Honolulu has indeed evolved rapidly from a culinary wasteland into a major player in the international restaurant scene. Home to the innovative fusion cuisine called Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, which blends Asian and Euro-American ingredients and flavors, Hawaii offers some of the most unique and satisfying dishes in the world. Honolulu's top chefs--like Alan Wong, Padovani, Sam Choy, Roy Yamashiro, and George Mavrothallasitis--each have signature restaurants. There is also a large selection of restaurants in and around Waikiki, most of which are excellent. Honolulu features stellar examples of various ethnic foods from China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Chinatown hosts several four-star eateries, specializing in Cantonese, Hong Kong, Hunan, and Szechwan styles. There's great American fare as well, with superb steak and seafood restaurants serving abalone, spiny Pacific lobster, swordfish, tuna, and, of course, mahi mahi fresh from the Hawaiian waters.

Alan Wong's
1857 S. King St.
808-949-2526
Price range: Very Expensive
Cuisine type: Continental, Asian
Owner-chef Alan Wong has broadened the dimensions and reputation of Hawaii Regional cuisine with his unusual blend of European and Asian flavors. The ambiance is romantic and quiet, with a quality wait staff and superb food.

Cafe Sistina
1314 S. King St.
808-596-0061
Credit cards accepted: All Major
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Italian
Euro-hip with murals of Italian masterpieces decorating the walls and ceiling, this homey, contemporary restaurant serves both traditional and nontraditional Italian dishes.

Caio Mein
2424 Kalakaua Ave.
808-923-1234
Credit cards accepted: All Major
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Chinese, Italian
The appealing contemporary decor, relaxed ambience, and lovely open-air seating area complements the unique cuisine at this casual eatery.

Chai's Island Bistro
1 Aloha Tower Dr.
808-585-0011
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Continental, Thai
Flower-filled and flavorful, this Thai bistro offers a celebrated menu rife with seafood, meat, poultry, and vegetarian dishes. Live performances by top names in Hawaiian music adds to the experience. Indoor and al fresco seating are available.

Chef Mavro
1969 S. King St.
808-944-4714
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Asian, French
The calm, cool setting compliments the meticulously crafted menu by owner-chef, George Mavrothalssitis. Six to seven entrees are typically available, with tempting fish, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes that deliver on flavor as well as presentation.

Diamond Head Grill
2885 Kalakaua Ave.
808-924-3111
Credit cards accepted: All Major
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Seafood
The hip, chic decor and great menu of Diamond Head Grill go hand-in-hand with the piano and jazz vocalist discretely performing in the background.

Hoku's
5000 Kahala Ave.
Credit cards accepted: All Major
Price range: Very Expensive
Cuisine type: Asian, Italian
The highlight of the ethnically-diverse, innovative cuisine served at this elegant eatery is the stellar oyster and sushi bar.

Hy's Steak House
2440 Kuhio Ave.
808-922-5555
Credit cards accepted: All Major
Price range: Very Expensive
Cuisine type: Steakhouse
Formal dress with excellent service, this elegant steakhouse arguably offers the best meat in Honolulu.

Indigo
1121 Nuuanu Ave.
808-521-2900
Credit cards accepted: Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Asian Fusion, International
Award winning Chef Glenn Chu offers Eurasian cuisine in a picturesque environment. House favorites include Miso Marinated Atlantic Salmon Filet with Cucumber Salad and Grilled Island Breast of Chicken with Indigo Peanut Sauce. Reservations are recommended especially for an outdoor lanai table.

Onjin Cafe
401 Kamakee St.
808-589-1666
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Mastercard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Fusion, French, Asian
A comfortable ambience, attentive service, and great food makes for a winning combination served up by Korean-born owner-chef Onjin Kim. The exquisite presentation of each dish compliments its delicate balance of flavor and spice.

Orchids
Host: Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kalia Rd.
808-923-2311
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Continental
This ocean-side restaurant boasts romantic al fresco dining and unforgettable cuisine. The service is top-notch and the brunch is fabulous. Watch the sunset as you savor Orchid's sophisticated food.

Royal Luau
2259 Kalakaua Ave.
808-931-7194
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Polynesian
No tourist can resist a luau feast while v isiting Hawaii. The Royal Luau occurs every Monday evening and promises a bountiful Hawaiian feast on the Ocean Lawn followed by music and entertainment by the Royal Polynesian Extravaganza.

Tai Pan On The Boulevard
1680 Kapiolani Blvd.
808-943-1888
Credit cards accepted: All Major
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Continental, Asian
The decor is chic and the space is blessedly quiet, with light background music to accompany delicious meals presented with an artistic flair.

Yanagi Sushi
762 Kapiolani Blvd.
808-597-1525
Credit cards accepted: All Major
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Japanese
Yanagi Sushi has a contemporary Japanese decor and an impressive menu that includes sushi, steak, a nd tempura--all perfectly prepared and served.