Hawaii

The only Hawaii restaurant that any serious foodie should experience isn't located on the beach, or even in Waikiki—this intimate McCully resto is the finest on the island. — BlackBook

What's a Greek-born, French raised expat been doing in Hawaii for the last 30 years? Perfecting the mad science that goes into approaching island ingredients in a unique and (often) astonishing manner. — Condé Nast Traveler

Chef Mavro not only features the finest ingredients Hawaii has to offer, but also supplements them with luxurious imported items like caviar and fresh truffles from France. — Gayot

This award-winning French-with-an-island-touch restaurant expresses the character of owner George Mavrothassitis – precise, passionate and absolutely individual. — DK Eyewitness

Keahole lobster in an Asian broth; a Hawaiian/Marseilles bouillabaisse; and cut-it-with-a-fork-tender filet of beef tenderloin crusted with red-wine confit onion. — Frommer's

Situated beachside within upscale Waikiki resort Halekulani, Orchids offers a relaxed, open-air environment for you to enjoy executive chef Vikrum Garg’s locally sourced cuisine. — Forbes Travel Guide

One of the island’s best dining experiences, this restaurant puts on display everything that is upscale, refined, and relaxing. — BlackBook

Waikiki’s finest gourmet restaurant, facing the beach in the gorgeous, peaceful Halekulani hotel and offering scintillating contemporary Hawaiian cuisine. — Rough Guide

One of the most beautiful restaurants in all Hawaii, Orchids boasts an open-air look, dressed in crisp, white linen, with striking ocean views. — Gayot

Perched along the seawall at historic Gray's Beach, Orchids in the luxe Halekulani resort is open all day. — Fodor's

Modern Bali meets city chic in this candlelit tapas joint. The extensive wine list and upscale atmosphere attracts a sophisticated island crowd. — Where

A list of 50 wines with a focus on Rhone-style varieties, half of them offered by the glass, accompanies the Spanish-style tapas dishes at Kauai's Bar Acuda in Hanalei. — Travel + Leisure

This hip and pricey tapas bar is a top place in Hanalei in terms of tastiness, creativity, and pizzazz. — Fodor's

A trendy wine and tapas bar presents ornately plated food that’s noteworthy, but pricey. — Lonely Planet

Expect "a bit of urban chic" at this "lively" Med mecca in "picturesque" Hanalei, a "people-watching" scene that "could stand on its own in San Francisco or New York." — Zagat

"By far the finest dining experience you will have on Oahu", this "elegant, intimate" French "keeper" in the "stunning" Halekulani Hotel "aspires to Parisian culinary decadence. — Zagat

Tucked along the coast on Waikiki’s west side, La Mer makes good use of its enviable location inside the Halekulani hotel — doors open up to welcome in the tradewind breezes and the sound of the ocean. — Forbes Travel Guide

The best and most authentically French restaurant in Hawai’i makes lavish use of both local seafood and imported delicacies to create “cuisine de soleil". — DK Eyewitness

One of two Five Diamond Restaurants in Hawaii with internationally acclaimed Neoclassic French cuisine and an award-winning wine list. We recommend going with a prix fixe course menu to... — Where

This is the splurge restaurant of Hawaii, an oceanfront bastion of haute cuisine, where two of the state's finest chefs... quietly redefined Hawaiian fine dining. — Frommer's

Master chef Wolfgang Puck’s fusion of Hawaii and California cuisines results in a brilliant menu that highlights the best local produce, seafood and meats. The Mobil Four-Star, AAA Four... — Where

Wolfgang Puck shows that despite recent culinary forays into fast food and canned soups, he remains a master of the fine-dining experience. — Forbes Travel Guide

Chef Wolfgang Puck creates "a little Hollywood in Hawaii" at this Four Seasons Wailea outpost of his famous Beverly Hills standby. — Zagat

The California cuisine of celebrity-chef Wolfgang Puck is combined with Maui flavors and served lobby level and oceanfront at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort. — Fodor's

The menu at celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s Spago offers Puck’s classics and locally inspired dishes that fuse Hawaiian and Californian cuisines. — DK Eyewitness

Located in the Four Seasons Resort Maui, Ferraro's offers authentic Italian fare in a casual outdoor tropical setting, with a view of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains. — Zagat

Enjoy lunch beach-side and dinner under the stars at this casual spot with a lively bar and entertainment. Cucina rustica cuisine showcases a wood-burning oven that produces pizzas and... — Where

The stunning location—overlooking Wailea Beach with an unobstructed view of the West Maui Mountains—sets the stage for a romantic (if pricey) repast. — Frommer's

No other place in Wailea comes close to this breezy restaurant for romantic seaside dining. — Lonely Planet

The only truly beachside restaurant in Wailea, Ferraro's serves authentic Italian cuisine under a canopy of stars on the edge of Wailea Beach. — Gayot

Worshipful foodies come from all over the state, drawn by the food -- which is brilliant -- and a menu that is irresistible. — Frommer's

Hailed by many as Hawai’i’s best restaurant, Alan Wong’s marries local preferences with a formal setting. — DK Eyewitness

Alan Wong is the undisputed king of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, earning love and respect for his humble demeanor and practice as much as for his food. — Fodor's

This modest restaurant in the middle of McCully is the hearbeat of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. The setting is not fancy or opulent, but casual and comfortable as island life is. — BlackBook

A "pioneer in Hawaii Regional cuisine", chef Alan Wong "continues to innovate", "plating up the best of local farms and island seas" at this McCully "nirvana". — Zagat

Smack in the middle of a pineapple plantation, this restaurant is located in a historic building that was once the plantation’s general store. — DK Eyewitness

Bev does her best to source all of her ingredients on the islands, rather than importing them from the mainland—she relies heavily on local specialties like Kalua pork, fresh island fish, and coconut. — goop

"Before farm-to-fork became the buzzword" there was chef Bev Gannon's "beacon" of Hawaii Regional cuisine "nestled at the base of Haleakala" in Hali'imaile. — Zagat

If there were an award for "exceptional Maui restaurant in the unlikeliest of locations," Hali'imaile General Store would definitely take the cake. — Travel + Leisure

This charming and authentically rustic store is where Joe and Beverly Gannon purvey their own delicious style of Hawaii Regional cuisine. — Gayot

Unparalleled service and Hawaiian heyday vibe, all in one? You betcha. — Condé Nast Traveler

On its own coconut-grove cove on the island’s northern shore, Mama’s has been one of Maui’s most celebrated restaurants since it opened in 1973. — Travel + Leisure

For almost four decades, Mama's has been the Maui destination for special occasions. — Fodor's

This restaurant is not only famous because it has been at its oceanfront location for more than 25 years. The fresh fish dishes it serves are excellent and extremely expensive. — DK Eyewitness

"The freshest fish", "gracious" service and "tropical breezes make for an unforgettable experience" exult enthusiasts who find "heavenly bliss" at this "intimate" Pacific Rim seafooder. — Zagat

This Chinatown eatery has friendly service and cheery décor; it appeals to the area'€™s regulars who enjoy the varied menu and the modern additions of salads and such. — Gayot

Unassuming and budget-friendly, Little Village is so popular with locals that it expanded to the space next door. — Fodor's

Work up an appetite wandering Chinatown’s shops and flower stalls, then fuel your tank at the Little Village Noodle House. — BlackBook

Little Village dishes up wok-seared menu items brimming with spice and flavor in an ambient eatery that draws local power lunchers as much as the Waikiki tourists. — Condé Nast Traveler

This award-winning restaurant is a long-time favorite with residents who love their mu-shu rolls and lettuce wrap appetizers and traditional Chinese entrees. — Where

Relying heavily on super-fresh island fish and locally grown vegetables, this restaurant offers quality food that is competently and creatively prepared. — Fodor's

Enjoy "gourmet" Hawaii Regional fare made with local ingredients "while watching the tiki-torch lighting in a beautiful garden setting" at this Kauai Coast Resort "jewel". — Zagat

Chef/owner Ron Miller has inspired residents and visitors to find their way here in droves since 2002. — Frommer's

An upgrade from the typical T-shirt-casual joint, this laid-back spot hosts live music nightly. — Lonely Planet

A casual, airy setting, much like sitting out on a friend's lanai, makes this restaurant at the Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy very pleasant and enjoyable. — Gayot

"Delectable food" and "exceptional art adorning the walls" "make for a lovely Maui evening with a touch of quiet sophistication." — Zagat

Experience a chic night of delectable dining at this award-winning seaside restaurant, which has an inventive menu featuring the best in local produce, meats and cheeses. Reservations are... — Where

At the top of many best-restaurants lists, this expensive, upscale bistro is about as fashionably chic as it gets on Maui. — Fodor's

With professional service, an inviting atmosphere and innovative cuisine, it's easy to see how Lahaina Grill continues to be a favorite. — Gayot

A few steps off Front Street in the Lahaina Inn... this is a casual yet elegant modern restaurant offering exquisitely prepared and presented food. — DK Eyewitness

The “godfather” of Hawaii Regional cuisine “still shines” insist loyalists who patronize Roy Yamaguchi’s “epicurean delight." — Zagat

Roy Yamaguchi, the James Beard award–winning chef and one of the pioneers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, now owns eponymous restaurants all over the world. — Frommer's

It's loud and brassy with a young vibe, but even if the atmosphere isn't quite your thing, come for the great food. — Fodor's

Roy’s first Hawaii location in Hawaii Kai launched him as a culinary force. Live music, views of the bay, and local ingredients in Euro-Asian preparations are the highlight of this busy... — Where

The Maui outpost of Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s upscale dining empire sits inside the golf course clubhouse at the Kaʻanapali Resort. — Lonely Planet

Celeb Chef Russell Siu has managed to put together an award winning restaurant that uses fresh fish and local ingredients with a healthy dose of creativity. — BlackBook

The kitchen... turns out traditional Hawaiian regional fare, including several seafood specialties, such as soy sake filet of butterfish, as well as pork and steak. — Travel + Leisure

With an understanding for what Hawaiians like, this compact, ever-busy neighborhood bistro has specialties such as Hawaiian clay salt steak. — DK Eyewitness

Ever since Wine Spectator gave this 200-seat restaurant its "Award of Excellence," it's been packed, and with good reason. — Frommer's

"Away from the hustle and bustle", this Pacific Rim seafooder "surprisingly set in an office building" remains a "Kaimuki treasure". — Zagat

Michel'€™s elegant room opens on one side directly on the beach, with the surf pounding the shore only 40 feet away. — Gayot

It’s all about the cultured Gold Coast atmosphere where the Euro-glamorous gather to be seen enjoying sunset dining, subdued lighting and soft music. — BlackBook

This dining room, on the sand at Sans Souci Beach, has windows that open to the ocean air. — Frommer's

Old World elegance, sunset views of Waikīkī, and outstanding professional service make Michel’s a favorite of romantics (many a proposal has taken place here). — DK Eyewitness

"Romantic, expensive, posh", yes, this "big date" Classic French "throwback" is "worth every penny" sigh sybarites who snag oceanfront seats at this "bastion of fine traditional cooking". — Zagat

Dry-aged steaks cooked to perfection, plus a view overlooking Waikiki Beach, have made this place a major hit since it opened in the fall of 2004. — Concierge

This steakhouse opened in 2004 to rave reviews, giving the national steakhouse chains and the top local steakhouses a run for their money. — Frommer's

One of the only two restaurants that offers on-premise, dry-aged steaks. Sides are ordered a la carte. — Where

Perched above Kalakaua Ave on the second floor of the Waikiki Marriott hotel, visitors and islanders gather for the sunset views and the tasty dry aged beef steaks. — BlackBook

D.K. Kodama's second-floor restaurant serves Vintage Natural Beef, sourced from mainland ranchers who use no hormones or antibiotics. — Fodor's

If you are a fish or shellfish lover, then this is the place for you. — Fodor's

D.K. Kodama, a third-generation Japanese American, founded this Asian-fusion restaurant, whose name translates in Japanese to “third generation.” — Travel + Leisure

Local celebrity chef DK Kodama is known for innovative, fusion Japanese cuisine, such as his signature flash-fried ahi roll, and an extensive wine list. — Lonely Planet

An imaginative take on traditional rolled sushi takes center stage at celebrity chef D.K. Kodama’s popular restaurant. The Mango Crab Salad Roll features an Asian crab salad, ripe mango,... — Where

The "amazing array of exquisite" sushi coupled with "scrumptious" entrees and cocktails lures loyalists to this "fabulous", "clublike" Japanese–Pacific Rim chainlet. — Zagat

The best hotel restaurant on Kauai may also be one of the smallest and hardest to find, tucked inside the discreetly located Koa Kea Hotel & Resort. — Frommer's

The minimalist presentation sets the proper stage for food that is satisfying, yet light. — Gayot

At this romantic hideaway, fusion dishes such as pan-seared opah (moonfish) with king crab and a sake-spiked coconut broth or vanilla bean-seared mahimahi elevate the culinary game. — Lonely Planet

"Delicious, inventive renditions" of Hawaiian cuisine in a "cool setting" that's a "nice respite from the traditional island decor." — Zagat

A smart, sophisticated decor and exceptional food paired with professional service make Red Salt a great choice for leisurely fine dining. — Fodor's

The atmosphere is relaxed and the food is Pacific fusion, featuring fresh local fish, prime meats, and rotisserie chicken. — DK Eyewitness

Famed Maui chef Bev Gannon designed the menu at the charming restaurant within the Hotel Lanaʻi. — Lonely Planet

Celebrated Maui chef Bev Gannon (Haliimaile General Store, Joe’s, and Gannon’s on Maui) brings her comfort-food-gone-fancy to this bright and lovely dining room at the Hotel Lanai. — Frommer's

This "plantation-style" "original" in the Hotel Lanai... lures islanders with a "creative" Bev Gannon–designed Hawaii Regional menu. — Zagat

Simple white walls hung with local art, lazily turning ceiling fans, and unobtrusive service provide the backdrop for a menu featuring fresh island ingredients prepared with bold flavors. — Fodor's

It's popular with locals for breakfast and lunch, but try it at dinner when the candles come out and it's time for martinis and fresh fish. — Fodor's

High-beamed ceilings, dark post-modern furniture, lush palm trees and large Art Deco mirrors create a glamorous yet unpretentious 1940s, old Hollywood vibe at this upcountry bistro. — Gayot

From morning to evening, this boisterous bistro is the Haʻiku hangout, for locals and visitors alike. — Lonely Planet

Two miles off Hāna Highway in the small center of Ha‘ikū, this casual bistro is popular with local residents and visitors staying in north-shore rentals. — DK Eyewitness

This go-to spot for Haiku residents serves an excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a classy setting. — Frommer's