Oahu Dining
 

-Has anyone been to Alan Wong's or Chef Marvo. Are they any good, worth it? Reservations? Dress?<BR><BR>-Winward food Ideas <BR><BR>-North Shore food ideas

Re: windward and north shores - can't speak of "fine" dining, but can highly recommend Giovanni's shrimp truck in Kahuku - he serves an awesome shrimp and rice plate (we had to drive over there twice more for one, it was so good). Take it to Kualoa Park - a beautiful beach park w/stirring views of the mountains and Chinaman's Hat - for a delightful meal in wonderful surroundings. In Haleiwa, Jameson's has a great porch setting, but we felt the one meal we had there wasn't terribly good - maybe we just ordered wrong. Also, there's a famous hamburger/ sandwich shop (Ku-aina? someone help me out) with great hamburgers. Again, get your food to go and visit Haleiwa's Beach Park for another great "atmospheric" dining experience. And a shave ice for desert from Matsomoto's - a must while on Oahu.

I have not been to either but I did work as a chef on Oahu for 2 1/2 years. I have been to other high-end restaurants in those islands also. I can tell this the Hawaiian Islands in the mid 90's were reported on for cuisine in bono petite and gourmet magazine more than any other place. I did see New York mentioned a lot but I was surprised at how frequently chefs from the Hawaiian islands were mentioned. I think there is greater market for dining this being a vacation spot and the competition is fierce. <BR><BR>I have consistently found that the food in places like Roy's and Wong's is similar to Roy's is top notch but not top priced…. definitely worth the visit. You think this is expensive? …come to NYC and try to find a comparable restaurant you will be paying $75-$100 per person here.<BR>

We stayed on Lanikai last year and found our food options slim. Definately get some pointers here. I suggest buying the zagats to the islands. Also don't forget it is just a 20 minute jaunt over the Pali to Honolulu were restaurants are abundant.

We ate at Alan Wong's last October. Excellent food, great service. My wife says it is the best meal she's ever had. I say it was in the top 5 (I'm not that bold). <BR>You are not going for the atmsophere here. It is on the 2nd floor of an office building. However, atmosphere is good. Ask to be seated out by the windows (more quiet). Dress was more casual than we expected. People were dressed across the board. <BR><BR>Dining at Alan's is a must.<BR><BR>p.s. We have dined at some of the best in Hawaii, San Fran. NYC, Boston, Phila, etc...<BR><BR>Enjoy!

Alan Wong's was the best dining experience on Oahu when we visited last May. We plan to go again during our wedding/honeymoon in about three weeks.<BR>The staff is young but incredibly knowledgable of the cuisine. Mt family is in the Asian Fusion restaurant business (w/my dad being exec chef), so I am quite knowledgable about the style at Alan Wong's. Definitely a must - but be warned that the exterior is absolutely decieving - it's an old stuccoed office building with no numbers or signage to let you know taht it's a restaurant) - but step out from the elevator and it's another world. Very nice!!!<BR><BR>Heard great things about mavro too, but spent my money at Wong's, Hoku's (Mandarin Oriental) and MaiTai's. Good Luck!

Alan Wong's was the best dining experience on Oahu when we visited last May. We plan to go again during our wedding/honeymoon in about three weeks.<BR>The staff is young but incredibly knowledgable of the cuisine. Mt family is in the Asian Fusion restaurant business (w/my dad being exec chef), so I am quite knowledgable about the style at Alan Wong's. Definitely a must - but be warned that the exterior is absolutely decieving - it's an old stuccoed office building with no numbers or signage to let you know taht it's a restaurant) - but step out from the elevator and it's another world. Very nice!!!<BR><BR>Heard great things about mavro too, but spent my money at Wong's, Hoku's (Mandarin Oriental) and MaiTai's. Good Luck! Casual dress oK - aloha attire ok - yes to reservations...

What do you guys think about Chef Marvo

We went in one night having heard the food was very creative. the restarunt is tiny and dark, but in an elegant sort of way. The menu was very small and they seem to be really big on matching wines with each course. I don't know if we just had a bad night, but we ending up leaving after a drink. The service was so slow and the menu/prices didn't seem worth waiting for. I like Alan Wongs, but don't love it the way I like 3660 on the Rise, Palaminos or Sam Choys. All are young, hip (noisy) Pacific Fusion places, but the others are so much prettier. A lot of Alan Wong's dishes seem to be dressed up too much...he combines two perfectly good foods, then puts on too many garnishes or swirls. I find it distracting, if you can call a dish that. all of these places call for nice slacks and aloha shirt (business colors, please) for men and casual/nice for women. Yes to reservations, although you can usually walk in on weeknights.<BR>sorry, can't think of any windward or North Shore places. We tend to not drive that much into the country.... :-)

Just wanted to add that I am always on the hunt for good mexican food here. We had an excellent meal at Cisco's Cantina in Kailua today. Much better than fancy mexican places in Honolulu.

I've been to both and enjoyed both.
Excellent food, lots of local business people the nights I went. The only complaint I had at Alan Wong's was the AC was too cold. No complaints at Marvo's.

Just wanted to mention that Aaron's on Ala Moana and Seratinos (spelling?) at the top of the I are having early bird specials. $24 for three course meals.

There is no question that Alan Wong or Mavro are excellent chefs and that their creations are worth the money.

The key question is, can you afford it?
Mavro is more expensive, but you are paying for the leisurely, intimate experience with a significant price for the wine pairing.

Roy's in Hawaii Kai has really improved, but many people dislike the noise in the restaurant.

Sometimes overlooked is 3660 On the Rise. I think that chef Russell Siu takes a simpler approach to his cooking than does Alan Wong, but it is no less flavorful and garners its own share of awards and recognition.

Jameson's by the Sea in Haleiwa is nice. Get there early for a table on the porch at sunset.

Just wanted to add that Alan Wong opened a bakery in Kahala.

Whatever you do, don't miss breakfast at &quot;Eggsnthings&quot; at 1911-B Kalakakua Avenue (main drag in Waikiki). Get there early or wait in line. They have great omelets and the best pancakes you ever tasted. I even bought some pancake mix to bring home. You'll love it!

One place that gets overlooked a bit is Michel's, in the Colony Surf Hotel. It's an upscale restaurant and the food is always good. The service is incredible. We got a table close to the beach so the view was wonderful!

Eggs n Things is way over-rated...and over-priced. Had breakfast there one morning while in Oahu back in October. Somewhat crowded, food and service was OK, but much better bargains and food elsewhere.

John Dominis Restaurant for dinner is superb. Would highly recommend a window table for about 1/2 hr before sunset. Wonderful view of Waikiki and Diamond Head in the distance.

Just spoke to ADAM Wong at Great Harvest Bread in Kahala. No relation to Alan Wong, but appreciates the comparison and thanks islandmom for the compliment.

alan wong was fantastic. mavro was even better and the wine pairings were well worth it. la mer was fine but too expensive and rather stuffy: the only dress code we encountered. these places rival the finest dining experiences on the mainland at prices a shade under those.

Oops.

If anyone is into cooking classes check out www.gourmetcookinghawaii.com

Alan Wong's is my favorite restaurant. Be sure to make reservations early.

As Melissa mentioned, Michel's is in a great setting next to the ocean. It's a bit more formal, but the food is wonderful.

I also like the setting at the Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel. Best for breakfast or lunch, I think.

On the Windward side, we like Cinnamon's for informal dining.

I just took Leburta to dinner at Chef Mavro's last night and we loved it! It is quite pricey, but everything was delicious. Her husband was especially turned on by the excellent wine pairings. We had a soup-to-nuts meal but walked away not feeling too full, just right.....the true mark of a good restaurant. My fave was the lobster. Oh, and of course the foie gras, but that's my favorite <i>anywhere.</i>

One thing I don't like about these so called fine dining restaurants is that they often don't give you much food. I went to Alan Wong's website and Roy's website and the food portions in the pictures looked like child's portions. Anyone have any suggestions on a place with quality and quantity? I already have Dukes on my list! Leaving in 9 days.

I am almost... speechless.

In the spirit of cooperating, may I suggest Nico's, Monarch Seafood, Town, 12th Avenue Grill, and maybe on the top end Chai's Bistro or 3660 on the RIse.

I understand the resistance to the high end, but Duke's cannot be mentioned in the same breath.

Definitely Chai's Island Bistro..We were just there a few weeks ago and loved loved loved it.

I just recently became a member of Fodor's and have really enjoyed reading the postings. It puts a smile on my face to see how genuinely kind, supportive and helpful the Fodor's members are. Although I am still challenged with finding responses to my postings, the information I found reading other's postings has been enlightening and educational. Cheers to your kindness and sharing of knowledge. Stacia

I probably will get a lot of flack for this, but I think the best place for dining in Oahu, for the money, quality, quantity of food, is the Wailana Coffee Shop. Besides, their coffee is spectacular.

Flack..I hope not!! Everything has it's place, and good coffee definitely has it's place in my life!!
Thanks for the tip!((y))
Belle

Waldo, I don't see how anyone could give you flack for recommending Wailana. Anytime locals are willing to brave parking in Waikiki to eat pancakes they must be good! For extra fun sit in Jo's section.

&gt;islandmom wrote:
&gt;Date: 05/25/2003, 07:39 pm
&gt;Just wanted to add that I am always on the hunt for good mexican food here.

I have eaten at Cisco's, but I thought the food was average and the service, surly. My favorite Mexican places here are Jose's in Kaimuki and Compagres at Ward Warehouse.

And whoever said that Eggs n Things is overpriced, I defy you to find a better, bigger breakfast for $8! I love that place!

If you're looking for a place on the Windward side - Haleiwa Joe's in Kaneohe is very good - their coconut shrimp is delicious! I also hear their prime rib is good - every time we go, they seem to be sold out - someone said you have to get there by 6:00. The view is nice - it is set by the Koolau mountain range an overlooks a garden that you can walk down to.

For Mexican food, Mexico Lindo has two locations - one in Kailua and one in Kaneohe (the one in Kaneohe is really small and the one in Kailua is really noisy) but the food is good. There is also a place near Kapahulu called Toritos that has good food.

As for Alan Wong - the food is delicious! The serving is a little small and there is really no view but the food is good. I haven't been to Mavros.

And if you want a good breakfast, you need to come to the windward side and go to Boots and Kimos. They have an UNBELIEVABLE macadamia nut pancake. My friend licks her plate every time we go. It is REALLY small and there is usually a line (especially on the weekends) but it is worth the wait. The service is pretty sad but just wait for the pancakes. Hope this helps.

Eggs n Things is definitely overated. The service is ok, but the wait for breakfast is usually long. There are definitely cheaper deals around where the wait isn't as long. Found a nice little internet cafe right next door to Eggs n Things that serves breakfast all day.

Oh, I also definitely recommend Giovanni's shrimp truck in Kahuku. They have the BEST shrimp scampi on the island. Don't forget to bring a Sharpie pen and sign the truck!

There really isn't much of a choice in fine dining on the way to North Shore. There are a bunch of restaurants in Haleiwa. Jameson's has a nice atmosphere. For dessert, don't miss Matsumoto's for shaved ice also in Haleiwa. It's the best!

After two extended visits to Honolulu in the last year, the most memorable dinner we had was at 3660 on the Rise. A meal at Alan Wong's was pricey, but really just OK. Another real pleasure for food and the view is House Without a Key. Been back there several times. The setting is most luxurious!
Also---make sure to do the walking tour of Chinatown with PakePorkChop. It's wonderful!

Thank you for your kind words about the Chinatown Walking Tour.

For the information of readers, the Culinary Walking Tour of Chinatown is now offered on MONDAYS, from 9:30 am to 12 noon.

Special group tours are also possible by arrangement with the Chinese Chamber of Commercer, 533-3181, or you can email email [email protected] for more information.

Mahalo!