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2011-2012 ‘Ilima Awards: Oahu’s Top Restaurants

Picking Oahu’s top restaurants is, of course, a matter of taste. To compile the annual ‘Ilima Awards guide, a team of five food and dining experts from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser was assembled. Together they selected more than 200 establishments to be featured in the 2011-12 ‘Ilima Guide to Oahu’s Top Restaurants.

The entries range from puka-in-the-wall cheap eats to the most elegant dining experiences. And, as is our practice, the reviews were conducted anonymously with meals paid for by the Star-Advertiser. None of the places in this guide were included or given a favorable review because they advertise in the newspaper or in these pages.

We didn’t want the public to be left out of the all-important discussion of the best places to eat on the island, so included in this guide are People’s Choice Awards, as determined by votes submitted by Star-Advertiser readers, and Diamond Head Theatre Showstoppers, chosen by DHT patrons.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser ‘Ilima Awards a partnership with DHT, which was established in 1915 and has the distinction of being the third-oldest continuously operating community theater in the United States.

Each year, Diamond Head Theatre and its hundreds of volunteers entertain more than 35,000 theatergoers. The organization also provides year-round classes for all ages in dancing, acting and singing, an extensive summer school for children and teens, and a youth troupe called the Diamond Head Theatre Shooting Stars.

With ticket sales covering less than 45 percent of theater operations, the annual Honolulu Star-Advertiser ‘Ilima Awards fundraising dinner, this year held on Oct. 10, is key in helping support DHT’s many productions and educational programs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Best Restaurants: People’s Choice Best Restaurants: Critics’ Choice Publisher’s Choice Critic’s Picks: » Jason Genegabus » Elizabeth Kieszkowski » Nadine Kam » Joleen Oshiro » Betty Shimabukuro Star Circle Winners DHT Showstoppers 10 Foods We Love Sweet Stuff Newbies Brunch Best of Pau Hana Patrol Food Calendar

Note: The restaurant scene changes rapidly, so please call the restaurant for the latest information. TOP RESTAURANTS (Alphabetical by name) A to F G to L M to Z LEGEND $$$$ VERY PRICEY Entrees mostly more than $30 $$$ PRICEY Entrees mostly $17-$29 $$ MODERATE Entrees $10-$16 $ BUDGET FRIENDLY Entrees mostly less than $10