Favorite Restaurants in Waikiki (Honolulu)

Chef Mavro Restaurant

Chef George Mavrothalassitis brings his inspired fusion of Provencal French and nouveau Hawaiian cuisines to the table here. The menu is filled with such sinful dishes as Salade Folle (foie gras spread on crispy brioche medallions, served alongside tender baby greens) and Filet of Moi with a side vegetable of subtly herbed fennel fricassee. Three prix-fixe meals are available nightly, starting at USD49 for a three-course meal and topping off at USD120 per person for a six-course meal with wine pairings. A la carte service is also available.

Ramen Ezogiku

Take a break from the shopping and sunbathing at Waikiki to rub elbows with Japanese tourists missing home at the U-shaped counter bar, getting their fix of nine kinds of genuine ramen noodles. From miso to chicken vegetable to Chinese BBQ pork ramen, there's no shortage on food or flavor. Don't forget to slurp to show your appreciation! If you're particularly hungry, get a two or three item combo meal of ramen and gyoza or California roll with ripe avocado (or both!) for under $10. Don't pass up the Ramuné soda for that full, Japanese noodle shop experience. -JoAnn Takasaki

Petite Garlic

Billing itself as a "café and wine bar," this restaurant is rather unique, especially given its central Waikiki location. The menu is equal parts Japanese and Continental, while the décor is several steps up from anything else in the area. However, the prices are low. The menu items range from scallop terrine ($8) to Italian pasta and fried garlic rice. The restaurant is tucked away in an upstairs corner, which makes it feel somewhat private. There is a bright and cheerful dining room and a breezy, shaded balcony.

Wonder Lounge

The hottest new hotel in Honolulu now boasts one of the most cutting-edge nightspots. This bar, nicknamed "Bar With the Bed" because of is unique decor, is adjacent to the Diamond Head Grill. Superstar entrepreneur Rande Gerber was one of the design consultants. The bar serves creative cocktails and gourmet nibbles. Try a Mai Tai Martini and Ama Ebi Spring Rolls. As you enjoy your decadent tropical libations, the smooth jazz sounds of David Swanson will entertain. After hours, Honolulu's serious scenesters show up in droves.

Columbia Inn

American and local comfort food is served at this popular restaurant in Kaimuki. The menu offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, Asian noodle dishes and classic American entrees. Signature menu items include Broke da Mouf Beef Stew, Oxtail Soup and Super Saimin. All American entrees come with bread, veggies and potato. A full kid's menu is available.

Lewers Lounge

Located in the legendary Halekulani Hotel, this is a place to relax and enjoy the good life. The richly decorated lounge is old fashioned and clubby; dim lighting and piano entertainment add to the decadent atmosphere. Service is polished and knowledgeable, and the selection of liquors, beers and wines is excellent. Sip a cognac or a brandy and enjoy the balmy night air. While no place in Hawaii requires formal dress, this place comes close. Upscale resortwear is requested.

Hibuscus Cafe

If you've just checked in at Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber and want to grab a bite before an exploration of the island, Hibiscus cafe is a very good option. Whether you're on the go or want to simply lounge around, Hibiscus promises a good time. With a menu ranging from American to International cuisine all served buffet-style, the menu usually full of surprises. With an easy, casual ambiance and its prime location, this place is occupied by both hotel guests and tourists, out shopping nearby at Macy's.

The Daily Buzz

If its not the well-facilitated accommodation of Ohana East, then the enticing aroma of fresh bagels, muffins and other treats is sure to keep you hooked at The Daily Buzz. Located at the lobby of the hotel, this cafe not only lures guests to make reservations in the premises but provides a good hang-out for tourists. An irresistible menu full of sandwiches, fresh fruit, salads, pastries is in store for those looking for a light snack. Businessmen are often seen hanging around here enjoying a smoothie while accessing the net. One can pack a take-away for a picnic on the beach or use the catering services for conferences/business meetings.

Moana Lanai

Sip on a cocktail as you enjoy the cool breeze caressing your face. Or nibble on some snacks, as you watch people playing in the pool. If this is what relaxation means to you, then Moana Lanai is the ideal place. Situated in Ala Moana Hotel, this poolside bar serves fruit smoothies, tropical drinks, snacks, wraps, and salads. So unwind yourself and enjoy more than a swim at this bar.

The Plaza Coffeeshop

The décor of this large coffee shop is only a step up from what you would see at Arby's or Wendy's. The seating area spreads across much of the lower floor of the Plaza, and the booths are bright orange and yellow. The menu is fairly extensive. Breakfast sees a standard selection of eggs, omelets and pancakes, while the lunch specials range from lasagna to club sandwiches. The dinner special, standard for Honolulu, is steak and lobster. Beer and wine are served.

Food Galaxy Restaurant & Coffee

This unassuming little eatery serves cheap meals to locals and tourists alike. It seems like a burgers-n-fries place but, in the Waikiki tradition, serves steak and lobster special. Other choices on the special include shrimp, crab legs, scallops and a half-pound of baby back ribs. The menu also offers chicken, fish and sandwiches (more modest, but more appropriate to the setting). This place does quite a bit of business, and is especially popular with families. The servers are cheerful and eager to please.

L & L Hawaiian Barbeque

This chain is the real thing on Hawaii, with lots of quick options like seafood, chicken and beef on the menu. They have dozens of locations on Oahu, and even a few in places like California and Utah. See their website for details. This place is ideal if you and your companions are on a budget and are looking to stuff yourselves. At L&L it's quite possible you can eat until you explode for very little money! Not really, but you get the idea of what to expect at L&L.