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The avenue to a man's heart |
1145C, 12th Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816 United States +1 808 732 9469 http://www.12thavegrill.com/ |
From the staple macaroni and cheese to the local smoked ahi, the 12 Ave Grill serves some of the best contemporary cuisine in these parts. The exotic wild salmon that run only a couple of weeks in a calender year are shipped in from Alaska and this is a fair indication of how seriously the Chef takes his creations. The beer and wine selection would suffice for even the most discerning of clientèle. The bistro also serves a dessert 'Cake of the Day' that's on display at the oak bar, and the dining area is tastefully done up in wooden booths. The noir-et-blanc photographs on the walls add a nice aesthetic touch to a fine dining experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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Stylish regional cuisine |
1857 South King Street, third floor (Between Punahou and McCully streets) Honolulu, HI 96826 United States +1 808 949 2526 http://www.alanwongs.com/ |
Tucked away on the third floor of a nondescript office building in the Mo'ili'ili district is one of Honolulu's best restaurants. Celebrity chef Alan Wong marries fresh local ingredients with a solid French cooking foundation and spectacular, towering presentations. Wong likes to describe his cooking as "playful," and each dish has an element of surprise. An extensive wine list—ranging from inexpensive blush wines to rare California estate vintages (Arujo Eisele Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1994, USD325)—complements the menu. Stylish Hawaiian contemporary ambiance is augmented by a mountain view from the glassed-in terrace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Indoor dining or outdoor snacking |
1050 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 591 8713 |
There are two distinct sections to this restaurant, each with its own menu. The indoor part is upscale casual, with a full menu of traditional Japanese fare. The outside takeout window serves a few standard local dishes, including Barbecued Chicken and Katsu chicken. It's cheap, quick and informal. People order at the counter, pay in cash, and take their food to an outdoor table or to their business or home. The two sections of the restaurant are divided by the kitchen, so if you're dining in one you won't see the other. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Heavenly Experience |
91-1200 Fort Weaver Road Ewa Beach Honolulu, HI 96706 United States +1 808 952 4784 http://www.princeresortshawaii... |
Head to this restaurant at Hawaii Golf Club for a lip-smacking pupus and sumptuous lunch. Birds of Paradise serves the finest of popular local and American cuisine in satiable portions. Gourmet specialties include the Prince Pupu Platter, Prince Club House Noodles, Prince Saimin. You can try out the Dessert of the Day or simply sip on a smoothie or milkshake. The place also offers a very decent, though not varied, collection of beers and wines. Frequented by golfers, this place is truly satisfying for your palate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Live Music on the Windward Side |
201, Hamakua Drive Honolulu, HI 96734 United States +1 808 261 4600 |
One of the longest running options for an evening bite to eat and a live band to enjoy, Boardriders in Kailua has it all. Some events create standing room only in the back and a crowd that practically dances as one in the center of it all. Genres range from traditional hawaiian to reggae to punk. The menu is large and the price lies between $7 and $13 for most items. All in all it's an entertaining, fun and convenient place to go on that side of the mountains. -Rex Davidson 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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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 |
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Good food, friendly service |
3221 Waialae Avenue Oahu Honolulu, HI 96816-5842 United States +1 808 732 3663 |
American and local comfort food is served at this popular restaurant in Kaimuki. The menu offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, Asian noodle dishes and classic American entrees. Signature menu items include Broke da Mouf Beef Stew, Oxtail Soup and Super Saimin. All American entrees come with bread, veggies and potato. A full kid's menu is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tiny curry counter |
1009 University Avenue, Suite 2 Moili`ili Plaza Honolulu, HI 96821 United States +1 808 947 2206 http://www.ichibanya.co.jp/ |
Although it's located in the U.S., this eatery could just as easily be in the Caribbean, Japan or Thailand. The menu is short, the curries are flavorful, and the patrons are from all corners of the globe. The eating space is tiny, cramped and friendly. The cook chats with the patrons as he whips up batches of curried this-and-that. Vegetarians can try the Spinach Curry. Adventurous eaters should sample the Deep Fried Quail Egg Curry - something not found at your local Indian or Thai restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Waikiki bar and grill |
2335 Kalakaua Avenue (Outrigger Waikiki Hotel) Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 922 2268 http://www.dukeswaikiki.com/ |
The biggest reason everyone gathers at this beachfront restaurant is the music and the patio sunsets. The sound is "Contemporary Hawaiian" and appeals to a youngish demographic. Groups that often play here are Kapena, Makana and Lilikoi Sisters (Friday through Sunday evenings). The food includes fresh fish, burgers and a tasty club sandwich. The atmosphere offers a great beach setting with traditional Hawaiian friendliness. There is a breakfast buffet (USD9.95) and lunch buffet (USD10.50). The adjoining bar is a good place to have a drink before heading back to the beach. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fun, personable beach luau |
91119 Olai Street (Exit #1) Honolulu, HI 96707 United States +1 808 949 6626 http://www.germainesluau.com/ |
The "Aloha Spirit" is very much in evidence at this friendly, entertaining luau. On Germaine's strip of beach, guests can dance the hula, sip free-flowing Mai Tais and Blue Hawaiians, and stuff themselves on a sumptuous buffet of Hawaiian and American favorites. At the dinner show, performers from varied South Pacific islands entertain the crowd with displays of skill and dexterity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Satisfy Your Local Hunger |
1296 South Beretania Street Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 593 2202 |
There is more to breakfast in Hawaii than sliced pineapple and banana bread at your hotel buffet. Eat like the locals without breaking the bank. Grace's Inn has tasty, homemade Hawaiian-style breakfasts for under $5. Try the Corned Beef Hash Loco Moco. For something simpler, get two eggs any way you like it with rice and your choice of favorite pork product—bacon, SPAM, Portuguese sausage, and more. Can't get there before 11 a.m.? For under $8, you can still enjoy plate lunches and daily specials from Chili to Tonkatsu to Spaghetti to Korean-style BBQ for lunch or dinner. -JoAnn Takasaki Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pig out |
66-011, Kamehameha Highway Honolulu, HI 96712 United States +1 808 637 8005 http://www.haleiwajoes.com/ |
Of the two restaurants in Haleiwa that hug the coastline, Haleiwa Joe's is one. The decor is modern Poleynesian, but the food is largely traditional Hawaiian with fresh catch. They also serve up a pretty mean stake, as also delectable sashimi. The must try at Haleiwa Joe's is the luau lumpia (Kahlua pig, pineapple, sweet Thai sauce), black & blue ahi (seared Ahi with wasabi-ranch sauce) and the paradise pupu platter (sushi, ceviche, luau lumpia and sticky ribs). It's not just the names that are a mouthful! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Polynesian pageant, prime rib buffet |
410 Atkinson Drive (on the Ala Moana Hotel grounds) Honolulu, HI 96814-4722 United States +1 808 941 5205 http://www.alamoanahotel.com/ |
The rhythm and the magic of old Polynesia are brought back to life with a bang in this fast-paced floor show. Brave fire dancers, sensual hula dancers and spectacularly-garbed ensemble performers are only a few of the things you'll see. The show is performed in the Ala Moana Hotel. The dinner consists of a 15-item buffet with a main course of prime rib. The cocktail show is a less expensive option. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Home-style island favorites |
451 Pi'ikoi Street Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 596 8108 |
A favorite of Oa'hu locals, this cafe specializes in island favorites prepared and presented "like Mom used to make." The decor is as simple as can be: small tables, checkered trim and refrigerator displays at the front. Most items on the menu are simple and hearty: stir-fry and teriyaki chicken. The prices are very reasonable, with entrees averaging $6 and side orders averaging $3. No alcohol is served. There are other locations in the Kahala Mall and in Mililani. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Coffee shop in a bowling alley |
1520 North School Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 845 3687 |
One doesn't usually think of bowling alleys as dining destinations. However there are some exceptions to that general rule. This one is a standout. All of the menu items are great. But the best dish has to be the Pig's Feet Soup. Yes, delicious soup made from the most unglamorous parts of pork is the hands-down winner here. The Oxtail Soup is a second choice; it's prepared with plenty of chili pepper and fresh ginger. Ouch! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Local food, local favorite |
909 Kapahulu Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816 United States +1 808 735 5505 |
Approximately two dozen of these highly popular little eateries can be found on O'ahu. The food is an amalgam of Asian-American and Hawaiian items, truly reflecting the tastes of the many cultures of Honolulu. You can find Japanese Bento boxes, Chicken Katsu, Kalua Pork and other low-priced local favorites, served in portions that can satisfy big local appetites. Of course, rice is served with all dishes, even the cheeseburgers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hawaiian BBQ |
2280 Kuhio Ave Honolulu, HI 96815-2633 United States +1 808 924 7888 http://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/ |
This chain is the real thing on Hawaii, with lots of quick options like seafood, chicken and beef on the menu. They have dozens of locations on Oahu, and even a few in places like California and Utah. See their website for details. This place is ideal if you and your companions are on a budget and are looking to stuff yourselves. At L&L it's quite possible you can eat until you explode for very little money! Not really, but you get the idea of what to expect at L&L. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Local plate lunch |
2615 South King Street, #105 Honolulu, HI 96826 United States +1 808 955 0270 |
Stick-to-your-ribs local food is served here for less than $5. Favorites include Ginger Chicken, Teriyaki Beef and Chicken Katsu. All plate lunches cost between $3-5, and are served with two scoops of white rice and one scoop of macaroni salad. Health-conscious diners can order a stir-fry dish prepared oil-free. Order at the counter; eat inside or take it home. This place is close to the University of Hawaii, and attracts quite a few starving students. Review © 2007, 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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25 restaurants, one food court |
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard (Garage Level, Ala Moana Center) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 943 6841 |
More than 20 food stands, three sit-down restaurants and a bar are located here. You can choose from any kind of cuisine, including American, Hawaiian, vegetarian and Indian. Fresh fruit smoothies, pastries and daiquiris can all be enjoyed. While there are quite a few standard food stands - Sbarro, Blimpies - the local ones are much more interesting. Little Cafe Siam serves Thai food, the Noodle Co. offers a dozen kinds of sai min, and the Poi Bowl serves a Hawaiian plate lunch. The average cost is $40. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
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A Treat for the Young, Old, and Famous! |
66-087 Kamehameha Hwy Honolulu, HI 96712 United States +1 808 637 4827 http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com/ |
Among the many, always welcome visitors, Matsumoto's has hosted movie stars, rock stars, pro-athletes and more. Photos of Adam Sandler and others hang on the walls. Shaved ice is a Hawaiian tradition, and nobody does it better than Matsumoto's. This is no snow cone; it comes in dozens of tasty flavors and a wide variety of add-on items. Lines are long, but it's well worth the wait. Try ice cream on the bottom, it's a local favorite. They have an old-town style retail shop for all sorts of things Hawaiian, like shirts and stickers. You can also check out their online shop. Their catch phrase is "the coolest place on the North Shore" and trust me, you'll agree. -Rex Davidson Review © 2007, 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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Authentic Hawaiian food |
726 Kapahulu Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816 United States +1 808 737 2275 |
Ono means "delicious" in the Hawaiian language. This restaurant serves authentic, ono Hawaiian food, from jerky-like pipikalua to laulau (ti-leaf wrapped steamed packets filled chunks of pork). Most dishes come as complete combination plates, including a square of haupia (coconut pudding) for dessert. This is not a place for vegetarians, and the drinks are limited to canned sodas. Check out the wall-to-wall autographed photos of celebrity customers. No reservations are accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of Honolulu's best |
Reservations Office: 1860 Ala Moana Boulevard Suite 401 Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 842 7911 http://www.paradisecovehawaii.com |
While the competition for "Best Luau" is tough in the Hawaiian Islands, this spectacular event might deserve the title. It takes place on 12 acres of gorgeous beachfront property in Western O'ahu. Guests are shuttled to the cove during the day and, upon arrival, are invited to participate in authentic Hawaiian games and activities. At sunset the roasted pig is brought forth, and guests can heap their plates and settle down to watch the show. Hawaii's history is told through music and dance. Call or check the web site for prices and reservations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Big portions with small prices |
3308 Kanaina Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815-4214 United States +1 808 737 0177 |
People with hearty appetites frequent this place. Plate lunches and other local favorites are served at rock-bottom prices. The atmosphere leaves much to be desired, but for these prices, who cares? Order at the counter and dine outside if you like. Since most everything comes in a to-go carton, there's no need to linger. Several different stick-to-your-ribs meals are available. Try the Teriyaki Beef, the Roast Pork or the Fresh Fish. If you can't make up your mind, go for the mixed plate; it's highly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Honolulu landmark eatery |
449 Kapahulu Avenue Second Floor Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 732 8645 http://www.samchoy.com/ |
Chef Sam Choy does not skimp on the portions of dishes such as, Mahi-Mahi and Oriental Lamb Chops, which are all served with two scoops of mashed potatoes or rice and a tropical salad. Sam's signature dish is Fish Laulau. For something really special, try the Fresh Island Fish Trio. Sam's favorite saying is, 'Never trust a skinny chef.' He himself weighs in at around 400 pounds. This establishment might well be the quintessential Hawaiian dining destination. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Local Hawaiian Night |
1225 Hopaka Street Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 591 0253 |
Hosted by a few of Honolulu's best chefs, this restaurant opens only after these chefs' own kitchens shut for the day. Because Side Street Inn is located on the busy industrial side of town, it's a bit on the pricey side but well worth it. Contrary to what you would expect the food is delicious and they serve big portions, although it's high in calories, the people love it and that's why its sometimes hard to get a seat in the always packed restaurant. Another definite reason to stop by is the commendable service. Side Street Inn even has Karaoke nights and television sets for the sports fans, so go on and enjoy the local Hawaiian culture. Review © 2007, Wcities |