Mariposa Restaurant (Ala Moana Center)

Since we don’t travel anymore due to mobility issues, David and I have found other ways to entertain ourselves. Lately, we have been dining out every Sunday. We enjoy having lunch or brunch mid-day, because we are more alert at that time. It’s just wonderful that we can do this every week, something to truly look forward to. Oahu has hundreds of restaurants, which are attractive and serve great cuisine. So, expect to see photos of our weekly culinary adventures on this blog every Friday.

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Mariposa Restaurant is located on the third level of Nieman Marcus at Ala Moana Center. The best way to access Mariposa is by parking on the oceanside of the mall level parking lot and taking their private elevator up to the restaurant. There is ample free parking.

In 2020, Nieman Marcus luxury department store finally emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Mariposa Restaurant also survived the Covid pandemic at its worst and recently reopened.

Lawrence Nakamoto, age 34, was hired as Mariposa’s Executive Chef in 2017. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu, Hawaii and worked at Elua Restaurant in Honolulu before joining Mariposa. His culinary style is eclectic (Hawaiian, Asian, Italian).

This is Executive Chef Lawrence Nakamoto:

I last reviewed Mariposa in 2017. Forgive me for reviewing it again, but I simply could not resist this opportunity.

This is Mariposa Restaurant (Ala Moana Center) before it fills up with customers. The covered lanai is to the right. We asked not to be seated there, as it was very hot and humid that day. We preferred the cool air-conditioned main room. The fans at the top gently circulated the air:

This is the gorgeous view of Ala Moana Beach Park from the covered lanai:

Here we are:

We started with complimentary Popovers and Strawberry Butter:

This was followed by a small cup of clear Chicken Broth, also complimentary:

I ordered the Chicken Milanese (Chicken breast, sauteed with an herb parmesan crust), Pesto and Marinara Sauce, Israeli Couscous, Green Beans and a Carrot. This was the first time I ate the green-colored Couscous, which is a type of North African pasta. It tasted very good:

David ordered the Grilled Ahi Fish Sandwich, Potato Fries, Salad, and Ketchup. He was asked by the waiter how he wanted his Ahi. David replied he wanted it done “medium.” It turned out very juicy, not dry at all.

Dessert was Mango Cheesecake with a slice of Chocolate on top, Chocolate Graham Crust, and bits of Kiwi:

We loved the wonderful cuisine, which was so beautifully presented, especially those yummy Popovers, which were so airy, light, and delicate! They were so addictive that I ate two. I also loved the Strawberry Butter.

On our way out, I photographed Kawika Kekoa, the featured soloist, who sang mellow Hawaiian pop music while strumming his electric guitar:

Mariposa is a very pleasant place to dine. However, do make reservations, as this restaurant is very popular and fills up quickly.