2012 Hale Aina Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2012 Hale Aina Award winners!
Each year, HONOLULU Magazine readers vote for their favorite restaurants in the Islands. Categories include Best New Restaurant, Best Service, Best Value, Best Wine Program, Little Restaurant You Love and many more.
The winning restaurants were announced at a gala reception held November 6 at the Royal Hawaiian’s Monarch Ballroom. See our upcoming January 2012 issue for more on the Hale Aina Awards.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
GOLD — Roy’s, 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy., 396-7697; Executive Chef: Chris Garnier
SILVER — Alan Wong’s Restaurant, 1857 S. King St., Third Floor, 949-2526; Chef de Cuisine: Wade Ueoka
BRONZE — Morimoto Waikiki, 1775 Ala Moana Blvd., 943-5900; Executive Chef: Jevic Acain
TOP 5 — Lahaina Grill, 127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, (808) 667-5117; Executive Chef: Arnulfo Gonzalez
TOP 5 — TOWN, 3435 Waialae Ave. #103, 735-5900; Executive Chefs: Ed Kenney and Dave Caldiero
CHEF’S CHOICE WINNER
Le Bistro, 5730 Kalanianaole Hwy., 373-7990; Executive Chef: Alan Takasaki
BEST OAHU RESTAURANT
GOLD — Roy’s, 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy., 396-7697; Executive Chef: Chris Garnier
SILVER — Alan Wong’s Restaurant, 1857 S. King St., Third Floor, 949-2526; Chef de Cuisine: Wade Ueoka
BRONZE — Le Bistro, 5730 Kalanianaole Hwy., 373-7990; Executive Chef: Alan Takasaki
TOP 5 —Azure Restaurant, 2259 Kalakaua Ave., 923-7311; Chef de Cuisine: Jon Matsubara
TOP 5 — Chai’s Island Bistro, 1 Aloha Tower Dr., 585-0011; Executive Chef: Chai Chaowasaree
BEST MAUI RESTAURANT
GOLD — Lahaina Grill, 127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, (808) 667-5117; Executive Chef: Arnulfo Gonzalez
SILVER —Mama’s Fish House, 799 Poho Place, Paia, (808) 579-9248; Executive Chef: Perry Bateman
BRONZE — Haliimaile General Store, 900 Haliimaile Rd., Makawao, (808) 572-2666; Executive Chef: Bev Gannon
TOP 5 — Merriman’s Kapalua, 1 Bay Club Pl., Lahaina, (808) 669-6400; Executive Chef: Neil Murphy
TOP 5 — Pineapple Grill, 200 Kapalua Dr., Kapalua, (808) 669-9600; Executive Chef: Ryan Luckey
BEST BIG ISLAND RESTAURANT
GOLD —Merriman’s Waimea, 65-1227 Opelo Rd., Kamuela, (808) 885-6822; Executive Chef: Peter Merriman
SILVER —Kaleo’s Bar & Grill, 15-2662 Pahoa Village Rd. #8512, Pahoa, (808) 965-5600; Executive Chefs: Malia Lamadora and Tammy Ancheta
BRONZE — Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, 201 Waikoloa Beach Dr. #801, Waikoloa, (808) 886-6286; Executive Chef: Eric Rouelle
TOP 5 —Hilo Bay Cafe, 315 East Makaala St. #109, Hilo, (808) 935-4939; Executive Chef: Josh Ketner
TOP 5 —Monette’s, 62 Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Waimea, (808) 443-2850; Executive Chef: Michael Minshull
BEST KAUAI RESTAURANT
GOLD —The Beach House Restaurant, 5022 Lawai Rd., P.O. Box 1206, Koloa, (808) 742-1424; Executive Chef: Todd Barrett
SILVER — Kauai Grill, 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, (808) 826-9644; Executive Chef: Garrison Price
BRONZE — Red Salt, 2251 Poipu Rd., Koloa, (808) 828-8888; Executive Chef: Seamus Mackenzie
TOP 5 —Bar Acuda, 55161 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, (808) 826-7081; Executive Chef: Jim Moffat
TOP 5 — Mediterranean Gourmet, 5-7132 Kuhio Hwy., Haena, (808) 826-9875; Executive Chef: Imad Beydoun
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
GOLD — Morimoto Waikiki, 1775 Ala Moana Blvd., 943-5900; Executive Chef: Jevic Acain
SILVER — La Tour Cafe, 888 N Nimitz Hwy., 697-5000; Executive Chef: Travis Inouye
BRONZE — Monkeypod Kitchen, 10 Wailea Gateway Pl., Ste. B-201, Kihei, (808) 891-2322; Executive Chef: Rob Daldall
FINALIST — Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar, 2233 Kalakaua Ave., Bldg. B, Ste., 922-3400; Executive Chef: Nick Sayada
FINALIST —Japengo, 200 Nohea Kai Dr., Lahaina, (808) 667-4796
BEST LITTLE NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT
GOLD —12th Ave Grill, 1145 12th Ave. #C, 732-9469; Executive Chefs: Kevin Hanney and Jason Schoonover
SILVER — TOWN, 3435 Waialae Ave. #103, 735-5900; Executive Chefs: Ed Kenney and Dave Caldiero
BRONZE — Kalapawai Cafe & Deli, 750 Kailua Rd., Kailua, 262-3354; Executive Chef: Jason Iwane
FINALIST —Kaleo’s Bar & Grill, 15-2662 Pahoa Village Rd. #8512, Pahoa, (808) 965-5600; Executive Chefs: Malia Lamadora and Tammy Ancheta
FINALIST —Mala Ocean Tavern, 1307 Front Stt., Lahaina, (808) 667-9394; Executive Chef: Ben Klein
BEST SERVICE
GOLD —Roy’s, 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy., 396-7697; Executive Chef: Chris Garnier
SILVER —Alan Wong’s Restaurant, 1857 S. King St., Third Floor, 949-2526; Chef de Cuisine: Wade Ueoka
BRONZE — La Mer, 2199 Kalia Rd., 923-2311; Executive Chef: Vikgram Garg
FINALIST — Chef Mavro, 1969 S. King St., 944-4714; Executive Chef: Chef Mavrothalassitis
FINALIST — Lahaina Grill, 127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, (808) 667-5117; Executive Chef: Arnulfo Gonzalez
BEST LUNCH
GOLD — Mariposa, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., #2101, 951-3420; Executive Chef: Marc Anthony Freiberg
SILVER —The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., 945-6573; Executive Chef: Lance Kosaka
BRONZE — Tango Contemporary Cafe, 1288 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 120, 593-7288; Executive Chef: Goran Streng
FINALIST — Epic, 1131 Nuuanu Ave., 587-7877; Executive Chef: Brian Chan
FINALIST — Hukilau, 1088 Bishop St., 523-3460; Executive Chef: Jason Takemura
BEST BRUNCH
GOLD —Orchids, 2199 Kalia Rd., 923-2311; Executive Chef: Vikram Garg
SILVER —Prince Court, 100 Holomoana St., 944-4444; Executive Chef: Eddie Mizuno
BRONZE — Hoku’s, 5000 Kahala Ave., 739-8780; Executive Chef: Wayne Hirabayashi
FINALIST —Mala Ocean Tavern, 1307 Front St., Lahaina, (808) 667-9394; Executive Chef: Ben Klein
FINALIST —The Plantation House Restaurant, 2000 Plantation Club Dr., Lahaina, (808) 669-6299; Executive Chef: Alex Stanislaw
BEST BREAKFAST
GOLD —Cinnamon’s, 315 Uluniu St., Kailua, 261-8724; Executive Chef: Carsie Green
SILVER — Longhi’s, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 3001, 947-9899; Executive Chef: Ricardo Thompson
BRONZE — Boots & Kimo’s, 151 Hekili St., Kailua, 263-7929; Executive Chef: Ricky Kiakona
FINALIST — Big City Diner, 3569 Waialae Ave., Ste. 3, 738-8855; Executive Chef: Dennis Franks
FINALIST —Cafe Kaila, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 219, 732-3330; Executive Chef: Chrissie Castillo
BEST WINE PROGRAM
GOLD — Formaggio Wine Bar, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 219, 263-2633; Executive Chef: Almar Arcano
SILVER — Vino Italian Taps & Wine Bar, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 6D-1; Master Sommelier: Chuck Furuya
BRONZE — Chef Mavro, 1969 S. King St., 944-4714; Executive Chef: Chef Mavrothalassitis
FINALIST —Brasserie Du Vin, 1115 Bethel St. , 545-1115; Executive Chef: Marco Elder
FINALIST — Lahaina Grill, 127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, (808) 667-5117; Executive Chef: Arnulfo Gonzalez
BEST VALUE
GOLD —Side Street Inn, 614 Kapahulu Ave., 739-3939; Executive Chef: Colin Nishida
SILVER —Kaleo’s Bar & Grill, 15-2662 Pahoa Village Rd. #8512, Pahoa, (808) 965-5600; Executive Chefs: Malia Lamadora and Tammy Ancheta
BRONZE — Da Kitchen, 925 Isenberg St., 957-0099, Executive Chef: Les Tomita
FINALIST —Bangkok Chef, 2955 E. Manoa Rd., 988-0212; Executive Chef: Sansane Chang
FINALIST —Cafe O Lei, 2439 S. Kihei Rd, Ste. 201A, Kihei, (808) 891-1368; Executive Chef: Mike Wilson
BEST PUPU
GOLD — Side Street Inn, 614 Kapahulu Ave., 739-3939; Executive Chef: Colin Nishida
SILVER — Uncle Bo’s, 559 Kapahulu Ave., 735-8311
BRONZE — Shokudo, 1585 Kapiolani Blvd., 941-3701; Executive Chefs: Ken Conklin and Hugo Kutsuma
FINALIST — Home Bar & Grill, 1683 Kalakaua Ave., 942-2237; Executive Chefs: Neil Nakasone, Brandon Hamada and Jon Estrella
FINALIST — Rum Fire, 2255 Kalakaua Ave., 922-4422; Executive Chef: Brett Dalarmia
BEST PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS
GOLD —Duke’s Waikiki, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Ste. 116, 922-2268; Executive Chef: Keith Steel Kong
SILVER —House Without A Key, 2199 Kalia Rd., 923-2311; Executive Chef: Vikram Garg
BRONZE —Tiki’s Grill & Bar, 2570 Kalakaua Ave., 923-8454; Executive Chef: Ronnie Nasuti
FINALIST —Lahaina Grill, 127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, (808) 667-5117; Executive Chef: Arnulfo Gonzalez
FINALIST —Mama’s Fish House, 799 Poho Place, Paia, (808) 579-9248; Executive Chef: Perry Bateman
BEST RESTAURANT FOR A DATE NIGHT
GOLD —Michel’s at the Colony Surf, 2895 Kalakaua Ave., 923-6552; Executive Chef: Eberhard "Hardy" Kintscher
SILVER —La Mer, 2199 Kalia Rd., 923-2311; Executive Chef: Vikgram Garg
BRONZE —Azure Restaurant, 2259 Kalakaua Ave., 923-7311; Chef de Cuisine: Jon Matsubara
FINALIST —Hy’s Steak House, 2440 Kuhio Ave., 922-5555; Executive Chef: Zach Inouye
FINALIST —Mama’s Fish House, 799 Poho Place, Paia, (808) 579-9248; Executive Chef: Perry Bateman
BEST RESTAURANT FOR A BIG GROUP
GOLD —Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. #6C, 599-3860; Executive Chef: Eli Low
SILVER —Morton’s The Steakhouse, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., 949-1300; Executive Chef: Andy Degamo
BRONZE —Nobu Waikiki, 2233 Helumoa Rd., 237-6999; Executive Chef: Robin Lee
FINALIST —Brasserie Du Vin, 1115 Bethel St. , 545-1115; Executive Chef: Marco Elder
FINALIST —Formaggio Grill, Kailua, 305 Hahani St., Kailua, 263-2633; Executive Chef: Kavika Cahill
BEST VEGETARIAN
GOLD —TOWN, 3435 Waialae Ave. #103, 735-5900; Executive Chefs: Ed Kenney and Dave Caldiero
SILVER —Peace Cafe, 2239 S. King St. #C, 951-7555; Executive Chef: Megumi Yamaki
BRONZE —Mala’s Ocean Tavern, 1307 Front St., Lahaina, (808) 667-9394; Executive Chef: Ben Klein
FINALIST —Downbeat Diner, 42 N. Hotel St., 533-2328; Executive Chef: Nick Alves
FINALIST —Loving Hut, 1614 S. King St., 373-6465; Executive Chef: Chef Hai
BEST GOURMET COMFORT FOOD
GOLD — Side Street Inn, 614 Kapahulu Ave., 739-3939; Executive Chef: Colin Nishida
SILVER —Kakaako Kitchen, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., 596-7488
BRONZE —12th Ave. Grill, 1145 12th Ave. #C, 732-9469; Executive Chefs: Kevin Hanney and Jason Schoonover
FINALIST —Kalapawai Cafe & Deli, 750 Kailua Rd., Kailua, 262-3354; Executive Chef: Jason Iwane
FINALIST —Soul, 3040 Waialae Ave., 735-7685; Executive Chef: Sean Priester
BEST STEAK
GOLD —Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. #6C, 599-3860; Executive Chef: Eli Low
SILVER —Hy’s Steak House, 2440 Kuhio Ave., 922-5555; Executive Chef: Zach Inouye
BRONZE —Morton’s The Steakhouse, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., 949-1300; Executive Chef: Andy Degamo
FINALIST —d.k. Steak House, 2552 Kalakaua Ave., 931-6280; Executive Chef: d.k. Kodama
FINALIST —Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, 2301 Kalakaua Ave #301, 922-3600; Executive Chef: James Donahue
BEST SEAFOOD
GOLD —Nico’s at Pier 38, 1133 N. Nimitz Hwy., 540-1377; Executive Chef: Nico Chaize
SILVER —Roy’s, 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy., 396-7697; Executive Chef: Chris Garnier
BRONZE —Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill, 1135 N. Nimitz, 831-4911; Executive Chef: Geoffrey Arakawa
FINALIST —Azure Restaurant, 2259 Kalakaua Ave., 923-7311; Chef de Cuisine: Jon Matsubara
FINALIST — Mama’s Fish House, 799 Poho Place, Paia, (808) 579-9248; Executive Chef: Perry Bateman
BEST DESSERT
GOLD —Cheesecake Factory, 2301 Kalakaua Ave. # 113, 924-5001; Executive Chef: Steve Hessenflow
SILVER —JJ Bistro & French Pastry, 3447 Waialae Ave., 739-0993; Executive Chef: JJ Luangkhot
BRONZE —Roy’s, 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy., 396-7697; Executive Chef: Chris Garnier
FINALIST —Alan Wong’s Restaurant, 1857 S. King St., Third Floor, 949-2526; Chef de Cuisine: Wade Ueoka
FINALIST —Cafe Laufer, 3565 Waialae Ave. #107, 735-7717; Executive Chef: Cyrus Goo
BEST CHINESE
GOLD —Little Village Noodle House, 1113 Smith St., 545-3008; Executive Chef: Kenneth Chan
SILVER —Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant, 1960 Kapiolani Blvd., 973-0168, Executive Chef: Bill Leung
BRONZE —Happy Days, 3553 Waialae Ave., 738-8666; Executive Chef: Lum Wong
FINALIST —Golden Duck, 1221 S. King St., 597-8088; Executive Chef: Wei Xian Lin
FINALIST —Pah Ke’s, Kaneohe, 46-018 Kamehameha Hwy., 235-4505; Executive Chef: Raymond Siu
BEST TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN
GOLD —Ono Hawaiian Food, 726 Kapahulu Ave., 737-2275, Executive Chef: Vivian Lee
SILVER —Helena’s Hawaiian Food, 1240 N. School St., 845-8044; Executive Chef: Craig Katsuyoshi
BRONZE — Highway Inn, 94-226 Leoku St., Waipahu, 677-4345; Executive Chef: Gary Toguchi
FINALIST —Haili’s Hawaiian Foods, 760 Palani Ave., 735-8019, Executive Chef: Rachel Haili
FINALIST —Young’s Fish Market, 1286 Kalani St., 841-4885, Executive Chef: Alan Young
BEST ITALIAN
GOLD —Assaggio, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 1259, 942-3446; Executive Chef: Thomas Ky
SILVER —Auntie Pasto’s, 1099 S. Beretania St., 523-8855
BRONZE —Cafe Sistina, 1314 S King St., 596-0061; Executive Chef: Sergio Mitrotti
FINALIST —Baci Bistro, 30 Aulike St., Kailua , 262-7555; Executive Chef: Reza Azeri
FINALIST —Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar, 2233 Kalakaua Ave., Bldg. B, Ste., 922-3400; Executive Chef: Nick Sayada
BEST JAPANESE
GOLD —Tanaka of Tokyo, 131 Kaiulani Ave., 3rd Floor, 922-4233; Executive Chef: Brandon Naval
SILVER —Morimoto Waikiki, 1775 Ala Moana Blvd., 943-5900; Executive Chef: Jevic Acain
BRONZE — Nobu Waikiki, 2233 Helumoa Rd., 237-6999; Executive Chef: Robin Lee
FINALIST —Gaku Sushi Izakaya, 1329 S. King St., 589-1329; Executive Chef: Manabu Kikuchi
FINALIST —Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar, 2552 Kalakaua Ave., 931-6286; Executive Chef: Roderick Dizor
BEST THAI
GOLD —Phuket Thai, 401 Kamakee St., Ste. 102, 591-8421; Executive Chef: Naret Sihavong
SILVER —Bangkok Chef, 2955 E. Manoa Rd., 988-0212; Executive Chef: Sansane Chang
BRONZE — Chiang Mai, 2239 S. King St., 941-1151; Executive Chef: Vincent Hu
FINALIST —Champa Thai, 3452 Waialae Ave., 732-0054
FINALIST —Thai Chef, Lahaina, 880 Front St., Ste. A12, Lahaina, (808) 667-2814
BEST FILIPINO
GOLD —Elena’s Restaurant, 94-866 Moloalo St. #D4A, Waipahu, 676-8005
SILVER —Max’s of Manila, 801 Dillingham Blvd., 951-6297; Executive Chef: Nestor Manimtim
BRONZE — Mabuhay Cafe & Restaurant,1049 River St., 545-1956; Executive Chef: Rona Gadioan
FINALIST —Julie’Z Restaurant, 590 Farrington Hwy. # 532, Kapolei, 693-8778; Executive Chef: Julie Oasay
FINALIST —Thelma’s Restaurant, 94-366 Pupupani St., Waipahu, 677-0443
BEST FRENCH
GOLD —Le Bistro, 5730 Kalanianaole Hwy., 373-7990; Executive Chef: Alan Takasaki
SILVER —Chef Mavro, 1969 S. King St., 944-4714; Executive Chef: Chef Mavrothalassitis
BRONZE —La Mer, 2199 Kalia Rd., 923-2311; Executive Chef: Vikgram Garg
FINALIST — Gerard’s, Lahaina, 174 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, (808) 661-8939; Executive Chef: Gerard Reversade
FINALIST —Le Guignol, 1010 S. King St. # 108, 591-1809; Executive Chef: Travis Sutton
BEST GREEK
GOLD —Olive Tree Cafe, 4614 Kilauea Ave. #107, 737-0303
SILVER —The Fat Greek, 3040 Waialae Ave. #A3, 734-0404
BRONZE —Greek Marina, 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. #E126, 396-8441; Executive Chef: Terek Guizuguis
FINALIST —Mediterranean Gourmet, 2970 E Manoa Rd., 988-8884
FINALIST —Pita Paradise, Piilani Highway at Wailea Ike Drive #108A, Wailea-Makena, (808) 879-7177; Executive Chef: John Arabatzis
BEST INDIAN
GOLD —India Cafe, 600 Kailua Rd., Kailua, 262-1800; Executive Chef: Jiva Segaran
SILVER —Cafe Maharani, 2509 South King St. , 951-7447; Executive Chefs: Christopher Rahman, Jocya Arfat and Nasrin Sultana
BRONZE —Himalayan Kitchen, 1137 11th Ave., 735-1122; Executive Chef: Suman Basnet
FINALIST —Cafe TajMahal, 3036 Waialae Ave. #B-4, 732-6496; Executive Chef: Kabir Chowdhury
FINALIST —Monsoon India, Kihei, 760 S Kihei Rd., Apt. 109, Kihei, (808) 875-6666
BEST KOREAN
GOLD — Sorabol, 805 Keeaumoku St., 947-3113
SILVER — Million Restaurant, 626 Sheridan St., 596-0799; Executive Chef: Chang Hyun Park
BRONZE — Kim Chee 2, 3569 Waialae Ave. #104, 737-7733
FINALIST — Ah-Lang Restaurant, 725 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. C119, 596-0600; Executive Chef: Won Nam
FINALIST —Willow Tree Restaurant, 25 Kaneohe Bay Dr. #104, Kailua, 254-1139; Executive Chef: Alan Kirby
BEST MEXICAN
GOLD —Axteca Mexican Restaurant, 3617 Waialae Ave., 735-2492
SILVER —Cha Cha Cha Salsaria, 377 Keahole St. C-1A, 395-7797; Executive Chef: Laurie Kodama
BRONZE —Mexico Restaurant, 1247 N School St., 845-9059; Executive Chef: Jose Morales
FINALIST —Serg’s Mexican Kitchen, 2740 East Manoa Rd., 988-8118; Executive Chef: Paco Jimenez
FINALIST —Zaratez Mexicatessen, 1637 Kapiolani Blvd.
BEST VIETNAMESE
GOLD —Hale Vietnam, 1140 12th Ave., 735-7581; Executive Chef: Joseph William
SILVER —Pho One, 1617 Kapiolani Blvd., 955-3438
BRONZE —Duc’s Bistro, 1188 Maunakea St., 531-6325
FINALIST —Saigon Cafe, 1792 Main St., Wailuku, 243-9560; Executive Chef: Long Nguyen
FINALIST —Saigon Noodle House, 1020 Keolu Dr. #C1, Kailua, 261-2466
