Best Mainland Restaurants To Get A Taste Of The Islands

While we'd all like to jump on a plane and escape to the islands on a whim, daily life doesn't always allow for such carefree excursions. No worries, here you'll find five locales that will have you on island time and sipping paradise. Experience the secluded bliss of Tabu Grill, the Hawaiian fusion of Roy's, the cool breezes at No Ka Oi and more. Aloha.

Tabu Grill

2892 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 9265149
(949) 494-7743
tabugrill.com

Tabu Grill is an exquisite oceanic escape in south Laguna. A blend of blues and purples set the relaxed tone for the unusual culinary experience that awaits you. Executive Chefs Rayne Frey and Moriah Robison blend exotic flavors from the Pacific in the open kitchen, so you're invited to watch the magic happen. Anyone who knows Tabu knows that the restaurant is quite pricey and definitely worthy of a special occasion, but did you know that Tabu now offers a Tabu Tasting Menu that's available Sunday through Wednesday? It features a four-course dinner for just $29 per person. The menu changes weekly and reflects seasonal changes. They also just launched a Wine Night Thursday to celebrate their nine-year anniversary. When you purchase two entrees, you can purchase a bottle of selected wines for only $9 on Thursdays.

Roy's

Various Locations
roysrestaurant.com

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion cuisine makes for a delicious, unique fine dining experience. Nowhere else will you find Roy's Classic Hawaiian Martini, Yamaguchi Sushi, Misoyaki Butterfish and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake all at the same table. Roy's Los Angeles is located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles near the Staples Center and Theater District. The beautiful décor and decadent menu is infused with the far away flavors from Asia and Hawaii that will leave you with a taste of paradise. Select the nearest Roy's location near you, as they have a handful of restaurants in Southern California from L.A. to Newport Beach and beyond.

No Ka Oi Restaurant

215 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 960-8300
nokaoirestaurant.com

For casual Hawaiian dining, consider No Ka Oi in Huntington Beach. The people-watching, sunshine, cool sea breezes and tropical cocktails can't be beat. Enjoy dishes such as their Hawaiian Pizza Pie, Blackened Ahi, Raw Poke and more. Plus their Mai Tais made with tropical juices and a combination of light rum, dark rum and 151 that makes you want have another. Stop by and sit on the front patio swapping stories with friends on a warm sunny day and check out the throngs of people making their way to the beach. Na Ka Oi offers Huntington Beach locals 15% off the entire menu on Tuesdays and provides specials during big sports games on TV too.

Tommy Bahamas Restaurant

Various Locations
tommybahama.com

Tommy Bahamas is a celebration of the island lifestyle. Choose from many SoCal locations, including the charmed Laguna Beach Bar & Grill, which is scenically situated along the Pacific Ocean. Serving contemporary American cuisine and delicious hand-crafted cocktails, the Laguna Beach location is perfect for an island-time lunch or dinner. Try the Cucumber Mint Mojito, perhaps their World Famous Coconut Shrimp, and don't leave without a slice of to-die-for Pina Colada cake. Reservations are recommended.

King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant

2808 W. Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 530-0050
kingshawaiian.com

They say "there's aloha in every bite." King's Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant opened its doors on Sepulveda Boulevard in Torrance in 1988 and became a landmark for Hawaiians living on the mainland. Enjoy delicious Hawaiian food coupled with a warm "Aloha Spirit" that is the trademark of this family-owned business that has made King's Hawaiian Restaurant a favorite place for families and friends throughout Southern California. Choose from a range of Hawaiian and classic American dishes. In addition, visit their retail bakery — one of the highest volume bakeries in the state.

Debbie Lavdas is a Southern California writer who covers events and happenings for CBS Los Angeles, as well as lifestyle features for Laguna Beach Magazine, Bask Magazine and more. Keep up with her at @DebLavdas on Twitter or DebbieintheOC.com.