Oahu Restaurant Tips by VeronicaG Top 5 Page for this destination

Tropics Bar and Beach Cafe: Grabbing A Bite At The Beach

Spending a day at the beach can make one very hungry. Fortunately for us, TROPICS Bar and Beach Cafe was handily located near Kahana-moku beach, our chosen site for the day.

We found one of the few umbrella tables remaining in the outdoor dining area and promptly ordered something to drink--we were parched!

I wish I could say that our order was speedily taken, but to be fair, it was crowded. However, we were people-watching and sipping our ice teas, so didn't mind too much.

A Chicken Caesar Salad was my choice for lunch ($8.50); Jim selected a Fruit Salad with Yogurt and a Small Muffin ($9.75) and Justin ordered Hamburger and Fries ($13.75).

We arrived famished, enjoyed every bit of our lunch and headed back to the beach for the rest of the afternoon.

Address: 2005 Kalia Rd., Honolulu,HI

Comparison: about average

Directions: At the Hilton Hawaiian Village, near Kahana-moku Beach

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: American

Westin Moana Surfrider: Listen to the Ocean, Have a Sip of Wine

The Westin Moana Surfrider is the oldest hotel in the city (1901) and retains much of it's former grace!

We thought this would be the ideal evening spot to enjoy the sound of the crashing waves sip a glass of wine and reminisce over our day's activities (pic #2).

It's such a lovely place! Huge trees form a natural canopy over the outdoor patio, where small tables offer intimate seating and a winding veranda creates the perfect place for a romantic dinner.

A few steps away the ocean stirs and the tradewinds gently cool the air around you...a special visit is guaranteed.

A mid-day tea is available at the Moana Surfrider.

Address: 2365 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI

Comparison: about average

Directions: Along the main drag and the beach

Phone: 808-0922-3111

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Other

Benihana Steak House: Japanese at the Hawiian Village

Benihana Steak House is located at Hilton Hawaiian Village, so we noticed it while we were browsing through the shops.

A very attractive Japanese style building houses the restaurant, which has a small outdoor seating area at the entrance--a good place to wait for your name to be called. Inside, a dimly lit interior is filled with chairs arranged around large grills, upon which your meal will be prepared.

We shared our table with four additional people, all Japanese. A delicious onion soup was delivered to us and the orders taken: I chose the Chicken Habachi ($16.95) with Steamed Rice. Ummm, so tasty!

The chef was introduced and his swift preparations began on the second course. One-two-three, he whacked the tails off the shrimp, grilled them and placed them before us.

Next came the flaming tower of onions---I think most do this (pic #2). Then after grilling the various meat entrees, he turned his attention to cooking bean sprouts, diviing them up to those seated at the table.

Every part of the meal was perfectly done and delicious! The chef's theatrics really seemed to add to the dinner--it was good 'taste' served with a side of 'drama'.

Address: 2005 Kalia Rd., Honolulu, Hawaii

Comparison: about average

Directions: At the Hilton Hawaiian Village

Phone: 808-955-5955

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Japanese/Sushi

Website: http://waikiki@benihanagroup.com

Matsumoto's: Best Shaved Iced Cones Ever!

Everyone seems to know about Matsumoto's Grocery store, because the best shaved iced in the world comes from here.

Following lunch at The Breakers and after some shopping at North Shore Marketplace, we stopped by for one of their famed ices.

Ordering is done assembly line style--wait patiently in line, order your flavored shaved ice and pay; then join another line to receive your treat. And a treat it was!

A multitude of flavors were listed before us: strawberry, lemon, root beer, watermelon, pineapple, lime, coconut, vanilla, banana, orange, grape, cherry green apple, honeydew, pina colada, bubble gum, cotton candy and others.

I selected a rainbow combination of lemon, strawberry and pineapple, which was dripping in flavor...really, it was VERY hot that day! A small ice cone was $1.75; a large was $2.00. Absolutely fantastic! Hours are daily from 9am-6pm.

Address: 66087 Kamehameha, Haleiwa, Oahu

Comparison: least expensive

Phone: 808-637-4827

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Buzz's Original Steak House: Lanakai Local's Pick

After spending much of the day at various North Shore beaches, our last destination was Kailua Beach Park where we watched a couple of kite surfers skimming over the waves. It was serene as the sun set and a quiet peace settled over the beach.

Across the street was a local restaurant called Buzz's. Their parking lot was filling quickly, so we dropped by for dinner. We waited on the outdoor patio, chatting with a couple from Philadelphia who were staying at Turtle Bay Resort. As they munched their appetizers, we sipped a glass of wine and swapped stories about visits to the City of Brotherly Love.

Buzz's had a full house, but we were shown to our table in a reasonable amount of time. Jim and I ordered the Teriyaki Chicken ($16.95) while our grandson chose the Baby Top Steak. Each of the entrees were very good! A small salad bar was available, but it was not extensive by any means.

The atmosphere was casual and friendly; candles were lit on the tables as darkness fell and the wait staff was attentive. Should we return to Oahu, we'd definitely stop at Buzz's for a return visit.

Address: Lanakai, Oahu

Comparison: about average

Phone: 261-4661

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Steakhouse

Che Pasta: When You're Aching For Italian...

It was our last day in Oahu and we had spent the morning touring Iolani Palace. After inquiring as to a nearby place to eat, we were directed to Che Pasta. We were definitely in the mood for Italian food!

A smiling host immediately met us at the door and guided us to a table in the middle of dining area. Our waitress, on the other hand, wasn't chatty or friendly.

The dining area was of intimate size with small tables throughout. It was a cozy space. We were glad to have a cool spot in which to relax and enjoy our lunch.

I thought the Cannoli Bolognese ($12.50) sounded great--I was right! My husband and grandson ordered Pizza, which they cleaned off the plate pretty thoroughly.

Che Pasta is opened for lunch and dinner, plus offers full service catering. Conveniently located downtown, seems to be a choice of the business crowd.

Address: 1001 Bishop St. Honolulu,HI

Comparison: about average

Directions: at Bishop Square--Mauka end of retail mall, Honolulu

Phone: 808-524-0004

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Italian

Chart House: Dine with a View of the Pacific

The concierge at our hotel first mentioned The Chart House as a dining possibility early in our stay. A day later someone else also recommended it as a good place to eat. Keeping this in mind, we made reservations for a Sunday evening.

After having the hotel call a taxi for us, we were puzzled to see a stretch limo pull up for us. The driver assured us that his rates were comparable to a taxi (not true!), so we piled inside.

Our grandson was mesmerized by the multi-colored liquors lined up along the padded velvet interior and the plush seats. When we arrived at the restaurant, the driver quoted a price that exceeded the cost of a standard taxi ride by several dollars!! Errrgh!

Once inside, we gave our names to the hostess who led us to a terrific table with a stunning view of the marina. After jockeying so that all three of us could gaze at the Pacific, we settled down to peruse the menu.

I selected Shrimp Scampi ($31.50) with creamy garlic sauce which was oozing with flavor, while Jim and Justin ordered a lemony Chicken Piccata with Baked Potato. Not only was our meal wonderful, it came with a spectacular view. I know you'd love it, too!

Address: 1765 Ala Moana Blvd. #2, Honolulu, HI

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 808-941-6669

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Seafood

Website: http://www.charthousehonolulu.com

Ambassador Restaurant: Dinner at the Polynesian Culture Center

As part of a 'package' to the Polynesian Culture center, visitors have the opportunity to select their dining option. We chose the Ambassador Restaurant, which was mercifully indoors and offered entrees attractive to our 13 year old grandson.

We entered the large dining pavilion to find several buffet tables laden with juicy prime rib, immense crab legs, shrimp cocktail, steaming scallop stir-fry, several assorted salads, vegetables, potatoes and many creamy, dreamy desserts!

Our waitress was prompt in removing soiled dishes and offering additional beverages. After dragging ourselves around all day in the heat, we welcomed the comfort of this cool dining room. If you're traveling with children, you might want to consider this dinner package.

Address: Laie, Oahu

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: American

Lapperts: Cool Off With Ice Cream

We happened upon Lapperts at the right place at the right time--after a long day at the beach. Ice cream just goes hand in hand with summer, don't you think?

With just one small table outside, visitors lined up along the ice cream case to pick their favorite flavor, then continued on their way after receiving their treat.

After reading over the list, I thought the strawberry/berry frozen yogurt would do nicely for me, while Justin ordered a vanilla bean ice cream and Jim chose a lychee sorbet. Our bill totaled $13.14 for all three cones.

We lingered a while as we licked our cones, then traveled back to our hotel to prepare for dinner later that evening.

Address: 2005 Kalia Rd., Honolulu, HI

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: At the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort

Phone: 808-949-4321

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Ice Cream

Shrimp Truck: North Shore Easy Dining in Kahuku

Our guidebook recommended sampling a quick meal from one of the shrimp trucks parked off the roadway in Kahuku on the way back to the city from the North Shore.

Since we had something else in mind, we didn't stop, but you just might want to do so. We noticed two shrimp trucks located in this area, so you'd have your choice.

There was a convenience store/gas station nearby where we pulled in to fill up. I walked a short distance through the parking lot and snapped a picture of one of the trucks. It was nothing fancy to be sure...but perhaps some great nibbles await.

Rating: 0

Theme: Local