Restaurants in East Honolulu (Honolulu)

The Chef's Table

This Austrian gem is located in the otherwise pedestrian suburban Hawai'i Kai Towne Center. Chef Andreas Knapp has a light touch with mittel European cuisine specialties like Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel. There is a good beer and wine selection. Pretty, cheerful decor is accented with lace curtains and trim. The service is friendly and low-key. Customers from all walks of life frequent this place for hearty platters of solid, old-style German food.

3660 On the Rise

Rub shoulders with local celebrities in this casual bistro overlooking Wilhelmina Rise in East Honolulu. Local artwork is displayed in the renovated dining room complete with updated lighting and new booths, which create a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. The signature appetizer Ahi Katsu (ahi wrapped in nori for USD9.95) represents the culinary marriage of European, Island-Style and Pacific Rim cuisines. The Chilean Sea Bass (USD24) is a must. Numerous other seafood creations are also available along with a notable selection of Hawaiian style steaks. The extensive wine list has earned the Award of Excellence from "Wine Spectator".

I Love Country Cafe

A favorite of Oa'hu locals, this cafe specializes in island favorites prepared and presented "like Mom used to make." The decor is as simple as can be: small tables, checkered trim and refrigerator displays at the front. Most items on the menu are simple and hearty: stir-fry and teriyaki chicken. The prices are very reasonable, with entrees averaging $6 and side orders averaging $3. No alcohol is served. There are other locations in the Kahala Mall and in Mililani.

Hoku's

The gourmet room at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental is renowned amongst local and international critics and foodies as a one-of-a-kind dining experience. And who just who might these critics be? Food and Wine Magazine, Zagat Guides and Conde Nast Traveler, for starters. The cuisine here is an inventive and delightful fusion of Pacific Rim, Continental and Hawaiian styles. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs work their magic.

Sam Choy's Diamond Head Restaurant

Chef Sam Choy does not skimp on the portions of dishes such as, Mahi-Mahi and Oriental Lamb Chops, which are all served with two scoops of mashed potatoes or rice and a tropical salad. Sam's signature dish is Fish Laulau. For something really special, try the Fresh Island Fish Trio. Sam's favorite saying is, 'Never trust a skinny chef.' He himself weighs in at around 400 pounds. This establishment might well be the quintessential Hawaiian dining destination.

L & L Drive-Inn

Approximately two dozen of these highly popular little eateries can be found on O'ahu. The food is an amalgam of Asian-American and Hawaiian items, truly reflecting the tastes of the many cultures of Honolulu. You can find Japanese Bento boxes, Chicken Katsu, Kalua Pork and other low-priced local favorites, served in portions that can satisfy big local appetites. Of course, rice is served with all dishes, even the cheeseburgers.

Roy's Restaurant

Roy Yamaguchi was one of the first celebrity chefs to develop Hawaiian regional cuisine and remains one of its best practitioners. His restaurant in Hawai'i Kai is famous for its cutting-edge Euro-Asian food and glorious sunset views. There are 25 nightly specials, always including a selection of individual pizzas with exotic toppings, as well as seafood entrees such as Pan Fried Oysters with Lobster Curry Sauce. An innovative and extensive wine list compliments the Pacific Rim cuisine, bottles range from USD22 to more than USD100. There is also a good selection of wines by the glass. Beware, the decibel level in this popular dining spot can be deafening.

Kapiolani Coffee Shop

One doesn't usually think of bowling alleys as dining destinations. However there are some exceptions to that general rule. This one is a standout. All of the menu items are great. But the best dish has to be the Pig's Feet Soup. Yes, delicious soup made from the most unglamorous parts of pork is the hands-down winner here. The Oxtail Soup is a second choice; it's prepared with plenty of chili pepper and fresh ginger. Ouch!

Curry House Coco Ichibanya

Although it's located in the U.S., this eatery could just as easily be in the Caribbean, Japan or Thailand. The menu is short, the curries are flavorful, and the patrons are from all corners of the globe. The eating space is tiny, cramped and friendly. The cook chats with the patrons as he whips up batches of curried this-and-that. Vegetarians can try the Spinach Curry. Adventurous eaters should sample the Deep Fried Quail Egg Curry - something not found at your local Indian or Thai restaurant.

Tokkuri Tei

Upon entering the restaurant, you feel like you've been transported to Japan. Paper lanterns line the ceiling, placards with signatures fill the walls and irrashaimase sung in unison ring throughout the establishment. Along with the usual Japanese menu selections of shrimp tempura and teriyaki beef, Tokkuri Tei also serves an eclectic selection of tasty tidbits that are meant to be shared. Among them is their teriyaki cream tofu, which is French inspired with a Japanese twist, shiso-maki, pork rolled with shiso leaf and grilled, and the Opae roll, a shrimp tempura sushi roll, just to name a few. The sushi at Tokkuri Tei is among the best in Honolulu. Itadakimasu! -Kim Fujiwara

Tokyo Tokyo

This is yet another newly placed jewel in the crown of the Kahala Mandarin Hotel. It's a lovely, unique restaurant that blends traditional Japanese hospitality with sophisticated modern decor. From the imported crystal on the tables to the fragile ornaments placed around the interior to the artistically prepared cuisine, this place is a delight for the senses. The specialty is the Robata styled preparations. Meat, chicken and fish are whisked off the grill and brought straight out to diners on a signature wooden paddle.

Le Bistro

Located in Niu Valley, this upscale restaurant has become a mainstay of East Honolulu neighborhoods. The décor is more upscale and trendy than traditional French bistros, but the service is classic and attentive. A romantic and cozy spot with lots of free parking, this eatery offers a wine list that is the envy of the area and traditional French dishes that include onion soup, fois gras, braised short ribs, Muscovy duck, New Zealand salmon with lemon and capers, and more to be discovered. - Lottie Tagupa