The Chart House has auction-fresh island fish and seafood transformed into extraordinary dishes that celebrate the tastes of Hawaiian Pacific Rim cuisine. A must-try for fish lovers is the Pan-Seared Herb Crusted ' Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna), served rare with Ponzu Soy Butter sauce. Those in the know about shellfish will enjoy the Live Kahuku Prawns sauteed in a spicy Szechwan Chili Oil, or Whole Live Hawaiian Spiny Lobster. For the ultimate Seafood experience, there is the Crustacean Broil, a medley of Jumbo shrimp, Ocean Scallops, Dungeness Crab and a Whole Live Maine Lobster!
1. La Mer (Halekalani Hotel)
1. La Mer
Enjoy exquisite selections from La Mer's growing list of signature items such as Bouillabaisse La Mer style in a puff pastry, a traditional French dish with a island flair featuring Hawaii's bounty from the sea.
Halekulani hotel, 2199 Kalia Road. 923-2311. Dinner: 6-10 p.m. daily. Reservations required. Valet and self-parking. VS, MC, AX, DC, JCB. Checks accepted. Dress code: Gentlemen must wear jackets or long-sleeved, collared shirts. $$$.
2. Roy's
2. Roy's
Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine blends fresh local ingredients with European sauces and bold Asian spices, always with a focus on seafood. Each evening you’ll find a tantalizing range of appetizers, entrées, fresh Hawaiian fish dishes and desserts.
6600 Kalaniana'ole Highway. 396-7697. Dinner: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 5:30-10 p.m. Fridays, 5-10 p.m. Saturdays, 5-9:30 p.m. Sundays. Reservations recommended. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. Checks accepted. $$$.
3. 3660 On The Rise
Grilled Mahi Mahi with fresh mozzarela and tomato salsa.
Since 1992, chef Russell Siu has combined an understanding of local tastes and foods with a sophisticated Pacific Rim cuisine approach, and has won numerous awards. Though his restaurant is a bit out of the way in Kaimuki, residents and visitors keep this compact space hopping.
Specialties: 'Ahi katsu, New York steak 'alaea (pan-seared with garlic, Hawaiian salt and butter); killer dessert, Mile-High Wai'alae pie.
3660 Wai'alae Ave. 737-1177. www.3660.com. Dinner: 5:30-last seating, 8:45 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations recommended. Self-parking. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. No checks. $$$.
4. Alan Wong's Restaurant
4. Alan Wong's
"Da Bag," a flavorful preparation of steamed clams is characteristic of Alan Wong's style.
If there is such a thing as a perfect restaurant experience, you're likely to have it at Alan Wong's, where the highest standards govern everything from the reservations desk to the chocolate crunch bars at dessert. Servers know how to be friendly without being familiar, food is sophisticated but so local.
Specialties: Poki-pines, ginger-crusted onaga, Da Bag (steamed seafood).
Ambience: Despite being on the fourth floor of an office building, it's a very Hawai'i place: warm-toned Island-style décor, local music. Valet parking only.
Drinks: Full bar.
Third floor, 1857 S. King St. 949-2526. www.alanwongs.com. Dinner: 5-10 p.m. daily. Reservations recommended. Valet parking. VS, MC, AX, DC, JCB. No checks. $$$.
A beautiful, special-occasion restaurant appreciated by residents for the past 24 years, featuring seafood specialties, a koi pond that runs through the dining room and great views of Diamond Head. Sunday brunch here is legendary.
