Mariposa

Honolulu $$$ *****

I only come here about once every five years, and it always amazes me each time. Great food, wonderful service, relaxing atmosphere. Mariposa is located on the third floor of Neiman Marcus in Ala Moana, which explains a lot. Everything is airy here: white walls, light brown tropical-inspired fans, direct view of the Pacific Ocean, and even the chairs have this thick weave pattern through which you can see through the large openings.
My favorite thing about this place has to be the popovers. Oh yes, their famous popovers. Instead of boring bread, they serve these AIRY (apparently my word-of-the-day) popovers, served with apple butter when I went. Soft, light, and melts in your mouth - these popovers are the perfect introduction to the rest of your meal.
Next I ordered my entrée: pork tenderloin, which was sliced and placed on top of a layer of kale and mashed potatoes, surrounded by brown butter apple shire sauce. Deliciosa. Service here is impeccable - probably one of the best in Hawaii. I definitely don't want to wait another five years to return.
Mariposa (Ala Moana)
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
Daily 11am - 9pm

Goma Tei

Honolulu $ ****
My family and I finally tried this place since we were stuck at Ala Moana for the Fourth of July fireworks show. It looks very fancy on the outside, but the dinner prices are a good deal, considering this is Ala Moana. Their specialty is ramen, and there are all sorts of ramen that you can choose from. I ordered the char siu shoyu ramen. Lots of char siu, and the serving size was huge. You also get to use the coolest spoon I've ever seen - it's a long wooden spoon (or laddle?) with which you can easily drink the soup. The waitstaff is very nice, and the atmosphere feels very clean, despite the restaurant's location right next to the busy food court on the dirty bottom floor.
Goma Tei (Ala Moana)
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814

Shirokiya

Honolulu $ *****
Undoubtedly one of the best deals in Ala Moana. Shirokiya is a huge Asian store with a mix of upscale clothing, home appliances, and entertainment. As if it didn't have enough, it also has a food section in which you can select from a buffet-style section or already-packaged meals. All are great bargains and authentically Asian.
Shirokiya Food Corner (Ala Moana)
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814

The Mermaid Bar

Honolulu $$ ****This little cafe is located on level two of Neiman Marcus, which already says a lot - it's going to be pretty upscale, and the clientele is going to consist of shoppers who scoff at the crowded, grungy food court for the masses.
Despite all that, I'd have to say that I do like this place. I went here with two of my friends after walking around Ala Moana. Not as expensive as Mariposa upstairs, and smaller. The menu is mostly sandwiches and salads in the $9-11 range.
The Mermaid Bar at Neiman Marcus
Ala Moana Shopping Ctr, Level Two
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814
Monday-Saturday 11am-3:30pm
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/info/restaurant.jhtml?rest=200078