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 Kalua pig, poke and poi |
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard (Garage Level, Ala Moana Center) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 949 8444 |
Sad to say, 'real' Hawaiian food cannot be found at a luau. You find it at a place like this, where entire meals are available for just a few dollars. The menu offers all the Hawaiian favorites. There's a choice of about six 'plate lunches' the local meal that includes two scoops of rice, macaroni salad and a meaty main dish. This is not a formal restaurant; it is a food stand in the Makai Market at Ala Moana. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Straight outta Kona |
One Aloha Tower Drive Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 524 0888 http://www.badasscoffee.com |
When Hawai'i first became coffee country, valiant donkeys made the trek up and down the mountains, carrying pounds of beans on their backs. The name of this coffee company honors the donkeys of yore. You can get a large drip coffee or a nonfat iced caramel macchiato -- whatever you desire. You can stock up on pounds of coffee, mugs and tee shirts. Located in the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Relaxed dining |
2365 Kalakaua Avenue (Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel) Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 921 4600 http://www.moana-surfrider.com... |
This is a lovely multi-purpose patio area in the classically elegant Moana Surfrider Hotel. Guests relax in rattan armchairs beside a stately banyan tree that was planted in 1904. An extensive appetizer menu is available most of the afternoon and evening. One of the highlights here is the tea service. It is followed by a four-course prix-fixe dinner. Live entertainment is featured in the evenings. Sunday Brunch is excellent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sarahkins |
 Photo: sarahkins |
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Bob's Big Boy |
2828 Pa'a Street Honolulu, HI 96819 United States +1 808 833 3440 http://www.bigboyhawaii.com/ |
The burgers served here make most others look positively puny. They're served double-decker style, fresh off the grill, and dripping with sauce and juice. Plate lunches, seafood, Mexican platters and other dishes are also on the menu. The eatery has been around for almost 70 years. It's a local secret; very few tourists find their way out to the Salt Lake district in which it's located. Perhaps because of that, prices remain reasonable and the service is down-to-earth, helpful and cheery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kailua Al |
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Chic, casual lunch spot |
1067 Alakea Street Honolulu, HI 96813-4506 United States +1 808 524 4064 |
A San Francisco native comes to the tropics, and the result is this charming neighborhood eatery. It's just the sort of place - casual yet chic, laid back yet ultra-modern - that you find all over San Francisco or Miami Beach. However, in Honolulu it's a bit of an anomaly. Simple, perfectly-prepared Northern Italian cuisine is a delight. Homemade pastas and kiawe-grilled meats are all delicious. Vegetarians can order the kiawe-grilled vegetables. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Little local Chinese joint |
162 North Hotel Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 521 3788 |
If you're in Chinatown and looking for a quick bite for a few dollars, try this informal little place. Family owned and operated, it's mostly frequented by aging Asian folks. The menu is printed in Chinese first, English second. It is not a place with any culinary pretensions; pig's fore shank is listed right above the standard chicken fried rice. The menu is fairly lengthy. The house specialty is the "hot pot". About a dozen varieties are served, ranging from hot-and-spicy chicken to pork and taro. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Top 10 Dining in Casual Setting |
66, Queen Street Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 545 8100 http://www.cassishonolulu.com/ |
George Mavrothalassitis, chef and owner of one of the top 10 restaurants in the world, opened Cassis by Chef Mavro so that everyone could enjoy his world-class cuisine in a casual setting. His new restaurant, overlooking Honolulu Harbor and decorated with mahogany woods and teal walls, invites the casual diner to enjoy French and Island fusion cuisine. Wines are carefully chosen to be paired with each dish. Appetizers range from shellfish to socca, chickpea flatbread served with various dips, and entrees range from duck breast to steak frites. Friendly service, delicious food and tasty drinks makes this restaurant an experience not to be missed. -Kim Fujiwara Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Island-style cooking |
1 Aloha Tower Dr (Aloha Tower Marketplace) Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 585 0011 http://www.chaisislandbistro.com/ |
Fresh seafood and produce are prepared with Pacific Rim flair at this waterfront gem located at Aloha Tower Marketplace. The Asian-style Osso Bucco with Kabocha Pumpkin is truly a culinary work of fusion art. You will not go wrong with the Bistro Bouillabaisse, the house specialty. For an appetizer, try the Kataifi and Macadamia Nut Encrusted Jumbo Black Tiger Prawns. As day turns into evening, some of the most famous names in Hawaiian music set up a tiny stage on the restaurant courtyard. The haunting harmonies of their voices float away into the Hawaiian dusk, bringing a feeling of peace to anyone lucky enough to be here for it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Donna S Nakasue |
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Dim sum and shabu shabu |
100 North Beretania Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 550 8815 |
Diners can sample dozens of dishes at this restaurant located in the Chinese Cultural Plaza. Dim sum is served at lunchtime, while dinner offers a buffet of shabu shabu (cook it yourself Japanese) and Chinese favorites. Dishes range from fish balls to pork dumplings. This restaurant is, in a word, enormous. It occupies a good chunk of space on the second floor of the Cultural Plaza. Chandeliers, full-length windows, crimson soft furnishings and trestle tables make the dining area look like a formal conference room. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Upscale Korean |
725 Kapiolani Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 593 4419 |
Serving traditional Korean specialties and innovative specialty dishes, this restaurant provides a dining experience that is more elegant than at most kal bi houses or barbecue takeaways. The ambience is quiet and sophisticated; the menu diverse and tempting. Besides savory grilled meats, katsu and delicious soups, the restaurant offers a few unique specialty items not found in other Korean eateries. The signature menu item is the Clay Pot Roasted Duck. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tropical drinks pack a punch |
51-666 Kamehameha Highway Honolulu, HI 96730 United States +1 808 237 8511 |
Everyone who is driving the circle island route from the North Shore tries to stop at this restaurant for either lunch or dinner. It boasts the most extensive menu in the area, and the bartenders mix tropical drinks that pack a punch. High-backed wicker chairs, damask tablecloths and brick walls combine to create the atmosphere of a high-class country inn. The establishment recently came under new management, and there have been slight changes to the menu. Steak, seafood, burgers and Hawaiian specialties are served. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pleasant Vietnamese eatery in Chinatown |
175 North Hotel Street, Suite 2 Honolulu, HI 96817-5062 United States +1 808 585 6199 |
This restaurant is located in central Chinatown, just a block away from the Maunakea Marketplace. However, it's more pleasant and more friendly toward Westerners than many of its neighbors. The clientele is mixed. The menu offers over a dozen choices of pho, the popular Vietnamese soup meal. Rice and noodle dishes are also served. The house specialty list is several items long, and most of the selections are seafood. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Downtown waterfront |
1 Aloha Tower Dr (Aloha Tower Marketplace) Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 528 0807 http://www.donho.com/grill/gri... |
Named after Honolulu's favorite musical son, Don Ho, this is a casual and inexpensive place that sees its share of surfer dudes. Located at Aloha Tower Marketplace, the menu features such items as Hawaiian-Style Chicken Salad. The Tiny Bubbles Bar pours cold beers and fruity cocktails. The service is as bubbly as the beverages. Weekend nights, the place turns into an afterhours club. Bands and DJs are presented, and the younger crowd (18+ on Saturdays) is out in full force. Don't expect to see Mr. Ho here, though. He hangs out in Waikiki. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gavin |
 Photo: Janine  |
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Authentic Hawaiian plate lunch |
232 Kalihi Street Honolulu, HI 96819 United States +1 808 847 6467 |
For a real Hawaiian meal at rock-bottom prices, you won't find a better place than this stop. This mom-n-pop lunchroom serves gigantic portions of fresh fish with all the fixin's. You can get a plate of fresh fish either broiled or fried, served with a green salad, miso soup, rice and a beverage. After placing your order at the counter, grab a seat inside or sit on one of the benches outside. The cafe is clean, the owners are delightful, and the food is unforgettable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lively Italian on the Row |
500 Ala Moana Boulevard (Restaurant Row) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 550 8005 |
Various incarnations of this Italian eatery have been around Honolulu for years, but the location on Restaurant Row in downtown Honolulu could definitely be the one that sticks around. It's in one of the top dining destinations in the city, and is on all major bus and trolley lines. The sophisticated Italian cuisine is served with flair. Homemade pastas in rich sauces are one specialty, grilled meat dishes another. Live music serves as a backdrop nightly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Authentic and inexpensive Vietnamese |
100 North Beretania St #105 Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 599 5022 |
Good cheap Vietnamese keeps people coming back for more at this eatery. Although primarily noted for its seafood, this place prepares many inventive Vietnamese dishes you won't find elsewhere. The poached Hong Kong-style Kahuku shrimp is delectable. Many lunch items are served during breakfast hours (8a-11a). Clean, simple, and unassuming, this eatery is appropriate for a family meal out, a casual date, or a mid-afternoon snack. Bow-tied waiters provide gracious, attentive service. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Tasty & Affordable Sushi |
568 Halekawila Street Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 721 8800 |
Don't let the plain exterior fool you. Blue walls, jazz music and a sushi bar greet you as you enter. For lunch, sandwiches and sushi combos are offered at a steal. For dinner, sushi rolls rule. The Caterpillar Roll, an unagi roll covered with avocado, is a good deal at just $10. Sushi rolls range from $3 - $10 and are 6-8 pieces each. The nigiri selection is typical sushi bar fare but the tilapia is not. The garlic edamame appetizer may be fiery for some but worth every bite. Goldfish is notorious for return customers. -Kim Fujiwara Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Something grand |
31, North Pauahi Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 531 0001 http://www.grandcafeandbakery.... |
Established in the year 1923 by Mr. Ti Chong Ho, Grand Cafe has been serving patrons for decades on another street altogether. Recently revived and relocated by his grandson, Mr Pang, Grand Cafe continues serving classic American cuisine of the twenties. You could also pick up something from the eclectic range of confectioneries. Don't miss out on the Saturday Brunch that runs all day long. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Light on Pocket |
1145 Maunakea Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 533 0606 |
While the food served here is pretty heavy on spice, it's not as heavy on your pocket. It's a small eatery with only four tables that makes the place quite intimate and a casual place to hang out. Great food priced relatively cheap. The food has more of Chinese and Singaporean influence. Noodles and seafood and even fresh vegetables it's all so spicy and cooked to perfection to give you just the right texture and taste. This small cafe is frequented by many people and boasts of rave reviews and accolades from many visitors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The power of 3 |
500, Ala Moana Boulevard in Restaurant Row Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 533 4476 http://www.restauranteur.com/h... |
Hiroshi Fukui (master chef), Chuck Furuya (master sommelier) and D.K. Kodama (chef and restaurateur) have come together to create one of Hawaii's, if not the most hippest place to dine at in Oahu. The cuisine is a fusion of Japanese and European to create eclectic dishes that are an experience in themselves. The melt in your mouth crabs, scallop and seafood tapas are specially sought after as are the fusion meat preparations. The wine pairing deserve a mention, with up to 20 wines that one can order by the glass. If you've never tried fusion and didn't know where to start, this would be your best bet. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Authentic Chinese cooking |
1 Aloha Tower Dr (Downtown Waterfront) Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 566 9989 |
Authentic Cantonese cooking is this restaurant's specialty, but cuisine from several other regions of China is also offered. Located in the lively Aloha Tower Marketplace on the waterfront, the restaurant is particularly known for its fresh seafood specialties. Prices are moderate. You can dine in comfort and style in the exotic, elaborately decorated dining area. The harbor views are teriffic (as is expected, given the restaurant's name)! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Fine arts museum |
900 South Beretania Street Thomas Square Historic District Honolulu, HI 96814-1495 United States +1 808 532 8700 http://www.honoluluacademy.org/ |
The impressive holdings of Hawaii's fine arts museum include one of the nation's finest collections of Asian art as well as a 17,000-piece collection of graphic arts and artifacts from Hawaiian and other ancient civilizations around the world. Italian Renaissance and American works are also on exhibit. Guided tours are available. The 290-seat Academy Theatre presents more than 400 programs annually. A restaurant and gift shop is also onsite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Waterman |
 Photo: Alice Kitajima |
 Photo: Michael Fricano II |
 Photo: Andrew Semansco |
 Photo: Yuki |
 Photo: Adrian Lanning |
 Photo: shirlee wong |
 Photo: Jen Burke |
 Photo: aameducation |
 Photo: Lysandra Cook |
 Photo: addamhardy |
 Photo: lhilyer_libr |
 Photo: debabraham |
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Popular Vietnamese eatery |
100 North Beretania Street, Suite 129B Honolulu, HI 96817-4770 United States +1 808 538 6707 |
Although it possesses no ambience to speak of, this place does a booming business. It serves traditional Vietnamese fare, including a dozen types of pho (steaming, rich noodle soup). The menu is brief, sticking to the basics. Besides pho, about the only featured dish is the rice plate, which comes with a variety of toppings. A variety of unusual Vietnamese beverages are served. Adventurous diners can try the Salted Lemon Drink or the Fresh Orange Juice with Egg Yolk. No alcohol is served. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Multicultural dining |
1121 Nuuanu Ave Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 521 2900 http://www.indigo-hawaii.com/i... |
The most elegant restaurant in the colorful Chinatown district, this place features a creative mix of traditional Asian and avant garden European cuisine. On the vast, pricey and impressive menu, diners will find everything from potstickers to pizza and pasta. Dim sum, Asian noodle dishes, wok-charred fish and Mongolian Lamb Chops are among the many choices. The wine list offers vintages from every part of the world. Patrons claim this is one of the best bars in Honolulu thanks to good food, great drinks, and Friday night festivities. This internationally renowned eatery offers a true multi-cultural dining experience. Hawaiian theater performances take place on Friday and Saturday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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North Shore eatery |
62-540 Kamehameha Highway Honolulu, HI 96712 United States +1 808 637 6272 http://www.restauranteur.com/j... |
A tradition on Oahu's North Shore, this busy restaurant boasts beautiful sunset views overlooking the Haleiwa harbor. Stop by for a drink or dine either indoors or on the terrace. Besides fresh local fish like mahi mahi, opakapaka and ono, the restaurant makes a mean Boston Clam Chowder and a popular Grilled Crab and Shrimp Sandwich. There is free parking. Reservations are essential. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Extensive menu, reasonable prices |
500 Ala Moana Boulevard (Restaurant Row) Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 528 3859 |
While the prices here don't drop as low as at your local neighborhood taqueria, the dishes are treated with a lot more care. The menu is 10 pages long, covering all the variations on the classics. Vegetarian and seafood dishes are available. People who like the taste of sweet-n-sour should try the Li Hing Mui margarita—it's sure to make you pucker. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly. This place is located on Restaurant Row, one of the most popular dining neighborhoods in the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Chinatown seafood |
100 Beretania Street (Chinese Cultural Plaza) Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 532 1868 |
Due to a large Chinese population, the food in Chinatown restaurants is both authentic and delicious. This Chinatown restaurant is one of the best Dim Sum places in the islands. You can feast on all manner of seafood and meat dishes at reasonable prices. A recommendation for dinner: Seafood with Shiitake Mushrooms and Scallops. This place is brightly lit with Cantonese-style decor; animated Chinese conversations resound from just about every table. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Buddhist temple cuisine |
100 North Beretania Street (in the Chinese Cultural Plaza) Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 532 8218 |
Owned by the same folks as Legend Seafood Restaurant across the hall, this Chinatown establishment specializes in Buddhist temple cuisine. The impressive menu features more than 60 selections; nothing costs more than $15. Try the Assorted Gluten and Bean curd appetizer plate for a range of tastes and textures that you won't believe are vegetarian. Completely vegetarian dim sum is served at lunch; especially good is the Steamed Rice in Lotus Leaf. Tea and soft drinks are the only beverages served. The dining room is stark and bright, the staff knowledgeable. Vegetarian cuisine is elevated to grand heights here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Honolulu's favorite |
1555 Kalani Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 800 454 1199 http://www.lioncoffee.com/ |
In a place where coffee is a major export and cafes abound, this coffee shop still manages to stand out. This is an excellent spot to stop for a latte or for a pound of authentic Kona Gold. The Kalani Street location is a roasting plant, the home of the administrative offices, and a retail location. Take a tour of the factory, and sip a cup of joe afterward. Several other locations can be found in Honolulu. Call the toll-free number for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tasty and inexpensive Vietnamese |
1160 Maunakea Street Honolulu, HI 96817-5134 United States +1 808 528 3663 |
The Vietnamese food you'll have at in this small, pleasant restaurant is savory, authentic and inexpensive. The first thing to try is the Pho. Pronounced "fuh" by many Asians, it is steaming soup made out of beef stock, usually served in tureen-like portions and containing little delicacies such as tripe. (Luckily, here you can choose your meat, so tripe need not be an ingredient). A lighter option is the Summer Rolls; like spring rolls, only not cooked. Delicious! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Traditional Filipino fare |
1049 River Street Honolulu, HI 96817-5043 United States +1 808 545 1956 |
Filipino cuisine, which is known for its strong aromas and questionable main ingredients, is not at all common on the mainland. And dishes such as Stewed Goat or Broiled Pork Intestines will probably never make it off the islands. However, this restaurant offers a number of flavorful dishes, including Pork Adobo, Chicken Mami and Lumpia, that are more widely served. Some of the house specialties, such as Poached Fish with Watercress, and Pork Paria ($6.55) will probably appeal to open-minded diners. Beer and house wine are served. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fantasy island |
50 Sand Island Access Road Honolulu, HI 96819 United States +1 808 848 2800 |
A South Seas "fantasy island" in an almost impossible to find location near the airport, this local watering hole is a throwback to the Trader Vic's days. The food is standard: salads, burgers, Chicken Parmigiana and the like. The decor is the draw: a tacky mishmash of fishnet, glass floats and shell chandeliers adorns the sprawling room. A reed fence is all that separates you from the ocean, and a huge live tree grows in the middle of it all. If the lounge music doesn't make you feel misty-eyed, the smoke will. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin M. Scarborough |
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New Hawaiian cuisine |
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard (Ala Moana Center, Third Floor) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 951 3420 |
Treat yourself to gourmet island cuisine. Located inside Neiman Marcus at the Ala Moana Center, this restaurant offers delicious and innovative food in an upscale environment. A variety of excellent salads and appetizers are available, averaging in price from $7-$15. Start with Pacific Salmon Tartar ($10). A signature entree is the Sauteed Opakapaka. The Sunday High Tea is a highly enjoyable event, done in classic British style from the Earl Gray to the finger sandwiches. Complimentary valet parking and a private elevator are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Arman Rin, Jr. |
 Photo: wakarimasen |
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Rave-earning Vietnamese |
1134 Maunakea St Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 545 4188 |
Small and unassuming though it may be, this place has earned high praise from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and other local publications. It offers classic Vietnamese dishes prepared to perfection. Shady and cool, the restaurant seems worlds apart from hectic Chinatown, even though it's actually right in the center. The menu is extensive, offering a variety of pho (traditional Vietnamese soup), rice rolls, plate lunches and entrees. All of the food is fresh, light and healthy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Want Some Dim Sum? |
65, North Pauahi Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 531 3268 |
Although dim sum is usually reserved for Sundays, if you have a craving for dim sum, there is always Mei Sum in Chinatown. It is clean, well lit and the servers are quiet and efficient. If you come for dinner, the dim sum is made to order instead of being served on roaming carts. The menu has pictures and prices so all you need to do is point and order. Pork buns (manapua in Hawaii), steamed buns with pork in the middle, mochi rice with duck, sticky rice with pieces of duck steamed in a lotus leaf, are a few of the offerings. Don't forget to check out the daily specials! Tasty food at an affordable price! -Kim Fujiwara Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Downtown Irish Pub |
2 Merchant St Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 531 0422 http://gomurphys.com/ |
This hybrid bar and grill is somewhere between a Irish Pub and a laid-back island-style café. Set in the middle of downtown Honolulu, it is a favorite hang-out for the business and media communities and one of the only places in the Hawaiian Islands where you can get a pint of Guinness from the tap. While the bar roars with excitement, the restaurant serves great salads, steaks and other fare at decent prices. The food is fresh, and the service is congenial. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Reasoned Flavor |
1133 North Nimitz Highway Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 540 1377 http://www.nicospier38.com/ |
Nico's serves tasty French food in the traditional Hawaiian way. Quick service and good prices is one of its best features. Opening early in the morning, for those hungry for a sea breakfast, Nico's remains open until well after 6 when everyone heads home. The restaurant gets most of its customers from the Auction house next door and what keeps them coming back is the delicious food topped with quick service and reasonable prices. Lots of cheese and lots of fish–this seems to be their basic ingredients which somehow never taste alike in more than one dish. Add to this fresh salad, some dip and a scoop of rice, the food served here becomes even more flavorful and rich. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spicy soup and more |
1120 Maunakea Street Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 538 0708 |
Known for home-cooked Vietnamese dishes, this restaurant features a huge selection of dishes: everything from shrimp rolls to saimin. It is the local pick for the best Vietnamese restaurant in Honolulu. It is a small place that is always busy, so be prepared to wait for a table. English is barely spoken. Diners will find a pleasing variety of entrees, tempting desserts and the spicy Vietnamese soup called Pho. Try the Pounded Shrimp. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jan Heidrich |
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Unusual varieties |
2250 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 922 8575 |
This place boasts an extensive sushi menu featuring more than 20 kinds of fish, most of them unique to Hawai'i. Selections include abalone, marbled breast of tuna and gizzard shad. Vegetarian sushi and a few hot dishes are also served. This place is crowded most of the time. An almost entirely Asian clientele occupies the seats around the sushi bar and in the pleasant dining room. There are two entrances, one on street level and one in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Towards the Honey Pot |
747 Queen Street corner of Queen and Cooke Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 591 0712 |
Having recently done up their interiors – minus pool table -the Queen Bee have put in new booths, fresh carpeting and sparkling new lights. This is a normal bar with a great food menu. And if you're looking for a place where you can literally let it all hang out then Bees the place to come with its dart machines and private rooms for karaoke and television sets for all those 'must see' sport programs. The grub is affordable and snacky like onion rings for $5, crinkle fries for $5, mozzarella sticks for $7 and buffalo wings for $8, and an assortment of Sushi by star chef Ron Takara. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hot dogs in Waikiki |
2301 Kalakaua Avenue (Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center) Honolulu, HI 96815 United States |
Here is a great place to grab a tasty, inexpensive snack on your way to or from Waikiki Beach. The fare consists of hot dogs, burgers and some lighter fare. The polish dog with sauerkraut or chili is a good choice. The stand also sells the local favorite, Shave Ice, which is a cup of thinly-shaved ice with all kinds of syrup flavors added. The stand is located just between the shopping complex and the grand old Royal Hawaiian Hotel, less than a block from the beach. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Great surf and turf |
2233 Kalakaua Avenue Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center (Orchid Court) Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 922 6688 |
If you are shopping at the lovely Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki and desire a fine meal, this restaurant can accommodate you in style. Select your shellfish entree of choice from a large tank in the entrance area. If high-quality meat tempts your palate, you can't do much better than the Mid-western beef served here. The seafood-steak specials offer diners the best of both worlds. Prices are high, but the quality and service are excellent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Seafood and beer |
580 North Nimitz Highway Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 545 7979 http://www.samchoy.com/ |
Ebullient "Never Trust a Skinny Chef" Sam Choy has done it again. Considerably more laid-back than his Diamond Head restaurant, this booming, 380-seat eatery in the industrial Iwilei area of downtown Honolulu serves up generous portions of fresh fish and shellfish (choose your own from enormous tanks), upscale local foods and great beer brewed on the premises. Try the light Bruddah's Cream Ale, the lusty, chocolaty Bumbucha Stout or a sampler of all five varieties. Breakfast will run less than $10 a person; lunch $18; and, dinner about $45. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wow'aii |
1286, Kalani Street City Square Building, No.B-106 Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 841 7984 http://www.sugoihawaii.com/ |
Take two guys who quit their day jobs and dig into their mother's recipe book and you get Sugoi, a "Best Plate Lunch" winner, 3 years running. Established in 2000 on a whim and a dream, this place continues to draw locals and tourists alike largely because they KISS....(Keep It Simple, Stupid!). Sugoi believes in making tasty food, heaping on large portions at affordable prices and keeping the service brisk and friendly. So whether it's short ribs or yakisoba noodles, hamburgers or their signature sweet n' salty chicken, Sugoi has something to tickle everyone's tastebuds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Just chillin' |
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 1160A Ala Moana Center Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 955 1455 |
Instead of offering a menu of different smoothie combinations, this concessionaire invites each customer to create their own smoothie. A couple dozen fruits are available: passion fruit, coconut, blueberry and mango are heaped into metal holders behind glass. Just point to what you want and it goes in the blender. Slushes, floats, frozen yogurt, croissants, popcorn, muffins and other snacks are also sold. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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More pho? |
1007, River Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 533 4549 |
Popular for the Vietnamese Pho, a kind of beef based noodle soup, To Chau has secured a place in the hearts of its patrons who keep returning for more pho. People don't mind queuing up for long periods of time just to feast on the Vietnamese food this place offers. The short term of open hours and the fact that they don't accept credit cards needn't deter you, the food here is really cheap and delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wine under a perpetual blue sky |
500 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 524 8466 |
Exposed bricks, pretty murals and a painted sky on the ceiling make Vino a charming and cozy restaurant. Cushy couches in certain areas and twinkling candles add the perfect finishing touches. Vino is a popular wine bar featuring a host of Italian tapas dishes on their menu. Delicious offerings of both traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine including a couple of desserts are enough to make you ditch your diet. Pair one of their signature dishes like Vino's House Made Ravioli and the Asparagus Milanese with an award winning wine, cocktail or beer. It is also available for parties of up to 60 people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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As fresh as it gets |
100 North Beretania Street, Suite 106 Honolulu, HI 96817-4712 United States +1 808 524 6877 |
If you're squeamish about the origins of what you eat, avert your eyes from the tanks at the entrance to this restaurant. Not only are the standards (lobster and crab) displayed here, but so are some of the most outrageously large king prawns imaginable. The menu is outstanding. Of course, the specialty is the fresh fish, lobster, crab and prawns. Other dishes, such as the Pepper Steak in Taro Basket or the Oysters with Scallions are equally tasty and put a much gentler dent in the pocketbook. The restaurant is spacious and gently lit, featuring traditional Oriental decor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An authentic taste of Korea |
2494 Beretania Street Honolulu, HI 96826-1502 United States +1 808 946 7595 |
If you are in the mood for great Korean barbecue, this is the place for you. Just minutes from Waikiki, it is a traditional country-style place with charcoal burners on each table and an accompanying, 'all you can eat' buffet. The buffet table seems to go on forever. Yes, kim chee is available, but so are at least 40 other choices. Beer is served. This is not the least expensive of the many Korean restaurants in Honolulu, but you can be assured of consistently friendly service and high quality food here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: islegrl |
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Award-winning Japanese |
762 Kapiolani Boulevard (between Ward Avenue and Cooke Street) Honolulu, HI 96813-5215 United States +1 808 597 1525 |
With two sushi bars, four master sushi chefs, countless types of nigiri sushi and at least 15 kinds of sashimi, it is no wonder that this place is regularly voted best sushi in Honolulu. In addition to sushi, there is a six-page menu of cooked and raw Japanese specialties ranging from broiled fish to Tororo. The drink menu is equally impressive, offering 11 varieties of sake. Also, the combination lunch menus are a real bargain. The entry walls are decorated with photos of visiting celebrities including Michael Jackson and Gene Hackman. The restaurant can be unpleasantly crowded at dinner while lunch is more comfortable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Johnnie K |
 Photo: Becca Kumar |