Seasoned by diverse ethnic tastes and softened by its Polynesian heritage, Hawaii is a unique place to dine - a melting pot simmering culinary combinations as surprising and delightful as the cultural ones. Yet, Honolulu, its capitol, is very much the big city. Hence, the following top ten listing is only a cross-section sampling of the hundreds of award-winning International cuisines found in this crossroads of the Pacific. From German, French and Italian, to Thai, Filipino and Chinese, every possible ethnic flavor is here, including, of course, Hawaii's own native fair. As they say in the islands, E komo mai ai: Welcome and come eat!
3660 ON THE RISE 3660 Waialae Avenue Honolulu , HI 96816 Telephone: (808) 737-1177
Located in Kaimuki where Waialae Avenue meets Wilhemina Rise, Chef Russell Siu has put together a contemporary fusion of flavors and fresh local ingredients to produce a menu that is enjoyable and notable. The restaurant is far enough from the tourist haunts of Waikiki to attract a crowd of loyal locals and the occasional enlightened tourist looking to get that fix of the finer island flavors that only 3660's magic can quell. His signature dishes include Ahi Katsu (breaded, deep fried tuna) Roast Rack of Macadamia Nut Crusted Lamb and the Pan Seared Hamachi. Don't expect sunsets or tiki torches or resort prices here, but expect that the menu will make your taste buds do the hula in way you never thought possible. Reservations recommended.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: Closed New Years Day, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday
Located along a major thoroughfare in Moiliili not too far from the frenzy of Waikiki , this restaurant offers the best in Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Chef Alan Wong is a master of this contemporary style and is always on the leading edge when it comes to using Hawaii 's freshest local ingredients in a uniquely eclectic fashion. The restaurant has open kitchen and a casually elegant atmosphere, something that really is more a refection of Alan Wong's local roots and style rather than style. Try the Ginger Crusted Onaga with Miso Sesame Vinaigrette, Organically Grown Hamakua Mushrooms and Corn or the Big Island Abalone with Negi Oil, Hamakua Eryngi Mushrooms. Reservations highly recommended.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $65 - $75
Holiday Schedule: Closed Christmas Day, New Years Day
INDIGO 1121 Nuuanu Avenue (Chinatown District), Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 521-2900 Hours: (Tues-Fri) 11:30 am-2 pm; (Sat) 6 pm-9:30 pm Located in the heart of historic Chinatown, Indigo's opened a few years ago and was an instant hit with professionals needing a peaceful place to simultaneously power lunch and eat great international cuisine. At night, however, it is THE place to be, combining a nightclub/lounge atmosphere upstairs with an open-air, high-ceilinged dining area downstairs loosely enclosed in bamboo, seating about 40. It is the perfect place for a romantic fling complete with Singapore Sling or other umbrella drink which can be ordered right from one of two lounges, one upstairs, or an outdoor bar downstairs. Kick things off with hors d oeuvres, their specialite de la maison: carpaccio or sashimi, these guys can do it all, even special orders don't upset them. International cuisine means just that: steaks, poultry, seafood, on whatever you want, with a nice French bread to boot. It's where Honolulu's young urban professionals go to hobnob, sometimes holding networking "mixers" after work from there nearby downtown offices.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Unknown, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
THE WILLOWS RESTAURANT 901 Hausten Street Honolulu , HI 96826 Phone: (808) 952-9200
Tucked away in a non-descript residential neighborhood, this restaurant has been known to be a hospitable place for islanders to celebrate and congregate. From business luncheons, bridal and baby showers to family birthday celebrations, it's a pleasant spot to indulge and to enjoy the unique garden setting. Most of the seating here is al fresco, the setting is a series of outdoor dining areas weaved among rippling koi ponds, greenery and water falls that feels like lunching at an island estate or a candlelit private residence. The buffet menu features island favorites that include all you can eat king crab, sushi, kalua pig and their famous curry. Advance reservations for large parties are highly recommended.
Holiday Schedule: Closed Christmas and New Year's Day
ONO HAWAIIAN FOOD 726 Kapahulu Avenue (Waikiki District), Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 737-2275 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11 am-7:45 pm These guys should have cots in a back room to sleep off the effects of their hearty, Hawaiian meals. Unfortunately, this place is too small for that. Only about 15 people can comfortably fit in this tiny, hole-in-the-wall specialty joint, which on weekends between 6 and 8 p.m. has a line around the block. Their laulau are huge, filled with pork or chicken and sweet potato and wrapped in dark green luau leaves that pack more B vitamins than a body should take in. All main dishes are served with various combinations of squid luau, rice or poi, pipi kaula (dried beef), sweet, fresh Maui onion, haupia (coconut pudding) and lomi salmon. Keep the water coming. You'll need it to revive you because turnover is quick and the natives (and visitors) outside restlessly maneuver for position.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
MICHEL'S RESTAURANT 2895 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu , HI 9681 808-923-6552
Located on the beach with an unforgettable sunset and Waikiki view, the setting is elegant and very formal French in décor, service and flavor. The ambiance is very romantic and dinner reservations are best made to align with the sunset when sky turns from blue to purple to flame orange and disappears beyond the Waianae Mountains are replaced with a tropical starlit night. That's when the flame torches are lit and the live music begins to waft softly in the background. The menu is mostly traditional French with a few entrees that feature fresh island fish prepared in popular island fashion. Request seating near the windows for the best views.
Estimated cost per person: $50-$65
Holiday Schedule: Closed Christmas
CHEF MAVRO'S 1969 South King St Honolulu , HI 96815 Telephone: 808-944-4714 Hours: (Tue-Sun) 6 pm - 9:30 pm
Located just minutes from all the Waikiki glitz and glamour, Chef Mavro has put together a very special place anchored on the corner of South King and McCully streets. Not as large as one may expect, this intimate restaurant offers an upscale contemporary décor with soft accents, warm lighting and ample free parking. The menu is unique in that the flavors are rooted in a solid Continental haute-cuisine style with subtle island influences and Asian accents that make for a fresh and memorable experience. Chef Mavro has been acknowledged with several awards for his distinct style and continues to be a major player in the island's culinary community.
Holiday Schedule: closed Thanksgiving
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $65-$75
CHAI'S ISLAND BISTRO 1 Aloha Tower Marketplace Honolulu , HI 96813 Telephone: (808) 585-0011
Chef Chai Chaowasaree has created a restaurant where dinner and entertainment are part and parcel of a truly wonderful experience. The menu is a fabulous assortment of predominately Asian flavors that feature fresh fish, seafood and organically grown vegetables. Menu favorites include the Kataifi & Macadamia Nut Encrusted Jumbo Black Tiger Prawn Served with a bouquet of Waimanalo Baby Greens, Fresh Pineapple & Pineapple Vinaigrette, the Pacific-Rim Cioppino with Scallops, Fresh Local Fish, Fresh Kauai Prawns, New Zealand Mussel in Coconut Broth or the Grilled Fresh Mahi Mahi with Thai Red Curry Sauce Asian Stir Fried Vegetables & Wakana Soba. The experience also includes nightly entertainment by Hawaii 's best entertainers. It's not to be missed.
Holiday Schedule: Closed Christmas Day
Estimated cost per person: $50-$65
ROY'S - KO OLINA 92-1220 Aliinui Drive Kapolei , HI 96707 Telephone: (808) 676-7697
Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11 am -2 pm, 5:30pm - 930pm
The newest of Roy Yamaguchi's multitude of restaurants, Roy 's Ko'Olina continues the tradition of exciting upscale eateries across the nation. This restaurant is located in the resort area of Ko'Olina on the 18th hole of the Ko'Olina Golf Club. The décor has an open air contemporary flair that takes advantage of the wonderful golf course and resort views. The style is Hawaii Regional Cuisine and the flavors are fresh, innovative and bold. Fresh fish and island ingredients are the basis of a flavor menu. Popular choices include Roy 's Original Hawaiian Blackened Island Ahi Spicy Soy Mustard Butter or Roy 's Classic Roasted Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi Lobster Butter Sauce. Reservations recommended.
Estimated cost per person for dinner $65-$75 pp
Holiday Schedule: open everyday
BA-LE SANDWICH SHOP 2242 Kamehameha Highway Honolulu , HI 96819 Telephone: (808) 847-2299 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 10 am - 9pm
Over the years this small, plain and unpretentious, sandwich shop has from a single location to become an island-wide institution. The inexpensive Vietnamese menu varies slightly from location to location, but the standards are high and the food enjoyable. The sandwiches include fresh French style crunchy rolls or huge croissants that can be filled with anything from spicy tuna to pate and ham. The sandwiches are topped off with Japanese radish, carrots and cilantro and wrapped and sliced for easy take out. There are also many favorite plate lunch selections that include lemon grass chicken and garlic chicken. The Vietnamese style soups are also wonderful for those cool island nights. It's a wonderful alternative to fast food.
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Honolulu, HI