Destination Guide: Oahu

Anna Miller's

98-115 Kaonohi St, Pearlridge Center, Honolulu, HI 96701 808-487-2421

Description: PEARL CITY. At Anna's, you'll find breakfasts so good they're available 24 hours a day. Celebrated for its delicious, affordable fare, the eatery serves up everything from steak and eggs to waffles and chicken fried steak. A vast array of omelets is available, stuffed full of good things, and the pancakes draw constant raves from loyal customers. If you're around at other times, try their hot entrees or burgers, and don't make the mistake of leaving without trying a slice of fresh fruit pie.
More Details

Assaggio

95-1249 Meheula Pkwy, Honolulu, HI 96789 808-261-2772

Description: MILILANI. Honolulu offers an affordable version of southern Italian fare at this eatery, one of the small local chain's branches. Although the cuisine doesn't make waves with its innovation, it provides tasty, substantial food that satisfies regulars with well-priced, delicious entrees. Sicilian chicken, roasted to juicy perfection, is a house specialty, and caesar salads draw raves as well. In addition, you'll find pastas and other savory entrees that easily ward off hunger pangs. Good for families.
More Details

Buzz's Original Steakhouse

413 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734 808-261-4661

Description: KAILUA. Not far from Kailua Beach on Oahu's windward side, this venerable institution captures the spirit of Hawaii as it existed in years past. Rustic and comfortable, Buzz's also boasts walls full of photographs, which add a note of personality. The menu is relatively uncomplicated and more than capably done. At lunch, folks come in for juicy burgers, salads, and other light fare, while dinner is a touch more refined, with steaks, lobster, and fresh fish getting most of the attention. The bar serves refreshing drinks; the ambience just happens.
More Details

Cattle Company Steakhouse

98-1262 Kaahumanu St, Pearl City, HI 96782 808-487-0054

Description: PEARL CITY. Comfortable and relaxed, this family-oriented place invites you to kick back and enjoy good food, as they do in the West. The solid menu is full of hearty options, including top sirloins, New York strips, T-bones, and rib-eyes. Prime rib is a succulent treat, either alone or paired with lobster tail or grilled prawns. Grilled chicken, babyback ribs, and fresh fish do their best to tempt diners as well. Lunchtime adds to the mix crisp salads and substantial sandwiches.
More Details

Coffee Gallery

66 Kamehameha Hwy, North Shore Marketplace, Haleiwa, HI 96712 808-637-5355

Description: NORTH SHORE. Set along the North Shore, this fantastic coffee shop appeals to folks with its laid-back ambience. The rustic venue is adorned with mosaic floors and burlap sacks full of fragrant coffee, and the house roaster adds to the aroma as it prepares the beans for blending and grinding. Hawaiian coffee, naturally, is the specialty, and a variety of light fare is available for those who require a bit of sustenance. A terrific hangout.
More Details

Dixie Grill

99-012 Kamehameha Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96701 808-485-2722

Description: AIEA. You can't miss this casual place thanks to its red-accented exterior. That's not what you'll remember, though, after you've tried the downhome Southern fare. Dixie is perfect for a family outing, especially since everybody likes burgers, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and barbecued or fried chicken. You'll also find fried shrimp and catfish, steamed crabs, and even steak. Add in beans, hush puppies, cole slaw, and pecan pie, and you've got the recipe for good eatin'! And you don't have to dress up, either.
More Details

Duc's Bistro

1188 Maunakea St, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-531-6325

Description: CHINATOWN. Steadfast in its excellence, Duc's offers romantic ambience along with attentive service, live jazz, and wonderful food that revels in its French and Vietnamese heritage. Classic preparation recommends such dishes as steak au poivre, duck breast, tarragon-laced prawns, or broiled lamb. Pastas, chicken, and sauteed or broiled fish can also be had. Plus, you'll want to sample the dessert list's delicate, homemade confections and take advantage of the restaurant's outstanding wine list.
More Details

Haleiwa Joe's

66-0011 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 808-637-8005

Description: NORTH SHORE. Take in the North Shore's relaxed lifestyle at this fantastic eatery. Kick back on the lanai, take in the incredible island scenery, and revel in the moment. While you do, make sure to sample terrific seafood and steak entrees. Prime rib is always popular, and coconut shrimp maintain a faithful following as well. You'll also find grilled fish, fresh soups and salads, and tempting desserts. In the bar, a wonderful selection of appetizers makes for great nibbling.
More Details

Helena's Hawaiian Food

1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-845-8044

Description: KALIHI. Honest, authentic, simply-prepared Hawaiian food is what you'll discover at this fine eatery, a throwback to former days. It boasts island cuisine par excellence, created with love and prepared in the old way. Such attention isn't lost on eager diners, who clamor for kalua pig, pipikaula shortribs, poke (raw seafood salad), and fried fish. There's no designer decor, but no one cares when they dig into these comfort foods, which come à la carte or as part of a set menu. Eat your fill, and revel in the experience. Just don't forget to finish up with a dish of silky haupia (coconut pudding).
More Details

Hong Kong Noodle House

100 N Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-536-5409

Description: CHINATOWN. The neighborhood may give you pause for a moment, but just keep a single-minded focus on the food, and you'll be fine. This nondescript eatery serves up some of the best noodles around, as you'll see once you sample luscious dishes laden with vegetables, chicken, and the like. Prices are reasonable, which makes the eating that much better. A real local find that you'll be delighted to have discovered.
More Details

Indigo

1121 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817-5116 808-521-2900

Description: CHINATOWN. Clean-lined and accented with colorful artwork, Indigo makes for stylish dining in a cluster of historic buildings. The menu updates classic Chinese cuisine and includes dim sum selections, most notably savory goat cheese wontons and lobster potstickers. For the main course, look to such incredible fare as Mongolian lamb chops, miso-grilled salmon, tea-marinated pork tenderloin, and a Siamese seafood cioppino. Outdoor dining on the back lanai is much-coveted but may demand a wait at the bar.
More Details

Jameson's by the Sea

62-540 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 808-637-6272

Description: HALEIWA. A North Shore mainstay, Jameson's ably accommodates visitors and local folks with its array of seafood dishes and its waterside location. Downstairs, a casual ambience prevails, thanks to the restaurant's lunchtime fare and comfortable deck. The specialty here is sandwiches, salads, and soups. Upstairs, dinner is served in fancier digs. Steaks and other dishes are available, but you'd do well to indulge in fresh seafood, whether it be sauteed mahi mahi, poached opakapaka, or shrimp prepared a number of ways.
More Details

Legend Seafood

100 N Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-532-1868

Description: CHINATOWN. One of the area's favorite Chinese venues, Legend does a brisk business throughout the day. Lunch pulls in the dim sum crowd, who flag down attended carts of delicacies in order to sample stuffed wontons, calamari, and tender little dumplings. Dinner puts the focus on seafood, and hungry patrons come to feast on shellfish, quick-seared and tossed with fresh vegetables, and whole fish, served tender and steaming. A host of other dishes is also available, certain to please, no matter your taste.
More Details

Liliha Bakery

515 N Kuakini St, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-531-1651

Description: LILIHA. This old-style eatery has tons of character, and you'll enjoy stepping in to watch the short order cooks work their magic. If you want to grab a homey breakfast or a burger, have a seat at the counter and place your order. If you want a slice of pie, savor it there, or have it wrapped up for home. They also sell terrific cakes, flaky pastries, and other baked goods, such as brownies and doughnuts. Their coco puffs ­ something like profiteroles but with the addition of chocolate pudding ­ are incredible, but unfortunately, they go fast.
More Details

Pho 97

1120 Maunakea St, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-538-0708

Description: CHINATOWN. If you're the type that likes ferreting out fantastic neighborhood eateries, know that your work is already done here. This diminutive restaurant serves up some of the city's best, most authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and the menu is prolific. Pho lovers will find the noodle soup particularly enticing, as will fans of saimin, which it resembles. The menu also boasts an array of seafood entrees, savory appetizers, and a few unexpected surprises as well. You may have to wait a bit to get in, but the delay's worth it.
More Details

Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch & Crab

580 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-545-7979

Description: IWILEI. Housed in a former warehouse, complete with a grounded cabin cruiser, this fun family restaurant has a reputation for large portions and terrific local cuisine. Seafood can be found throughout the menu, in crab claws, Maine lobster, paella, shrimp, steamed shellfish, and Dungeness crab. Sam's fried version of poke (raw seafood salad) is a must-try as well. Additional options include chicken, ribs, and steak. House microbrews can also be had; enjoy one while you wait for a table at the popular place. Open all day.
More Details

The Patisserie

1164 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-548-5005

Description: This convenient venue offers fresh baked goods during the day, along with deli sandwiches and salads. Cakes and pastries are scrumptious, as are pies that will have your mouth watering with just a glance. They're a perfect complement to the cafe's rich coffee drinks and are ideal for a break from the day.
More Details

Won Kee Seafood

100 N Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-524-6877

Description: CHINATOWN. Although seafood comprises only a portion of this Chinese establishment's menu, it frequently draws raves for its excellent preparation and first-rate ingredients. Appetizers turn towards the exotic with abalone and sharkfin soup, cold jellyfish, or clam sashimi. Main courses include deep-fried spicy squid, sauteed scallops, sweet-and-sour crispy seabass fillet, and steamed oysters. Additional dishes are built around beef, pork, tofu, noodles, chicken, and vegetables; combination plates are available as well.
More Details

Yohei Sushi

1111 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-841-3773

Description: KALIHI. Well-prepared Japanese dishes are always on order at this busy restaurant, which attracts a range of folks with its fabulous sushi. Talented chefs work with exacting precision to craft nigiri and maki options, using the freshest tuna, urchin, and eel available. If that's not exactly your style, take heart in the fact that they also offer broiled fish, noodle dishes, and light tempura fare. You'll often find the place crowded, but just know that everything good comes with some sort of price. The pay-off is worth it.
More Details

Zaffron

69 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-533-6635

Description: CHINATOWN. This comfortable, unassuming eatery is one of Honolulu's favorites for authentic Indian cuisine. Family-run Zaffron offers wonderful food at affordable prices and has lots of regulars who appreciate the spicy dishes and terrific buffets. Vegetarians are constantly pleased by meatless selections while tandoori chicken, lamb samosas, biryanis, and curries accommodate those with a broader range. Chai tea and nan bread also contribute to a traditional Indian experience.
More Details