Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileIstanbul Hawai'i
Honolulu, HI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Istanbul Hawai'i layers Ottoman-inspired cocktail sections like Bosphorus Terrace and Ottoman Sherbets over a globe-trotting wine list that runs from a $16 Sicilian Catarratto to a $550 Dom Pérignon. The cocktail program leans into local Hawaiian ingredients, with the kiawe-smoked Evil Eye and the clarified Lion's Milk leading a creative, well-priced lineup. Zero-proof sherbets and a compact European beer list round out a focused program.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Evil Eye—an Istanbul-exclusive Maker's bourbon, date, and cardamom pour available classic or kiawe-smoked. For a deeper dive, the Lion's Milk pairs göbek rakısı with clarified milk, Rize tea, and Waimea māmaki.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Beverage enthusiasts who appreciate a well-structured cocktail list with regional themes and a wine selection that spans from approachable by-the-glass options to a Dom Pérignon for special occasions. Also suits those seeking creative zero-proof drinks.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $16–$24; wines start at $16 a glass and climb to $550 for Dom Pérignon 2013; beers are $13–$17; non-alcoholic sherbets are $16–$17.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu is organized into evocative sections like 'Bosphorus Terrace' and 'Ottoman Sherbets,' blending Turkish coffee, rakı, and local Hawaiian ingredients such as Kō Hana rum and Kauaʻi lilikoi. Its wine list reaches from a 2024 Sicilian Catarratto to a 2013 Dom Pérignon.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
The cocktail menu is organized into thematic sections like 'Bosphorus Terrace' and 'Ottoman Sherbets,' featuring drinks that blend Turkish flavors with local Hawaiian ingredients. The lineup includes the kiawe-smoked Evil Eye, the clarified Lion's Milk, and a baklava-inspired Mai Tai, all priced between $16 and $24.
Menu strengths
- — Themed sections like 'Bosphorus Terrace' and 'Tulip Era' give the menu a cohesive, narrative structure.
- — Local ingredients such as Waialua cacao and Kō Hana rum are integrated into creative drinks.
- — Pricing is accessible for the craftsmanship, with most cocktails between $16 and $20.
Standout selections
- — Evil Eye – Istanbul's exclusive Maker's bourbon, date, cardamom; classic or kiawe-smoked ($20/$22).
- — Lion's Milk – Göbek rakısı, clarified milk, Rize tea, Waimea māmaki, fennel pollen ($24).
- — Thief of Fire – WhistlePig rye, burnt sage, Waialua cacao, licorice root ($20).
Pricing: $16–$24
Wine
The wine list spans France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and beyond, with a 'Delicate Nectar' section devoted to Champagne. It includes a 2024 Donnafugata Anthìlia Catarratto, a 2021 Château Musar, and a 2013 Dom Pérignon, all available by the glass or bottle.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive global list covering France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and more.
- — Notable depth in Champagne with Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut and Dom Pérignon.
- — Offers both by-the-glass and bottle pricing, from $16 to $550.
Standout selections
- — Dom Pérignon 2013 – Champagne, France; stone fruit, brioche, smoke ($550).
- — Château Musar Hochar Père et Fils 2021 – Cabernet blend from Lebanon; black cherry, dried herbs, cedar ($24/$100).
- — Donnafugata Anthìlia 2024 – Catarratto from Sicily; white peach, citrus blossom, yellow plum ($16/$75).
Pricing: $16 glass to $550 bottle
Beer
A focused European beer list features Greek, Italian, Belgian, and German classics, including Mythos Lager, Saison Dupont, and Weihenstephaner Korbinian. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $13 to $17.
Menu strengths
- — Well-chosen European classics with regional variety.; Includes both a crisp Greek lager and a rich German doppelbock.
Standout selections
- — Weihenstephaner Korbinian – Doppelbock, Bavaria; plum, toffee, rich ($17).
- — Saison Dupont – Saison, Belgium; grapefruit, white pepper, dry ($17).
- — Ayinger Bräuweisse – Hefeweizen, Bavaria; banana, clove, velvety ($16).
Pricing: $13–$17
Nonalcoholic
The 'Ottoman Sherbets' section offers zero-proof drinks with local ingredients, such as the 24k Spritz with Kauaʻi lilikoi and gold dust, and the Nectar of Dionysus with Waiʻanae roselle and Maui pineapple. All are priced between $16 and $17.
Menu strengths
- — Creative zero-proof cocktails with cultural and local ingredients.
- — Dedicated section 'Ottoman Sherbets' shows serious attention to non-alcoholic options.
Standout selections
- — 24k Spritz – Kauaʻi lilikoi, ginger, Anatolian prickly pear, safran, gold dust ($16).
- — Nectar of Dionysus – Waiʻanae roselle, Maui gold pineapple, aged balsamic, fig leaf ($16).
- — Bodrum Sunset – Spiritless bourbon, cherry, carob, cardamom ($16).
Pricing: $16–$17
Spirits
The spirits list is extensive, covering vodka, tequila, mezcal, gin, rum, bourbon, rye, scotch, and more. Premium and rare pours like Clase Azul Añejo, Yamazaki 12 Year, and The Macallan 18 Year sit alongside Mediterranean spirits such as Arak de Musar.
Menu strengths
- — Deep selection across all major spirits categories.; Includes rare and premium bottlings like Yamazaki 12 and The Macallan 18.
- — Features Mediterranean spirits like Arak de Musar, Ouzo, and Rakı, adding regional character.
Standout selections
- — Clase Azul Añejo – Tequila ($118).; Yamazaki 12 Year – Japanese whisky ($50).
- — WhistlePig The Boss Hog VIII – Rye whisky ($135).
Pricing: $12–$165
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