Good Restaurants in Waikiki (Honolulu)

Duke's Restaurant & Barefoot Bar

The biggest reason everyone gathers at this beachfront restaurant is the music and the patio sunsets. The sound is "Contemporary Hawaiian" and appeals to a youngish demographic. Groups that often play here are Kapena, Makana and Lilikoi Sisters (Friday through Sunday evenings). The food includes fresh fish, burgers and a tasty club sandwich. The atmosphere offers a great beach setting with traditional Hawaiian friendliness. There is a breakfast buffet (USD9.95) and lunch buffet (USD10.50). The adjoining bar is a good place to have a drink before heading back to the beach.

Padovani's Bistro and Wine Bar

Proprietor and executive chef Philippe Padovani was formerly the executive chef of the exclusive Manele Bay Hotel on Lana'i. He opened this gourmet room, located in the DoubleTree Alana Waikiki, and styles it after the finest restaurants in France. The sophisticated decor is dominated by rich woods and carpeting. The separate wine bar upstairs has 40 fine vintages on a cruvinet system—the wine equivalent to beer on tap. Cuisine described as Mediterranean-French/Hawai'i Regional features items such as Maine Lobster in a Lobster Cream Sauce and Pan-fried Scallops with Leeks and Sun-dried Tomatoes.

Mai Tai Bar

Legend has it, the Mai Tai was either invented or perfected here. Fact or fiction: it doesn't really matter. This is a great place to have a drink and relax. Other creative tropical libations include Planters Punch, Navy Grog and the Royal Hawaiian Special. The bar is set in the magnificent old Royal Hawaiian Hotel. From 5:30p to 8:30p each evening, you can relax and take in the mellow Hawaiian music provided by the house band.

Nashville Waikiki

Git on up at this down-home country style saloon. There is live entertainment five nights a week. In addition, there are pool tables, dart boards and free country dance lessons from 7p-9p. This is one of the few night spots in Honolulu that has an after-hours license; the place stays open and serving drinks till 4a each night. The live bands are mostly from the mainland and offer good, authentic country music. Occasionally a minor country star shows up to perform. There is no cover charge.

Royal Steak and Seafood Restaurant

If you are shopping at the lovely Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki and desire a fine meal, this restaurant can accommodate you in style. Select your shellfish entree of choice from a large tank in the entrance area. If high-quality meat tempts your palate, you can't do much better than the Mid-western beef served here. The seafood-steak specials offer diners the best of both worlds. Prices are high, but the quality and service are excellent.

The Colony Restaurant

The menu at this pleasant, upscale restaurant features steaks, chicken and fresh seafood, all nicely grilled. For the full culinary experience, get the Colony Hukilau, which consists of lobster tail, steak, cockles, prawns and a variety of other morsels ($28 per person). The restaurant is only open four hours a day and it's quite popular, so reservations are highly recommended. The service here is good, and the lounge-style ambiance is tropical-swank.

Neptune's Garden

This is one of two Pacific Beach Hotel restaurants to feature a view of the Oceanarium, a spectacular three-story aquarium. It is a mesmerizing sight. The menu offers a stunning array of seafood dishes. The chef recommends Pan Fried Big Island Moi (accompanied by baby spinach drizzled in shiso butter, $29.50) and, for meat eaters, the Slow Cooked Beef Short Ribs (served with garlic mashed potatos and friccasee of island mushrooms, $24). The varied wine list perfectly complements the creative menu.

Planet Hollywood Honolulu

This worldwide chain of theme restaurants is a bit hit-and-miss, but the Waikiki location is a winner, especially with Waikiki visitors. Browse tons of Tinseltown memorabilia and choose from a great menu of entrees ranging from meats to seafood. The Caesar Salad is especially good, and the tempting dessert offerings are numerous. The full bar has a decent beer selection and an unremarkable wine list. There is live music and dancing every Friday and Saturday evening starting at 9p.

All Star Hawaii

Hawaiian sports are the theme at this family restaurant. Surfboards owned by stars such as Kelly Slater are prominently displayed at the entrance, and canoes and kayaks hang from the ceiling. The establishment has 38 TV screens, video games, and an Internet connection for Web surfing. Live music is presented three nights a week at around 7pm. The menu is standard American fare: sandwiches, burgers, etc. ($5-14). For dessert, there's an outrageous selection of ice cream sundaes.

Ship's Tavern Restaurant

Located in the classically elegant Moana Surfrider Hotel, this is an award-winning gourmet Waikiki dining option. The use of teak and rare Hawaiian Koa wood in the decor is dramatic and original. The menu features steak and seafood prepared with Pacific Rim influences. Many knowlegeable diners in Honolulu think this place has one of the best culinary presentations in town. The hours and days of operation are limited, but during off-days, the doors will open for private parties.

Ivy's Restaurant

Set in a beautiful tropical garden, this place specializes in fresh fish and pasta dishes. However, you may opt for a USDA Choice steak or a generous cut of prime rib, slow roasted in a custom-built oven. The pasta dishes are great, and the prices start out on the very affordable end. On the high end is the special Seafood Puttanesca, which is filled with crab, shrimp and fish. Families are welcome at this eatery. The dining area overlooks Waikiki Beach.

The Surf Room

Set in the magnificent old Royal Hawaiian Hotel, this restaurant offers fine dining alongside the strip of white sand that made Waikiki Beach famous the world over. The outstanding Friday night seafood buffet has been going on almost as long as the Royal Hawaiian has been open: 70-plus years. There is also an extensive a la carte menu. Daily breakfast and lunch service also offer a choice between buffet or a la carte dining. Another long-standing feature of this establishment is its Sunday champagne brunch. Reserve in advance.