Places
to eat in
Honolulu
Places to eat in Honolulu - Restaurants in Honolulu
The foodie shrine — Chef Mavro is the place, where the preparation is French but the raw materials are Hawaiian. The famed chef/owner George Mavrothalassitis matches his menu with appropriate by-the-glass wines. Best known dish: opakapaka (snapper) baked in a salt crust and smashed tableside. Specialities include lilikois malasadas, Portuguese-style doughnuts filled with passion fruit and served with pineapple-coconut ice cream. Entrée prices from $28-$38. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Honolulu or Waikiki; 1969 South King St.; (808) 944-4714; www.chefmavro.com
The nostalgic favorite — If your idea of Hawaii is Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii, the Willows-opened in 1944 — is for you. Thatched pavilions hang over natural ponds filled with prize koi (carp). Its a buffet, but it's good and bountiful. Don't miss the mean curry or the high cream pies. Lunch buffet is $17.95; Dinner $24.95; 817 Hausten St.; (808) 952-9200.
Dine like an emperor — Kyo-ya is a serene oasis set back from Kalakaua Avenue — the main street of Waikiki. If there are four or more of you, ask for a tatami room, a private Japanese-style room, which is a great way to entertain friends and clients. The food is exquisite — light lacy tempura, icy salads — and there isn't a more stunning looking restaurant in town; 2057 Kalakaua Ave.; (808) 947-3911.
Most fun on the beach — Duke's Canoe Club is busy, noisy and right on the sand. There's good Hawaiian music, reliable food and an extensive salad bar that includes the best Caesar in town. The ribs are messy and tangy. Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, 2335 Kalakaua Ave.; (808) 922-2268; www.hulapie.com
Try some dim sum — Legend Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown wheels dozens of varieties of the tiny dumplings past your table in steaming carts piled with bamboo baskets. Feel free to pick and choose. Some are filled with scallops, some taro or pork hash. Finish with a custard tart; Chinese Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St.; (808) 532-1868.
Beyond burgers — The Oceanarium restaurant in Waikiki wraps around a huge circular aquarium. It's a fun place to take the children and you'll both enjoy the food; Pacific Beach Hotel, 2490 Kalakaua Ave.; (808) 922-1233; www.pacificbeachhotel.com
