The 38 Best Restaurants in Honolulu, Hawai‘i | Eater

"Part poke counter, part okazuya (Japanese-style deli), and part plate lunch counter, Tanioka’s began in 1978 and continues to offer some of Hawai‘i’s favorite classic dishes and snacks, including fried chicken, ‘ahi patties, and poke. Tanioka’s specializes in fresh, locally-caught fish, and that’s reflected in the poke prices — and quality. Do yourself a favor and pick the lighter seasoned options to let the fish shine through, like the limu ‘ahi poke and alaea ‘ahi poke. Fans of Spam musubi should be sure to try the Goteborg musubi, a rice ball sandwiched between slices of German-style sausage (also made by Hormel, the maker of Spam). Tanioka’s isn’t just a keeper of traditions, though; the shop continues to innovate, like with its pastele tots: a take on pastele stew, Hawai‘i’s pork stew of Puerto Rican origin, ladled over tater tots. Know before you go: This is an okazuya, so you get in line, and order (or point) to what you want in the glass cases, and the workers pack it for you. The line moves fast — don’t be the one to hold it up." - Martha Cheng