Second the recommendations for Legend Seafood (dim sum) and Kaka'ako Kitchen.

I have also had the best pho I've ever had in Honolulu's Chinatown (taken there by locals -- of course I was so lame I didn't write down the name). People line up for it. They bring out the sliced raw beef on a separate plate so that you can add it to the broth when you like. It's incredibly delicious broth, too. It's definitely in Chinatown, and on a corner. Maybe someone here knows the name of the place??

I think I know the pho place you are talking about. It's near the Maunakea Marketplace. I think it is near River Street. There is a line that forms out the door every day. A google search brought up this page:

http://blog.thethirstypig.com/2009/0...estaurant.html

Is that the place you're talking about? Name is Pho To Chau. It's a real "hole in the wall" place (I say this as a compliment) with great food.

Another interesting place that just opened is Bruno's Forno in Chinatown. It's interesting because it serves pasta and sandwiches in a landscape dominated by primarily chinese food.