1938 Indochine, 602 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu | Reviews

A Culinary Journey Through Time at 1938 Indochine

Located at 602 Ala Moana Blvd in the heart of Honolulu, Hawaii, 1938 Indochine stands as a sophisticated tribute to a bygone era. The restaurant invites guests to step away from the modern bustle of the city and immerse themselves in an atmosphere that gracefully bridges the gap between historical elegance and contemporary dining. By drawing inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of the Indochina region during the early 20th century, the establishment offers a unique narrative that unfolds through its carefully curated environment and thoughtful service philosophy.

The architecture and interior design reflect a deep appreciation for colonial-era aesthetics, characterized by refined textures, warm lighting, and an ambiance that feels both intimate and expansive. Whether you are a local resident seeking a new favorite haunt or a visitor exploring the vibrant culinary landscape of Honolulu, 1938 Indochine provides a setting that encourages meaningful conversation and a slower pace of life. It is a place where every detail, from the placement of the furniture to the flow of the dining room, has been considered to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for every guest who walks through the doors.

At its core, the restaurant is defined by a commitment to quality and a passion for storytelling. The team behind 1938 Indochine believes that dining is not merely about sustenance but about the preservation of heritage and the creation of new memories. By maintaining a focus on the harmony between traditional influences and the local Hawaiian spirit, the restaurant has carved out a distinct identity in the competitive Honolulu dining scene. It serves as a bridge between the past and the present, offering a sanctuary where history is honored and the future of fine dining is embraced with open arms.

Distinctive Elements of the 1938 Indochine Experience

Historical Atmosphere: The restaurant captures the essence of the 1930s with a design language that emphasizes nostalgia and elegance, providing a visually stunning backdrop for any occasion.
Prime Honolulu Location: Situated conveniently at 602 Ala Moana Blvd, the venue is easily accessible, making it an ideal destination for both casual evening gatherings and formal celebrations in the city.
Cultural Fusion Philosophy: The establishment prides itself on blending diverse culinary traditions, reflecting the complex and fascinating history of the Indochine region while celebrating the fresh, vibrant ingredients available in Hawaii.
Attentive Service Standards: A hallmark of the 1938 Indochine experience is the dedication to hospitality, where staff members prioritize guest comfort and strive to provide a personalized, high-quality service that feels both professional and welcoming.

Embracing the Spirit of Indochine in Hawaii

The allure of 1938 Indochine lies in its ability to transport diners to a different time and place without ever leaving the shores of Oahu. By focusing on the intersection of history, design, and hospitality, the restaurant creates a holistic experience that resonates with those who appreciate the finer nuances of dining out. It is more than just a location on Ala Moana Boulevard; it is a destination that invites you to slow down, appreciate the surroundings, and engage with the rich cultural influences that have shaped the identity of the restaurant.

As you plan your next outing in Honolulu, consider the unique charm that 1938 Indochine brings to the table. Whether you are drawn to the historical significance of its theme or simply looking for a refined space to enjoy an evening, the restaurant offers a consistent and inviting presence. We look forward to welcoming you to our space, where the legacy of the past meets the vibrant energy of Hawaii, ensuring that every visit is a testament to the timeless art of hospitality. Join us at 602 Ala Moana Blvd and become a part of the ongoing story that defines 1938 Indochine.

Poultry
- Tumeric Chicken $16.50
- Malaysian Fried Chicken Wings $20.00
- Sweet Chili Chicken $19.00
- Thai Basil Chicken $20.00
Beef & Pork
- Crispy Pig Ear $18.75
- Caramelized Pork Ribs $20.00
- Lemongrass Washugyu $17.50
- Pork Belly Bao Buns $18.75
Seafood
- Mekong Steamed Black Cod $20.00
- Crab Cake $20.00
- Crab Lumpia $20.00
- Ahi Poke & Shrimp Chips $20.00
Vegetables
- Black Bean Eggplant $17.50
- Fried Oyster Mushrooms $18.75
- Vegetarian Imperial Roll $18.75
- Mushroom Curry $18.75
- Garlic & Ginger Bok Choy $19.00
Signature Dishes
- Krazy Fried Rice $17.00
- Green Papaya Mango Salad $20.00
- Hamachi Da Nang Crudo $21.50
- Singapore Chili Frog Legs $21.50
- Cast Iron Beef Tataki $31.50
- Imperial Roll $20.00
1938 Sides & Desserts
- Banana Lumpia $17.50
- Krazy 38 Hot Sauce $3.00
- Jasmine Rice $7.50
- Lemongrass Fries $10.00

30-05-2026

Nice place for happy hour and gathering with small or large group as the restaurant has some nice long tables as well as booths. Good selection of cocktails and wine. Food is tasty and nice portions. Server was great in checking in before close of happy hour. Good location in the Ward Kaka’ako area. Plenty of parking. Price per person $40–50 Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Noise level Moderate noise Group size Suitable for all group sizes Wait time No wait Recommendation for vegetarians Somewhat recommend Vegetarian offerings Vegetarian menu or section Vegetarian options Good variety of vegetarian selections Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking lot, Paid parking garage Parking Parking available with validation next to restaurant and also paid parking across the street Kid-friendliness Not recommended for kids as more adult bar atmosphere although outside seating available Wheelchair accessibility Yes, easy access from parking

Adam Ma

30-05-2026

- I used to like this restaurant. They added a cigar menu and allowed cigar and cigarette smoking at outdoor tables. But the restaurant door remains open during business hours. So we could smell the cigar and cigarette smoke all the way in the back of the restaurant where we were seated. After we finished the meal, my clothes also smelled like cigarette smoke. This is like a restaurant with a smoking and a non-smoking sections, but the non-smoking session can still smell all the smoke. For this reason, I don't think the restaurant is for non-smokers or folks who don't like to smell the cigarette smoke while they are dining. + Food is good. Asian fusion. + Service is attentive. + Ambience is good. Trendy with a lounge feel. + Prices are comparable to other similar modern restaurants. Our bill for dinner came to $90 per person including tips. Our order included one alcoholic drink only, 2 non-alcoholic drinks, 7 dishes to share family style, and 1 chocolate fireball dessert to share, for a party of 4 adults. Price per person $40–50 Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 2 Noise level Moderate noise Group size 3-4 people Wait time No wait Recommendation for vegetarians Somewhat recommend Vegetarian offerings Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes Vegetarian options Fried rice can be made vegan without the pork and the egg, and still tasty

Jenny Tang

30-05-2026

Food & beverage - The food tasted really bland for the cost and portion. We ordered the Crab Cakes, Malaysian Fried Chicken, Krazy Fried Rice, and Black Bean Eggplant. Service: Our waiter disappeared on us for 15 minutes after we ordered two Vietnamese coffee at the end of the meal. We had to follow up with a different staff member to get the coffee. The initial waiter claimed they had messed up pouring the coffee 3 times to explain the wait, but taking 15 minutes to rectify that sounds a bit extreme. The coffee also tasted a bit watered down. Ambiance - The aesthetics of the restaurant, both inside and out, felt inconsistent. While there was an attempt, the decor didn't feel cohesive. Overall, you'd expect more from an Aoki establishment. We know they have money to do it right, and you'd think they'd have the desire to strive for better food and service. Price per person $40–50 Food: 3 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4 Noise level Quiet, easy to talk Group size 2 people Wait time No wait

Len San

30-05-2026

The best Vietnamese cuisine I’ve ever had! This restaurant is top-notch, featuring lovely romantic decor, great vibes, and an inviting atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the ambiance and know you’ve made the right choice to dine there. The dining table setup is very private, offering plenty of personal space. The food and drinks are absolutely amazing. We ordered appetizers to share, and they were both plentiful and delicious. Most of the menu items are designed for sharing. I ordered the local snapper fish, fried to perfection, and it was absolutely delicious. Our server made a few recommendations, and we went with his suggestions—everything arrived on time and was perfect. He was super friendly, gave us plenty of time to decide, and let us enjoy our meal without rushing. After dinner, we relaxed, ordered cocktails, and took pictures. It’s a great restaurant with an amazing, friendly staff. Highly recommended! Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $100+ Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Winston Cubed

30-05-2026

The Happy Hour at this restaurant is amazing, offering a variety of delicious food options. Happy Hour ends at 6pm. I highly recommend trying the fries and pork belly buns, which were both excellent. The ceviche was good, and the glass noodle shrimp was also good. However, the jidori chicken was excellent, and the crab cakes were great. The Happy Hour menu offers excellent value, and I highly recommend taking advantage of it.

Millie Ho

30-05-2026

I was transported to a South Asian paradise without needing my passport or enduring a long flight. Surprisingly, it's just a 10-mile drive from my place. The restaurant we visited is simply stunning and exudes an exotic charm. I went there with my girlfriend for dinner, and even though it was my first visit, she's a regular. According to her, everything on the menu is absolutely delicious. I particularly enjoyed the family-style serving, allowing us to share and savor the flavors of specialty dishes representing Vietnam and a blend of Cambodian cuisine. The restaurant's artwork is breathtaking, and hearing the owner describe each piece as hand-selected made me feel like I was in a Vietnamese museum, with each item telling a unique story. Our waiter provided amazing customer service, and we enjoyed dishes such as lemongrass fries, Cast Iron Beef Tataki, Krazy fried rice, Colonial crab cakes, Spring rolls, and a bottle of Decoy Merlot wine. The availability of valet service was a nice convenience. Definitely will be back to enjoy other dishes to try out. Order type Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes Spicy Lemongrass Fries Recommendation for vegetarians Highly recommend Vegetarian offerings Vegetarian menu or section Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Valet, Paid parking garage Parking There is a valet as an option and also, there is a parking garage at Salt you can park. Both are at a fee.