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# Medici's – A Unique Dining and Music Experience in Honolulu
Medici's, located at 2754 Woodlawn Dr, Unit 7-103, Honolulu, HI, is a distinctive restaurant and music venue that combines gourmet dining with live performances. Opened in April 2014, it has become a beloved spot in the Mānoa community, known for its intimate atmosphere and support for the Manoa School of Music and the Arts. The venue is run by the husband-and-wife team, Tim and Carolyn Stanton, who create a welcoming environment filled with art, music, and culinary delights. Patrons often highlight the unique ambiance and the opportunity to enjoy live jazz and classical music while dining on a four-course meal, although the dining experience has received mixed reviews regarding food quality and service.

## History
### The story of Medici's
Medici's was founded with a vision to create a space where music and culinary arts could flourish together. The Stantons aimed to provide a platform for local musicians while also offering a unique dining experience that supports the community. This dual mission has helped Medici's carve out a niche in Honolulu's vibrant cultural scene.

### Milestones and growth
- **2014**: Medici's opens its doors, quickly gaining popularity for its unique concept.
- **Community Support**: The venue becomes known for donating proceeds to the Manoa School of Music and the Arts, fostering local talent.
- **COVID-19 Adaptations**: Like many venues, Medici's adapted to pandemic restrictions, implementing safety protocols while continuing to host live events.

### Cultural and local influence
Medici's has played a significant role in promoting local music and arts. By providing a space for musicians to perform, it has enriched the cultural fabric of the Mānoa neighborhood. The venue's commitment to supporting local artists has made it a cherished spot for both residents and visitors.

### Continuing the tradition
The Stantons continue to uphold their founding vision by regularly featuring a diverse lineup of musicians and artists. Their dedication to the arts ensures that Medici's remains a vital part of Honolulu's cultural landscape, fostering community engagement through music and dining.

## Community
### Community involvement
Medici's actively engages with the local community by hosting events that support the Manoa School of Music and the Arts. This partnership not only provides financial support but also creates opportunities for students and local artists to showcase their talents. The venue often collaborates with community organizations, enhancing its role as a cultural hub.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Medici's as a hidden gem, offering a unique blend of music and dining. Many patrons appreciate the intimate setting and the chance to connect with fellow music lovers. However, some reviews indicate mixed feelings about the dining experience, reflecting a range of opinions on food quality and service.

### Events and gatherings
Medici's hosts a variety of events, including live music performances, art shows, and community gatherings. These events not only entertain but also foster a sense of belonging among attendees. The venue's layout encourages social interaction, often leading to new friendships among guests seated at communal tables.

## Offerings
### What Medici's offers
Medici's provides a unique dining experience that combines gourmet food with live music. Guests can enjoy a four-course meal while listening to a range of musical performances, primarily focusing on jazz and blues. The venue's intimate atmosphere enhances the overall experience, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Medici's is characterized by a four-course meal prepared by Chef Tim Stanton. While the food is generally well-received, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in portion sizes and presentation, often served on paper plates, which has drawn mixed reviews. Despite these critiques, many guests appreciate the quality of the live music that accompanies their meal.

### Events and packages
Medici's offers various event packages, including dinner and show combinations. These packages typically include a gourmet meal and access to live performances, providing great value for those looking to enjoy a night out. Special events, such as New Year's Eve celebrations, often feature unique menus and performances, attracting repeat visitors.

### Facilities and features
- Intimate dining space
- Live music performances
- Support for local artists
- Community-focused events
- Art displays from local artists

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Medici's highlight both strengths and weaknesses. Many patrons rave about the ambiance and the quality of the musical performances, while others express disappointment with the food and service. The venue's commitment to supporting local arts is a recurring theme in positive reviews.

### Compliments and strengths
- **Ambiance**: The intimate setting creates a unique dining experience.
- **Live Music**: Many guests appreciate the quality of the performances.
- **Community Support**: The venue's dedication to supporting local artists and music education is highly praised.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
- **Food Quality**: Some patrons have noted that the food does not always meet expectations, with several reviews mentioning the use of paper plates and inconsistent portion sizes.
- **Service Issues**: A few guests have reported service challenges, particularly during busy events, which can detract from the overall experience.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Medici's is celebrated for its unique concept of combining dining with live music. While there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding food presentation and service, the venue's commitment to community and the arts makes it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a memorable night out.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Medici's is situated in the Mānoa neighborhood of Honolulu, a vibrant area known for its lush landscapes and cultural diversity. The venue is easily accessible and located near various attractions, including the Manoa Falls Trail and the University of Hawaii. The surrounding area offers a mix of dining, shopping, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for visitors to explore.

## FAQs
**What type of music is featured at Medici's** Live jazz and blues performances are regularly featured.
**Is there a dress code at Medici's** Casual attire is generally acceptable, but smart casual is recommended for evening events.
**Can I make a reservation** Yes, reservations are encouraged, especially for special events.

## Visit Medici's Today
Medici's offers a unique dining and music experience in Honolulu, combining gourmet meals with live performances in an intimate setting. With a commitment to supporting local artists and a welcoming community atmosphere, it's a great place to enjoy a night out. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Medici's promises an unforgettable evening filled with music, art, and culinary delights.

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I enjoyed my one time I went there to see Johnny Valentine and am sad to hear they closed the venue part. I loved arriving at this shopping center and going through the music classrooms, almost like a speakeasy. Cute older couple that runs the place. Very...Italian decor? Moody, night club vibe on the upper level, older crowd mainly. The food and drink were not too bad. Would I go just for the food? No. But the ambiance was really cool to experience, I'll miss it!

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Medici's is a special little gem in Mānoa transporting you to a magical space filled with music, food, and happiness. The club opened in April of 2014 and features jazz, blues, classical musicians in Hawaii. This was our second time here and loved it. Tim and Carolyn (owners) are very welcoming couple who work in tandem to operate this place. Tim is the chef, artist, and manages the music events upstairs. Carolyn is the musical director for the school downstairs. All proceeds from dinner/shows help support the Manoa School of Music and the Arts downstairs. The ambiance is beautiful and well-decorated with plants, art, paintings. Tim is an artist, so you will find his paintings for sale too. We took one home during the NYE event and admire it everyday. Your ticket includes live music and a tasty 4 course gourmet meal who is cooked by Chef Tim. Just a word of warning is that the meal is on the smaller side. The dishes are served on mostly paper plates but I assume that's how they also keep the costs lower. Most of the attendees seem to be 50+ so the food might be catering to those who are older and don't eat as much. Although we ended up being content by the end with drinks. You will likely end up sitting with strangers since the tables are large, circular, and can seat up to 6-8 people. This can be a good way to socialize and make some new friends. They also have a bar that has very reasonable prices. $25 wine bottles and only $7.50 for beer/wine glasses. Cocktails available too. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the beautiful tunes of jazz. Hard to find places like this anymore!

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DO NOT GO THIS PLACE Terrible experience I ever had I attached the screenshot of email I got. Basically they misunderstood that I'm other guy who did rude thing. And they did reject to go dinner very in advance even thought we bought tickets 1month ago. Farther to that, they said something nasty to me. I felt like they re racist. And after I did prove that I'm not that by proving my personal information, and they stop replying. I was so confused and sad because I and my girlfriend were planning to go this dinner and exited to go since 1 month ago. I haven't got apologies and even I haven't get response to my email,,, What a horrible company and person.

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Medici's is interesting. The proceeds from the show and dinner support the Manoa School of Music & The Arts, which is downstairs. The husband and wife Tim & Carolyn Stanton operate in tandem (he, the restaurant and shows; she the music school). While waiting for the show, other patrons joked with me to come for the shows and just eat the food. Tim and his staff try their best to put out a great meal. The food was good, but served on paper goods. Silverware was actually metal. The night that I went. Granted, it was only their second show since reopening due to the pandemic and they had some new staff. My table mates ordered drinks, and the glasses were a different size each time. I give Tim credit for still coming out and schmoozing with patrons at each table and thanking them for their support. Nevertheless, the shows they put on are top notch and money goes to support a wonderful school.

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Of course I recommend spending an evening at Medici's Supper Club. The variety and quality of entertainment is pretty good, if I do say so myself! The ambiance is lovely and servers are attentive. There are not many spaces that provide an intimate listening experience, and we are grateful for this one. Mahalo, Tim and Carolyn Stanton.

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We went to Medici Supper Club to hear The Hot Club of Hulaville. The space is intimate and we sat next to the stage, by the piano. There were clear plastic curtains on moveable stands on the stage to distance the performers from the audience. COVID-19 check-in consisted of taking our temperature; since we prepaid, there was no need to fill in any forms. We shared a table with three ladies from North Carolina so there wasn't much in the way of distancing at each table. The food was served on paper dinnerware and this, although understandable, probably contributed to my overall impressions of the cuisine. We started with a bowl of soup (Wild Thai Chicken) that tasted like Penang curry; followed by a simple salad with an Italian vinaigrette dressing. This was followed by a small bowl of Moroccan Vegetable Tagine, which was a mélange of vegetables in a sweet but savory gravy. Shepherd's pie was next; this to me was the most successful of the dishes; it was a square of pie and was very tasty. Finally, a slice of lemon cake with sliced berries and what was described as crème fraiche ... more like a whipped topping to me. One could order wine by the glass or go to the bar and select bottles. I chose a pinot noir from Bouchard Aine & Fils; a very pleasant wine for $20.83. Wines by the bottle were "the deal", a glass cost $8 and cocktails were almost double that. Now, the reason we came .... The Hot Club of Hulaville. That night it was a trio and they played for a little more than two hours with a break between sets. Nothing beats live, acoustic music. The sound was excellent, not too loud (this is coming from a musician), with good clarity. Five stars for the entertainment. So, my impressions ... the food is good and would be better served on dinnerware, not paper plates. They were short-handed two servers and the place was essentially full so I give them credit for the service provided. You can't beat the cost of wine by the bottle; there's nothing special but for $20, you cannot find fault. They plan more frequent events, I would return without hesitation, depending on the artist.

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First, let me say that the music was incredible. John Kolivas and the Honolulu Jazz quartet never disappoint. They are always Five Star! Thing is, we had been looking forward to this experience for a long time. Since the website builds itself up as a Supper Club, we had high expectations First, I thought it was cool that there's an actual music school downstairs, but when we checked in, we were told we were on table D. Well, table D was full, so we hunted around and found we were on table B. The tables were round plastic tables covered with a tablecloth, paper napkins and stainless flatware(which had spots). Someone came over and dropped a carafe of water on the table and said if we wanted drinks, we had to walk up to the bar. Getting back to the round tables. It's a tight squeeze in there and being seated on a round table means someone will have their backs to the entertainment. The tables and chairs look like they were bought at Sam's club, which would have been fine if they bought the long tables, so everyone could see. Tim was not the Chef that night, which was too bad because the amuse bouche was cut too thick and really hard to eat. The entree vegetables were frozen peas and carrots. One thing to note is that there is no elevator to the second floor. So John had to carry his bass up the stairs. Not sure if there's ADA access.

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The venue is intimate and it allows you to see and meet the musician you plan to go see. As for the food that is what made it go from 5 to 4 stars. First of all the food is served on paper goods. It was ver inconsistent with the serving. Our friends go like a few spoons of soup where it was for a child. The potatoes looked well done for me and better for others. I couldn't eat the top it was burnt. I will eat the next time before i come here. I don't know if they think it out the different flavors when you eat their 4 course meal. It didn't settle well with my stomach.

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First, the music was great! We loved Tommy James on the piano and Dean Taba on Bass. However, the dinner, particularly the entree was an embarrassment. We didn't know what we were eating, some mashed up pasta( like a tuna helper) and mushy rice which didn't even pair with an Italian entree. The food shouldn't have been served to people. With the quality of the food offered, it would be much better that venue serve just drinks and perhaps appetizers at most.

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This is my second time came to Medici's and I was extremely upset how they handle covid protocols. In my opinion, they should be closed because they don't care about the government issued required COVID guidelines. We were informed by the owner that we were the first ones who booked the tickets so they gave us the best seats, balcony. But in my opinion, balcony is the worst seats because we can't really see the performance at all. The balcony is very small and they squeezed five seats. Before we arrived, there were already a party of three seated. We were seated with those people we don't know. They shouldn't seat us with other three people in such a small shared table in the first place, and they didn't offer any plastic barrier which against covid protocol. I talked to one of the waiters and they finally put a plastic barrier between us, but the table part was not protected. I felt extremely uncomfortable but since we already paid the tickets and they cannot refund us. The tickets indicated the Honolulu jazz quartet started at 6:30 pm, but the bassist and pianist arrived around 7:10 pm. And the performance started around 7:30 pm. I'm a musician myself and being late for performance without any explanation or apology are unacceptable. The performance is great, but the saxophone player isn't the best, he couldn't even play the heads in when played a Chick Corea tune very well, which again makes me doubt their professionalism. The foods are very mediocre, and they definitely don't worth $59 per person. I definitely do not recommend this place and I really hope the owner could take covid seriously.

Discover Medici's in Honolulu for a unique dining experience. Savor delicious cuisine in a vibrant setting. Book your table now for an unforgettable meal.

Medici's Restaurant in Honolulu - Unique Art & Music Venue

Honolulu

Medici's

Honolulu County

Explore Medici's in Honolulu. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 2754 Woodlawn Dr, Unit 7-103, Manoa School of Art and Music.

Medici's Experience - Food & Drinks in Honolulu

Learn about Medici's in Honolulu. A top spot for delicious food, vibrant atmosphere & friendly service. Located at 2754 Woodlawn Dr, Manoa School of Art and Music.

About Medici's - Honolulu's Favorite Dining Spot

Opening hours for Medici's, Honolulu. Find opening hours for Medici's at 2754 Woodlawn Dr, Manoa School of Art and Music on your visit.

Medici's Menu Overview

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