These are the best Asian-Fusion restuarants in O'ahu you need to try.
The Pig and the Lady's Whole Branzino with Cham Chéo. Photo courtesy of The Pig & The Lady/LIANNE ROZZELLE
Chef Chai Chaowasaree continues to draw fans to his chic, sleek Kaka‘ako eatery that focuses on Asian fusion and contemporary seafood dishes made with fresh ingredients. Pacifica Honolulu, 1009 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Kaka‘ako, chefchai.com
Restos like this casual Asian-fusion winner give us more and more reasons to drive to points west. Chef Ed Choi Morris marries local flavors with the Korean cuisine he grew up on. Be sure to try the duck fat-fried rice and kimchi pancake. 4450 Kapolei Parkway Ste. 560, Kapolei, dbgrillhi.com
This Chinatown fixture serves up elevated ramen bowls—say, the Belly Bowl, with pork belly and bacon; or the Fungi Bowl, with porcini and maitake mushroom. It’s also the hands-down best option for late-night dining in Honolulu. 50 N. Hotel St., Chinatown, luckybellyhi.com
The pan-Asian menu at Iron Chef and sushi master Morimoto’s Waikiki outpost is truly eclectic, with nods to the cuisines of China, Korea, Thailand and beyond. Diners may watch as the expert toque team carves Peking ducks in the exhibition kitchen, making for superlative dining and a show. 2490 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki, morimotoasiawaikiki.com
With a continual bevy of new dishes, The Pig and the Lady may very well be the ruler of the emerging Chinatown cuisine scene. Its take on pho is a must-try. 83 N. King St., Chinatown, thepigandthelady.com
Don’t be fooled by the humble surroundings. From fresh scallops to an astonishingly delicious strip steak served with a nuanced and addictive sauce, there is a rare deftness to this food. 3434 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki, xorghawaii.com
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