The Local’s Guide to Dining in Honolulu

Mara Honolulu is quite possibly the hottest restaurant that has opened so far in 2024, and the hype is real. If you are seeking authentic Mediterranean cuisine, look no further. Everything on the menu is delicious, but make sure to start with the tasting trio, which includes hummus, tzatziki and roasted beet bocconcino stracciatella. The trio pairs perfectly with the complimentary soft, fluffy pita, which arrives warm and fresh out of the oven.

Et Al, located inside the upscale grocery store, Kahala Market, is a hidden gem bursting with flavorful food. The beautiful interiors offer a relaxed, but chic backdrop, which is perfect for brunch with friends, happy hour with coworkers or dinner with the family. The soft-shell crab benedict with ulu (breadfruit) rosti is the perfect combination of flavor and texture and a must-try if you find yourself there during brunch.

Artizen by MW is the casual sister restaurant to the upscale MW Restaurant and offers elevated entrees for lunch or dinner in a relaxed setting. The mochi-crusted options — fish or tofu — are light and incredibly delicious. Make sure to save room for any of their wonderful desserts — Chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka is a renowned pastry chef and you can’t go wrong with any of her delicious offerings.

Located in Ward Village, Straits delivers delectable Southeast Asian inspired cuisine that will have you coming back for more. Serving brunch on the weekends, lunch, happy hour and dinner, the vibe skews young and trendy during the latter two time spots. Lunch is a great option; do yourself a favor and start with the *roti prata* and crispy chicken “lollipops” to share with the table. Both are packed with flavor and texture and set the tone for the rest of the meal. The *nasi lemak* and *roti john* are excellent options, especially with the beef rendang or sambal eggplant. If you are particular about spicy food, they are very flexible and can tone it up or down to your liking. Finish off the meal with the refreshing *guri guri* which is a twist on shave ice that’s comes out beautifully decorated.

Sitting along the Hawai'i Kai Marina, with the windows open and breeze flowing in Heavenly Island Lifestyle Hawai'i Kai’s vibe exemplifies their namesake. Warm, relaxed and truly heavenly, it is the perfect place to enjoy a meal from breakfast to dinner, or even after a hike up the Koko Head stairs. The potato hash Canadian poutine for breakfast, the fish tacos for lunch and the mentaiko butter shoyu pasta are personal favorites, but but everything on the menu is good and you won't be disappointed.

Kamitoku Ramen serves a unique beef bone broth ramen which is creamy and comforting and surprisingly dairy-free. With springy, chewy noodles, moist tender beef, a boiled egg, bamboo shoots and a sprinkling of roasted garlic, the Beefy Wild is the “original” and recommended for your first time here.

Wallflour Bakery a truly artisan bakery with a wide variety of baked goods, operates a stall out of the Kaka’ako Farmers Market on Saturdays. Arrive early to grab an assortment of sweet and savory pastries and breads. The line is usually long, but it moves fast and is worth the wait. If you’re lucky to be in town on a Monday when they are hosting their pop-up bakery at the ‘ili’ili Cash and Carry, you can preorder your goods online during the week prior and skip the lines when you pick it up.

The Food Company Kailua is a great hole-in-the-wall spot to grab food on your way to the beach. Offering breakfast, lunch, bentos and more, the portions are large and the food is delicious. The local-style mochiko chicken with potato macaroni salad and white rice is the ultimate comfort food and perfect for munching on between dips in the ocean at nearby Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach.

Quality, memorable Italian food on the west side? Yes, this is Mad Bene in Kapolei, which offers housemade fresh pasta with delectable sauces and New York style pizza. Do yourself a favor and make sure to order the eggplant parmesan sticks in addition to any of their pastas. If you stay on this side of the island, make a point to stop by — you will not be disappointed. Staying in a different area? This is worth the drive. You can combine it with leisurely beach time at the Ko Olina lagoons or a shopping spree at Waikele Outlets.

Pop into Eleven with your friends or coworkers to enjoy some small bites and cocktails. With over 90 whiskeys, their extensive cocktail list promises wonderful drinks in a cozy atmosphere. The weekend brunch buffet ($35 for adults, $16 for kids 10 and younger) features an ever-changing assortment of seasonal dishes and wonderful brunch staples with a Hawaiian flair.

When you enter Wild Orange, it feels like you have stumbled into a secret club where it’s cool kids only. This unique speakeasy, located inside Hawaiian Brian’s Social Club, is hidden behind an Aloha Maid vending machine. Open the door and you are transported into a moody, dark bar featuring a giant orange tree in the middle and back-lit vintage slot machines that resemble stained glass. With trendy Japanese music playing in the background and vintage throne chairs, the mood is set even before you order drinks. The tasty drinks are made with precision, and the small menu of delectable vegan bites is a hidden surprise.