The second location of this popular bar and restaurant (the other is on the Big Island) makes its home on Oahu. Over a dozen ales and lagers are hand-crafted on the premises, including popular Wailua Wheat, Big Wave Golden Ale, and Longboard Island Lager. Many of the beers make their way into the food as well, including delicious pizzas and entrees like Garden Isle Grilled Chicken with a red ale glaze and beer-braised ribs in a Black Sand Porter sauce. The open-air dining room allows for pleasant breezes and mild temps — in short, the perfect setting in which to knock back a few brews.
Recommended for Kahala's Best Restaurants because: Kona Brewing Co. is a local brewery that creates amazing beer and serves delicious, high quality pub food with a Pacific twist.
Jade's expert tip: Try the beer sampler to get a taste of all the local brews.
Reminiscent of a classic Italian eatery in Milan or Rome, Arancino serves gourmet Italian food at the high end Kahala Resort. Opened in June, 2013, this is one of the newest eateries in Kahala. Open for dinner seven nights a week, Arancino introduces a dining concept that offers you different ways to create your meal, and will showcase Italian dishes that blend tradition with modern twists. The prix fixe menu allows you to select your four or five-course dinner in more than 3,000 ways, resulting in a unique dining experience. Courses feature Insalata (salad), Antipasti (appetizer), Primi (pasta), Secondi (entrée) and Dolce (dessert). You can choose one of five dishes available in each course. Executive Chef Daisuke Hamamoto's has thoughtfully put together a wide selection of house-made pastas, brick oven pizzas, gibier (game meat delicacies) and more. Meanwhile, an extensive wine list designed by Shinya Tasaki, a past winner of the World's Best Sommelier Award, features different premium wines from Italy and Pacific Rim countries. Arancino at The Kahala's five-course dinners are $100 plus tax and gratuity, with a four-course option at $85 plus tax and gratuity.
Recommended for Kahala's Best Restaurants because: Aracina is the newest restaurant in Kahala, serving up gourmet Italian food in a high end resort setting.
Jade's expert tip: Make sure to make reservations.
Spare, contemporary design not only makes an unassuming backdrop for this appealing bistro; it also serves as a thoughtful counterpoint to a menu of simply prepared but complex offerings. Stellar ingredients step in to be given loving attention from the chefs, who turn out dishes like a grilled half-chicken with pancetta, slow-braised pork cheeks, black mussels with fennel-tinged homemade pasta, and crisp, creative salads. Even burgers are sublime. Good wines heighten the flavors, and outdoor dining lets you take in good weather with your great food. You'll need a reservation here any night of the week, so don't forget to call in.
Recommended for Kahala's Best Restaurants because: Town is renowned for creating delicious dishes that utilize locally sourced and organic ingredients.
Jade's expert tip: Reservations are necessary here to ensure a table.
Bogart's is one of those hole-in-the-wall places that is a tried and true reliable joint for locals in search of that perfect breakfast. Whether taken to eat on the go or eaten at one of their small sidewalk or indoor tables, Bogart's is a not to miss place for anyone vising Honolulu. The tiny cafe has an extensive hand written menu on the wall, and although it's quite varied and long, everything is really good. The coffees are also great and they have every type of espresso you could want. A real hit is the breakfast bagel sandwich, can't go wrong with that.
Recommended for Kahala's Best Restaurants because: Bogart's is one of the top spots for wonderful coffee, breakfast, brunch and lunch that can be eaten in the small cafe or taken to go.
Jade's expert tip: It's a good idea to call ahead and order, they can be quite packed in the mornings.
Under the masterful tutelage of chef Roy Yamaguchi, who skillfully fuses European and Asian cuisines, this establishment has earned a reputation for lively ambiance, attentive service, and incredible food. A devotion to impeccably fresh ingredients and a penchant for artistic presentation characterizes the menu, whose temptations include an array of Pacific rim dishes with enough options to make any vegetarian happy. There's also steak, lamb, pasta, pork, and duck. Nightly specials make an appearance too, and the signature chocolate souffle is absolutely sinful. It's a perfect place for a romantic dinner, but also appropriate for fun nights out with a group of friends.
Recommended for Kahala's Best Restaurants because: Roy's is magnificent, all around. Great service, great food, and great drinks make it one of the island's best restaurants.
Jade's expert tip: When making reservations, make sure you call the Kahala rather than the Honolulu location.
Nine white canvas tents set on the beach function as the "dining room" of this romantic, honeymoon-worthy restaurant � sea air and rolling waves accompany your meal. Most dishes are large enough for two or more to share, including freshly-prepared opakapaka, filleted tableside. Sides like grilled vegetable orzo pasta and steamed Manila clams are short on fussiness and long on flavor. Sauces are given unusual attention; sample citrus-daikon-lime ponzu or tomato-flavored lobster stock reduction, both available with fish offerings. This is one of the most romantic restaurants around, and is ideal for any special occasions. The truly sea side location can't be beat.
Recommended for Kahala's Best Restaurants because: This eatery is literally located right on the beach, where you can enjoy gourmet perfectly cooked dishes.
Jade's expert tip: Don't forget to make a reservation, and bring a light sweater because it's outdoors.
Trying to please a number of different tastes? This wonderful, beachfront eatery deftly provides plenty of territory for satisfaction. Throughout the day, you'll find everything from ahi sandwiches to grilled steaks, steamed fish, savory pastas, and roasted chicken. Better yet, fixed-price buffet options ply diners with a wealth of delights at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find an outdoor table, browse the menu, and enjoy anything you choose, be it Asian, American, Mediterranean, or Hawaiian. Great for groups and families. Located in the swanky Kahala Resort, Plumeria Beach House is a high end eatery where dressing up a bit is a must.
Recommended for Kahala's Best Restaurants because: The Plumeria Beach House serves perfectly put together meals with an ambiance that is upscale and elegant.
Jade's expert tip: Located in the ultra luxurious Kahala Resort, you need reservations for this restaurant.
Casual and unpretentious, this well-attended eatery serves up some of the best Middle Eastern food you'll find. Everything is fresh and homemade, from fish souvlaki to tzatziki sauce. You'll also find grilled lamb, refreshing tabbouleh salads, and hot, satisfying falafel. The ambiance isn't incredibly refined, and a parking lot comprises the outdoor views, but you'll forget about the surroundings once you've tasted the savory � not to mention, affordable � fare. N.B. If you want wine or beer, you'll have to supply your own. The Olive Tree Cafe is easily accessible in Kahala, and is the only restaurant of it's kind in the immediate area.
Recommended for Kahala's Best Restaurants because: The Olive Tree Cafe serves amazing Middle Eastern food, which is rare for Honolulu.
Jade's expert tip: Don't forget to make reservations.
If you're the sort who likes a touch of culinary drama, keep an eye on the open kitchen at this striking restaurant. Wood-burning ovens, a grill, and sizzling woks provide spectacle as the staff prepares roast fish, grilled rack of lamb, and stir-fried lobster. Quality, however, isn't lost amid the machinations; rather, everything is first-rate, especially crisped whole island fish, osso bucco, and ahi tuna in its many incarnations. Terrific views complement the experience, as does an attentive staff. Pricey but worth the expense. Located at the ultra luxurious Kahala Resort, Hoku's is a high end and elegant restaurant, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Recommended for Kahala's Best Restaurants because: Hoku's is an elegant eatery at the Kahala Resort that creates magnificent dishes served in a beautiful atmosphere.
Jade's expert tip: A juice, coffee or mimosa is included with brunch.