Restaurant Review: Hula’s Modern Tiki – A Polynesian Fusion Restaurant

Jake Rockwell August 4, 2024 Scottsdale

Pricing: $$
Ambiance: Hip, retro-modern
Food: Polynesian fusion, American (New)
Drinks: Tropical cocktails, Craft cocktails


Nestled in the heart of the city, Hula’s Modern Tiki offers a unique dining experience that transports patrons to a tropical paradise. This Polynesian fusion restaurant combines exotic flavors with a hip, retro-modern atmosphere, making it a standout destination for food enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike.

Hula's Modern Tiki – photo from our visit

Ambiance:
Step into Hula’s Modern Tiki, and you’ll immediately feel the laid-back island vibe. The hip, retro-modern decor creates an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. With its tiki-inspired elements and contemporary touches, the restaurant strikes a balance between nostalgic charm and modern sophistication.

Food:
Hula’s menu is a celebration of Polynesian fusion cuisine, offering a diverse array of dishes that blend tropical flavors with contemporary techniques. Standout appetizers include the crispy fish bites and sweet plantains, both perfect for sharing. For main courses, the Blackened Wasabi Mahi and Lemongrass Encrusted Ahi showcase the restaurant’s skill with seafood preparation. The Hawaiian Kalbi Ribs are another popular choice, delivering a satisfying blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Menu highlights:

  • Crispy Fish Bites
  • Sweet Plantains
  • Blackened Wasabi Mahi
  • Lemongrass Encrusted Ahi
  • Hawaiian Kalbi Ribs
  • Coconut Cream Pie

While the proteins consistently impress, some sides could use improvement. The house-cut fries are a notable exception, earning high praise for their freshness and flavor.

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Drinks:
Hula’s Modern Tiki truly shines in its beverage offerings. The bar serves up an impressive array of tropical and craft cocktails that perfectly complement the Polynesian fusion cuisine. The Pink Bikini Martini, a refreshing blend of vodka, pineapple, and watermelon liquor, is a standout choice for those who prefer alternatives to rum-based drinks.

External Reviews:
Hula’s Modern Tiki has garnered positive feedback across various platforms:

  • Yelp: 4.0/5 stars
  • Google: 4.3/5 stars
  • TripAdvisor: 4.0/5 stars

Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant’s unique atmosphere, creative cocktails, and friendly service. Many highlight the coconut cream pie as a must-try dessert.


With an overall rating of 4.2, Hula’s Modern Tiki offers a delightful escape from the ordinary dining experience. This Polynesian fusion restaurant successfully combines exotic flavors, creative cocktails, and a captivating ambiance. While there’s room for improvement in some side dishes, the standout proteins, impressive drink menu, and inviting atmosphere make Hula’s a worthy destination for those seeking a taste of the tropics in an urban setting.

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Website:https://www.hulasmoderntiki.com/

For more happy hour spots like this one, be sure to checkout our list featuring others like it here: https://scottsdalerestaurants.com/slugtop-10-happy-hour-spots-scottsdale/


Jake Rockwell August 4, 2024 Scottsdale