If you can visit only one memorable restaurant in Honolulu, then make La Mer the one. In the beautiful Halekulani Hotel, the second-floor spot offers stunning ocean views, including glorious Hawaiian sunsets when the place opens. Men must wear a jacket; loaner jackets are provided for those underdressed. Island flavor infuses fabulous French dishes, such as abalone meunière, with exotic, rich sauces. For something more traditional, choose the flavorful filet of beef. Finish your meal with an outstanding dessert presented on an elegant cart.
When the flagship Roy's opened in 1988, chef Roy Yamaguchi was hailed as the first chef to mix European cooking practices with fresh Asian and Pacific Rim ingredients. Some called it “Eurasian,” but Yamaguchi preferred “Hawaiian fusion.” The chef's restaurant conglomerate now includes 20 eateries in the continental United States, six in Hawai‘i, one in Japan and one in Guam, but everything started at this location. The specialty is seafood, but excellent choices also entice meat lovers. The casually upscale dining room features a glass-enclosed exhibition kitchen as well as exquisite views of Diamond Head and Maunalua Bay.
Inside the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort , Duke's arguably ranks as the state's busiest restaurant and bar, drawing capacity crowds no matter the time of day (breakfast, lunch or dinner) or the occasion. Named in honor of surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, this popular watering hole on Waikīkī Beach overlooks the spot where Duke caught his biggest wave. Highly recommended seafood preparations, including flavorful fresh fish, set you up for hula pie, billed as “the dessert that the sailors swam ashore for.” The shareable treat piles macadamia nut ice cream, chocolate fudge, whipped cream and more nuts on a chocolate cookie crust.
For the ultimate carb fix during your vacation, head to Leonard’s Bakery, a small, family-run establishment that has been sustaining sweet-toothed patrons since the 1950s. It’s famous for its delectable malasadas (traditional Portuguese hot treats consisting of deep-fried, sugar-coated sweet yeast dough), and you should definitely order one—or 10—when it’s your turn (yes, there will be a line). The cookies, pastries, pies, coffee cakes, pão doce (sweet bread) and other menu offerings also are to die for.
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