A Quick Guide to Eating Out in Honolulu

Recently my Uncle David (Zoe’s dad) recommended that a friend of his e-mail me and ask for restaurant suggestions here in Honolulu as he was coming for a conference/vacation.  They were staying in Waikiki and wanted a list of places that varied in genre and price, and that were also a relatively close cab ride away from Waikiki.  Below is the list I sent him, along with the e-mail response I just got from him, giving me feedback about his experience.  By all means these aren’t the only restaurants in Honolulu worth going to, but they are some of my favorites, and because they are all typed up so nicely with links and all, I thought I would share.  Sheldon is now headed to London and looking for good restaurant recommendations there.  Sadly, I have yet to go, but if you have been there and have any ideas for him please share them with us and I will forward them on to him!

Low-Mid Range Outside of Waikiki

• Imanas Tei: http://www.yelp.com/biz/imanas-tei-restaurant-honoluluthis website rates it as being quite pricey, but you can go and have a mid-range meal there easily.  The sashimi platter is the very best…the fish is very, very fresh.
• Tokkuri-Tei: http://www.yelp.com/biz/tokkuri-tei-honolulu another hole in the wall Japanese place, the food here is amazing.  It’s small and very popular, so you might have to wait if you go on a popular night, but it’s well worth it.
• Tsukenaya: http://www.yelp.com/biz/tsukuneya-robata-grill-honolulu this is different than any Japanese food you are used to and its wonderful!  The style of cooking originates from Nagoya in Japan and is some of the best I have had outside of Japan.
• Phuket Thai: http://www.yelp.com/biz/phuket-thai-restaurant-honoluluvery, very good thai food!
• Hale Vietnam: One of my very favorite Vietnamese restaurants…you must try the Imperial Rolls if you go! http://www.yelp.com/biz/hale-vietnam-restaurant-honolulu  Reservations are accepted here.
• Town:This is a great new restaurant – very fresh local ingredients, I’ve never been dissapointed. http://www.yelp.com/biz/town-honolulu#hrid:kEZQplvbjxjkTEBjAT_4mA/src:search/query:town%20restaurant
• 12th Ave. Grill: http://www.yelp.com/biz/12th-avenue-grill-honolulu#hrid:_887lbqstrayqaZ6BZSeIA/src:search/query:12th%20ave%20grillthis is the one from our blog – fantastic food, totally hole in the wall restaurant.  Right near Hale Vietnam and Town that I mentioned above.

In Waikiki

• Yard House: http://www.yelp.com/biz/yard-house-honolulu great food and large selection of beer – gets pretty crowded though and quite loud so be prepared for that.
• Shore Bird: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-shore-bird-restaurant-and-beach-bar-honolulu on the water very near to your hotel – good place for breakfast.
• Dukes Waikiki/Hula Grill: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dukes-waikiki-honolulu-2Dukes is downstairs and Hula Grill is upstairs. Both are on the water and are great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a drink and appetizers at the bar.  Plus is that every single day from 4-6 they have live music which is really nice.  If you are there on a Sunday, definitely go for the music as it is Henry Kapono who plays – one of Hawaii’s most popular musicians.  Great place for pacific rim fresh fish style dishes.
• Sansei: http://www.yelp.com/biz/sansei-seafood-restaurant-and-sushi-bar-honolulu if you don’t want to leave Waikiki this is a good place for sushi – but if you are looking for REALLY good Japanese food, go to one of the others I recommended above.
• Royal Hawaiian Hotel: http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/just renovated, the Royal is one of Hawaii’s landmark hotels and one of the most beautiful.  Great restaurants but quite pricey – at the very least go for a Mai Tai at their beach front bar because they make the meanest Mai Tai’s you’ve ever had!
• Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel: http://www.moana-surfrider.com/another of the landmark hotels in Waikiki – their ocena front veranda is beautiful and a great place for breakfast, tea, or drinks at sunset.  I hear the restaurants are good as well, but on the pricier side for sure.

 

Nice Restaurants outside of Waikiki (pricier but VERY worth it)

• Alan Wongs: http://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-wongs-restaurant-honoluluvery pricey (appetizer, food, dessert and alcohol aprox. $100 a head) but SO SO SO worth it.  Alan Wong is one of Hawaii’s very best chefs and I promise that you will not be dissapointed.  If you go to one restaurant while you are in Hawaii, this must be it!  Make sure to make reservations WAY in advance.  Style of food is very pacific rim, fresh and local.
• Hoku’s at the Kahala Hotel: http://www.yelp.com/biz/hokus-honolulu this is another amazing one, and the location is just beautiful.  It is about a 15-20 minute cab ride from your hotel.  If you go, I recommend going early to have drinks first, and then to dinner…the hotel is breathtaking. Style of food is very pacific rim, fresh and local.

 

Sheldon’s Feedback:

Erin
 
I am back from Hawaii and want you to know that your suggestions added to my wonderful time. I ate with friends at Phuket Thai (nice, basic food, quite relaxing, also recommended by cab driver); Town (wonderful meal, great service, had mongchon, manila clams, etc.); 12th avenue grill (small, but not a whole in wall, great food, had small plates). Great to get away from Waikiki. Worth the cab ride.

Some friends went to Alan Wongs and other went to Hoku. At Hoku, they split a $120 entrée, a bit too pricey for me. Raves about both places.
 
Going to London in 3 weeks. Anything to recommend there?
 
Again, thanks so much for your ideas. Wishing you all the best.
 
Sheldon