2005 HAWAI'I'S BEST RESTAURANT
Alan Wong's Restaurant

	The soup portion of Alan Wong's classic "Soup and Sandwich" is swirled into a yin- yang design made from two shades of tomatoes. Wong combines whimsy and humor with skill and a deep understanding of Island foodways.
	Gregory Yamamoto | The Honolulu Advertiser

What do you say after you say best? Ten times. Alan Wong's flagship restaurant has been recognized for superlative fine dining by 'Ilima Awards voters every single year. Many restaurants hit one or two high notes, but Alan Wong's Restaurant sings like Auntie Genoa Keawe: creative food that never disappoints and is never silly, genuinely welcoming and professional service, a simply furnished room that says aloha with warm wood tones and Island music, a degree of happy buzz that rarely rises above the comfort level, a well- matched wine list and an efficient operation that can be relied upon not to lose your reservation or mix up your order. Wong, part-Hawaiian and plantation-raised, marries a deep understanding of Island food ways with skill and sophistication; tableside tossed poke, tomato salad with li hing mui vinaigrette, pan-steamed 'opakapaka with shrimp pork hash, truffle nage, gingered vegetables and tapioca pearls. Ka heke — the best.

1857 S. King St., third floor. 949-2526. Dinner: 5-10 p.m. daily. Reservations recommended. Valet parking. VS, MC, AX, DC, JCB. No checks. $$$.

Web site: www.alanwongs.com

Checks: Local checks and travelers’ checks only