Honolulu

Located in Honolulu's Chinatown, Helena's Hawaiian Food is an unassuming eatery that has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the best restuarants in Oahu to sample Hawaiian specialties like Kalua Pig, Lomi Salmon, Pipikaula-Style Short Ribs, and Haupia (a coconut milk-based dessert). Portions are small and economical, which allow diners to try several dishes at once, or sample one of the set menus. Helena's is always busy, so expect to wait a minimum of 15 minutes for a table. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday, 10.30am to 7.30pm.

Food Type :Local

Address :1240 North School Street

Website :www.helenashawaiianfood.com

Uncle Clay's doesn't have a large menu, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming one of the most popular restaurants in Hawaii. The restaurant specialises in a range of shaved ices using all-natural ingredients ranging from sweet potato and kale to chocolate, guava and coffee: this isn't your average snow cone! Uncle Clay and his staff draw equally rave reviews for the friendly service. Despite the restaurant's location in an unassuming strip mall, it is a must-visit on any trip to Honolulu.

Food Type :Local

Address :820 West Hind Drive

Website :www.houseofpurealoha.com

An old-school steakhouse with a reputation for the best cuts of beef in Honolulu, Hy's Steakhouse is set in an elegant wood-panelled dining room in the Waikiki Park Heights Hotel. The menu offers a mixture of American, European, Hawaiian and Pacific cuisine, including their famous Kiawe-Broiled Steaks. Reservations recommended.

Food Type :Steakhouse

Address :2440 Kuhio Avenue

Website :www.hyshawaii.com

Sushi Sasabune isn't a cheap sushi joint with a bumpy conveyor belt; the chefs take pride in each creation, made from the freshest ingredients like Japanese sea urchin, Louisiana blue crab, or Nova Scotia salmon. The elegant dining room offers a menu of excellent options, but the real experience at Sushi Sasabune is to be had at the sushi bar, where 'Sushi Nazi' chefs are very specific about how each type of sushi is to be eaten; a special experience for any sushi lover!

Food Type :Sushi

Address :1417 S King Street

Website :www.trustmesushi.com/honolulu

Housed in the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, La Mer is a breezy and romantic oceanside restaurant known for its impeccable service and French cuisine. The menu, offering choices like Dorade Baked in a Rosemary Salt Crust and Big Island Lobster, is accompanied by an excellent wine selection, and the tasting menu is a great option for diners who just can't decide. Reservations are recommended. Diners should note that children under eight are not allowed at La Mer.

Food Type :French

Address :2199 Kalia Road

Website :www.halekulani.com/living/dining/la_mer

You can't go to Honolulu and not try the malasadas from Leonard's Bakery. Fluffy balls of dough are fried until just crispy and coated in cinnamon and sugar or filled with fresh custard… it's impossible to eat just one! Leonard's Bakery also offers a variety of freshly-baked goods like cookies, cakes, danishes and Pao Doce (Portuguese sweetbread). The small bakery can get very crowded, and unfortunately there are no tables to sit at.

Food Type :Bakery

Address :933 Kapahulu Avenue, Kaimuki

Website :www.leonardshawaii.com