TO P R E STAU R ANTS | D DEAN’S DRIVE INN
DORAKU SUSHI
Some of the best local-style plate lunches are served up here by chef Dean Mishima and his baker wife, Doreen. Working out of a small storefront, regulars pack this spot by midday. Recommended: ahi belly, rack of lamb, teri beef, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. ——— Adon Plaza, 45-773 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe; 247-1300. Lunch (cash only) (closed Friday-Saturday). $
Sake fans know this chic Waikiki restaurant is tops in town when it comes to its liquor selection, but the nouveau sushi and outdoor seating area overlooking Kalakaua Avenue help elevate the restaurant founded by Kevin Aoki (son of the man who brought teppanyaki to America) to can’t-miss status. Recommended: Tuna Tataki with signature Mango-Ponzu Sauce, Dragon Roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, smelt roe and spicy mayo), Churrasco Steak (South American touches are courtesy of Doraku’s Florida roots). ——— Royal Hawaiian Center, 2233 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki; 922-3323; www.dorakusushi.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$$
DIAMOND HEAD MARKET & GRILL Operated by former restaurateur, gubernatorial chef and Kapiolani Community College instructor Kelvin Ro, this transformed plate-lunch spot has elevated takeout to another level, with a full bento bar, bakery and gourmet heat-and-eat shop also on the premises. Recommended: mixed plate, hamburger, Blueberry Cream-Cheese Scone, Lemon Crunch Cake. ——— 3158 Monsarrat Ave., Kapahulu; 732-0077; www.diamondheadmarket.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$
DOWNBEAT DINER Also see Best of Pau Hana Patrol, Page 77.
DOWNTOWN @ THE HISAM (AND ASAP SANDWICH, SOUP, SALAD COUNTER) Local chef-restaurateur Ed Kenney brings his “local first, organic when possible and with aloha always”
philosophy and contemporary Mediterranean ideas to a chic, well-lighted place and open-air courtyard at the Hawaii State Art Museum. ——— Hawaii State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel St.; 536-5900; www.hawaiistateartmuseum.org/?q=restaurant. Lunch daily, pupu-style menu on “First Fridays” from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (closed Sunday). $$
DUC’S BISTRO “Duc” Nguyen and partner Minh Nga Vu’s budgetfriendly, Vietnamese-driven menu has found a steady stream of followers in downtown Honolulu after more than a decade of success with a French-accented, finedining concept. In this economy, every penny pinched makes a difference, and Duc’s helps diners keep spending under control while still providing a tasty meal. Recommended: Veal in La Lot Leaves, Ga Kho (Vietnamese braised chicken), Minh Nga’s Ginger Cheesecake. ——— 1188 Maunakea St., Downtown; 531-6325; www.ducsbistro.com. Lunch (Monday-Friday), dinner. $$$
New! Salad Bar Included with Entrees LIVE Music • Private Parties Happy Hour Specials Magic with Santos Kidd
RESTAURANT
& 19TH PUKA
98-761 Oihana Place, Aiea • 486-3500 www.igesrestaurant.com
GAZEN
Happy Hour Special
Everyday 5 PM -6:30 PM
Draft Beer Pitcher 50% OFF Food menu starts at $3.80
Sun-Thu 9 PM - Close
Innovative,Traditional & Modern Japanese Izakaya Dishes with a Local Twist
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‘I L I MA AWAR DS
Wide Selection of Sake, Shochu, Beer, Cocktails, Whiskey & Wine
H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R