After spending years serving up great Thai food out of a lunch wagon in Haleiwa, Opal Thai moved into a restaurant just down the street and has now opened its doors, much to local's excitement. This family run eatery has stuck around thanks to the fresh ingredients used for the amazing dishes on the menu. The venue is small, and it's not uncommon to find a line out the door, especially on weekends, so calling ahead of time for a dinner reservation is a good idea. The restaurant is BYOB (bring your own beer) so pick up beer or wine next door at Long's to bring in.
Traditional Japanese entrees and some of the freshest sushi around are on offer at this resort mainstay. Let superb ocean views soothe you as you indulge in dishes like Asian shrimp cakes and Japanese calamari salad. Inventive sushi rolls include the Sansei Special, a combination of spicy crab, cilantro, fresh cucumber, avocado, and sweet Thai chili sauce. Menu samplers are a great way to span the culinary offerings in a single evening and are available in a wide price range. Sansei has been luring a loyal following of both locals and visitors back for years, thanks to their fresh local seafood.
A bit out of the way from Honolulu's main drag, this Vietnamese favorite doesn't lack for business. Rather, patrons seek it out for vegetable-laden dishes, which are both flavorful and good for you. Pho soup also has a siren's call that can be satiated only by an interlude of slurping noodles and herb-tinged broth. A great variety of other dishes also makes for prime mealtime fare, including seafood, curries, and filled pastries. After a meal go right next door to a popular gelato shop to cool off on a hot day or balmy night. Enjoy the lively atmosphere when you're there.
The Nobu mystique is alive and well at this Honolulu outpost, which counts Robert De Niro among its owners. Even without a celebrity connection, the restaurant would be a culinary destination, courtesy of chef Nobu Matsuhisa's spectacular food and the place's careful service. Sushi and sak� get lots of attention, but so, too, do tobanyaki and tempura selections. Omakase dinners are popular as well, especially when you want to splurge. Quality does come at a price, so be forewarned, but it's hard to bypass Nobu when you crave excellent Japanese fare. The ambiance is a balance between dark and mysterious, and crisp and refreshing.
Yanagi's been around for decades and is a favorite destination of celebs, so it's frequently crowded, especially at dinner. That's hardly a surprise when you consider its impeccable food and convivial atmosphere. Sushi is outstanding, and the chefs take great pride in their skills. Table service is also available, and folks take advantage of cooked dishes, like shabu shabu, tempura, and teriyaki items. Great sakes and late-night hours add to the appeal, and lunch is a more affordable option that offers fewer crowds. They offer free valet parking and are open till 2 a.m., making it a great dinner spot or a good awesome for late night noshing and drinks.
Sushi, sushi, and more sushi - all made from locally caught fresh fish and seafood can be found at the North Shore's Banzai Sushi Bar. And yes, there's definitely a full bar boasting a varies amount of beers, wine and specialty cocktails. Live music happens throughout the week and it's best to check beforehand what's going on that night. In addition to the delicious menu and casual Hawaiian ambiance, Banzai Sushi is also a hot spot for nightlife. From a mellow bar scene to wild dance parties boasting unique and fun themes, Banzai Sushi is an all around fun place.
Really great Thai food can be enjoyed here, with Laotian options too. The owner is from Thailand and her, her mother, and some other elderly Thai women do all the cooking and it's awesome! The decor is very, well, plain. But it's clean and homey. Service is very friendly, the husband and wife team are happy to chat with customers and have a friendship with most of the regular customers. The food is all very good. From the green papaya salad (sound odd? It's so good) to the spicy crispy chicken to the yellow curry and so much more, you'll be satisfied and full. It's BYOB, so you can bring some wine or pick up a beer at the gas station in front. It's located in a very modest small shopping center in a very modest town. Parking is usually ample. Vegetarians will find plenty of options here.
