Ciao — Review by RainaisCrazy
Honolulu, United States — Vietnamese
Ciao is an award-winning Vietnamese restaurant in Honolulu that recently opened and has earned recognition as the best new restaurant and best Vietnamese restaurant. The reviewer was impressed by signature dishes including an exceptional soft shell crab pasta, crispy fried fish, pho, Spanish octopus, and beef carpaccio, praising both the flavors and beautiful interior.
What was great: Soft shell crab pasta was creamy with perfect spice, crispy fried fish with excellent sauce, pho with rich broth and large meat portions, Spanish octopus with sweet savory glaze, beef carpaccio with refreshing onions, beautiful interior
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Ciao's menu showcases Vietnamese cuisine with impressive execution across multiple standout dishes. The soft shell crab pasta is described as a 10 out of 10 creation, featuring creamy sauce with a hint of spiciness perfectly complementing the crispy, savory soft shell crab. The whole fried fish arrives deep fried and served with an exceptional sauce that impressed the reviewer despite their usual aversion to fish sauce.
The pho stands out for its rich, flavorful broth and unusually large pieces of meat, described as almost brisket-like rather than the typical thin slices found in most Vietnamese restaurants. Vietnamese meatballs are prepared with expertise, showcasing the Vietnamese tradition of making excellent balls. The Spanish octopus features a sweet savory glaze with refreshing toppings and a satisfying crunch from peanuts. The beef carpaccio is elevated with fresh onions that keep each bite crisp and refreshing.
The Experience
The restaurant boasts an absolutely beautiful interior that enhances the dining experience. The atmosphere complements the high-quality food being served, creating an upscale Vietnamese dining destination.
Value & Pricing
While specific prices are not mentioned in the review, the food quality and award-winning status suggest premium positioning for a Vietnamese restaurant.
Notable Moments
When I took that first bite, it was so creamy, and a hint of spiciness that just adds onto the flavor.
Usually it's thinly sliced pieces, but this was almost like a brisket pho like it was crazy.
The Verdict
Ciao is highly recommended as an award-winning Vietnamese restaurant that deserves a visit. With its newly opened status, recognition as best new restaurant, and best Vietnamese restaurant designation, combined with exceptional execution of signature dishes and beautiful atmosphere, this restaurant is perfect for anyone seeking high-quality Vietnamese cuisine in Honolulu.