Great Restaurants in Waikiki (Honolulu)

Buzz's Steak & Lobster

Relaxed and fun, this place does its best to assure that patrons have a good time. There is a wide selection of entrees and a good salad bar. The staff is pleasant and laid-back. Children are welcome, and there's live music every night. While steak and lobster are the main menu items, there's plenty of variety. Fresh local seafood is always a good bet. The salad bar features locally grown produce.

The Hanohano Room

Perched 30 stories up in the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, the Hanohano Room boasts a commanding view of the Waikiki beach and the surrounding area. Noted for its elegant setting and live entertainment (8pm-11pm nightly), Hanohano is a great choice for a business dinner or a lively date. The cuisine is contemporary; some dishes have an Asian influence while others are continental. Floor to ceiling windows accentuate the breathtaking panoramic view from the elegantly appointed dining area. Make reservations early for Saturday morning's live radio show and breakfast.

Cha Cha Cha Waikiki

Mexican food with Caribbean flair is served at this busy bar and grill. All the familiar south-of-the-border dishes are here, but they're flavored with Cuban and Central American overtones. There is a choice of salsas ranging from very mild to so hot that you'll breathe fire. And if spicy food is your preference, you can request that your entree be served blazing. A few tropical drinks or frosted beers may cool the flames. The decor is a colorful mix of Caribbean and Mexican styles.

Ciao Mein

This award winner serves exquisitely prepared Italian-Chinese dishes fusion cuisine with style and class. Choose between dishes such as the Hot Bean Salmon Alla Siciliana and Chinese Roast Duck Canneloni. If you can't decide, try the full course, family-style meals ($27-35 per person). Children under 12 are half-price. This is a great place to celebrate a special occasion or impress a date. Original art works and Chinese sculpture grace the elegant dining area. Four semi-private rooms are also available.

Bali-By-The-Sea

Located in the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, this is the place for a special occasion or an important date. It is opulent and classy with a breathtaking ocean view. Entrees are served a la carte and include such selections as Island Bouillabaisse. Chef Jean Luc Voegele's complete four-course prix fixe menu is a lavish and unforgettable feast. Service is gracious, and a superb wine steward is available to help choose the perfect wine from an extensive and expensive wine list.

Golden Dragon

Publications such as Gourmet Magazine and the Zagat Survey have praised this place to the skies. Located in the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel, it has built its reputation on exquisitely prepared dishes, outstanding service and opulent surroundings. This facility offers 65 a la Carte Cantonese and Szechuan dishes. A signature item is the Golden Dragon Curried Lobster with Fried Haupia. Elegant Oriental decor characterizes the dining room, creating a tranquil and exotic atmosphere. Proper attire is requested.

Keo's

Laotian-born Keo Sananikone has created an award winning favorite - voted America's Best Thai Restaurant by Bon Appetit. People rave about the innovative, reasonably priced dishes. Start with a delicious organic papaya salad. The signature dish, Evil Jungle Prince - chicken or shrimp with coconut milk, fresh basil and chilies - is not to be missed, and the Seafood Medley is also delicious. Thai art and orchids enhance the spacious dining area, and the walls are covered with photos of celebrity patrons.

Ocean Terrace

Upscale buffet dining can be enjoyed in this Sheraton Waikiki restaurant. The dining area is large and casually elegant, featuring views of the ocean through full-length glass windows. There is no dress code to speak of; people come here before or after a day at the beach. Dine by the sea in casual splendor. Choose between a la carte items or a sumptuous buffet. There is a different theme every night. The popular Lobster Buffet is available on Saturdays.

Malia Cafe

Formerly named the Blue Lagoon Cafe, this place has changed its name but not its style. This is a pleasant, relaxing alternative to Waikiki's glitzy, hectic, often expensive dining scene. Prices are low, and the atmosphere is low-key. Cushioned chairs and potted palms are nice touches. The menu features fresh fish, prime rib and homemade soup. A 20-item salad bar is featured. The pancake special is always a favorite. There is a full bar with beer and house wine.

Tsuruya Noodle Shop

Experience shades of Tokyo at this authentic, counter-style Japanese noodle shop located in central Waikiki. The menu offers variations of the noodle theme (thin buckwheat soba or thicker, wheat-flour udon), hot soups or cold platters, as well as tasty tempura and teriyaki. Soft drinks and beer are available.

Society of Seven

This tight-knit ensemble of talented local performers has been entertaining visitors for years. Their show is a fast-paced, high-energy show that's guaranteed to keep you entertained. The group is all male, and most of the members look as though they could be related. Of course, the fact that they often dress identically helps to enhance that impression. They perform Broadway show tunes, favorite local songs, impersonations and hilarious comedy skits.

Diamond Head Grill

Consistently voted one of the top restaurants in O'ahu, this glamorous and trendy Waikiki bistro is a great place for an exceptional dinner. Current Executive Chef Todd Constantino was on staff when Diamond Head Grill opened as a David Paul restaurant in 1998. He brings his own style of gourmet cooking to the restaurant's latest incarnation. Signature menu items include Seafood Linguine, Porcini Dusted Opakapaka and Plum Wine Glazed Shortribs.