Get there early, expect a line...But SOOO worth the wait! If you are trying this for the first time, do NOT just buy 1.. you'll be kicking yourself when you have to stand in line again because you want more.
*Must try the Malasadas! (:})
Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors-- and Poke too! ($-$$$- depends what you're buying)
3496 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816 Phone: 808.7735.8100
Tamura's is our neighborhood wine store with one of the best wine selections & knowledgeable staff to assist you in picking out a wine for any occasion, cuisine, or just to try. They also have one of the best varieties of poke around with a couple of their signature versions including: Wasabi Poke, Jalapeno Poke, Spicy Ahi Poke (which is excellent with Korean Nori!), and their Tamura's Poke (sort of teriaki-ish flovor).. and sometimes you just need some regular Shoyu Ahi Poke.. and they do that very well too! They also have a bunch of cheeses, and gourmet foods that are great for picnics or hotel snacks!
RESTAURANTS-- Our Favorites
Zippy's ($)
Zippy's is to Hawaii what Denny's is to the mainland. Cheap local eats conveniently found ALL over the island, dine in or take out. Closest Zippy's location to Waikiki is on Kapahulu Ave, and closest to Ala Moana is the 2 locations on King St. Basically, if you drive long enough on any major road in Hawaii and you'll hit a Zippy's! Known for their Chili, Chili Cheese Fries, Saimin, Bentos, & Bakery.
*Open 24 hours for any of you night owls or early birds.
Irifune ($-$$)
563 Kapahulu Ave. 808.737.1141
Hole-in-the-wall Japanese Garlic restaurant. No reservations. Closed Sunday & Monday
Our favorites: Ginger Cream Cheese Gyoza, Garlic Crab & Seared Ahi combo, & Tonkatsu & Garlic Ahi Combo. mmmmmm!
*BYOB!
Mi Casa Taqueria ($)
3046 Monsarrat Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: 808.737.1652
Cheap Giant Burritos! Fresh homemade salsa daily! Eat in or pick up and take down the street to the beach!
*BYOB!
Thai Sweet Basil ($$)
Manoa Marketplace 2752 Woodlawn Dr. Honolulu, HI 96822 Phone: 808.988.8811
Yup.. if you still love thai food after college, this is the place to get a good fix. ;) Its kind of an odd ambiance for a thai restaurant with murals painted on the walls, and whoever was in charge of decorating the place apparently thought that neon beer signs count as decor (NAY.). But other than the "unique" environment, the food is awesome!
They make one of the best Tom Kah soups in town, their Panang curry is hearty, and the Ong Choy is always a fantastic veggie that never gets enough credit.. they do it all very well.
Formaggio ($$)
2919 Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96826 Phone: 808.739.7719
M-TH 5PM-12AM, F-SAT 5PM-2AM
A small wine bar serving mediterranean food & always good live acoustic entertainment.
DuVin ($$)
1115 Bethel St. Honolulu, HI 96813 (Directly across the street from Hawaii Theatre)
Phone: 808.454.1115
A French Brasserie/ Wine Bar in the heart of Downtown with 3 indoor/outdoor seating areas. No Reservations, just go early or keep watch out for people finishing up a meal & hover. Once you get seated, the food & wine is worth the effort.
Petite Garlic ($$)
2238 Luaula St. Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: 808.922.2221
This is a small, casual, delightful Japanese garlic restaurant. Creative with nice clean flavors, and really wonderful service. Try the Ahi Tataki & their Baked Risoto Porcini!
Sabrina's ($$-$$$)
3036 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816 Phone: 808.739.0220
Ristorante Italiano --simply delicious! Not the fastest service, so do not go there before going somewhere else... this IS the destination. Reservations not required, but recommended. If they have the lobster Risoto for a special, get it! Oh yeah.. and one other really nice thing about this place...BYOB!!
Okonomi Kai (AKA "Kai") ($$-$$$)
1427 Makaloa St. at Ke'eamoku St., across from Walmart 808.944.1555
Modern, eccentric (but in a good way!) Japanese tapas (not topless!!) & okonomiyaki restaurant. Favorite dishes... so difficult.. everything is great! Open 5p-11p, Tuesday-Sunday
12th Avenue Grill ($$)
1145C 12th Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816 Reservations: 808.732.9469
Open for Dinner Only: M-TH 5:30-9PM, F-S 5:30-10PM, Closed Sun
Alan Wong's Restaurant ($$$)
1857 S. King St. 3rd floor *Must Make Reservations in advance. Phone: 808.949.2526
Menu available online
Pacific Rim Cuisine
Recommendations: Entree-Mochi Crusted Opakapaka (Pink Tail Snapper) w/ Nametake Mushroom Risotto, For dessert- The "Coconut" Haupia (coconut) Sorbet in a Chocolate Shell w/tropical fruits & passion fruit sauce.
Nobu Waikiki ($$$$)
2233 Helumoa Rd. Lobby of Parc Hotel 808.237.6999
Hours: M-F (lunch) 11:30a -2p, M-Sun (Dinner) 5:30p-11p, M-Sun (Bar Lounge) 5p-12a
New Style Japanese Food...Fresh seafood flown in from Japan, probably most beautiful japanese food found
in Hawaii... and SOOOO delicious!!
