Zippy's Restaurant

Honolulu $ ****
I know, I know. It's a bit pointless to write about Zippy's; every Hawaii resident has eaten here and has formed their own opinions of this statewide chain. However, recently Zippy's has held a special place in my heart, and so I think it deserves to be on my blog.
Zippy's serves "local" food, whatever that is. From saimin to chili to teriyaki chicken, the menu reflects the diversity of our state. The quality of the food itself is nothing special. What I really appreciate about Zippy's is not its food but its convenience. In almost every neighborhood, you will find a Zippy's. At 2 am, when you are still out and about, you can always depend on Zippy's to satisfy your late night cravings. Unlike other late-night places in other cities, e.g., Montage, Hot Cake House, Zippy's is always dependable (not to mention not sketchy!). Clean, friendly, and cheap - what else could you want?

Zippy's Restaurants
Various locations
Open 24 hours

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 Fat Greek

Honolulu $$ ****
Hawaii does not have many Greeks and, therefore, does not have many Greek restaurants. The Fat Greek arrived last summer in Kaimuki. It's a cute place where you order and pick up at the counter and can get unlimited soda. The food isn't the best, but it's unsurprisingly cheaper than the Greek place in Kahala.
The Fat Greek (Kaimuki)
3040 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
Daily 10am-10pm

The Pavilion Café

Honolulu $$ *****I always like museum restaurants. There's just something about them. Maybe the clientele demand better restaurants, or maybe just knowing that you're going to see great art after makes the meal taste better. Whatever the reason, I always enjoy coming to the Pavilion Café.
Typical cafe food: soups, sandwiches, salads, and pastas. It's located in the new courtyard of Academy of Arts, which is a lovely setting surrounded by the waterfall. The chicken pasta is fabulous. I usually get the 1/2 turkey sandwich and soup, which is usually the best deal. End the meal with a delicious chocolate pot de creme. Another good deal: you can visit the museum for free if you have lunch here!
The Pavilion Café at Honolulu Academy of Arts
900 South Beretania
Honolulu, HI 96814
Tues-Sat 11:30am-2pm

Yogurtland

Honolulu $ ****Hawaii is finally getting into the yogurt craze - soon we'll be seeing more gelato and creperies. This particular yogurt place is right next to UH. You get to customize your own yogurt, add whatever you want on it, and pay according to its weight. There are some pretty interesting flavors, such as green tea, Irish mint creme, and toasted coconut, but since I am a wuss I got chocolate.


Yogurtland (Manoa)
1810 University Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96822
Daily 10am-10pm

Kua'Aina

Honolulu $$ ****

I go to Buca di Beppo for dinner, but when I'm at Ward during lunchtime I always head over to Kua'Aina. They have delicious burgers and some of the best fries I've ever had. Some people don't like their fries, but I happen to like thin, peppered french fries. You order at the counter and wait to pick it up. It's always busy because it's located in the center of the Ward shopping area.

Kua'Aina (Ward)
1116 Auahi St Honolulu, HI 96814
Mon-Sat 10:30am-9pm Sun 10:30am-8pm

The Mandalay

Honolulu $$ *****How often do you eat dim sum with cloth napkins? For me, not often, which is why I love Mandalay. This is a fairly new restaurant in downtown Honolulu. The dim sum is great, and so are the regular meals if you come for dinner. Clean, elegant setting that is a nice change from the typical Chinatown restaurants. Plus, the seats are some of the comfiest chairs I have ever sat in.

The Mandalay (downtown)
1055 Alakea Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Daily 10:30 am-10pm
Dim sum served 10:30 am-5 pm

Buca di Beppo

Honolulu $$ ****


Another Italian chain, but I happen to like Buca di Beppo because of all the fond memories I have of this place. For Hawaii teenagers, this was the classic place to host your birthday party. My friend and I frequented this place whenever we came to Ward. Their food is good, but the main draw is definitely the atmosphere. The walls are warm and literally covered with odd photographs that make great conversation pieces - although, for a good conversation, be prepared to yell.
Buca di Beppo (Ward)
1030 Auahi Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
Sunday - Thursday 11am-10pm
Friday - Saturday: 11am-11pm

Waiola Shave Ice

Honolulu $ *****This is possibly the best shave ice I've ever had. Shave ice, in case you are not a local, is the same thing as snow cones. Smooth and flavorful, Waiola's shave ice are on another league, not to mention dirt-cheap. Just be prepared - seating consists of two benches right outside the order window and a little grocery store.

Waiola Shave Ice (Kapahulu)
2135 Waiola Ave corner of Paani Street
Honolulu, HI 96805

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