Top Restaurants: M to Z

MITSU-KEN

Head for this School Street plate-lunch window for a varied okazuya menu and the ever-popular garlic chicken — tender boneless chicken morsels breaded in rice flour batter laced with garlic powder, and then deep-fried and dressed with sweet sauce. Just get there early (i.e. before the sun comes up) for the best selection. Recommended: besides the chicken (which can be purchased in individual pieces, in plate lunches or in catering trays), the breakfast combo with fried rice, bacon and garlic chicken.

1223 N. School St.; 848-5573. Breakfast, lunch (closed Sunday-Monday; cash only). $$

MIX CAFE

Can’t jump on a plane and fly to Italy for lunch? Bruno Iezzi’s Mix Cafe is the next-best option for beautiful, toothsome and seasonal light meals. The meats are full of flavor, the organic greens pristinely fresh, the bread delectable. Recommended: roast pork, steak or pork sandwiches, Italian sausage pasta.

1025 Alakea St.; 532-4540; www.mymixcafe.com. Lunch (Monday-Friday). $$

MOKE’S BREAD AND BREAKFAST

See Critic’s Picks and Brunch.

MOLLY’S SMOKEHOUSE

The caboose-sized smoker in the parking lot is your first clue that this is the place on Oahu for authentic, slow-cooked Southern-style barbecue. The second? An eager crowd of Southerners from nearby military bases enjoying pulled pork, brisket and baby back ribs and brandishing handfuls of napkins. Recommended: pulled pork and brisket combo, mac and cheese, corn bread and okra sides.

23 S. Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa; 621-4858. Lunch, dinner. $$

MORIMOTO WAIKIKI

Morimoto, the namesake Waikiki restaurant operated by “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto, is a fresh presence on the Honolulu dining scene, with a sunny personality and elegant presentation. The contemporary yet comfortable vibe and careful service make all feel welcome, young hipster and corner-office veteran alike, and the dishes satisfy, though consensus has it that classic plates (duck, lobster) outclass the chef’s more abstract menu items.

Recommended: small plates, includingkakuni (pork belly cooked 10 hours and served with fried scallions and rice congee); ahi-topped pizza; and Morimoto’s primo sushi items.

Modern Honolulu hotel (formerly Waikiki Edition), 1850 Ala Moana Blvd.; 943-5900; www.morimotowaikiki.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$$$

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE

Traditional steakhouses are tailor made for special occasions, when true to their retro roots, Men can highlight their manliness by ordering up a double porterhouse from a tuxedoed waiter. Although, in a nod to the times, you’ll also find here soy-free and gluten-free menus. Otherwise, you can feast on broiled, crisp-crusted filet mignon, bone-in ribeye and strip steak, plus an array of seafood and shellfish entrees and appetizers, from broiled sea scallops wrapped in bacon, colossal shrimp cocktail and oysters Rockefeller. Few can afford to be dinner regulars, but many flock to Morton’s Power Hour from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays to Fridays, when beer, wine and cocktails are specially priced, and $6 to $7 bar bites include miniature crab BLTs, filet mignon sliders, smoked salmon pizzas and blue cheese steak fries.

Ala Moana Center, 949-1300; www.mortons.com/honolulu. Dinner. $$$$

NANZAN GIROGIRO

NICO’S AT PIER 38

See Critic’s Choice.

NOBU WAIKIKI

Acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa drops in regularly to check on the progress of his island outlet, often preparing special menus. The rest of the time, the chefs he trained prepare his trademark “global Japanese” cuisine in this pricey, sleek cocktail lounge, sushi bar and sit-down restaurant. Recommended: sushi, miso butterfish, selections from the sake menu.

Waikiki Parc Hotel, 2233 Helumoa Road; 237-6999; www.noburestaurants.com. Dinner, late night. $$$$

OJIYA

Serving the foods of Japan’s Niigata prefecture, as well as sushi and izakaya-style appetizers and small plates, this place is perhaps best known for introducing the islands to a Japanese bet-you-can’t-guess-what-this-is bar snack: gobo chips (deep-fried burdock root). Recommended: tender, chewy Japan-made fresh noodles produced from seaweed paste, baked hanpen (surimi) with mozzarella cheese, pork loin with ginger sauce.

1718 Kapiolani Blvd.; 942-3838; www.ojiyausa.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

Ola at Turtle Bay boasts beachside dining. --Star-Advertiser / 2007

OLA AT TURTLE BAY

All but spilling onto the sand from a beautiful beach pavilion, Ola showcases a contemporary island menu that embodies a philosophy not just of eating, but of life — that which is rooted in the aina (land) and the kai (sea), that which is seasonal, local and harvested in an ecologically sensitive manner; that which is healthful but also pleasurable. Recommended: Kalua Pork and Goat Cheese Nachos, Hamakua Mushroom Orzo.

Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku; 293-0801; www.olaislife.com. Lunch, dinner. $$- $$$

OLIVE TREE CAFE

See Critic’s Choice.

ONOHAWAIIAN FOODS

If you ever happen to drive by and see no line outside ‘Ono Hawaiian Foods, keep driving — they’re closed. A tiny room crowded with elbow-to-elbow tables is where Waikiki visitors try to get a taste of indigenous foods. But unlike many visitor magnets, it’s also beloved by locals. Recommended: supersized laulau equipped with that all-important chunk of fat and copious luau leaf and the chunky lomi salmon.

726 Kapahulu Ave.; 737-2275. Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday; cash only). $

ORCHIDS AT THE HALEKULANI

See Brunch.

OTTO CAKE

PAH KE’S CHINESE RESTAURANT

After spending time in high-end hotel kitchens, chef-owner Raymond Siu now runs this family restaurant with his chef brother and hostess wife, offering a menu of well-done Cantonese standards with surprising specials. Recommended: Raymond’s salads and desserts, plus the kau yuk with steamed bun.

46-018 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe; 235-4505; www.pahke.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

The spicy ahi poke bowl from Pa'ina Cafe. --Star-Advertiser / 2009

PA&LSQUO;INA CAFE

Head to Pa‘ina Cafe for a light, lower-cal meal of bright flavors and fresh preparations. The menu focuses on unusual poke bowls and paina plates (with choice of white or brown rice, seafood and vegetarian entrees, salads and a choice of sauces and dressings).

Ward Warehouse; Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway, Hawaii Kai; 356-2829; painacafe.com. Lunch, dinner. $

PANCAKES & WAFFLES

With no fanfare, frills or evocative moniker necessary, Pancakes & Waffles simply states what’s important. The breakfast diner at City Square (home of Sugoi and Koolau Farms) delivers on the namesake dishes while offering lots of other options. For diversity beyond eggs, waffles and pancakes, try chili and rice, sandwiches, kalbi and daily specials.

City Square, 1284 Kalani St.; 847-7770. Breakfast, lunch. $

PANYA BAKERY, BISTRO & BAR

Head to Ala Moana Center for one of the most extensive menus in the mall, with a mind-boggling range of dishes from Asian tavern snacks (spring rolls and spicy wonton) to noodles (try the Malaysian-style laksa) and Vietnamese braised fish. The bakery up front specializes in Japanese-style pastries.

Ala Moana Center; 946-6388; www.panyabakery.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$

PATISSERIE LA PALME D’OR

PAVILION CAFE, THE

Housed in a sun-splashed, sculpture-lined courtyard accessible through tall, windowed doors, Mike Nevins’ popular cafe is unchanging for good reason: Its large clientele of regulars loves the piadina or portobello sandwiches and nicoise or mahi-soba salads just the way they are, thank you. Desserts, delightfully, do change daily.

Honolulu Academy of Arts, 900 S. Beretania St.; 532-8734; www.honoluluacademy.org. Lunch (closed Sunday-Monday). $$

PEARL (LCC)

PHO 1 VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

Keep it simple here and order beef pho (noodle soup) with its deeply flavored broth and wealth of meats, barbecue pork bun, papaya salad, bun (rice noodle) dishes and spring rolls. Service isn’t a strong point, however.

1617 Kapiolani Blvd., 955-3438; 777 Kamokila Blvd., Kapolei, 674-8189. Lunch, dinner. $

PHO 808

PHO KITCHEN

See Critics’ Picks.

PINEAPPLE ROOM BY ALAN WONG, THE

Dinner at Alan Wong’s signature restaurant on King Street is an all-out affair requiring a reservation well in advance and a credit card with room to spare. For those who’d like to sample the Wong Way in a less intimidating fashion, there is the Pineapple Room. The menu is as distinctive as at its King Street sister, and in the hands of longtime Wong lieutenant Lance Kosaka, it has a matching reverence for island produce and favorite “local-kine” ingredients (think lup cheong). You might still want a reservation, though; it’s a busy place. Try the burger, one of the best on the island, Ochazuke Risotto topped with salmon, Kiawe-Grilled Spice-Rubbed Maui Cattle Company Beef Ribeye.

Ala Moana Center, Macy’s third floor; 945-6573; www.alanwongs.com/pineapple-room-welcome. Breakfast (Saturday-Sunday), lunch daily, dinner (except Sunday). $$$

PIONEER SALOON

Japanese-inspired plate lunches and freshly made musubi, served up in foam containers, are the mainstays at this spot near Diamond Head. The menu lists 43 chicken, beef, pork, fish, curry and rice bowl choices, with more daily fish specials and two vegetarian choices. Dishes can be amazingly good if you know what to order. Recommended: pork hamburger katsu, grilled miso salmon, spare ribs.

3046 Monsarrat Ave.; 732-4001. Lunch, dinner (closed Monday). $

POKE STOP

Chef/owner Elmer Guzman cooked at the side of the flamboyant Emeril Lagasse and Sam Choy but when it came time for him to go out on his own, Guzman went with simple, not showy. His small shop in a Waipahu strip mall focuses on poke in myriad preparations. The menu also features some New Orleans specialties that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on the island — gumbo and po’boy sandwiches, for example. A fusion favorite: seared ahi over a bowl of fried rice made with your choice of kim chee, pipikaula or smoked meat.

Waipahu Town Center, 94-050 Farrington Highway, 676-8100; 95-1840 Meheula Parkway, Mililani, 626-3400; www.poke-stop.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$

PRINCE COURT

Head to this many-windowed room with its view of Ala Wai Yacht Harbor for dinner, where you have a choice of three fixed-price, four-course dinner menus or a seafood buffet in an East-West style. Recommended: crab hash, curries, oxtail soup with condiments.

Hawaii Prince Hotel, 100 Holomoana St., Waikiki; 944-4494; www.princeresortshawaii.com/hawaii-prince-court.php. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. $$$

PYRAMIDS, THE

Fans of Greek, Egyptian and Mediterranean specialties will be well-served here; a steam-table buffet is available at lunch, with wait service at dinner. Recommended: rejash (marinated lamb) and shawarma (marinated beef and lamb strips).

758 Kapahulu Ave.; 737-2900. Lunch, dinner. $

Celebrating 50 years of service, Rainbow Drive-In still makes the best plate lunches. --FL Morris / fmorris@staradvertiser.com

RAINBOW DRIVE-IN

For 50 years, Rainbows (as it’s known among locals) just keeps on trucking, serving up local food incredibly fast — and at rock-bottom prices. Rotating daily specials have regulars coming in on certain days for roast pork with gravy, long rice with pork, barbecued ahi and other dishes with the Rainbow touch. Recommended: barbecue pork sandwiches, chili, Loco Moco.

3308 Kanaina Ave., Kapahulu; 737-0177; www.rainbowdrivein.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $

RICHO KOREAN CUISINE

Richo is part of a Japanese chain, that, like so many from the Land of the Rising Sun, is wending its way west. You have to pay for banchan, or side dishes, here. Blasphemy! It’s nice when it’s not too crowded and the staffers have the time to help you cook the pork at your table, starting with brushing the grill with oil and rosemary. But it’s definitely not a place for traditionalists who already have two or three favorite Korean restaurants.

3008 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki; 734-2222; Dinner (closed Monday). $$

ROY’S RESTAURANT

RUMFIRE

See DHT Showstoppers.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Yes, it’s a chain restaurant, but this place is still worthy of a mention. Founder Ruth Fertel created a formula that works: butter-sizzling, flavor-rich steaks, select wine cellars, well-trained staff, side dishes you can get lost in. Recommended: any of the steaks, of course, asparagus with hollandaise, bread pudding with whiskey sauce.

Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., 599-3860; 226 Lewers St., Waikiki, 440-7910; www.ruthschris.com. Dinner. $$$$

RYAN’S GRILL

SAINT GERMAIN AND MEIKA PLAZA AT SHIROKIYA

SALT KITCHEN & TASTING BAR

SAM CHOY’S BREAKFAST, LUNCH & CRAB

A blend of family restaurant and brewpub, this large, active eatery serves up large portions of isle favorites and comfort foods, including multiple mocos. Recommended: Pork Chop Moco, Beef Stew Omelet, crab legs, short ribs.

580 N. Nimitz Highway; 545-7979; www.samchoyhawaii.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner $$-$$$.

SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR

D.K. Kodama brought his winning formula from Maui to Honolulu when he opened Sansei in Restaurant Row in 2000. The space was too small and too quiet for Kodama, though, and in 2004 the restaurant moved to Waikiki, where the vibe is as lively as Sansei’s collection of colorful, contemporary sushi rolls. The menu reaches far beyond sushi, though. Try the Dungeness Crab Ramen with Asian Truffle Broth or the Ginger Hoisin Smoked Duck Breast.

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, 2552 Kalakaua Ave., third floor; 931-6286; www.sanseihawaii.com. Dinner, late night. $$$

SARENTO’S AT THE TOP OF THE ILIKAI

See Publisher’s Award.

SEOUL GARDEN YAKINIKU

Bring a huge appetite and expect to spend a long, smoky evening next to the tabletop grill. Seoul Garden provides a larger-than-usual selection of banchan (free side dishes).

1679 Kapiolani Blvd., Ala Moana; 944-4803. Lunch, dinner. $$

SHILLAWON

This popular Korean restaurant specializes in yakiniku (grill-it-yourself) meals, and the staff piles on the meats for a filling, all-you-can-eat experience. Or, keep it simple and order Korean standards. Recommended: lunchtime shabu shabu, King Kalbi, banchan (side dishes), cinnamon tea.

747 Amana St.; 944-8700. Lunch, dinner. $$

SHOKUDO JAPANESE RESTAURANT & BAR

You’ll find bold and unusual creations such as french fries dusted with shiso and salt, Mochi Cheese Gratin (surprisingly good), Sushi Pizza and Sukiyaki Bibimbap. Favorites: Garlic Shrimp Rice in a sizzling stone bowl, Beef Tataki Sushi, Oxtail Ramen.

1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ala Moana; 941-3701; www.shokudojapanese.com. Lunch, dinner, late night. $$

SHOR AMERICAN SEAFOOD GRILL

SIAM GARDEN CAFE

Popular among Southeast Asian emigres and second-generation hipsters, this Nimitz Highway hangout features Thai and Laotian videos and karaoke along with some of the most vibrant Thai food in town. Recommended: whole fish topped with spicy chili sauce, tamarind papaya soup, meat or seafood and long beans stir-fried in ginger-chili paste (pad phrik khing).

1130 N. Nimitz Highway; 523-9338; www.siamgardencafe.com. Lunch (except Sunday), dinner daily. $

SIDE STREET INN

See DHT Showstoppers.

SORABOL

Open all day every day, this is the largest Korean restaurant in Hawaii, serving the universe of Korean foods, from kalbi to samkaetang (ginseng chicken stew). Recommended: steamed butterfish, dolsot bibimbap (egg, rice and kalbi on rice in a hot stone bowl), kalbi chim (braised beef ribs).

805 Keeaumoku St.; 947-3113; www.sorabolhawaii.com. Open 24 hours. $$

SOUL

A lot of people were surprised when Sean Priester rolled out his lunchwagon, Soul Patrol. Once lunch crowds got a taste of his honey-topped cornbread, fried chicken and jambalaya, there came requests for him to put down some permanent roots and use more local ingredients. So, in addition to buttermilk-fried chicken and chili and crabcake po’boys, you may find a dice of daikon in his Sassy Southern Vegetarian Chili or gumbo accented with sweet potato and slices of spicy Kukui Portuguese sausage. Jambalaya and mac-and-feta-cheese with cornbread au gratin, the latter piled so high it oozes over the side of the dish, are a couple of to-die-for specialties. Sundays are made special with an all-day brunch menu with choices like crab cake Benedict, chorizo scrambled eggs and Southern-spiced sweet potato pancakes with bananas and maple butter. And keep an eye out for Soul Patrol — it’s back in action on a regular basis!

3040 Waialae Ave.; 735-SOUL (7685); Lunch, dinner (closed Monday). $$

SOUL DE CUBA CAFE

Soul de Cuba has family pictures on the walls, and feels like a lively party with friends. Recommended: medianoche (roast pork Cuban sandwich), ropa vieja (Cuban-style pot roast), lejon asado (mojo-marinated pulled pork). Wash it all down with a potent pitcher of refreshing mojitos.

1121 Bethel St.; 545-2822; www.souldecuba.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

SOUVALY THAI

A cut above your average neighborhood Thai restaurant in terms of ambience, Souvaly is elegant enough for a special occasion, yet not so fancy that you can’t bring your whole family. The menu also rises above, with all the Thai basics plus house specialties such as Mus sa Mun Curry, Golden Pepper Quail, Crying Tiger Salad, Lemongrass Lambchops and Ahi Rolls (summer rolls filled with strips of raw fish with avocado and rice noodles). Be sure to include one of the fish specialties in your order.

803 Kamehameha Highway, Pearl City; 455-5888; Lunch, dinner. $$

SPICES SOUTHEAST ASIAN CUISINE

At Spices, you don’t have to choose a single Southeast Asian cuisine; instead, you can sample creative twists on the food from a quartet of countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Burma. Recommended: Laotian sausage appetizer, pork-stuffed shrimp, kaffir limeade (when available), tropical fruit and aromatic ice creams and sorbets.

2671 S. King St.; 949-2679; www.spiceshawaii.com. Lunch (Tuesday-Friday), dinner (closed Mondays). $$

SPICY AHI & BBQ

STAGE

Head to the Honolulu Design Center for sophisticated, contemporary Asian-American cuisine in a cutting-edge atmosphere. Recommended: seared-ahi Caesar sandwich and apple blueberry crisp at lunch, kurobuta pork chops and housemade ice creams at dinner.

Honolulu Design Center, 1250 Kapiolani Blvd., second floor; 237-5429; www.stagerestauranthawaii.com. Lunch (Monday-Friday), dinner (closed Sunday). $$-$$$

STARBUCKS

SUGOI BENTO & CATERING

It’s all about contemporary plate lunches and interesting specialties here. Recommended: Breakfast Egg Wrap (fried rice wrapped in a meat-and-vegetable-flecked omelet), Garlic Chicken, Ahi Moco, yaki choices (soba, udon or chow fun bowls).

1286 Kalani St.; 841-7984; www.sugoihawaii.com. Breakfast, lunch. $

SUSHI IZAKAYA GAKU

SUSHI IZAKAYA SHINN

SUSHI MASA

Masa Nakayama can make or break the experience here. But when the sushi chef is in the right frame of mind, he’s equally funny, charming and eager to impress (though in a restrained and dignified way). Luckily, the quality of his sushi doesn’t depend on his mood; it’s always perfection, beginning with the addictive sushi rice. Recommended: smoked salmon chazuke, pickled eggplant sushi, grilled octopus tentacles. Best bet? Just let him choose.

Ward Centre; 593-2007. Lunch, dinner. $$$

SUSHI SASABUNE

Skip this sushi restaurant if you don’t like being told what to eat and don’t have deep, deep pockets. But if your tastes are sophisticated and you’re willing to put yourself in the hands of a master, chef-owner Seiji Kumogawa is your man. Many say Sasabune was the best sushi experience of their lives. You can order off the menu but be prepared for a stern look from chef Seiji.

1419 S. King St.; 947-3800. Lunch (Tuesday-Friday), dinner (closed Sunday). $$$-$$$$

SWEET HOME CAFE

Reservations are a must here, but once seated, you’re in for an experience at this Taiwanese hotpot spot. Pick your broth, pick your ingredients, pick your sauce, cook your meal. (Don’t forget to burp politely.) Recommended: the spicy broth (no, maybe the curry broth), the dizzying selection of meats and veggies, the complimentary shave ice with tapioca and sweetened condensed milk.

2334 S. King St.; 947-3707. Dinner. $$

TAI PAN DIM SUM

Don’t be surprised to find a lengthy wait for a seat in this cozy, busy restaurant, a favorite of dim sum aficionados. (You may even be asked to share your table.) Open early and cheap, cheap, cheap. Recommended: gnau yok (meatballs), mochi rice with pork, carrot mochi, shrimp and chive pancakes.

Chinese Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St.; 599-8899. Breakfast, lunch. $

TANAKA SAIMIN

It should be no surprise that in Hawaii there’s enough interest in saimin that you could build a temple to the dish in a huge space off a busy highway and expect to fill it. Tanaka Saimin was opened last year by the same family that had run Boulevard Saimin on Dillingham since the ’50s. Here you can order your saimin large or small and customize your bowl with such extras as vegetables, won ton, teri beef or tempura. Or get a specialty bowl such as the Portuguese sausage version. Tanaka also has a large menu of sandwiches and plate-lunch favorites. Highly recommended: the oxtail saimin.

888 N. Nimitz Highway, Kalihi; 524-2020. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$

TANGO CONTEMPORARY CAFE

Chef Goran Streng’s bright, cheerful space near Ward Centre has drawn a faithful clientele captivated by his fresh Euro-bistro creations. Try one of the innovative daily specials or dip into the well of favorites: duck confit, mushroom risotto, gravlax on Swedish rye bread or the deep and savory Asian Style Five-Spice Braised Beef. For a more casual taste of Streng’s fare, try his new Tango Market in Ward Centre.

1288 Ala Moana Blvd. (in the Hokua complex), Kakaako; 593-7288; www.tangocafehawaii.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$-$$$

A bento from Tanioka's in Waipahu. --Star-Advertiser

TANIOKA’S SEAFOODS & CATERING

A seafood bar fused with an okazuya, this family market offers dozens of point-and-pick choices. The many oh-so-fresh poke are only the beginning. Pick out a musubi (with Spam, Goteborg Sausage from Kauai, teriyaki fish, mochiko chicken), add a piece of perfectly fried chicken, a salmon patty or a serving of corned beef hash.

94-903 Farrington Highway, Waipahu; 671-3779; www.taniokas.com. Breakfast, lunch. Takeout only. $

TAORMINA SICILIAN CUISINE

Southern Italian food often gets a bad rap in the United States, but you can see what it’s all about at Taormina — and it’s not just tomato gravy. No cream sauces or butter here, just the bright, palate-teasing flavors of tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic, fresh cheeses and fruity olive oil. Recommended: Bucatini Fresh Sardine, Sauteed Cod with Fava Bean Souffle, mushroom risotto served with foie gras.

227 Lewers St., Waikiki; 926-5050; www.taorminarestaurant.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$

TED’S BAKERY

TEDDY’S BIGGER BURGERS

This ’50s-style, Hawaii-only chain strives for purity, serving up pure ground chuck burgers and straight-on fries, all made to order. Admittedly, they have a little fun: You can get peanut butter or grilled pineapple on your burger. And this is one of the few places you can still get a malt.

Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway, Hawaii Kai, 394-9100; 539 Kailua Road, 262-0820; 134 Kapahulu Ave., 926-3444; 2424 S. Beretania St., Moiliili, 949-0050; www.teddysbiggerburgers.com. Lunch, dinner. $-$$

TENKAIPPIN RAMEN

Scott Suzui believes he has a remedy in a bowl. Over at Tenkaippin Ramen, the top seller is the kotteri ramen, with a chicken broth thickened with chicken collagen gleaned from boiling down bones and feet for hours. The result is intense chicken flavor in a broth that with noodles, made locally from a secret recipe exclusive to Tenkaippin, is thick enough to plant your chopsticks. Recommended: Kotteri ramen, assari ramen, miso ramen.

617 Kapahulu Ave.; 732-1211. Lunch, dinner. $$

THAI HERB KITCHEN

THELMA’S RESTAURANT

This busy, no-frills, family-friendly restaurant serves up inexpensive Filipino standards with both buffet and table service. Recommended: pork adobo, squid guisantes, lechon kawali, halo halo dessert.

Westgate Shopping Center, 94-366 Pupupani St., Waipahu; 677-0443; www.thelmas restaurant.com. Lunch, dinner. $

TO CHAU

It’s all about the broth at To Chau. This restaurant is all things pho, although they do serve a few rice and bun dishes. Customers line up outside day after day, eager for the huge portions, richly flavored broth and rock-bottom prices.

1007 River St.; 533-4549. Lunch. $

TOKKURI TEI

Try the “bata” dishes (sauteed in butter) or kushi yaki (broiled on skewers) or chef Hideyaki “Santa” Miyoshi’s signature Spider Poke (an award-winner involving fish, roe and a chili vinaigrette), and don’t forget the exceptional sake menu. The new, bigger location in the old Sam Choy’s hasn’t helped with the long lines, unfortunately. Recommended: noritos (battered stuffed nori) and soshitos (grilled green pepper), hamachi kama (fried fish collar), squid pancake.

449 Kapahulu Ave.; 732-6480. Lunch (Monday-Friday), dinner. $$

TONKATSU GINZA BAIRIN WAIKIKI

Don’t bother talking about tonkatsu until you’ve found this tucked-away outpost of a Tokyo restaurant famed for its way with breaded pork cutlets. Forget the greasy, dry, stringy versions you may have tried; the kurobuta center-cut loin here is so tender you can cut it with a chopstick. Recommended: besides the tonkatsu, the scallopinelike sauteed ginger pork cutlet.

Outrigger Regency on Beachwalk, 255 Beach Walk (street level rear of hotel); 926-8082. Lunch, dinner daily; late night (Friday-Saturday). $$$

TOWN

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL WAIKIKI BEACH WALK

See Brunch.

TSUKUNEYA ROBATA GRILL

The only izakaya of its type on Oahu, Tsukuneya is a Nagoya-style pub specializing in skewered, grilled and fired foods cooked over superhot white charcoal that imparts a slightly smoky flavor without harshness. Recommended: tsukune, deep-fried chicken in miso sauce.

1442 University Ave.; 943-0390; www.tsukuneyarobatagrill.com. Dinner. $-$$

UNCLE CLAY’S HOUSE OF PURE ALOHA

V-LOUNGE

VINO ITALIAN TAPAS AND WINE BAR

WAHOO’S FISH TACO

Whether you’re coming from a surf session at the beach or stopping by for a business lunch, Wahoo’s Fish Taco caters to everyone. The California-based chain delights the appetites of diners with its “California-Mex” cuisine.

940 Auahi St., Ward, 591-1646; 4614 Kilauea Ave., Kahala, 732-9229; www.wahoos.com. Breakfast (Saturday-Sunday, Kahala only), lunch, dinner. $-$$

Anita Vicente is part of the devoted staff of Wailana Coffee House. --Star-Advertiser / 2009

WAILANA COFFEE HOUSE

The Wailana still offers those complete dinner meals (soup or salad, entree, vegetable, starch and something like Jell-O or sherbet for dessert), and you can order a French dip from a waitress who’s probably been on the job longer than you’ve been alive. Serving breakfast all day with big portions and small prices, this spot is popular among the late-night crowd and those looking for a reminder of the Waikiki of yesteryear. Recommended: all-you-can-eat pancakes or French toast with coconut syrup, chicken cutlet.

1860 Ala Moana Blvd.; 955-1764. Open 24 hours. $

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

Walk around the self-serve area at least a couple of times before you start filling up your takeout container. Choose carefully; there’s only so much a person can eat. The variety here is immense and international, Thai noodles to tabbouli. Or get in line for a fresh-made pizza or bowl of noodles and dine on the outdoor tables.

Kahala Mall; 738-0820; www.wholefoodsmarket.com/storesbeta/honolulu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $-$$

WILLOWS, THE

Situated on an acre of lush gardens and koi ponds, with seating in “floating” pavilions and daily old-style Hawaiian buffets at lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, the Willows is definitely one of a kind. Recommended: chicken and shrimp curry, suckling pig (Fridays and Saturdays only), coconut bread pudding and fried haupia.

901 Hausten St.; 952-9200; www.willowshawaii.com. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. $$

WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE

Wolfgang Zweiner, a Peter Luger protege, infuses his German heritage into the traditional American steakhouse model here, serving up a neoclassic dining experience to locals and tourists alike. Recommended: sizzling Canadian bacon appetizer, dry-aged porterhouse steak, house steak sauce.

Royal Hawaiian Center, third floor, 2301 Kalakaua Ave.; 922-3600; www.wolfgangs steakhouse.net. Lunch, dinner. $$$$

YANAGI SUSHI

Expect everything possible in a Japanese restaurant: tatami rooms, a sushi bar, kaiseki dinners, donburi bowls, nabemono (hotpot), izakaya-style small plates, tempura and yakitori — and late-night hours, too. Recommended: pristine fresh sashimi and classic as well as contemporary sushi, late-night snack specials.

762 Kapiolani Blvd.; 597-1525; www.yanagisushi-hawaii.com. Lunch, dinner daily; late night (except Sunday). $$

YOGURSTORY

See People’s Choice and Brunch.

ZARATEZ MEXICATESSEN

ZIPPY‘s

ZPIZZA