and drinks may seem a little pricey, but I honestly think it is worth the price. Their dishes were made too perfection. The portions and detail of each dish is what you pay for. The main course was definitely larger than I expected and I barely finished it all. Since it was my first time here, I wanted to try everything. I ordered the Mariposa Punch ( yelp.com/biz_photos/mari… ) and the Mariposa Plantation Iced Tea ( yelp.com/biz_photos/mari… ). I enjoyed both during my meal, but I would say that the Plantation here is the best I have ever had. I tried several other places, but my favorite is here. We also had several servings of their Monkey Bread with Guava Butter ( yelp.com/biz_photos/mari… ). It was so delicious! One of my friends was stuck in traffic so this kept us occupied while we waited. I loved how the bun was buttered in layers so that it would just fall apart into pieces easier to eat. The guava butter was a perfect match with the toasty hot monkey bread. I swear I had like 4 buns and it really filled me up. For appetizer I ordered the Braised Pork Belly & Seared Scallops ( yelp.com/biz_photos/mari… ). This was one of the best dishes I have ever eaten. It was the perfect mix of pork belly and scallops with a bunch of watercress or some type of vegetables. I would have loved this as a meal if it were offered. It was cooked perfectly and super tasty. The flavors mixed well with the sauce and green vegetables under it. For my main course I order the Lamb. I totally forgot to post the pic and I emptied my phone. But it was amazing. I not a hug fan of lamb because of the game taste, but I wanted to try something different. The plate was huge!!!! It had four thick pieces of lamb with tender juicy meat. It had some dark red sauce to eat it with and it totally killed the game taste. There were eggplant fries which were good to munch on and a heavy layered potato cake thing with cream on the inside. This plate had a lot going on, but it all tasted great together in your mouth. For dessert, we had the macadamia nut pie; another photo I didn't upload. It was better than I expected. It was very cold and not too sweet. I loved that you could taste the macadamia nut and it wasn't over powered with sugar. The pie was very thick, but easy to run your fork through it. I would totally take one to go. LOCATION It is located in Niemen Marcus, but they do have their own private elevator from the beach side entrance on the top floor of the parking lot. There is a lot of parking since it is at the mall, and since it is located on the emptier side of the mall. There is always a lot of self-parking stalls open. There is also valet available as part of Niemen Marcus. The inside is fancy, and at night it's quite dim. Your eyes adjust easily, so you are able to see all the detail of your food. Perfect Location. SERVICE Talk about awesome service. I never had a glass empty and there seemed to always have someone wait on us. If we turned our head out of the table conversation, someone would come to our assistance within seconds. That was good. Sometime I was just stretch my neck or observing the restaurant and they would come to ask if I needed something. The service was great and the made sure we always had monkey bread and a fresh scoop of guava butter. We did pretty much have the whole restaurant to ourselves, so maybe that's why everyone was waiting on us, but it was good that they paid attention. Everything was perfect, no complaints and no suggestions. They just need to stay the same. I recommend every single person on this island to try this place out ASAP!!!!
(5)Yenny R.
Went here for my bday brunch (sun6/15). Overall I had a great time except for the hostess. Our waitress was great. We couldn't decide wat to get so ordered things to share. She offered to separate our portions for us. She was super nice n friendly. Except for that hostess I wouldv'e given 5 stars. She was so rude. Blonde hair, name was Lisa or Risa? I saw she was busy so waited till the line died done to ask for help with a pic. She pretended not to hear me so I went up to her. Then she waited till another hostess returned and whispered rudely that we had asked for a picture and didn't want to take one for us (my friend was standing close enough to hear). I understand if u r having a bad day but damn, so rude! Check your attitude if u r working at a fine dining restaurant.
(4)Keiko J.
Food is good as usual. Service Speed improved Quality of service. Room to improve The server wants us to consume more beverage That was the only concern
(4)Jen W.
Gorgeous setting and view. Food is good, not great. Love the popovers. They are the reason I go, combined with the view. It is over priced, but hey, vacation.
(3)Jon E.
I like Mariposa, I don't love Mariposa like some people, but I do like it. Maybe I'd like it more if they charged for popovers and monkeybread and consomme so I could just order those, pay for it, and not feel guilty for scarfing down 5 popovers prior to eating the obligatory entree. Which is not to say the entrees are bad, they are ok, not cheap obviously, but you're not expecting a deal here, if you are... well... eat more popovers. Lobster roll is a winner, considering that is the only thing I eat there it had better be. Even after 5 popovers it still is appetizing and tasty. But I'd rather drop $3 a popover and leave after my fill, just saying. Big tip here is to buy your wine outside in the NM store and have them bring it over, no corkage. It blows away paying the margins in the restaurant. The big winners they have right now (6/14) instore are the Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chard and the Shafer 1.5 Cab (hard to find and way less than Hillside Select). Ideal menu, 5 popovers, consomme, and a bottle of Red Shoulder Ranch. Yes, I did suggest the popover as the storefront photo for yelp...
(4)Jenifer G.
Been here quite a few times, absolutely love the view. Food hasn't been spectacular every time but this is a special place for sure. Once came for lunch during a weekday, it was super busy, waited for ever for our food and the pork tenderloin was as hard as a hockey puck -- okay a little exaggerated but it was not edible. We had to head back to work soon so we had no time to send the food back for them to get it right. Had an awesome dinner here once. Came for lunches, I do like the burgers, can't go too wrong with that. Normally order the ahi sandwich, which typically is delicious but the last time it was just so-so. Love the little cup of warm consomme (is that what it is?) they serve you. And the popovers but the last time the popovers were super duper burnt! Thought at first it was just a bad batch since it wasn't just mine that looked quite brown, but the rest of the lunch it was burnt batch after burnt batch being walked around. Yikes. Service is normally good, but the last time the gal didn't pack the rest of my sandwich (I had a full half, and some bits of my first half..I was expecting the full half to be packed up!). The server guy who took care of us went back to the kitchen and had them make me a fresh half sandwich to take home. He was very awesome. The gal needs to be more aware. Had the bbq steak fries, mostly just means with bbq sprinked stuff on it, with guava ketchup, regular ketchup and a white thing which was prob packed with mayo? It was okay nothing great. Although the food can be a hit or miss, I know I will still return. The ambiance is awesome. Patio seating can be hard so you should make reservations and ask in advance to sit outside. But ask for the left side so you're away from the parking area and buses. There was a slight scent too so maybe inside is better. They normally do fashion shows too so a couple of tall skinny girls walk around and stop here and there. There are times I look but I don't really care for that stuff, although it is fun and interesting if I care to turn to look. A great place to take out of town visitors, mostly for the ambiance and view. Food, that's a hard one, can't say I have a favorite to order.
(3)Darren M.
Been here a few times now. The food always seems to be good. Today I had some Chicken Milanese with couscous. I am not a big couscous fan but this seemed more like a rice starch as opposed to the fine grain I normally see in mid eastern food. Anyway service is always good but not better than expected for the price of the food. Oddly enough I never feel ripped off when leaving so thats a plus
(4)Joy N.
This is my new favorite lunch spot for any business meeting or special occasion luncheon. When you go to Mariposa - the service is EXCELLENT! Make sure to call ahead for reservations since they typically get booked for lunch. Haven't really tried out their dinner yet. The entire luncheon is an experience. As soon as you're seated, they bring you their famous popovers with their special butter. These are addicting and you'll definitely want more than one!! But--don't get too full off of the popovers because otherwise you'll spoil your appetite for lunch! As for the food--you pretty much can't go wrong with anything you order. My absolute FAVORITE item is their scallops for my entrée--just the perfect size for lunch. Before they start bringing out your food, they will give you a small cup of chicken broth to start your meal. Definitely a nice little touch!
(4)Lorene P.
The waiter was informed that my friend and I would split both the salad and entree. He offered to split it for us! Delish as usual. A light, not heavy lunch with a view. Reservations were made on open table. Please note that during the busy shopping season, upon arrival, just wait your turn in the line up. The hostess sorts through those with and without reservation. Those with reservations are seated promptly. :)
(4)She Hunter H.
Just love the ambiance here. food and wine selection is great too! Would definitely recommend.
(3)Johnny T.
Our group of 11 came here for our 10 year wedding anniversary dinner. I picked this place based on reviews, quality of the food photos and price. The view was spectacular in the photos of other reviewers as well. We were not disappointed. In fact, the food here is a steal and the service was great. Some of the dishes could have been price 30% more to reflect the kind of pricing you would find at other similar restaurants. I never thought I would dine in a department store restaurant for an occasion like this, but glad we did it. We had a variety of dishes between the 11 of us, but I can say that every single person thoroughly enjoyed their meals. All the dishes were presented beautifully. My wife's salmon was cooked to perfection, nice and moist. My chicken was the same. Moist and juicy and tasted great! The kids meals were much less desirable, but then again, they're kids meals and they don't care. Our server, Edward, was very attentive and professional. I would return in a heartbeat for some excellent value, fine dining. One piece of advice. If you plan on dining here while the Neiman Marcus closes, make sure you park in the parking lot in front of it. We parked on the other side of the mall and it was quite the adventure trying to find our way back
(5)Juliene C.
Sorry, but i am not into this place! I have eaten at tons of high end restaurants in my lifetime and never before have i been treated like a second class citizen! Our waiter did not even care about my daughter and i. He came by only once to check in on us and he did it in a rush. He asked us if we needed anything, but did so while walking fast and not even looking at us. He was also the waiter for the the table next to us and he totally treated them way differently. More accommodating and with great personality. I will never eat here again! The thing this place has going for them is their popovers!
(1)Julia S.
First off, the service here is horibble. The front host was rude, the server was non existent, the dude who brought over the popover looked miserable and didn't say anything, and everyone else lacked manners. From the decor, three dollar signs, location inside of Neiman Marcus, and verbal hype surrounding Mariposa I naively expected the environment to be better and service top dollar. But they were lacking greatly in delivering a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. The popover was cold, but the butter was nice. Yay. The chicken soup shot came 10 minutes later cold. I have tried their ahi sandwich, lobster club, and salmon filet. I would only recommend their ahi sandwich done medium. It comes with a side salad, and $2 more for french fries (skip that option). The ahi is yummy and nicely portioned, but the loaf they use has been dry twice and ruined the sandwich for me. Salmon dish was cold when delivered to me. Why do I always get cold food?? I guess I look feline like or something because they seem to assume I have a cat's tongue. The salmon was placed on top spaghetti balls in oily tomato sauce that had no taste. The veggies in it were few to none, salmon was dry but oily ( didn't think that could be possible!), and best part of the dish was the broccoli like vegetable that was cold and incredibly hard to cut.... Lobster club is meaty which is nice. Very buttered, it's a meh dish. I really don't even want to write about their food because it was all very unmemorable. I was also duped when it came to the food comparison and decor. I really hate how they market themselves as a more upscale restaurant, but then toss around expensive prices for mediocre food and service. They have calories written down beside each dish on their menu. If you're looking for a nice dining experience in the Ala Moana center similar to Mariposa, there is none. But that doesn't mean Mariposa is worth the view they offer on their patio or the feeling of being posh. I would recommend Nordstrom's cafe over here, or even California Pizza Kitchen for a sit in restaurant. Food quality + service + environment = not worth it. I would come back if someone offered or I had no choice, but never on my own will. It's not worth the price.
(2)Ay C.
Beautiful view and great service as always! I love their plantation tea and ahi and kanpachi soba noodle salad *^^*
(5)Kimberly D.
So, we went for Mother's Day for a special treat. $45 a head, but we knew that up front. Mostly, the food was bland, but some was right down unacceptable. Potatoes "lyonnaise" that were frozen, not fresh potatoes, then kept on a steam table. Nary an onion in sight! Hollandaise lacked lemon - no flavor. Service was adequate. Would be hesitant to try this again. None of the food was worthy of the price.
(2)Brooke N.
Mariposa...high tea. I'm actually a little weary about writing a review, then the secret will be out!! Ok here we go...it's only on Sundays, @3pm, by reservation only. They have an array of bites to eat from savory to sweet and the traditional scone to Kahlua pig empanadas. Oh and I forgot to mention it's only $25 + tax & tip. You have a choice of 10 teas, plantation iced tea, or from any of their coffee/cappuccino menu. So the reason why I chose only 4 stars...although I'm ranting and raving about this place. There is a limit of teas and you don't get that fancy cart and white glove service with your traditional high tea service. Honestly I don't need that stuff, I like it just the way it is.
(4)Cheryl K.
I was hanging out with my mom one day and she suggested Mariposa. Neiman Marcus is uncharted territory for me. The only times I walk in that place is to buy gifts for the high maks people in my life. I love their bathroom by the way. Hung out in the bathroom for an hour, watched some television, and then headed to lunch. (Just kidding, it wasn't for an hour, lol) Love those popovers and mini chicken broth soup thingies that they served before our meal. My mom ordered the Ahi Tuna Melt and I ordered the Tuscan Chicken Melt. Pretty decent although I felt like I was chewing at my bread A LOT. But I think it was chiabatta bread anyway. Pretty tasty though. Love their Plantation Ice Tea too. Overall nice place to have lunch although the prices are a little high. If and when I have the need for a baby shower I would totally have it there! So relaxing.
(4)Joy H.
I expected better, especially for the price, thankfully they have a a nice staff. But I would have preferred better food.
(2)Lauren C.
The other night I was watching the Food Network and they were showcasing this amazing lobster po-boy filled with juicy chunks of lobster between a toasty roll. I was on a mission to find something similar here at home and I remember hearing about Mariposa's Lobster Club Sandwich. I decided to get my fix and dragged my reluctant boyfriend here with the promise of lobster...lots of lobster. He was skeptical of a "fu-fu" restaurant inside of Neiman Marcus thinking it was "chick food". To be perfectly honest he does have a bit of a point. This place is more of a lunch with the gals rather than a boyfriend-girlfriend place. But I was determined to get my lobster sandwich and he was the only one available on short notice. We made the mistake of choosing to sit outside in the middle of Summer (okay, end of Summer). We're not tourist. We've seen Ala Moana Beach before. We should have just sat inside with the a/c. I found myself leaning towards the door to catch some of the cool air from inside. After gulping down our six dollar sorbet floats, we ordered our lobster clubs. I've heard all about Mariposa's magical pop overs and they were just as delicious as I had imagined. The strawberry butter was delectable and paired perfectly with the buttery and flakey popover. I just wanted to sit there and eat popover after popover. When the sandwiches came, I was briefly disappointed because I had imagined a big buttery roll filled with lobster (like the one I saw on tv) and then remembered that this is a club sandwich and not a po boy. They were very generous with the lobster and I like that they didn't slather the whole thing with mayonnaise. My only problem was that it was nothing spectacular. Definitely not for twenty five bucks. If I were to go out and buy lobster meat, I could probably recreate this dish at home. For this price I expected a lil more oomph but the flavor profile was unremarkable. I'm not sure if I would return...maybe the next time I see a lobster type sandwich on Food Network?
(3)John S.
Had lunch yesterday with a group of friends and the service was terrible, the food was not worth the high price! More importantly the service was awful every time we asked our server for something he was obviously irritated and huffy! If I'm paying over $100 for a meal why are you annoyed? Disappointed !!!!
(1)Faith N.
I was late in taking my mom out for her 85th birthday lunch, so decided that we would go here, b/c I knew they would serve her a delicious pork chop, one of her favorite foods. We went mid-week with no reservation. A few kind words to the host and we were on the patio in no time. Mom got her popover and I took a cup of warm consommé. Since I don't do gluten, the popover and sweet stuff Mom smeared on hers appealed to me little. I really don't know the charm behind the popovers, or maybe it's just the sweet stuff everyone is cooing about. I had the salmon with lentils and she the pork chop. She kept saying how good her pork chop was. I never had Beluga lentils before, and I won't make a special trip to have them again, as they were not tender enough for my palate. Even though we were stuffed from our entree's, we both decided to try dessert. Orders of Pumpkin Crème Brule and bread pudding soon made their way to our table. We both thought the pumpkin dessert was the better of the two. Coming to some place like the Mariposa reminds me of what it might be where I unduly wealthy. Yes, it's pricey, but when you don't eat out often, as I do, indulging in fabulous food and attentive wait staff makes it all that more enjoyable.
(5)Bryce L.
The service here is excellent!! We planned our family lunch at the same time as two large baby showers. We were put off slightly by this and by the hostess with an attitude, who made an unwarranted comment about not being able to change our seating even though we didn't ask. However, the servers were more than apologetic about the noisy inconvenience and they offered us another complimentary serving of their chicken consomme (in larger cups than the little "one-sippers"), more popovers, and iced tea. The hamachi salad and salmon salad were both excellent and they even treated us to dessert (mochi waffles with ice cream and gourmet chocolate bars) because of our "troubles." Highly Recommended!!
(5)Liana F.
I can't believe I only discovered this place today!! The atmosphere, service and food was excellent! It was such a nice place for a get together with friends and the interior design made it so comfortable! My new favorite place for lunch now! The popovers that came before your meal is delicious! It's made out of eggs and it's not carbs, so perfect for my diet! I ordered the Sautéed Salmon and my friend ordered the Lobster Club Sandwich. The salmon was made perfectly, and it came with Brussels sprout, mushrooms and sweet potatoes! I had a bite of the lobster sandwich and it was so yummy!!
(5)Buzzy L.
Service was excelled . Our server was knowledgeable and friendly. Always appreciate good service. My Andean Dream Quinoa Spaghetti was no dream. This green spaghetti sauce with shrimp was not that good. The sauce was too heavy and too thick. Shrimp was over cooked. No taste . Kind of flat . Still love the popover.
(2)Patrick F.
We love the restaurant especially for me sit outside on the lanai. The view is amazing the atmosphere is great and most of the time the service is spot on. The food is always delicious but I have to tell you we go there specifically at lunch time for the pop over bread you get served complementary before your meal. I highly suggest visiting this lovely restaurant
(4)Kim M.
Awesome spot for lunch. The food is good, service is friendly, the location is convenient, and the atmosphere is pretty relaxing. POPOVERS I feel like Mariposa is known for their popovers, so I'll start with that. The famous complimentary freshly-baked popovers with strawberry butter: yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… Delicious, fresh, and accompanied with some strawberry butter and a small serving of Chicken Consommé, which is a fancy term for chicken broth: yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… GREEK SALAD $17 Our server had the full order split in two for my friend and I to share: yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… Grilled chicken, shredded maui romain, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, chickpeas, grilled avocado, feta cheese, oregano-caper vinaigrette. 530 calories for a full order. This salad was excellent! It's definitely not a boring salad! There was the right amount of dressing and ingredients (other than lettuce) to keep my mouth happy with different textures and flavors. I'd order this again. SAUTEED SALMON FILET $23 yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… The salmon was cooked perfectly and placed on a bed of Israeli couscous, vegetables, an herb salad, and tomato broth. Nutrition facts: 570 calories; 24g fat; 4.5g sat fat; 80mg chol; total carbs 48g; 38g protein PORK TENDERLOIN $20 yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… Tender, juicy cuts of pork tenderloin atop a bed of Swiss chard, basil pesto, ricotta couscous, and grape tomato salsa. 780 calories. I loved it. I actually don't think I've ever had pork tenderloin this tender before! It was absolutely lovely. CHEF FEATURE DESSERT CLASSIC RUM CAKE $8 yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… Rum cake with caramel ice cream, and rum vanilla sauce. This was given to us as compliments of our server. If it weren't for him, my friend and I wouldn't have tried this spectacular dessert. I'm kind of sad this isn't a regular dessert here bc I'd come back JUST for this! SERVICE Service is always on point, attentive and friendly. I've never had an issue, but the servers really make me feel that they'd pretty much do anything--like jump over tables--to make me a happy patron. LOCATION I love the location bc it's relatively convenient. Parking is rarely a problem bc Ala Moana has the load of stalls. Mariposa is located on the 3rd floor of Neiman Marcus, so it feels pretty classy. Hah. AMBIANCE Mariposa may seem a little bougie in terms of prices or whatever (and the fact that it's in Neiman Marcus), but the ambience is no reflection of that. It's actually pretty relaxing (and a great place to catch up with friends). I never feel rushed or anything of the sort. Yelp 365 - #314/365
(4)Alex G.
Ah I salad is good with the some noodles. However should cut down on the soba noodles.
(4)Reiko S.
This is our go to place for celebrations! We just got married on December 3rd so I definitely wanted to have a celebratory dinner at Mariposa. The view and the cuisine go hand in hand for a special evening. We had the lamb chops and scallops. My hubby is super picky but he was very pleased with the sauces and the skill that was used in creating both dishes. Highly recommended!!!
(5)Jenny S.
I came here with my friends for a good friends birthday dinner and personally for the price I paid I expected better food. The service was excellent but the food wasn't up to par. Good points: - excellent service - bread was good and fresh - steak portion was pretty big - serves lamb dishes Bad points: - I had the salmon dish and it was over cooked - My friend had ravioli and she said it was greasy - my other friend had pork chops and it was dry - they had charged us for a cake we brought for my friend, we had to let them know they charged us for this Overall we all had an issue with all our foods but the atmosphere of the place was nice. My friend enjoyed his birthday dinner but I'm pretty sure we won't be coming back anytime soon.
(2)Christina Y.
Went here for the first time on Wednesday for a lunch meeting. This is definitely fine dining. I ordered the ahi sandwich and plantation iced tea, which comes with POG (I think). Everything was excellent, including the service. Lunch is reasonably priced, so I will definitely come back here again.
(5)Rachel I.
Lunch is a great time to go in and grab well cooked food. Their complimentary bread and strawberry butter is the bomb! I shared the seared marlin + shrimp salad and the seafood curry with rice. I saw some other tables get dessert, which looked amazing. Our waiter was very attentive and friendly.
(4)Manny B.
Afternoon snack menu is terrible. I had the cold crab salad and the greens were terribly chopped and the presentation was not the greatest. . Wasted $25 on a salad which I feel is overpriced and not carefully thought of. Ambiance is good though, very private and relaxing. They need to improve on the afternoon menu or maybe ditch the crab salad altogether. Not worth the money.
(2)Mike M.
I enjoyed dinner here on a recent trip to Honolulu . We sat on the terrace and enjoyed the sunset while eating a delicious pasta dish with dungeness crab. My gf had the Chilean sea bass which was incredible. It's located on level three of the Neimann Marcus store. A must if in the area
(4)Vanesa J.
Wonderful lunch, food was excellent, ahi n tuna .sashimi salad, lobster sandwich. Waitstaff so polite and smiling all the time, Shaun was on top of his game, always check back on me refill my tea. The only disappointing thing is we were sitting by the door Where the ac coming from, the terrace area ! was super freezing to me. I check with one of the wait staff if possible I can move to the next table. He return and tell us there is a rez for somebody. Overall no bad. Just a little customer service careless. But will retun.
(3)Karlos d.
A+. The food was fantastic. Our server Keoni was calm, and relaxed in his delivery. He knew everything about each dish and steered 4 of of us to a perfect meal. The food was delicious. As a small restaurant owner I also really appreciate great service. The meal was so nice I took the 10 minutes to update my yelp account. We live on Kauai but are here often for business. We will return often. Both Keoni and Kerl were spot in. Mahalo!
(5)Masato I.
Perched at the makai-side top of Neiman Marcus is a poppin' little restaurant great for a lanai lunch and mimosa. Start lunch with an English cup of French consommé and a Yorkshire popover with some ??? strawberry butter. Move on to a tomato bisque with Greek cheese or a Hawaiian ahi and kampachi salad with soba and Nalo greens? How about a Tuscan melt, seafood curry, or pan seared opakapaka on a bed of mashed potatoes, mushrooms, bacon and greens? If you don't believe the world is flat... come to Mariposa (Thomas Friedman reference...). This is a prime spot for the convergence of divergent tastes and some deep-a$$ pockets. With the girl, went to a weekday lunch at about 1:00 and enjoyed a 15-min wait for first available. I've read comments on the ambiance, but to me, it seemed more like a cafeteria in a high-vaulted warehouse. Next visit, I'll wait the extra minutes for a lanai seat. Service was courteous and mostly attentive, and the kitchen is actually quite speedy for the quality of food they were moving. We settled on the ahi/kampachi/soba salad (yes that's one dish), and the pan-seared opakapaka w/ fixin's. Volume was hefty for both, and the meals were great. Had a bite of the soba and ahi, which went remarkably well with the vinaigrette dressing, and the seared opa was done perfectly, (flaky yet juicy). I wish I'd given more thought to the sauce, but it was a cream/mushroom base and I loved it (not sure what else was in it). The ingredients were remarkably fresh (particularly noticeable with the fish), and the flavors were top notch. The creativity behind the menu deserves a special mention, and I suggest you wear your adventurous shoes for this lunch. Menu: neimanmarcushawaii.com/p… I'll reserve the 5th star for a lanai visit and 2nd tasting. Mariposa is a close 2nd in my mind to the Nord's Cafe in Ala Moana (price, efficiency, and ambiance included). I do, however, give the nod for the food advantage.
(4)Nikolai T.
Flew home early when Chef Marc told me he was serving cornbeef Brussel sprout omelette for Sunday brunch. Chef Marc made my trip home early worth it. Service and food here is always consistent and excellent. Never a bad meal or a horrible experience.
(4)Lorraine S.
Every time I come here, I leave happy. The food is a little pricey, but the quality is consistently excellent. My only negative concerns the popovers: I think they're over baked. I've had them served slightly burned. However, the always-courteous staff will cheerfully bring you another, if you think yours is overdone. I like this place much, much better than Longhi's. I infinitely prefer Mariposa for brunch, I think it's simply finer than Longhi's.
(4)Trish P.
Father's Day lunch! but my mom picked the restaurant..... go fig. again, i used OpenTable again for reservations (super easy!) the service from our waitress was really great - she was super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful with questions about the menu. the "pop-over guy" (they give you individual pop-overs instead of a bread basket) looked like he hated his job, as did the other server guys that were present that day..... speaking of pop-overs - those things were delicious! served with a strawberry butter, they were flaky and airy. after browsing the menu, we all decided to get the pre-fixe menu. it had a tomato salad starter with (i think) goat cheese. for your main dish - a choice of either a crab fettuccine pasta OR a prosciutto wrapped steak. my father got the steak, my mother and i got the crab fettuccine, and for dessert, a rum cake topped with ice cream and a pineapple caramel sauce. sounds great right? well.... here's what happened.... before you get your food, they tease your palate with a tiny tea cup of rich chicken broth... i know this sounds simple and boring, but it was actually really tasty! i was highly anticipating the rest of my meal.... the tomato salad was also very good. slices of fresh local tomato, a small bunch of arugula and other greens, chunks of artichoke, and the dressing was amazing. the main dishes? well.... my father had ordered his steak medium - when it came out, he mentioned that it was like eating raw meat..... much more rare than he wanted, but, because he's a simple guy and doesnt complain much, he ate it anyway. my mother loved her pasta, but complained there was not much crab in it. i echo this sentiment! AND ADD, they used way way way too much dill in this dish. it was a little overwhelming. also, there were tons of chopped scallion in there, so much in fact that when i finished the noodle portion, there was a pile of the stuff in the middle of my plate, that i couldnt pick up while eating. i also ordered a drink called a "Texas Cooler" which had prickly pear as its main ingredient. it was VERY tart, but good.... by the time dessert came, we were ready to throw in the towel, however it looked so good, we decided to dig in. the rum cake was nothing to write home about. it was overly soggy (not moist, but soggy). the ice cream was AWESOME... it had chunks of chocolate toffee, and i could have just eaten that alone. also, this was served with a drizzle of pineapple caramel sauce, with bits of dried pineapple. that, while a little weird with the ice cream, still had good flavor by itself. and the presentation was really cool - they made a thin dried pineapple slice to look like a flower. also - like any other place, avoid outdoor seating!! birds come in all over, and they are DIRTY. sit inside!! overall - Mariposa was pretty much a 3 star kinda place TRYING to be a 5 star. some things are good, while others, not so much. i'd say, if you're in the mall shopping, save your money and grab lunch somewhere cheaper!
(3)Lana O.
My favorite lunch spot on a good payday. Love the view and the food never fails to please!
(4)Rupert L.
I'll give it a four star for now until I come back again. Still great service after coming here only twice since 08. This time around I came to treat my parents to lunch. The roast beef dip which was good according to my dad. Tuscan chicken melt was just right for my mom and the plantation iced tea was perfect, not too sweet. I had the corn chowder cup and that was good. Then I had the Mariposa burger which actually filled me up! I've never been a burger guy but that was good. Dessert was the special of the day.
(4)Takashi H.
If Nieman Marcus is the kingdom of Hawaii's kings and queens, then Mariposa is where they congregate to dine on the finest of delights. Hey, we all want a taste of the finer things every now and then, so why not stop by Mariposa for a late night dessert and tea with friends? Just don't wait too long between visits because desserts rotate seasonally. I'm still dreaming about this coconut cake that my friend treated me to in 2010. That's a long time to be hung up on an old flame, er dessert that is. Anyway, the lunch crowd is usually lively and a great place for four friends (SATC-style) or a business casual meeting. Dinner's delightful too, but my favorite times to go would be for dessert, lunch, then dinner -- in that exact order.
(4)Karl H.
Mariposa disappointed a little today. But they still get 5 stars because this is my favorite place to lunch. ever. Riding up the escalator to the 3rd floor, it's always tradition to guess how much clothes cost. Today took the cake, simple black T-shirt.... I guessed $200 in my head. My friend said $500. I scoffed at her, "are you crazy?!" Turned out to be $550. What?! So I haven't been here in a while, but after tasting that first sip of chicken broth, its like you've never left. You're home. Lol ok a little dramatic, but it's soo good! Popovers are great, the fancy fruit butter is great, but together, synergy. You know one plus one is three! So, for mine, actually it added up to six, cause I got another one. Usually I go with the seafood curry, which has never disappointed. But, I decided to go with something else today, the lobster club, which would be expensive at $25, but after seeing that a shirt cost $550, the lobster club seemed like a steal! I wonder if Neimans' does that on purpose....? So, I was left a little bit wanting after the eating the club. Which was good. It was just that the lobster was a little skimpy. I think the problem is that Mariposa set the bar so high that I was expecting a little too much? Or maybe it was just the fact that it wasn't the seafood curry, that it wasn't that good? Im going back to the curry next time. (Just FYI, I would rather choose 25 Lobster Clubs than one black Tee Shirt!) Everything else was great; the plantation Iced Tea, popovers, and especially the service. Our waiter Oliver really took care of us. Went out of his way to really take care of us. Giving us a couple of extra goodies to take home. I wanted to hug him, but kept it together. Let's just say it's gonna be a great year!
(5)Grace D.
Took mom here for her birthday! I have given lesser ratings (in person, but now I'm a Yelper so watch out) for lunch, mainly due to service, but this dinner was a home run!!! My Ribeye was as perfect as any top rated steak house and my Mom's Ahi was cooked to pink in the middle perfection. I do admit though that I wish they had that hole-y monkey bread in the evening. The service was excellent. Just the right amount of attention and personality. GREAT JOB Mariposa!
(5)Gaby O.
Mariposa used to be a great place to eat. I just went with my family and the whole experience was poor. From the hostess to the servers, there's much to be desired. I was seated and my husband had to stop me from getting wet from something left on the seat. The hostess seating us just looked at it and said something I could not hear. Then she returned with a napkin and wiped the seat. We sat down and waited a long time to even get water. The napkins smelled so bad that my husband and son asked for new napkins. They received new napkins but the rest of our party was left with the smelly napkins. We ended up not using them and just placing them on the side. Then I noticed my fork was dirty. Again we had to signal the waiter to ask him for a clean fork. At that point I was ready to walk out but decided against it because my family was hungry and because it was my birthday. The food was just OK and I agree with other reviewers that it is overpriced considering the quality of the service and food. The popovers were good but that was the only thing that was good about our experience there. I saw another table with a birthday dessert/ lit candle. At no time was I offered a birthday dessert or menu to look at the desserts. The hostess and servers knew it was my birthday since my family told them and since I was wearing a birthday Lei. I was very disappointed.
(1)Brady O.
Service: average/poor Time: average Price: $$$ These guys set themselves up to fail, knowing that I was going here for my daughters birthday. I looked at some of my other friends reviews and it wasn't so good, and they are elite yelpers Emi, Shay & Jean. They started off good and we got seated early, only because they were slow. didn't see too many local customers, mostly Japanese tourist. if anyone has a complaint they have no translators to complain too anyway. everyone in my party (9) was from japan, good thing they had Japanese menus. The hostess wasn't too friendly, and when we asked for the kids high chairs she left them at the end of the table for us to decide where we wanted to put it. If this was McDonald's it would be normal, but I thought this place was fine dining, not self service. Food was average not the greatest, I had the ahi special. The worst part, is they kept getting the orders mixed up with who ordered what, a mistake only fast food restaurants would make. I give them credit for asking me, if i wanted another beer, and bringing it to the right person. LOL. When we got the bill they automatically add 20% gratuity to the bill for a party over 6 which they clearly didn't deserve. When I asked the manager about it, she said it was in the menu, so that was my fault for not reading/ seeing it. They don't do anything for birthdays so don't plan on going there for that. Overall the service was normal, but for a fine dining place you would expect more. If I wanted normal I would go to McDonalds. We spent about $350 for dinner with the tip included, felt like we didn't get the fine dining experience you would expect from a company like Neiman Marcus. I went there last year, and it was a totally different experience, I guess things have changed for the worst. Not going back or recommending here for a longtime. #fail Tips: Try to use opentable.com to book a reservation but had to call in for big group. Big groups over 6 get %20 gratuity added automatically. Not child friendly. Not good for birthdays.
(1)Emi H.
Mariposa, you and I are lovers who just don't see eye to eye on certain things and this has resulted in ups and downs over the years. First off, I just want to say that I've always appreciated the lovely giant pop overs and chicken consume which comes with each meal. I enjoy your casual yet elegant atmosphere which makes a quick meal feel like a special occasion. Your corn chowder is always a beautiful bowl of comfort which over the years has never let me down. Most recently I stopped in for a birthday lunch and cocktails at the bar. Our bartender was not the most jovial of sorts, but on the flip side we had a server who made happy small talk throughout the meal. Older asian man, I am going to request to sit in your section next time! As always the corn chowder was great, but my shrimp cocktail was this weird dish that I can only explain as very fishy. I think in my mind I thought it was going to be a contemporary twist on traditional shrimp cocktail, but it had limu, avocado and a funky sauce. For $14 I almost sent it back, but my Japanese side stopped me from doing so. I should know better than to veer off the tried and true dishes which are my lunch staples of lobster salad and hamburgers!!! Overall the experience was fairly ordinary but I really wanted to love it! I remember the first time I went to Mariposa years ago and felt it was magical! Can we somehow revive this relationship which has managed to go stale? Honestly, do you want me to keep cheating on your with Nordstrom Cafe?
(3)Miss P.
Mariposa for lunch is where I like to go on special occasions such as my birthday or Valentine's Day. I always order the Lobster Club with fries. I recently visited Mariposa after 1.5 years. I was VERY DISAPPOINTED that the BBQ fries have been discontinued for a year now. They were unique and tasty, kind of like BBQ chips but on fries. Please bring it back!!! The Lobster Club was amazing, as usual, but I sorely miss the BBQ fries. Thus, 4 stars.
(4)Michael M.
Wanted to take my wife out to a decent lunch before getting our xmas shopping on. Great choice to come to Mariposa. Despite not dressing to the nines like all the other patrons here, we were accepted wholeheartedly by the wait staff. Today, service is flawless. The patrons here cut no slack as it's all eyes on you like some kinda sordid fashion show. Wife and I ordered the rib eye roast beef sandwich and the beet and tomato salad with goat cheese. It is nice that Mariposa puts the calories of each dish on the menu. Probably not good for sales of the good stuff. The always classic popover with strawberry butter and shot o' chicken consomme are welcome favorites. Food is prompt and excellent. You can't go wrong with melted brie cheese on a roast beef sandwich. You also can't lose with the classic beet and goat cheese pairing. Surprisingly, lunch for two came out to under 40 bucks. Probably because we shared. At least we know how many calories we consumed.
(4)Caleb S.
I love going here with people who have never gone here before. Its such a cozy relaxing humble place. Ive ordered many different things here and was rarely ever disappointed. the consommé, seafood, salads, pork chops, steak, pasta, sashimi, deserts, everything was decent or delectable.
(5)Reid K.
Mariposa is the most average "fancy" restaurant I've been to. it's in Neiman Marcus, so I expected way better quality, and a more surreal experience than the "blah" that I got. Reservations are pretty easy. I used the OpenTable app in the past, but on my most recent visit, I had to call the restaurant because there didn't seem to be any dinner service on the day I was interested in. The person who answered the phone seemed confused and wasn't sure if they were serving dinner that night (Friday), and had to call me back, It turned out they did, and I'm sure the OpenTable hassle was just a fluke. Service was mediocre. Checking in was easy, the bus people are prompt, and the manager is very nice. Unfortunately, the server (the person we saw the most of) was uptight and cold. She couldn't answer even the most basic questions about the wine list, instead her answer was always, "I can bring a sample for you to try." That kind of ignorance about the menu would be inexcusable at most other restaurants of this price point and caliber. When asked about an items on the menu, she seemed confused. Everyone in my party ordered variations of that day's chef's prix fixe menu ($65). The first course that came was Barbecued Tiger Prawns. The charring on the shrimp was nice, but it was a bit dry and the "grilled avocado" tasted more like guacamole. The only word I can use to describe that dish is "odd." Next was the Big Island Tomato Salad. I still don't understand what the chef was going for combining the overwhelmingly strong grape leaf with the rancid cheese, all it achieved was burying the tomato flavor. The main entree was a boring Seared Salmon Filet. Sadly, I've had better salmon at lesser restaurants. The roasted sweet potato tasted more like hard carrots, with less flavor. What I remember of the salmon was the strong balsamic taste. It seems like they coated the salmon with it then drizzled it over the plate. Overall, the sauces covered up the main ingredients in each dish, and the meal lacked variation from one plate to the next. Everything was acidic, and I still have that bitterness in my mouth. Each of us ordered different desserts and none of them were outstanding. All I remember is the macadamia nut pie and the pumpkin ice-cream on top of a tart thing. Mariposa earns a star just for its (free) amazing monkey bread rolls and strawberry butter. The rolls are made in-house, and they come to the table buttery soft and totally addictive. I also liked the Harvest Punch cocktail. It was perfect for the season, with frothy pineapple juice, rum, cinnamon and more. If you're looking for casual eating without expectations, Mariposa could be the place for you. If you're looking for an amazing special occasion restaurant that impresses the guest of honor, I would go elsewhere.
(2)Russel M.
Nice ambiance along with good service make this a regular go-to Lunch spot. The Chicken Consume is amazing and the Pop-over with strawberry butter make a good beginning to any meal.
(4)Mana F.
Everyone raves about the complimentary popovers and when you have your first bite, you will understand why. I also found the complimentary soup delicious. As for the appetizers/entrées, Mariposa changes their menu often but I have never had a bad lunch. However, I would not recommend ordering the ahi tuna sandwich. (My friend didn't enjoy her choice of entree too much.) I only gave Mariposa 4 out of 5 stars because the last time I went there in January, even though I had a reservation, I had to wait 30 minutes. I understand that there were many tourists. However, the hostesses did not seem sorry at all and just told us that they were running late.
(4)Richard K.
Mariposa...you're such a tease. You lure me in with your nice ambiance and your great customer service. You spoil me with fluffy popovers and chicken consume...whetting my appetite. You excite me with your special of the day: opakapaka over a bed of risotto and drizzled sauce. But then you disappoint. My fish was cold, dry and small. Even after 2 popovers, a side of fries, the consume, my 3 iced teas (btw, if you order plantation, you only get refilled with regular tea, lame) AND my main course, I was still hungry. I'm not a huge eater by any means, but I feel like if you order the special of the day, you should be left with a satisfied fullness. This was not the case. The risotto was almost non-existent and could have been an easy, inexpensive way for them to fill your plate up. I ate this in envy of my friends' burgers which were half the price.
(3)Linda L.
I eat here once every two months. I would love to give this a 4 stars or 5 stars but my last trip here really made me give this place a 3 star. I know, so sad. The the ambience is nice, it's spacious and a wonderful view of ala moana beach park and ocean. Usually I have wonderful service from beginning to end. This time, however, was not. I had reservations- the hostess forgot about us. She sat other guests who came after us. I had to tell another hostess and she sat us right away. In the reservations, I had requested for a high chair- I never got it. And this is also reminding the hostess who was seating us that I needed a high chair. Once seated at the table, we waited for about 12 mintues. The pop over and strawberry butter was served. Two mintues later our server shows up, introduced himself, Offered to get water and took our order. My seafood curry with rice on the side came cold. I was so disappointed for lunch. And I know they give better service than this.
(3)Thanh N.
This is my second times at Mariposa. I heard they just got renovation after my first visit and this time I came back, nothing change, except for little things I noticed like the table and the window. Talking about their atmosphere, they have good outside seating with great view that you can see firework on Friday. The distance between tables is far enough. About the food...nothing have "wow" me. First time I got the Sauteed Salmon Filet, it was good, the salmon was tender and soft but the taste was just plain to me. The second time I had Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop, the piece of pork was huge and thick, and the meat inside was a little bit cold; dry and hard. Overall, I only like their Corn Chowder. The other thing that was really bother me was the flash lights from tourists taking pictures...
(3)Rogei M.
PROS: +Food is tasteful +MONKEY BREAD over Popover Bread +Strawberry Butter! +Ambiance is nice +Great View overlooking Ala Moana Beach +Location & Parking CONS: -Service not all that great AMBIANCE: Inside and outside (lanai) seating is nice, relaxing, and clean. SERVICE: Every time I've checked in with Mariposa the ladies at the front desk seems like there not happy to be there. Waiters/tres are not attentive. I always have to flag one of them down. Since this is a higher end luxury department store I would think they would offer a WOW service. I feel like they could improve on better service. FOOD: +Popover w/STRAWBERRY BUTTER is so delicious (served during lunch hours) +Mimosa - orange juice & champagne. Always, made right! +*Lobster Club Sandwich- fresh and tasteful! My favorite dish! Portion is very filling! I always take home a doggie bag! +Mixed greens - tasteful w/house dressing +*French fries- thick poatoe-y, backed, not oiley! + *Monkey Bread w/STRABERRY BUTTER is so Amazing (served during dinner hours). I like the monkey bread over the popover bread. +Lobster Spagettini - tasteful, thick lobster meat, portion looks small but very filling VALUE: More on the pricey side $20-$30 meals. Easily rack up a $30-$40 meal on self. TIPS: Ambiance is nice during lunch hour and I prefer the lunch menu over dinner menu. The good food balances out the awful service. So I give them 3 stars.
(3)Laura C.
Loved everything about this place...view, service, and oh, that food. Went at 5pm for sunset, sat on the lanai by the railing, and enjoyed a couple of drinks before dinner while watching sailboats and barges go by. I had the diver scallops and my companion had the lobster spaghettini. Both were excellent. The only thing I could see being a problem for someone is the traffic noise because it is directly on Ala Moana Blvd. but it didn't bother me at all. We will go back soon, this time for lunch.
(5)D M.
Very disappointed Was to be higher end rest We sat at the bar, bread was great. Service ok when we were ready to order. Bartender nice.
(2)Donna Lyn B.
Ooh, dining at the fancy schmancy Mariposa at Neiman-Marcus. Never been there until I went with my friends. I thought the restaurant would look upscale and it did until you let your eyes wander and notice the fans have holes in them, the carpet is dirty, and the seats need new upholstery. For an upscale dining restaurant, it's aged over the years and for the price customers pay for their food, they could invest in a makeover. Yet, the food is awesome. I liked their popovers with the strawberry butter. The duck ravioli, scallops and pork belly, and tiger prawns were all delectable and savory. Our server was super nice, but he had the whole gauges and face piercing thing going on that kind of clashed with his straight laced employee attire. I didn't expect Mariposa to think piercings would be appropriate for their fine dining establishment, but I guess they're not that snooty. :D Since the entrees were pricey, we just decided to stop at the appetizers and get our grub on at another restaurant at the mall. I would return to try their entrees on another day.
(4)Kay W.
This a must when in Waikiki Beach! The best restaurant ever! Highly recommend!
(5)Drea L.
Located inside the Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Mall is Mariposa. It is right next to the NM chocolates / cookies / tea section of the store which is actually nice because you can wander around as you wait for your table if you forgot to make a reservation. The food is similar to the items available on the mainland with the exception of some of their beverages and some of the specials of the day. Yes, this is probably not an "everyday" place for lunch, but it is a nice treat for either lunch or if you like afternoon tea. The service is fine and courteous. There is an option to sit indoors or on their fairly large lanai which overlooks to the Ala Moana beach. It can be nice since you feel the warm ocean breeze as you sit on the lanai. The decor indoors is simple with large tropical fans and what is nice is the high ceilings which make it very airy and expansive. If this is your first time there, enjoy the warm popovers which are served to you fairly quickly as you sit down. It this this warm airy eggy pastry that is served with a side of their strawberry butter. Accompanying the popover is a small cup of consume served in this white teacup and saucer. Which is just a clear chicken soup that is nice and savory to start off the meal. If you don't know what to get, splurge on getting the lobster club sandwich which is always a winner. Large chunks of lobster in this buttery croissant with a side of greens. The last time I went I chose the smoked salmon salad (see pic). I was a bit underwhelmed by it. It was basically smoked salmon wrapped into a rose shape served along side some spring greens. The salmon wasn't overly salty or smokey but savory enough. Around lunch time, there are usually two models that linger around the restaurant, I guess to show off the couture clothing available for purchase at NM and if you sit there long enough, they actually change into different outfits. The first time I saw it, I thought it was interesting, but then the last few times I went, I found it annoying. How am I suppose to enjoy putting strawberry butter on my popover as these scrawny towering 6 feet plus models in 4 inch heels start walking around me?! No worries, I'm not a hater, but it just kinda spoiled the mood of splurging on a lunch if you know what I mean. LOL!
(4)Tiani B.
First time here! My sister and I were starving and happened to be at the mall and really really wanted to eat here. We waited about 30-40mins before being seated. We sat on the outside lanai area of the restraunt. The view isnt the best but it was still nice, the food was wonderful and so was the service. I will be returning for lunch again sometime, however, I will be sure to make a reservation, I will be seated on the inside (it was a bit hot out there) AND I will leave room to try the deserts!
(4)Jesslynn A.
Excellent upscale (pricey) lunch destination. Great pupus, salads and lunch. Get the pumpkin ravioli, it's great! i wasnt terribly impressed with the lobster roll, but I'm still drooling over the mesquite fries and sweet potato cheesecake...so delicious. It also has a nice (though a bit pretentious) ambiance with a gorgeous view of ala moana beach.
(4)Lori I.
I don't understand why people like this place. I've been here numerous times for lunch (which I'm not too fond of either), but this review is for dinner...and here are my list of pros and cons. PRO 1. Open Table 100pt reservation 2. Beautiful sunset ocean views yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… 3. Really nice bathrooms 4. Presentation of the dishes was excellent but that didn't make up for what it lacked in taste. 5. Today we discovered the private entrance via elevator which goes straight up to the restaurant facing Ala Moana Blvd. yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… CON 1. $35 corkage, unless you buy a bottle right outside, then they waive the fee 2. We asked for a lanai seat but was told we couldn't have one. I think it was due to space. They put us in the center of the restaurant instead, when the place wasn't even 30% full. See above #2...maybe if they had put us on the lanai we would have been distracted enough not to notice the: 3. SERVICE was slow and spotty. The place was EMPTY so I don't know why it took so long. Spoons weren't provided when the soups arrived, our food took EXTREMELY long and wasn't even hot when it arrived. 4. Popovers are only served during lunch, monkey bread for dinner. 5. KIDS MENU sucked. It included a salad (really now, which kid loves to eat salad?), kid un-friendly entrees, and an ice cream sundae but NO PRICES LISTED on the menu. When I asked the server how much the kids menu was, he didn't know. When the pasta arrived, it was undercooked and chewy and the marinara sauce was terrible. 6. FOOD ugh. There was nothing that was outstanding. The appetizers were not very good; the braised pork belly (dry, not very melt in your mouth) with seared scallops (dry, not very tasty) was very pretty but that's about it. The sour watercress salad underneath didn't do much for me either. yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… 7. It's EXPENSIVE. There are so many other places with much better food and way better prices.
(2)Erin Y.
For the price, I'd go to Nordstrom Cafe. Yes, it's in the dungeon of Ala Moana. Yes, its hard to find and is always crowded. Yes, it's cafeteria style. But oh so good. Back to Mariposa. I come here for lunch once in awhile with my family because they love it so. Me, not so much. I'm always unimpressed by anywhere serving Pepsi and I hate to overpay for a simple salad or sandwich. I admit, the lobster sandwich is actually quite good. So is the salmon salad. The true reason for coming to Mariposa is the popovers. The popovers rule the lunch, especially with the guava butter. Their strawberry lemonade is terribly good, too bad its so expensive that I can only have one. The food is fairly simple, with good flavors, just very overpriced in my opinion. The atmosphere is very calm, but it does get hot at times. Service is good, but the one waitress we had this last time was a little... too Type A personality for me. Especially for a waitress. 5/31 October 2012
(3)Dennis M.
Business lunch with boss and team. had the Lobster club, tasty, french fries good. service good with lots of service staff. Price on the high side, trendy, lots of trendy, business type people in the crowd.
(3)Lai T.
I don't understand the hype associated with Mariposa. I had it bookmarked for a while and was eager to experience a meal there. Even the infamous popover left me wishing for the meal to be over sooner. The service was a bit off when we dropped by for lunch with my bf's mom. Our lunch dragged on for almost two hours because our server was no where to be found (big pet peeve for me). The food was nothing extraordinary. Our view on the patio was nice but after an hour of wanting to leave but having to wait for the server to get around to us-it became a moot point. One other thing that drove me a little crazy was the models who would stroll on by every 15 minutes or so, showcasing outfits. Shouldn't Neiman Marcus be a tad bit classier? I mean really, do I need to be ambushed by these walking ads as I eat my lunch? *shakes my head*
(2)Julie C.
Great food and impeccable service. I had the Applewood king salmon salad and seared diver scallops both of which were excellent and perfectly cooked. The service was excellent and our waiter was very attentive. Definitely would go back!
(5)Evan A.
YUM. I've been to Mariposa a lot (well more when I was younger) but my friend and I were shopping and needed a lunch break. 2 seats at the bar and we were set. I had the ahi sandwich with a glass of wine, my friend the turkey sandwich. $49 for a fabulous meal. I can't complain. I think I'll have to make this a regular when I'm visiting home.
(4)Boki C.
Expensive, but yummy! It would be a 5 star if it wasn't so pricey! I'd rather have sushi for the price. But if i wanted yummy "fresh" seafood that wasn't Japanese style, then I would return to this place. I had the large corn chowder and the scallops. YUMMY! There were 4-5 pieces of scallops and I thought it wouldn't be enough, but I was full! The tiger prawns were ordered for the table, they were OK. Beautiful view! For these prices, I MAY prefer Alan Wong's ... May....
(4)Irene T.
I love the view from this restaurant over looking Ala Moana Beach Park. The atmosphere is relaxing as the big palm ceiling fans bring the trade winds in. The food is fabulous and the wait staff attentive. I especially enjoy the King Crab Salad served with the puff-puff bread along with a glass of Champagne. A great way to celebrate a fun day of shopping at the Ala Moana Mall!
(5)Kayla R.
I finally went to Mariposa for their dinner menu. It's such a nice place to eat, especially after a long day of shopping. My waitress was very pleasant and had positive comments on every dish I ordered! First off, their popover is so fresh, soft, and fluffy. It's served with a side of strawberry butter. Which makes it sweet! Yum! The most outstanding thing I had are their Scallops! First restaurant in Hawaii where the scallops don't have the crunchy sand! It was so soft and flavorful. With a little bit of risotto in the middle of the dish. I recommend everyone order it, at least once to try it out! Everything was so delicious, I can't wait to go back and try everything else on the menu.
(4)Terry K.
$30 per person for lunch? Okay, I think it was worth the treat. Atmosphere-excellent Service-excellent Food- very good I was the benefactor to a great lunch- had the Lobster BLT Sandwich. A must for lunch and worth it's price. huge pieces of lobster with an abundance of avacado, a couple strips of bacon (they made sure the lobster remained the star of the sandwich) and some lettuce and roasted peppers. The whole sandwich was too much for me; brought 1/2 of it home with me and had it for dinner... Oh, let's not forget the wonderful popover and broth they serve to clear your pallet before a delicious lunch. And on your way out, try the candied potato chips by NM; they usually have samples at the confection counter
(4)Dean N.
The Mariposa is a great restaurant. I say this not because I like Neiman Marcus, but from my previous dining experiences here. I've had no bad experiences at Mariposa. My friend and I dined here on a whim as our original restaurant choice turned out to be a ghetto place that didn't provide sit down service. Ewh! Although the Mariposa was not on my "Eating my way through Oahu" for my visit, it was a great addition. First the view from the Mariposa is amazing. Amazing!! The Mariposa is an "open" restaurant that has a view of Ala Moan beach. There's nothing like relaxing, sipping your drinks and staring at the ocean. Tourist and locals alike enjoy the view. As for the food, I've ordered nothing here that I did not enjoy. I ordered the special which was beef mandolin in red sauce with pasta. The beef was cooked very tender and juicy. The red sauce was light and flavorful. My friend ordered the turkey sandwich which she enjoyed. For dessert, I ordered the lilikoi bread pudding for dessert. OMG. Can I say that I could have simply eaten that and been satisfied with my meal. It was simple delish!!!!!! They also served strawberry butter with their bread. So yummy. I'm not a fan of butter as I am very conscious of my diet. However, I couldn't resist trying it and devouring all of it. The service is excellent. Our waiter was attentive to our needs and checked on us. The bus boys are also attentive - paying attention to see if we needed refill with our drinks. The ambiance at the Mariposa is Hawaiian causal. Not too fancy and not to relaxed. Overall, the Mariposa is wonderful
(5)Robbie M.
I love this place. It is my second time here. All the food is to die for and the cocktails are creative and refreshing.
(5)Wayne T.
got the scallop dish. was good, but not fantastic. friend got the quinoa salad. expected a lot of quinoa, but it was more like a sprinkle. aunty got the laksa. also, ok, nothing special. worst part was that the popovers were over baked and pretty much burnt. asked for new ones which were better, but still a little over baked. service was excellent though
(3)Tim B.
We have eaten here for lunch several times but this was our first time for dinner. We had a great experience. The service was great (thanks Todd). The food was excellent. We had the corn chowder, pork chop, and beef tenderloin. The pork chop was very juicy and flavorful. The steak was very tender. This experience has put Mariposa in our top 3 favorite restaurants.
(5)Kyle H.
The service, convenient location and ambiance cannot be beat. I haven't been here in years, my date made the arrangements (Thank you lord, decisive men do exist). Previously, I had only been here for lunch and was disappointed to discover the much-raved-about popovers and lil' cup of chicken broth are exclusively lunch items (our server relayed a story to us about a couple who came in for dinner, when asked when their popovers would be served found out they weren't available actually walked out because they were so damn bent out of shape about not being able to get them... I don't particularly remember them but they must be damn good) However this did not deter us from staying and ordering a menagerie of dishes. Our server Michael was quite possibly the most awesome waiter i've ever had. When he heard i've never had the chicken broth, he arranged to have some brought to the table. The food is another story completely, I enjoyed elements of a few of the dishes - I can't say I really loved or craved anything on its own and that bottle of cab was great (I can't credit them for that though). The king crab bruchetta appetizer was ice-box cold and bland, like they forgot to add any seasoning. The Sauteed Calamari was very tasty though, the spicy pomodoro sauce worked well after I dumped some of the sauce atop my bruschetta to add some flavor (i'm positive that is very uncouth of me but who ever said I had any sophistication to begin with...) We (I mean ME of course) got very excited when the lamb shank arrived, it was enormous. The restaurant was dim and impossible to get a good photo to help you appreciate its scale but DAMN! yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… Our server was right, it was fall off the bone tender but too fatty for my companion's taste. I really enjoyed the beet salad, the kicker was the panko fried goat cheese fritter it was served with, nothing beats fried cheese! I refused dessert but our five-star waiter Michael brought something out anyway (I think it was the I ALWAYS SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT sign that's written on my plump ass) - i'm not sure exactly what it was but it was very light and refreshing, a version of fruit shortcake with a whip, light custard and seasonal fruit on top. Though the food this time around was nothing to rave about, the dining experience was stellar thanks to great service and company. Also, this is a random observation but I am in love with those giant ceiling fans!
(3)Michelle E.
Bread is amazing! Service is good. But the ability to cook a filet is in desperate need. I order the tenderloin medium rare, when I got it there was a small amount of warm pink in the center....medium well. So I sent it back....after 10 minutes they brought the new one out. It was medium rare in the center but burnt on the outside. Not happy!!!! I had to cut the burnt off that tasted exactly like charcoal! And then it was way over seasoned and salty....
(2)Little D.
This is a lunch only review as I have only been here for lunches. The best choice for a special occasion. A little pricier but view, taste, service guaranteed. Reservation recommended by the terrace, so you can see outside and the ocean! PS. I always want to have the second serving of the great tasting brioche... it is unfortunate that my stomach does not hold too much food. YELP 365 - 69/365
(5)Joanna L.
After wanting to come here for quite some time, I finally arrived knowing exactly what I wanted to order. The Corn Chowder and Lobster Club. Of course, I hadn't taken into account that there would be specials. I very nearly changed my order too! I was glad my lunch date ordered the special: Mac Nut crusted Mahi Mahi over a bed of risotto. I had a bite and it was lovely! Lovely like the warm breeze and scenic views. Lovely like the service we experienced. Our server was very attentive and never let our waters and other drinks empty. Whatever problem we had, he took care of it swiftly and apologized profusely. And I could go on and on about how great the service was, but I won't. You just need to know service was 5 stars! After our orders were taken, they immediately presented us with chicken consomme and popovers with strawberry butter. My lunch date was highly impressed with the consomme. The popovers had a very appealing texture on the inside, but they were very bland without the strawberry butter. The strawberry butter was very light and fragrant. Soon after, they brought out our Plantation Iced Tea and Mai Tai. The Mai Tai is sweeter than expected and the Plantation was a bit too watery. Refills of the Plantation is only the unsweetened iced tea, which I normally wouldn't mind, but the Plantation wasn't very sweet to begin with. We shared the Corn Chowder, which they split into two dishes for us. I thought this was very considerate. Although I wasn't blown away by the Corn Chowder, it was still tasty and very enjoyable. The Lobster Club came with a salad that I was very impressed with. The salad dressing was tossed in so amazingly well that just by sight, you may not be able to tell there's any dressing at all! A perfect balance of flavors. The Lobster Club was delicious and definitely worth trying, but at $25, it's too pricey. I would not order this again, but I also don't regret ordering it. Definitely don't come here starving, but if you're wanting to really enjoy a nice drawn out meal with good food, lovely atmosphere, great service, and amazing company, Mariposa is an excellent choice.
(4)Karen D.
Great service and tasty food. Love the scallops and the corn chowder. Can't stop loving the Yorkshire pudding!
(5)Sara P.
Nice place to sit down and have a bite to eat during lunch time. Take a break from shopping and enjoy the classy and comfortable atmosphere of Mariposa. Expect it to be a little bit on the pricey side, it is in Neiman Marcus after all. It's about $25 or more a person for entrees. Loved the chicken comsomme and pop overs they served at the begging of the meal. I ordered the scallops and they were tasty!
(4)Karen Y.
ORECCHIETTE PASTA housemade italian sausage, roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, broccolini, olive oil garlic sauce, crumbled goat cheese. $18.00 Straight from their website, I ordered that. Minus the sausage. :P And it was deliciousss. They listed the calorie count next to it which was like 900+ but it sounded too good to pass up. :) The oreccheitte was cooked just right and the sauce was light but tasty. So good. Everything worked well together. They give these popovers as free appetizer when you get there with some strawberry butter I think. The sweet butter isn't my thing though. They keep refilling your bread plate with popovers until you say when. And they give you an espresso sized cup of consume (chicken broth) to "cleanse your palate". We fancy now.
(4)Sharon H.
It's been about a year since I last visited Mariposa for dinner, so I suppose I forgot that the fabulous airy popovers are no longer, alas! Instead, the pre-dinner roll is a soft buttery sweet bread still served with the delicious fruity berry butter. After munching halfway through it, the waitress burst my happy bubble by breezily saying that the roll is 400 calories -- without the butter! In fact, every item on the menu is carefully calorically accounted for in exacting amounts. Seriously, between a bowl of the delicious Mariposa corn chowder with a Big Island tomato salad followed by the chocolate crunch bar dessert shared among three (I must add), I ate enough calories to make Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers cringe or perhaps clap furiously as they sense another client in the making. My already thin friend ordered the 170 calorie Mariposa Salad. At $12, I'm not sure she ate enough calories to get her money's worth but my friend enjoyed the flavors of the fennel and Maui onions served over greens with a light balsamic dressing. My other slender friend ordered the asparagus salad which came with a slice of fresh mozzarella, an anchovy and tomatoes. At $14 and 350 calories, perhaps she got her money's worth! They also ordered the smoked salmon starter and the baby clams. Although slightly higher in calories, their meal still totaled under 700 calories. Oops, maybe not, we each ate one roll! Plus 400 for everyone, argh. So, was it worth it?! Well ... I, for one, recommend ordering a couple of starters if opting for a "light" dinner -- as in "you might still be hungry later but don't want to spend too much." Or, if calories or cost is of no concern, skip the starters all together and order an entree which starts at $26 - $42 and 500 calories up to nearly 1800 calories. Gads. What I enjoyed best about Mariposa may have nothing to do with the food ... Instead, there was great conversation and laughter with close friends, the fabulous ocean view, and the sunset skies fading into twilight. That was priceless.
(3)Lily B.
So the friends and I were loooong overdue for a nice lunch... so after the date and time was set, we did a lil vote and decided to have lunch at Mariposa which is located on the 3rd floor of Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana. There is seating "inside" and "outside", and we opted to sit outside on the lanai. It was a beautiful sunny day in Honolulu and we wanted to enjoy the view of Ala Moana Beach Park, the ocean, and the blue skies. I had made reservations via Open Table and although the restaurant opened a little late, we were seated fairly quickly. Karla, (I think) the hostess, sat us down and put our napkins on our lap. She didn't seem to have very much personality and I was a little concerned that if the rest of the staff was like her... we were going to have a mundane lunch. Kim, the next woman to greet us, welcomed us and offered to get us something to drink. We were still waiting on one more person so my other friend and I both ordered the plantation iced tea which was supposed to be very popular. We waited a good 15 minutes before the iced teas arrived, and when they did... well, the taste and I just didn't jive. It was bitter and just tasted... funky. I didn't even bother to add sugar, when our waiter, Shaun A. arrived, I sent it back and instead ordered a glass of Moscato (as he recommend as a sweet alcoholic beverage) which I truly enjoyed. Shaun A. was very professional. He went over the specials of the day, answered all of our questions, made great recommendations, and was super friendly. We were given pop overs to start. It was accompanied by a strawberry butter which tasted really good. The pop over itself was... bland. Boring. LOL my friend called it an oversized malasada without sugar. Ha ha. We ate some of it and didn't finish. We were offered more pop overs but we declined. Not impressed! yelp.com/user_local_phot… We all skipped appetizers and went straight to entrees. One person ordered the ahi tuna sandwich with a salad, which she said was "good". The other person ordered the lobster club sandwich which he LOVED, and I ordered the lobster club sandwich, but instead, I swapped the lobster out for king crab. YUMMY! I couldn't decide between the bbq dusted fries and the sweet potato fries, and because Shaun is awesome, he actually gave me half and half. Swapping out lobster for king crab AND giving me the best of both french fries, umm... he is ON HIS GAME! Let me tell you, this king crab club was DEE LIIIII CIIIOUSSS!!! OMG. King crab. Bacon. Avocado. Bell peppers. Some fancy truffle aioli (I HATE mayo but I ate some of this stuff, it was good!). HEAVEN!!! Okay $24 and pricey, but damn good!!! yelp.com/user_local_phot… As for dessert... we were told that the lilikoi pudding was the best seller. So my friend ordered that. I was stuck between choosing the dark chocolate cake and the lemon creme brulee, so my other friend, who is awesome, said he'd order the cake so I could order the creme brulee, and we'd just share (which we're cool with since we've known each other for like 11 years!). We waited about 15 minutes for dessert, and here's what we got. yelp.com/user_local_phot… The lemon creme brulee was good. You can't really mess up creme brulee. The lemon twist was interesting, but in a good way. YUM!! Ruth's Chris still has the best creme brulee though! The dark chocolate cake with layers of mousse was dense but very yummy. It came with a berry mixed with ice cream and cream in the shot glass. We poured it over the cake and it made the cake taste 939409 times better. YUM!! Finally, the lilikoi pudding was... disappointing. It wasn't quite a bread pudding consistency but it was softer. It was very bland and tasted as if it was... missing something. ALL of us didn't like it! Our waiter was so surprised that we ALL didn't like it and stated it should be served warm (which it wasn't) so he offered to take it back and get us a new one, but we declined. He's so sweet (and such a sneak!) and he told a manager we didn't like it. So Janet, a manager, came over to chit chat with us. She was quite friendly and sociable and went over the desserts and tastes with us... I mean she liked the lilikoi pudding it but it wasn't her favorite. Her fave was the cake! We appreciated her honesty, taking the time to come to our table, and taking the dessert off of our bil! So for 3 drinks, 3 sandwiches, and 2 desserts, our bill was $110. LUNCH is PRICEY. The atmosphere is UPSCALE. The food is FANCY. But for the most part it tastes good. Would I return? I would... once in a while when I want a fancy lunch and to feel... well off. Haha. So long as SHAUN A. is our server as well. If you go, ASK FOR HIM!!! He's GREAT!
(4)Lindsey G.
The view is great in the balcony, overlooking Ala Moana Beach and Waikiki. The service is excellent. They will even give you a black napkin in exchange for the white if you are wearing black pants so as not to get lint in you. The popovers and strawberry yummy and I highly recommend all of their salads for lunch. Everything I've had has been tasty though!
(4)Victoria C.
This is my fav place for lunch date with my girls or fiance! I love the atmosphere and being able to sit on the lanai looking at the view. A few of my favorite dishes are the lobster sandwich with fries and the aoli sauce (mmm getting hungry just thinking about it), the salad nicoise (ask them to add anchovies.. it makes it so much better!!) and the crab salad (comes with an abundant amount of pieces of crab and lots of lettuce!! Good meal size salad). Another reason I love coming here is cause of the excellent customer service!! Seriously, if we ever have any sort of problem with any of the dishes, they will have no problem sending it back and letting you order something else. The waiters are so nice and friendly. Never had any problems coming here :) Oh and you must try the Texas Cooler.. it's like a virgin mojito with some kind of cactus juice that makes it pink? Uberrrr cool in my book.
(5)Candice L.
We choose Mariposa for a special occasion....my friend's birthday. For an expensive lunch the hostess is horrible!!! The hostess stand is the first person who is suppose to greet you!!!! We made reservations at noon for two by the window. We got there a little early like 11:45. The older hostess looked up at me with a irritable look then looked up our reservation and said it will be a moment you can have a seat over there. Mean time they sat 2- 2 tops a 5 top and a few 3 tops. 10 mins later I went back and said "Did you forget about us?" she said it will be a moment. I said that's what you told me 10 mins ago. If that's the case we could have walked around and come back! So then she has someone seat us on a table farthest from the window! I was pissed!!! I told the lady who sat us, that I had requested by the window and if we could take that other table that was open by the window? duh! She says let me check. She comes back and moves us. For a top expensive lunch for a special occasion....I expected better service! Starting your meal feeling upset and shaky was not very enjoyable. We had a bottle of wine which calm my nerves. The waiter was nice the food was okay. Not sure if I would spend my $$$ there again.
(2)Nicole R.
Mariposa is a beautiful restaurant perched atop Ala Moana Mall, just inside Neiman Marcus. It's a rather elegant place - a perfect spot for a ladies luncheon or client meeting when you really want to make a good impression. Do be sure to make a reservation, and definitely don't be late, or you will likely be looking for a place to eat at the mall's food court instead. Did you notice -- you can make your reservation on Mariposa's Yelp page! Easy peasy! The food is beautifully prepared and presented. Some extra special touches include the delicious, espresso-sized cup of piping hot consomme they bring before your meal, along with freshly baked popovers served with strawberry butter. YUM! Some other menu items I recommend: the king crab salad, the burger and the lemon shrimp salad. I've been here for a baby shower and a bridal luncheon and both times we were accommodated very nicely and the service didn't lag in spite of our large groups. Mariposa is a bit on the spendy side -- perhaps the prices are a bit too much for the food, but it is undoubtedly a lovely spot with delicious food and good service, so well worth the occasional splurge!
(4)Anson D.
What more can we add to my previous review? The location is excellent and food quality as expected for a higher-end restaurant. The First Lady dined here last weekend but we missed her and her secret service entourage by 15 minutes. That alone should suggest this restaurant needs your attention if undecided and want a very nice place to dine and invite your closest friends and family. It's not cheap, but anyone patronizing the restaurant should already know that in advance. We will definitely give this place another visit on my next trip to the island.
(4)Inthira M.
My mom has been feeling down lately so I knew that her birthday had to be just perfect! Remembering that she had a wonderful time when I took her here for Mother's Day last year I decided to take her here again. Seeing that I don't come here often of course I had to Yelp the place! When we walked in we were greeted warmly and then seated promptly. I had asked for a table either on the lanai or by it and we got a table near it. While we were looking over our menu our server recommended several dishes to us (since every dish pictured on Yelp looked so good!) and when he left to give us a couple of minutes to decide we were given some pop overs and consomme to clear our palate. I decided on the lobster club sandwich after I almost drooled from watching another table get it, my mom had the laksa, and we decided to share the grilled shrimp "cocktail" as an appetizer (all were the servers recommendations). The pop overs were wonderful, but I remembered from before that I didn't like the butter that was served with it because it is sweet and I'm more of a savory type of woman. When our appetizer arrived I was amazed at how pretty it looked! There was a tomato gazpacho sauce (except the gazpacho was orange which I assumed would be red because it was tomato sauce) on the bottom and then three large pieces of shrimp and it was garnished with cubed avocado and a seaweed salad. I don't usually like fennel so I was a little aprehensive about this dish but I LOVED it. The grilled shrimp was a nice twist on a classic "shrimp cocktail." The gazpacho was so good I kept trying to put all the sauce on top of the shrimp and the avocado and seaweed salad was very refreshing. When our entree's came (immediately after our appetizer was removed. So speedy!) I was already kind of full. But, it's hard to resist a sandwich that has a fresh lobster claw hanging out of it so of course I dug in! At only 770 calories (I love that they post their calories on their menu!) how could I not love this dish!! It was accompanied with a side salad, but I was too concentrated on my sandwich! My mom's laksa had clams, shrimp, fish (I believe they said three different kinds), vegetables and it was served with a side of rice. I'm used to getting laksa served with noodles and I'm used to that so it was sort of a let down, but my mom didn't seem to mind. The laksa still tasted good so that's what counts! We were so full by the time we finished! Our meal ended with some chocolate mint. What a nice touch! My mom had a great birthday; mission accomplished! Because of this experience I will definitely come back more often!
(5)Riana S.
Man, people really talk up this place, pretty much hyping it up to the point where my expectations were at a "I JUST DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN" high. Sadly, I left the restaurant feeling...very mediocre. It is a very nice setting, the ambiance is nice, a place to take your mom for lunch (maybe not my mom, a Filipino old-fashioned woman would not appreciate this) and the service is excellent and it just made me disappointed that the food was just...like the rating I gave it, A-OK. I ordered the italian sandwich and it was okay, I felt kind of ridiculous spending the amount of money I did. It lacked real flavor and taste, almost to the point of bland. The pop overs and the strawberry butter tasted better. I can understand if people wanted something light but I guess it's just not for me. It is all very pretty though.
(3)Jim F.
Had a reservation for 2 for 1:15 here. Checked in with the hostess 20 minutes prior to our reservation. She told us to come back at 1:15. When coming back she said it will be only a few minutes. That went on until 1:30 when I asked how long will it be now, she said 10 more minutes, which I had to press to get an answer for. So they expected us to wait 25 minutes when we had a reservation. I spoke with the outside dept manager Chip, who was just the nicest guy you could meet and explained to him the situation. He offered to rectify it with mariposa's management, but by then my fiance and I were too turned off by the whole thing to want to eat there anymore. So we left. At 1:45 the manager called my fiance to let her know our table is ready. By then were already in the car. Wow.... I know things get crazy, but as a manager you need to handle it, that's what you're paid for. Half hour wait with a reservation is unacceptable. Follow-up: The food and beverage manager for Neiman Marcus called my fiance' and apologized for the issue. He said the tables weren't turning the way they expected and asked us to give them another chance. He also sent us a small gift package and a handwritten card apologizing, which was really nice. So im changing my rating due to the damage control and am hoping my next visit is better.
(4)Christa Lei S.
I'm pretty disappointed with this place now. While it used to be one of my favorite spots-- they've completely done away with all the best aspects of the restaurant. I understand that it's a recession, but please don't hike your prices up while using lower quality ingredients. I feel ripped off and gypped. The once amazing porcini fries have turned into BBQ fries... the truffle aioli? Turned into a figment of its former glory: truffle honey aioli, in which I can't even TASTE the truffle. The scallops? They aren't accompanied with anything. I miss the risotto! I even miss the gnocchi! Stop skimping out on me, Mariposa! :( Thankfully, they still serve complimentary broth, and the popovers are still amazing. I'll probably only stop here for pupus and cheese from now on. Everything on the menu is more expensive, and I'm not sure I want to pay for something that used to taste better at a lower price.
(3)Rick L.
Mariposa! There's nothing like doing some shopping and browsing around Nordstrom then enjoying a breezy lunch at Mariposa. Great selection of food and it's always top notch here. The food plating are superb. However, the menu rarely changes. It's the same ole, same old the dozen times I've patron this lovely establishment.
(4)Kelly K.
Nice place to relax and have a cocktail at the bar after a long day of shopping. Unfortunately if you sit at the bar, you'll have your back to the pretty ocean view. The bartender makes some tasty strong drinks. The only criticism I have is for the impossibly high bar stools. I had a heck of a time getting onto one.
(3)Cin T.
Mariposa is a fav lunchtime place that my girls and I like to hit up. Such a wonderful, relaxing ambience and I like that they don't make you feel rushed. The food is always good, then again I always order the same thing: the Lobster Club Sandwich sans the roasted bell peppers. This bread is always perfectly toasted and I like that they use large chunks of lobster meat. The only bummer is that it's served with a side of salad, you have to pay extra to sub for their Porcini-Dusted Fries. Sounds fancy but it's just fries with some seasoning sprinkled on, it's all the same after you dip it in the ketchup. yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… It's no longer on the menu, but their Misoyaki Salmon with Baby Bok Choy was so good! Served with a side of Jasmine Rice, the dish was so light and refreshing, but very filling. The generous portion of salmon was cooked to perfection and so tasty. The baby bok choy was also cooked perfectly, and swimming in yummy ponzu broth. At first I wasn't so sure if I was going to like the miso and ponzu together on one dish, but it worked! The last time I was there I changed it up a bit by getting the Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Spicy Sausage. Pasta was al dente and broccoli rabe was cooked just right. While the dish was tasty, they went a little overboard with the fennel seeds (there's fennel in the homemade sausage and in the pasta sauce). Maybe I'm just being picky b/c I missed my Lobster Sammie.... My friend tried got the Smoked Salmon w/Whole Grain Pasta. It was over-salted but still tasty. The smoked salmon chucks were generous and tossed with fennel, spinach, mushrooms and topped off with tarragon-mascarpone cream and ikura. yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… Millie got the Grilled Flat Iron Steak. The steak was served on a toasted flatbread smothered in carrot hummus, topped with Frisée. I didn't try this one but M loved it and licked her plate clean, lol! yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… I use to look forward to their popovers. In the past, I could eat a couple of these prior to my entrees. The quality of it went south, lately we've been getting dried out, burnt ones while the insides were too mushy. The strawberry butter is blah, I miss their original lilikoi butter.
(4)Holly B.
The food is good and the waitstaff is great - attentive, friendly, and helpful. Never disappoints!
(4)Mike O.
This is the place you end up when you wait until Feb 12 to make Valentine's dinner reservations. I wondered why there was so much reservations still available? They had a special pre fixe menu for Valentines for $75. 1) Kabocha soup with a duck dumpling - not bad. Soup was creamy and yummy. Dumpling was ok. 2) lobster Tempura - Best dish of the evening. Batter was light and fluffy but lacked taste. 3) Kurobuta (pork) shoulder. Really big piece of pork which was dry and tough. I had absolutely no flavor. 4) Scallops and Branzino (European bass). Again tasteless and undercooked. 5) Dessert was rose flavored pudding - ok The service matched the food which was uninspired, flat and flavorless. Our waithelp had no personality and probably said less than 10 words throughout our entire service. The best part of the entire experience was the great sunset view and luminous clouds that suddenly showed over magic island as it poured rain.
(1)Waikiki S.
Ocean view balcony dining area. Great service. Glad we went at 2pm. There was less people. The free bread with sweet butter was a great start. The burger was generic & the lobster inside the lobster club sandwich was the best part. Sweet Potato mixed with regular potato fries was a treat.
(5)Christina S.
Lobster Club with fries...O-M-G! Yes, I order the same thing for lunch every time I get a chance to go there. I have tried other items because who ever I am with loves to share their food if I give them a portion of my lobster club. But hands down you can't go wrong with the lobster club. If you want to be healthier you can order it with the salad instead of fries. I just figure I would burn the carbs while shopping (hahahaha...sarcastic laugh). DUH, of course I want fries. Plus that aioli sauce, ask for extra. It's good with the fries as well. Don't forget your plantation iced tea as well. Just remember if they come by for a refill it's gonna be regular iced tea unless you pay for another plantation iced tea. OHHHHH, I forgot the puffed bread they give in the beginning...yummy with that strawberry butter. Don't worry if you eat it all and you want more someone will come by to offer you one. Don't be shame. Although one is pretty big and you should feel satisfied. One last thing, only sit outside if there are trade winds or the air is cool. If not, you'll be hot, sweaty, sticky and not enjoying your lobster club with plantation iced tea. :)
(4)Chris M.
Mariposa does certain things well enough, but when it really comes down to it, you go to a restaurant for the food.....and for me personally, theirs is just okay. I've had lunch here a few times and nothing was especially memorable. My most recent visit was for a Christmas lunch with some girlfriends. I had the Applewood King Salmon Salad ($18). It came with spiced pecans, a few thin slices of onions, and chunks of goat cheese. The portion size was decent, but the salmon didn't really have any flavor. The champagne papaya vinaigrette was the best thing about it. yelp.com/biz_photos/fxZv… The popovers weren't that great either. Thinking back on it, my perception of it very well could have been affected by the pencil-thin, waify models who constantly pranced around during lunch. Ok, I understand that male diners may appreciate this sort of thing while eating. However, nothing will make me lose my appetite faster than a runway show at meal time. C'mon, I shouldn't have to feel guilty for eating while in a restaurant!! I do appreciate the atmosphere; you can sit and chat without feeling like you have to eat and run. It is definitely one of the nicer places in the mall. Service is usually attentive, no complaints there. When all is said and done, Mariposa wouldn't be my first choice for lunch, but I'd go along with it if decided upon by friends.
(3)Laurie K.
Please. The food here is terrible. This place is only good for its ambiance. I've been here numerous times on my trips home from NYC, and I mostly only come for the view of Ala Moana beach. This past trip I had the Panzanella Salad which was a special. The worst salad I've ever had in my life -- and for $18. It was just old bread ripped up with romaine lettuce. I've had many panzanella salads, but this one was easily the worst. At least put in an effort, guys. This place is pretentious and tries too hard to be upscale, but just can''t deliver.
(2)Paul L.
Discrimination. Indifference. rude. slow service, dismissive. devious menu. My wife and I ate lunch there yesterday with our two friends, one of which was in a wheel chair. Our reservation was at noon, and my wife showed up ten minutes early to check in. The Filipina receptionist did not invite my wife (who is also Filipina) in to wait at the bar, or to a table. She acted like she was not welcome to come in until reservation time. (The receptionist has been there a long time. We know this because we've eaten there a few times over the past six years.) Me and my two friends arrived at 2 minutes after noon, and were seated right away. My wife returned a few minutes later. The pop-over man came to our table right away twice, but for twenty minutes nobody brought us any water. People that arrived to tables after us had water served and menus before us. My wife had to get up, go to the receptionist, and ask if we'd been forgotten. The receptionist gave her a dismissive answer, but finally a waiter brought us water along with menus. Then we sat there another twenty minutes waiting for the waiter to return. We had to wave him down. Three of us ordered the most expensive thing on the menus, and our friend in the wheelchair ordered something else to be different. The food was OK, even good. No problem with the food. The waiter filled my wife's glass with water up to the brim, so that she couldn't pick it up without spilling it. (Getting even for complaining?) Our friend asked about complimentary birthday deserts (for my wife and I), and the waiter said they don't do that. But, because we had to wait, as a comp, they'd cut a piece of pie in half and give it to us for free. Those came with chocolate ovals with "happy birthday" on them, even though they "Don't do that". They used to do that in years past, incidentally, because we've been there before for birthdays - ours and others. After we were done eating, it seemed like it took forever for them to bring us our bill. The people that came after us ate, got their checks, and left already. The manager, ignoring our table, walked around the dining area talking to almost EVERY OTHER customer to ask how things were. Even the "super models" dissed our table. They strutted around pausing and posing at most tables. But they glanced our way, and prequalified us not knowing the guy in the wheel chair and his wife are practically zillionaires. We were dressed nice and our hair was combed, what more could they want? We even smiled a lot to show we were friendly. We were perplexed by the indifference shown to us by the wait staff, the manager, and the other staff, and suspect it was because they had more important rich orientals to serve. We were three simple Caucasions (one being invalid), and a Filipino. Be warned, the menu is cleverly (and deviously) arranged to encourage selecting high priced items. Each item has the calorie count listed below it. The highest priced items on the menus had lowest calorie counts, and the cheapest stuff had the highest calorie counts. The menu didn't have that last year at this time. We were very disappointed. After all these years, we finally must give this place up. We'll never be back. One final note: We paid the full 20% tip.
(1)Gemma R.
I hate reviewing places based on conversations but this was horrible. I called to get information about their High Tea service. I didn't realize how long and irritating this would be. The girl on the phone did not know about the tea service, placed me on hold, answered and said yes they have it. Okay? So when is it? She then had to put me on hold to find out when they had it. "Sunday's". Okay? So how much? Do I need reservations? What's included? - I'm placed on hold again, the costs is about $23-$24 per person (she doesn't know about children) the menu changes so she has no idea what they serve and she said she's not sure what time it ends. When I asked about making reservations she suggested calling my manager tomorrow because they can help me more. I have a party of 25-30 for a baby shower and we're not going to Mariposa.
(3)Veronica P.
The servers are fab! They know their wine pairings with the food- don't try and be an expert - let them guide you. This is a pricey place with a great view- like everything else in Hawaii with an awesome ocean front view. Due to the seating arrangement (small tables that seat 4 max) please do not bring your small kids cause the space is close in between tables. Alsoif they are going to be noisy- it will echo and upset the mojo of the dining experience- so be considerate
(4)Sara T.
Came here with Mom today, and we had a great lunch. We sat indoors but closest to the balcony, so we could enjoy the pretty view of Ala Moana beach/park. To start, we had the delicious, tiny cup of chicken consomme, which is so flavorful and was served HOT today (last time it was only warm). Mmmmm, I wanted more! I had an iced decaf coffee (free refills), and it was nice and strong. Then the famous popovers with strawberry butter arrived, and we feverishly ripped them apart and devoured them. The soft, creamy strawberry butter is such a nice and unexpected departure from the normal restaurant butter. We split the king crab salad with green goddess dressing and the lobster club sandwich with sweet potato fries instead of salad and no mayo. The crab salad had a generous amount of fresh crab, along with hearts of palm, tomatoes, shredded carrots and radish, and butter lettuce. The dressing was not too creamy, and I'm glad I got it on the side because it's packed with flavor, so you don't have to use much. I couldn't believe how big each of our "half" salads was - basically a whole plate! The lobster club had so much lobster! I was impressed. We also asked for bacon extra crispy and they did a pretty good job. The bread was nothing special (boring toasted white bread), but the sweet potato fries were excellent - crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Our server was Gino Kim, and he was exceptional. He was polite, professional, and anticipated everything we needed (like asking if we wanting dressing on the side, since the kitchen sometimes drowns the salads). He also apologized profusely when the kitchen forgot to split our sandwich, and brought over another share plate immediately. Probably one of the best restaurant service experiences I've had in a long time. Mom pointed out that she had a black napkin while I had a white one, and told me that it was because she was wearing dark colors and I was wearing lights. Apparently they look at what you're wearing and give you an appropriately-colored napkin so you don't get linty. I thought that was a cool fancy-pants touch! The food is pricey, but if you choose wisely and share, you can get decently stuffed on good quality ingredients for not too much.
(5)Janel K.
I had an espreso martini and the crab pasta. The martini was good. The pasta on the other hand.... I got really excited when I saw dunganeese crab on the menu. Its not often you come across fresh crab in Hawaii, at least compared to Connecticut. But it was just so salty. And the thing is, I cant tell if it was intended to be salty and then balanced by the asparagus or if it was the crab or if it was just a really heavy handed cook. The end result was, edible but not really pleasent. The atmosphere is elegent. The staff a little clumsy. The bar man could not set a place setting. and then I had my place setting set up just so, and the runner bring my food just starts grabbing things which resulted in silverware falling off the plate and really just give it to me i'll do it myself.
(3)Caroline K.
Late post from 2/16/14. Ive been here a few times now and dont really have any complaints except for the checking in service. Every time Ive checked in to Mariposa's the hostesses have been a little rude. The waiters and food have been great. I love the monkey bread and spread. This time around we had Sweet Potato & Parmesan Fries, Chilled King Crab Salad, Orecchiette Pasta and Seared Diver Scallops. Finished off with a cup of coffe. Delish! Will return.
(4)Clara Y.
If you are near Ala Moana and want to avoid chain restaurants and enjoy a lovely ambiance with quality service THIS is the place. I came here for my good friend's farewell party and will definitely add it to my Honolulu favorite restaurants. The popovers are delicious..I ordered the pork and it was absolutely delicious, enjoyed the porcinni( sp?) fries , as well as the nice dessert selection and wine selection. Lovely view of Ala Moana beach park is another added plus! highly recommend :)
(4)Kat M.
A 5-star place that I'm giving 4 stars just because it's so pricey. I was most recently there for dinner to celebrate my birthday with a small group of friends. I chose Mariposa for its ambiance, good food, and great view because I wanted something special to mark a special year in my life. I had a wonderful evening so I think I made the right choice. The service was excellent... everyone was very attentive to me and my guests. My friends enjoyed the food and wine and particularly loved the Monkey Bread and Strawberry Butter! I loved everything, including my Lobster Spaghettini, a deliciously elegant pasta dish with just the right amount of pieces of lobster in a delicate white wine sauce. Almost melts in your mouth. This is the place to go for a special celebration.
(4)Christine L.
If you know me, you know that I am a big fan of eggs benedict. The perfect hollandaise is a real hot button issue for me. Mariposa is one of the very few restaurants I've been to with suprb eggs benedict. First of all I love that they serve consomme to all their guests to start off their mean. Its just a small serving, but refreshes your palette, while also bring out the hunger you didn't know you had! And those popovers! Mmm! Light and airy served with strawberry butter. I always want more, even though I know my breakfast will be huge. But their eggs benedict...OMG. SO DELICIOUS. The eggs are cooked perfectly. The hollandaise is light and buttery and melts in your mouth. And the portion is huge. Served with yummy potatoes and fresh fruit. And its good fruit too. Always whatever is in season. This is one of my very favorite restaurants in Hawaii. And you have to get a mimosa with your meal. Tops it off perfectly!
(5)raechelle v.
Wonderful dining experience. Mariposa was an excellent choice in hosting a baby shower. There were a little hiccups along the way though. Mariposa was in the middle of changing their party menu during the time I was planning the baby shower. I had to wait a while and the guests were asking about the menu. I kept having to call Mariposa to follow up as the hostesses who were answering the phone never knew when the new menu would come out. Finally, things got squared away. There are quite a few managers and I learned to speak directly to the Food and Beverage Manager, not just the regular attending manager. As a result, I learned that I was supposed to get a head count of who was eating what on the party menu! It was too late to do that as I did not have everyone's phone numbers on the RSVP list and the invitations were already sent out. So, I decided to take my mom with me and we headed down to Mariposa. I met directly with another manager named Janet Akers who was EXCELLENT! She helped to sort things out for us, especially allowing us to just tell them ahead of time the Party Menu Set we were going with instead of giving the head count of who was eating what ahead of time. She gave us helpful tips like printing out our own menus for the guests to look at. We were also allowed to bring in our own cupcakes. The day of the shower arrived and Mariposa allowed us to enter 30 minutes before they opened so that we could set up. A server was sent down with a cart to help us unload all of things for the party. In general, ALL of the servers were EXCELLENT! Our glasses were always filled and they all served us with a smile. Those popovers with that creamy spread was so delicious! We kept asking for more. And I really liked the chicken soup. For the Menu Set A that we chose, it comes with Ice Tea or soft drinks (refillable), 3 flavors of sorbet for desert, and choice of main dish (Greek Salad, Mariposa Burger, or Pink Peppercorn Crusted Pork Tenderloin), all for $25. I decided to go with the Mariposa Burger and it was ONO! I could only finish half of it and had to take the rest home. The ambiance of course was beautiful. We enjoyed the food and had a blast! The servers helped to bring out another table when we didn't have enough space to put all the presents on. At the end, a really helpful young man offered to carry and push the cart full of gifts down to the parking lot. The Manager Janet kept coming to our party to check on us, especially making sure we were taken cared of at the end. I was pleasantly surprised by Mariposa. I would for sure be back again.
(5)Seiji O.
The atmosphere was great and the food tastes excellent. Each dish is creative with unique ingredients. We had the pork chop and rack of lamb which were both great. Also we split the Mariposa salad and if you tell them to split it when ordering they'll bring it out on two plates. Also the dessert was great as well. The service was excellent and it's worth going to for a fancy night out. The view along with drinks and a nice dinner to celebrate was perfect.
(5)Zar A.
Zar likes Mariposa. Okay, so I wasn't exactly highly impressed here. But I like the simple and elegant dining and great atmosphere here. And the fact that it's located in Ala Moana, a busy and extremely big mall (largest outdoor mall in the US)......... is a plus. It's a great quiet getaway lunch spot with girlfriends when you stressed out from shopping!!! I came here for lunch. I had a good time with my girlfriends. It was like a cute British tea time/lunch. I will come back another day with a different group and do a second evaluation. :)
(4)Ellison U.
Mariposa is located on the 3rd floor of Neman Marcus in Ala Moana Centers facing the ocean. Came here for brunch with a few friends. Being that Mariposa is situated in a high end department store, be expected to burn some money. My dish alone was almost $30 for soup and entre. Mariposa is an ideal place to take family because someone else would be paying for it. :) Don't get me wrong, Id take a girl here for our third date granted I would have gotten some for her already hehe... I just think this place would be too expensive for a first date, not unless she was paying then that'd be another story. So I order the corn chowder and something glazed chicken with spaghetti. I hate to be a Debbie downer but chicken was overcooked, tough, and chewy. Not good! Spaghetti was bland. 2 Stars! Corn Chowder was delicious! Very creamy and full of flavor. 4 Stars! Chicken Consommé shot was good too. It was a shot of chicken broth. Lol weird but good! 3 Stars! Service and ambiance: Expected it to be awesome annnndd... it was! I specially like the models that came in from time to time showcasing some of Neman Marcus' product line. Those women were hot. Like Victoria Secret HOTT! It kept me amused for most of the time. I was a little disappointed that they avoided our table though and only spoke to old women. Soo sexist! Ugh... So much for taking one home! Haha Check out the photos. I wanted to review some of what my friends ordered but they didn't want to share so whatever but I did take photos of their dishes.
(3)Erica S.
I'm surprised at the overall Yelp rating of this place...3.5 stars?! I think it deserves a 4 star! My friend recommended to try this place for lunch and I'm glad I did. Great setting and you can see the beach while dining if you sit outside or close to it. For a starter, the server brought us a little cup of consomme. That was a nice starter along with the famous popovers. They reminded me of cream puff without the cream. For lunch, I had a cup of the lobster bisque and the Applewood Salmon Salad. The lobster bisque was not creamy as I expected, but it was still flavorful and I kinda liked that it was light like consomme. It wasn't too heavy like the typically creamy ones. The salad was very good and perfect portion with the spiced pecans, goat cheese, and champagne papaya vinaigrette. I finished the whole salad! My husband had the Lobster Club sandwich and that was pretty good too, with the luscious lobster meat. Service was attentive and friendly. If you want a nice sit-down lunch at the mall, go here. You can make OpenTable reservations.
(4)Scott H.
Surprisingly good hamburger. Cooked to perfection, with a very nice basil-tarragon aïoli and grilled onions. It's big enough to share for lunch. They charge to split entrees, but the servers usually don't mention it and waive the charge (it's like $8 more!...the burger is only $14, and adding $8 to split the entree is a bit ridiculous). The pop-overs are really good, and so is the consume that both come with your meal. I've had the lobster Club (bacon, roasted peppers, avocado). It's alright, but not worth $22! It's a great place for a relaxing lunch.
(4)Gigi Y.
I had lunch there with 7 others. The service was excellent. The food was good. The little cup of chicken broth served with the famous popovers was excellent! I wouldn't mind drinking a whole cup full (regular size) of it! As for the popovers... I've heard a lot of great things about it but I thought it was just OK. Not sure what all the hype is all about. Price is on the higher end but portion size is nice.
(4)miki m.
I would rather go to different restaurants (some in downtown, kaimuki area) than this restaurant. But my friend wants to go there for just popovers. We made reservation and went for lunch. Their foods were mediocre as we already know. The popover was somehow burned a little too much. It was very dry inside out. And unfortunately, we had a really rude waitperson at our table. Only thing that he cares about was a tip. There were no greeting, no smile, no polite attitude and words, no checking during we eat. Definitely we talk to him in English but somehow he thought he didn't need to talk to us (because he though we don't understand him or we are not important customer??). I think that he forgot what his job is because he will get tips eventually without his efforts. There is the big paper says with some different languages to explain about the tips inside check holder. After I signed check, he came to our table and opened check holder on the table in front of us and stared at it for a while and left (yes, we left generous tips even if we don't want to...). It was embarrassing and also it was rudest thing I ever experienced at the restaurant. I usually have good service here before. Maybe we just had a bad luck this time but sill it was big disappointment.
(1)Tina L.
This is a review for Afternoon Tea at the Mariposa. It is a nice, quiet restaurant, but it does seem odd to be fine dining in a department store, but it shouldn't surprise me based on the prices of the stuff Neiman Marcus sells. Due to food allergies we had asked for some substitutions, and they were really great about making those changes. And they give you a TON of food. I think I was stuffed for a few days afterwords. All and all a pleasant tea experience.
(4)Keith W.
Lol
(5)Noelle L.
Menu items were pretty uncommon which is fun to try but wasn't impressed with the taste and flavor if the food. Very pricey, especially for what you get.
(2)Malia H.
This is a great place to have a leisurely lunch. It is spacious and has a great ocean view of Magic Island. The consomme is a great beginning to your meal. Its light and not oily. Then comes the popovers. This is one of the best things to have here. The popovers are light and airy and come with a sweet creamy spread. Make sure you flag the waiter down for seconds, sometimes they're busy and forget to come back. The ahi nicoise is a great salad to order. It is my favorite. The ahi is seared just right and has no fishy taste and is complemented well with the vinaigrette. The scallops are also yummy with gnocchi. The french fries and spicy ketchup are delicious too. They have a wide wine selection to choose and some yummy colorful and nonalcoholic drinks like the hot pink Texas Cooler. Plantation iced tea is good, except when yu get a refill...you get iced tea but no refill on the pineapple juice portion. The food is a bit expensive but you're paying for the ambiance and high quality ingredients. Don't expect a fast meal service, it will be a leisurely meal. There are also models who walk around wearing the latest fashions. On Sundays they have an afternoon tea service which is quite good. Expect high price but high quality. ^_^*~
(4)Chloe M.
My mom and I were feeling fancy and decided to dress up and go to Mariposa for lunch. By fancy, I mean we wanted to stuff our faces with expensive food, and by dress up I mean ditching the slippers and putting on a pair of converse. Coming before 12: NM opens at noon, so if you want to eat lunch at Mariposa before then you need to go through the separate Mariposa entrance. If you're facing NM's main entrance from the parking lot, turn right and go up the elevator. Lunch: COME FOR LUNCH. My mom took me here for dinner on my 13th birthday and I remember not being served a popover or the consomme. I don't know how they do it now, but I was a very angry little girl on my 13th bday! For lunch, everyone is served a popover with strawberry butter and a delicious little consomme. The popover is nice and crunchy on the outside, and soft and doughy on the inside. Consomme is tasty too. Pretty darn good for free "appetizers". Haleakala: Basically a virgin lava flow. All of their froo-froo drinks are around 5 dollars, and this one is very tasty. Seafood Laksa: I don't think this is laksa... When I think of laksa, I think of spicy broth and noodles. Mariposa's laksa is a cream based curry and is served with white rice. This is one of those dishes where it's super delicious for the first five minutes you eat, then after a while it tastes so rich you want to throw up. I had a really hard time finishing this. The seafood in the curry was very high quality, but I don't know if my tummy can handle this again. I stole some of my mom's fries and truffle sauce from her burger plate and it was DELICIOUS! Gotta order a sandwich next time. Overall: Mama and I enjoyed our lunch. I don't think we can afford to feel fancy any time soon, but this time was well worth it.
(4)Sherrie D.
Only 1 star cuz food was tasteless. Five in our party. 4 ordered the lobster club 1 ordered the crab cake app. The crab cakes: 2 in total were the size of a dollar coin, came with some greens. If u mashed it together u would still be looking for the crab. It was also very fishy, I would think canned. Disappointing also cold when it came to the table. My girlfriend didn't want to send it back but I would have. The lobster club was dry, just boiled lobster pieces, bacon, and lettuce, did they forget any sauce? We had salad with it instead of sweet potato fries. The reason I think we had salad with it was because my girlfriend who order first said salad, then the waiter went around the table getting orders and didn't ask for any other alternatives. 2 people in the party asked if the plantation ice tea was refillable, the waiter said yes, then when they ordered it, refilled it with plain ice tea. The worst part was my girlfriend had to tell the waiter that it was my birthday and too put a candle in my dessert. My friend had made the reservations a couple weeks earlier and told them it was for a birthday party, the receptionist actually asked if it was for any special occasions. Overall only one star cuz service was bad, oh I forgot, as soon as we sat down a waiter gave us popovers, which we loved, but no one came to our table for a good 10 minutes and we had to actually ask the popover guy for water, none of us ate the hot popovers before we could get a drink, by the time the water arrived the popovers were ofcouse cold. I have been coming to Neimans since it opened and my kids basically grew up eating at the 3 different restaurants. My girlfriends and I also eat at one of the restaurants every week, so often the staff calls us by our name. This was not a good experience, I'm sorry that they treated me to this luncheon. The staff needs a wake up call.
(1)Michael C.
I probably should have written this review sooner, but, as they say better late than never. I took my mom to Mariposa for a belated birthday dinner on a Sunday afternoon, reservations made on opentable.com I had only been here once, but that was several years ago and my mom had never been her so I thought this would be a good experience for both of us. We took the elevator with access from the parking lot of the makai side of the mall directly to the restaurant. As soon as you get off the elevator, there's a stand/podium where you would think the host or hostess would greet you. There was a guy standing behind this podium and my mom and I patiently waited for him to greet us. Instead, he directed us, with a slight bit of sarcasm, to the entrance that connects the restaurant with the store (Neiman Marcus) and that the hostess would help us. Thankfully, this was the only negative thing about our evening at Mariposa. The hostess greeted me as "Mister" and asked us if we preferred seating indoors or out doors. I thought it was still a bit hot outside so I chose indoors. Needless to say on my next visit, I will definitely choose outdoor seating as the view from the lanai area is pretty spectacular. Our server, who's name ironically was also Michael, greeted us and offered us drink selections and pointed to certain sections of the menu where we could find various drinks they served. Overall, throughout the evening his service was impeccable and excellent. As far as appetizers were concerned, my mom had the kahuku corn chowder and I had the Mariposa salad. My mom raved about the corn chowder and she said she would definitely order this again. I on the other hand wasn't as pleased with my salad, as it was just very, very ordinary, nothing spectacular about it, just tomatoes, nalo greens, and fennel. Our dinner entrees, on the other hand were much more enjoyable and memorable. I had the dinner special of the evening, prosciutto wrapped opakapaka, while my mom had the pan roasted salmon. She loved her entree, while he only complaint was the lack of rice or some kind of carbs. I loved my entree, which was also accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes, quail eggs, and a butter hollandaise sauce. Simply delicious! Our evening was capped off by sharing a grand marnier cheesecake for dessert. Overall, a pleasant experience with plans to return in the future sometime. I
(4)Sheryl G.
what: a very chic eatery ;) something good: love, love the atmosphere here. you feel all girly when dining with the girls~! i love the attention to detail that the waiters give, overall this place just makes you feel good :D something not so good: the food is good but it can be slightly pricey for lunch, totally worth it in my books tho ;) !! something to try: seared diver scallops (24)
(4)Henry S.
Great lunch while shopping . Lobster club With mimosa royal . Lunch was on the house thanks gang ...
(4)Edgar M.
Great for ambiance and relaxing conversation ~ but of course the food is the main attraction. The consomme is my favorite little teaser before lunch. Definitely will be back in town for lunch if they can maintain the service and food. Great view of the Oahu's beach and setting.
(4)Lei-dy B.
Dined here recently for lunch, party of 2. Positives: excellent staff & service, lovely view from the terrace, cold king crab salad was huge and filling. Negatives but expected: a bit pricey, proportion was small for the pork tenderloin lunch.
(3)Kalani C.
4.21 stars. Came here for lunch on a Thursday afternoon among the masses. We had no reservations but were seated in less than five minutes on the outside patio. It was a hot day, but tolerable and every now and again a breeze tinged with A/C chill would waft through. Ambiance: 4 stars. We were each brought a pop over along with strawberry butter. Very nice! Pillow-like puffs that were soft but with some crisp: 4 stars. The service was quite nice, not overbearing but attentive. We figured the guys in all black are the servers and the ones in white shirts, the waiters: 4 stars. Lunch ended up being: The orchietta pasta with tomatoes, eggplant and fennel sausage (Excellent: 5 stars!); and the Ahi Melt that came with fresh micro greens & squash chips. The ahi was thick and fresh medium doneness. A simple dish that was exactly what I wanted: 3.5 stars. Along with my lunch I had the Haleakala or coconut & pineapple juice swirled with strawberry purée. Refreshing but sort of rich and eventually gave me the runs (sorry, TMI, just saying): 4 stars. For dessert we couldn't decide, so ended up ordering two: The Butterscotch Macadamia Pie, a pecan pie like concoction that's a must for butterscotch lovers: 5 stars! The second dessert (oink!) was the Crispy Malted Chocolate Bars or frozen Twix-like dream sticks that were creamy, crunchy and oh so satisfying: 5 stars! My very first experience at the house of the Spanish butterfly. I look forward to my next encounter with this brilliant lepidopteran. Tally: Ambiance: 4 stars Bread: 4 stars Service: 4 stars Lunch: 5+3.5= 8.5/2= 4.25 Cocktail: 4 stars Desserts: 5 stars! 4+4+4+4.25+4+5= 25.25/6= 4.21 stars. #Yelp: 035/365
(4)Lory A.
it was wonderful, came here for my birthday and it was delicious.
(5)Lei P.
The best thing about Mariposa for dinner is the view. The food is mediocre, not very much as far as selection. I liked the bread the best out of the prawn appetizer, Big Island tomato salad, Salmon entree and Ocean View cocktail. A bit overpriced for small portions.
(2)Tisha N.
Food: Delicious. But with a limited menu Service: Excellent. Those servers can hustle Ambiance: Beautiful. You can't go wrong with an unobstructed 4 story view of Ala Moana Beach Park As a side note, their Prefix menu offers two choices, one at $55 for a 3-course menu and dessert, and the other, a $65 4-course menu and dessert. Do not get the $55 prefix, because according to our waiter, the 3 courses are half the portion size compared to the listed item on the regular menu and it costs the same price (not including the dessert). The only reason why I did not give it 5 stars was the artichoke risotto in the seared diver scallop dish was still hard and they ran out of their signature Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookie jewel box. I mean, come on, you run out of your namesake item?
(4)Irene G.
I finally ate here and it really doesn't live up to the hype and expectation of Neiman Marcus. Mind you, only came here for lunch so dinner might be different. I had a turkey sandwich and salad. It's pretty hard to mess up a turkey sandwich but for a Mariposa, it should have some kind of special sauce or extra flavoring. Nope, it was just a plain sandwich that I could have made at home. Friend's of mine had their salads and ahi sandwich. No one really raved about the food so it was all just ok....
(3)Yuko A.
Mariposa has some major pros and some major cons which is why I think it should get 3.5 stars. The food has always been consistently good. They serve complimentary popovers with strawberry butter for lunch and monkey bread for dinner. Both are addicting! They used to serve a squid ink risotto with scallops which was my favorite but I guess they took it off the menu. They serve a scallop with risotto still but with a different sauce. I recently ate there for dinner and had the lobster spaghettini. On the menu it is described as a pasta served with a white wine clam sauce but the dish is filled with orange tomatoes, making it taste more like a tomato base sauce. It wasn't bad and had a good amount of lobster in it but probably not something I would order again. Last but not least, they probably have the best view in the mall, especially at night. Now for the cons. I don't know why but the service here is sub-par. I have been here a handful of times and twice I have been disappointed with the service. You would think with all the people working that they would be more attentive but they didn't even serve us water till we asked for it the other night. They also forgot our dessert until we asked them if it was on its way. It is definitely too pricey, especially for what you get. If they are going to charge $30+ for most dinner entree's they should at least improve the service and maybe even serve bigger portions. It definitely more affordable at lunch.
(3)Julee H.
What is all the hype about the food here? Tomato soup was sent back. It was super oily and tasted like watery spaghetti sauce. Ribeye steak sandwich with brie cheese was sent back. It was all bread, barely any cheese, one slice of meat and the sliced tomatoes all had the green core center still in them. The kitchen did not bother to cut out this hard part that never should be served at a restaurant, especially if they want $18 for a sandwich. The lobster club sandwich is on basic white bread....nothing special...again for that price? Cucumber martini was good, and the service was good.....but really? I will stick with Longhi's ::: homemade bread, lotsa meat on the sandwiches, few bucks less and filling Will never go again. Super over rated food.
(2)LeaDan Y.
Brunch / lunch only. I LOVE their popovers and the view but for the amount that I am spending, I'm not too impressed by the food.
(2)Tze M.
Located on the third floor of Neiman Marcus in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Parking is in the mall and free. I recently went there for dinner with a bunch of my girl friends. I've only been there twice before; once for lunch and once for dinner. I prefer having lunch there because I enjoy the popover bread they serve over the monkey bread. A bit more upscale than your regular dining. Since I'm trying to make a life style change for a cleaner living, I was happy to see the menu has a healthy selection with calorie count. I ordered the Big Island Kampachi (a white fish). It is served with a hearts of palm puree, alii mushrooms, tuscan kale, pancetta, and a cherry tomato vinaigrette. The puree and vinaigrette was a nice blend of flavor and I loved the chopped up mushroom and pancetta mix with the kale. The Kampachi was a bit salty for me. My friend ordered the Spiced Rack of Lamb. She shared a bite and it was delicious! The service is always excellent. The view is spectacular over looking Ala Moana Beach Park. We got a treat during our dinner and had a fireworks show for us. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Overall a good experience.
(4)Brian A.
I like wandering around Neiman Marcus. It's nice to walk around and almost none of the salespersons bother you. Take that for what you want, good or bad. So, wandering into Mariposa for a nice sunset dinner with the fiancee is always a great time. I made the reservations on Open Table via Yelp. So, bonus points there. We sat inside near the windows. We'll leave the hot and bright outside to the tourists. The ambiance is perfect for an island atmosphere. The fiancee loves corn chowder, but this wasn't anything to write home about. I guess this wasn't the local one made with kuhuku corn. They seem to vary these same things throughout the day. The strawberry butter on the monkey bread was devine. Sweet and light, almost like a creme. Just so you know, the popovers everyone talks about is only served in the morning or lunch. The pork chop I ordered was tender and full of flavors, from the peach which that added that sweetness to the smokey and salty bacon. It was a smorgasbord of flavors that went well together. The greens that accompanied it were well selected, having a slightly lemon flavor and adding that extra zest to the plate as a whole. Having the barley underneath was a great idea and was executed to perfection. It was nice to have something that wasn't a "normal carb." On a side note, the presentation was fantastic. The service was excellent and our server knowledgeable as it should be for a place located inside a Neiman Marcus. Parking on the NM side is always pretty available and if you want to valet it, they have that option also.
(4)Laurie V.
A friend wanted to take me here for my bday and I'm not a huuuge fan of Mariposa just because I always have to think about what I'd eat there (other than their popovers); but, I just loooooooooooove the view =)=)=) .....when in Hawaii, right!?!?! He had the ahi tuna salad and I had the corn chowder (hungry, huh?!) Both were good; nothing crazy exceptional but, the atmosphere was perfect for us to just catch up...intimate but, open. Sadly, it started raining but, service was stellar. Yes, even with salad and soup the service was great. Maybe it's because my friend knew the waiter and some other waiters there ---- all about who you know, right!?!
(3)Tina Y.
Ambience and service top notch. Food has always disappointed. Mediocre. Had grilled pork chop dish, pork was tough and dry and sliced up in a weird way. Risotto disgusting, inedible. Tasted of some strange spice. Broccolini only edible thing on plate. Have been here probably 20 times because it's a nice place to take guests, but I never expect much food-wise. Popovers OK, consommé excellent. Have sent back salads, chicken dish, a sandwich in the past they were so bad. Dessert selection pathetic. Go downstairs to Espresso Bar for dessert. They need a new chef with new menu items and more sandwich items UNDER 1000 calories.
(2)Jerry E.
Dinner at this place is sub-par, far inferior to lunch. Even the rolls/bread were different, not as tasty. The menu has fewer selection, too. Simply put, I was really disappointed. I ordered the ribeye steak steak priced at $42.00, which was not cheap by any standard and yet the meat was too tough. The worst part was the chef soaked the steak with unwanted sauce to cover its natural taste. Not a memorable experience. As for the drinking water, I don't understand why they didn't bother with filter it, considering the fact that this is a pricy establishment. Perhaps, they want to encourage customer to drink their bottled water.
(2)Criselda W.
My husband and I usually go to Morton's for our anniversary but since we were celebrating a semi-milestone (5th year) wedding anniversary, we decided to try something different. This experience makes me not want to try new things. We also left Mariposa wishing we had celebrated at Morton's instead. People, go to Morton's instead! I had made reservations through the Open Table app and under special instructions, I requested outdoor seating for our 5th wedding anniversary so that we would be able to enjoy a nice sunset dinner. I was hoping they would give us a seat next to the railing so that our view would not be obstructed by other diners. Perhaps you need to specify this request because we were seated adjacent to the wall, even though there were open seats next to the railing. Made a mental note to myself and continued on with dinner. While the hostesses could definitely be friendlier, the two waiters serving us were very courteous. If I based my rating on service alone, I'll give Keoni 5 stars. The husband and I both ordered the four course meal ($55) and after every small plate, I found the food to be just okay. My husband really enjoyed the roasted pork belly dish and my favorite of the night was the scallop with asparagus risotto dish. But when I say they're small portions, I mean SMALL PORTIONS. My main dish consisted of TWO scallops. The worst part of this meal though was the dessert and this is saying something because I'm the definition of a dessert person. Now, I've been spoiled by other restaurants (Morton's!) that automatically give you a free dessert during any celebration but upon hearing that we will only be receiving the fixed menu dessert, we were hopeful that they would at least write "Happy Anniversary" on the plate - ANYTHING to make our dinner a little more special. However, we received our desserts like any other non-celebrating patron that evening. And to make matters worse, the pudding cake was so sweet, I could not finish it. Possibly the worst dessert I've ever had at a restaurant. In the end, the bill came out to be a little under $200. At this price, we could have celebrated at Morton's where they treat you special. At Morton's, we always receive a complementary picture, they print out a special anniversary menu and offer complimentary dessert. At Mariposa, we didn't even receive a "Happy Anniversary" greeting. Thanks for nothing, Mariposa. As a side note, we heard that the table next to us received a free appetizer just because they knew someone from the restaurant. Sooooo... I'm assuming the only way to feel special at this place is if you personally know someone working at the restaurant? If so, I'm happy to take my business elsewhere.
(2)Rochelle F.
Came here for lunch today with my girlfriends and the food was great! I got the scallop dish and it was to die for. There were only 4 pieces of scallops but it was enough for lunch. The view of Ala Moana park is pretty and soothing during lunch. You start off with popovers with their yummy butter; I think it was a berry butter but it was yummy. They also serve a tiny tea cup of chicken broth (I don't know why). Awesome place for lunch!
(5)Karen D.
We had an early dinner here during the week so we could enjoy the view from the lanai. We were one of just a few diners, so it was very peaceful, and we also benefited from the nearly undivided attention of the wait staff. We had their interpretation of paella, which is made with israeli couscous, and the scallop risotto with squid ink. Both dishes were good, and the scallops were perfectly prepared. We thought the fresh monkey bread was especially tasty. We also had the "mariposa" (garden) salad, which was good. The servers were very attentive without hovering, keeping our glasses filled. Our waiter was friendly and helpful. Overall, a pleasant experience dining above the water at sunset, eating good food, enjoying great service.
(4)Jimmy J.
Very good food and I paired the prix fixe dinner with their wine suggestions. I was very pleased and it was a very enjoyable meal. The portions were small but it was an artsy meal but we were full when we left. I hear that this place is popular for business lunches. It is worth trying once or at a special occasion.
(4)S. R.
excellent service and good food. A little pricey however worth it once in awhile. Nice view overlooking Ala Moana blvd and the ocean. I like good service and you will find it here. Desserts are pretty awesome too! Go for it...
(4)Caryn W.
My family decided to go to Mariposa to do a joint-birthday lunch for me and my brother. I made reservations for lunch today and we would be able to advantage of the Restaurant Week specials. We made reservations for 11:00, but had to wait a little bit because a table wasn't set up for us yet. My mom was a little upset with this, especially since we had made reservations and she felt that the table should have been ready already. We were seated and we gave our drink orders shortly after. My husband and I both ordered the plantation iced tea. When I started looking at the menu, my brother noticed that the calorie count was listed next to the items. This was interesting to look at, but there was no calorie count for the Restaurant Week specials! After going through the menu, I decided to go with the RW pre fixe, which included a curried bisque soup, wagyu burger, and a mango-lilikoi cheesecake. Popovers were served with strawberry butter today. Do they change the butter daily? The food came out quickly and we never had to wait too long between courses. The bisque was tasty and the burger was cooked just right. No option of fries though; looked like all the sandwiches came with salad. The dessert was really good! I don't care too much for cheesecake, but this one was light and had lots of flavor. It wasn't as heavy as a normal cheesecake. Service was pretty good. Our water glasses were never empty and our plates were cleared quickly after every course. Would probably come back for another special occasion in the future.
(4)Leslie G.
Came here in October 2012 for dinner Spectacular!!!!! Every bit and piece of the evening was amazing!!!! I have been to several other NM restaurants and they all pale in comparison! From the views to the menu! Perfection for NM!
(5)Monica A.
Always a favorite stop when at Ala Moana. I am a sucker for their mango king crab salad. Can't have the mango anymore though but still good. Everybody loves the popover bread they serve. Nice and light.
(4)Jean P.
I would have given this place more stars if they had seated us on time. We made a reservation through Yelp and it was confirmed. When we went there, they took forever to seat us and the snotty hostess said that they didn't have tables in her most (unjustified) stuck up tone. The food is delicious, however and I really appreciate that they include the calories in each dish and offer healthy selections. The scenery is really nice and the view is so calm and relaxing. The bartender (Wesley I think) made the BEST Bloody Mary I have ever had in my life. All of the waiters and waitresses were awesome. They are attentive, knowledgeable, friendly and really happy to serve you. The prices are fair and not what you'd expect from a high end place like Neiman Marcus. It's right in most people's budgets but still manage to use quality ingredients in their food. I would give this place more stars but the hassle I went through just to get seated really turned me off from going here. It's a shame that they don't honor reservations. I could understand if I had just showed up but I had a reservation and the flippant attitude given to myself and my mother by the hostess named Michelle was uncalled for. Just because someone works at Neiman Marcus doesn't mean they deserve or are in the place to be rude and condescending to people, especially when most of the crowd that goes there are well off or affluent.
(2)Jessyca M.
Popovers! A little pricey for a lunch spot, but it is in Neiman Marcus after all... LOVE the barbecue fries. Burger is inconsistent, but everything else is pretty reliable. My friend asked if she could have a mimosa with guava juice instead of orange juice. Our server informed us it was called a "pink lady," but wasn't on the menu...ooh...secret drink...yes please! It was delicious and would recommend it to anyone!
(4)Asako O.
After a long day of shopping, my mom and I decided to treat ourselves for lunch at Mariposa. Located on the third level of Neiman Marcus in the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Mariposa has fabulous views of the ocean and Ala Moana beach park. This upscale restaurant is not only convenient but offers plenty of free parking. With its gourmet menu and elegant island atmosphere, it would be great for celebrating a special occasion. Instead of being served bread, we were served their famous popovers. Popovers is a very light and airy hollow roll which Mariposa serves with a strawberry butter which compliments very well together. The strawberry butter adds a nice sweetness to the popover without making it overly sweet. From their lunch menu I ordered the ahi sandwich which is grilled ahi on a whole wheat potato roll with grilled red onions, cheese and topped with an aioli sauce and served with homemade chips. Yum! Even though this restaurant is pricey, the service received was great.
(4)Julynn T.
(Dinner menu)Had lobster spaghettini. :/ not the best, not great at all. It's missing a white wine...or something to give it an 'umph'. I added salt to it... At least lobster was in big chunks. :)
(3)Mahina K.
The food was delicious. I mean it has to be for the price we're paying. I guess it's a new thing for them to print the calories in the dish next to it. It took the fun out of eating. I don't particularly want to think about how many calories are in each dish I really want to order. Normally I'd order the rib eye steak, but it was well over 1,000 calories. So I settled with the Grilled Beef Tenderloin, with polenta and green beans. They started us off with Monkey bread and strawberry butter. The monkey bread was buttery and flaky, it went well with the butter. When I got the Beef tenderloin, it was wonderfully plated. I've never eaten Polenta before but from my understanding it's deep fried corn meal, much like a hush puppy. I didn't care much for the grainy texture or the taste. There wasn't much to it. The grilled beef tenderloin was very tender and tasty. It had a sauce that had a strong Worcestershire flavor that went with it, but it was flavorful enough with just a little bit of it. I was a bit jealous of my mom's grilled potatoes, but I suppose that's why the caloric intake was so much less. For dessert I had the warm lilikoi cake. But the milk chocolate bars looked really good from across the table. The lilikoi cake was really good, it had a soft lilikoi pudding inside but still had the consistency of cake. The server had heard us talking about how it was someone's birthday so she brought by a free butterscotch mac nut pie slice for our table. I loved the food, I loved the service. Therefore the price is justifiable, I wish it weren't but it is.
(4)Marsha W.
Got seated immediately. Waited half an hour for a waiter. Had to hail down a waiter for to start with water. He apologized but ...half an hour? Sets you in a lousy mood.
(3)Jen C.
My favorite place to go for a girl's day out for lunch. Nice view, nice environment, love the complimentary bread (pop overs) and chicken broth. Ordered the rib eye sandwich and sweet potato fries here this past weekend. Mariposa makes the BEST sweet potato fries. However, I was very very disappointed with the rib eye sandwich. I asked if they could cook the rib eye meat so that it was well done when I placed my order. Instead, my request was ignored and the meat came cold and bloody and there was a TON of fat. I would say my sandwich was 70% fat and 30% bloody meat. I didn't eat my sandwich, and wanted to send it back but by the time the waitress came back, my friends were done eating and we were in a rush. I ended up just eating my sweet potato fries. It was a very disappointing rib eye sandwich for $18. The brie also had the casing on it which made it taste awfully bitter. The french bread was hard. I really should have sent the sandwich back, it was more fat than meat. Like not marbled fat, but white solid fat. I will stick to a salad next time. This used to be my favorites place to go with the girls, not anymore, it has gone downhill. The guy passing out the pop over bread looked miserable. Even the models they have walking around modeling clothes look miserable. This used to be a place of outstanding service, however the service was horrible.
(3)Will L.
Mariposa the perfect place to have a business lunch. I like using the private elevator entrance that leads directly to the dining room, so you can avoid going through Neiman Marcus or the mall itself. Today was the perfect day to be outside as it was sunny and there was a slight brisk in the air that we don't normally don't have. So to be seated in the lanai area overlooking Magic Island and set up for a nice lunch was just pleasant. Of course the popovers are just excellent and to have that complimentary (I had two, I know I'm a pig) is a nice touch. Today I had the smoked salmon whole wheat spaghettini. I was wondering how they would do it with smoked salmon in a light (somewhat watery) sauce but it worked. The spaghettini had more the texture of Asian noodles, very light and thin, and the smoked salmon was gently placed around a nice array of veggies like bok choy, ginger, and tomatoes, with some ikura placed on top as a garnish. It was beautifully done; the food, along with the ambience, makes it slightly better than the comparable Pineapple Room, in my book.
(4)Shauna S.
I've been to the lovely Mariposa Restaurant twice now, and have had a decent experience both visits. The waiters are attentive, the view pretty, and the food good. Selling points for me are the elegant, open air atmosphere, Neiman Marcus clothes being modeled as you eat, and mmm, those delicious popovers. I will say that this is NOT the best option for us vegetarians. I had salads both visits and while they were very fresh and big enough to be filling, I would have loved to see at least one vegetarian-friendly option on the menu besides salad. Aside from that one small hiccup, I think that overall this is a nice restaurant, good for small get-togethers with friends and family, or lunch meetings with co-workers.
(3)Jonn D.
Rating: 5/5 Date(s) visited: 5/13/2012, 2004, 2005, 2006 Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Price: 4/5 Parking: 5/5 Another satisfied dinner. Celebrated Mother's day here and the food and service was again, right on.
(5)Kristin N.
SUMMARY: Popovers with strawberry butter, a bright airy space and a luxurious ambiance almost make up for average food...but not quite. DETAILS: I really want to like it. I like being there, it's a good place for lunch with the girls and I love the popovers with strawberry butter. But every time, the food is good but not great, and priced higher than I feel it's worth. I suppose if you factor in the fact that they don't charge you for the best part of the meal (popovers and consumme), it tempers the cost a bit. I'm happy to meet up with friends there, but I wouldn't choose to go there otherwise - just get some popovers to go!
(3)Corinne S.
If you want a fancy lunch with a great view, this place is for you! Open air ocean view, however make reservations, and if you show up last minute do not have high expectations on a table on the patio, they get very busy. Love the popovers, and they are not stingy with them either, they will even give you some to take home if you ask. (Popovers are at lunch) Never had a bad meal here, and I have dined at the one's in Troy MI and San Francisco. Consistent across the board
(5)Porky Penguin S.
Very slow service, even though the restaurant was only half full. Overpriced for the quality of food. Nuff said.
(2)Debbie I.
My husband and I went to Mariposa with a gift card I'd received. I'd been there for lunch which I'd say was an okay experience. Since I had the gift card I thought I'd try it again for dinner. I'd say the atmosphere was very nice for dining. That we the best part. The wait staff was okay. Attentive enough but I finished my ice tea in the first half hour and no one asked me for a refill. I kept thinking, are they even going to ask me to refill it. They never did. We started with the Mariposa salad. Which was okay. Nothing special mixed greens with a basic balsamic vinaigrette dressing. They brought us a bread rolls with a strawberry butter. I think plain butter might have been better. The rolls were sweet already so it was a bit too sweet with the sweet roll bun. My husband had the scallops ($30) on the recommendation of the waiter and I had the rib eye ($42). I knew the scallops wouldn't be enough food for my husband since I had asked how many scallops were on the plate and the waiter said four. Yes there were four about an 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" in diameter if you have a generous ruler. And it was plated with lots of sauce and a very small bump of vegetables in the center. No starch, no pasta, to give it some weight in an attempt to possibly fill you up. And my husband said the taste was just okay. The rib eye was probably the worst version of that steak I've had. I ordered it medium rare and it came out perfectly cooked however at medium rare it should have some tenderness and the fat in a ribeye cut should make it juicy however it was far from juicy. It was almost dry and kind of tough. Not only that but it had some sort of macadamia nut cheese butter that was on top and a type of teriyaki sauce. The best rib eye steaks I've ever eaten were simply seasoned and not masked with other flavors. Why they'd mess with that expectation is beyond understanding. The mac-cheese butter flavor was so strong and sharp that all I could taste was that flavor. I think it may have been some sort of goat cheese. Secondary was the flavor of the teriyaki sauce. I barely tasted the meat flavor. I gave my husband half my steak and he didn't even finish his either not impressed in any way with the steak. To say the least we were very disappointed. I should have had a clue when I called that day for a reservation and could get in at any time on a Saturday night. A restaurant with such a great view of the park and sunset should be packed with people but it was barely half filled. I don't usually like reviewing negatively but I felt the need to warn others that you might be better served spending your hard earned dollars to another fine dining restaurant for special occasions. I'm just glad we didn't pay for that with our own money since the gift card covered the bulk of the bill.
(2)Mami S.
great venue and nice place to have a lunch. love going here for girl talk. classy place and the view is great. the food is good not great. love the bread!!!! cocktails to die for!!!!!!!
(4)Keesha G.
Yeah once again. This place just always delivers the right way. I had a salad, the vegetable curry, the roasted strawberry and lemon mousse plenty of champagne. I saw that they do high tea now and Ill definitely be trying that out one afternoon.
(5)Andrew D.
Came here to eat on a Tuesday night with my lady. We walked into the hostess area and saw there were open tables available...wrong. The tables were empty because they didn't want people sitting there for dinner service. So, that being the case, the hostess/manager put us on a waiting list. After ~15 minutes, we were seated outside on the lanai. Nice view, not so nice smell of sewage. Our waiter came by to take our drink orders, he had a very strong Filipino accent so I had some trouble deciphering what he was saying. I said yes to something, he came back with a bottle of VOSS sparkling water, I guess that's what I said yes to? The food! We ordered the house smoked salmon, grilled tiger prawns with orzo and the pork chop with bacon. The house smoked salmon came with golden beets, pickled onions, radishes and creme fraiche. My girlfriend had ordered the grilled prawns. The prawns came grilled on top a bed of orzo and grilled veggies...it was ok. I ordered the pork chop with bacon. The pork chop came with a side of barley, one strip of bacon and a grilled peach...pork chop was not bad. Overall, 3-stars. -Food was pretty good, but expensive. -Service was good, but our server should work on his accent...just being honest. -The wait time for a table in a half-filled restaurant is ridiculous! Get a new hostess/manager, someone that knows how to make their restaurant money!
(3)Casey R.
I didn't know that most Neiman Marcus stores had this restaurant inside them. Well now I do. The dining room is huge and has a great view looking out to the ocean. The service was very very good. They were prompt, courteous and kept my drink full. Our table of six each had the lobster club sandwich. I was slightly disappointed with it. There was a good amount of lobster meat but it tasted almost like imitation and had very little texture. It had to be real though for $22. The ice tea may have been one of the better ice teas I've ever had. Just eating here is fun. It's upscale and fits in great at the Ala Moana Center. I'll come back for sure and try something else next time.
(3)John O.
I love this place! The service and food are always good. Sometimes I just come in here for a nice glass of wine during my shopping break. I have had a couple of light lunches here. Both were sandwiches or wraps. They were very good and fresh. Included with the sandwich was a small salad and their famous puff. I love their puff and their creamy butter. They also serve Illy coffee. Major plus! It is nice to sit outside and catch the fresh air and breeze while looking out at the Ala Moana Beach Park. I usually just it at the bar. Although there is not TV in the bar, it is nice to just sit there and chat with the bar staff. I love this place and always look forward to my trips out to Ala Moana. I just don't care for the food and the environment in the Food Court! Haha
(4)Jewelyn T.
OMG, I'm in LOVE with Mariposa! I had lunch here on my birthday last month when visiting the islands for the summer! I've been coming here for lunch and dinners over the past couple years while a resident of Honolulu. What gets me coming back is the yummy food! I'm a huge fan of their monkey bread they serve during lunch & dinner with the strawberry butter. This past visit, I had their pre fixed special... pork chop special with orzo. YUMMMM! Not to mention the pineapple cake dessert was to die for! My bff had the the seared ahi tuna sandwhich which was lovely! Service was really good. Called in last minute for a reservations and it wasn't a problem. We got a table right on the lanai. I'm always happy with my visits here! Centrally located in Honolulu. Great View. Free Parking. Excellent food & service. Mariposa is always on my list while in Honolulu! If you haven't experienced Mariposa, stop by for a meal.
(5)Yasuo O.
went there on Saturday with a few high profile friends visiting from Japan. One of them is a daughter of the CEO of the largest carrier in Japan. The other is an actress and since they both wanted a nice view and good food, did not disappoint. Thats about all that was good. we were seated outside as requested towards the window. we sat down, had some pupu's and ordered a bottle of bubbles. Then we went ahead with the entree and had a nice bottle of red. During the course of the meal, I asked for water 5 times. After the initial pour of wine, I stood up TWICE and served my friends. Remember, this place was DEAD for a Saturday night. We could have easily walked right in and sat outside with NO reservations. So the staff was there. There was a table of three girls sitting closer to the ledge and they were served on hand and feet. My friends were ok and busy catching up and when I had the chance to break, I took off and looked for the manager. She was a pleasant person and very apologetic. My question was, when she did her walk around outside previously, I was standing up serving the wine while she was busy chatting with the girls. Why didnt she even notice I was serving the wine? They took care of the tab and I left $50. Do I feel bad about leaving only $50? Nah, that $50 was there to say thanks for the minimal service even thought I probably got better service at Zippys. I didnt expect a comp dinner. Most people would immediately give this 5 stars for a comp dinner. But whats done is done and I honestly didnt feel like we should have paid. Am I being stubborn? possibly. Am I being realistic with the way I spend money? absolutely. They have to earn it from me again and until then, I have already told the concierge at my credit card this is a HIGH non recommend.
(3)Kevin B.
This has to be my favorite restaurant in Hawaii. A lot of people won't agree with that but I simply fell in love with that place my first time there (which happened to be my 2nd day in Hawaii, almost 5 years ago). Every single things tastes good at Mariposa. The monkey bread, the popovers, the drinks, the entrees, the desserts. I usually sit at the bar especially when Ricky (The Bartender) is there. I let him come up with a drink, and he never ceases to amaze me with some special rum-or-vodka-based smoothie. To sum it up: Pros: - Food: Awesome-balls. - Setting: Great view - Price: You get more than what you actually pay for. - Parking: Ala Moana shopping center. - Shopping break? Mariposa is the answer. Cons: - None whatsoever.
(5)Christy M.
So i'm giving Mariposa only 3 stars mainly because of the customer service. The front desk ladies are not the friendliest and the staff (waiters) are not very attentive. They don't have enough workers waiting on the tables. If they've missed something from your order, good luck trying to reach them to get it back or to order something else. All the waiters seem to be trained not to catch eye contact with any of their dining customers. The atmosphere is great, relaxing, sitting on the lanai is pleasant when it's not too hot or muggy outside. The food is not bad. I really enjoy the salads and burgers. Again, this place is not bad and I would have given it four stars if it weren't for the bad service. This is a NM restaurant and I expect better service.
(3)Traci H.
The popovers are the best things. They only serve it at lunch. That alone made me want to just walk out of dinner. To be fair, I think lunch here is about 4 stars and dinner is about 1/2 a star. I'm sure if I keep going back for dinner it might go back up but after this last experience I think I might stick to lunch. For lunch they serve you popovers (unlimited!) and they are so light and fluffy. Just perfect! And I don't even like bread. They have great main dishes and often times will have a hearty salad option for the main dish. Dessert is also quite good with the lemon cake. Service was friendly, fairly fast and super helpful. For dinner, however, it was another story. Yes it was right before Christmas but still it was like Scrooge Central working at Mariposa that night. First I was so let down there was no popovers so the bread server mentioned our waitress could get us the recipe and that the monkey bread was just as good. NO WAY. Anyway, ordered the Kahuku Corn Chowder and tomato salad. Also got the lobster spaghettini. Our waitress was totally in a bad mood and made sure we knew she had no intention of being nice to us. What a great way to ruin a dining experience. She alone gave Mariposa a bad name in my mind. The soup came fairly quickly but then it was like I had to tackle a server to get me fresh ground pepper. And twice! It was tasty, I will admit. But like I said our waitress already made it clear we were going to have a bad meal so no surprise. The tomato salad was ok--the greens were really bitter but whatever. at this point I just wanted to get out of here so me not wanting to finish my yucky food wasn't a big deal. The spaghettini was ok. Really oily and the lobster was all yucky claw meat. It didn't even taste too fresh. She did offer us dessert menus but I just wanted out. Oh I can't forget: beautiful peaceful view though. That's sure a plus. So overall I'm left with a really bad taste in my mouth from dinner but I do remember what a great lunch spot it is so that's what saved it from getting 1 star. I wonder if our server wasn't so yucky if it wouldn't have been such a miserable dinner???
(2)Bryanie R.
Ate lunch here today with my mom. First thing I noticed was how nice the servers were. The hostess pulled our chairs out for us and had us seated. And she opened up our napkins for us too! They seemed very classy over there, I was almost afraid I wasn't up to par with them. But anyways, the view was amazing as you're sitting there eating lunch on the outside. It's kind of pricey though. My sandwich was a little too toasted and the chicken inside was way too big of a chunk for a sandwich. But it's delicious.
(4)Mai T.
I love the feel of Mariposa, but the two times that I have visited here.. i have been disappointed with the food both times! Perhaps it is the selection of the food i chose. Both times i got a pasta dish that was recommended by the server and on both occasion i was not able to finish my plate..which is HORRIBLE, because I will finish my plate almost all the time!! Kinda like a drink.. I will finish my drink, however if i am sipping it sooo slow it takes forever to finish... Im just not feeling it! I went to Mariposa with my friend who was visiting Oahu and she chose the sandwich, and I got the Vongole. I knew from the moment that the server dropped the plate on the table, it was not going to be good.. i could tell from the color and how the spaghetti looked that it was waaaay over cooked.. where the spaghetti is soft it is no longer al dente. So my spaghetti was a mush swimming in clam soup and all in all it it was a sad lunch for me. However on the bright side my friend really enjoyed her sandwich, so perhaps when you go there it might be best to just keep away from the Pasta selections.
(2)Jennine T.
Keeping this review short and sweet: Great service. Love the popovers. Don't get the pork tenderloin entree. Dry meat, undercooked potatoes. Macadamia nut cake with butterscotch. . . SO good. Prices are a little steep for what you get.
(4)Ben M.
This is a comfortable place to come to for dinner and is a great place for a first date even though it's a bit noisy. So you can check each other out while you eat without having to be to glib or clever in your conversation. Lunchtime is also a good event there. A lot of the food is quite nicely presented and is usually very good. There is one issue however that never comes up while you're eating at the restaurant itself. The food there is fine. However with take-out food sometimes the burger has seasoning salt (msg reaction - you know). So if you're sensitive to that it's good to know that. If you are sensitive that way then just eat the burger in the restaurant and it'll be fine.
(4)Karma G.
Best Business Lunch! Quality and Value is definitely there. Service from the servers always attentive and sincere. Hostess attitude/expression may be a hit or miss depending on whom seats you (reason I did not give it a five star). I do recommend calling in a reservation (even for two) to bypass the line. Start off your meal with complimentary Popovers served with Strawberry Butter and a teeny cup of Chicken Consomme. Our faves are the Lobster Club Sandwich w/Sweet Potato Fries substitution and the Corn Soup is flavorful. Very relaxing atmosphere offering an ocean view of Ala Moana beach park. Classy place located conveniently at the mall.
(4)Hillary J.
The service was great, very good. the only reason it deserves stars, the food was not anything remarkable, borderline bad. the space is beautiful and the view is nice. it;s located in a fun spot. why does the food have to fall so far behind? eh, maybe i am comparing them with san fransisco standards.
(2)Crys A.
This is a special restaurant if for no other reason than the stunning views. I was there at sunset, flame orange dappling blue water as I sipped lemon drops and ate remarkable appetizers of pork belly and pumpkin ravioli. Yet it was the server who made the experience. He wore a coral tie which was precious and played along with a bunch of tipsy (and mostly single) girls who wanted him to explain precisely what a cod-piece might be, for godsakes. Yes it might technically be construed as sexual harassment, but at those prices? Mahalo for laughing with us and comping us the dessert. Good man, good show! The aloha spirit is not just an idea at Mariposa. It is the rule. This place looks good, smells good, feels good and wow, make no mistake --- tastes really, REALLY good. Only drawback is the price, but sometimes a sister has to dig deep into the wallet to watch a sunset like that in such great company. Aloha Mariposa, and very well done!
(5)San M.
Yummy popovers. Munched on some BBQ fries. I got the crab salad and texas cooler today. Generous size salad. Cooler didn't look very vibrant today. Feeling a little stuffed, since I also had the frozen yuzu mousse(shared) and a double expresso.
(4)Jeff O.
Quick post: All I gotta say is, (Sous) Chef Dell, Thanks! Mariposa is always awesome! Popovers! Mmmmm!
(4)Hyunny P.
Best place for lunch to celebrate a friend's birthday or to just enjoy a relaxing time with beautiful views of Ala Moana-best atmosphere with wonderful service. I love their complimentary chicken consomme and popovers with lingonberry/raspberry butter...nyum nyum I love everything on their menu!!! It's great that they always have some specials for the day, too *something different off their regular menu to liven it up a little* ^^
(5)Ken G.
Yet another great meal here...this time I had the burger and it was fantastic. A really good, well-seasoned portion of beef, decadent cheese and a really good, quality bun. The fries were great and arrived with an aioli sauce that was perfect. The service is still really good and I think this is an excellent lunch option when you're at Ala Moana.
(5)M H.
Great for lunch - amazing crab salad. Very nice view. Have it with a good glass of white wine. Dinner is okay, but I think it is a bit expensive.
(4)Glady O.
One of my favorite lunch spots. I always go just for the popovers and strawberry butter. I won't lie, I usually have two of these. :) My favorite thing to get for lunch is the seafood curry. It comes with a small bowl of rice. Inside the curry is shrimp, clams, two types of fish, and various veggies. Very delicious with a bit of a spicy kick. When I'm adventurous, I try their other seafood dishes. They always cook their fish to perfection and I'm always wowed. Can't say much for their desserts. They have a better selection downstairs in the expresso bar so if you are a desert fiend, I'd have my meal here and my dessert downstairs. Overall, this is one of the few places where I think the food is definitely worth the money.
(4)Clarissa M.
This was a decent place to spend Father's Day Lunch. No buffet offered like (Alan Wong's Pineapple Room Mother's Day Lunch) but they did offer a Prie Fix Menu that included a soup, entree of your choice (between 2 dishes), and a dessert. Our table had the lobster club sandwich with sweet potato fries, salmon filet (special request to cook without salt or any seasoning and sauce on the side) with white rice, the Prie Fix menu (Buffalo Burger), and the Laksa Seafood Curry (which is not that spicy but if you want the heat you can request for that too). We enjoyed their strawberry butter and house made rolls - fluffy and light inside. Our meals arrived in reasonable time and prepared as requested. For dessert the Prie Fix menu came with a peach upside down cake of some sort and we ordered a Lilikoi Souffle. Dessert was different - tangy, citrus, tart flavors with sweet overtones. Overall, I think the celebrant was quite pleased.
(3)Kenyan K.
I ate an early Valentine's dinner here last month with my girlfriend. We sat outside so we had a nice view of Ala Moana beach park. The service was excellent as the waiters and waitresses were very knowledgeable and attentive. The food was average to me. Like most fine dinning restaurants, the portion size was small. I ate the Big Island Kampachi. It was juicy but not that tasty. My girlfriend had a seafood dish with scallops that she liked. I ate her leftovers and it was pretty good. The bread was one of my favorite so far. It's just like eating a buttery breakfast muffin. It was fresh and warm and came with some strawberry flavored butter. They also served one of my favorite beers that I haven't really found anywhere else besides Yard House - Mehana Humpback Blue. Prices weren't too bad either. On the lower end for a fine dining restaurant.
(3)Karina U.
I've come here a number of times for lunch, but this is a review of their dessert/coffee. After Ho'ala Spa-ing, pizza and beer-ing at V-Lounge, Chanj and I decided to have dessert over at Mariposa. Can you say spoiled? Shyeah. Food: Mariposa is known for their popovers, but did you know they serve monkey bread at night? I sure didn't. Their strawberry butter still makes an appearance. I'm getting verklempt. I'll give you a topic. I think their monkey bread is better than their popovers. (discuss) We ordered the pineapple cheesecake, the frozen lemon souffle, a cappucino and some crazy tea. The frozen souffle was an amazing surprise. Light, airy, lemony and wow. The graham cracker crust and lemon honey drizzle just kicked me right in the babymaker. The cheesecake was whatevers. And while we told our server we didn't care, that we were loving our souffle, he brought us a pudding cake instead. That was delicious too. Not overly moist. The diced fruit was a bit messy but it tasted great. You'll recognize the dessert when you see a ramakin go by your table with a MASSIVE butterfly cookie on top. Its obscene. I called shenanigans when I saw it. And while most cookies on desserts are dismissable, this was a lovely light butter cookie w roasted coconut flakes. It was like the crunchy part of a macaroon. Yay! Service: Michael Moore (yes, his name tag showed his whole name) was a riot. A really fun waiter that patiently explained the menu items and made the night that much more hilarious. Was gratious in comping our undesired dessert and despite the restaurant closing down, continued to refill our coffee/tea and never made us feel rushed. Bang-a-rang: Always ask for outdoor seating. Why the hell not. Open table reservations available. Heads-up: Peach melba is on the menu but they LIE! Its never made. Seriously. They just don't make it and refuse to reprint menus. Verdict: Winners.
(4)Moani K.
Honestly..I dont understand why everyone raves about the popovers.. They remind me of scabs..the roast beef sandwich was delicious..but the horrible service discounted the sandwich.. I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and I wish I hadn't..we got bread before our waters.. We had to ask for the complimentary cups of soup because he forgot to bring it.. The bus boy had to come over and asked what we order after already waiting 15minutes after we had ordered..then had to ask another server for our check.. All in all I will never go back there. Ps.as a server at a bar we give better service and our managers enforce putting the customers first.I thought its funny a bar has higher standards than a 5 star restaurant in Neiman Marcus
(1)Gspot H.
Great place for Lunch. with an amazing view. Soups are good. Bread refill's is desired by lots of people
(4)Janice C.
The service was good but the menu was very unattractive as well as the environment. I was expecting more, I wouldn't recommend this place unless you happen to be shopping at the mall and needed a break.
(2)Shandis C.
Before you read on, know that this review and rating is SOLELY based on Mariposa's HIGH TEA service. If you are interested in the restaurant overall, I will write an updated review because 2 stars is definitely not representative of Mariposa overall. But for high tea enthusiasts like myself, you'll want to know about their high tea service. Let me first of all say that I am a lover of high tea...the whole thing, the pretty dishes, the dainty finger foods, the hot steaming fruity smelling tea, the service and the whole experience overall. So when I go to high tea, I expect it ALL! After all, high tea is not just another meal, it's an experience, kind of like going to a spa. While Mariposa is a beautiful setting and their food is always good, their high tea left me wanting more. Everything came out all at once, on a beautiful 3 tiered tower. Though beautifully displayed, it wasn't like the usual, leisurely, tea experience in which your food comes to you slowly. Our waiter was really nice and attentive, however, it was just "different" from the traditional high tea experience. Yes, there were sweet scones and mini pastries, but no clotted cream. And yes, there were finger sized savories, but NO tea sandwiches! That day we had sauteed mushroom palms, chicken curry wraps and stuffed mushrooms with ratatouille. They were all just "OK". On the sweet side though, I will say that they had the most delectable chocolate covered strawberries....large sweet strawberries with a thick coating of dark chocolate....mmmmm! I think I had 3! Someone in our party did ask about why there were no tea sandwiches while they used to serve them before and our waiter informed us that the high tea menu changes weekly. So on any given weekend, you will get something different. This could be a positive thing, if you like variety. He also said that you can call in advance and request certain things and that they would try their best to accommodate your requests. So if you are a purist, and you MUST have your tea sandwiches, then I would definitely call ahead. I will also mention that Mariposa lacked the dainty, authentic tea cup and saucers. Tea was served in everyday white, tea or coffee mugs made in china. Not important to some people, but to crazy high-tea-aholics like myself, a very big part of the tea experience! So in summary, 2 stars only because Mariposa's High Tea is not your typical high tea experience. No stars knocked off for lack of service or poor quality of food. On yelp 2 stars = "Meh. I've experienced better" and if I could just edit it a little it would be 2 stars="Nice, but I've experienced better" high teas. But of course, this is just my opinion. All that to say that the company was great, I mean, I was with some fellow yelpers, and that in and of itself is always a 5 star experience! :o)
(2)Lyn L.
Because I've always enjoyed lunch so much, I decided to take my friend to the Mariposa for dinner....BIG MISTAKE!!!!! The menu was sparse....I thought they have some of the same items they offer for lunch. Sad to say, we did not enjoy the meal. I had the Onaga...it was uninteresting....I think there were olives that had an overpowering flavor. The portion of fish was small and the dish was just simply not good. No popovers....they stop serving them at 3pm... For a dinner for two, that ended up being almost $100, it simply was not worth it. I would not go there for dinner again...Lunch yes, dinner NO!
(1)Tara M.
On the top floor of Nieman Marcus in the Ala Moana Shopping Center across from Ala Moana Beach Park. It is open air seating and balcony seating with a view of the beach. You really need reservations for balcony seating. We sat in the back, but still could see. They start you off with a chicken broth in a cup and popover bread (croissant type with a a puff of air in it) and a yummy butter. Meals are pricey, but unlike other dinning places in Waikiki it actually was worth it. Three adults and once child was about $150 including taxes and tip. The children's plate is $16 with a free juice (not soda, the waiter did not correct me, and when the bill came I saw the $2.50 charge - when I inquired he took it off but explained children's meals are only with juice) and a small free ice cream sunday. Their deserts are delicious. The cheapest adult meal on the menu is a hamburger for $16 and it the price goes up to $50 for lunch. It was a fancy dinning experience and worth it. While waiting for our table we walked the store and looked at the sale racks = it is fun to see how people think $1200 for a coat is clearance!
(4)Lyn P.
I loved coming here and eating on the outside patio. The view is lovely (especially at sunset) and it really makes you forget that you're pretty much on the top deck of the Ala Moana parking lot. As for the food, I ordered off the appetizer menu which was perfect if you like to try more things and not have huge portions. They start you off with a New England style popover which they serve with flavored butter - strawberry when I went. So heavenly. Then for my first course, I had the Brie Agnolotti which is pasta filled with brie, toasted marcona almonds, caramelized apples, and golden raisins, with a balsamic brown butter sauce. The flavors went so well together and the sauce was a wonder. Then they brought out round 2 - the braised pork belly and seared scallops. Both the pork belly and the scallops were perfectly seared - the carmelization was perfect. There wasn't much seasoning on either the pork or scallops, which I thought was good because the lilikoi butter was all they needed to bring out their flavors. Round 3 was dessert - I had some sort of macadamia caramel tart thing. The crust was shortbread-like, then a layer of the macadamia goodness, then whipped cream, all the while swimming in caramel. Very, very good. I really enjoyed my experience here and will definitely make a point to come back the next time I am in Honolulu.
(4)Jason S.
Beautiful spot for a lunch date. My wife and I come here every few months and always have a nice lunch. I have also been here with a small group and was equally happy with dinner except that they only have to popover bread at lunch (be advised). Experienced wait staff add the little bits of service one would hope to find. And the food value for dollar is quite reasonable; probably the best value for dollar is the whole store! I like the roast beef dip, the pork tenderloin, and the steak has been quite good. My wife enjoys the fish! Aloha!
(4)Kalae P.
I haven't ventured to Mariposa in a while, mainly because there's no one that is willing to splurge a little money on some pretty good food. Well, that's not really the case. Mariposa is located inside one of the islands exclusive luxury retailers store's Neiman Marcus; therefore, many people may presume that Mariposa itself is a high-class restaurant offering high-climate pricing. That isn't so. DINNER-ONLY Review Mariposa's menu offers a wide-variety of choices. From the suited up (garnished & 'fancied) steak to the delectable daily fish, Mariposa is sure to offer something to your liking. It really comes down to where the funds are at (average $20-30/pp). My favorite is definitely the bread (free, even refills)! Although not serving pop overs anymore, Mariposa hands out a basket full of monkey bread which is sort of like an airy buttered croissant w/o the flakiness. Favorite dinner entree is most obviously the roast dish ($25)! Cooked to perfection & tenderness, the roast will fill you up and keep you wanting more. To end the evening, I believe Mariposa offers creme brulee ($8), if not, wrong place. But if you serve creme brulee then I'm all in! Great for family, parties, and good food. It's not a crime to hit this spot up once in a while. *Think there's going to be a rush of people the night you're planning on going? (there usually isn't ANY night where Mariposa is packed unless for a special function) Use opentable.com , Mariposa takes res from there also.
(3)Lulu C.
Not vegan friendly but great view from the balcony of the nightly Friday fireworks.
(3)Micael M.
Firework show, the man I love, and oh yea - GREAT FOOD. I was thrilled to have a table on the patio up against the railing which, good boyfriend, reserved for us. We got some margaritas to start this night of fabulously right. And man were they made right here. We orders the set 5 course meal which is the best deal on the menu since everything is quite price-y in the first place. Wine pairings? Next time. Braised beef belly, avocado with tiger prawns and, my favorite, duck ravioli! (btw - the sauces to these were great too) Next came the main entree : Lamb, lightly fried zucchini frites, scaloppini and the SAUCE. I'm a sauce-y kind of person what can I say. Moving on! Dessert, which I found I had room for - Lilikoi soufflé topped with fresh fruit. But wait there's more! We ended the night with something my boyfriend insisted on getting which was the chocolate malt bar. Cold, dark chocolate, creamy and oh SO good. So rich you can only have one and they give you four of these delectable sticks. Great night, nice atmosphere, and mm-mm-kind of food. Sincerely, Micael
(4)Nick A.
I enjoy coming here for a special occasion or when you've got friends or family in town. Service is first class, they really take care of you. Even going as far as giving you a black napkin if your wearing black pants to prevent any stray fibers from a white napkin getting on your pants. I've had the corn chowder, smoked salmon, pork belly and scallops, the filet, the ribeye, and lamb chops. All of the aforemention were excellent and it really makes you appreciate the flavors and well thought combinations of side dishes. Hint, go for dinner on a Friday night to catch the fireworks from the Hilton. I have only one complaint...do I really need to know that the ribeye has 1800 calories?!
(4)Emoh E.
This place is hit or miss with service and food. The view is quite lovely though so it can be worth it just to go for a light lunch. Prices are high but that is to be expected. Service and Food - I've gone twice where the server forgot my soup. They either forgot to enter it in or the runner didn't get it to me before my entree (yes, it was specified that the soup be served before the entree). Horrible attention to detail. Another time we had ordered a side of fries which, 1. Did not come out with our entrees 2. I had to wave done someone to get our server to inform them that we had not gotten our fries 3. Worst of all, the fries came out cold. Horrible. My mom used to love their lobster club. Absolutely not anymore! Skimpy pieces of lobster in the sandwich. Not worth the price at all! And sorry, adding the meat from the cheliped (that's what I looked up as the part of the claw that pinches) doesn't count. It has no flavor and the texture does not mix well with the meat from the body. It does make for a pretty picture though.
(2)E P.
My experience at Mariposa is a mixed bag. We recently went for Afternoon Tea. I made the reservation well in advance, and having had their tea service once before at a baby shower, I was expecting a good experience. We arrived promptly and were seated without a problem. Once our waiter came over however, the problems started. It was clear he didn't know much about tea. He started to tell us about a few teas that were available. One of which he called a "French tea," that he couldn't pronounce. When we asked him what was in it, he said he would be back with the teas and a tea menu. He returned with the menu and a plate of tea bags. Of which there were only four varieties. One member of my party asked about decaf tea, and he said that he was sorry but they were all out and the reason he brought bags, was because they were out of tea infusers so no tea pots, just cups and tea bags. After explaining to him that this was very disappointing we began asking him about other selections on the menu that weren't on the plate. He said they were out of those also, particularly a flowery herbal tea that my mom wanted to try. When she asked the waiter what would be close to it, that they did have available, he told her Earl Grey which is not very floral, nor is it herbal. When it became apparent that he wasn't satisfactorily serving my group. He did the right thing and got the manager, who went out of her way to help us, and make it a good experience. Even still, I can't say the pastries and savories they brought we all that good. There was only one kind of sandwich and they forgot macaroons on one of the tea services. I applaud the manager for being so accommodating and going out of her way, but I feel like customers should be told when they make a reservation that they are out of certain key things like infusers and half of their tea selection.
(3)Kelly T.
Lunch at Mariposa is always a convenient choice, but lately I've been a bit underwhelmed by my menu choices. The husband and I split the roast beef sandwich and a regular green salad. Sandwich came with sweet potato fries, which were nice, but I don't think It went so well with the roast beef. The sandwich itself was a bit messy to eat...as the tomatoes and arugula combo made it a hard-to-hold-on-to experience. It was difficult to keep the contents of my sandwich from ending up in the au jus dip completely. The popovers are always a nice touch, but they were a little burnt that day... :-(
(3)Toni M.
Mariposa came highly recommended, so I stopped in after a mind-numbing massage for a healthy lunch with a bubbly cocktail. Well, it was a half-healthy lunch and the cocktail rocked. I arrived and chose a seat at the bar. The bartenders were awesome and kept me suitably entertained throughout. I ordered a French 75, a champagne cocktail with gin and lemon...very refreshing. And it was spot-on. For lunch I had the BBQ frites and salad nicoise. Both were surprisingly good and fresh...and accompanied by a popover and small cup of chicken consomme. The frites were crisp and the sauces were very tasty (truffle aioli & guava BBQ)...I hadn't had frites for such a long time...yum! The salad was a bit deconstructed, with the greens piled high and dressed on one side and the goodies in an artistic arrangement on the other. But it was very good...only a few leaves remained and maybe one green bean. The tuna was nicely seared and seasoned. The olives were small and exquisite. Overall the meal was great and service was top-notch. I'll definitely go back, next time for a truly sinful affair...the prime rib sandwich...
(4)Philip H.
I frequent Mariposa with my mom and or friends because it is a nice place to sit down for lunch at the hot, crowded mall. Take off one star because sometimes the hostesses can have some serious attitude problems. You are a hostess. Get over yourselves. I have been to Mariposas in Neiman Marcus' all over the country, and it seems to be a trend to have pompous hostesses. Oh well. Onward and upward. Now, the food and the service in the restaurant is spot on. The servers are polite and relatively attentive. My lunch time favorite is the steak salad or the Mariposa burger. The steak salad is delicious slices of steak gently laid on a bed of fresh, crisp greens. Cant go wrong. My other favorite, the burger, is a HUGE burger with cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. You can get it with salad, parmesan fries, or sweet potato fries. Both items are a hearty portion, and in conjunction with the chicken consume and popover, I always leave full! I have recently discovered that Mariposa has one of THE best bloody marys in town! They do not use a mix, but make it from scratch! You can also request it to be extra spicy, if that tickles your fancy. They also have a great liquor and wine selection, so if not for great food, stop by the bar for a refreshing mid day drink! The bartenders are relatively friendly depending on the time of day. In short, aside from the sometimes rude and annoying high and mighty hostesses, Mariposa is still a favorite for food at the mall.
(4)Robert C.
Rating: 3.5/5 Date(s) Visited: 12/21/11 Food: 4/5 Service: 3/5 Atmosphere: 4/5 Price: 3/5 Food The food does not disappoint... much. Since it was the first time I was here, I had their monkey bread which was served with a fruity butter. It was quite delicious. The bread was soft, just out of the oven, and quite fluffy. Their corn chowder was a bit less impressive, sadly. It was good, however the corn tasted undercooked because it was pretty hard. For my entrée I had the kurobuta pork chop with an apple mustard sauce. I wasn't expecting to be impressed, but I must say that it was easily the best pork chop I've ever had. The fat had a thin layer of char on it and it quite literally melted in my mouth as I ate it. It had an amazing balance between fat and meat as well, much unlike when I make it at home. The rest of what was on the plate, though, could use a bit of love. The mashed potatoes, broccoli, and shallot were pretty plain and uninteresting. Just like you can't have a good movie with a lackluster supporting cast, the dish was rather hampered by the absence of flavorful sides. For dessert, I had their blood orange and vanilla mousse. The dish had a nice balance of sweet, tangy, and airy. The strawberries served on top were so perfect they looked like they had been photoshopped in and were decidedly mild. Service Imagine for a moment, if you will, a waiter carrying an overloaded tray full of empty glasses. It's already unstable and perilously close to crashing to the ground, but somehow the waiter managed to inch his way forward. Then, suddenly, he trips over something! Oh, no! However, through some miracle, the tray of glasses is spared and he is none the worse for wear. He confidently walks forward, but then trips over his shoelaces and the whole thing comes to a time-stopping crash. Now envision that as our service at Mariposa. Our waiter was definitely not the newest model out from the dealer and it showed. The first thing he did was pour us a glass of sparkling mineral water without asking if we wanted it. My cousin and I immediately knew that we'd be charged quite the pretty penny for his unrequested service, but grinned anyways. For the rest of the night, he was incredibly awkward. He randomly interrupted us to ask us the usual choreographed questions about the food before leaving just as unexpectedly. With everything we ordered, he expounded on how ordering it the way we did was "perfect". Not terribly good service, but tolerable. When it was time to clean away our entrees, a server asked if we wanted to keep any of our leftovers. My cousin wanted to keep some of her food, so he took it and went to grab a box. He came back not too long afterwards to tell us that her dish had been thrown away. Not to worry, however, since he had placed an order for the same item so she could take it home. I was thoroughly impressed. He could have simply apologized and walked away, but he went through the trouble to replace the half-eaten food with a fresh item. We would've walked away feeling pretty good about the service had our waiter not done what he did next. My cousin confronted him about having served us an $8 bottle of sparkling mineral water and he blamed the hostess. He claimed that she had told him that we ordered it from her, which is obviously a lie. Who orders things right from the hostess? He then went on to yell at her about his mistake after he thought we had left. Rather than admit his mistake and apologize, he had to fabricate an entire story about the matter in order to cover himself. Unprofessional and disappointing. Atmosphere I was afraid that the dinner service would be loud and obnoxious, but it was surprisingly quiet. I doubt anyone will have trouble hearing their dining partner. One thing I noticed was that there seemed to be a bird nest on one of the pillars outside. At first I wasn't sure if I was imagining things, but surely enough it moved and began preening itself. I think it's pretty neat, honestly, haha. Price So I didn't pay for the dinner, but I caught a glimpse of the bill and it was pretty shocking. I knew it would be expensive, but yikes. For what my cousin paid, I'm not sure that it's really quite worth it, no matter how good the food was. Although since Neiman Marcus caters to more upscale clientele I suppose the price is justified. Just be prepared for a bit of sticker shock if you're not the type who usually shops at such venues.
(3)Monica O.
Great place to have a girl's lunch date! I went with my best friend on a Thursday afternoon. I was able to make my reservation online the night before. It was pretty busy when we got there since all the tables were seated. We were asked if we wanted to sit outside or inside. We both loved the balcony. Our server was friendly and professional. My girlfriend and I ordered: - prosciutto pasta lunch special - corn chowder - laksa curry with seafood - milk chocolate bars - lemon creme brûlée Everything was delicious! - from the popovers with strawberry butter and the consommé to the complimentary mint sticks. We both loved every bit of it. We are definitely making it our official girlfriend lunch spot!
(5)Miki L.
I so want this place to be a 'rock star' restaurant. It has all the elements... A great location looking over Ala Moana beach and park, a bit of lanai seating, along with a generous size indoor dining area, and it's part of the Neiman Marcus Brand. But none of this matters when the service is mediocre. The hostess team is pretty cool...not in the nifty-cool way...more like the chilly reception way. Like you are lucky to even be talking to them. At our table, our orders got mixed up on three different occasions. Appetizers, drink order and entree served to the wrong people. My guess is that in order to be so consistent, our main server made the original mix up, thereby screwing up the people who delivered the food. That said, they didn't really care. They are there, putting their time in, not loving their job and it shows. My experience with the service was not a one-time deal. I have noticed the weak service the last few times I have dined here. The food itself is tasty and they have a range from soup and salads to fish and steaks and such. However, for the price, with the 'meh' service, the value proposition is weak. That said, it's still my favorite place on a Friday night to enjoy the sunset and watch the Waikiki fireworks.
(2)Malia A.
The food there is always lovely and the portions are just right. The service is usually very attentive.
(4)Gloria S.
Took my coworker to lunch here and I was disappointed with the Salmon Pasta I had. Maybe I should have added more salt since it was a bit bland for my taste, the only umph of flavor I tasted was from the spinach! It's has a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, great for business meetings or lunch with friends. I would probably try another dish if I ever decided to go again. The plantation ice tea was so so...
(2)Raymond H.
Best corn chowder anywhere! If you like the pop overs at BLT steak the ones at Mariposa are even better and taste fresher. My greek chicken salad was very fresh, flavorful and exceeded my expectations. Patio is a nice option if you can get a seat.
(4)Julie F.
I love their food, service, and setting.
(4)Sage O.
Finally, my first visit to Mariposa. When we arrived at noon, there was already a 30-45 minute wait time for a table for 2. I decided the wait was worth it when our waiter took us to our seats out on the lanai facing the huge south swells. My friend and I were surprised with the complimentary popovers with the strawberry cream cheese spread. Despite the limited menu, we still had a difficult time choosing what to eat. We later decided to get a mix of the sweet potato and barbecue french fries. My friend had a chicken sandwich served with a pesto sauce and I had an 'ahi sandwich with an aioli sauce. Like the service, the food was outstanding!
(4)Trish R.
In my opinion, the only restaurant in the entire Waikiki area that provides dark greens and healthy options with substance for a good price. I had the smoked salmon salad and the two gals I was sitting beside at the bar each had different salads and we were all cooing and moaning with delight as we savoured our lunches. My salmon was a very large filet slow smoked so that it was so tender and juicy. I'm from Vancouver and we have salmon all the time, but this was absolutely outstanding. The dressing was interesting and good, and there were a lot of interesting and fantastic ingredients in the salad that chimed in harmony to the huge plate of fresh greens. The waiter brought a demi-tasse of "consume" (gratis) while we were waiting, and afterwared, the coffee, well, it was over the moon (I know, it's Kona country, but they really did a good job with the drip coffee). To me, this is the ONLY place to have lunch when at the mall, and if you're looking for health-conscious cooking at a fair price, this is about the only place I found in my entire week hunting for healthy food while on vacation at Waikiki Beach. Outstanding menu, outstanding food quality, fantastic atmosphere. Be sure to call ahead for a reservation because there's always a wait. Thank you, Mariposa! Definitely a highlight during my vacation.
(5)Jody S.
I always feel a little giddy with excitement when I know I have a lunch meeting at Mariposa. Service is ALWAYS excellent and the waitstaff truly knows their stuff. Whether it's recommending the specials on the menu or sharing insight into an entree or even offering a recommendation, the staff is always on point. I will admit I am definitely boring when it comes to trying anything new as I have my tried and true faves which are the crab salad and the lobster clubhouse. Both are divine and to die for! Every time I get one or the other I feel liked I've died and gone to culinary heaven!! It's such a great place to dine with your special girlfriends and to enjoy a special lunch together or to take clients to impress. Duane, who is one of the managers is super personal and has impeccable customer service. If anyone ever wanted to learn about customer service, they need to see how Duane manages at the restaurant. I've seen him in action at his previous place of employment and he still carries the same professionalism, customer relationship management and personal touch to the 9th level. AND he encourages that with his employees. That to me is truly what separates (besides the yummy food!) this restaurant from the rest--the excellent customer service. But enough about Duane and the waitstaff, let's get back to speaking about the food. So the popovers you get upon being seated are definitely delectable, and lightly buttered with their "special" butter (usually lilikoi, I believe!) it is pretty much gone in under 3 minutes. I am NOT a fan of the chicken consomme however being vegetarian, go figure. (I just get another popover to eat while my co-diners are sipping on their consomme). :) I recently discovered that they had these really cute desserts--little ice cream cones--bite size and yummy! What a neat refreshing idea during these hot summer months.
(5)Lynn S.
I come here whenever I want to entertain out-of-town friends for lunch. My daughter likes to come here, too, when it's just us. I don't usually like to wait to be seated, so I make online reservations via OpenTable on the Yelp app (iPhone). The atmosphere is open and breezy. If you get seated on the lanai it can get a little humid, but it's a nice view. Noise level is not bad at all. A couple of times in the past I was seated by the kitchen... high-traffic area. Too busy with the wait help whizzing by. You're greeted with popovers with strawberry butter. Mmmm!!! My daughter comes here just for those! And she likes the "chicken broth in a cute pinkie cup!" LOL. There are daily lunch specials that should be taken advantage of. The menu is kinda pricey, but what do you expect from a restaurant in Neiman Marcus? I have my faves like the ahi nicoise salad. Two people can share that, IMO. The Mariposa Burger is huge. It's good though. Not the item to pick if you're trying to look classy while eating. Last time I ordered the sweet potato & parmesan fries they came out kinda limp. I only had a few instances where I was less-than impressed with the items I've had, but overall dining experience is excellent! I'm definitely a fan, and you will see me there again.
(4)John N.
Expectations were high for this restaurant as it is inside Neiman Marcus over at Ala Moana. I definitely love open air dining, especially when there is a great view of Ala Moana Beach Park at the perfect height. We went there for lunch and I ordered Laksa Seafood Curry. Before my food came, they served us complimentary house bread which was very good, along with strawberry butter. Definitely among the best house breads of any restaurant on the island. I was a bit surprised by my curry. It's not a traditional curry that is ingrained in our minds. Even remotely not close to Thai but since it is Laksa, I would consider it Malaysian or Singaporean style. I love the curry though as the flavors were perfect. Service was to be expected. Good but nothing spectacular. One would expect some spectacular for the price you pay though.
(4)Christopher T.
I have to admit that Mariposa does not fit into my comfort level. I prefer someplace more laid back. It is even more uncomfortable for me to go there after Neiman Marcus is closed. I feel a little too shut off from the rest of the world, which is probably a big plus to most people dining there. With all that being said, the staff are all very helpful and efficient. The food was also wonderful. I really love a citrus tartness in my food. I had the Seared Diver Scallops with peas, speck, artichoke risotto. The Lilikoi Butter was wonderfully tart with the scallops. I also loved the risotto, but found the larger stalk pieces of the artichokes a slight hindrance while eating. I passed on dessert and just had some Jasmine Green Tea. Thank goodness my wife ordered the Frozen Yuzu Souffle. The yuzu souffle with the winter fruit compote were an eye opener. A really nice tart surprise to your tongue. The meringue offset it just a little. It was very good and light.
(4)Christina S.
Lunch review for diners with children: It was a special day for my daughter and my mother suggested Mariposa as a "fancy" place for lunch. We called at 11 am and they were booked and weren't taking any more reservations. The lady on the phone said we were more than welcome to walk ins and if we made it by 11:45, we'd probably be seated within 10 minutes. The meal started off great -- the popovers with strawberry butter and the chicken consommé were big hits with the kids who also marveled at the four models who periodically came through the restaurant in different outfits, stopping at a few tables for the patrons to see the fashions up close. Our lunch order did take a while to arrive and when the kids meal showed up, my daughter was not too pleased with the lack of white sauce she was anticipating on her pasta. It was a good thing she enjoyed the corn chowder ordered by her sister and had filled up on all the popovers that seemed to magically appear on the bread plate as soon as she devoured them. The food was nice, fresh, and plentiful. My only complaint is that even after our unfinished lunch portions were boxed, it seemed a long wait to place our dessert order -- which we only did because a dessert came with the kids meal. The long waits in-between service even made me restless. This is a great place and although my children enjoyed themselves, the service too slow when you are eating with the 12 and younger set so I'd recommend, saving a visit here for adults only.
(3)Stella L.
Food is mediocre. Don't order brown rice. It had hard parts like it was sitting in the rice cooker for a long time.
(1)Reuben R.
We came here at about 12 without a reservation so we were told we'd have to wait 15-20 minutes so we did and just looked around at all the chocolate on display. They gave me an electronic buzzer so after that rang we went back and got seated inside towards the back, with the balcony seating adjacent to us. My friend ordered a seafood curry with jumbo shrimp ahi and clams. I had a taste of it and it wasn't very hot. She dumped all the tobasco they supplied us with in a mini bottle each, too. She said te ahi chunks were a bit dry. As for me, I had the chef's special... Which actually wasn't all that special, but it sounded pretty good. It was listed as mahi mahi over risotto with artichokes. I don't really care for too much mayo, and the risotto really had that distinct type of taste. The artichokes were good, and the mahi mahi should be hard to mess up, and they didn't. I was pretty filled but a bit unhappy. For dessert we shared a frozen lemon soufflé, and it was very very tart, which I like, but now my sour tastes are over loaded and I'm done with that craving. Bottom line: it was okay for this go around. Maybe we'll try again another time for dinner instead.
(3)Rich L.
What's not to like? First, you get an ocean view. Second, you get to have home-made popovers with strawberry butter. So when I'm at the mall, this is where I go. Lot's of aloha here. Not an extensive menu, but when you can order a lobster club sandwich... who cares?
(4)Tania L.
Based on what they have to offer, it's great stuff. The only thing is, if you're craving red meat like a big, fat, juicy, bloody steak -- you're gonna have to walk over to Morton's. That said, whatever. It's not a big deal. You're going there to have a nice afternoon get-together with a bunch of older ladies - or at least that's how I picture it. I have a great time there for lunch. I love their salads and the portions seem to have gotten bigger for what you pay for, which is a positive. Not the cheapest place, no, but pretty good food. Service is really dependent on who you get... when I went a couple of days ago the kid messed up my "dressing on the side" and "no mayonnaise" in my club order so that was not great (I mean, I'm dropping some real money here you know?). I didn't get pissed cuz it wasn't a big deal (with the dressing) but I really don't like mayo so he got that fixed fast. He just should have gotten a pen and paper and written that sh*t down you know? You HAVE to have their corn chowder. It seems expensive, but put it this way: I went to Bubba Gump's for dinner and they charged $5.59 for a small cup of clam chowder and the chowder at Mariposa's is $5 for a cup so it's really not that bad. Dessert and coffee is also nice, if you can make it that far. All in all, it's nice. But surprisingly on a random wednesday afternoon they were pretty packed... Make reservations if you can plan ahead. Skip the dinner there. You'd be better satisfied dropping $30 at Zippy's. At least you're going to get what you pay for there. Finally, I must agree with Philip H. regarding the hostesses... I mean, that's faux pas number one!!!!!!!! to have crappy, attitude, insincere hostesses. You're the first ones we deal with. But that's a management issue, and the lady that I dislike there wasn't working that day (or maybe at all?!?! Wishful thinking.)
(4)Kevin H.
Came here for lunch. The atmosphere is definitely nice, with a country-club/plantation vibe and a good view of the ocean. The popovers were not as good as I remember, but still noteworthy. My mom had the pork tenderloin which was the best dish amongst the five of us. Overall, I would have the say that the food was just "ok" given the price and expecations going in.
(3)Aline T.
QUICK RAVE: Best affordable lunch spot on Oahu. Dinner not so great. FOOD If you want a great lunch for 2 people, around $40 with tip, come to Mariposa, order the burger and ribeye roast beef sandwich with jus and NOTHING else. Burger is $14 and comes with the best damn truffle aioli (don't forget to substitute fries! + $2). Roast beef is so good with the jus (reminds me of French Onion soup) and runs $17. These are the only items I eat when I come here, but most entrees are around $20, so not too shabby. Food is great. INSIDE TIP Lunch hours - 11am to 3pm - you get free popover & chicken consume with full menu. They're usually busy until around 2pm. Food comes out a little cold and not as good if you go when they aren't busy. Late Lunch hours - 3pm - 5pm - you only get the popover and the LIMITED lunch menu (but it's still got the burger and roast beef!); not crowded, so fantastic service and food comes out hot! Parking - Go directly to the right side of the Neiman Marcus valet and look to the left - you'll see the MARIPOSA sign. Here hides a service elevator that takes you straight there. I park in the narrow strip area near there, put up my sun shade and take the elevator up. Warning: It smells bad outside of the elevator and stale in the elevator.
(5)Rise D.
Mariposa is not worth the hype unless you are a Japanese tourist or making over $80,000 a year. My bf and I went here for lunch...one of my besties gave us a gift card to here for Christmas. We went on a Sunday at around noon, and had to wait half an hour to be seated. Then when I sat down, my chair was wet! The pillow of the chair was patterned and had a plastic covering. There was a puddle of liquid like someone had spilled their drink but no one wiped the chair. So on top of waiting over half an hour to be seated, I was sitting with wet shorts and underwear. It was very uncomfortable. I told the waiter that I had just sat in a puddle of liquid on my chair but he didn't seem to care. We started off ordering a bowl of corn chowder. It's a good thing we ordered that bowl of soup because I was starving and it held me over for another 30-45 minutes or so until the rest of our food came out. I had the roast turkey Italian sandwich. It was ok, but not worth the long wait or price! The turkey was dry but the sandwich itself was pretty good. Definitely not the best. My bf ordered the kobe beef burger, which was very good. It came with parmesan cheese fries and some kind of yummy aioli. The waiter hardly ever checked up on us, but I noticed that he cared more about the tourists and other people who looked like they were meeting for business. I wanted to talk to the manager but she wasn't walking around to all the tables, just talking to one of the tables far away. My bf managed to talk to the manager when he asked for another napkin so I could sit on it to dry my shorts. I heard that Hillary Clinton and her staff once came to Mariposa, and my supervisor also said he saw Michael Caine here too. What if they had sat in a wet chair and waited as long as we did for our food? Something would definitely be done and I'm sure the staff would care more. So when the bill came and I saw that there was no discount or anything, I asked to talk to the manager. The waiter looked nervous when I asked to speak to the manager and apologized for "being so busy". The manager seemed genuinely concerned that the chairs were not wiped before we were seated and took care of the bill. She even offered that if I took in my shorts for cleaning that they would reimburse me for the bill. I was just glad that something was done and assured her that the dry cleaning wasn't necessary. She said that the waiter should have told her sooner that the chair wasn't wiped down. She apologized again and hoped we would come back to Mariposa. I would only come back to Mariposa again if I had a gift card or was friends with a celebrity or important leader, otherwise this "upscale" restaurant is not worth the price for the quality of food and service. The good things about Mariposa are the popovers and strawberry butter and that chicken drink they serve. Like I mentioned earlier, the corn chowder and kobe beef burger were also pretty yummy. The menu lists the number of calories next to each dish so that one can make healthy dining choices. The lunch menu, however, is not very extensive at all. You have a limited number of choices and even the kids' menu is expensive at $16 per item. The other good thing about Mariposa is that the manager seems to care about the customers even if the wait staff doesn't. I appreciated that the manager took care of the bill...although the bill was only $40, and I'm sure eating lunch at Mariposa could easily go over $60, or with a larger party, it could total over $100. She probably saw a lot of bigger bills and didn't mind comping our $40 lunch lol. I'm just glad that the manager seemed concerned over what had happened and she was nice and did something about it, unlike the waiter.
(2)Diana B.
Great place to dine in if you're feeling fancy! It is located inside Neiman Marcus (yes, that's right! inside the store itself!) on the third floor. The restaurant has great views of Waikiki through the glass walls that adorn throughout the vicinity. The food can be pricey. However, not long ago I dined at an Indian place and it cost me an arm and a leg and I promise you that place looked like a dump compared to Mariposa... The service here is good too. Our waiter was attentive, friendly and cracked jokes with us. For starters they serve you the bread with a side of strawberry spread. So yummy! You will notice their breads here are puffy. I ordered the shrimp salad, substituted the goat cheese for feta cheese and it was very fresh and light. My girlfriend ordered the seafood curry which was OK. I've had better curry elsewhere. The other person in our party ordered the cheeseburger. It came with all the fixings and just like that it was gone off her plate! So don't be intimidated by the price, especially if you don't dine at fancy-looking places often like myself. Mariposa provides a good experience with tasty food and great service. P.S. Don't forget to make reservations. Our party was VERY late for our reservation and they still let us have a table without any fuss. Based on my experience I can see myself coming back here.
(4)Brent S.
Great place for lunch. The unlimited popovers with strawberry butter are great, but don't get too filled up on them. The Sweet Potato and Parmesan fries are a great accompaniment. The Seared Ahi Nicoise is a tasty light dish. The Lobster Club is amazing. The Orecchiette Pasta is hearty, but not too heavy. The oceanviews are a welcome setting for tourists and local alike. Definitely a place to revisit.
(4)Matthew N.
Mariposa is like an aging movie star. People keep coming to her movies more for what she was than what she is, because she's got style and grace. And every once in a while she really surprises you and makes you remember. Although you'd think that the patio seating would be too hot or noisy, counter-intuitively it's probably the best place to enjoy a more relaxed and quiet meal. There's a great view and, unlike the cavernous interior, it actually feels more intimate. I've never been disappointed with the food, particularly the brunch menu, but nothing has ever been so extraordinary that it makes me want to come back. The dishes aren't necessarily imaginative or blow-your-socks-off good; even their signature chicken consomme and popover are, after the novelty wears off, simply okay. The servers I've had tended to be very well-mannered, helpful, and efficient (the hostesses have been just as consistently clueless, rude, and stuck up). Don't get me wrong: I've had great meals here: fantastic dinners and fun, raucous lunches, and there are worse ways to spend a lazy weekend morning than having am omelette on the Mariposa terrace. But it usually isn't my first choice and is, more often, an afterthought.
(3)Jeanie S.
Great dinner rolls with strawberry butter! It was the best thing on the menu! My boyfriend and I each had the $65/person tasting menu. It was good but nothing really stood out. The server was funny, he would talk to us while walking away! and he never asked us how our food tasted. sometimes, he would replace my boyfriend's silverware but not mines. I guess I would've expected more from a place like this but I kind of liked his approached, jus left us alone.
(4)Teri Y.
Dined here with a friend on a gift certificate. Believe it or not, it was a little bit hard to spend $100 for 2 people for dinner. That's not a bad thing, as the prices were pretty reasonable. However... The waitress was pretty cool and distant, not personable at all. I got bitten by a sand flea within minutes of sitting down. It's pretty far from the beach, and it's not Mariposa's fault I suppose, since it was probably brought in by a customer, but the itchy red welt is not something I want to repeat during a fine dining experience. The table we sat at, on the railing (makai) side of the lanai directly in front of the open restaurant sliding doors, had a pleasant breeze--except for my back, that endured the cold blast of a/c coming from the indoors the whole time. That's not just uncomfortable--what a waste of energy, too! As for the food--we had 2 pupus: Braised Pork Belly & Seared Scallops pupu and Baked Mussels clam pupu. Both were very good. We also had the Bone-in Ribeye Steak and the Grilled Beef Tenderloin. Both were very tasty, but they were both ordered medium-rare and neither came to us that way. the ribeye was almost raw, and the tenderloin was more medium-well than medium rare. They came with sauces in dishes on the side, and the sauces were only lukewarm, so I'm glad that the flavor didn't make it necessary to use the sauces. We enjoyed our meats as they came and didn't send them back, but for a place like Mariposa, and the price you pay for such dishes, it was disappointing that they couldn't get it right. The flavor of our meats was very good, but I was a little confused because part of the ribeye was strangely sweet on some of the more caramelized parts of the steak. It was as if it was sprinkled with sugar to increase the caramelization. It wasn't unpleasant, just, er, different. I made the best of the ribeye, eating the edges that were a little less rare, knowing that I'd be taking most of it home, and the fact that it's so rare will make re-warming it become the medium-rare that I ordered to begin with. The tenderloin came with polenta fries which were great. The ribeye came with sliced potatoes which really had no flavor, and one of them was so undercooked that it was crispy. So, I'd give this place 2.5 stars if I could. Good flavors, nice view, awesome sunset. But -2.5 stars for getting our orders wrong and the staff that's way less friendly than I'm used to locally. The good news is that it's not a pricey as we thought it was going to be, and $100 can buy 2 people a bunch of food.
(2)Jennifer C.
Great Brunch/Lunch spot. The resto is in Neiman Marcus and has an outside dining area overlooking the ocean. The ambiance is, well, it's in a Neiman Marcus store. You might also want to factor in that it's in a Neiman Marcus store in Hawaii, so it's more casual than you think. I ordered the Greek Salad with dressing on the side but the server brought the dish with dressing. I don't mind this too much but I have to say, they are liberal with the stuff. All in all, I would def come here again with gfs.
(4)Liz T.
I like the gorgeous bird's-eye view of Ala Moana Beach Park from the open-air lanai. I like that I can be in a t-shirt and slippahz and receive good service. But I don't like the cuisine and that's what I came for. All smoke and no fire. The ladies and I lunched here in between shopping. There's something about Neiman Marcus that makes me feel like I'm a rich housewife in a lunch club when I'm at Mariposa. That's pretty true minus the money, marriage and membership. Ok, so it's completely untrue. That's why I like visiting Neiman Marcus anyway--it's like dressing up on Halloween. Anyway, the best thing I had was the Kahuku corn chowder. It warmed my soul even on a warm day. I gotta learn how to make chowdah, so I don't pay $5 for this a cup of this stuff--or $1 for the canned variety. Then I had the Mariposa Burger with Porcini fries and truffle aioli. The burger didn't make my eyes roll backward for $14 and the potato roll was pretty underwhelming. I was even more disappointed with the Porcini fries, which weren't mushroom fries but porcini dust-sprinkled fries! The truffle aioli was really good, but everything tastes great with truffle, foie gras or caviar. This should be called the Joel Robuchon Rule. I wasn't crazy about the overhyped popover with strawberry butter. I love the dry-wet dichotomy of popovers and I love flavored butter, but I still prefer the foccacia and chili garlic aioli at mall rival the Pineapple Room in Macy's. Now there's a winnah and it's not even warm. Come here if you eat with the eyes. Otherwise, take your tummy to the Pineapple Room.
(3)J Z.
This is a nice place to have lunch. It is very loud inside so we usually ask for outside seating. The service is good but very slow. If you have plans and expect a quick meal, don't come here. Otherwise, it's a good place to eat. Parking is easy. There is an elevator from the 3rd level lot straight to the restaurant. As far as the food, I think it depends on what you order.
(3)Tolkien L.
I honestly think this place is probably one of the best places to splurge on a very nice weekday or Saturday lunch with a good friend or date. The soup and bread they serve before the meal is amazing, service is very good too. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Angel L.
Well, what can you say about this Mariposa?! I say today since I've eaten here with my aunty we've really enjoyed drinking the complimentary chicken soup, which you can ask them to bring more if you like:) That's a bonus! Their bloody mary are great! The best sandwich that I've eaten there is Lobster Club, I highly recommend eating! Its fresh Lobster all the way through:) their dessert is great! This place everybody must eat!
(5)Jas A.
fun place to take people for lunch, brunch, or even high tea. I am a frequent eater at the mariposa. I've been there about 80+ times for lunch and brunch; and about 5 times for high tea. Mariposa gets 5 stars for their everything. service is wonderful, the food is awesome, and the ambiance is bright and airy. high tea is fun with friends and family and you can request seating wherever you want. the menu is always changing like the specials so if you want a certain item you should move quickly!
(5)Diana J.
The atmosphere was what I would described as "relaxed elegant." They provided a high style of service but that is also paired with the open-aired, ocean view restaurant setting. We took a while to decide what to order. During that time, our server delivered the wine and refilled ice waters. A bus boy brought Monkey Bread and strawberry butter. The bread was warm, if a tad oily. I ordered the four course tasting menu. I replaced the house smoked salmon with the Mariposa salad. The salad had locally-grown greens, shaved fennel, maui onions, kamuela tomatoes, white balsamic vinaigrette. The second course was steamed clams with fingerling potatoes, bacon, maui onions, garlic-cherry tomato broth. I thought the portion size was teeny, and would have enjoyed having a couple more clams. The clams were baby sized, fresh and sweet. The tomato broth was flavorful. For the third course, beef tenderloin. It came with garlic-roasted hamakua mushrooms, baby spinach, potato pearls, and a zinfandel reduction. The portion was tiny. I definitely left the restaurant still hungry after this being the main portion of my meal. The sauce was light but flavorful and it enhanced the beef. The beef was ordered medium rare, but it arrived rare. The vegetables were at the zenith of freshness and were perfectly cooked. My guest ordered the five course tasting menu. The first course was barbecued tiger prawns with grilled avocado and gazpacho. The second course was a fresh mozzarella and Waialua asparagus salad. Neither of us could find any asparagus, shaved or otherwise, in this dish. The roasted tomato and the greens with the dish were in nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. Next was a braised duck ravioli with a brie fondue. The sauce was a fantastic contrast to the meaty ravioli. Despite that it was a creamy cheese sauce it was so light! The fourth course was a rack of lamb with two small lamb chops, a goat cheese and potato gratin, and tempura'd eggplant. The meat had a wine and fennel sauce that complimented it nicely. The dessert of the day was a "warm" lilikoi cake. Only the very edges of the cake were in the least warm - it was mostly cold. It tasted good, and the fruit was fresh, but the cake would have been much better if it had been warm. Courses arrived in a timely manner, though were mostly delivered by runners or other servers. Once the wrong dishes were put in front of us Both of us found our meat less done than we had ordered. In both cases, it came rare, but was ordered medium rare. Although the meal was not without mis-steps, the overall rating was that it was a great meal, and we would order any individual component again.
(4)Minnie L.
I loved the atmosphere! It's really nice, and classy. They didn't give us looks for wearing crappy clothes, since it was a last minute decision we made to eat here. It probably has one of the best views in town, the ocean was just right there and of course you needed a reservation to sit outside. The menu was little but there was the chefs daily specials. Probably small to make things manageable. We were served popovers (my waiter told me monkey bread and I was like what? This isn't monkey bread...) and they were great! Warm, sweet (not too sweet), pillowy, buttery, it was so good! We were given a strawberry whipped mousse spread to go with it and that was sort of a dessert by itself. I had the salad because I was full from the popover. The regular green salad looked like a pile of rabbit food, so I'm glad I didn't get that. I got the beet salad it was ok, not great. I really wish I was hungrier because the other entrees looked absolutely stunning. Amazing plating and they were like plates of art. Dessert and tea menu offered at the end of service.
(4)Amar P.
Went here on my last day in Hawaii with the family before we headed to the airport on the recommendation of a friend. Having seen the prices on the lunch menu and knowing the food quality, I doubt I'd come here for dinner again, but for lunch, maybe. This 3 is maybe like a 3.5 in actuality. Ate outside on a nice day and got to see the sunset and look out over the ocean, which was nice. Popovers with strawberry butter hyped in other reviews were tasty and warm. I had for my salad the tomato salad with avocado gelato. I liked it. The avocado gelato was sweet and cold and different for a salad and I liked that. My pork chop was overall solid, but nothing amazing, though the risotto it came with was creamy and good. Bro liked his lobster spaghettini, but I didn't taste it. Looked good though. Put up a picture of that. Dad was meh about his prawns but he was the one who was paying and is not a big fan of paying so much for food, so that probably added to the bias. So overall it was pretty good, but for the money I've had better. Probably my choice of entree accounted for that. Actually, if I had had a salad and one of the more appealing appetizers as my meal, then I probably would give it 4 stars.
(3)COURTNEY K.
Lovely view. My friends all ordered steaks and they were overcooked. NIce place for Friday night fireworks.
(4)Cynthia H.
Bad Experience one: I came her a few years ago with a group of my friends since we wanted to try this place out. My friend had two little ones with her, as did I. When we went to the front and asked to be seated (party of 8 with 3 kids), they kind of looked at us like we were crazy to even think about coming here. There was hardly anyone in the place, and when we asked to be seated they didn't say anything but just looked at our kids. I got upset and said, so what is there a no small child rule here?! They finally told us that we would have to wait 30 minutes for a table?! WTF?! There are like 10 people in there! Let just say we turned around and left and went to Antipasto's instead. Mediocre Experience 2: Came here for a bridal shower for a brunch. The food was horrible for such a nice, and apparently super expensive place! Seating was weird for such a large group (About 30). It was a really really long table so those at the end had to look down the length of the table to see what was going on in the middle. They also sat us at the very back against the wall so people had a hard time getting out of the their seats. Overall, would not waste my time here.
(1)Katrice K.
My review is for lunch only, I have never been to dinner or tea time here. I love to go to lunch here for two things: the popovers and the chicken consomme. While the popover and chicken consomme have gotten smaller since they first opened, both are still extremely delicious. I have three dishes that I absolutely love to order, the lobster club (amazingly large piece of lobster with bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato), crab salad (the dressing is amazing), and the lobster bisque (I haven't found anything better). The place is pricey (it is in Neiman Marcus after all), but well worth it for a quiet lunch or to catch up with friends and the service is always top notch!
(4)Sungeun P.
After a hectic day at work on saturday, my girl friend and I decided we'll go to Mariposa to catch up with each other. I honestly DREADED going there. I went there ONCE when they opened. At that time I ordered a Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich for $27 and about 30 minutes after I finished eating, I started to throw up and it did not stop for 3 days. Needless to say I was SCARED. Realized that menu has changed I braced myself and grabbed a seat. As everyone have mentioned, the view is fantastic and very open. we sat on the Lanai and it was quiet until 30 million police, firetruck and EMS cars ran through ala moana BLVD. We started out with Water and the bread+strawberry butter. We took forever to decide on what to order because we haven't met up in a while. Our server's name was Keith and he waited patiently until we decided to order. Here's what we ordered : Kabocha Ravioli($12), Jasmin Tea($5), Decaf. Vanilla Tea ($5), King Crab Bruschetta ($14) One of the servers brought the food out. I wish I took a picture but I forgot my camera at home. The crab bruschetta was arty and pretty. Taste was bit bland like the other reviews have mentioned but I guess that was to enhance the crab's natural flavor. Try taking each bite with a small bit of lemon. It matched well. My Kabocha ravioli came out and as soon as the plate landed infront of me I felt my mind go blank for a sec. There were 3 one inch raviolis on my plate. I think I expected at least 4. The server (not Keith) turned around, saw my expression and came back "Is everything ok?" Since I was in a good mood I told myself "Taste it first" "Yes everything's fine" I took one of the ravioli and chewed it up. It was filled with mild sweetness of kabocha. Very light but the sauce (made with lobster stock?) was rich and it had a great balance. After the 3 ravioli was done, I tried the sauce with my half of monkey bread. It was really good and I offered a piece to my friend and she agreed that the bread was even better with the ravioli sauce (than the butter). Almost right after my friend said that, the server who brought our food came to our table and asked if I was done with my plate. I told him that I was using the sauce for my bread. When he came back to get my plate he said, "Are you finally done with the sauce? Haha Just kidding" REALLY? Did I give an impression like Im licking the plate clean or something? I'll remember this guy and the next time I go, I'll speak with the manager if he says something rude and retarded again. Anyway, people, do not be alarmed if you see 3 raviolis. It was a good thing I had a ginormous lunch. We happily chatted away and it was a pleasant evening, minus the 20 something yr old, tall asian server. I'll go back next time and we'll see how that goes. More Yelpin coming your way.
(3)Anna D.
popover, squid ink risotto, soups, salads, bloody mary's, burgers, dang it.. it's all good! the popovers are free and i eat about 3-4 of them since they're like air! The drinks are great and perfect to the taste in mixtures. I honestly love eating here with my friends since we all enjoy the ambiance, the food, and the service. It's definitely one of those girls lunch/dinner and sometimes a "boys allowed" event.
(5)Eric R.
Had dinner there last night. Great ambiance, décor, service and food. I recommend sticking with anything that comes from the sea!
(4)Daniel B.
Lunch this time around proved to be a LOT better than dinner. Emily wanted to check this place out because of the more positive lunch reviews, so of course, I gave in and made reservations on OpenTable. Made the first reservation of the day... until our time, we wandered around the candy section of Neiman Marcus waiting for the curtain to roll up.. even went as far as to check out the Christmas section that was starting to open up... speaking of which $35 for an ornament?!... ha! Sat down outside, on a gorgeous sunny day overlooking Ala Moana Beach Park... The sky was a gradient of dark blue, to slightly light, white clouds... it was a beautiful sight. Our service was very quick and guess what they had?! ... Popovers!... and the strawberry butter was oh-so-good! On our plates were the Lobster Club for her, and the Rib-eye Roast Beef Sandwich for me. Not being Sweet Potato fries fans, we substituted them for the Porcini Fries... (which are like regular fries, really). For my sandwhich, I did enjoy that the au jus-like dip was like onion soup... that was delicious, yum! For hers, The lobster club isn't like one of those sandwiches that makes you question "where's the lobster?" -- there really are large chunks of lobster you can see and taste! The bottom line: Lunch is definitely THE time to check this place out. The energy is high, view is nice, and there are a lot more selection from the menu, also the Popovers are readily available!
(4)Liz S.
The views are spectacular, and the service is impeccable. We had a wonderful waiter, Keoni, who was the epitome of professionalism. No matter how busy the restaurant was, he made sure that our table had what we needed. Ofcourse, we love the popovers and our 6 yr old couldn't get enough of the consommé. Son and I split a cheeseburger and fries, hubby liked the lobster club, which comes in a double decker sandwich with avocado and bacon (it was not an over the top slathered with mayo, which was a good thing). Make sure to make reservations (I did it online and it was very convenient!) Gets busy at lunchtime on a Saturday.
(5)Marisa R.
I love this place. love love love love. I definitely would have given five stars if they hadn't taken their stuffed chicken breast and risotto off the menu. The popovers and strawberry butter are delicious and the chicken consomme is bomb diggity. I decided on the pasta this last time that I went. And it was good. Sausage, broccolini, tomatoes, eggplant and topped off with fresh goat cheese. Yessssss! Also, the plantation iced tea is soooooooo delicious and cute!
(4)A G.
I had the opportunity to dine here for the first time and was impressed. The service was fabulous! The popovers were delicious, my orecchiette pasta was very tasty, and the desserts we ordered were equally delectable. Although a bit pricey, there is also soup and salads that are within a decent price range for lunch.
(4)Miki H.
If it's 11 am, I'll be ordering the salmon salad with goat cheese and onions. Hopefully I'll remember to ask for no spiced pecans because it's really difficult to pick all the bits out! Love the chicken consommé but to that waiter who took my cup away before I was done, shame on you! Normally I wouldn't fuss but I had to point your errant ways because you were on auto pilot...no smile, all business. I would've hated for someone else's last few sips of chicken consommé to be prematurely whisked away. Besides, who was I to complain when you brought a replacement cup? That stuff is liquid gold =). If it's 2:45 pm, I'll be ordering the three cheese plate with a Texas cooler. The cheese is fabulous and the drink is unique and refreshing but I love that they serve a generous portion of just toasted, still warm bread wrapped in a white napkin blanket for you to eat as quickly or slowly as you like. If you devour it all too quickly, and I'd be surprised if you do, they'll bring you more. This is my fave mid-afternoon meal of all time!
(4)Kellie C.
I was really disappointed in our dinner experience here. There wasn't anything on the menu that sounded appealing, the setting wasn't as nice as most high-end Honolulu restaurants, and the service was just ok. I will have to come back and try it again during lunch.
(1)Leimalani F.
Normally a f-n rock star, but last visit more of a meh-star. OK, read the reviews yelpers. People come here for the POPOVERS. Yes, they are delicious and the consomme is a nice touch. BONUS is you can ask for seconds :) which I like to accompany the soup of the day. On my last visit these tasted a wee-bit burnt which made me a lot-a-bit sad :( Oh, and they only serve these at lunch so that's the only time I'll come here. They'll give you the recipe if you ask the host desk and care to try these at home. Corn chowder is always creamy and delightful. This is the best corn chowder I've ever eaten and I don't even like chowders. I also like the beef and barley soup when they have it. I love the wild salmon salad. Too bad they stopped serving it with Purple Haze goat cheese from Maui's Surfing Goat Dairy. Now it is regular old Sonoma. On my last visit, I had the ahi nicoise. The tomatoes and potatoes tasted like they had been cut days in advance and had a slightly sour tang. Also, the sashimi salad was not good. The salmon slices did not taste fresh and were discarded. Crab salad was a let down for a colleague who said it lacked flavor. Everyone loves the burger and the tuna melt. Don't expect a huge slab of rare ahi b/c that's not gonna happen here at "Needless Markup". In the past I've really enjoyed their scallops in butter lettuce sauce (no longer on the menu). Desserts and specialty drinks are tasty for the most part. They gave me a creme brulee once for my birthday which was winnahs! I love idea of the mini ice cream cones, but these came way too melted. The waitress even mentioned that the kitchen can't figure out how to serve them better. Service used to be posh, but seems like the restaurant is cutting down on the number of servers so they are very busy and hard to catch. I felt that the quality of food has gone downhill, perhaps because of the recession? tho you'd never know by how busy this place still is for lunch. I still give em tree-stah b/c I love popovers. Ladies, if you must DO lunch, perhaps try the Plumeria Bar at the Kahala for ocean views, high tea and a more relaxed atmosphere: yelp.com/biz/plumeria-be…
(3)Janis K.
Took my mom here for her birthday since we were drooling over the popovers. We were somewhat disappointed with it. Although it was warm, it was kind of chewy but not as crumbly as the last time. We both agreed that it wasn't the same since when they first opened. The strawberry butter was a nice save. I had the daily special (moi) and she has the roast beef sandwich. My moi was perfectly cooked, crunchy skin & just enough salt. The broth was slightly sweet with baby bok choi & all types of mushroom. Yum! The plantation iced tea was as pretty as ever (it'd better be for $5/glass). Our waiter was very sweet & recommended a new dessert & steered us away from the creme brulee (which is a staple). The pumpkin crunch was like a mousse on top with glazed walnuts for a crust. Perfection!!
(4)Leona Y.
The interior of this place is very airy and sophisticated, especially with the numerous fans on the ceiling. I dined here with my parents on a Sunday night so it was wasn't too busy, but I would recommend a reservation if possible. Try and sit outside since you can watch the sunset around 7pm, but be aware this place is full of Japanese tourists!! They have menus in both English and in Japanese which is very convenient for people like my parents who are more comfortbale with reading a Japanese menu. I ordered the $55 Chef's Tasting Menu which came with three main courses and a dessert. The first course was smoked salmon, the second course was baked mussels, and the third course I chose the pork chop (you also have the choice of hawaiian pink snapper if you'd like). Dessert was a type of pudding with some cream and fruits on top. Each portion is very small which I like since you don't get bored or too full to enjoy the other courses. My favorite dish was the baked mussels!! If it's your first time at Mariposa, I would reccomend the Chef's Tasting Menu since you can get a little taste of everything the restaurant has to offer. This is a great place to go for dates, with girlfriends, or with family. Next time I come back to Honolulu (with my parents or when I have a lot of $$$) I will be coming back for sure!
(4)Alex G.
Looking for a brunch place? Consider mariposa. Pros: Service, drinks (plantation ice tea, guava juice, pineapple juice, etc), sandwiches are good. If you are looking for a lunch spot that won't bloat you and make you feel fat the rest of the day, you should come here. Cons: Pricy and the menu lacks diversity.
(4)Scott R.
Wonderful ambience! Reserve ahead to get a table on the terrace with a view of the ocean. And save room for dessert, the choices are excellent!
(4)David G.
Mariposa located at Needless Mark Up (Just kidding, Neiman Marcus) offers great ocean, beach and boat harbor views. All of their ingredients are fresh and utilized extremely well. The food as well as the service is wonderful and the restaurant is extremely clean making Mariposa a great place to eat. PS. Their Strawberry Butter is really great....
(4)Sophia K.
The view is very nice. The food is tasteless and bad. I had the salmon and it tasted frozen. It came with some couscous with tomato sauce that tasted exactly like canned tomato juice. It was bland, tasteless and flavorless.
(1)Alex A.
Come here for lunch! We came here once for dinner and we weren't as impressed...the prices sky-rocket, there's no popover (you get monkeypod bread or something), and they do suffer a bit from a case of "elf food". However, it was still mucho deliciouso. My girlfriend loves this place, by the way...something about the atmosphere brings out the little princess inside of her. You can choose to eat outside which is quite lovely, but we actually enjoy eating indoors, because it is so nice inside. Very simple, yet elegant (plus I like the A/C). I feel a bit like a plebeian saying so, but I come here to eat their hamburger! Yes, it's practically a $10 hamburger and there's absolutely nothing fancy about it in terms of fixings...but it's SOOOO GOOOD! The combination of their fresh ingredients, sexy bun, and a perfectly cooked patty makes this one of my favorite no-frills burgers on the island. But let's talk about what you're not paying for (directly).... popovers! These things are like huge bready clouds, the kind you daydream about jumping in as kids, and they taste just as buttery delicious as your childhood imagination would believe. They come with some kind of flavored butter that used to be an even better flavored butter, but is still quite delicious. They serve the popovers with a small cup of chicken broth or "consomme" if you're fancy. I like it because it makes ME feel fancy to sip broth from a tiny cup (pinky out). But it does add to the ambiance and complements the popover well. Anyway, this is one of our favorite places to go. It's a little more expensive than our usual low-brow fare, but it's totally worth it for the setting, service, and free popovers and consomme!
(4)T. L.
Havent been here for a while. This place is really nice , the service is friendly, nice atmosphere, the food is really good , but limited selection. I had some chicken forgot what its called but it was roasted. And it was awesome. Coming back for sure !!!! :-)
(4)Shep G.
Unusual location that is just lovely, very open and airy with a fantastic view over the palm trees in Ala Moana Park across the street. Pop overs with lunch were HUGE! :) We all had great food, it was a working lunch and it was a good location for that....
(4)Jesse C.
I guess? I keep hearing about how great the popovers are. But when I had gone with my folks. They said that they no longer serve the lilikoi butter. Apparently that made all the different. Yeah, ok, so they gave us strawberry butter compound. *Yawn* I can make better popovers. And before you ask, yes, I do own those silly popover pans. I had the thai curry. The view was nice; magic island from afar. But I went on the weekend and some guys have those high-speed gas r/c boats. Boy, are they friggen loud. Not enjoyable. The wait service I received was not on par with their expected dining experience. I'll keep my money, next time. Thanks.
(3)Ashley B.
Must. Go. Back. For. More. Considering the price and the upscale/classy atmosphere, it is unfortunately not an everyday place for me. Great for very special occasions. I love the routine. Start off w/a taza of consommé to stimulate your appetite. (After a sip of this, I couldn't wait to eat whatever I decided to order!) Then their ever-so-famous popovers with strawberry butter that I could just eat all day long. My friend and I ordered a mimosa, which was perfect (and i rarely ever say 'perfect!') My friend had Grilled Ahi Sandwich, which looked and tasted amazing! It came w/fries. I debated between the sashimi salad and seared ahi niscoise, but I'm glad that I listened to our server and ordered the sashimi salad (though I have an inkling that the niscoise will be just as great!). My salad consisted of a variety of fresh fish and fish eggs on a pool of golden tomato gazpacho and topped w/sea asparagus. I think it is safe for me to say that it was a total orgasm in my mouth.
(4)Min K.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Mariposa for the ambiance, Mariposa Ice tea, and food, but I was sorely disappointed by both prix fixe items. I've tried most of the items on separate occasions with the Brie agnolotti being a Prix fixe only first course. The first Prix fixe was tomato bruschetta, Kahuku corn chowder, choice of pork chop, king salmon, or ribeye steak, and the chef's dessert selection. The second one was the tiger prawns, agnolotti, calamari, beef tenderloin, and the chef's dessert. Everything was so good but the only complaint was the beef tenderloin. Now I've had it before as an entrée but why did you go bad on me? The polenta sticks were overly fried and salty, the tomatoes weren't broken down enough, and the meat was a bit tough. The Brie agnolotti was too sweet and that's all I could taste, I think the apples really overpowered the delicate flavor of the Brie. I think the prices were very reasonable and next time I will have to try it with the wine pairings!
(4)Shay F.
I drop it one star because they don't have the pop over bread and soup after 3pm. SUCKS! *rawr* I went to "Girls Day Dinner" here just because I wanted those two items.....now, it's blah.....They should have those two items ALL DAY!
(3)m m.
I used to love coming here for lunch. I don't know what's happened to this place. The food has completely deteriorated. The popovers are so dry. The king crab salad, which used to be my favorite, was horrible. Under-ripe, hard avocado, wilted lettuce w/ brown spots, unfresh crab...yuck. I was so disappointed. We also split the salmon pizette which was also horrible. The crust was super tough and very salty. I seriously don't know what happened to this place. It used to be one of my favorites. And for the prices, the food should be top notch...but it's not.
(2)Darci N.
It looks like it belongs in Neiman Marcus and it serves like its in Neiman Marcus. I ordered a Pork Tenderloin but I didn't care too much for the carmelized apple sauce they had it in. My friend ordered some pasta and that was good. Service was great, view was great, besides the B-52 roach climbing the sun screen.
(3)Thomas N.
I had the potato-crusted salmon and it was pretty good. The popovers are cool and much more interesting than plain bread. I was not a fan of the strawberry butter but I suppose other people will enjoy it. Our waitress was slightly awkward, but nice and polite.
(3)Tara C.
Sometimes, you just want to slip away and pretend you're the one on vacation. Or maybe you just want to be one of the ladies who lunch. In either case, Mariposa is the place for you. Laid back but elegant with beautiful views on the patio or inside. Service is as you would expect: spot on. Can't really find a single complaint about it. Last time I was there (lunching with a gal pal, with our new purchases in hand) I had the Ahi Nicoise, which is a refreshing choice for those of us who eat Ahi a lot. I also loved the lobster bisque. I can't say its the best I EVER had, but I have a high standard. I also like the Applewood Salmon Salad, perfect for a summer day. I see lots of local food on the menu (but not exclusively) still, it matters and I appreciate it. Prices are, well, Neiman Marcus-esque. But fortunately, the splurge is worth it.
(4)Alan K.
We went on a dinner date on Friday around 6-ish. It was not too busy. The service was quite excellent. The food on the other hand varied a great deal. The dinner roll was some sort of pull apart butter bread. It was awesome. I could eat it all day. The strawberry butter was okay but the bread didn't need it. I tried the Iced Coco Coffee. The coffee was strong but not that remarkable. The coconut taste was subtle. If you are not the whipped cream type, ask for it without. I ordered the 3 course tasting menu. The corn chowder was decent. Lots of fresh corn, thicken properly with potato and cream instead of corn starch (so it is not pasty). It was a tad under-seasoned. I had to resist using the salt shaker. The crab bruschetta was fair. A nice crunchy piece of toasted baget topped with ripe tomato, a bit of crab meat, a bit of green with the whole thing sitting on a dap of guacamole. 3 things made this only a fair dish. First, the tartness of the tomato overwhelmed everything. Second, the dressing was spooned onto the plate instead of tossed with the toppings. Third, a bruschetta is meant to be eaten by hand, this is piled so high that it can't be handled gracefully. The ribeye steak was not a whole steak. Instead it was slices, on top of a bed of parsnip mash potato and cooked spinach. I ordered the steak medium rare and it wa perfectly cooked. Everything tasted good but the plate is on the small side. Wifey had to special order (due to allergy) scallop, asparagus on top of rice. We ordered it plain without seasoning. The first attempt failed as they put black pepper on it. The second attempt was better but of course, my steak was already cold. Overall, we had a nice time together but the food was only fair. Almost every dish has something against it. The exception is the bread.... That is a pretty sad state of things. Oh and two peeves, their steak knife handle was round so it does not rest well on the plate. I couldn't put it down or it slid right into the food. The chairs were super uncomfortable. These people should be made to sit down for a whole meal so they can tell how bad it felt. Both my feet went pins and needles at the end. The meal wasn't cheap either. At over $100, I'd expect better.
(2)Justin W.
My wife has been wanting to come here for a while. Mariposa is located in Nieman Marcus on the top floor in Ala Moana mall. Upon walking up we were promptly greeted by the hostess. She told us it would be around 20 minutes. So we decided to wait. As we sat there and looked through the menu I was also messing around on my YELP app for android and noticed that this place accepts reservations through Open Table. I would say during lunch time you will be better off doing this since you might be able to get seated faster. Once we sat down at our table our server brought out a small cup of a chicken broth to drink. She was very nice. She took our order after that. While we were waiting for our food they brought pop puts with a strawberry butter. I think our pop outs were a little burnt but the strawberry butter was pretty good. I ordered the roast beef sandwich and it came with sweet potato fries. The sandwich was very good and it came with a dipping sauce. Our server was very attentive and nice. The atmosphere is also very nice, it is bright and inviting. The noise level is not bad, so you can hold a normal conversational tone with the people across the table. I am pretty sure we will be back to try other foods.
(4)Emi N.
This is my favorite weekday lunch spot! The lanai seatings are great!!!
(5)Ryan Y.
Review is for lunch. Went this past weekend since someone was willing to treat me to lunch. Walked up to podium, and was asked if we had reservations, said no. Was asked for my first and last name, hmmm.... are they keeping track of me, will I be greeted by name next time and what I ate? Got seated right away. Thought service would have been better, we ordered drinks, I had the Mariposa punch which was okay, the plantation ice looked better. Long wait for the drinks, in the mean time we get the popovers which is excellent but still no drinks and not even water, had to flag waiter down to inquire about drinks. Had some kind of chicken/beef broth in a small espresso type cup, I guess this is the predrink drink. Had lobster club sandwich and partner had soup and salad. Food was good, little on the pricey side. So to conclude food was good but over priced, service was junk, ambiance was okay. ps-after finish was waiting outside by candy and wine area since lunch partner went to restroom, so sales person tells me that the wine bottle I'm holding is good, jokingly told her cheaper at Tamura's, she laughs and tells me she shops there also sometimes then walks away.
(3)Doris D.
I've been here a few times for lunch, the entrees are take it or leave it, but the things to come here for are the atmosphere, consume, and popovers.
(3)Tracey U.
Let me just start off by saying....these popovers are life changing!! I had these for the first time in May while having lunch with a few girlfriends. When the Popover came over to the table I did not realize how delicious it was going to be. Also, the butter that accompanies the Popover is excellent. I believe I had 4 or 5 Popovers in addition to my lunch that day. I just couldn't stop myself. Popovers are a definite must eat!!!
(4)Kristen C.
More like a 3.5...Came here around 12 and the place was filled with others still waiting to be seated. Since we didnt have a reservation we had to wait 15-20 mins. It wasnt too bad as I just walked around looking at the expensive candy/chocolate. When we were finally ready to be seated we sat next to the outside window and wished I were outside because the weather was really nice. After being seated our popovers came a bit after. This was my first time coming here and my friend said that their popovers were good so I was really excited to try it and it was just a-ok. Not really my kind of thing I guess, too light and airy, although the outside did have some crunch to it; I just prefer bread with more substance. Its just like eating an unfilled cream puff so if you like that then you'll like popovers. It also came with a whipped strawberry butter that was also just okay. A while later our chicken consomme came and that was really good and flavorful and dipping the popover in it made the popover even better. As for entrees, I ordered the laksa seafood curry that consisted of clams, jumbo black tiger shrimp, fresh fish and sliced veggies. My friend got the mahi with blue crab risotto. Throughout our wait our water was filled so that was good. When our dishes came my curry smelled really good and tasted really good too. It still needed some heat so I asked for some tabasco and they brought some mini tabasco containers 8-) in which i used the whole thing but could have used 2 =P. The shrimp was really huge and tasted good, the clams were chewy so I didnt really like those, then again, i dont really like clams to begin with, as for the fish, it was a big dry. The veggies consisted of red bell pepper, eggplant and onions and they made a nice addition to the dish. The rice came on the side so that was nice, rather than it being in the curry and having it soaked. It was just plain 'ol white rice, I was hoping that it would be jasmine considering the restaurant is more on the expensive side; it was cooked perfectly though so i'll give them that. As for my friend's dish, he said the risotto tasted "mayonaisy" so I tried it and yeah, it tasted like they probably mixed some mayo in it, which I thought was weird. It also tasted a bit undercooked as it kind of had a bite to it. I've tasted other places where it was a bit more softer and another place were it also had a bite. Seeing as though mariposa is a more upscale place, i wasnt sure if they just messed up on the risotto or that it really does have a bite to it. So, I'm not sure what "true" risotto is supposed to taste like, I think im just gonna have to try it at some fancy italian restaurant where they know what they're doing. As for dessert, so many things on the menu sounded yummy. I either wanted to try the lilikoi pudding cake of the frozen lemon souffle. I never had a souffle before and was curious what "frozen" meant in the dish so I decided to choose that to share. When it came out we were surprised why they called it a souffle as it wasnt "cakey" at all, it was more like a frozen lemon cool whip kind of thing, nevertheless it was good and very tarty. It also came topped with raspberries and blackberries, whip cream and candied lemon rinds, with honey drizzled on the plate. Overall food and service was pretty good so 3.5 for that; and yeah, i'd like to come back to try other dishes, especially that pudding cake that looked really good when a waiter passed by =9.
(4)Mina F.
The view is what you pay for. Good food too, love the crab salad and grilled flat iron steak salad. Not cheap but you get to enjoy the nice view of the harbor. Nice place to have sunday brunch.
(4)Elle H.
Went there for dinner with my husband and sat on the outside patio. I called three times to see if we'd be able to get sunset seating, and was kept on the phone waiting for several minutes. Finally just showed up as a walk-in and was able to get the outside seating I wanted. The sun wasn't too strong on us as it set, and the view of Ala Moana Beach park was nice. I had the prix fixe menu-- bruschetta, corn chowder, salmon and chef's dessert selection. Hubby had the carrot marsala soup that was poured table side and mahimahi. Everything was very delicious and well prepared. Everything was at the right temperature and the timing between courses was perfect. Service was above average but I thought it could have used some improvement. My water remained less 1/4 full for most of my meal. On the plus side, waiter explained menu and wasn't too intrusive. Great place for an intimate and casual dinner (business or aloha casual-- jeans may be a little too casual). More pricey than what I normally would go for, but certainly worth it for the quality of food and ambiance. I would leave the kids at home for this place.
(4)Linh P.
I ordered the daily special, which was a trio of halibut the day I went. Sampled a few appetizers. Shared two ridiculously overpriced bottles of French wine with my company. My dish was way too busy (see photo I uploaded in gallery) - there must have been about 50 things on it (dash of miso here, pineapple there, hibiscus flower decoration here, 4 different sauces, macadamia nuts hiding beneath a slice of fish, slivers of possibly every vegetable and spice they had in the pantry). Seriously, was the chef on crack? It didn't taste bad, it was actually ok ( when consumed in several separate bites). The service was excellent. And the breathtaking view from our dinner table out on the balcony really did a lot for the overall experience.
(4)Gil G.
Excellent food with pristine service by Johnson Wong!
(4)Tessa t.
yelp 365 challenge #36/365 took my best girl out for her birthday... this is the place she chose... meh. our choices: she got some sweet wine. i got a chard. (the wine isn't what the review is about) king crab cocktail... warm. not too crabby :( she didn't like it. i ate it because i wasn't about to waste $14... we also ordered a soup... i wish i remember what "cream of...." soup it was because that was the highlight of our meal... smoked kurobuta pork chops... eh. the cipollini did not complement the pork chops too well... lobster spaghettini... lobster pieces were sometimes mushy... or overcooked :( my spaghettini was also cooked too long :( my tab was $107... i was buzzing... and the food still didn't make my taste buds happy... sad face. on the other hand... service was nice. extra star for that :)
(3)Vikki W.
Had lunch at Mariposa in Neiman Marcus on Saturday. Hadn't been there in a long while. I was pleasantly surprised that the menu was very good. I had the house Salmon salad. All the components were excellent! My aunt had the sea bass special and she gave me a bite. The flavor was just right, fish cooked perfectly. I will definitely go back. Oh BTW, as usual, the service was impeccable! My only complaint was that the roadwork on Ala Moana made for a noisy outside lunch but they have no control of that.
(5)Lindsay J.
i love getting all dressed up for dinner... :) one of my besties and i got here just as the sun was setting. lovely atmosphere, very... ethereal. my breakdown: the food: buttery popovers with fruity butter = to die for! soft, warm, fluffy... delicious butter. we had to ask for seconds... definitely better than any bread and butter i've ever had. brie agnolotti = brie and almond dumpling-like concoction with caramelized apples and raisins = savory/sweet love going on. great combination of flavors. grilled australian lamb chops = chickpea/yogurt encrusted lamb chops with fingerling mashed potatoes and a pomegranate-port sauce = yummm. i had to fight the urge to pick up those damn bones and gnaw every little morsel off of it... but no. a lady mustn't do that... well, in public anyway. my only complaints were that the lamb was overcooked and the crust wasn't particularly that flavorful. i ordered it med-rare, and they came out well done. sigh. minus 1 star. vanilla creme brulee with fresh berries = not overly sweet. very creamy, and i loved the burst of hidden berries folded into the custard. the service: exceptionally well. the wait staff was very knowledgeable and quick to refill our drinks. i am so looking forward to my next dining experience here.
(4)Cat K.
I've eaten here many times and surprisingly have not gotten sick of their food yet. I love the Lobster Club Sandwich with fries, their plantation ice tea, and all of their desserts! If you can grab a seat outside with a view...that's really nice too.
(4)Kelli C.
My husband and I went here for dinner on a Monday night. One star for a nice waiter but the food was really disappointing. My starter was a beet salad which really lacked flavor. Our entrees were the scallops and the fish of the day which was opakapaka. Both were served to us undercooked--the fish was literally raw inside. Plus the garnish with the fish was again totally lacking in flavor. The management took my fish off the bill but I felt that they should have also taken the scallops off since only 3 of the 4 could be eaten. My husband ordered one of the signature drinks which was more like fruit punch than a cocktail. The atmosphere was sleepy and lifeless. This is the kind of place the blue haired ladies eat.
(1)Jade L.
Well thought out menu and restaurant layout make it a pleasure to dine at the Mariposa. The quality and flavor of all their food is top notch. I enjoyed a memorable lunch with family here and plan on returning next time I'm in Honolulu.
(5)Heather L.
Really enjoy the views, and the food is consistent...but I think overpriced, even for Hawaii. We have gone or dinner multiple times..but it was never one of those places that jumped to mind when we went out. We never saw the restaurant busy, yet hey almost always made us wait for our table. Seems to be a Japanese tourist favorite...the monkeybread with the homemade butter at the start of the meal is a nice touch...
(3)Paul T.
For the money you spend, the experience at Mariposa is only average. I went for business lunch during the week and the service was extremely slow, although polite. Lunch took nearly two hours -- unacceptably long for the middle of the work day. And following a restaurant trend, they automatically add a 20% tip for parties of 5 or more. (I rue the day when restaurants start charging a tip automatically for *any* sized party.) The food is fairly good, especially the well-known popovers, but the quality is not as high as you'd expect. Once for lunch I had meat that was fairly fatty; for another lunch I had seared ahi and the fish was tasty but less than top notch. The ambiance is pleasant, and the view of the ocean and Ala Moana Beach Park is nice, but better views exist elsewhere. I'd go back if I had a gift card or if someone else were paying. Otherwise, nope.
(3)Tyler D.
I give it a four star because the view is hard to beat. The food is more like a three star...barely I like the tuna melt. It is seared ahi with melted cheese, but most of the other things I have tried here are nothing too great. Yup..of course the popover and butter (is that strawberry butter) are too die for...Most of the time after eating here, I tell myself I should have just had the popover and some coffee...and kept ordering popovers....
(4)Kris N.
Lobster club. So yummy
(5)Janet K.
Mariposa does lunch better than dinner. I like the seafood Laksa curry. I ordered it spicy and it was wonderful!!! The coconut milk wasn't too over powering or sweet. The level of spiciness was perfect. The ahi melt was also delicious. I ordered it with the porcini fries and it came with a truffle aioli. The Acqua Pazza fresh catch is good, but it could use more saffron and starch. The corn chowder was bland, but it was nothing a little salt couldn't fix. And yes, of course the popover and strawberry butter were awesome as usual.
(4)Christine C.
Wonderful food and service! Enjoy lunch on the balcony that overlooks Ala Moana Beach Park. I sure did! I also had dinner there once, but was surprised that the service wasn't as good as my lunch experience.
(4)Sandi W.
Good food but slow service.
(4)Murray K.
Food is good, but overpriced. Don't ever ever go there with a big crowd. Due to the lazy chef, they will allow you a set menu for only 3 items to pick from and NOT even giving you a choice between fries or salad with your entree. This place is a NAZI restaurant. Kincaid's has better service...go there not here!!
(2)Al B.
We had a large group and this was a good option for nice food with a good view. Maria, who handled our reservation, did a good job of ensuring things went smoothly with our table arrangement and party size. We chose a course option, which included soup, a main dish, and dessert plus a drink. Pricing was reasonable considering the location, and service was adequate. I think we would go back next time we visit the area.
(3)Brendan J.
Kind of overpriced for what you get. You can definitely get the same quality of food for less on the island. I really like the actual restaurant though - very airy and cool with the breeze and fans going, and awesome awesome view of Ala Moana beach. The popover things are huuuge! They remind me of those Dutch Baby pancakes in taste and are kind of eggy. Ahi tuna melt - Winnahs! The best dish ordered. Beautiful seared ahi steak. Potato encrusted moi with clams - Tasty. It would have been nice to have some French bread or something to soak up all that broth. Seared diver scallops - Tasty, but a little overcooked. They were getting a little tough. The sauce with the gnocchi and mushrooms was good. Seared scallop salad - Smaller than expected, but our server let us know it was on the small side. Scallop cooked much better on this one. Warm lilikoi pudding cake - Came topped with a big sugar cookie thing. Was okay, but I prefer lilikoi things more sour. The complimentary chicken consomme and peppermint stick were nice. Their version of pog juice just tasted like straight up pineapple juice and got watered down fast. Pretty good food, but like a lot of things at Neiman Marcus, kind of overpriced. It may be worth checking out for the amazing view though.
(3)Danielle Y.
Wonderful place if you need a view and expensive-ish fancy food that tastes pretty good (expensive wine prices!!!). My popovers were a little wonky (a tad too crispy on the outside, kinda doughy on the inside) but I did enjoy the strawberry butter. One thing I'm a little pissy about (and it's my fault, really) is that they put prosciutto on the portobello sandwich. I assumed (ass out of u and me...bah!) that the portobello sandwich ($16) was veggie as there were no other veggie options and didn't read the ingredient list carefully (once again, my fault!). It is a little annoying that they would ruin the one non-salad potential veggie option, but specifically I can't eat pork! It was bad news later that afternoon lemme tell ya. Anyway, once I got water (!) service was quite friendly while still being professional, the food while not exceptional for the price was, when packaged with a spot on the lanai, worth it. If I didn't want to eat outside with a view, I'd probably choose somewhere else.
(3)E L.
Popover - 4 stars Mariposa Salad - 4 stars Burger - 3 stars Service - 4 stars View - 4 stars
(4)Irene C.
This is one of my favorite places to grab lunch in Honolulu now. I know, I effing hate the idea of eating at the mall sometimes . . . or worse, dressing up a little more nicely for a joint at the mall, but I love this place. It is my experience to go a little earlier to land a table on the lanai although the interior has very nice ambiance as well. Again, I am all about the complimentary items. Consomme and popovers are wonderful. After tasting their strawberry butter, I damn near made a vat of it at home . . .who doesn't love sweet+savory? Scallops and gnocchi are good, but don't expect to be filled. . . .as there are five scallops and three gnocchi -- as in 8 little (albeit, tasty and flavorful) morsels to much on. Favorite item on the menu is the seared ahi sandwich. Caper aioli was fucking delicious. The seared ahi, as opposed to the scallops, was generously portioned. Thank God. And if that's not enough, some of the male servers are nice to look at. Who doesn't like being served by pretty boys?
(5)Ernest P.
I made a reservation for 8 people for this Sunday to celebrate my daughter's baptism and made the reservation two days in advance. When we arrived there 15 min early and checked in, the manager with a scowl on her face, told me to come back at our reservation time at 130pm. I asked if they could give me a pager so they could notify me when our table was ready and she refused to give one to us, while walk in customers were given them. Instead of trying to accommodate us, she tried to push us on the side. We waited for 15 minutes, to our designated reservation time and when I went to check in, one of the hostesses said our table was not ready and told me, move to the side. Instead of trying to accommodate the customer, they totally made us feel like 3rd rate citizens, with the manager being no help at all. Usually, managers are very helpful, or will try to diffuse a situation in any way possible, but this manager and front staff, did nothing to keep our business.... I have been there before, and have gotten good service, but this experience alone will make me never go back there ever again... I recommend restaurants all the time to friends and family alike, and will give a bad recommendation from now on for this restaurant. When they were unable to seat us at our reservation time, nor were they apologetic, we decided to leave. We ended up at BUBBA GUMPS, a supposed far cry from the high end service and quality one would expect at Mariposa, and were treated like VIPS. That's how any customer-service oriented place should treat their customers. I have lots of money to spend on restaurants, sorry for Mariposa, my money and my network of friends and family's money will never be spent on that restaurant until they get rid of the non-customer service attitude that starts from the top.
(1)Duke N.
Reservations highly recommended. This is a very popular lunch spot among locals and visitors. The ambiance is pleasant with ceiling fans in the dining room that resemble butterflies (mariposas) and a view from the balcony overlooking Ala Moana Beach. The lobster club came highly recommended and seems to be the popular choice. It was $22 but lunch comes with their signature all you can eat fresh popovers with strawberry butter and a cup of chef's clear chicken broth soup. The lobster club was fantastic with fresh avocado, lettuce, bacon, and roasted red pepper. We ordered a side of fries that came with a delicious truffle dipping sauce. Make your reservations early and treat yourself to a great lunch! It's well worth it.
(5)Matthew M.
Went here while I was back in Hawaii for winter break. Got a seat on the balcony during the sunset. Really great view. Good food, service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere was great. The monkey bread is pretty good although I hear the popovers are better. Would definitely go here again.
(4)Gabby V.
I came here with my boyfriend's family for his birthday last month. I love sitting out on the veranda. The timing was so perfect because the fireworks show on Fridays went off while we were sitting outside. I had the Farm-Raised King Salmon and it was delicious! I also like their homemade strawberry butter and bread. The service there was fast and the servers were very friendly and accommodating. Plus the restaurant is really nice and cozy looking but has a light airy romantic feel to it. It is a bit pricey but what can you expect from a Neiman Marcus restaurant, only the best. I suggest making reservations in advance because this restaurant is worth it!
(5)Stacey K.
I went here again today.. I don't know why I always end up here, the food isn't spectacular and is ridiculously predictable.. the ambiance is colonial old school honolulu.. The pop overs and consume is good. Had the texas cooler or something, it was alright, next time i'll just get the lemonade. These are a few things I've had on the menu in the past month or so: the thai curry: won't order again, way too creamy the king crab salad: huge, lighter greens which I don't really like, kinda boring and bland mariposa burger: alright average, less better than you think it would be predictable lobster club: kinda taste like zippys club but with bland lobster instead of turkey. greasy fries. ahi salad: ask for the shoyu n wasabi, kinda blah but the dressing is good I would recommend going to the Halekulani instead for lunch, their lobster club is WAY WAY better and so is their drinks. Plus can't beat the ambiance there plus validated parking
(3)Kevin M.
What's the Scoop? Good popover bread and butter. Great airy atmosphere. Decent menu selection. Price: Fair Must try: The Lobster dish was good but it was a little salty. The salads are good, can't go wrong with those. Try the cheese platter. Drinks: Average Parking: Valet or Mall parking. Note: The quality is all there as you would expect from Neimans but other than that, it's not a place to die for.
(4)Rach L.
I'd give this place 4 stars because of the popovers with the strawberry butter alone. But minus 1 star because of the servers I overheard gossiping about a Japanese diner's breasts. I had some kind of ahi burger which was delicious! I like the airy atmopshere they have, where you can even sit out on the lanai. But it has just been so humid lately that even sitting inside isn't as cool. Maybe if the fans above worked...
(3)David C.
Generally the portion sizes run large for my taste. I appreciate the option to split an order into 2 separate portions. They do a great job at plating even when the dishes are split.
(4)Tracie F.
Mariposa has a wonderful view and is fabulous for lunch or dinner. The sunset is beautiful from the lanai. Service is generally consistent. The popovers (at lunch) and the monkey bread (at dinner) are reason enough to dine here. The burgers, pasta, risotto, and salads are wonderful. Steak and porkchops at dinner are also fabulous! Desserts are pretty good although I would fill up on their entrees instead of saving room for dessert. Wonderful ambiance with great food! I highly recommend it!
(4)Soo M.
Popovers and tiny cup of consumme are to die for. fun, yummy place to re-energize for more shopping!
(5)Michelle F.
My mother takes me here. The food is expensive but worth it. You really need to know what to order. I love the little cup of "soup" and the "bread" thing in the beginning, probably my favorite thing. The service is amazing!!
(4)Jocelyn L.
"Great popovers! And great "cheese" nite"
(3)Ellen Mae V.
Prior to moving to Hawaii I was a tourist who visited the islands numerous times. Each time (and I'm sure other visitors will agree) I had that sense of awe, excitement and wonder with the island, the culture and it's natural beauty. After living in HI for 3 years now, I've become accustomed with the scenery and culture that I've taken a lot of things for granted. Today's lunch at Mariposa reminded me that I live in paradise! My girlfriends and I dined on the lanai; from that vantage point Ala Moana and the never ending ocean behind it glistened with serenity, splendor and simply mirrored the tropical/[pacific feeling you expect and want to feel when you think of Hawaii. I love eating at restaurants that remind me of how beautiful my home is. Food wise, we all started off with the consume and the ever popular popover and strawberry butter/creme. Both are nice light starters to our meal. I ordered the portobello sandwich with the green salad, had a glass of prosecco and we shared a lemon souffle for dessert. The food was tasty, nothing too extravagant and perfectly light for lunch on a warm day. Everything was cooked and seasoned well but frankly I can't say that anything in particular about my dish or the menu selection stood out in particular. The food was good but nothing different. From a solely culinary standpoint I'd give it 3 of 5 stars: A-OK. I wish I could give 1/2 a star more because Mariposa is one of those restaurants that I would love to dine in with my mother, my sister, my close girlfriends etc. It's a perfect place, ambiance, seating, decor, setting and view, to sit and enjoy some causal dining with the women in your life. Not to say that this place isn't appropriate for men... b/c it is. Overall: not cheap and nothing particularly "wow"-ish culinary wise, gosh darn long wait (nearly an hour to have lunch on a weekend) but a nice place to have a calm lunch with some friends.
(3)Frank S.
How can anything at Nieman-Marcus not be expensive? Food is consistently very good.
(4)Susan N.
Lobster salad is perfection. Price is high, but worth. Also they have great popovers. Popovers have delicious strawberry butter. View is spectacular
(5)Bret H.
Just doesn't live up to its billing. At an average $9 an appetizer, and $30 for a main course, the food ought to be well-executed and imaginative. Instead it's generally ho-hum, with poor spots and bright spots. Corn chowder is allegedly a specialty of the house, but it didn't have nearly enough corn, and what there was, was pretty flavorless (albeit in December). Most bizarrely, there was stale popcorn added after the pour. What? Scallops with squid ink were serviceable, but had a slight chemical sweetness that I couldn't place. Lilikoi pudding was delicious, but I am a total sucker for lilikoi. As ever, the view from the balcony is excellent by an absolute measure, but only average relative to others in the state. Service was great, but the entire experience is just too expensive for what you get.
(2)Daniele S.
Food here was delicious, as expected. Ambiance: Romantic with a good view, not exactly what my best friend and I were going for. Service was decent. Slightly pricey for the product, then again, this was located within Neiman Marcus. It's worth a try but not the best.
(3)Fedora A.
Kahala laundromat had the right idea to put a Street Fighter 2 arcade console right at it's doorstep when it was still open. Why? When parents would do laundry, the kids would have to follow. But we wouldn't mind. Because that's where Blanka was. Now fast forward twenty years. Yes, we men still get dragged along to carry out the errands of women. Is it pleasant? Sometimes. But most of the time is spent walking around, holding bags, trying to be nonchalant while walking past the lingerie section...not very entertaining. But now there's leverage: Steak. IN the department store. Yessss. Blanka strikes back. The first thing you notice when you sit down is the gigantic submarine propeller fans churning above you. Dizzying? Yes. Unnecessary? Yes. Awesome? Double yes. Service was quick, friendly and efficient. My waiter knew what he was talking about: where the food was, WHAT our food was, and how to refill water appropriately. Popovers were crispy and warm. Strawberry butter was balanced perfectly by the ridiculously small tea cup filled with chicken broth. The grilled flat iron prime steak sounded good. And it was. I've never had steak on pizza bread before...much less with hummus. Add in the cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a dash of garlic...and you'll walk out wondering whether you really had a steak or had just gotten raped by a V8 can with a Garlic pizza penis. And no, I don't know why I capitalized the, "G" in garlic.
(4)O O.
Orchetti pasta. Insane popovers with guava butter. Yow! Nuff said.
(5)KC J.
My absolute fav place to chill in between shopping at Ala Moana. I love the view from the balcony seating more than the food here! They get all five stars just for that and their popovers! So for the real ratings: Servers/Hostesses - are always friendly and so willing to accomodate seating. I always ask for the balcony and they will make room even if they need to rearrange a couple tables. Servers are constantly checking up on you and more than willing to bring over more popovers lol! Food - I always get the lobster pasta dish here during lunch and it is perfect! I hate creamy and heavy pasta dishes but this doesn't feel like that. The only thing is that I don't truly believe the lobster they use is the freshest quality but it's pasta so it's forgiven =). Side note, their rack of lamb is heavenly for dinner. I've only had it once but I'm hooked! Atmosphere - Ocean view and cool breezes! Enough said.
(5)Y C.
3.5 stars. My experience at Mariposa is always decent, never stellar. It might just be me. I am not of the ladies that lunch crowd. I work for a living, like lots of people. And every time I come here or call to make reservations, it seems like the hostesses are giving off ATTITUDE. I know it sucks to have your conversations interrupted so you could do your job. And really, it doesn't look like I have money, and I'm probably being paranoid, so all these things combine to make it seem like you are giving off attitude. Please forgive my delusion. Once I get over the hostesses, I do enjoy it here - for lunch. I could just eat popovers and the consomme for lunch. But I liked the pappardelle (?) and the pork chops w/ okinawan potatoes. Their pear cactus juice was interesting, too. And service is really attentive. I would rate them 4 stars if the hostesses were more friendly. Okay, I'll stop griping about them.
(3)Ty D.
I had this place listed on my foodie list for my recent trip to Honolulu from a friend's recommendation. She told me that they bring endless popovers, which I love. So this was a must go place for me! After getting fried in the sun our first day at the beach, we decided the next day to go shopping, with lunch at Mariposa. The service was excellent, view of the Ala Moana Marina/Park beautiful, the food was excellent, and the popovers.....awesome! The waiter comes by to your table from the time you're seated with a basket full of fresh out of the oven, warm, mouth watering popovers and throughout the course of your meal! I was in popover heaven! It's served with a tiny cup of chicken broth along with tropical butter. yummo! Now on to the meal. I ordered the applewood salmon over island greens, with a lite poppyseed dressing. This salad was so good! I loved it! The lunch definitely was a topper for a successful shop outing! Mariposa will be on my list to return to the next time I'm back in Honolulu!
(5)Michelle H.
Rating: 3.5 stars Came here twice. Once for drinks and desserts and the other for lunch. Desserts: Lilikoi pudding cake and the frozen lemon souffle are musts!! Lunch is pretty good. Known for their lobster club sandwich. Everyone at the table seemed to enjoy it. The king crab salad was pretty good but not outstanding. This place is pretty pricey for Hawaii. Entrees were about $22 for lunch. Oh, the popovers with strawberry creme were pretty solid. Nice ambiance and good service. Good place if you want a more upscale dining experience.
(3)Tracy L.
I ate here twice in one week. The first time was with a wine rep buddy of mine, and the second time was with a client and an editor of a popular Magazine in Hawaii. Both times the service was outstanding, the food we ordered was tasty, and the dessert was to die for. I've had the corn chowder there on this visit, plus my client and I shared the burger. It was really good and cooked to perfection. I also had the shrimp with greens (local greens I believe) and that as also very good. Both times, we had the same dessert: the signature Mariposa dessert and some dark chocolate dish that resembled lincoln logs. They were good but also very rich so we didn't eat too much of it. Kudos to Dean (manager) for training such an outstanding staff. The waiters and waitresses never visit the table too much, know how to read a table, and are very professional. On of the days I visited, they had informal modeling and the outfits they showed off were very cute. It was a nice addition to the meal.
(5)Akiko I.
We were here for a dinner with my bf's potential employers. We were staying at Ala Moana Hotel so I guess they decided that this restaurant was the most convenient. It was a pretty interesting restaurant. Not too pretentious but at the same time classy. The food was very fresh and tasty. They know how to prepare seafood very well. The wine was ok but I'm not a hardcore wine drinker so I could be totally off on this. Overall, it was a very nice experience and we would go back there again if the opportunity comes. *Location = very nice *Food = very good *Service = very good *Price = expected
(4)Rob T.
Ah, Mariposa, always the safe pick for any event. I went there today -- no reservations mind you -- to celebrate an aunt's 76th birthday, Happy Birthday Aunt Carolyn!!! Here's hoping to look just as good when I turn that young!!! So, let's start this review on an upbeat. Today at Mariposa seemed to be the place to be. From left to right, the room was filled with a lot of people, some of them boasting their helium filled mylar balloons ... that's what I forgot! Balloons!! Oh, well... I was pleasantly surprise our small party was able to get a table the minute we walked up to the reception. Mariposa has always been a great place to go to regardless what you're celebrating. I have always been a fan of their ono-licious menu. Mariposa is all about Hawaiian sophistication, although I'm not sure the word "ono" is chic enough to describe the classy experience ... but I digress. Moving on... they have a new theme going on in their menu called "Heart Couture - Healthier Cuisine With A Fashionable Flair." Good marketing!! Despite their efforts for healthy eating though, I decided something that is probably completely the opposite, the Mariposa burger with fries. Don't judge me. It's been a while I had a good burger. I was ready to scarf down a good burger... if it helps, I started with a small Mariposa salad. How's that for roughage. By the way, their salads are tops! We sat inside because it was much too hot to be outside. You could tell the wait service was working as a team. You got to love it when the wait staff works together in symmetry. It's like poetry in motion, you know, working bees working in harmony, which leads me to the second part of my review and its service. Despite the fact we were there celebrating my aunt's 76th birthday, and yes, we told Aaron, she didn't get anything for it even after Aaron said he would bring out a birthday dessert with a candle for her. Sadly, Aaron forgot. We had different people servicing us every now and then - you know the poetry in motion thing - no one came out with my aunt's birthday dessert... but if it didn't faze her, I guess I could leave it alone. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. Despite the fact they forgot the birthday dessert -- the very reason we were there -- the food was excellent and the service has, in the past been exceptional. We had a great time and I would recommend this place for anything like first dates, small birthday get-together, and even a wedding reception (if you have the money to close down the place). You have to go and check it out if you haven't been here before. Just remember to repeat yourself to the wait if you're going there for a birthday occasion. Happy eating!
(4)Remy Z.
Come for the decor Stay for the impressive food Hoard the popovers
(4)Mark W.
Came for an early afternooon dinner during the week with family. Good service, food and great views.
(4)Elle V.
The bread and strawberry butter was so good. The service is terrible. Every time I go there something wrong happens. Last time I went we sat near the kitchen and all I could hear were servers fooling around and one dropped something and all of them ran out making a scene. Then our waiter spilled soup on one of the ladies on the table next to us and even spilled some on my louis :( The lobster club is the only thing worth coming here for because every other dish I've had was not worth speaking of.
(3)Julie H.
My bf and I also came here for restaurant week and I was very disappointed. This place is located in Neiman Marcus so it's all fancy schmancy so I expect to have good service. We were seated outside, which i thought would actually be fine even though it was hot out. I wish the fans on the ceiling weren't so high up so that they could actually be useful. In any case, it wasn't a big deal since I would only be here for an hour or so. I ordered the plantation tea and my bf got the lemonade. The lemonade was really good! At other places it's too sweet or tastes fake but this was obviously freshly squeezed (probably the only highlight of the meal... except that it cost $5). -roasted pepper salad on ciabatta toast -maui onion crusted mahi mahi -gingerbread financier caramel poached apples & spiced cream I won't bother reviewing each item because overall, nothing was hot or cold... everything was just above room temperature. It was like the roasted peppers came straight out of a jar and I couldn't taste anything but the mushroom bisque sauce on top of the fish. The gingerbread financier thing was alright but nothing special. It was like a big gingerbread cupcake but more dense and I would have preferred it with ice cream or something. But even though the food wasn't that great, my biggest disappointment was because... ... ... WE DIDN'T GET ANY POPOVERS! I know right?? How can there be no popovers?? Well let me tell you. At first I was thinking that maybe you have to buy them now because I didn't see anyone else with them. But after we finished the first course I noticed a waiter carrying a basket full of popovers going to each table!!! I was so excited! My bf hadn't been to Mariposa before so he didn't understand why I was having such a fit. The waiter made it to the table next to us and ran out. :( But I figured they would eventually come out with another basket and we'd be next. I was picturing nice fresh hot popovers. YUMMMM.... In the mean time, it had been about 5-10 minutes between our first course and our main course. I was baking in the sun and thought I might die soon from overheating. WHERE WAS OUR WAITER??? I actually went to the bathroom 3 times during the course of our meal NOT to actually use the bathroom but just to get some nice AC. How sad is that? As I was walking back I saw our waiter carrying popovers. HOORAY! I sat there and waited... and waited... and waited... and finished my fish ... but still no popovers. I saw other tables inside enjoying their lovely popovers sensuously buttering them with that special Mariposa butter. :( But now our waiter was back with our dessert so I couldn't very well ask for them now. I just wanted to leave and be out of the heat. I'll probably come back again and I'll be sure to ask to be seated inside. It seemed like the people sitting outside were neglected. Or maybe our waiter was just new.
(2)Cynthia A.
Meh. Wish they had more on their menu. I don't eat seafood, so more options would be appreciated. The popovers are good. Ocean view is nice. Brides (and involved, awesomely cool grooms...), if you do a bridal registry at Neiman Marcus, the registry person will give you a gift certificate for lunch at Mariposa up to $50, not including alcohol (we didn't order any alcohol anyway). You don't have to register for a ton of stuff - I'm registered at Macy's for most of my things. For lunch my mom and I went about $6 over the gift card allowance, and we didn't order dessert or coffee. Mariposa was good for me a few times, but given that I don't eat seafood, eating here is a little mundane. This past time I visited I realized I ordered the same thing as the time before. The food is good, just need more choices.
(4)Sean S.
I had the Pink Peppercorn Ahi (Appetizer), Monkey Bread (dinner bread), and Lobster Spaghettini (Entree) which were all very good. Good food and service. If you are near the lanai area, you will also have the bonus of a great view. Dinner at sunset would be fantastic; and if you go on Friday at around 7:45pm, you can catch the weekly firework show hosted by the Sheraton Hotel in Waikiki (to the left if you are looking from the main dining area). Although good service, it's not the quickest. So if you are in a rush, this is probably not the best place to go. Mariposa is only open for lunch and dinner. Prices are a little high; you could probably easily spend $100, at least, for a party of two for dinner. Mariposa is great local fine dining, so dress appropriately :)
(4)Sita L.
I had dinner here last night. Great, just great. Hamachi with orzo that was cooked with beets. Presentation was beautiful and the taste. Really nice. Sweet, savory, fish perfectly cooked. Beautiful dish. Biggest disappointment is their dinner rolls. I think I would prefer a popover the dinner rolls any day. The view wasn't too shabby either. Makes you appreciate where you live and how lucky we are.
(4)Catherine L.
Mariposa is a great spot if you want a nice, cool, somehow trendy spot with very good food. I like the calm islander feeling of the dining room, but the lanai is just great (if you are not afraid of bright light though). They have very refreshing menu, with great salad (although the salmon salad has been too salty and too smoky for a few times now. I am not ordering it anymore. But the crab salad is very good). The deserts are all good, with this little island twist I love (lilikoi bread pudding). The service is usually very good too, to the exception of a woman named Aloha. If you get her, well, too bad. She has such an attitude ! I hated her, she called everyone at my table "dear" or "honey". Even my friend who was probably older than her!
(4)Cheryl M.
Went to lunch with friends and have to say that the food has gone downhill. I ordered a cup of corn chowder and it was thick like porridge and not creamy. It wasn't hot at all and had no flavor, like it needed salt. Also had the soft shell crab salad with one small crab, the rest was large leaves of lettuce and some avocado. The leaves were there just to cover the large plate. I left still hungry and unsatisfied. I won't be back. The salad was over $20.00 and the cup of soup was $5.00. I would expect better quality and quantity of food at those prices. I prefer the food at the Nordstroms cafe over Mariposa any day.
(2)Joseph B.
I went to Mariposa many times for lunch and I enjoy it everytime. I really enjoy the consomme and pop over before your meal. The drinks are tasty, the food is delicious. I don't think I haven't ordered anything that I didn't like. The wild rice risotto was creamy and cheesy delicious. The Laksa curry was really tasty with seafood. I had the catch of the day with a potato crust with a wonderful broth. The stuffed chicken was moist and full of flavor. I'd recommend this place for lunch. Haven't tried the dinner menu yet. Also the drinks were delicious. The view overlooks Ala Moana Beach Park. The service is alright.
(4)Michael D.
Popovers! Popovers! Popovers! Probably the main reason I dine here. Make sure it's for lunch if you want them cause they don't serve popovers at dinner. I know, what is going on in this world!!! This review is for lunch, if it were for dinner, there would be less stars for sure. The lunch is very reasonably-priced and not very heavy, so you can still go along with your day and not crash after eating. Probably best to make reservations if you're going to be there during the peak lunch hours, although they do take walk ins if available. Finding Mariposa is really easy. They are located on the top floor of Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Shopping Center. You can access the restaurant from both inside Neiman Marcus or from the ocean side elevator located near the open parking lot, hit "3" and it will take you right to the back door of the restaurant. Parking is free and normally readily available unless it's during the Christmas shopping season, then it's a total frenzy! Ambiance is perfect for a lunch date, meeting, or intimate family and friends lunch time. There are two options on sitting, either inside where it's much cooler or outside on the patio to enjoy the beautiful ocean and palm tree views. Inside isn't extremely noisy so you should be able to hear your dining companions and have a great conversation while dining. Most of the lunch dishes run from about $12 - $24. There's not a whole lot to choose from but enough to suit everyone's taste. They even have a kids' menu with your choice of chicken, fish, pasta, or pizza, which includes a drink and dessert for $16. I'm one of those that's always fighting with my diet and to my surprise, the calorie count for each dish is clearly labeled on the menu. Really helps take the guess work out from being able to squeeze in dessert or a glass of wine and still stick to my calorie count. The plantation iced tea is yummy and their wine selection is decent but overpriced IMO. My personal favorite is the ahi tuna melt. Nice sized ahi filet served medium rare on a potato roll with all the fixings which also includes salad on the side. You could always sub for fries instead of the salad. The sweet potato fries are very tasty and seasoned just right. They have two other choices of fries which I think are a white truffle fries and a regular style fries. Your server will know best.. Speaking of service, it's good but not the best. I found my water empty fairly often with our server no where to be found. When asked questions about the menu or making suggestions, she knew her stuff. Her presentation and representation of the restaurant was superb though. For lunch, Mariposa's a winner in my book. Dinner is a whole nother story. There are many lunch options at Ala Moana, but most will be hard to compare in terms of atmosphere, food quality, service, and value compared to here. I heart popovers!
(4)Alyssa K.
The food's ok (kinda pricey), but man, the free Pooof breads get 5 stars!!!! I come here only to get the poof bread. I did recently find out though, that during a certain time frame (i forgot when) you can order the poof bread at the cafe downstairs for $4. That's actually better for your wallet.
(5)Jesse W.
7/18/10: Dinner with family here tonight. We initially tried to make reservations using Open Table but was turned down as it indicated no available times, instead we called them direct and they took us without problems. We sat inside instead of opting for the lanai, baby was probably happier inside with the a/c. I ordered the dinner prix fix menu, it started with a warm roasted Kamuela tomato bruschetta (toasted bread and crunchy), Kahuku corn chowder (interesting twist in adding popcorn as topping), rib eye steak served over mashed potatoes and bed of spinach with a savory red-wine sauce, dessert was a tropical fruit atop lillikoi bread pudding. Our server was absolutely meticulous and very cordial, thanks M. Moore! Delish overall!
(5)Hanna M.
I have been here a few times. The food is average but the ambience is what is worth coming for! Being able to eat, relax and see the ocean is amazing!
(3)Esugi I.
Yes! I like the Mariposa. The atmosphere is really nice and if you can sit outside on the lanai you'll get a great view. first time i went, i had the pasta, which was pretty good albeit salty and really heavy on that sausage. second time, i had the nicoise salad, which is basically some fancy salad greens with tataki style sashimi. if you don't ask for shoyu/wasabi, you don't get it. the home-made popovers they bring as an appetizer are nice on the eyes, but to me look a little burnt and taste burnt too. try the mango sorbet for dessert. silky and ono. tastes just like mango!
(4)Tao M.
Mariposa to me is the perfect brunch or leisure (2hour) lunch treat spot. Atmosphere is wonderful, service is great and the food is top notch. I especially appreciate the pop-over bread and consume soup service. Their crab sandwich is super and and you typically cant go wrong with their entre's. Just a all atound relaxing ambiance for a nice and aslow lunch. Outside seating for abeautiful coold day.
(4)Flyboy F.
I've only had lunch here so that's what this review is based on. Lobster salad is awesome, ribeye sandwich awesome, seafood bouillabaisse awesome, lobster club sandwich, chilled king crab salad, endless popovers awesome and great kahuku corn chowder. I have had spagetti with Kobe meatballs, laksa seafood curry, and orecchiette pasta, these were uninspiring. Overall service is excellent, only one bad experience with an overly macho, overly muscled Asian waiter. ( avoid him ). Place is pricey but with a fantastic view, great service, and good food.
(4)Daniel K.
Had the worst experience while dining there. They ran my card by error and refused to admit it. Lucky I had fraud protection on my PayPal card. Before that I had two guests join me, and they could get their orders in, and when there food did arrive they still did not have settings or napkin. Then they brought the consume and popovers. While my friend went to the bathroom they even cleared his plate without asking if he was done.
(1)Jennifer W.
I enjoyed a leisurely late Saturday afternoon lunch with the girls here, and it truly was lovely. The ambiance is everything in this place. It's so open and bright and fresh. We sat on the lanai. It was a bit warm, but certainly not unbearable. The restaurant was packed. A reservation is crucial. I'm giving Mariposa three stars because of service and food, the two most important things, in my opinion, when one considers a restaurant. Both the service and the food were merely average. Our server was extremely friendly and pleasant. However, I didn't really get the impression she was too "on it." Her presence wasn't entirely felt. We ordered the truffle fries, and my friends who had eaten here in the past, said they seemed different. When we brought this to her attention, she agreed and brought us another plate. They were still basically flavorless and a bit cool, but the aioli dipping sauce they serve them with...suuuuuper good! I would have eaten that stuff with a spoon if I could have done it all ladylike. The sweet potato fries were stellar, and served with some sort of guava barbecue sauce, also stellar. We also had to ask for plates. They served our appetizers with no plates! We had to ask for the famed, popovers (I think that's what they're called) because we had not received them when our food was already coming out. And I see why everybody makes such a fuss over them. I'm a big fan of texture, and those were little puffs of heaven served with killer strawberry butter, another item I could have eaten with a spoon. The lobster club sandwich was tasty, but nothing I'm going to be dreaming about or craving for the next month. I do have to say I had the most amazing and thoroughly overpriced drink! It was a glass of pretty good champagne with pomegranate liqueur and a sugar cube effervescing in the bottom of the glass. That thing was AWESOME! But at $21 a pop, I certainly felt too cheap to treat myself to more than one. Overall it was lovely dining experience with the ladies. The mediocrity of service and food was passable because the atmosphere and the company was so good. But...I certainly think I paid too much for all of it.
(3)Shige O.
Love the service here and love the food and more so the deserts. Food is light but filling and can be a bit steep its not for your every day lunch dinner kinda place. There famous puff and cream cheese they offer is also great! Good stop in if your shopping in the mall and looking for abit more upscale place to eat at. Inside and outdoor eating available.
(4)Nicole C.
Definitely a lunchtime favorite. I come here once in a while on a lazy Saturday, and have never dealt with waiting for a table. I love the popover bread, which is probably the most popular thing that people talk about (other than what's actually on the menu itself haha). They have a very polite staff, and the gorgeous view from the lanai adds a great quality to the whole experience and gives the restaurant its charm.
(5)Alexis T.
I don't think I'd go back. The complimentary popover and strawberry butter was yummy but otherwise I didn't enjoy my lunch, orrechiette pasta all that much. Two others in my party didn't like their meals too much either.
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