Chef 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 nomination.
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.
Chef 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 of Maunalua Bay.
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.
Chef Colin Sato$215 to $295Book 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 with Alan Wong.
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.
Chef 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 under chef Alexandre Trancher.
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.
Chef 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; co-founded with Chris Kajioka in 2016 and Rush-led since 2021.
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.
Chef 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 of catches and steaks.
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.