What’s the story? On the lobby level of the Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki, this restaurant’s centerpiece is a three-story, 280,000-gallon aquarium. It’s a soothing and lovely backdrop and home to more than 370 fishes of about 70 species.

What’s on the menu? Best known as a buffet restaurant, the Oceanarium also lays down a breakfast spread of which they’re justifiably proud. They offer everything you’d expect, including fresh fruit, breads and pastries, eggs done as you like them, assorted breakfast meats, and cheese and seafood dishes. Portions are generous, the way locals like them.

FYI: Pacific Beach Hotel, 2490 Kalakaua Ave.; 921-6111. Breakfast: 6-11 a.m.; lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Light lunch: 2-5 p.m.; dinner: 5-10 p.m. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. Checks accepted. Breakfast and lunch: $; Dinner and Sunday buffet: $$.

What’s the story? A Japanese garden and koi pond form the setting for the Pagoda Floating Restaurant, which perches above the waterway. Our readers love the Sunday brunch here, thanks to gracious staffers and hefty portions. Check out the semi-private teahouses for parties of eight or more. The Pagoda also offers breakfast a la carte, and buffets for lunch and dinner.

What’s on the menu? Almost anything you could want is on the brunch buffet: prime rib, tempura, omelets, seafood, chicken and fish, poached eggs Florentine, crepes, salads, sushi and lots of desserts.

FYI: Pagoda Hotel, 1525 Rycroft St.; 941-6611. Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday; dinner: 5-9:30 Monday-Friday, 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Sunday brunch: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations recommended. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. Checks accepted. $.

What’s the story? “I know why Kincaid’s won the ‘Ilima award,” lunch manager Laura Blaho says. “It’s because you can always count on us. We’re consistently excellent, fun, fast and friendly.” And she’s right: This is the place many Honolulans choose for celebratory lunches on a weekday, when you want to have a good time but have to get back to your desk at a reasonable hour. On weekends, you’ll see families celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with Kewalo Basin as a backdrop.

What’s on the menu? Try the peppercorn salmon, chicken Dijon, or chili-rubbed and kiawe smoked prawns with BBQ hollandaise. In season, the Copper River salmon creations are one of a kind. For dessert there are three standouts: the burnt cream, the key lime pie and the roasted pear bread pudding with bourbon-custard sauce.

FYI: Ward Warehouse; 591-2005. Lunch: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; dinner: 5-10 p.m. daily. Reservations recommended. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. Checks accepted. $$

What’s the story? Sarento’s is a romantic getaway with great views of the sunset, the cityscape and the ocean from atop the ‘Ilikai hotel. The food is top notch and the service is excellent. The staff is well-trained and knowledgeable about the Italian/Mediterranean menu and also familiar with the extensive wine list.

What’s on the menu? The gamberoni con pancetta (grilled prawns with pancetta) is a must-try appetizer. Ditto the brasaola ai sapori di bosco (air-cured beef tenderloin) with roasted wild mushrooms and white truffle, and the grilled portobello Napoleon stuffed with prosciutto, eggplant, mozzarella and tomato. Also try the beef filet Marc Anthony brushed with Italian mustard, topped with buffalo mozzarella and Maui onions, and served in a porcini mushroom sauce.

FYI: ‘Ilikai Hotel, 1777 Ala Moana; 955-5559. Dinner: 5-9:15 Sunday-Thursday; 5-10:30 Friday and Saturday. Reservations recommended. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. Checks accepted. $$$.