20 for $20: You and your wallet can leave full

If you're planning to drive around the island, don't miss Pah Ke's in suburban Kaneohe. It's in an aging strip mall. The restaurant itself looks much like any local Chinese cookery. But Pah Ke's modest surroundings can't hide the creativity of chef Raymond Siu. Siu specializes in Chinese-Hawaiian regional cuisine, using as many local ingredients as possible. Pah Ke has an extensive menu -- 148 items -- but that doesn't stop Siu. Tell him the kinds of things you like, and he'll whip up something special for you.

We loved . . . the attitude: You name it, they make it for you.

We didn't love . . . the ragged commercial neighborhood.

Pah Ke's, 46018 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe; (808) 235-4505.

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rosemary.mcclure@latimes.com

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1. Nico's Pier 38

2. Uncle's Fish Market & Grill

3. Helena's Hawaiian Foods

4. Mei Sum Dim Sum

5. Little Village

6. Vino

7. Side Street Inn

8. Seoul Garden Yakiniku

9. Shirokiya

10. Well Bento

11. Pane y Vino

12. Halekulani's House Without a Key

13. Duke's Canoe Club

14. Fatty's Chinese Kitchen

15. MAC 24-7

16. Lulu's

17. Diamond Head Market & Grill

18. Farmers Open Market

19. North Shore shrimp trucks

20. Pah Ke's