by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Nestled in the heart of the bustling Waikiki shopping district, Paia Fish Market prides itself upon offering fresh locally sourced catches from local fishers as well as some of the most generous portions and lowest prices on the island. Following the meteoric success of the Oahu location, which was opened in 1989 by restauranteurs, Moonstar Greene and Yuri Soledade, the seafood eatery soon found itself a local legend turned restaurant chain, with the subsequent opening of two locations in Maui.
The motivated and visionary Paia Fish Market Team including Magno, a former professional surfer from Brazil, decided it was time to gain visibility in the more metropolitan market of Waikiki/Honolulu, which hosts millions of tourists annually who flock to its crystal blue waters, snowy white beaches and posh designer stores.
Since the landmark seafood restaurant’s opening in Waikiki, it has quickly cemented its status as the destination for stick-to-your ribs seafood, prompt service, incredible happy hour deals, a fun, yet chic, island ambiance, and a variety of menu offerings that guarantee your entire family will find something they love.
Selecting from the extremely extensive menus (which offer an array of crowd-pleasing favorites including fresh catch plates, pastas, salads, burgers, quesadillas, and more), you’ll be guaranteed to find just the fish you’re looking for to whet your appetite and curb your cravings at the Paia Fish Market.
My top recommendations are:
COCKTAILS:
Lilikoi Margarita: The Hawaiian word for passion fruit, this margarita is an exquisite blend of sweet and tart flavors, bursting with fruity aromas.
Standard margarita: Tequila, orange liquer and lime juice with a salted rim are all the ingredients this classic needs to be an instant favorite.
Mai Tai: The quintessential “Hawaiian Libation” and arguably one of the most famous tropical drinks in the world, this refreshing blend of rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice and orgeat– a nuanced almond syrup– is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a long beach day.
Moscow Mule: Served ice cold, this refreshing blend of lime juice, ginger beer, and vodka cleanses the palette and beautifully compliments nearly any menu selection.
ENTREES:
Snapper with fries: Flaky, white and extremely flavorful, you won’t taste any snapper fresher than the popular “fresh catch” classic at Paia Fish Market.
The crispy flash fried potatoes are an excellent complement to the main dish. We recommend that you order a few dressings on the side for dipping.
Seafood pasta: Linguine Noodles with fresh fish, shrimp, sautéed in garlic, wine, cream and garnished with parsley. Cheese, onions, capers, mushrooms, tomatoes and basil are added for flavor.
Appetizer: Clam chowder. One of the few places on the island to get a satisfying, traditional seafood chowder.
Deep fried shrimp: A crispy-fried, heaping portion of this popular, down-home seafood staple.)
(Special thanks to Magno for his wonderful hospitality and to our awesome server and the bartender Joao Sachetto for providing a wonderful dining experience.)
PHONE NUMBER: (808) 200-0200
Facebook.com/paiafiahmarketwaikiki
Instagram @paiafishmarketwaikiki
Victoria Henley writes Backstage Pass for iHeart Radio and CTFashionMag.com.