HAWAIIAN/PAN-PACIFIC

21 DEGREES NORTH

Enjoy fine contemporary Pacific Rim cuisine from an extensive menu while taking in breathtaking views of Turtle Bay through their floor-to-ceiling windows. Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku. 293-6000.

ALAN WONG’S

Hawaiian regional cuisine featuring current, innovative recipes created from hand-picked fruits and veggies off of local farms by one of the most influential chefs in the Islands. 1857 S. King St., Honolulu. 949-2566.

BALI BY THE SEA

Tantalizing Pacific Rim cuisine with an impressive wine list, in an open air environment with spectacular oceanside dining. Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu. 949-4321.

CANOES AT THE ILIKAI

Canoes strives to share the bounty and diversity of the Pacific through its regional Hawaiian cuisine emphasizing the freshest local produce and fish. The Ilikai, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. 949-3811.

DIAMOND HEAD GRILL

Located in the W Honolulu Hotel, this award-winning restaurant presenting regional Hawaiian Cuisine is open for dinner daily and offers banquet and catering services. The W Honolulu Hotel, 2885 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. 922-3734.

HOKU’S

A favorite Pan Pacific restaurant to the stars, rich in ethnic tastes that you can sample on their tasting menu while sipping on a vintage glass of wine from the worldly wine list. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Ave., Honolulu. 739-8780.

PRINCE COURT

Take in a magnificent Island sunset through the restaurants glass walls while feasting on the freshest contemporary Island cuisine blending traditional culinary artistry of the West and East. Prince Resort Hawaii, 100 Holomoana St., Honolulu. 956-1111.

SAM CHOY’S DIAMOND HEAD

The famous Sam Choy’s original Honolulu restaurant is an Island landmark presenting a distinctively local dining experience and a Big Aloha Sunday Brunch buffet. 449 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu.732-8645.

STEAKS/CHOPS/SEAFOOD

CHART HOUSE

Capture brilliant sunset views at this luxury restaurant where specials always include steak and lobster, stuffed shrimp and a fresh catch of the day, and the nightly entertainment never ends. 1765 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. 941-6660.

D.K. STEAK HOUSE

Home of Oahu’s only dry-aging room serving only USDA high-grade beef, this American steakhouse offers an extensive wine list, incredible ocean views and to-die-for side dishes. Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 2552 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. 931-6280.

HY’S STEAK HOUSE

Boasting an ambience unlike any other found in Hawaii, this steakhouse features a stunning Kiawe Grill and rich combination dishes including steak and lobster, scallops, scampi and Alaskan king crab. Waikiki Park Heights Hotel, 2440 Kuhio Ave., Honolulu. 922-5555.

jOHN DOMINIS RESTAURANT

Honolulu’s premier restaurant since 1979 grants unforgettable views of Diamond Head, Waikiki’s skyline and the ocean, and provides exquisite fresh seafood and a sophisticated sushi bar. 43 Ahui, Honolulu. 523-0955.

LONGHI’S ALA MOANA

Created by a “man who loves to eat,” this acclaimed restaurant relies on its waiters to recite a verbal menu featuring lobster and prawns, as well as steaks, chops, veal and pastas. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. 947-9899.

MORTON’S – THE STEAKHOUSE

The country’s premier steakhouse boasts a steak impossible to duplicate simply because they have chosen the prime of the prime USDA beef, aged it to perfection, and broiled up to 1,200 degrees. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. 949-1300.

NICK’S FISHMARKET

This laidback dining oasis presents the best service in town, live entertainment and a Lobster Tasting Menu at a decent price. 2070 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. 955-6333.

AARON’S ATOP THE ALA MOANA

Spend the evening fine dining and overlooking Ala Moana Beach Park and the Ala Wai Boat Harbor at this seafood restaurant featuring an excellent Early Bird Special. 410 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu.

ORCHIDS

Delight your taste buds on this top seafood restaurant’s multi-faceted menu featuring Hawaiian favorite sautéed Mahi Mahi, broiled Atlantic salmon steak and seared Australian Lemongrass prawns. Halekulani Resort, 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu. 923-2311.

ROYAL HAWAIIAN HOTEL

Presenting one of the most elegant brunches on the Island featuring a fresh seafood station packed with shucked oysters, prepared king crab legs, sashimi, shrimp and a variety of poke. 2259 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. 923-7311.

ROY’S

Roy’s has been a Honolulu staple since 1988, presenting Hawaiian fusion cuisine blending European sauces, daring Asian spices and fresh local produce and seafood. 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu. 396-7697.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

An extraordinary dining experience where U.S. Prime steaks broiled to excellence take the spotlight, but following in suit is their skillfully executive seafood plates, New Orleans-inspired appetizers and tantalizing deserts. 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 6C, Honolulu. 599-3860.

SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

Named one of the “Best Sushi Bars” in the United States by Travel & Leisure Magazine this seafood restaurant presents traditional sushi items, Japanese entrees and an infusion of the two with a slight regional Hawaiian flavor. 2552 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. 931-6286.

TOP OF WAIKIKI

The only revolving restaurant in the Islands presents fantastic views of Diamond Head and the world’s most famous beach while serving innovative dishes such as grilled lamb three ways. 21st Floor, Waikiki Business Plaza, 2270 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. 923-3877.

ASIAN

BEIJING

Praised as the best Chinese food and service, Beijing offers the finest Chinese seafood rich in flavor perfected for the American palate in an authentic ambience. 2301 Kalakaua Ave., Ste C311b1, Honolulu. 971-8833.

BENIHANA

Offering an exciting experience at every table, this traditional Japanese-style hibachi steakhouse features a variety of sushi and teppanyaki dishes including chicken, steak, shrimp, sops and lobster. Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu. 955-5955.

CHAI’S ISLAND BISTRO

One of Honolulu’s favorite Thai restaurants presents traditional dancers, and specializes in traditional and non-traditional dishes combining the fresh flavors of the Pacific. Aloha Tower Marketplace, 101 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. 850-0011.

CHEF MAVRO

Named one of the Top 10 restaurants in the world by “Fodor,” Chef Mavro is completely dedicated to paring entrees and wine, presenting elaborate three and four course meals. 1969 South King St., Honolulu. 944-4714.

E&O TRADING COMPANY

A pioneer of the Southeast Asian grill concept, this authentic restaurant draws inspiration for its recipes from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and East India. 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. 591-9555.

GOLDEN DRAGON

Known for its prized Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, Golden Dragon offers an unforgettable ethnic experience complete with fortune telling tea ladies and a glass enclosed smoking room. 949-4321.

INDIGO

This romantic restaurant has mastered the art of Eurasian cuisine since 1994, winning numerous awards with its East meets West menu and eclectic wine selection. 1121 Nu’uanu Ave., Honolulu. 521-2900.

KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

Be entertained and enjoy famous Kobe beef Teppanyaki style with fresh oriental vegetables, grilled noodles and sizzling fried rice. The menu also offers a great selection of fresh seafood. 1841 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu. 941-4444.

RESTAURANT SUNTORY

Suntory is highly regarded for its sushi plucked from the exquisite fresh fish and shellfish from the Island as well as Shabu-Shabu and Teppanyaki. 2233 Kalakaua Ave., Ste 307, Honolulu. 922-5511.

SHANGHAI BISTRO

This elegant bistro features a menu full of flavor and surprises, introducing a fusion of traditional Chinese entrees with Thai and Japanese influences. 1778 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. 955-8668.

SUSHI SASABUNE

This sushi restaurant invites those who truly appreciate the tradition and artistry of sushi, presenting the best seasonal fish from around the globe. 1419 S. King St., Honolulu. 947-3800.

TANAKA OF TOKYO

This Teppanyaki Japanese restaurant offers a full selection of seafood, steak, garden fresh vegetables, and specializes in imported lobster tails, shrimp, scallops and certified Black Angus sirloin. The Ilikai Hotel, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. 945-3443.

TOKYO – TOKYO

Revel in the highest quality ingredients such as exotic seafood flown from the fish markets of Tsukiji, Fukuoka and Boston, while experiencing the peaceful ambience at this Japanese infusion restaurant. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Ave Honolulu. 739-8901.

LAU YEE CHAI CHINESE RESTAURANT

Surround yourself in exquisite traditional Chinese art in the heart of Waikiki while feasting on their new bold menu with an array of taste tingling dishes. 2250 Kalakaua Avenue, 5th Floor, Honolulu. 923-1112.

ITALIAN

MATTEO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

This Old World eatery has been awarded 17 times as one of Hawaii’s best restaurant featuring traditional Italian specialties, and more than 700 wines and champagnes. 364 Seaside Ave. Honolulu. 922-5551.

SARENTO’S TOP OF THE “I”

Take the scenic ride in a glass elevator up to Sarento’s, where you will find homemade pastas and sausages, baking potato foccacia bread and smoked salmon that has been cured and spiced for two days. 1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. 955-5559.

SERGIO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

An Island favorite for the past 18 years, this classic Italian restaurant features amazing entrees, entertaining tableside presentations and delicious flambé desserts in a Tuscan Farmhouse setting. Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu. 951-6900.

CONTINENTAL/ MEDITERRANEAN

3660 ON THE RISE

3660, where the East and West congregate, has become a top celebrity hangout and presents a culinary blend of European, Pacific Rim and Island-style cuisine, worldly wines and succulent desert. 3660 Waialae Ave., Honolulu. 737-1177.

AARON’S ATOP THE ALA MOANA

This restaurant featuring classic American cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences, such as asparagus with goat cheese, is on the 36th-floor of the Ala Moana Hotel offering fantastic cityscape views. Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive. 955-4466.

CAFé MIRO

The strictly fixed-price menu found at this elegant French café presents traditional French accented dishes with a light Japanese influence prepared by Chef-owner Shigeru Kobayashi. 3446 Wai’alae Ave., Honolulu. 734-2737.

HANOHANO ROOM

Ride the glass elevator 30 floors up to Waikiki’s highest dining point to relish in titillating continental dishes with Hawaiian flare while sipping on their famous “lava flows.” Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 2255 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. 922-4422.

LA MER

This fantastic French restaurant with a Pacific Rim influenced menu presents a signature dining experience offering stunning views of the ocean perfect for special occasions. 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu. 923-2311.

MICHEL’S The most romantic dining experience on the Island features a caviar selection and burgundy escargot for starters, and the finest seafood, lamb, veal and filets for dinner entrees.