Lei Lei's Bar and Grill sits right on the golf course at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu. Like a bar and grill would be, it's laid back and casual, yet somewhat upscale and classy. There's a putting green out front where the kids can hang out (in full view) if they get restless, and views of the golf course and the mountain range offer gorgeous sights. Unlike the other restaurants at Turtle Bay, this one isn't right in the resort. The full bar can serve up anything you'd like, but their famous for mai tais and Lei Lei's lemonades. The menu has a broad spectrum of great food - burgers, pastas, salads, local fish specials with sides of mashed potatoes, ribs, and the list goes on.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Lei Lei's is beautifully placed on a golf course and serves delicious food with a classy, yet home style feel.
Jade's expert tip: There's a different menu for lunch and dinner.
Fabulous French cuisine tempts diners at this elegant ocean side restaurant, making for potent sensory stimulation. While you revel in beautiful views and romantic sunsets, feast from a menu of mouthwatering dishes, such as lobster bisque, tender salmon filet, or satisfying beef tenderloin. Salads make the most of Oahu's fresh produce — all things, in short, are good. Service is excellent as well, adding to the appeal of a delightful meal at the base of Diamond Head. This is the most traditional French food to be found in Honolulu. Dinner reservations are a must, and the dress code requires resort wear.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Michel's offers wonderfully cooked, traditional French food in an elegant ocean side venue.
Jade's expert tip: Live on the edge, try the frog legs.
Take in the North Shore's relaxed lifestyle at this fantastic eatery. Kick back on the lanai, take in the incredible island scenery, and revel in the moment. While you do, make sure to sample terrific seafood and steak entrees. Prime rib is always popular, and coconut shrimp maintain a faithful following as well. You'll also find grilled fish, fresh soups and salads, and tempting desserts. In the bar, a wonderful selection of appetizers makes for great nibbling. This is a great place for lunch before exploring the North Shore, or dinner after. Dinner reservations are a must, and dress up a bit or go in with sandy feet.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Haleiwa Joe's is a long standing North Shore staple and a local favorite.
Jade's expert tip: Fill up at this ocean side eatery after spending a day on the North Shore.
Some of the island's most accomplished cuisine is served at this small, intimate restaurant in Honolulu. Under the masterful command of Chef Mavro, French technique pairs with Hawaiian ingredients to create culinary magic. Dishes include Maitake Mushroom Indochine sautéed with green papaya, mushroom broth, sumida watercress galangal and kaffir lime and Keahole Lobster Paella with roasted red bell peppers, green olives, fried cilantro, lobster, chorizo, and saffron puff rice. Prix fixe menus with three, four, and six courses are terrific values and can be coupled with wine selections as well. Give yourself over to this expensive, incomparable experience. Reservations are a must.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Chef Mavro is well known for exquisitely fusing together French cuisine with Hawaiian ingredients.
Jade's expert tip: Try the burgundy truffles flown in from France.
Lauded for its spectacular island cuisine, this perennial favorite attracts a regular contingent of high-profile folks. They come to soak in the chic, comfortable atmosphere and partake of incredible, creative fare. Starters include foie gras-stuffed scallops and ahi katsu, while main courses range from seafood with saffron-scented linguine to macadamia-crusted rack of lamb, pan-seared NY steak, and tempura catfish. A nightly vegetarian entree is available, and some dishes come in two sizes, depending on your appetite. In addition, the 3660 Medley combines portions of three entrees for sampling, and desserts are practically requisite, rife with cream, chocolate, and fresh fruit.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: 3660 on the Rise serves up delicious local fare, fusing together all of the cuisines found in the islands.
Jade's expert tip: The ahi katsu shouldn't be missed for fish lovers.
Under the masterful tutelage of chef Roy Yamaguchi, who skillfully fuses European and Asian cuisines, this establishment has earned a reputation for lively ambiance, attentive service, and incredible food. A devotion to impeccably fresh ingredients and a penchant for artistic presentation characterizes the menu, whose temptations include steamed Hawaiian onaga, tri-peppercorn-crusted ahi, and ginger-steamed Chinese chicken. There's also steak, lamb, pasta, pork, and duck. Nightly specials make an appearance too, and the signature chocolate souffle — is absolutely sinful. Roy's can be found throughout the islands, so if you're island hopping you can enjoy it again and again. Dress up or go casual but nice.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Roy's offers elegant island style ambiance and delicious Pacific Rim dishes.
Jade's expert tip: Try the chocolate souffle.
A beautiful, pale room, accented with gleaming wood and sprinkled with flowers and artwork, welcomes guests to this exceptional place. The overall all culinary theme is Pacific Fusion, and it's known as the best in Hawaii. The exhibition kitchen makes the most of fresh, regional ingredients, crafting such delicacies as kiawe wood-grilled mahimahi, ginger-crusted onaga, and roast duck prepared three ways. You'll also find grilled beef and lamb chops, along with "da bag," a foil packet of seafood, kalua pork, and vegetables that's dramatically deflated tableside. If you make it to dessert, don't miss the sorbets or crème brûlées, infused with tropical fruits.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Serving exquisite dishes of Pacific fusion, Alan Wong's is reputed as the best in the islands.
Jade's expert tip: Try the Mini Loco Moco for a gourmet twist on a local staple.
Bogart's is one of those hole-in-the-wall places that is a tried and true reliable joint for locals in search of that perfect breakfast. Whether taken to eat on the go or eaten at one of their small sidewalk or indoor tables, Bogart's is a not to miss place for anyone vising Honolulu. The tiny cafe has an extensive hand written menu on the wall, and although it's quite varied and long, everything is really good. The coffees are also great and they have every type of espresso you could want. A real hit is the breakfast bagel sandwich, can't go wrong with that.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: A true hole in the wall, Bogart's is a hidden treasure offering delicious breakfast and coffee.
Jade's expert tip: It's a good idea to call ahead and order, they can be quite packed in the mornings.