Restaurants and Bars

Sitting as it does at an intersection of American, Asian, South Pacific Island, European and native Chamorran cultural currents, the small island of Guam offers an astounding variety of dining opportunities in a relatively confined and therefore convenient area. And because Guam is a luxury tourist destination, attracting free-spending Asian travelers in particular, the restaurants tend also to serve meals of extraordinary quality with lavish service and decor ranging from subdued to extravagant.

Japanese soldiers occupied Guam during World War II (the date of liberation being the island's biggest holiday), and the Japanese influence remains strong. A large annual influx of Japanese tourists keeps the focus on the food of their home country and a number of top Japanese chefs have made Guam their home. For world-class sushi, try Super Kaiten Sushi Tairyo, which boasts some of the freshest cuts of fish around. Kiyo Sato showcases the talents and originality of master chef Kiyonori Oyama who serves sushi delicacies available nowhere else on the island. But Japanese cuisine is more than just raw fish. Experience the delicious showmanship of teppanyaki-style tableside cooking at Yamazato inside the Guam Hotel Okura. And if you just want a lot of everything, you can't beat Niji's Japanese at the Hyatt Regency, which puts out a buffet of quite amazing quality and variety. Ramen noodles, another Japanese favorite, are freshly made noodles in savory broth served with beef or other meats. Ramen shops dot the island, but the oldest and perhaps most revered is Aji Ichi Sapporo Ramen.

While Japanese may be the most popular cuisine on Guam, the most traditional must be Chamorran food, Chamorros being the island's native inhabitants. Josephine's Chamorro Kitchen serves staple dishes like Chicken Estufao and Kelaguen, the tangy fish or shrimp dish steeped in lemon juice and onion. To sample the widest variety of local dishes and experience other cultural highlights, visit the restaurants and food stalls of Chamorro Village.

Guam also has more than its share of fine dining establishments. French Chef Bertrand Haurillon's Le Tasi Bistro serves Provencal specialties with a stunning view of the ocean. The similarly named but distinctive Le Bistro at Pacific Islands Club offers three luxurious meals a day. Old Hagatna Grill changes its contemporary menu monthly and features an exquisite monthly Wine Dinner. And for Canadian AAA Alberta grain-fed beef, try the venerable Hy's Steak House.

Numerous other world cuisines get excellent representation on Guam, from Mexican at Marty's Mexican Merienda & Cantina to Italian at Prego to Chinese at VIP House Chinese Restaurant. And if you need a break from the super-rich food all around, try a salad at Corridos 848, or get something healthful and vegetarian from Simply Food.

Those looking for a more informal eatery can still get tasty treats, at Cafe Rock & Roll, open 24 hours and also located at the Pacific Islands Club, and at Tree Bar, serving fancy tropical cocktails by the pool at the Guam Hilton and featuring a daily happy hour. For food on the run or a libation to wash it all down, visit Stanlee's Liquor Store & Deli, something of a Guam institution and known for having the island's best selection of beer, wine and spirits. And finally, speaking of institutions, no Guam dining tour would be complete without a visit at midnight (or any other time) to either King's Restaurant location, for Fried Rice Ala and other island favorites. This is where locals go for informal going-away parties and for coming-home parties to jumpstart that island feeling.

In short, if you can't find something worth eating on the island, you must not be hungry. For its variety and its spectacle, dining here may by itself warrant a visit to Guam.