Top Rated Restaurants en Cafés in Hawaii

The crown jewel of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel dining scene is stunning in every aspect, from the unique decor to the exotic dishes to the superb views. The restaurant is set on its own tiny island. Guests walk on a stone path, crossing the stream on a tiny bridge. Once there, it's easy to see and hear the Pacific Ocean located just a few hundred yards away. Signature items include the Lobster Tempura appetizer, the Seared White Peppered Ahi and the Grilled Lemon Pepper Scallops.

Hawaiians have been enjoying Roy Yamaguchi's innovative recipes for more than a decade. This restaurant located at the Kings' Shops is one of a half-dozen in the state. It serves artistic, flavorful, complex Pacific Rim cuisine, featuring the best local ingredients and eclectic preparations. Signature dishes include "Town & Country" Island Style Poke and Steamed Hawaiian Onaga. The wine list features varieties from around the world, plus a few from Roy's own label.

Chef Peter Merriman, the former culinary star of Mauna Lani Resort, has received critical and public acclaim for his Upcountry venture. Serving the best and freshest Big Island products with contemporary flair, this restaurant is on a par with the finest resort gourmet rooms. Mr. Merriman personally supervises the purchase of ingredients from local farms and makes sure to give credit where credit is due. Fresh seafood, creative salads and decadent desserts are always present on the ever-changing menu.

Located at 2764 feet (842.47 meters) in the small ranching town of Waimea, this boutique brewery holds the distinction of being the highest brewery in Hawaii. Locals know this place as an extension to the ever-popular Tako Taco Mexican café. Located in the very heart of Waimea, the brewery was a long time in the making. The vats are anchored to the rear of the restaurant in an old barn with a variety of brews that are too long to list. There is live music three times a week, and that ever-popular Tako Taco menu of salads, burritos and quesadillas is ready for the asking.

Pick of the dining options within The Fairmont Orchid, Brown's is a beach-side retreat that sports a perfect setting for unforgettable meals. You can practically feel the sea when you dine in the restaurant's splendid outdoor setting amidst palm trees accentuated by tropical decor. The sweeping ocean views are to die for and sunsets are as romantic as they come. But it's not just the location that has made Brown's, a destination of such caliber. The restaurant has a firm local food philosophy with pretty much all the ingredients being sourced from top local farms. It's the same with seafood. The menu also assumes a local vein with Big Island cooking traditions at the forefront and a healthy choice in Pacific Rim specialties. Seafood is an absolute delight and should not be missed. For a more intimate experience, the restaurant offers the option of private dining in a setting that can only be termed as memorable. Call ahead or check website for reservations and more.

Oenophiles will rejoice at this fantastic offering within the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel that gives as much attention to the food served as to the wine itself. The daily changing food menu centers around the restaurant's superb wine list, with the chef concocting excellent Hawaiian-inspired specialties with a creative bend. The restaurant boasts of an Enomatic wine storage system which allows patrons to sample pretty much every wine on the list by the glass; a sheer delight for wine lovers. The wine list itself is pretty diverse and throws up some great choices from the best wine producing regions. The restaurant changes character in the mornings to become a lively breakfast destination. The restaurant benefits from the hotel's stunning location and offers breathtaking water views from pretty much every seat. The light-filled outdoor area is an excellent choice for a romantic sunset meal.