6 Honolulu Restaurants That Will Not Disappoint

There may be no other place in the United States with such unique flavors and cuisines as Hawaii, and as the state’s largest city, Honolulu has some of the best restaurants.

While Honolulu (or Hawaii) has yet to be visited by inspectors from the Michelin Guide, meaning no restaurants have a Michelin Star , that doesn’t mean there aren’t any restaurants worthy of such accolades.

Hawaii’s cuisine, culture, and atmosphere must be experienced to understand how special the state truly is. With that in mind, we turned to Yelp to find the restaurants with the most 4- and 5-star reviews, meaning they would most certainly deserve a visit from Michelin — and hopefully gain a coveted Star, or at the very least a Bib Gourmand rating.

Here are six restaurants in Honolulu that are worthy of Michelin honors. (Planning a trip to Honolulu and Hawaii? These extravagant hotels are Hawaii’s most expensive .)

La Mer

From the moment you walk into La Mer , you can tell each elegant detail will elevate your experience.

La Mer is the only restaurant in Honolulu that has received the AAA Five Diamond Award as well as the Forbes 5 Star Award. The meals are exquisite, the service is top-notch, and they also have an award-winning wine selection. You can choose from dishes such as the Chilean Sea Bass or the Lamb Filet. For dessert, try the Caramel Mousse or Honey Crème Fraiche.

Pai Honolulu

The elegant Pai Honolulu , in the downtown Arts District, is a culinary experience you won’t forget. Behind the delicious menu is Chef Kevin J. Lee, who apprenticed at some of New York’s top restaurants before opening Pai Honolulu where Lee combines his international experience with contemporary American favorites.

Choose from the Chef’s Tasting Menu or the Four Course Menu. The Chef’s Tasting Menu includes 90-Day Dry-aged Beef or Duck Confit Katsu Bao. You can end the evening with Mai Tai Sherbet or the Strawberries & Crème Panna Cotta.

Michel’s at the Colony Surf

Michel’s at the Colony Surf is a must for anyone who loves a French-inspired meal — and a breathtaking view.

The menu at Michel’s at the Colony Surf includes entrees such as the famous Lobster Bisque A La Michel’s, or you can opt for the tasting menu. Be sure to check out their selection of rare Japanese whiskies and craft cocktails.

Merriman’s Honolulu

Merriman’s Honolulu , led by Peter Merriman, combines the casual feel of a neighborhood bistro with the unique culture and feel of old Hawaii.

Merriman’s has won numerous awards from Honolulu Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, and Hawaii Magazine for a menu that includes the Kalua Pig Quesadilla, Organic Taro Hummus, and the Garlic Roasted Wild Shrimp.

The Pig & the Lady

The Pig & the Lady is a creative Vietnamese culinary experience by Chef Andrew Le, who was inspired by his cultural roots.

The menu includes casual eats such as Banh Mi, a Vietnamese-style sandwich served on a baguette, and more distinguished dishes such as the Claypot Braised Kona Kanpachi cooked with pork belly and shrimp. Sides include rice, a toasted baguette, Maggi Butter Fried Egg, and either veggie or pork spring rolls.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

If you’re in Hawaii, you must enjoy some native cuisine, and what better place than Helena’s Hawaiian Food , a family-owned business since 1946.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food received the Regional Classic James Beard Award in 2000. They serve local favorites such as Kalua Pig, Short Ribs, and Lomi Salmon. (Check out the favorite foods of America’s recent presidents .)

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