Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and food. It's the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the state, with a second-floor, open-
sided room with views of Diamond Head and the sound of trade winds rustling the nearby
coconut fronds. Michelin Award-winning chef Yves Garnier melds classical French influences
with fresh Island ingredients. Winners include the signature crispy-skin filet of onaga with
truffle jus, tomato confit, and fresh basil; and the delightful local fish baked in a rosemary-salt
crust. The wine list, desserts, and service—formal without being stiff—complete the dining
experience.
At the Halekulani, 2199 Kalia Rd.
&
808/923-2311.
www.halekulani.com
. Reservations recommended. Jackets or long-
sleeved shirts required for men. Prix-fixe menus $90 for 2 courses, $120 for 3 courses, $135 for 4 courses; $180 for
“Ultimate” dinner with vintage Madeira. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 6-10pm.
Michel's
★★
FRENCH/HAWAII REGIONAL This dining room, on the sand at Sans Souci
Beach, has windows that open to the ocean air. One side looks toward the sunset, with torches
on the breakwater, and a hula moon above the palm fronds; the Waikiki skyline is visible on
the other. If that wasn't enough to lure you in, they also have live music nightly (beginning at
6:30pm). All tables have ocean views, and dining here is less stiff and more welcoming than
in bygone years. Jackets are no longer required for men, but collared shirts and long pants are
preferred. Chef Hardy Kintscher has added his touch to the classics (onion soup, steak tartare,
chateaubriand, bouillabaisse) and prepares fresh seafood, vegetarian creations, and rack of
lamb with restraint and creativity.
At the Colony Surf Hotel, 2895 Kalakaua Ave.
&
808/923-6552.
www.michelshawaii.com
. Reservations recommended.
Collared shirts and long pants preferred for men; no shorts or beachwear permitted. Main courses $42-$65. AE, DC,
MC, V. Daily 5:30-9pm; Sun brunch 10am-1pm (1st Sun of each month only).
Morimoto
★★★
JAPANESE Masaharu Morimoto, the star of the TV show Iron Chef, stars
nightly at his just-opened signature restaurant. The big, elegant dining room features the Mor-
imoto's signature cuisine, which blends traditional Japanese dishes with fresh Western in-
gredients, to wildly received applause.
Dinner is the main attraction, where unforgettable dishes like hamachi tartare are served
with an assortment of condiments, including Moromoto's guacamole, a nori puree, rice crack-
ers, sour cream, wasbi, and yamamomo (a Japanese peach). For the ultimate foodie experien-
ce, order the omakase (“in the chef's hands”) menu, an elaborate and decadent multicourse
tasting menu. Morimoto also serves a traditional Japanese breakfast (as well as Western break-
fast options—don't miss the banana macadamia nut pancakes), and has a range of options for
lunch, from sandwiches and entrees to offerings from the sushi bar. You can even eat on the
lanai.
At the Waikiki Edition hotel, 1775 Ala Moana Blvd (at Hobron Ln).
&
808/943-5900.
www.morimotowaikiki.com
.
Reser-
vations recommended for dinner. Breakfast entrees $7-$29; lunch entrees $18-$85; dinner entrees $18-$110;
omakase
menu $110. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 6:30-10am, 11am-2:30pm, and 5:30-10pm (Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm).
