Top Notch
Night owls will reign supreme at Búho Cocina y Cantina, a chic new cantina perched atop Waikiki Business Plaza. The district’s first major rooftop restaurant, “Búho” means “owl” in Spanish, which in Hawaiian legend, serves as heaven and Earth’s guardian protector.
The aptly named 12,300-square-foot elevated venue sears “refined, not refried” Mexican fare, providing guests a heavenly oasis to look out over Waikiki’s twinkling cityscape and savor South of the Border cuisine with gusto.
No tiki torches or sombreros in sight. Instead, Búho brings edgy character to the chain-flooded block. A 7,300-square-foot lanai, hosts a 50-foot bar lit by blown-glass tube fire “seedlings” (a modern take on the tiki) and glamorous views of Friday evening fireworks.
PHOTO: COURTESY BÚHO COCINA Y CANTINA
Búho’s menu highlights fresh, never frozen local ingredients in lounge tapas and house-made tortillas.
“The refined menu showcases layers of flavors with subtle hints of herbs and spices straight from Mexico, as well as local Hawai‘i farms,” shares Justin Mizufuka, operations and marketing manager.
Black Lava Yellowtail Ceviche and Tecate Beer-Marinated Carne Asada satisfy, while muy calienté Habanero Mexican Chocolate Brownie sweetens. Alfresco nibbles are complemented by Patròn-infused margaritas—classic, mango and pineapple—Skinny Minnys—a refreshing mix of fresh lime sour, tequila, red grapefruit and coconut water—and other original cocktails.
Family friendly and affordable, Waikiki’s sophisticated rooftop resto is muy bueno indeed.
Búho Cocina y Cantina
2250 Kalakaua Ave. [C:8 Waikiki Map]
(808) 922-2846
