Photo: Baku.

From sinfully delicious seafood to fire-grilled feasts the new restaurant scene on Oahu continues to mesmerize. International influences paired with local ingredients make Hawaii’s hot restaurants, lounges and bars truly unique. Here’s a look at some of the best and brand new eateries to taste.

1. Herringbone Waikiki

Photo: Herringbone Waikiki.

California coastal cuisine has found it’s way to the shores of Waikiki! Chef Brian Malarky crafts his dishes for swanky diners with a “Fish Meats Field” concept of cooking at Herringbone Waikiki. The celebrity chef and former Top Chef contestant has evolved into a household name with hip yet casual eateries in California, Las Vegas and now Hawaii.

Located at International Market Place, classic recipes are given a vibrant new twist for lunch, dinner, oyster hour or weekend brunch. Seafood emerges as the true star on this menu with items categorized into cold fare, seafood platters, greens, hot fare, flatbreads and more.

Herringbone Waikiki
International Market Place
2330 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 797-2435

2. Pai Honolulu

Photo: Pai.

Modern kaiseki-style dining highlighting local and international ingredients makes Pai a “must try” for foodies. Chef Kevin Lee brings his classic training with innovative influences to the kitchen, the sought-after Chef’s Counter, dining room and Bar & Lounge. With the Culinary Institute in New York and experience as a Sous Chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant on his resume, the former Chef de Cuisine at Prima in Kailua is happy to now call Pai his permanent home.

Menu items are seasonal and greatly influenced by Asian flavors and created using the freshest ingredients. The menu options are Chef’s Tasting, Prix Fixe or Bites/Shared Plates, although the best way to experience this restaurant is to indulge in the kaiseki-set menu for a taste of all the mouthwatering offerings.

Pai Honolulu
Harbor Court
55 Merchant Street, Suite 110
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 744-2531
Closed Sunday and Monday

3. Leahi Concept Kitchen

Photo: Leahi Concept Kitchen.

A unique collaboration between the Waikiki Parc Hotel and the Kapiolani Community College Culinary Arts Program, Leahi Concept Kitchen seeks to provide an opportunity for students to execute their culinary and hospitality dreams. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Chef Eddie Mafnas brings his worldly experiences and island upbringing to the table with a strong history in catering and cooking for celebrities.

Chef Mafnas mentors up-and-coming cooks with apprenticeships, hands-on experience and pop-up dinners featuring some of the world’s best chefs. The menu utilizes farm-fresh local ingredients with island-inspired flavor combinations and beautifully composed island comfort foods.

Leahi Concept Kitchen
Waikiki Parc Hotel
2233 Helumoa Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 762-2220

4. Basalt Restaurant

Photo: Basalt.

Global cuisine accented with local ingredients and local flavors makes Basalt a memorable stop for visitors and kamaaina. Located in the newly transformed Dukes Lane, Basalt is a dining concept nestled within a lively market and grab-n-go eatery in the heart of Waikiki.

The open kitchen welcomes guests while Corporate Executive Chef Kelly Degala and Executive Chef Keith Steel Kong compose a menu that is based on multicultural influences and showcase fresh, innovative and diverse meals. Items on the menu include French-inspired classic starters, poke, raw bar, rotisserie and more.

Basalt
Dukes Lane
2255 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-5689

5. Baku

Photo: Baku.

Traditional Japanese cuisine showcased with pacific innovative flare, Baku Waikiki takes contemporary to a whole new level while highlighting robata Japanese classics. “Around the fire” cooking via robata and yakitori charcoal grilling techniques keep items tender, moist and smoky in flavor. Chef Joseph Rose harnesses his culinary skills to enhance the flavors of Asia with the influences of Hawaii delicacies.

This brand new flagship restaurant at International Market Place has people buzzing about the tasty sushi and East-meets-West flavor profiles. From maki rolls, to skewers and savory pickled bites, the flavor profile is sure to impress. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafoods, roasted vegetables and specialty high quality meats prepared to order and meant to be shared.

Baku Waikiki
International Market Place
2330 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 800-3571