Yanagi Sushi

Sushi... I've had some of the best in Japan so having sushi anywhere else in the world just isn't the same. I gotta admit though, Yanagi Sushi comes pretty close.

Yanagi is known as one of the best Sushi restaurants in Honolulu. A friend took me there for my birthday once. We tried different types of Sushi rolls from soft-shell crab to spicy tuna. Oishi! (Delicious)

Matusmoto's Shave Ice

A trip to the North Shore just wouldn't be the same without stopping by Matsumoto's for some shave ice. In Japan, shave ice is known as "Kakigori" (Thank you Aya for the translation :) . I wanted to take a picture of my shave ice with ice cream and azuki beans... but I was too busy eating it!

La Mariana

Many locals have heard of La Mariana but have never been there. The restaurant can be found off of Sand Island access road fronting the reef runway. At times you can hear planes flying overhead departing Honolulu International Airport.

Balloon fish lantern

Being that it was still mid-morning, I just had a virgin Lava Flow. The Zombie and the Mai Tai here are pretty potent though... (so I've heard). Next time I'll get a picture of a drink in a tiki-glass.

Featured on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations - Hawaii, this hard-to-find little dive is perhaps Oahu's last remaining authentic tiki-bar. Though I don't really drink, I did appreciate the decor of the joint - like something straight out of "Gilligan's Island". Some say its cheesy, others say its cool. I would have to agree with the latter.

Forty Niner Drive Inn

A fixture in Aiea, I drove past this diner for years. This was the first time I got to eat there. This place is a literal hole-in-the-wall-joint that makes great food. I had the Forty Niner Breakfast with eggs, fried rice and li'l smokies. Ono-licious for $3.95

Sanoya

Sanoya's famous backward sign


For those of you who fell asleep in Japanese class, the sign reads; "Ramen" in Katakana. Sooo desu ne!



One of my favorite late-night hangouts, I hadn't eaten there in years until yesterday. I had the udon set with chicken katsu. The prices are reasonable and the food is good. What more can you ask for?

Fat Boy's

Nestled in the new Waipio Shopping Center (near Costco) is Fat Boys Local Drive In. Their menu features the usual local favorites; Garlic Chicken, Beef Stew, Loco Moco etc... all made with a gourmet touch.

I went there during breakfast and tried their fried rice omelet plate. At $7.25 it was a bit pricey but the portion was enough for two. Oishi!!!!

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

The restaurant is located on the side of the Hokua building near Ward Center. According to PFC's website: the restaurant "specializes in a unique combination of Chinese cuisine, attentive service, wine, and tempting desserts all served in a stylish, high-energy bistro."

I haven't eaten there yet, but my friends tell me that the food is pretty good.

Leonard's Malasadas (Waikele)

A Hawaii favorite, Leonard's original store is in Kapahulu. In Waikele, they have a mobile stand which sell the popular "portugese donut". I had a malasada "puff" which is a malasada filled with custard... Oishi!

Hawaiian Host Chocolates

Arguably the most popular "omiyage" people bring home after visiting Hawaii. You can usually buy a travel / gift pack which includes 6 (5 ounce) boxes for less than $10 at Wal-Mart.

Kua Aina - Ward

Kua Aina's original restaurant is in Haleiwa, but they have another location in Honolulu and numerous locations in Japan. Above is a picture of their Ward location. Known for their avocado burger, some say that the North Shore location is still the best.

Big Kahuna's

Another one of my favorite restaurants, Big Kahuna's moved from their literal "hole-in-the-wall" location in Mapunapuna to their current location near the Airport. Kahunas is known for their gourmet pizzas, but I go there for their epic sandwiches and their world famous garlic cheese balls.

Gina's Korean BBQ

Keep in mind, this is their "regular" plate

Updated 5/21/08. Sad news - Gina's II in Waipahu is now closed. However, their Market City location is still as busy as ever.

Gina's has got to be one of my favorite restaurants on Oahu. Not only do they give a incredible amount of food at a reasonable price, Gina (the owner) is friendly and generous. I first heard about Gina's when I attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The original Gina's is in Market City near UH. The restaurant is a favorite with university students. Many of which go there to "grind" after a study or surf session!

If you're hungry, try a Chicken Katsu plate for $6.50. The plate lunch includes: a huge amount of katsu, four scoops of vegetables, and three scoops of rice. Still hungry? try the "Gina's Special" - trust me, you won't go hungry!

John Dominis

Commonly known as one of Oahu's most expensive restaurants... One day I'll actually get to eat there!

Maui Tacos

Tacos Al Pastor for only $3.25



I love mexican food! Maui Tacos makes fresh, tasty mexican food that is affordable and healthy. The walls of the Mililani restaurant have pictures of celebrities that have eaten at their locations. I had one of their specialty tacos with tortilla chips and fresh pineapple salsa for only $3.25.

Poke Stop

Poke Stop is one of those "hole-in-the wall" joints that sells great food. Their poke is great but today I had their fresh fish combo (fish sandwich + chowder). The Chowder was the creamiest that I ever had. I could tell that it was freshly made. The owner of Poke Stop Elmer Guzman, was a sous chef under Emiril Lagassee.

Kats Sushi

Today for lunch I had all-you-can-eat Sushi at Kat's. I haven't had that much sushi since going to a kaiten sushi restaurant in Kobe.

Sushi in Hawaii cannot compare to Sushi in Japan but let me tell you, Kat's sushi is pretty good!

Giovanni's - Shrimp Truck

You know, I'm not a shrimp-person...

In fact, like some Asians I know I also have a mild allergic reaction when I eat shrimp. I get this scratchty and tingly feeling on my tongue and throat when I eat certain types of seafood.

Does that stop me from eating at the world-famous Giovanni's Shrimp Truck? Not really actually. I noticed that their garlic shrimp is so oily and full of garlic that the shrimp does not seem to affect me as much.