Senia

Senia—a play on the ancient Greek concept of “xenia,” or hospitality— created quite a stir upon opening in Honolulu’s Chinatown. The inventive eatery offers three gastronomic experiences: à la carte service in the casual main dining room, a private upstairs dining room for parties of eight or more and the popular Chefs’ Counter, where the chef-owners Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush prepare an extensive, multi-course tasting menu for six to twelve guests who can also observe the open kitchen in action. The menu makes use of Hawaii’s fresh ingredients to craft dishes like hamachi tataki, bone marrow custard, hot-smoked king salmon, Kauai shrimp ravioli, and family-style mahi mahi wellington and glazed pork belly. The relaxed dining area features potted plants bursting out of a brick wall, but the small size of the space means it can be difficult to secure a coveted dinner reservation.