Hawaii is rich in everything, from mesmerizing landscapes and tropical climate to fresh fruits, veggies, and, of course, seafood. All of these factors contribute to the overall Hawaiian cuisine, making it one of the main reasons why people love spending their time exploring the island.
What’s a vacation without indulging in some delicious food cravings? And if you’re headed to Oahu, you should definitely take some time to explore the food scenes in Waikiki. I think, for the most part, Waikiki is home to some of the best restaurants in the whole islands of Hawaii. If you’re planning to come to Waikiki, I’ve listed out the top restaurants you should add to your must-visit list.
Most of these restaurants are near the iconic Waikiki Beach, where you can have the time of your life enjoying the Diamond Head backdrop, watching sunsets, and satisfying your hunger with the best food. In this article, I’ve mentioned the best restaurants in Waikiki, and you can just add these restaurants to your notes, take a screenshot, or simply memorize them—because when I say these are the best, I mean it, and next time you’re in Waikiki be sure to check them out!
Top 20 Best Restaurants Waikiki
Let’s look at the top food spots that Hawaii locals find themselves gushing over. You can find a lot of people around these eateries as they are famous among both tourists and the people of Hawaii.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
Address: 458 Keawe St, Floor 2
If you’ve been to Hawaii before, you know that the food truck scene in Hawaii is super popular, and some of the best food on the island is found here. Giovanni’s food truck is a local favorite spot and is famous among tourists. You should definitely try their famous garlic plates and shrimp scampi plate.
Musubi Cafe
Address: 227 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Musubi Cafe offers the best musubi in the world. This is a chain restaurant, and you can find them in multiple locations. Musubi Cafe is known as the Japanese rice ball specialist among the locals. Everything is handmade with premium rice and is so delicious, you will be wanting more. You can try the local specialty, spam musubi, which uses plum, cucumber, avocado, bacon, and egg toppings.
Cream Pot
Address: 444 Niu St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cream Pot claims the invention of the soufflé pancake, popular in Japan and, of course, recently in the U.S. This is a popular brunch spot, and it has been serving these high-end pancakes since 2009. They’re still the fluffiest, most wonderful pancakes I’ve ever eaten. On the savory side, the clear winner is the Maguro Eggs Benedict: raw ahi on poached eggs and rice, like breakfast sushi.
Aloha Table Waikiki
Address: 2238 Lauula St #2F, Honolulu, HI 96815
This Hawaiian joint restaurant boasts an award-winning “Loco Moco” dish. A Loco Moco is a dish that is made from premium Kobe-style beef and a special mushroom onion sauce. If you want to enjoy some local tastes and catch a late dinner, you can try out Aloha Table, as dinner here is served until midnight.
Liliha Bakery
This is considered an essential restaurant in Honolulu that has expanded in recent years. For locals who grew up with the original diner, it can feel a little incongruous dining at the expansive, open-air location at the top of the spiffed-up International Market Place, but the food—pancakes, Denver omelets, and hamburgers—are just considered the best in town. There’s a bakery case of local favorites, including mochi donuts and Coco Puffs.
Tip: Try some acaí bowls at a local café with a focus on healthy and delicious options.
Japanese Cuisine
Hawaii’s love for Japanese cuisine runs deep, woven into the islands’ rich cultural tapestry. From delicate sushi crafted with the finest local seafood to mouth-watering bowls of ramen, Japanese food in Waikiki isn’t just a dining experience but a celebration of history, tradition, and innovation. Check out these top Japanese restaurants in Waikiki.
Sushi Sho
Address: 383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Like the name suggests, if you want to try some authentic Japanese cuisine, everyone prefers to eat at Sushi Sho. Sushi Sho is a great spot to try some delicious and fresh sushi and is an omakase restaurant that offers a high-end experience. It combines modern and traditional techniques and uses unique Hawaiian ingredients. There are only 10 seats at the main dining room’s sushi counter, meaning reservations are tough to snag, opening months in advance. If you can’t get a reservation, Sushi Sho offers one of the best takeout deals in town: a $40 bara chirashi of about 20 different diced seafood and vegetables, which might include uni and abalone, served over sushi rice.
Momosan Waikiki
Address: 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Momosan Waikiki is a ramen and sake bar that promises the best ramen in Waikiki. Momosan Ramen is a favorite spot with a casual and inviting atmosphere, serving a variety of ramen options, including Tsukemen. If you think it’s only ramen we get here, then that’s not all—it also offers dumplings, sushi, rice dishes, and garlic shrimp. It has a beautiful outdoor beer garden featuring craft and local brews that you can enjoy at communal tables.
TsuruTonTan
Address: 2233 Kalākaua Ave B310, Honolulu, HI 96815
TsuruTonTan is a popular udon restaurant with a secret menu during happy hour, serving large bowls of homemade udon noodles. The restaurant name is just a nod to the sounds of slurping, kneading, and cutting its signature udon noodles. Udon here is made fresh in-house each day using high-quality flour from Japan. Top-notch dashi and craft soy sauces round out the dining experience.
Marugame Udon
Address: 2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
This is also a popular Japanese udon chain with a high school cafeteria-style setup, serving freshly made udon noodles all day long. There can be a huge long line when you visit Marugame Udon, but fear not, it moves quickly, as bowls are turned out with fast-food level efficiency. If you want to skip waiting in line, you can order online and head to the pickup window. Each bowl is simple: The fresh, house-made noodles are boiled to order and available in a variety of hot and cold options. Most bowls are around $10, making this a solid option for budget dining in Waikīkī.
Katsumidori
Address: 100 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI 96815
If you can visit the Prince Waikiki Hotel, you’ll find the only outpost of the Katsumidori chain restaurant outside of Japan. You can try moderately priced sushi that’s a step above delicious from the average sushi languishing on a conveyor belt. The most deluxe sushi set includes luxuries such as uni, abalone, and jumbo eel—an almost comically long piece of seafood.
Refreshing Drinks
After spending your day under the scorching Hawaiian sun, I am sure that nothing feels more satisfying than you finding a refreshing drink that cools you down. Waikiki is known for its vibrant mix of tropical flavors of pineapple and mango, or you can enjoy yourself a handcrafted cocktail or some beer. Here are some top places where you can refresh yourself with a drink in your hand.
Matcha Cafe Maiko
Address: Hawaii, Honolulu, Kūhiō Ave., 143
You can’t leave Waikiki without trying shave ice, and here you’ll find a variety of matcha-flavored shave ice, drinks, floats, and soft serve here. You need to really try the Maiko Special, a parfait of mochi balls, azuki beans, chestnuts, matcha chiffon cake, and cornflakes, drizzled with Japanese brown sugar syrup and topped with matcha soft serve. So you can enjoy some refreshing treat here when you’re tired of exploring the beach.
Monkeypod Kitchen
Address: 2169 Kalia Road, Unit #111
One of the popular drinks in Hawaii is Mai Tai, and if you want to try out some renowned Mai Tai’s, you need to visit Monkeypod Kitchen. If you are fortunate enough, you can snag a table with a breathtaking ocean view and with vibrant tropical decor and chill vibes. The restaurant’s signature Mai Tai got all ingredients house-made, and you can also try some local fish tacos here.
Heyday
Address: 431 Nohonani St, Honolulu, HI 96815
You can enjoy this hidden bar in the courtyard of a low-slung hotel that gives off midcentury moody vibes with a poolside patio. You should definitely try their cocktails made with local spirits. You can build your own daiquiri from a selection of Hawaii-distilled rums and syrups made on Maui, or choose one of four Mai Tai variations and even go for a boozy slushy of the day. For food, find snacks like cheesy toast or sandwiches, including a fried mahi mahi number that’s like a fancy-ish Filet-o-Fish.
Island Vintage Wine Bar
Address: 2301 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
You can find this in a kiosk adjacent to the Royal Hawaiian Center. It serves one of the best shave ice on the island, with servers dousing cups in pulpy syrups made of real fruits. Not far away, Island Vintage applies the same level of detail to its casual second-floor wine bar, where tasting pours of around 30 bottles are available to accompany charcuterie boards and steamed clams. You can also order from the adjacent Island Vintage Cafe, which offers acai bowls topped with liliko‘i and, when in season, fresh lychee.
Tip: Don’t forget to drink some cool coconut water from any cafe.
Upscale Dining
You can find a few upscale dining options in the heart of Waikiki that invite guests to indulge in meticulously crafted dishes that combine traditional Hawaiian flavors and global influences. These restaurants offer you breathtaking ocean views, elegant dining experiences, and high-quality food. Be sure to check out these restaurants to enjoy a romantic dinner with a focus on local ingredients and creative dishes. Plan ahead and make a reservation at a popular fine dining restaurant.
Duke Waikiki
Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki
You can check out the popular restaurant Duke Waikiki, named after Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary surfer and Olympic swimmer. With an efficient check-in system and amazing service, you can enjoy a romantic dinner here. It’s a perfect dinner spot or the best upscale dining for a beach vacation. At Duke’s, they have a full menu of delicious options, but they also have an amazing salad bar that you can do as an add-on to your entree. Try Hula Pie, a hot fudge dessert with toasted macadamia nuts and whipped cream covering macadamia nut ice cream, which is kept together by a chocolate cookie crust. They offer an outside bar with a more casual menu if you were not able to get a reservation, and if you want to enjoy the real restaurant vibes, try to book a reservation a month and a half before your actual trip.
Restaurant Suntory
Address: Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Third Level, Bldg B, 2233 Kalākaua Ave B307, Honolulu, HI 96815
Restaurant Suntory, operated by the Japanese whisky and spirits powerhouse, is one of the best and most elegant all-around Japanese restaurants in Waikiki. It offers three separate experiences and dining rooms: teppanyaki, sushi omakase, and washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine), so you’ll need to specify which type of meal you want when you make your reservation. The washoku menu is the broadest, offering à la carte sashimi, tempura, and small dishes, as well as set menus of kamameshi (iron pot rice) steamed tableside or shabu shabu.
Roy’s
Address: 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Roy’s Waikiki is an institution in Waikiki, founded by chef Roy Yamaguchi, offering fine dining with a range of dishes, including sushi, seafood, and steak. Celebrity chef Roy opened his first one back in 1988. The restaurant specializes in Japanese and Hawaiian fusion cuisine. Items such as the misoyaki butterfish, silky black cod served with sweet ginger wasabi sauce, and the kiawe-smoked Szechuan baby back pork ribs, Roy’s signature appetizer, make it deliciously clear as to why the restaurant is one of the top restaurants in Hawaii.
La Mer
Address: 2199 Kaila Rd, Honolulu, Hawaii
If you need a luxurious fine dining experience, you need to visit La Mer at the Halekulani Hotel Waikiki, which has the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star restaurant. This restaurant specializes in French cuisine with a Hawaiian twist. You can try the chef’s recommendations such as homard poché, saint jacques rôti, and filet de boeuf. The elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and panoramic views of Waikiki Beach make it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special celebration.
Sweet Treats
How can you say you explored restaurants without exploring the sweet treats of the island? You should definitely try some famous pastries, ice creams, and Hawaii’s own shaved ice.
Royal Hawaiian Bakery
Address: 2259 Kalākaua Avenue
This is a famous local bakery located inside the historic Royal Hawaiian Resort, and its pink exterior is a picturesque spot for Instagrammers. You can find a variety of pink dishes like pink pancakes, shaved ice, royal custard croissants, pink cronuts, and more. With all the pink, you’ll love to walk around the hotel and sit down to soak in the views while you have some sweet treats. You need to note that the kitchen closes by noon, so you have to reach before that to get the food.
Kona Coffee Purveyors | B. Patisserie
Address: Kuhio Avenue Mall Entrance – International Marketplace, 2330 Kalakaua Ave #160, Honolulu, HI 96815
The cafe Kona Coffee Purveyors was started by the Honolulu Coffee Co. chain, Raymond Suiter, to focus on Kona-grown beans. You can find the brand’s single estate Kona and other Hawaiian coffees at this cafe in Waikiki. You can also try out treats from San Francisco’s B. Patisserie. You can try out the famous strawberry guava kouign amann or a black sesame tart.
Tip: Double Fat Ice Cream is a locally made, small-batch ice creamery with a unique taste of Hawaii, offering flavors like coconut shrimp and Li Hing powder.
Final Thoughts
Food is considered a memory, and after visiting these top restaurants in Waikiki, you will know that the flavors of Waikiki stay with you long after your trip ends. If you look at the diverse and dynamic dining scenes at Waikiki, you will be amazed by how many restaurants and food options you get to explore there, besides the beaches and sightseeing activities. Make sure you try the local delicacies like poke bowl, acai bowl, mai tais, or try a plate of loco moco and fresh shave ice.
Each eatery, whether a fine dining establishment with breathtaking views or a humble spot tucked away from the tourist rush, is a place to spend time with your loved ones. So, the next time you find yourself in Waikiki, be sure to explore these top restaurants and treat your taste buds to an unforgettable journey through paradise. And maybe you’ll learn the beauty of tasting good food, as it’s not just about the taste but the moments you spend discovering them!
FAQs
Is it expensive to eat in Waikiki?
Waikiki can be one of the most expensive areas of Honolulu, Hawaii, to eat in, especially since it’s home to many hotels, so it’s likely you’ll be staying there. However, if you’re on the hunt for cheap eats in Waikiki, don’t worry—there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look.
What is Waikiki famous for now?
Today, Waikiki is the heart of Oʻahu’s hotel and resort scene, serving as a lively hub for visitors from all over the world. Along the bustling Kalākaua Avenue, you’ll discover top-tier shopping, dining, entertainment, activities, and resorts.