A creative food and drink menu, beautifully plated dishes and spot-on flavors and textures make Herringbone one of my favorite dining destinations in Waikiki.

Lush with a living wall in the restaurant proper and greenery in planters on the lanai, it’s a welcome oasis in the heart of Oahu’s tourism hub.

In the evenings, lamps and string lights lend a decidedly romantic ambiance to a rooftop date night.

Some of their best deals are offered during their “Oyster Hour” – which takes place during pau hana hours 4-6 pm and late night 9 pm till closing. That menu includes one of my current Top 5 Oahu Best Bites, their Buffalo Octopus – at almost half off the normal appetizer price of $21.

I haven’t tasted anything on the menu that I haven’t absolutely enjoyed, but in addition to the octopus, another reccomendation for an appetizer would be the Kauai Shrimp & Grits. This Southern staple is deftly executed and infused with the tastes of the Pacific, from the sweet and tender shrimp from our neighbor island to the creamy coconut sauce punctuated with drops of Thai basil oil.

In selecting your entree, let your appetite guide the way. For a light but satisfying meal, Hokkaido Scallops with Coconut Foam and Bamboo Rice fits the bill.

Just a tad hungrier? The Kona Konpachi at a recent dinner paired crispy-skinned mahi with more of that delectable shrimp atop basmati rice and a Creole-inspired sauce.

For more carnivorous appetites, there’s the Filet Mignon with diced Okinawan Sweet Potatoes – or go even bigger with a Tomahawk pork chop or ribeye.

While their food takes top billing, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention drinks and desserts in their strong supporting roles. Gelatos are provided by esteemed local gelateria Il Gelato, whose flavors range from traditional to tropical (the mango is especially aromatic and true to the fruit) to whimsical – on one evening I sampled a peanut butter and guava concoction that called to mind childhood PB&J lunches

The creativity extends to their specialty cocktails, from The Drifting Mistress (Toki Japanese whiskey, Amaro Montenegro, sake, brown sugar, and egg whites) to the Better Mules and Gardens (Ocean vodka, rhubarb, strawberry, lime, ginger beer and cucumber bitters).

My go-to, however, is the Kiss My Bubbles (Hangar 1 vodka, strawberry, vanilla, aloe vera, lime, cane sugar and sparkling wine). If you’re feeling extra, ask them to pop in a scoop of sorbet … one of their bartenders made it for me when I couldn’t decide between drinks or dessert, and I’ve asked for it ever since!

Herringbone Waikiki, International Market Place Grand Lanai