Dining

Unfortunately, living on Oahu means rarely eating out, so we really aren't going to be much help in this area. I know of a few places, but you can just look at all the guidebooks we have up here to pick out a place that sounds good. Also, keep in mind that food, and therefore restaurants, are just a lot more expensive over here. A burger at Chili's is going to cost you $13.

Word to the wise:
Most travelers like to eat 'local food' when they go somewhere new. Normally, I would applaud the effort. Out here, I say stay the hell away from anywhere that says 'local cuisine' or 'plate lunches'. It is destined to be disgusting - let's just say out here Spam is considered a high-quality meat. And with that warning, let me say that Hawaii really can be a unique food mecca - especially since there is such a large amount of Asians residing here. All the food is authentic and not tailored to Americans - which is kind of uncomfortable since I have no idea how/what to order half the time, but also exciting and new. Just be careful where you end up - I'm not so fond of Korean places, as their meat tends to have 'surprises' in it. Yikes. But there are endless possibilities for some cheap exotic dining.

Here are a few places we have gone and enjoyed:

Genki Sushi - they are everywhere; one of the cheap sushi places on the island. What makes this place fun is that all the tables are set around a huge conveyor belt, on which there is an endless parade of different kinds of sushi. Just grab whatever you want as it goes by! Fun. (Various)

Pinky's - We came across this place while hanging out with some Kailua locals - it rocks the house for value, and it's tasty. It's right down the road from a great beach for boogie boarding and surfing; Dunes. We just headed over after packing up our boards. The drink specials here are unheard of ($2.50 for a shaker of margarita!) and the vast array of appetizers are reasonably priced with fairly generous portions. Great place to go hang out for some snacks and drinks after a day at the beach. (Kailua towards Kaneohe)

Paradise Cafe - this is a cute (and cheap) little place in a strip mall - they have great breakfast sandwiches, and lunch and crepes are good too. Affordable and quick, this is a good place to stop for some grub when heading to or from Hanuma Bay. (Hawaii Kai)

Wahoo Taco - a little place around Ward center (downtown) that makes great fish tacos and burritos. The have chicken and steak as well, of course. It is kind of a Mexican Hawaiian fusion. David loves it. (Downtown)

Taco Del Mar - I'm pretty sure this is a chain, but it has cheap food, and is a step up from The Bell. It is right in Kapolei, where we live. (Kapolei)

The Shack - If you are over by Kailua and are craving a great burger and fries, this is the local place to go. It has indoor and lanai seating, as well as a few video games to distract a hungry guy, if needed. *UPDATE* I recently went back to The Shack, and management must have changed or something, because it was really not good. It's like Wendy's value menu burgers, except expensive and you have to tip. So if you are reading an old guidebook, or it gets recommended to you, just say no to crappy food. (Kailua)

Maui Taco - you have to get a burrito here if you are over in Kailua. It's a famous local staple. (Kailua)
Across the street from Maui Taco is Amina Pizzeria, and they have the most ridiculously good calzones anywhere. They are huge, so splitting with a friend is an economic possibility. Or you can be like me and snork the whole thing down yourself after a long day at the beach. (Kailua)

Matsumoto Shaved Ice - ok, so this isn't really food, per say. However, no trip to the North Shore is complete without one of their great shaved ice. There is almost always a bit of a line, but worth the wait. You can get it plain and boring (like me) or with beans (?!) and sweet cream, if you are being adventurous. (North Shore)

If you like Thai, hit up Haleiwa Eats. It's in the cute little pastel building next to Matsumoto's. It's a small place with indoor dining as well as a patio if you wanna be outside. The food is delicious and very fresh. To get to their bathroom, you have to actually walk through the tiny kitchen and between the chefs, so you get to see them cooking your meal. We've only been here once but sampled quite a few menu items and liked everything. (North Shore)

Shabu Shabu House - This restaurant was named for the type of cooking it uses, and it is one of those things that is unique to the culture that transplanted here, although David took a lot of the fun out of it by calling it "Chinese fondue". I am generally the only haole in the place, but everyone is very polite. Go in and sit down in front of a personal water-filled wok and order your meat choice. I recommend the beef/pork mix. They bring out a tray of thinly sliced, nice raw meat, and your vegetables - cabbage, spinach (?), tofu, Chinese sweet potato, udon noodles and rice. You basically cook your food in the wok and try them in all the different sauces available. It's fun, healthy, and can take a while if you are in a talking mood. It's called Shabu Shabu, because they say that is the sound the water makes when you swish your food in it. There is another shabu shabu restaurant right down the street that has a much nicer ambiance, called . I am not sure what the price range is, however. (Ala Moana area, between downtown and Waikiki)

Leonard Jr's Malsadas - this is another snack food that is practically part of the culture out here. Malsadas are best described as the Hawaiian donut, in my opinion. Leonard's the the most famous, and they have carts sprinkled around the island. Fun for a quick, sweet snack. (Various - Waikele)

Noodle House - Great lunch place with unique dishes that are fun to try and taste good. Pretty much any animal or fish you can think of are served here, and they are great for sharing. I discovered my love of crunchy noodles here, as well as the fact that lots of places here cook shrimp with the shells still on (and expect you to eat it that way). It added a surprisingly nutty crunch. Good food, with the occasional 'what is that?' that actually ends up being tasty. (Downtown)

If you are up the coast in the Waianae area, Makaha Valley Country Club is a great place for a fish sandwich. We came in straight from the beach. Good views of the golf course. Turn mauka (towards the mountains) on Makaha Valley Rd. (Makaha)

The Shrimp Shack - While you might think this is just a cutesy name for a restaurant, in reality it actually is a mobile, graffitied shack. This is actually not a specific place - there are several 'shrimp shacks' that roam around the island, selling plates of ridiculously yummy shrimp out of their vans. You have to know where the good ones usually stop - the best is Giovanni's, and there is an area in the North Shore that they usually are parked. A lunch consists of rice, salad, and a dozen shrimp of your flavor choice. Uniquely Hawaiian, this is one local food that is actually edible. I strongly suggest a stop; just be sure to have some cash on you - it's around $10 a plate. (Usually North Shore, right before the Haleiwa Marketplace shopping center)

Zippy's - You will see this restaurant on almost every corner on Oahu. Once you see the menu, you will realize I wasn't kidding about Hawaiians loving almost inedible food. This is more of a warning than anything, just in case you get to thinking quantity must equal some kind of quality. It doesn't. (Everywhere)

Moderate ($12 - $20 per person):

Kona Brewing Co. - This is a good restaurant to hang at - I would describe it as a Hawaiian Chili's meets Two Rows (brewery restaurant). Come here for some good Hawaiian-infused comfort foods and to try the different local brews. You can chill out inside, or on the deck on the bay. Very close to Hanuma Bay. (Hawaii Kai)

Indigo - This is a snazzy downtown bar that has great specials Tues - Fri: happy hour has free appetizers that are pretty fancy for being free. The cost of the martini is definitely worth it. There are several art galleries around the corner if you are feeling so inclined (and more opinionated) after drinks. (Downtown)

The Yard House - A Waikiki joint, this place will have tons of visitors. It is in a tourist-central part of town, which means it is a nice and fun area. This restaurnat is famous for its 100+ beers on tap. They have great food and great mixed drinks as well, although they are a little pricey ($9). Great place for hanging out and enjoying some tasty American-Hawaiian fusion food and beers.

Lulu's Waikiki - This is a great place for visitors - the food is varied and wonderful, and it is right on the Waikiki strip. The whole restaurant is on the 2nd story, and has no walls to speak of - you have a great 360 degree view of Waikiki, the ocean, and Diamondhead. However, the dinner menu is far superior to lunch, so I recommend coming here in the evening. Hard to spot, and virtually no parking (like everywhere else downtown). (Waikiki)

A random pic of the place I got off the internet.

The Olive Tree Cafe - It's been a long time since we've gone here (last time was the day we got engaged) but it still deserves a place on the list. It's Greek - fun, authentic, and has a great ambiance that you just don't get when big companies try to do it. Most visitors who come love the experience. Another thing that I love about this place is that you get restaurant-quality food without having to tip. Walk next door for a bubble tea to finish your meal. (Kahala)

Pizza Bob's - a great Italian joint if you are craving some pasta. They also serve pizza, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Generous portions, and flavorful combinations. It's almost like a mainland joint. (Which is a compliment). (North Shore)

Epic - David has been to this place for lunch and loved it. I'll have to have him guest blog for this listing.

Kuhio Sushi - We frequent this place a fair amount, as it is close to us and offers some decently priced (And tasting) sushi. Decent ambiance, in an outlet shopping center in Waikele. (Waikele)

Expensive ($20 and up):

Roy's (in Ko Olina) - this is convenient, because it is a nice restaurant about 2 minutes from our house. The menu is your traditional Hawaiian fusion, with the lunch menu being significantly cheaper, around $13. The decor itself is pretty ordinary, so if you are going for spectacular, this might not be the place for you. The food, however, is first rate. I got the 'Surf and Turf' and I can honestly say I haven't had food that good in a long time. The steak was cooked perfectly, and whatever that was on my plate around it was fantastic. David's fish was cooked very well too. The desserts are a bit of a let down - typical and uninspired - not bad, just ordinary. I would pass on sweets here. (Kapolei)

The Orchid Room - a nice place, great ambiance, and wonderful views, but I was less than impressed by my main dish. This is basically a steak and seafood house. I'd go here for some drinks and pupus, but go somewhere else if you want to have a special meal while you are here. (Waikiki)

The following are places I haven't been, but have heard good things about (of course they are all downtown):

Oceanarium - So, this hasn't got the best reviews ever, but it has a good lunch menu, consisting of seafood, burgers, steak, chicken and salads - supposedly. What makes this place note-worthy is the amazing 3 story aquarium wall in the middle of the restaurant, complete with a few sharks. Supposedly if it is a special occasion they will drop a sign down in it with 'Happy Birthday' or whatever you like written on it. They send a scuba diver in for feedings at noon and one. (Waikiki area)

Top of Waikiki - revolving steak house in Waikiki that has amazing 360 degree views. (Waikiki. Duh.)

Hanohano Room - also a steak house/Hawaiian fusion with good views of the ocean. (Waikiki)

Alan Wong's - I'm not sure about the view, but the food is supposed to be amazing. Sushi, seafood, and steak. Call for a reservation well in advance, maybe even before you get here if there is a certain day you wish to eat here. (Waikiki)