My restaurant picks for Honolulu
Please note that I am only recommending local places. I studiously avoid any mention of a chain here. If you want to go to the Cheesecake Factory or Buca di Beppo or Ruth's Chris, you don't need my advice.
Quirky reasonably-priced local food:
- Irifune, Uncle Bo's, or Ono Hawaiian Foods (on Kapahulu, past the Ala Wai channel)
- all three of these restaurants are weird and wonderful and memorable. Ono and Irifune are cheapest. Expect a line at Irifune.
- Kua Aina Sandwich shop (in Ward Center; famous for their burgers; try the grilled mahi burger)
- Teddy's Bigger Burgers (also on Kapahulu, but close to Kalakaua)
High-end dining in/near Waikiki:
- La Mer or Orchids (in the Halekulani hotel)
- Hau Tree Lanai (in the New Otani hotel, just beyond the Waikiki aquarium, across from Kapiolani Park)
- Michel's (in the Colony Surf, across from Kapiolani Park)
- Roy's (on Lewers)
High-end dining a bit farther away:
- Chef Mavro or Alan Wong's (both on King Street)
- Roy's (the original, in Hawaii Kai; pair this with a trip to Hanauma bay for a memorable afternoon/evening)
- Chai's Island Bistro (in the Aloha tower; wonderful live music every night)
Moderately priced dining just outside Waikiki:
- Sabrina's (on Waialae Ave, near the H1)
- Soul (on Waialae, a bit farther out, towards Kahala)
- Tsukuneya (a very different kind of Japanese restaurant, on King at Dole St.)
- Kincaid's (in Ward Warehouse)
