Chai's Island Bistro, Honolulu

A wall of framed, autographed photos suggests that Chai’s is a favorite stop for visiting celebrities. The thing that distinguishes this elegant restaurant from the rest of the top Honolulu restaurants—besides its innovative take on Pacific Rim cuisine (order whatever the local catch of the day is)—are its nightly dinner performances featuring Hawaii’s most prestigious and talented contemporary musicians. On any give night you might hear the Cazimero brothers or Makana or Raiatea Helm delivering sensational vocals and distinctive sounds from traditional instruments like slack key guitar or ukulele. The acoustics are excellent, a perfect accompaniment to the award-winning menu. Chai's is one of the best places to eat in Honolulu if you're looking for a creative dish in an outstanding atmosphere. The entrees might be on the expensive side (prices average in the $30’s), but it’s significantly less than what you’d pay to see these concerts at a far less intimate venue elsewhere.

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