town has been one of our favorite restaurants since they opened several years ago just down the ridge from where we live. And yes it is town, not capitalized, simply lower case. Which perhaps explains part of the philosophy of Chef-Restaurateurs, Ed Kenny and David Caldiero. Keep it simple using only the freshest ingredients and if they are not available, change the menu. Because of this philosophy, town quickly became one of the hottest new dining spots in Honolulu and a multi award-winning restaurant, with innovative Mediterranean influenced menus that change often depending on what is in season. And always, always, wonderfully prepared food, perfectly cooked and perfectly seasoned, often with herbs they grow in front of the restaurant.
town is a beautifully designed restaurant with original art work that changes almost as often as the menu and a high energy vibe that matches the stainless steel bar and modern tables and chairs. Although the menu does change, some things remain the same, such as the homemade Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce, a to-die-for indulgence which I seem to order every time we go there, along with one of their sensational salads that taste like someone just went out back and picked the lettuce and tomatoes for it.
If you're lucky enough to be there when they have the Braised Pork Cheeks, do not pass them up. Served with an excellent smooth polenta and sauteed bitter greens, it is a totally memorable meal. One of the more popular dishes is the Half Roast Chicken on a bed of croutons - really delightful. Or try a bowl of creamy risotto with truffle oil or a steak from beef raised free-range on the North Shore. Whatever you choose, you're sure to be delighted with it.
There is a full bar and the wine list features boutique vineyards, many available by the glass.
There is seating for dinner at the bar which is our favorite place to eat and outdoor seating (which is dog friendly), neither of which requires a reservation. But if you want to be seated at one of the tables, reservations are an absolute must. There is a $15 corkage fee per bottle and Tamura's Wine Store is just up the street on the left hand side
Open Mon. to Thurs. - 6:30 am to 9:30 pm; Fri. & Sat. 6:30 am to 10 pm
Continental Breakfast 6:30 am to 11:30 am
Lunch - 11:20 am to 2:30 pm
Gap Menu 2:30 to 5:30 pm (limited selections available)
Dinner - 5:30 to closing
3435 Waialae Avenue, Kaimuki - 735-5900
Parking is available on the street and behind the building.
$15 or less - Breakfast & Lunch
$15 to $30 - Dinner
Per person, not including drinks, taxes or gratuities
Oahu'a Best & Most Affordable Restaurants
Oahu, while not the largest island, is the most populated which means on this island you'll find the most restaurants, nightclubs, activities and hotels than on all the other islands combined. The Honolulu metro area offers some of the most varied food in the world, no doubt due to Hawaii's diverse population which comes from all over the world. From 5-star restaurants to little hole-in-the-wall take-out spots and prices that go from $10 to $40 & up, whether you're craving Himalayan cuisine (yes, really) or French classic, you'll find it here.
And the places to find the most affordable restaurants are in the neighborhoods where the local residents dine. Kaimuki is a short bus ride from Waikiki with the main street, Waialae Avenue, aka Restaurant Row, lined with award-winning restaurants of every ethnic cuisine imaginable (even the Himalayan) featuring fresh ingredients from farms throughout Oahu and serving wonderful food at affordable prices. Also close to Waikiki is both Monserrat & Kapahulu Avenues where there are many small neighborhood restaurants serving up great food at great prices.
The Chinatown/Downtown Honolulu area was revitalized a number of years ago. Along with the original Chinese herbalist stores, noodle shops and markets, suddenly art galleries, nightclubs and restaurants were popping up in beautifully renovated brick buildings, many with outdoor courtyards for perfect al fresco dining. It's become such a foodie, arty, entertainment haven, that every month there is the 1st Friday celebration that brings thousands and thousands of residents (along with savvy visitors) to Chinatown's streets.
The restaurant reviews are "recommended only" since I've never seen any sense in writing about something simply to tell people not to go there. My philosophy has always been in reviewing restaurants to look for good value for your money, whether it is a budget or a high-end restaurant. If you're paying only $10 per person, don't expect china and linen, but more likely paper with plastic utensils. On the other hand if the meal is costing two of you well over $100, everything, and I do mean everything, should be perfect - service, food and atmosphere.
We pay for all our own meals and do not accept advertising from any of the restaurants that will be listed. Many of these restaurants are small and cannot afford advertising in the tourist magazines or the daily newspaper, so you will rarely find them in those publications. I will be adding new restaurants on a daily basis. Bon Appetit!
$ - Inexpensive - $10 or less
$$ - Moderate - $10 to $20
$$$ - Expensive - $20 to $40
$$$$ - Very Expensive - $40 & up
Per person, not including drinks, taxes or gratuities.
And the places to find the most affordable restaurants are in the neighborhoods where the local residents dine. Kaimuki is a short bus ride from Waikiki with the main street, Waialae Avenue, aka Restaurant Row, lined with award-winning restaurants of every ethnic cuisine imaginable (even the Himalayan) featuring fresh ingredients from farms throughout Oahu and serving wonderful food at affordable prices. Also close to Waikiki is both Monserrat & Kapahulu Avenues where there are many small neighborhood restaurants serving up great food at great prices.
The Chinatown/Downtown Honolulu area was revitalized a number of years ago. Along with the original Chinese herbalist stores, noodle shops and markets, suddenly art galleries, nightclubs and restaurants were popping up in beautifully renovated brick buildings, many with outdoor courtyards for perfect al fresco dining. It's become such a foodie, arty, entertainment haven, that every month there is the 1st Friday celebration that brings thousands and thousands of residents (along with savvy visitors) to Chinatown's streets.
The restaurant reviews are "recommended only" since I've never seen any sense in writing about something simply to tell people not to go there. My philosophy has always been in reviewing restaurants to look for good value for your money, whether it is a budget or a high-end restaurant. If you're paying only $10 per person, don't expect china and linen, but more likely paper with plastic utensils. On the other hand if the meal is costing two of you well over $100, everything, and I do mean everything, should be perfect - service, food and atmosphere.
We pay for all our own meals and do not accept advertising from any of the restaurants that will be listed. Many of these restaurants are small and cannot afford advertising in the tourist magazines or the daily newspaper, so you will rarely find them in those publications. I will be adding new restaurants on a daily basis. Bon Appetit!
$ - Inexpensive - $10 or less
$$ - Moderate - $10 to $20
$$$ - Expensive - $20 to $40
$$$$ - Very Expensive - $40 & up
Per person, not including drinks, taxes or gratuities.
14 October 2009
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