HawaiianChef Roy Yamaguchi$$$$$45 to $85 entreesBook 2 weeks ahead
Roy's Hawaii Kai is where Roy Yamaguchi launched Hawaiian Regional Cuisine in 1988, still the flagship fine dining room of the chain on the Honolulu side.
Order: Misoyaki butterfish and the warm dark chocolate souffle to finish.
Tip: Off the Menu Tuesdays run a four-course tasting at lower prices. Back room has the marina view.
Asian fusionChef Colin Sato$$$$$215 to $295Sun 09:00-17:00Book 3 weeks ahead
Mugen Waikiki is the Forbes Five-Star 34-seat fine dining room inside ESPACIO Waikiki, in Honolulu, where chef Colin Sato runs a five-course menu designed.
Order: The full five-course tasting with wine pairing from the Wine Spectator Best Of collection.
Tip: Resort wear required. Valet on the ESPACIO motor lobby is complimentary for diners; book three weeks out.
French fine diningChef Alexandre Trancher$$$$$245 prix fixeBook 4 weeks ahead
La Mer at Halekulani is the French fine dining room in Honolulu's Waikiki that has held AAA Five Diamond status since 1990 and a Forbes Five-Star designation.
Order: Eight-course menu degustation; the bouillabaisse course is the signature.
Tip: Tuesday to Saturday, dinner only. Jackets required for men; book four weeks out for an ocean window.
JapaneseChef Anthony Rush$$$$$135 to $160Book 3 weeks ahead
Senia in Honolulu Chinatown is chef Anthony Rush's fine dining tasting room of eight to ten courses, drawing on Hawaiian, Japanese and French training.
Order: Chef's tasting menu, with the smoked ahi cigars and bone marrow course.
Tip: Sit at the chef's counter for a closer look; book through Tock three weeks ahead for prime time.
HawaiianChef Lance Kosaka$$$$$95 to $150 entreesBook 2 weeks ahead
53 By The Sea is the oceanfront fine dining room in Kakaako Honolulu, opened in 2012 with a grand staircase, Diamond Head views and a Pacific Rim menu.
Order: The Hawaiian opah preparation and a steak from the prime board.
Tip: Sunset tables go fast; aim for the second seating. Complimentary valet at the main door.
HawaiianChef Peter Merriman$$$$$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.