May 25th, 2007
Dining in Kailua - the finest cuisine outside of Honolulu
If you’re coming to Oahu, to really experience the island, you’ll have to venture outside of the tourist mecca of Waikiki. Kailua, a quaint little town over the Pali Highway and 25 minutes from Waikiki, is a well-kept secret, with beautiful beaches, quaint little shops, and cuisine as tasty as anything you’ll find in the city (and for a much better price). Here are a few of my favorites:
Buzz’s Steakhouse, 413 Kawaila Rd (across from Kailua Beach Park), Kailua 808-261-4661
I’m a vegetarian, so I come to Buzz’s for the salad bar only - which is the finest salad bar I’ve ever had. I’m talking all-you-can-eat avocado, olives, veggies, fruit… it’s just spectacular. But, with that said, Buzz’s is known for it’s amazing steak and seafood dishes, and it’s ambiance - it’s located right across from Kailua Beach Park, surrounded by tiki torches and they have their own steam machine. Make know, however, that Buzz’s only accepts cash and credit cards, and they won’t let you in if you’re wearing "slippahs" (flip-flops).
Lucy’s Bar & Grill, 33 Aulike St, Kailua 808-230-8188
Lucy’s is definitely my favorite restaurant in Kailua, and it might actually be up there with my favorite on the entire island. Lucy’s attracts the well-to-do business folk out for a night of the finest island cuisine as well as locals stopping in for a cocktail after work. The foods definitely pricey for the windward side (expect to pay at least $75 for two if you’re getting dinner and drinks), but it’s worth every penny. Only the freshest ingredients are used and the fish is always cooked to perfection. Usually we just sit at the bar and I don’t even have to look at the menu : the Ahi Tower, a glass of Reisling, and I’m in heaven.
Pinky’s Pupu Bar & Grill, 970 Kalaheo Ave, Kailua 808-254-6255
If you’re coming to Hawaii, you’ll understand that "pupus" are appetizers, and Pinky’s is a great place to come order munchies and cocktails. Under the same ownership as Lucy’s and Buzz’s, Pinky’s is more casual and has a sort-of "diner" feel to it. They serve beer on tap in over-sized glasses and it’s a good place to spend a couple hours enjoy good food in a great atmosphere. I love the dozen oyster shooters that come in shot glasses with cocktail sauce and horseradish, and the fish tacos are some of the best (and cheapest) in Kailua.
Ninja Sushi, next to Don Quiote, Kailua
Ok, Ninja Sushi isn’t a restaurant, in fact, it’s just a take-out sushi shop in the center of town, but I thought it definitely deserves an honorable mention in this review because I stop in there at least two times a week. The woman behind the counter knows my order now when I come in. There are several of this chain on the island, and I can’t speak for the rest of them, but I can honestly say that this is some of the most delicious sushi you’ll taste, and for a fraction of the price that you’ll find at a "real" restaurant. I think the secret’s in the sauce and the way they make their rice.
For more suggestions for your journey to the other side of the island, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email at abby@hawaii-aloha.com.
Happy Feasting!