AV Restaurant

New in Kaimuki is the all vegan restaurant, AV Restaurant, operated by the team behind Restaurant XO - Chef Kenneth Lee and Chef Harrison Ines.  

I've said many times that if I could afford to hire someone to cook delicious vegan food for me, I would, since I rarely eat meat.  Therefore I was extremely excited to have been invited to a media event at AV Restaurant.

AV Restaurant is like no other vegan restaurant I've tried before.  They combine an elevated dining experience and modernist cuisine in a Chef's Tasting format of 14-16 courses that's a treat for vegans and non-vegans alike. 

Crystal Crostini, Sesame Oil Hummus, Garlic, Pomegranate & Sumac

Beet Tartare Tartlet, Marmite Mayo, Tomato Yolk

Grilled Cauliflower, Soffrito, Miso Bagna Cauda, Black Lime

Vegan Shrimp & Potato Cannoli, Sweet Cumin, Saffron Aioli

Celery Gazpacho Sorbet, Compressed Cucumber, Harissa, Mint

Dan Dan Tortellini, Dan Dan Sauce, Chili Oil Snow

Tacoyaki, Tortilla Puree, Taco Sauce

Truffle Xiao Long Bao

Grilled Thai Eggplant Nigiri, Nori Paste, Tare

Japanese Curry Croquette, 11 Herbs & Spices, Cashew Ranch

Portobello Sando Pain Perdue, Steak Sauce, Dill Pickles

Optional: Cauliflower & Cheese Waffledog

Melon Sphere, Melon Soda, White Chocolate, Pop Rocks

Blackberry & Thyme Sorbet

Mac Nut & Chocolate Chip Cookie, Coconut Dulche De Leche, Anglaise

AV Restaurant offers familiar flavors in innovative presentations, and I left the dinner completely satisfied.

My favorites were many, including the Portobello Sandwich (I wanted an entire, regular-sized sandwich - it was that good!), the Japanese Curry Croquette (presented in a format that will play mind tricks on you, with tastes and flavors were completely reminiscent of eating comforting curry), the Vegan Shrimp & Potato Cannoli (enjoyed the complementing textures), and the Grilled Thai Eggplant Nigiri (I could've eaten a half a dozen of them).  The portions of each course were just the right size.  

You have the option to order the supplemental Cauliflower & Cheese Waffledog after the savories, and even if you already feel full like I did, I would suggest giving it a try.  It was sure delish, and you won't miss the meat at all!  

The Melon Sphere was fun to eat (follow directions closely, and don't mess up like I did by squeezing the sphere too hard before putting it into your mouth), and the Cookie was a simple, yet scrumptious way to end the meal. 

The food is amazing.  So much goes into each and every dish - thoughtful ingredients with distinct flavor profiles, innovative techniques, and meticulous execution.  

Congratulations Chef Kenneth and Chef Harrison!

AV Restaurant
1135 11th Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816