Kitchen Door Napa in Wai Kai celebrated their grand opening on Saturday, March 25 at the Wai Kai development of Hoakalei Resort in Ewa Beach, HI. The new signature restaurant features a unique dual-dining concept that celebrates local culture through a menu of harmonious island flavors and global influences – by two Michelin rated chefs. This inaugural Hawaii location marks the first expansion for critically acclaimed Kitchen Door, which originated in Napa in 2011 and is currently in operation.

Kitchen Door Napa is thoughtfully produced and presented by the trio of restaurant partners known for their hospitality and culinary expertise – Michelin-awarded Chef Todd Humphries, Maui-born restaurateur Richard Miyashiro, and partner Tim Seberson. The synergistic restaurant concept is housed in a two-story, 7,200-square-foot establishment at the heart of Wai Kai. The Plaza Grill, located on the upper Plaza Level, is a premier family-friendly destination that features both a contemporary restaurant and bar. Guests are welcomed into a modern, comfortable full-service dining room with remarkable lagoon views from the lanai, an inviting wrap-around bar with front-row seats to the open kitchen – and for special occasions, a private dining room ‘parlor’ for intimate gatherings and celebrations.

A spiral staircase leads to the lower level, past the Wine Room and into the Boardwalk Cafe – the second concept is complete with stunning views of gleaming waters and spacious boardwalk seating shaded by umbrellas. Dynamic with a choice of take-out or quick dine-in experience, it’s complemented by an all-day menu of eclectic yet traditional dishes prepared a la minute by classically trained chefs.

Catering to a broad-ranging set of appetites, the menu showcases the culinary techniques of the kitchen’s local and rising talents, who are under the mentorship of both Michelin-awarded chefs Todd Humphries and Joseph Rose. Coming soon as a part of the dining adventure are crafted tastemaker events with celebrity guest chefs, wine tastings, and other exclusive culinary experiences.

Guests at Plaza Grill can choose from starters and shareables including Curried Deviled Eggs, Teriyaki Chicken Wings, Campechana Mexican Shrimp Cocktail and Tuna Tartare. Soup and salads include Cream of Mushroom Soup, Mixed Local Green Salad and Caesar Salad. Specially made for the pizza lover are margherita, mushroom and pepperoni; or indulge in a fresh baked flatbread with duck liver mousse and house-made burrata. The restaurant boasts a variety of menu items from the red rotisserie and grill highlighting the “catch of the day,” including Ahi Steak Frites, Korean Style Short Ribs, Rotisserie Chicken, Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop, New York steak and Grilled Cheeseburger. Guests can also enjoy global flavors in dishes such as Vietnamese ‘Bun Chay’ Lettuce Cups, Pappardelle Pasta and Shoyu Duck Ramen. Plaza Grill also offers menu items that are gluten free, vegetarian and vegan. For those seeking a sweet finish to their meal, desserts such as the Baked Hawaii, Matcha Green Tea Tiramisu, Affogato and Gelato grace the menu. Additional unique and savory menu items include French Fries with Furikake Yuzu Kosho Aioli, Kimchi and Mushroom Fried Rice. The restaurant boasts a variety of beverage options, including a single origin coffee program in collaboration with Kona Coffee Purveyors, Hawaii-grown loose-leaf teas from Tea Chest Hawaii, and a wide range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments, not to mention a divine selection of wines by the bottle.

The Boardwalk Cafe menu explores classic breakfast dishes with a local touch. Dishes include Loco Moco, Acai Sunrise Bowl (gluten-free and vegan), Mochi Pancakes, Avocado Toast and Breakfast Banh Mi. Guests can choose from a diverse list of beverages such as sodas and juices, including Keiki Fresh Juice, Iced Ginger White Tea, and options from popular coffee brand Illy– Brewed Coffee, Nitro Cold Brew and Dammann Hot Tea. Guests 21 and up can enjoy Paradise Cider Guava Lava, Pauwela Pineapple Creamsicle Hard Kombucha, Pauwela Dragonfruit Kefir, Stiegl Grapefruit Radler, Bushido Junmai Daiginjo Sake and many more.

“We’re ecstatic to debut Kitchen Door Napa in Wai Kai, where guests can share a memorable meal and immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine,” said Todd Humphries, chef and partner of Kitchen Door Napa. “Richard, Tim and I worked with a fantastic team to curate, design, develop and produce this unique culinary experience and bring our vision to life, and now we’re honored to celebrate this achievement with our new and familiar friends.”

Opening week hours may vary. Plaza Grill is open Monday through Sunday, with the bar open from 2pm–closing; Plaza Bar menu from 2:30-5pm; and dinner from 5pm until closing. Boardwalk Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 8am-2pm; and weekend breakfast from 8-11am.