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

Bad Ass Coffee Company

1 Aloha Tower Dr, Ste 1119, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-524-0888

Description: DOWNTOWN. Set alongside Honolulu Harbor, this popular coffee shop sells authentic Hawaiian Kona coffee. The convenient venue offers counter service, and folks make the most of their line time by chatting about the latest news and trends. When the steaming cups of fragrant java arrive, you can see on patrons' faces the pleasure that really good coffee evokes. Try some for yourself, and pick up a bag of bulk coffee and some souvenir merchandise as a fun memento of time spent on the island.
More Details

Ba-Le French Sandwich & Bakery

333 Ward Ave, Ward Gateway Center, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-591-0935

Description: ALA MOANA. Chain though it may be, Ba-Le is head and shoulders above typical sandwich shops. Known for its French-bread concoctions, the eatery fills tasty rolls with all sorts of yummy ingredients, including pork, tofu, vegetables, chicken satay, and pâté. Thanks to an Asian culinary heritage, the place also makes available such condiments as pickled vegetables and tangy sauces. Hot, fragrant pho soup can also be had, along with spring rolls, desserts, and coffee drinks. Locations exist all over Honolulu.
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

Contemporary Museum Cafe

2411 Makiki Heights Dr, The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu, HI 96822 808-523-3362

Description: MAIKIKI HEIGHTS. This cafe ­ and the Contemporary Museum ­ occupies part of a former estate and takes advantage of its gracious surroundings. While you're browsing the art, you'll want to stop in for a delicious repast of light, gourmet fare. Grilled vegetables are a favorite, as are tasty sandwiches and enticing salads. You'll also find fresh fish and a handful of daily specials that capitalize on the area's best ingredients and the chef's talents. Outdoor dining is available.
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

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

Jamba Juice

130 Merchant St, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-585-8359

Description: DOWNTOWN. Looking for an alternative to fast food? Step into Jamba Juice and feel your body perk up at the prospect of all the healthy things you're about to consume. This fun shop concocts smoothies and juice drinks with a plethora of fresh fruits, vitamin-and-mineral supplements, and nonfat frozen yogurt. Drinks are balanced with carbs, potassium, and fiber to make you feel well, and they taste awesome too! Have one as a pick-me-up during the day, or use it as a meal replacement and know that you're eating as you should.
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

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

Lion Coffee

1555 Kalani St, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-843-4294

Description: KALIHI. One of the most recognized and respected brands of coffee in Hawaii, Lion has been around since 1864. On Kalani Street, you'll find the company's roasting plant (tours available), headquarters, and a retail store. A favorite spot for meetings thanks to Internet access and no usage fee during the week, Lion is also perfect for simply taking a caffeine break during the day. In addition to having a rich, dark cup of java, you can snack on pastries and cookies. A great pick-me-up!
More Details

Lucy's Grill 'N Bar

33 Aulike St, Kailua, HI 96734 808-230-8188

Description: KAILUA. This bustling, festive place always enjoys a crowd of patrons, thanks in large part to its savory, inventive fare. The menu has a local feel, courtesy of plenty of seafood, an Asian influence, and fresh regional ingredients. Kiawe-roasted oysters are a delight, and baby back ribs benefit from a tangy, addictive glaze. Braised lamb shanks also satisfy, and broiled chicken is succulent and tender. Other options to consider include pizzas, pastas, and fresh fish. A perfect hangout.
More Details

Pavilion Cafe

900 S Beretania St, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-532-8734

Description: DOWNTOWN. This gracious, airy cafe plies guests not only with incredible food but with inviting garden views and Dale Chihuly's striking glass sculptures. Such beauty demands great fare, and chef Mike Nevin only employs the best local ingredients for his light, fresh cuisine. Join an upscale crowd as you sample a beef tenderloin sandwich, white bean salad laced with parmesan and balsamic vinegar, or a roast turkey sandwich dressed with a zesty chutney. If you're lunching and don't have time to visit the museum, the entrance fee will be waived.
More Details

Ruth's Chris Steak House

500 Ala Moana Blvd, Restaurant Row, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-599-3860

Description: DOWNTOWN. Whether it's rare or well-done, prime corn-fed beef is this steakhouse's trademark. A favorite of the business set, the place exudes class. Each cut of meat is sublime, boasting sensational flavor and texture thanks to the signature "cooked from the top down" technique. À la carte items include gulf shrimp in creole rémoulade sauce and crispy French-fried onion rings. If you make it to dessert, consider the luscious chocolate praline encore or maybe chocolate chunk bread pudding.
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

Starbucks

1000 Bishop St, #104, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-599-4833

Description: DOWNTOWN. If you're doing a little sightseeing and need to take a break or wind down a bit, then head to Starbucks. From flavored coffees and caffè lattes to teas and ciders, the menu on the wall has it all. An enticing selection of muffins, biscotti, and pastries is also on display. Frappuccinos and iced coffees are available for mid-day refreshment, or you can choose a hot chocolate, mochaccino, and cappuccino to reward yourself after a long day. Other locations throughout the city.
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

Waioli Tea Room & Bakery

2950 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822 808-988-5800

Description: MANOA VALLEY. In the 1920s, girls were instructed in homemaking at what is now the Waioli Tea Room. Today, that tradition of domestic gentility continues at this charming eatery. Known for its high tea and scrumptious desserts, the establishment also serves a delicious breakfast. Along with eggs and bacon, patrons may choose from pastries, fruit, omelets, Belgian waffles, frittatas, breakfast burritos, and quiche. Naturally, the restaurant's own special coffees and teas are served, and group events are welcomed.
More Details