Thousands of people turned out in Waikiki on Thursday for the opening of the redeveloped International Market Place, a polished, modern structure filled with nods to Hawaii culture and the center’s roots.

Much of the excitement surrounding the new marketplace centers on its restaurant lineup, which includes venues the likes of which Hawaii has never before experienced.

Michelin-star chef and restaurateur Michael Mina worked alongside executive chef Ben Jenkins at Hawaii’s first Stripsteak, overseeing the kitchen as dishes were produced. The days leading up to the opening “have made me giddy a bit,” Mina admitted.

To have a chef of Mina’s caliber open a restaurant here will give the Aloha State even more credibility as a food destination, said chef Roy Yamaguchi, who spared a moment to chat amid a busy opening at his neighboring Eating House 1849. The kitchen was bustling, with executive chef Michael Leslie calling out orders for ramen, fried chicken, paella and rib-eye steaks.

People will continue to come to Hawaii for its natural beauty, Yamaguchi said, but now more than ever, visitors have many options to experience “great fish, produce and meats” at a level even more elevated than before. They can get the full experience of what Hawaii has to offer, he said.

Added to the day’s lineup were Kona Coffee Purveyors and b. patisserie, where the aroma of kouign-amann filled the shop. That pastry was delivered by James Beard nominee Belinda Leong, who was also busy baking up croissants, cookies and other treats.

Upscale sweet shops Honolulu Cookie Co. and Sugarfina, a candy store hailing from Beverly Hills, Calif., also welcomed visitors for the first time.

Here’s a roundup in pictures of the food-related happenings on opening day at the marketplace.