Hawai'i's Best Restaurants

	2006 'ILIMA AWARD WINNER - BEST FOR WINE: CRITICS' CHOICE
	Every year, Advertiser readers are asked to vote for their favorite restaurants in the 'Ilima Awards poll. Meanwhile, our in-house food experts debate to select the critics' choice 'Ilimas, primarily focused on restaurants recently reviewed or revisited. With a few exceptions, categories change each year to keep readers interested and keep the winner list fresh.

BEST FOR WINE: CRITICS' CHOICE
Vino

Master sommelier Chuck Furuya and chef-entrepreneur D.K. Kodama put their heads together to create this concept, like an Italian country house plopped down in a modern entertainment complex. The tidy menu includes small plates (cheese, grilled Ligurian shrimp, asparagus Milanese), salads and pastas, plus a couple of heartier preparations (osso buco, Tuscan-style skirt steak). Choose a 2-ounce taste or a 6-ounce pour of more than 20 wines or order a bottle from a wide-ranging list. Wine tasting events are held frequently and the place attracts wine-and-food-savvy regulars.

Restaurant Row, 500 Ala Moana. 524-8466. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Closed Sunday-Tuesday. No reservations needed. Valet parking. VS, MC, AX, DS, JCB. No checks. $$.

Web site: www.dkrestaurants.com

Legend:

VS: Visa
MC: Mastercard
AX: American Express
DC: Diners Club
DS: Discover Card
JCB: JCB Card
Olioli: Olioli Card

$$$: Pricey; entrées mostly more than $17
$$: Moderate; entrées $10-$16
$: Budget-friendly; entrées mostly less than $10

Checks: Local checks and travelers’ checks only

Past 'Ilima Award winner

"Cheap eats" restaurant

"Local classic" eatery