Since 2009 Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in the Royal Hawaiian Center has long been one of my favorite restaurants in Waikiki. Their extensive wine list is one of the best in town, offering hard-to-get wines other restaurants don’t have.

The Canadian bacon, a thick-cut slice served sizzling, is always a hit with my guests, along with the jumbo lump crab cocktail, followed by the Wolfgang Salad … light, refreshing and always enough to share.

When it comes to the main course, my hands-down choice is the aged rib-eye, always full of rich flavor; the beautiful marbling gets your taste buds going. If you love fish … opakapaka! Sauteed in the traditional lemon-butter sauce with capers, it’s a perfect alternative to steak; adding freshly steamed asparagus or traditional creamed spinach leaves me full and content.

Most times I shy away from dessert, but I never pass up Wolfgang’s cheesecake, flown in regularly from New York. The tang of the cheesecake with a touch of schlag, or whipped cream, is the perfect ending to an incredible meal.

A most wonderful dining experience is made complete by the attentive staff of waiters and bussers who make sure my table is clean and that dishes swiftly disappear without skipping a beat.

Everyone is knowledgeable, kind and courteous, all under the watchful and keen eye of longtime General Manager Bill Nickerson, making Wolfgang’s Steakhouse my winner for the 2018 ‘Ilima Awards.

Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki; 922-3600. Lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, happy hour. $$$-$$$$