Dr. Drew's Guide to Honolulu Restaurants

Introduction

I've only lived in Honolulu for a few years, but I enjoy exploring town as time allows. I love eating good and affordable meals. I thought I would share this guide for visitors since I am asked for suggestions for time to time. I hope that others will also suggest other places.

Eating is important in Hawaii. Here you can get everything from a very inexpensive plate lunch to very expensive 4-star gourmet meals. One local TV channel even features "cheap eats" each week during the nightly newscast. I have to agree with one food critic, though, that many people here prefer quantity over quality. There are many good places in town. Korean and Japanese foods are the best bets, in my opinion.

Japanese:

• Tokkuri-tei (611 Kapahulu Ave.: 739-2800) Serves all kinds of Japanese food until late. It seems popular with Japanese families and is smoke-free. (Tasty sushi, tempura, and draft Japanese beer).
• Maguro-Ya Restaurant (3569 Waialae Ave.) 732-3775 (Reservations encouraged)
• Yoshitsune Restaurant, (Park Shore Hotel in Waikiki), 2586 Kalakaua Avenue, 926-5616 (Dinner is expensive though)

Japanese Izakaya (bar style restaurant) (good fried food, Japanese beer or sake, and atmosphere until late)

Izakaya Nonbei (3108 Olu Street, off Kapahulu, behind Genki Sushi), 734-5573

Korean (This is one of the safest bets in Honolulu). (The first two are open 24/7)

• Sorabol  (805 Keeaumoku St.): 947-3113
• Choi's Garden (1303 Rycroft St.): 596-7555
• Seoul Garden Yakiniku (for Japanese/ Korean Yakiniku), 1679 Kapiolani Blvd.): 944-4803
• Sogondong Restauraunt (1960 Kapiolani Blvd., 2nd Fl.): 946-206

Seafood:

Nick's Fishmarket at the Waikiki Gateway Hotel (2070 Kalakaua Ave.): 955-6333.
I haven't been there, but many people swear by it. They sometimes have jazz too.

Thai:

• Singha (910 Ala Moana Blvd.): 941-2898
• Keo's ( 2028 Kuhio Ave.): 951-9355
• Pae Thai Restaurant (1246 S. King St.): 596-8106
• Siam Garden Café (1130 N Nimitz Hwy) (Near the airport, open late): 523-9338
• Chiang Mai Cuisine (2239 S. King St.): 941-1151

Greek (Informal Mediterranean meals around $10) (Don't miss the humus!)

• Olive Tree Café (4614 Kilauea Ave., Near Kahala Mall): 737-0303

Chinese: (In Chinatown).

• Little Village Noodle House (1113 Smith St.): 545-3008
• Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant ( 65 N. Pauahi): 531-3268
• The Green Door Cafe (Nonya Malaysian, Singapore; 1145 Manukea [& Pauahi]): 533-0606 (closed Mon)

Vietnamese: (A Friend's suggestion).

• Hale Vietnam (1140 12th Ave., Kaimuki): 735-7581

French:

• I haven't yet been to Le Bistro or other places in town, but should add that Japanese bakeries in town have the best French breads and pastries (Saint-Germain has many locations, especially in Waikiki, but my local favorite is the Manoa Bakery, located in the Manoa Shopping Center, 2752 Woodlawn Dr., in Manoa.): 988-5522.

Italian:

• Paesano's Ristorante Italiano. (Manoa Shopping Center, 2752 Woodlawn Dr., in Manoa.): 988-5932.

Pizza:

• Boston's North End Pizza. This local chain has several outlets, and is usually a good bet. The roughly $5 thin NY-style pieces are BIG and tasty, especially the Big Red.

Local Microbrewery Restaurants:

• Brew Moon (Ward Center Mall, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd.): 593-0088
  (They also have jazz on some nights. Free wireless. Try the sampler of their fine microbrews.)
• Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. (1 Aloha Tower Market Place): 599-4877
  

-- Last Updated: 13 May 2007.