American

Antonio’s New York Pizzeria

4210 Wai’alae Ave. across from Kahala Mall (737-3333). Tue.-Sat. 11:30am-8:30pm, Sun. noon-7:30pm. Medium cheese pizza: $11.80. Philly cheese steak: $6.99.

You can’t get a slice at Antonio’s, but it’s still the closest you’ll get to a Brooklyn pizza joint. This is also where you’ll find the closest thing to a South Philly cheesesteak, sliced prime beef on custom-made rolls.

Bob’s B-B-Q

1366 Dillingham, Blvd. (842-3663) Mon.-Thu. 6am-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 6am-11pm, Sun. 7am-10pm, MC, V.

This carriage-house style kitchen-and-counter is no secret, and when a barbeque mixed plate ($13.25) comes heavy with barbeque-smothered baby back ribs, it’s no wonder why. The food is fresh, and there’s something for everyone.

Goldfish

568 Halekauwila St. (721-8800). Daily 10:30am-2:30pm, 5-11pm. Lunch $3-$10, Dinner $5-$60. AmEx, Disc, MC, V

The fish is cut so large as to be unmanageable, but the sushi rice is among the best in town. Don’t miss the fried kim chee with pork. Lunch features incredible bargains all under $10, including a superb seared ‘ahi sandwich.

Kapahulu Kafe

766 Kapahulu Ave. (732-7486), Wed.-Sun. 6pm-midnight, Tue. 8pm-midnight ‘awa only. Appetizers: $2.50-$7.50, salads $6, sandwiches $5, pasta $7.50. AmEx, DC, Diner’s, JCB, MC, V.

Kama’aina-friendly selections like seared ahi lettuce wraps and pastrami pipikaula sandwiches. Share the signature kalua quesadilla, accompanied by a cool guacamole-sour cream dip, or the crisp-bottomed, juicy chicken and veggie potstickers to start. Drink the ‘awa, listen to the music and set your stresses free.

Chinese

Legend Seafood

Chinatown Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St. at River St. (532-1868). Daily 10:30am-2pm, 5:30-10pm. Dim sum: $2.85-$3.75 per plate.

Legend is Honolulu’s gold standard for dim sum. Nearly every dish is textbook perfect in preparation and freshness. Look fun stuffed with scallops melt in the mouth and minifootballs of fried mochi stuffed with dried shrimp and pork are irresistibly crisp and sticky-soft.

P.F. Chang’s

1288 Ala Moana Blvd. (596-4710). Sun.-Thu. 11am-11pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-midnight. Entrees: $10.95-$20.95. AmEx, Disc, DC, JCB, MC, V.

The chicken lettuce cups are good, and the Mongolian beef tastes like tender teriyaki. Try the lemon pepper shrimp, which cleanly showcases its namesake flavors. Among the sweet, fruity cocktails the Asian pear mojito is a highlight. With consistently good service, this is a group-friendly place.

European

Chef’s Table

Hawai’i Kai Towne Center, 366 Keahole St. (394-2433). Tue.-Sun. 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-9pm. Appetizers: $6-$9. Entrees: $16.50-$22. MC, V.

Mitteleuropaosche flavors are to be had in the form of the obligatory spatzle, red cabbage, wiener schnitzel and paprika-red goulash, along with a Swiss cheese fondu. The delicate superflaky apple strudel will knock your lederhosen off.

Downtown @ the HiSaM

250 Hotel St. (536-5900). Mon.-Fri. 7-11am; Mon.-Sat. 11am-2pm. Food: $4-$16. AmEx, Disc, MC, V.

Chef Ed Kenney does it again with this Mediterranean-style lunch spot. The lamb lasagna and Wingnut’s Super-Sized Salad make breaking for lunch the smartest thing you’ve done all the day.

Du Vin

1115 Bethel St. (545-1115). Daily 11:30am-11pm. Food: $4-$16. AmEx, DC, Disc, JCB, MC, V.

Sample vin, vino or wine from the expansive wine list to go with a cloudlike, supple brie baked in puff pastry, oysters Rockefeller or the chalkboard’s daily specials.

Italian

Baci Bistro

30 Aulike St., Kailua (262-7555). Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-10pm; Sat. & Sun. 5:30-10pm. Appetizers: $3.95-$9.50. Entrees: $10.95-$23. AmEx, MC, V.

Kailua residents keep this neighborhood restaurant bustling. Rustic, home-style food such as pungent puttanesca are on the all-over-Italy menu.

Buon Amici Ristorante

3605 Wai’alae Ave. (732-5999). Daily 5:30-9pm. Pastas: $18.50-$22.50, Entrees: from $20.50. MC, V.

The restaurant strives to retain Italian-style neighborhoodiness. Fresh pastas are a standout, including classic Bolognese, papardelle with sausage and pancetta and gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce.

Cafe Sistina

1314 S. King St. between Pi’ikoi and Ke’eaumoku Sts (596-0061). Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-9:30pm; Sat. & Sun. 5:30-9:30pm. Appetizers: $6-$12. Entrees: $9.25-$17.75. AmEx, MC, V.

This cornerstone of Honolulu Italian dining is the perfect place for a contemplative dinner for one. Order some hearty fresh-made pappardelle topped with venison-and-merlot ragu.

Southeast Asian & Indian

Bac Nam

1117 S. King St. between Pensacola and Pi’ikoi Sts. (597-8201). Daily 10:30am-9:30pm. Appetizers: $2-$8.95. Entrees: $5.75-$14.75. Payment: MC, V.

Husband-and-wife team Tam and Kimmy Huyng run a family affair, and the food is home-cooking-good in this bright new utilitarian eatery. Pho is memorably peppery and lemony, but the menu goes beyond the usuals with dishes like stuffed baby squid and a pungent lamb curry. The salt-and-pepper shrimp are addictive.

Bangkok Chef

Nu’uanu Open Market, 1627 Nu’uanu Ave. (585-8839). Mon-Sat 10am-8:30pm. Plate lunch: $4.95. A la carte: $6.45-$7.45. MC, V.

Yes, it’s in a garage, but this no-frills five-table Liliha eatery is all restaurant (and market). You can order an impressive array of snapping-fresh dishes.

Bombay Indian Restaurant

Discovery Bay Center, 1778 Ala Moana Blvd. (942-3990). Daily 5-10pm; Entrees: $9.95-$21.95. JCB, MC, V.

Curry house classics are served in a pleasant, Pier 1-esque dining room. The tandoor is the basis for grilled meats, baked breads and the chef’s special chicken tikka masala. The awesome rendition of gulab jamun, deceptively light spherical fried dumplings made from powdered milk and steeped in cardamom-infused honey syrup, will make you re-think Indian desserts.