Fête is a seasonal New American restaurant at 2 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817, at the corner of Nuʻuanu Avenue in Chinatown. Opened in 2016 by chef Robynne Maii and her husband, Chuck Bussler, it combines Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients with the neighborhood-brasserie sensibility they brought back from Brooklyn. Travelers come for confident, globally influenced cooking, thoughtful cocktails, and a brick-walled dining room that makes an excellent alternative to Waikīkī’s resort restaurants.
What to Expect at Fête
Maii won the 2022 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific, becoming the first woman from Hawaiʻi to receive that regional honor. Her kitchen’s identity is broader than any single cuisine: local produce, island fish, American comfort food, and Asian influences share the menu. Look for favorites such as the Korean fried chicken sandwich and house-made Rocky Road ice cream, alongside changing preparations that reflect ingredient availability. The all-day menu makes lunch a proper introduction to the kitchen rather than a reduced version of dinner.
The historic Chinatown setting is central to the experience. Exposed brick, reclaimed wood, a plant wall, and an open kitchen give the room the character of an urban farmhouse, with generous natural light during lunch. At night, conversation and kitchen activity make it feel more like a lively neighborhood brasserie than a hushed special-occasion restaurant. The bar offers both classic and contemporary cocktails, backed by a curated wine list. Tell your server about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy requirements before ordering; seasonal cooking does not mean every dish can be adapted.
- Robynne Maii’s kitchen: James Beard-recognized cooking connects local ingredients with techniques drawn from several culinary traditions.
- Korean fried chicken sandwich: A recognizable comfort-food favorite with the restaurant’s cross-cultural approach.
- Rocky Road ice cream: A house-made dessert worth leaving room for after a substantial meal.
- Historic dining room: Brick walls, reclaimed timber, greenery, and an open kitchen create a distinctive Chinatown setting.
- Cocktails and wine: Order an aperitif or ask for a wine pairing rather than treating drinks as an afterthought.
Fête at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Chinatown, downtown Honolulu; Hotel Street at Nuʻuanu Avenue |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Saturday: opens 11 a.m.; Sunday: opens 4 p.m. Last seating is 9 p.m. daily. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; upper-midrange, full-service dining. Check the official menus for current prices; budget separately for drinks, tax, and gratuity. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | TheBus routes 2 and 13 along Hotel Street; nearby Nuʻuanu Avenue stops. Metered street spaces and municipal lots within two blocks. |
| Official Website & Phone | Fête official website; +1 808-369-1390 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for dinner, especially Friday and Saturday, using the reservation button on the official website. Online reservations accommodate parties of eight or fewer; call for larger groups or private dining. An 11 a.m. lunch or early dinner is a useful choice if you prefer a less animated room. Smart-casual clothing fits the setting; formal resort attire is unnecessary. Expect standard American full-service payment conventions, with tax and gratuity additional; ask about splitting checks before ordering.
From Waikīkī, check TheBus routes 2 and 13 for Hotel Street service and current stop locations. Drivers can use the Chinatown Gateway municipal garage on Nuʻuanu Avenue. Fête advertises free metered street parking after 6 p.m. and yellow loading zones after 4 p.m.; posted restrictions always take precedence. The restaurant occupies a street-level historic storefront, but wheelchair users should call about entrance clearance, table spacing, and restroom access before reserving. Pair lunch with the Hawaiʻi Theatre, about five minutes away, Foster Botanical Garden roughly 15 minutes north, or ʻIolani Palace about 15 minutes southeast on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fête’s hours, and when should I visit?
Fête opens at 11 a.m. Monday–Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday, with last seating at 9 p.m. daily. Choose an opening-time lunch for daylight in the dining room; reserve dinner ahead.
How expensive is Fête, and are reservations required?
Fête falls in the $$$ dining tier, with drinks, tax, and gratuity adding to the food bill. Reservations are strongly advisable; check current menus and book through its official website.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for appetizers, mains, and dessert. Tell your server at arrival if you have Hawaiʻi Theatre tickets or another fixed departure time.
Is Fête suitable for families or diners with accessibility needs?
Families comfortable with a full-service, conversation-filled dining room can enjoy an early meal. Request stroller space or an accessible table when booking, and discuss mobility requirements directly with the restaurant.
When planning your Hawaii travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and new american restaurant in Hawaii, pair this stop with standout local spots including Poipu Shopping Village, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Aliʻiolani Hale, and Capitol Modern (0.5 km away).
