It’s a perfect pairing: Michelin-credentialed chef Ki Chung and award-winning mixologist Justin Park, whose exquisite omakase menus match each course with a thoughtful, handcrafted cocktail. It doesn’t hurt that the restaurant itself is eye candy, with natural wood surfaces set off by indigo and brass accents and soaring two-story windows. Though the menu changes almost monthly, dishes you might see are the shrimp or smoked salmon toast, a luxurious wagyu donabe rice, and, reflecting Chung’s Korean heritage, oysters with white kim chee granita.

Since opening less than a year ago, Bar Maze has become one of Honolulu’s most coveted restaurant reservations. It’s the light and airy counterpart to Justin and Tom Park’s (no relation) dark and moody Bar Leather Apron. At the bottom floor of this sliver of a bar/restaurant, find a cocktail-paired omakase (a non-alcoholic option is also available), in which chef Ki Chung’s Korean- and Japanese-inflected dishes (think hamachi crudo that resembles naengmyeon) marry with Justin Park’s dazzling drinks.

In spite of this revival, Honolulu’s growing cocktail scene still draws less attention than that of bar-laden New York and much of the mainland, and corporate overlords can stifle staff’s creativity at popular coastline hotels. But Taibi says it’s catching up quickly, as there’s a want — and a need — for good drinks. The passion is there from both industry folk and guests, so now, it’s about shining a light on local products and doing things the right way.

With Bar Maze, just as compact, they raised the bar even higher by hiring chef Ki Chung to collaborate with Justin Park on a combination cocktail menu. The constantly evolving omakase evokes the ocean with raw and thinly sliced Hokkaido scallop coins and a cake made with calamansi and green apple combined with a light cocktail of shochu, mango, elderflower, and citrus foam. Me Bar-B-Que is located in Waikiki and serves delicious Korean food.

Bar Maze, located in the Ala Moana neighborhood, is a cocktail lounge that offers a unique dining experience. The modern Japanese-inspired menu paired with their artisanal cocktails offers a sophisticated night out. The ‘Omakase’ cocktail experience, where the mixologist creates personalized drinks for you, is a must-try.

Bar Maze is the latest opening from the team behind Bar Leather Apron. Maze is a Japanese word that means “to mix and mingle,” and at this restaurant, they’re doing just that. They describe themselves as “an integrated culinary/cocktail experience,” with as much focus on the drinks as on the dishes.

- Rating: 4.7/5 (147 reviews)- Price level: $$$$- Address: 604 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, Hawaii - Categories: New American- Read more on Yelp