Roy Yamaguchi is big on community. Hence why majority of his restaurants inhabit close-knit suburban neighborhoods in order to serve as a hub for get-togethers to remember. Goen Dining + Bar in the heart of Kailua Town is no exception. This contemporary, half-indoor, half-outdoor restaurant fuses chef-driven finesse with the everyday-eater’s capital cravings: a must-order Fry Basket with steak-cut portobello mushroom fries and a like-gold dipping sauce, a simple but effective Ahi Tataki with sesame crusted tuna and spice ponzu and Truffled Gnocchi with Garlic Shrimp. The craft cocktails are as effective and curated as the meal. Both in name and taste profile, the “Howzit… Goen” bears a spirited sip with tequila and house made Hawaiian chili syrup. While the long waitlist prevents it, Goen provides an environment meant for camping out, ordering a drink and bite every half hour and soaking in windward side bliss from sun-up to sun-down—it looks like Roy is fulfilling his mission.

MONDAY - THURSDAY: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Dinner

FRIDAY - SUNDAY: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Lunch | 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Dinner