Best of Honolulu 2017: Food

26 EDITORIAL AND READER PICKS FOR THE TASTIEST FOOD IN TOWN.

BY BY ROBBIE DINGEMAN, MICHAEL KEANY, STACEY MAKIYA, BRIE THALMANN, CATHERINE TOTH FOX, KATRINA VALCOURT, DON WALLACE, CHRISTI YOUNG & JAMES CHARISMA

At first, the idea of choosing between sliders seemed like an act of hubris destined to end in nightmare indigestion. Our extensive sampling indeed revealed an overreliance on sweet barbecue pork and assembly line production. But this same sameness made it relatively easy for a true standout to emerge: Tiki’s Grill & Bar. It doesn’t hurt that Tiki’s is notched on the second floor of the Aston Waikīkī Beach Hotel, overlooking the surf break, but it was the only place that offered a fish, pork and hamburger trio in a single order ($15). In sliders, variety matters. What’s way more important: These babies are chef-curated and local-sourced, just like grown-up food in white tablecloth restaurants. Fresh local fish, grass-fed Big Island beef, taro buns, local lettuce. The portions aren’t mingy, either, but real three-bite mouthfuls. You other guys, consider the bar raised.

2570 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 923-8454, tikisgrill.com.