HawaiianChef Peter Merriman$$$$$45 to $75 entreesBook 2 weeks ahead
Merriman's Honolulu is Peter Merriman's first Oahu outpost, opened at Ward Village in 2017 from the chef who co-founded Hawaiian Regional Cuisine in 1991.
Order: The wok-charred ahi and the Hawaiian opihi shooters on the half shell.
Tip: Anaha tower entrance via Auahi Street. Sunset terrace seats book first; ask for an upper level.
New AmericanChef Michael Mina$$$$$60 to $180 entreesBook 1 week ahead
Stripsteak Waikiki is Michael Mina's modern American steakhouse in Honolulu's International Market Place, with prime Angus, American wagyu and Japanese A5.
Order: The triple-seared Japanese A5 wagyu with yuzu kosho, and the truffle pommes puree side.
Tip: Open-air Grand Lanai seats catch the trade wind. Happy hour 16:00-18:00 daily for bar bites.
Japanese sushiChef Keiji Nakazawa$$$$$300 omakaseBook 8 weeks ahead
Sushi Sho Hawaii is chef Keiji Nakazawa's 16-seat edomae omakase counter at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, with a 30-plus course.
Order: The full 30-plus course omakase; the otoro nigiri and aged Maui bonito are signatures.
Tip: Two seatings nightly, no children under 12. Reservations open via phone only; book eight weeks ahead.
HawaiianChef Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka$$$$$45 to $90 entreesBook 2 weeks ahead
MW Restaurant is the Ala Moana Honolulu fine-dining room of husband-and-wife chefs Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka, who trained at Alan Wong's and built.
Order: Mochi-crusted local fish; pastry chef Michelle's caramel miso baby cake to finish.
Tip: Velocity Honolulu second floor, dinner only Tuesday through Sunday. Order the dessert tasting.
Modern EuropeanChef Robynne Maii$$$$$32 to $58 entreesBook 4 weeks ahead
Fete Hawaii is chef Robynne Maii's farm-to-table room in Chinatown Honolulu, awarded the 2022 James Beard for Best Chef Northwest and Pacific on first.
Order: The daily pasta and a wedge salad with house bacon to start.
Tip: Book four weeks out; bar seats are walk-in and turn at 17:30. Tuesday through Saturday, dinner only.
HawaiianChef Roy Yamaguchi$$$$$45 to $85 entreesBook 2 weeks ahead
Roy's Hawaii Kai is where Roy Yamaguchi launched Hawaiian Regional Cuisine in 1988, still the flagship fine dining room of the chain on the Honolulu side.
Order: Misoyaki butterfish and the warm dark chocolate souffle to finish.
Tip: Off the Menu Tuesdays run a four-course tasting at lower prices. Back room has the marina view.