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This venerable spot – a warren of dim rooms scented with the delicious aroma of grilling meat – turns out surf and turf for everyone from Lanikai millionaires to sandy surfers.

Straightforward Italian food of the marinara-with-everything school, prompt service, and a family-friendly atmosphere are the hallmarks of Assagio.

A truly Pacific Rim restaurant, Lucy’s offers well-prepared East-West dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. It has a lively bar, too, with a patio area – the only quiet place to talk.

Bring the paper on a Sunday morning and read it while you wait in line for stacks of light, fluffy pancakes with home-made orange syrup, Portuguese pickled pork, and amazing omelets.

Besides the chop suey standards, Pah Ke’s specials include chilled fruit soups and dishes that focus on locally grown tropical fruits.

Call to Joe’s isn’t reserved for a wedding – neighboring Ha’ikū Gardens does a booming bride-and-groom business. If open, expect steaks, seafood, and sandwiches.

Italian-Thai cuisine, but not as a fusion. The restaurant serves both simply because its owners know both – and it’s a yummy combo.

At this funky roadhouse the key ingredient is shrimp – steamed, tempura, and scampi-style. Lively bar at night.

Named after a nearby lion-like rock formation, this old-fashioned restaurant ladles out soups, salads, and its specialties: Slavonic Steak and Mile High Pie.

Without question, the best evening dining on this side of the island. The East-West food is genuinely innovative and focuses on seasonality and the freshness of ingredients.