Top Restaurants in Honolulu

Indigo Restaurant

The most elegant restaurant in the colorful Chinatown district, this place features a creative mix of traditional Asian and avant garden European cuisine. On the vast, pricey and impressive menu, diners will find everything from potstickers to pizza and pasta. Dim sum, Asian noodle dishes, wok-charred fish and Mongolian Lamb Chops are among the many choices. The wine list offers vintages from every part of the world. Patrons claim this is one of the best bars in Honolulu thanks to good food, great drinks, and Friday night festivities. This internationally renowned eatery offers a true multi-cultural dining experience. Hawaiian theater performances take place on Friday and Saturday.

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.

Quintero's Cuisine

If you like lively 'South of the Border' atmosphere and large portions of Mexican food, then this is the place for you. It's been around for years, and has gained some renown for the excellent Mexican musical acts it presents regularly. It is family-owned and very casual. The lunch menu is a lot cheaper than the dinner menu, but it's only served on weekdays. Take advantage of the Pacific's proximity and order a dish that features shrimp or other seafood. Vegetarian dishes are also available

Don Ho's Island Grill

Named after Honolulu's favorite musical son, Don Ho, this is a casual and inexpensive place that sees its share of surfer dudes. Located at Aloha Tower Marketplace, the menu features such items as Hawaiian-Style Chicken Salad. The Tiny Bubbles Bar pours cold beers and fruity cocktails. The service is as bubbly as the beverages. Weekend nights, the place turns into an afterhours club. Bands and DJs are presented, and the younger crowd (18+ on Saturdays) is out in full force. Don't expect to see Mr. Ho here, though. He hangs out in Waikiki.

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.

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.

Scoozee's

There are four parts to Scoozee's kitchen; the bakery, the pizzeria, the deli and the restaurant/lounge. The first three are for the quick-bite crowd, who just want to nibble something in between work shifts or shopping sprees. The formal restaurant is a popular hangout with a great Sunday brunch menu and a faithful Happy Hour following. Over-the-counter fare ranges from box lunches to pastries to pizza slices. The restaurant serves sandwiches, Hawaiian favorites and burgers. The bustling indoor dining area and cheery outdoor patio are usually both busy.

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.

Lulu's Waikiki

With lots of friendly service, live music and views of the beach, this restaurant and bar is a popular gathering spot for tourists and island newcomers alike. This place opens early, serving freshly brewed Kona coffee and island favorites like Loco Moco and Spam and Eggs or even more elegant selections like Eggs Benedict and Macadamia Nut Pancakes. The activity picks up later in the day when the menu changes to dinner, and sandwiches and fresh fish platters get washed down with Mai Tais and cold draft beer. The restaurant becomes awash with sunset hues and the aroma of grilling steaks and fish are complimented by live music. - Lottie Tagupa

Rainbow Drive-in

People with hearty appetites frequent this place. Plate lunches and other local favorites are served at rock-bottom prices. The atmosphere leaves much to be desired, but for these prices, who cares? Order at the counter and dine outside if you like. Since most everything comes in a to-go carton, there's no need to linger. Several different stick-to-your-ribs meals are available. Try the Teriyaki Beef, the Roast Pork or the Fresh Fish. If you can't make up your mind, go for the mixed plate; it's highly recommended.