El Charro (845-9637) serves San Antonio, Tex-Mex-style cusine, including one of the best chile rellenos in town.

North Shore Grinds (732-7775) confuses its patrons since it's miles away from the North Shore. It's actually in Palolo Valley. The sauteed chicken breast or ahi served with papaya salsa is the best bet here.

Next door at Samira's Country Market (734-8317), which only has three tables, the Cordon Bleu-trained chef — yes, that's the prestigious Cordon Bleu in Paris — can prepare everything from bouillabaisse to Chateaubriand to coq au vin, if you call ahead of time.

Otherwise, an 18-item dinner menu lists such dishes as Alaskan halibut, lump crabcakes and the largest shrimp you'll ever see.

(By the way, the place accepts reservations.)

In the Kaimuki area, JJ French Bistro and Pastry (739-0993) offers a one-of-a-kind decadent chocolate pyramid, as well as Laotian cuisine prepared with French techniques.

Reservations are mandatory if dining at Mitch's Sushi (837-7774), where the house specialty is live New Zealand lobster, part of which is simmered in miso soup and the tail part served sashimi-style.

Ducky Korean BBQ (988-9809) is like having a barbecue on a picnic table, with a small hibachi used to grill meats, including pork belly. This is strictly outdoor seating, with the protection of overhang, of course, We are, after all, in Manoa.

Out in Mililani, Sun's Bar-B-Q (623-600) has gained notoriety among parents, who send their kids off to school with Sun's popular bentos, which are available from 5 a.m.

Restaurant Kunio (680-9188) has been a longtime favorite among Waikele residents, who rave about the special "Triple" meals and sushi bar.

Deb's Ribs & Soul Food in Kailua (262-3327) offsets limited seating with first-rate takeout service. Outstanding barbecue and peach cobbler, in addition to such healthy fare as collards, okra, black-eye peas and corn on the cob.

Also in Kailua is Noboru (261-3033), whose owner Yoshi Akito once worked in the trendy Ginza area of Tokyo, before coming to Hawai'i to assume the position of executive chef at Shizu. His tempura and chawanmushi are exceptional.

Before watching the surf or diving Shark's Cove, stop for breakfast at Cafe Haleiwa (637-5516). Fluffy omelets and yummy French toast.

For vegans and vegetarians, check out Paradise Found Cafe (637-4540) across the street. Their smoothies (especially the Waimea Shorebreak) are legendary, and their organic soups, fresh pressed vegetable juices, sandwiches, and healthy plate lunches are equally heralded.

Once a true roadhouse, Punalu'u Restaurant is now Maliko (237-8474). Fish tacos and shrimp dishes are specialties here. But if you come on a Friday, you've got to try the fish and chips. (The new owner is from England and he knows how to prepare a mean dish of fish and chips.)

Literally building his own hole-in-the-wall is Elmer Guzman. This month, the one-time sous chef for Emeril Lagasse and former Sam Choy's Diamond Head executive chef will literally raise the flag — which will show daily specials — to let customers know that his Poke Stop (Waipahu Town Center, 676-8100) is open for business.

By morning, the Stop will be cafe-like, serving beignets and other pastries. But by night, patrons can order a surf-and-turf dinner for only $9. Limited seating is available.