Romer House Waikīkī O‘ahu’s premier neighborhood island clubhouse and hotel has unveiled an exciting new culinary experience at its signature restaurant, 855-ALOHA, helmed by newly appointed Chef Brad Dodson.
Celebrating the culturally diverse, unique-to-the-islands cuisine of Hawai‘i’, Portugal-raised Dodson has crafted a new culinary story that honors its legacy as a crossroads of cultures and flavors —calling back to the cherished tradition of “potlucks” (family dinners) featuring favorite dishes; often recipes from a tutu (grandma), or a dish inspired by a popular local eatery, nostalgic bites that do more than nourish—they delight, connect and feel like home.
The new 855-ALOHA culinary experience reflects the playful spirit and deep-rooted hospitality of Romer Neighborhood Hotels, where locals and travelers gather, dine and connect in the heart of Waikīkī. Open nightly, its first seating is at 5:00PM.
855-ALOHA serves up iconic local flavors with vibe-on-speed-dial. Named in honor of Hawai‘i’s historic (and still ubiquitous) sky blue payphones, the menu riffs on long-distance cultural connections that meet in a devotion to Hawaii’s favorite local pastime…food. Its style of cuisine has origins of communal meals, shared over generations. This unique mashup of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and European flavors come through in playful dishes and vibrant cocktails.
855-ALOHA reminds guests that connection is the main course—where friendly service, vintage vibes, and one of Waikīkī’s original phone booths (literally) bring guests into the culinary conversation, one ring—or dine—at a time. Guests are invited to ‘call home’ in an iconic photo moment at the entrance of the restaurant.
With more than 15-years in hospitality, 855-ALOHA’s Executive Chef Brad Dodson, brings a grounded approach to island cooking inspired by his upbringing in the Azores and his culinary journey from food truck to Michelin-star kitchens; with a passion for serving inspired dishes that awaken memories and nostalgia.
The Menu: A Local Love Letter
Guests begin their journey with a complimentary party shot called ‘Uhilani’ (imagine an amuse bouche packed with vibrant flavors of pineapple, ube and coconut to stimulate the palate). Featuring the best of local ingredients, must-try family-style plates include “Fresh Talk” salads like Cabbage Crunch, share-worthy “Party Line” dishes like The Aloha Platter, Auntie’s Gau Gee Crispy Wontons and create-your-own Poke Nori Wraps. Save room for “Main Line” large-plate favorites like the Hammah Pork Chop, Ahi Katsu, Chinatown Chili Crisp Chicken, Kalbi Ribs and an off-the-hook Surfin’ Turf. Don’t forget to indulge in a little “Sweet Talk” with 855’s signature Chocolate Haupia Pie, the Pineapple Upside down Mochi Cake, or the show stopping 855-SUNDAE – a family-style banana split flambé, served in a tiki hula bowl with a flaming volcano centerpiece. The perfect finale for the table – and your camera roll.As for cocktails, tableside service adds even more charm, including the Banananphone Rum Old Fashioned, theatrically smoked and topped with dried banana for a touch of drama and flair. Hungry yet? Great, because that is just a teaser from the new 855-ALOHA menu.
The Design: History Meets Nostalgia
855-ALOHA is located at 415 Nahua Street, offering indoor and outdoor seating, and anchored in the Romer House lobby, its name inspired by Hawai‘i’s historic and humble Kelepona (telephone).
The restaurant nods to the dial-up era with murals by local artist Solario flanking the windows in tribute to Hawai‘i’s iconic blue phone booth and classified ads of beloved O‘ahu institutions. Large scale photos by Joe Rovegno capture some of the island’s remote and distinctive phone booths (the artist’s attempt to document every remaining payphone in Hawai‘i). Interiors by IndiDesign feature fabric pendants casting a warm glow over tables and corner nooks designed for friends to gather, slow down, stay late, savor, and share the local flavors of 855-ALOHA’s new menu. A garden room oasis brings lush overhead greenery and a wraparound, ocean-inspired watercolor mural to a space ready for private dines and big enough for everyone in the group chat.
Following its debut in June 2024, Romer House Waikīkī quickly established itself as the ideal beach city clubhouse where local character, mid-century boutique charm, and island flavor blend effortlessly in the spirit of Waikīkī’s ideal clubhouse. Every neighborhood has a spot where visitors and locals naturally rub shoulders, and in the heart of Hawai‘i’s most energetic district, Romer House is just that.
The Clubhouse Vibe
855-ALOHA joins two other signature spaces: The Lei Stand Waikīkī, reimagining the role a hotel bar can play in the local scene, and The Backyard, a social pool and cabana deck. Together, these three experiences bring to life the island clubhouse concept – a place to gather, eat, and drink together to the rhythm and soul of modern island style, all infused with the unmistakable alchemy of aloha.
Romer House Waikīkī brings home the neighborhood clubhouse experience with overnight stays that come with all the good stuff: savings on dining and drinks throughout your stay, cruiser bikes, beach gear, discounted cabanas, and complimentary programming ranging from floating sound baths to sunset hula classes —plus Romer’s exclusive Key to the Neighborhood perks— giving guests easy access to a slice of island living. Just a short stroll off lively Kuhio Avenue and steps from world-famous Waikīkī Beach and the International Market Place, Romer House Waikīkī is the ultimate beach city getaway with room rates starting from $209 per night (excluding tax/fees).
