Yakiniku Seoul

Honolulu $$ *****
Oh my goodness, I really should not be writing this post when I am stuck in Portland (and have no access to authentic Korean food). Yakiniku Seoul is AMAZING. We decided to finally try this place after numerous Koreans recommended it. A great place for a little celebration.
The process is interesting in that you choose from a wide selection of raw meats. Each meat dish comes with a variety of vegetables. Once everything is brought out to you, you cook it yourself. Apparently that is what "yakiniku" means. We ordered shrimp, steak, and kal bi. Delicious!
There's something just so wonderful about cooking your own food at a restaurant. The shrimp came with two sauces - both very good. I even liked the vegetables (and how often do I say that?). This is a nice change after the usual Korean take-out from Yummy's. I'm definitely coming back when I return to Hawaii.
Yakiniku Seoul (Moiliili)
1521 S King Street
Honolulu, HI 96826

Payao Thai

Honolulu $$ *****

Ironically, I only started getting into Thai food since I lived in Portland, probably because Thai food is the only Asian food that Portland has a lot of. Now that I'm back in Hawaii, I can explore even more Thai restaurants.
My co-worker and I kept hearing about Payao Thai from other co-workers, so we decided to try it at lunch one day. And boy, we now understand the hype. For a mere $10 (including tip and tax), you get the following:
Choice of appetizer: I chose 3 spring rolls. Another choice was chicken wings, but I forgot the others. The spring rolls were fabulous! Crispy (but not oily) on the outside, stuffed with goodies on the insie.
Choice of rice: Steamed, brown, or sticky. I ordered steamed, but our waitress must have misheard me because she brought back sticky; I don't regret it at all -- the sticky rice was amazing!
Choice of entree: Sorry again, I don't remember the other choices, but I ordered my favorite - pad thai. You can also choose what meat you want in the pad thai. So good! The noodles were tasty, the chicken was nice and soft, and there weren't too many peanuts.
We also ordered iced coffee for $2. It was crowded because everyone was on their lunch break, but service was pretty good and very courteous. Minimal décor with a few random paintings here and there. I will definitely be eating here the next time I'm too lazy to bring a sandwich to work!

Payao Thai (Kaka'ako)
500 Ala Moana Blvd (Restaurant Row)
Honolulu, HI 96813

Gyotaku

Honolulu $$$ *****
My family and I went here because we had just watched a Pan-Pacific parade in Waikiki, so of course we were craving some Japanese food. Since we were already on our way home when we discovered our craving, we went the only direction we could go: onward east. East of Kahala is Niu Valley, and in Niu Valley there is a Japanese restaurant called Gyotaku.
It's a typical Japanese restaurant: sleek décor, adorable dishes, and not cheap. However, it's a good deal. We went at 8:00 (eating at 8- like in New York!), so it was pretty empty. I had the miso butterfish, something that I cannot get in Portland for some reason. Large portions and very tasty. I also love their green tea.

My brother got something from the kids' menu, and it came with a drink, ice cream, and a toy. I miss those days. Yep, this place definitely satisfied our post-parade cravings.
Gyotaku (Niu Valley)
5730 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, HI
Sun-Thu 11am-9pm
Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

town

Honolulu $$ ****
Unsurprisingly, town (yes, lowercase "t") is owned by the same guy that owns Downtown @ the HiSAM. town is located in Kaimuki, one of my favorite underrated neighborhoods in Hawaii, because of its array of eateries and unpretentious charm.
The atmosphere of town is quite different from that of Downtown. While Downtown is bright and airy, with lots of light wood tones and artwork hanging on the walls, town is darker with a more industrial feel (think stainless steel tables, concrete floors, dark woods). However, both have quirky light fixtures, and both are very appealing.
Similar menu as Downtown, but at town, since it's located in Kaimuki instead of in the middle of downtown, you can actually see the tomato plants growing outside (all their food is organic and many of the menu items are grown right in their garden). I ordered a grass-fed hamburger on potato bread and french fries. The hamburger was pretty good, nothing to get excited about, but the fries were great, just like the ones found at Kua'aina. Thinly-cut and salty, just the way I like it. Large portions - I took home more than half of my lunch. Even Chelsea brought home leftovers, and she NEVER has leftovers!
Overall, I prefer the food at town more than at Downtown, but the atmosphere is nicer at Downtown - plus you get to go to the free art gallery. Regardless, I always enjoy my lunches at these two places.

town (Kaimuki)
3435 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
Mon-Thu 6:30am-9:30pm
Fri-Sat 6:30am-10pm

Downtown @ the HiSAM

Honolulu $$ ****
Oh how I love museum cafés. This particular one is called Downtown (because surprise! it's located in downtown) and is located on the first floor of the Hawaii State Art Museum, conveniently nicknamed HiSAM.
My friend and I came here for lunch yesterday. Reservations are a good idea because it was pretty crowded. Clean, modern, bright wood tones, with art all over the walls. Typical museum café food: sandwiches, soups, and salads. I got the black forest ham and sharp cheddar panini. It came with a salad. The panini was great (crispy bread and lots of ham), but the salad was kind of disappointing. Oh well, I don't like vegetables much anyway. Our waiter was fun. My friend and I shared a flourless chocolate torte - delicious! I wonder what they use if they don't use flour?? Hmm I won't ask too many questions. It was quite filling.
Everyone else there seemed to be downtown workers on their lunch break, which makes sense considering its location. The panini cost about $10, and the torte was about $3. After eating, make sure to go upstairs to the free art galleries!
Downtown @ the HiSAM (downtown)
250 Hotel Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Mon-Sat 11am-2pm, First Friday 5:30pm-9pm

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