Best Hawaii Regional Cuisine Restaurants in Kalihi-Palama

39 restaurants available nearby

1. Pai Honolulu

4.6

Exceptional(552)

Price: Very Expensive

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Honolulu

PAI Honolulu, nestled in the heart of Honolulu, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, ingeniously blended with local Hawaiian flavors. Since its inception in 2017 by Chef Kevin J. Lee, the restaurant has earned accolades including Hawaii's Best Restaurant and Best Chef's Tasting Menu. Diners rave about the "exquisite dishes bursting with flavor," praising the creative fusion that Chef Kevin brings to each plate. Reviewers consistently highlight the "artistic, beautiful presentation" and the "complex flavors" that make PAI Honolulu a culinary standout. Whether it’s the smoked akule, cabbage, or the chef’s tasting menu with perfect wine pairings, each dish is a testament to the chef’s passion and mastery, ensuring a memorable dining experience that leaves guests planning their next visit.

A photo of The Pig and the Lady restaurant

2. The Pig and the Lady

new

4.8

Exceptional(1588)

Price: Expensive

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Downtown

Booked 47 times today

From it’s humble beginnings as a pop-up restaurant, to a farmer"s market stand and now a successful brick-and-mortar eatery, The Pig and the Lady, led by twice-nominated James Beard semifinalist Chef Andrew Le (with help from his family including his mother, Mama Le), cook up what is essentially the family meal in the truest sense -- Exposing Honolulu diners a cross-section of cuisine that has Vietnamese origins, but is eclectic and daring.Chef Le and his team have developed a modern, fresh take on traditional Southeast Asian food, utilizing local products -- serving their famous banh mi and pho, along with new favorites. Le is the one of the few chefs cooking contemporary food built on Southeast Asian flavors that has garnered rave reviews -- a foundation built on delicious memories first introduced by his mother. They are open Monday through Saturday, serving lunch and dinner. You can also still find them at the Farmer’s Markets at Blaisdell, Kailua and KCC.

3. Lucky Belly

4.7

Exceptional(451)

Price: Moderate

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Honolulu

Booked 17 times today

Lucky Belly in Honolulu's vibrant Chinatown art district is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Hawaii Regional Cuisine, blending local flavors with Asian fusion techniques. Diners rave about the "exceptional food," particularly the "crispy duck tacos" and "lobster moco," which are highlighted as must-try dishes. The restaurant's innovative approach to traditional ingredients is evident in its popular Belly Bowl, packed with three types of pork and rich, flavorful broth, creating a "superlative happiness" experience. With its "cool and minimal" decor and "attentive and knowledgeable" service, Lucky Belly continues to impress locals and visitors alike, making it a standout choice for an authentic taste of Hawaii combined with creative culinary twists.

A photo of Merriman's Honolulu restaurant

4. Merriman's Honolulu

4.7

Exceptional(4139)

Price: Expensive

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Honolulu

Booked 144 times today

At Merriman's Honolulu, the seafood is not just a dish; it's an experience. Tucked in the vibrant heart of Honolulu, this award-winning restaurant shines, especially with its seafood offerings like the Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi, which has been hailed as "the best I’ve had anywhere!" The authenticity of its seafood cuisine is evident, as every dish celebrates local flavors and ingredients, right from the ocean to your plate. The restaurant's dedication to quality and freshness aligns with its farm-to-table philosophy, making it a standout in Honolulu's culinary scene. Guests consistently rave about the seafood, noting dishes like the "Fresh Fish Tacos" as "excellent!" and the Kauai lobster as "superb." With its commitment to exceptional service and a lively ambiance, Merriman's Honolulu offers a seafood dining experience that is both delightful and memorable.

A photo of Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki restaurant

5. Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki

4.6

Exceptional(2225)

Price: Moderate

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Waikiki

Booked 222 times today

Monkeypod Kitchen in Waikiki epitomizes the essence of Hawaii Regional Cuisine under the expert guidance of celebrated chef Peter Merriman, a pioneer of this flavorful culinary movement. Nestled within the scenic Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, this restaurant offers a menu that brilliantly reflects the local ethos of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, coupled with inventive dishes that delight the senses. Patrons often rave about their experiences, with one noting, "Best Mai Tais we’ve had on the island and every food item we had was fresh, local sourced product, and tasted amazing!" The commitment to quality and the spectacular waterfront setting make Monkeypod Kitchen a must-visit for authentic, contemporary Hawaiian dining.

A photo of Hula Grill - Waikiki restaurant

6. Hula Grill - Waikiki

4.7

Exceptional(6630)

Price: Expensive

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Waikiki

Booked 127 times today

Indulge in the exceptional steak cuisine at Hula Grill - Waikiki, where quality meats and authentic flavors are a guarantee. Nestled in the picturesque neighborhood of Waikiki, Honolulu, this restaurant offers a culinary retreat with stunning views of Diamond Head. One recent review raves, "Our group of 4 had the filet, ribeye, and pork chop special and all of them were the best food we'd had in our week on the island." Hula Grill is celebrated for its commitment to using all-natural meats and locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring every dish is fresh and flavorful. With accolades like "best food we’d had in our week on the island" and "fantastic experience," it’s clear why this spot is a must-visit for steak lovers seeking a memorable dining experience in Waikiki.

A photo of Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Waikiki, HI restaurant

7. Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Waikiki, HI

4.8

Exceptional(6311)

Price: Moderate

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Waikiki

Booked 121 times today

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar in Waikiki, HI, is a gem for those seeking authentic Hawaii Regional Cuisine. The restaurant has received glowing accolades for dishes like the "macadamia crusted mahi," described as "the best seafood I’ve ever had!" and the consistently praised crab cakes and coconut shrimp. Beyond the food, the ambiance of rooftop dining coupled with live music and exemplary service makes every meal a delightful experience. Visitors often comment on the quality of the cuisine and the hospitality, noting, "The food was amazing" and "service was impeccable." This hotspot in Waikiki stands out not just for its food but for the entire dining experience, promising satisfaction and a taste of local flavor that keeps guests returning.

8. 53 by the Sea

new

4.6

Exceptional(1837)

Price: Very Expensive

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Kaka'ako

Booked 19 times today

Designed around it's breathtaking view, 53 By The Sea opened in 2012 and is one of the island’s premier fine dining experiences. Having received the Hale Aina Award for Most Romantic Restaurant 2017-2021, as well as the Honolulu Star- Advertiser’s “Hawaii’s Best” award for Restaurant with a View, it is truly a celebration for all the senses. From the iconic grand staircase to sweeping views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the rolling surf at Kakaako, each moment at 53 By The Sea is unforgettable.

9. Roy's Waikiki

4.6

Exceptional(6140)

Price: Very Expensive

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Waikiki

Booked 66 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Waikiki Beach Walk, Roy's Waikiki stands out as a gem for steak enthusiasts. Since its opening in 2007, the restaurant has carved a niche for itself by serving up exceptionally well-crafted steaks using the freshest local ingredients. Diners rave about the "amazing" flavors and the "perfect" culinary execution of dishes like the duo of short rib and macadamia crusted mahi mahi. The steak dishes at Roy's Waikiki are not just meals; they are a rich, flavorful experience, enhanced by the restaurant's commitment to quality and service. As one reviewer puts it, the food is "out of this world," making Roy's Waikiki a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic steak experience in Honolulu.

A photo of Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi - Waikiki, Oahu restaurant

10. Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi - Waikiki, Oahu

4.7

Exceptional(3034)

Price: Very Expensive

• Hawaii regional cuisine • Waikiki

Booked 48 times today

At Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi in Waikiki, Honolulu, the Steakhouse cuisine is a testament to culinary excellence. This restaurant serves up a delightful blend of historical Hawaiian flavors and modern culinary innovations, making it a standout dining destination. The filet mignon, praised by diners as "melting in your mouth," highlights the quality and authenticity of its offerings. Guests consistently rave about the food, describing it as "the best meals we’ve had in Oahu" and "absolutely delicious." The ambiance complements the dining experience, creating the perfect backdrop for every occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Eating House 1849 is truly a culinary gem for Steakhouse enthusiasts looking for top-tier dishes in a relaxed, yet elegant setting.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CarolVIP
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, great service. The view was amazing.. the restaurant has a casual feeling of being laid back while at the same time being extremely exceptional and professional. And the entire staff team very friendly, which is hard to do for as busy as they are. But thy pulled it off very well being friendly and helpful.
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Monkeypod Kitchen - WaikikiPrice: Moderate• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• Waikiki
•
4.6
M
Matthew
Hawaii •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The vegetarian pho was very flavorful and had a wide variety of vegetables and mushrooms. The scallop dish was cooked to perfection with a delicious vegetable puree and assorted mushrooms. Service was on point with attention to detail. Decor inside was pretty good. The lights hanging from the roof had a peculiar covering. The bathroom was stylish and clean. Overall, this was a meal worth a reservation in advance.
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The Pig and the LadyPrice: Expensive• Vietnamese• Downtown
•
4.8
C
Craig
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The drinks, food and services were great. Very glad we visited! Would definitely go back. Mahalo!
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Lucky BellyPrice: Moderate• Asian• Honolulu
•
4.7
S
SHERRY
Hawaii •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Awesome delicious food from the appetizers to the entrees and superb desserts! The service was excellent too. It was a wonderful birthday celebration for my husband with me and his friends! He also received a special birthday dessert. Such a wonderful dining experience. We will definitely go there again!
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Merriman's HonoluluPrice: Expensive• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• Honolulu
•
4.7
M
Mark E .VIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington •58 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
We knew very little about Pai but for one friend who raved about it… SO GLAD we took a chance on a new destination! We loved every moment, the total experience, guided by the charming owners & staff. We highly recommend!
More info
Pai HonoluluPrice: Very Expensive• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• Honolulu
•
4.6

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Kalihi-Palama

Hawaii regional cuisine

Best Hawaii Regional Cuisine Restaurants in Kalihi-Palama

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39 restaurants available nearby

1. Pai Honolulu

2. The Pig and the Lady

3. Lucky Belly

4. Merriman's Honolulu

5. Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki

6. Hula Grill - Waikiki

7. Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Waikiki, HI

8. 53 by the Sea

9. Roy's Waikiki

10. Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi - Waikiki, Oahu

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