7 Of the Best Restaurants in Honolulu

Warning: This content could result in severe hunger pains.

The Pig and the Lady is one of the best restaurants in Honolulu. It is the epitome of comfort food at its finest. Their menu changes weekly so be sure to call ahead or go online to find out what wonderful meals they will be serving. The prices are low and the quality is outstanding.

Chef Andrew Le is a man of many talents. He makes an awesome noodle soup. You can eat at the pop up restaurant or at his booth in the farmer’s market. The beef and pork wrapped in a betelnut leaf, also known as heo lo lat, is a notable native dish. It is grilled to perfection and incredibly delicious. If you plan your dining experience on the weekend, you absolutely must try the fries. They are out of this world. There’s a secret to this magical concoction but you’ll have to ask the Chef for the secret.

Another incredible dish you can expect is stew, “Cu Cai Nau Xuon” Braised Spare Ribs & Daikon over jasmine rice. The Daikon is fresh and local. One of “Mama’s” soups is a Bun Bo Hue, a Kauai-raised beef brisket, pork belly noodle soup with pork hock and lemon flavored soup. If you like Pho, you’ll love this specialty. Some other noteworthy dishes are com ga hoi an, cari chay, vegetarian curry, xoi ga, and a lo lat appetizer.

In the mood for Korean food? Check out Million Restaurant on Sheridan Street. This is a kid-friendly restaurant. The yakiniku grinds costs around $50 but it is well worth it. It’s a carnivore’s dream come true. When you order the set, sides come with it, such as kimchee, pickled onions, seasoned lettuces and fishcake. The rice is moist and you have a variety of sauces should you choose to spice it up a bit.

La Mer is an upscale French restaurant located on Kalia Road. It’s fancy so leave the kids at home and dress appropriately – there’s a dress code. This is definitely a great choice for a special occasion. When a meal starts with champagne, you know you’re in for a wonderful evening.

This restaurant deserves its five star rating. The service is impeccable and the atmosphere is extremely peaceful. Each entree is perfectly prepared and is in keeping with the French tradition, accompanied with a sauce that enhances the dish. The staff is knowledgeable and the wine pairings complete each dish. This restaurant is not cheap but well worth the splurge.

The lobster and beet medallion salad has a scrumptious lemony sauce. The escargot is cheesy and if you close your eyes when eating this luscious dish, you’ll feel like you’re in Paris.

Michel’s at the Colony Surf is a perfect romantic dining experience. You’ll need to make reservations. The menu is masterpiece featuring appetizers such as Michel’s famous lobster bisque with fresh Maine lobster meat flamed in Cognac right at your table. The Caesar salad is also prepared at your table and consists of baby romaine lettuce, hearts of palm, a creamy dressing topped with the anchovy.

The steak tartar is also prepared at your table and this raw sirloin is fresh and local. The Helix Escargot Bourgogne includes six snails swimming and a delectable garlic, herb butter.

There are many entrees to choose from including an island seafood cioppino that includes Onaga, salmon, lobster, scallops, prawns, clams, squid, and mussels in a rich Italian tomato base. If you’re in the mood for steak, the beef tenderloin Rossini is a prime cut of black angus served with an incredible foie gras, truffle and chutney Madeira sauce. Can’t make up your mind? Try the 6 course tasting menu. You can’t go wrong.

Save room for dessert! The cherries jubilee has fresh bing cherries soaked in amaretto and cognac served over vanilla ice cream and topped with mouth-watering chocolate shavings. A local favorite, the Hawaiian apple and banana flambe is prepared using bananas grown locally served over vanilla ice cream.

Chef Mavro is putting on a show at his restaurant located in beautiful Honolulu. This five star restaurant requires reservations and offers an array of exquisite food. Start your evening with a variety of caviar with a perfectly paired glass of wine.

Choose from the three course menu that includes scallops, and of course the perfect glass of wine. You’ll also be treated to a mango duckling brilliantly prepared, finished off with a coconut Calamansi. This wonderful dessert is made with fresh coconut mousse, calamansi-cherry coulis, served over an almond ice cream topped with candied lime leaves. The perfect pairing of a vintage port is the best way to finish an incredible meal.

Four and six course meals are also available.

Pho Bistro 2 is a Vietnamese restaurant located on Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu. As one of the best restaurants in Honolulu, both locals and tourists will love this place. It’s kid-friendly and a comfortable atmosphere. Although they have a private parking lot, it’s small so take a cab or ride together if you have a large group.

The food is fresh and good. The summer and spring rolls are superb. If you’re not very hungry, the summer and spring rolls should be satisfying. However, if you’re really hungry, consider ordering the large combination pho. Great soup served with different spices, allowing you to control your spice level. You can order your beef rare on the outside and the soup is hot enough to cook it.

Hy’s Steak House is definitely one of the best restaurants in Honolulu. Its cuisine is continental and the decor and menu combines the cultures of European, Hawaiian and American. The main room resembles an English chateau reminiscent of a traditional gentlemen’s club. The main dining area is cozy and decorated to resemble a library. The walls are framed with books and art, the wood molding is exquisitely detailed, the Tiffany stained glass framed with dark mahogany paneling is unique and the chandeliers are simply extraordinary.

Walking into Hy’s Steak House, one of the best restaurants in Honolulu, is like walking back in time. The waiter stations are wood marvels topped with antique marble tops.

The seafood is cooked to perfection as is the steak, chops and everything else on the menu. The waiters wear tuxedos and prepare Caesar salads and desserts tableside. The steaks are prime cuts of beef and seared to perfection.