Hawai‘i boasts an exciting and dynamic food culture thanks in large part to the bounty of ingredients from land and sea. Treat your valentine at one of our favorite spots in O'ahu.
The Butcher & Bird This whole-beast butcher shop is the perfect addition to the burgeoning roster of artisan food shops in Kaka‘ako’s SALT complex. Visit at lunchtime to pick up gourmet sandwiches crafted with housemade charcuterie and specialty meats. SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, butcherandbirdhi.com
Haleiwa Beach House In a huge, airy space overlooking Hale‘iwa Harbor, you can nibble on kalua pork and fresh ‘ahi while selecting from an impressive list of craft beers on draft. After eating in the main dining room, don’t forget to head upstairs to the second bar, ideal for sunset sips. 62-540 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa, haleiwabeachhouse.com
Kitchen Door Wai Kai Ewa Beach’s Kitchen Door Napa opened this summer at the Wai Kai development of Hoakalei Resort. On the upper level, enjoy a full-service restaurant Plaza Grill with lanai seating and lagoon views. A spiral staircase leads to the lower level into the Boardwalk Cafe if you opt for take-out or a quick dine-in experience. 91-1621 Keoneula Blvd., Ste. 3100, Ewa Beach, kitchendoorwaikai.com
Agave & Vine Tequila connoisseurs should take note of this cocktail lounge at The Lanai at Ala Moana Center. With a clever menu of signature drinks made with 100% organic Grand Leyenda tequila, and daily specials like Monday’s all-day happy hour, it’s always worth popping in for a few. Ala Moana Center, @agaveandvinepgh
Aloha Beer Company With its goal of inspiring awe for life and seeking aloha, you can be sure to find something local here. Try the blonde—it’s straw-colored with a light, crisp malt flavor and a delicate hop finish—at their new location in Waikīkī. 700 Queen St., Honolulu; 220 S. King St., Ste. 101, Honolulu, alohabeer.com
Bar Leather Apron One of the island’s most refined watering holes is actually in the heart of the business district. Among the favorite offerings are the yuzu sour and matcha Old-Fashioned. Topa Financial Center, 745 Fort St., Ste. 127A, Downtown Honolulu, barleatherapron.com
Hideout This hot spot is tucked away in The Laylow Waikiki, featuring ample bar seating and a buzzy vibe. 2299 Kūhiō Ave., Waikīkī, hideoutwaikiki.com
Waterman Thanks to this lounge, located at the Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina, West O‘ahu can now boast one of the poshest cocktail hours on the island. Order one of the tastefully prepared small plates along with one of the teatime cocktails, like the Hawaiian-style mai tai. 92-1001 Olani St., Ko Olina, fourseasons.com/oahu
House Without a Key This is the quintessential island experience, with live hula, some of the island’s best mai tais and unforgettable sunsets. Halekulani Hotel, 2199 Kalia Road, Waikīkī, halekulani.com
Mai Tai Bar For a classic Waikīkī sunset experience, head to The Royal Hawaiian’s signature outdoor bar, which features daily live music. Not only is the view of Diamond Head and the ocean divine, so are the array of tastefully prepared mai tais. 2259 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, royalhawaiian.com
Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar Cozy up for local fare on a rooftop overlooking Waikīkī Beach. Enjoy nightly entertainment and its food and cocktail series, Earth to Cup. ‘Alohilani Resort, 2490 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, alohilaniresort.com
The Republik As far as live music venues go in Honolulu, there’s nowhere like this club, which brings in buzzworthy acts from all over. Before the show, slip into the sexy minimalist lounge, The Safehouse, where cocktails are thoughtfully arranged. 1349 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Ste. 30, Honolulu, jointherepublik.com
The Veranda One of East Honolulu’s poshest spots is at the always wonderful Kahala Hotel & Resort. Enjoy the sea breezes while taking in the jazz piano. 5000 Kāhala Ave., Kāhala, kahalaresort.com
Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room Billed as “a craft-beer bottle shop with benefits,” this cozy beer cafe is a place for brew aficionados to meet and talk wild yeast, head retention, dry-hopping and the like. With over 500 bottled offerings plus 18 rotating taps, beer boredom is virtually impossible at Village. SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, villagebeerhawaii.com
Waikiki Brewing Company One of Hawai‘i’s largest breweries, this is the place to go for fresh, handmade craft beer. In addition to its lineup of nine core beers ranging from a light, crisp blonde to a robust porter, this brewery also offers seasonal and limited-release suds. 1945 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, waikikibrewing.com
Yard House On Waikīkī Beach Walk, Yard House boasts one of the best craft beer selections on draft in the islands, in a dark, cool pub atmosphere that beckons passersby as they power shop and sightsee. A varied menu of gastropub fare has something to satisfy every palate. 226 Lewers St., Honolulu, yardhouse.com
9Bar HNL Named for the ideal amount of pressure required to pull a perfect shot of espresso, this industrial-chic cafe brings a touch of the Brooklyn aesthetic to the islands. Beyond coffee, try the breakfast bowls, and don’t miss the baked goods—the mammoth scuffins are already Insta-famous. SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, 9barhnl.com
Hau Tree A casual beach-centric menu offers Honolulu’s best beachside brunch, lunch and casual dinner. Kaimana Beach Hotel, 2863 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, hautreemenus.com
Kona Coffee Purveyors With a spacious seating area ideal for sipping a latte and nibbling on the signature black sesame kouign-amann pastries, the cafe is a chic and delicious stop for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon treat. International Market Place,2330 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, konacoffeepurveyors.com
Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant Enjoy classic Chinese food and dim sum with a menu that was created by chefs all trained in China. Try the snow mountain char siu buns or the honey garlic ribs. Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 4220, Honolulu, jadedynastyhawaii.com
3660 On the Rise Europe-meets- Hawai‘i at this veteran resto, discreetly tucked away at the bottom of Wilhelmina Rise. Enjoy soy-sake-glazed butterfish alongside ‘ahi katsu for a truly global dining experience. 3660 Wai‘alae Ave., Kaimuki, 3660ontherise.com
Chef Chai Chef Chai Chaowasaree draws 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
DB Grill Restos like this casual Asian-fusion winner give us more and more reasons to drive to the West Side of O‘ahu. Marrying local flavors with Korean cuisine, be sure to try the duck fat-fried rice and kimchi pancake. 4450 Kapolei Parkway, Ste. 560, Kapolei, dbgrillhi.com
Hoku’s You can watch waves crashing against the reef and take a tour of the resort’s spectacular tropical-chic lobby after a sumptuous dinner at this gem that blends French cuisine with local flavors. 5000 Kāhala Ave., Kāhala, kahalaresort.com
Lucky Belly 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. 50 N. Hotel St., Honolulu, luckybellyhi.com
Miro Kaimuki This fabulous French-inspired menu punctuated with Japanese flavors and techniques is helmed by Honolulu native, head chef Chris Kajioka and chef de cuisine Steven Cho. 3446 Wai‘alae Ave., Honolulu, mirokaimuki.com
Mugen This jewel-like restaurant tucked into the Espacio hotel offers a seven-course tasting menu of elevated French-Japanese dishes created by executive chef Jason Yamaguchi, plus wine and cocktails. 2452 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, mugenwaikiki.com
O’Kim’s This classic gem in downtown Honolulu is not your typical Korean restaurant. With elevated traditional dishes and creative monthly specials, people keep coming back for more for a taste of contemporary Korean food fused with a Hawaiian modern twist. 1028 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu, okimshawaii.com
PAI Honolulu This innovative restaurant features seasonal kaiseki-style course menus. These menus allow guests to enjoy a variety of dishes that capture the essence of its playful and beautiful cuisine. 55 Merchant St., Honolulu, paihonolulu.com
The Pig and the Lady 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., Honolulu, thepigandthelady.com
UMIby Vikram Garg Join Garg at his first solo venture, located at the House of Welcoming Waters, Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani. Expansive menus featuring superior seasonal ingredients, refined traditions, progressive techniques, vibrant cultural infusion, masterful execution, le chariot tableside service and his signature bespoke chef’s table await. 2233 Helumoa Road, Honolulu, umibyvikramgarg.com
XO Restaurant 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 Wai‘alae Ave., Kaimuki, xorghawaii.com
La Mer Regarded as one of the most prestigious fine dining restaurants on O’ahu, La Mer boasts ocean views and an exquisite menu of French cuisine. An award-winning wine list provides the perfect accompaniment for any dish, all featuring local and tropical ingredients. Halekulani Hotel, 2199 Kālia Road, Honolulu, halekulani.com
Michel’s at the Colony Surf For romantic ambiance, Michel’s is hard to beat. The lapping waves at Sans Souci Beach set a beautiful stage for the rich European dishes, which are so indulgent that they are practically designed for sharing. After lobster bisque and chocolate souffle, a walk on the beach is in order. 2895 Kalākaua Ave., Diamond Head, michelshawaii.com
Arden Acclaimed chefs Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng invite guests to discover contemporary Hawai‘i cuisine at Arden, a brand-new restaurant at the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head Hotel, where flavors, culture and genuine culinary artistry intertwine. 2885 Kalākaua Ave., 2nd Floor, Honolulu, ardenwaikiki.com
Eating House 1849 After conquering the Garden Isle, Roy Yamaguchi’s homage to Hawai‘i’s plantation-era cuisine has come to O‘ahu with two outposts. The first is in Waikiki—right within the International Market Place—while the second is in Kapolei, catering to the resort crowd at Ko Olina. The Shops at Kukui‘ula, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Road, #A-201, Koloa, royyamaguchi.com
Kani Ka Pila Grille A refreshed menu with Hawaiian fare from chef Rey Baysa and original cocktails await at this hot spot for kama‘āina and visitors alike to hear live Hawaiian music nightly. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, 2169 Kālia Road, Honolulu, outrigger.com
MW Restaurant Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr- Ueoka, who met and married while proteges in Alan Wong’s kitchen, have gained high praise since opening their own eatery at Velocity Honolulu. 888 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Honolulu, mwrestaurant.com
Merriman’s Honolulu Peter Merriman’s O‘ahu location at the sleek Anaha high-rise, brings the Hawai‘i regional cuisine that he is personally credited with helping to create and define to the Honolulu dining scene. Lunch in the breezy sun-drenched dining room is glorious, and while the menu features many standouts, it is the humble buttermilk biscuits that steal the show. 1108 Auahi St., Honolulu, merrimanshawaii.com
Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar Enjoy a contemporary approach to classic Italian fare with handtossed Neapolitan-style artisanal pizza. Don’t miss the impressive boutique wine list. 150 Kaiulani Ave., Honolulu, appetitowaikiki.com
La Bettola Experience classic Italian cuisine by renowned chef Tsutomu Ochiai. Rustic Italian flavors converge with the bounty of the island, transporting diners from the shores of the Hawaiian Islands to the shores of the Mediterranean. ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, 2490 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, lbwaikiki.com/la-bettola
Noe O‘ahu’s culinary scene has reached transcendent levels with Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu’s premier eatery, thanks to the mastery of chef Ryo Takatsuka. The creative concept here is Hawai‘i meets Capri, so expect southern Italian dishes prepared with island seafood, handmade pastas and more. 92-1001 Olani St., Ko Olina, fourseasons.com
Ruscello Tucked inside the third floor of Nordstrom, this full-service Mediterranean and Italian restaurant is a perfect choice for light lunch and libations mid-shopping spree. Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., nordstrom.com/st/nordstrom-ala-moana
Morimoto Asia Waikīkī The pan-Asian menu at Iron Chef and sushi master Morimoto’s Waikīkī 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. 2490 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, morimotoasiawaikiki.com
Restaurant Suntory Escape to Japan in the heart of Waikīkī and enjoy luxury omakase, teppanyaki, kaiseki and more. Savor the finest sushi, spirits and seasonal Japanese flavors. Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Bldg. B, 3rd Level, B307, 2233 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, restaurantsuntory.com
Sushi Sasabune“Trust Me!” proclaims the sign at this quirky house of omakase, where the customer is definitively not always right. Children are not welcome; you may not add soy sauce or pass on rice; and dietary restrictions are not catered to. But these affronts pale once you taste the fish. 1417 S. King St., Honolulu, sasabuneh.com
Sushi Sho Sushi master Keiji Nakazawa made headlines when he left Tokyo to open a new counter at The Ritz- Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach. One taste of his 30-course omakase menu, and you’ll see why he reigns supreme in the artisanal realm of Edomae-style sushi. 383 Kalaimoku St., Honolulu, ritzcarlton.com
53 By the Sea Enjoy a selection of surf ’n’ turf specialties, including Atlantic lobster and braised short rib, while watching surfers catch waves at the mouth of the Kewalo Basin, and take in the incomparable view of Diamond Head’s regal profile from this seaside eatery. 53 ‘Ahui St., Honolulu, 53bythesea.com
Mina’s Fish House Celeb chef Michael Mina created this island outpost with the idea of a traditional Hawaiian fish house in mind, and the line-to-table cuisine honors this impulse, employing a fish sommelier and welcoming local fishermen to the back door of the restaurant with the best catches of the day. Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina, 92-1001 Olani St., Kapolei, fourseasons.com/oahu
PESCA Waikiki Beach Located atop the historic Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites is Hawai‘i’s premier Mediterranean seafood restaurant, offering diners breathtaking panoramic views of Honolulu’s coastline. 1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Sky Floor, Honolulu, pescawaikikibeach.com
STRIPSTEAK Waikīkī Celebrity chef Michael Mina’s first foray into Hawai‘i drew raves when it opened at International Market Place, and it’s no wonder. The signature strip steak is meltingly tender, and the Washugyu stripsteak is prepared using a special technique with three stages of searing. 2330 Kalākaua Ave., Grand Lanai, Waikīkī, michaelmina.net
Photography by: Sweet Lova/Getty Images
