Leila Kaimuki Brings Moroccan Cuisine to the Neighborhood

The late September opening of Leila Kaimuki by Chefs Chris Kajioka and Mourad Lahlou was truly the buzz among foodies. My instagram feed was flooded with inviting images of the Kaimuki restaurant's first course, The Seven Salads. For good reason too, as it was my favorite.

Leila Kaimuki has transformed the old Angelo Pietro space into an intimate, but lively beautiful space for guests to enjoy Moroccan inspired cuisine through a three course prix fixe menu and specials. I had never had Moroccan food before so it was an exciting experience for me.

I started with a cocktail named Rose Garden made with gin, elderflower, and rose honey. Shortly after, two sets of The Seven Salads were presented for our party of six. The dishes are beautifully prepared and served with za’atar flatbread (amazing!) and farm vegetables. The Seven Salads are: Olives (pickled almonds, citrus, marash pepper), Zaalouk (eggplant, black olive, pine nuts, herbs), Muhammara (piquillo pepper, almond), Lebni (trout roe, dill), Bissara (white bean hummus, sesame, olio nuovo), Tomato Jam (ginger, citrus), and Bravo Radish (smoked lebni, harissa, sesame). Much of it was new to me, but I loved all the dishes. If I had to choose, the Lebni and Tomato Jam were my favorites. 

Rose Garden cocktail

First course: The Seven Salads

For the second course, you have a choice of the following that is portioned for two: Lamb Meshoui, Mediterranean Branzino, Short Rib wagyu beef, or Roasted Cauliflower. We chose two orders of the lamb and one order of the Branzino on the recommendation from Melissa Chang (everyone's favorite Hawaii foodie!). The lamb is braised for 12 hours resulting in crisp, tender meat and it was nice to have a heavier dish paired with the light and flavorful fish. 

Lamb Meshoui (neck, cumin, yama, kale, sunchoke)

Mediterranean Branzino (red & green charmoula, cippolini onion, fennel)

Rounding the meal is dessert. The price of the set menu is $85 per person with an optional $40 wine pairing. If you have a special occasion coming up or in need of a unique dining experience, Leila Kaimuki would be perfect. 

Leila Kaimuki 

1108 12th Ave Ste C 

Honolulu, HI 96816