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Best Restaurants in Honolulu - worth every bite!

Discover some of the best restaurants in Honolulu, just outside of Waikiki, that will leave you in awe with satisfied smiles and cravings for more!  Here's a selection for all budgets and tastes from heavy hitters like Merriman's Honolulu, Kapa Hale, and Roy's Restaurant to local hole-in-the-wall places like Ethel's, and foodie favorites like Helena's and Shokudo.

Honolulu restaurants offer a diverse and delectable dining scene, featuring a wide range of cuisines from traditional Hawaiian dishes to international flavors, providing a delightful culinary experience for locals and visitors alike.

5 Best Honolulu Dinner Restaurants  $$$

Top chefs, elegant settings, culinary creations at its best, and lots of WOW factor!  Make a reservation, get dressed up, and set out on the town for the following best restaurants in Honolulu!  Make a point to try them all!

1. Hoku’s Kahala

Hoku's Restaurant is a sophisticated and elegant dining establishment that offers a refined and innovative menu, showcasing the best of Hawaiian regional cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Located in the elegant Kahala Hotel, which is a treat in itself to visit!

The experience starts as you enter the open air atrium of the hotel.  Hoku’s is a romantic spot to dine on fine island cuisine.

Pan Seared Halibut w/ an Avocado Crust, Salt Crusted Rack of Lamb, and Maine Lobster Tempura should get you excited for the type of menu you will experience here.

  • $$$ Dinner Tue - Sat 5:30pm to 8:30pm / Bunch Sun 9 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Location:  Kahala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI Phone (808) 739-8760
  • Check out more at www.kahalaresort.com

2. Roy’s Restaurant

Roy's Restaurant is a renowned culinary destination that combines the flavors of Hawaii with international influences, creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

Hawaiian fusion creations at it’s best!  Roy Yamaguchi started his vision in 1988 with his first Oahu restaurant that still exists today in Hawaii Kai.

Today there are 4 of these Roy's Honolulu restaurants around the island, including one located in Waikiki and the North Shore.  Dream of tender braised beef short ribs, Yamaguchi sushi, fresh Hawaiian catch of the day, and a signature hot chocolate souffle for desert!

  • $$$ Dinner only, Daily 4:30 PM to 9 PM and Closing 9:30 on Fri & Sat
  • Location:  6600 Kalanianaole Hwy, Hawaii Kai, HI - Phone (808) 396-7697
  • Check out more at Roy’sRestaurant.com

3. Chef Chai

"Healthy" is the focus this go around...butter is not used for cooking here!

Chef Chai is a celebrated restaurant that offers a fusion of Asian and Hawaiian cuisine, featuring a creative and refined menu crafted by Chef Chai himself, delivering a memorable and exquisite dining experience.

Superseding his former successful restaurant, Chai Island Bistro in the Aloha Tower Marketplace, Chef Chai has done it again, creating another special Asian fusion menu in an innovative hip restaurant.

The menu presents tempting choices such as Apple Kimchi Summer Rolls, Alaskan King Crab Cakes, Deconstructed Scallop Pot Pie with Lobster Reduction, Grilled Fresh Mahi Mahi with Thai Red Curry Sauce, and a Fresh Baked Pineapple Macadamia Nut Tart Ala Mode with Vanilla Ice-cream for dessert -Yum!

  • $$$ Dinner only, Wed - Sun 4 to 10pm, Except Closing 9:30 on Wed
  • Location:  1009 Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu - Phone (808) 585-0011
  • Check out more at www.ChefChai.com

4. Merriman's Honolulu

Merriman's Honolulu is a premier dining destination that showcases a farm-to-table concept, highlighting locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques to create a delightful and sustainable dining experience.

Peter Merriman moved to Hawaii in the early ‘80s as a cook for Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island.  He quickly realized an opportunity to work with the farmers to grow fresh produce & herbs, and create the first farm-to-table fine dine island experiences for guests looking for more.

Merriman’s joins the lineup of the best restaurants in Honolulu in the Kaka'ako area.  You really can’t go wrong here whether you choose to indulge in their melt-in-the-mouth Waygu Umami Burger with garlic saute mushrooms, gruyere cheese and truffle oil, or lean towards their fresh catch with a macadamia nut crust.

Their freshly grown salads are not to be missed, along with some fun appetizers like a Hapa Poke, Oysters in a Half Shell, “Oahu Shrimp Truck” with lots of garlic and ginger.

Peter Merriman even partners with local cattle ranches to get the best cut of meat to grill braise.  It doesn’t exactly sound Hawaiian ordering their Cabernet Braised Short Rib with Mushroom Risotto, but the patrons are smiling a big mahalo in the end!

  • $$$ Open Daily 11 AM to 9 PM  Happy Hour 3 PM to 5 PM – Island Style Cocktails and Appetizers
  • 1108 Auahi Street, Honolulu – Phone 808-215-0022
  • Learn More - Merrimans Honolulu

5. Kapa Hale

Kapa-Hale is a charming and cozy restaurant that serves traditional Hawaiian dishes with a modern twist, offering a warm and inviting dining atmosphere.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Chef Keaka has worked in some of the most prestigious Restaurants in Honolulu like Alan Wong’s & Pig & the Lady, and has now launched his own successful restaurant called Kapa Hale.  So successful it was voted the best 2021 Honolulu Restaurant.

Kapa Hale (Working House) is a fusion of flavors from different cultures and fresh ingredients. The menu is always changing, but you’re almost guaranteed to find something you’ll like.

Discover tempting entrees like Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Beef Tartar, Shiitake Mushroom Risotto, and Black Garlic Grilled Octopus.  Complementing sides like Roasted Caulafower w/ Grapfruit & an Anchovy Chili Garlic sauce, Grilled Corn Bread with Lilikoi & Honey. They are open for lunch and feature some comfort items including Fried Chicken, a Hawaiian Cubano, and a delicious Kauai Shrimp Scampi.

If you’re around for the weekend, beat the crowds for their Smoked Pork Benedict, a well put together Potato Patty Vegan Loco Moco, Chicken & Waffles, and a mouth watering Kalua Pork Croque Wahine.

  • Mon & Tue 5 PM to 8:30 PM, Wed - Fri 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM (9 PM on Fri & Sat), Sat & Sun 9 AM to 9 PM (8:30 PM on Sun)
  • Location:  4614 Kilauea Ave Suite 102, Kahala - Phone (808) 888-2060
  • Check out more at Kapa Hale

Honolulu Food Tour - Eat Like a Local!

Leonard's Hot Malasadas are irresistibly warm and delicious Portuguese doughnuts, coated in sugar and often filled with delightful flavors, providing a tasty and iconic treat in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Spend 4 to 5 hours touring hole-in-the-wall eateries located just beyond  Waikiki.  Visit some of Hawaii’s gems, and learn a little culinary history, while exploring the different cultures that make up our island.

Taste local favorites like Spam Musubi, Ube, Poke, Malasadas, and island plate lunch hits!  These are small-group tours, to help keep the experience personalized, so make sure to sign up early if interested.  Book an Aloha Food Plate Tour Now!

6 Best Restaurants in Honolulu $$

This is the next tier up in price and probably my favorite section of the best Honolulu restaurants!  You get the experience of dining like a rock star without breaking the wallet!

1. Moku Kitchen

Moku Kitchen is a vibrant and contemporary eatery that specializes in farm-to-table cuisine, featuring a diverse menu of locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes, providing a fresh and flavorful dining experience.

Kaka’ako is known for being the new hip, artsy, and fun area to hangout on Oahu…and Moku Kitchen resembles all these characteristics and more.


World renowned chef Peter Merriman who also created Monkeypod Kitchen in Ko’olina, has now created this popular eatery located in the recently developed open air center called SALT.

Don’t miss out on ordering the signature Monkeypod Mai Tai’s with Lahaina Rum and a Honey-Lilikoi Foam on top!  Moku’s Oven-Roasted Wings are better than any deep fried versions, and their Hand Tossed Pizzas, and Szechuan Stir-Fry Green Beans with Mac Nuts are a treat.  For bigger appetites, order and go to town on their Rotisserie Roasted Prime Rib or Ginger Glazed Roasted Duck.

It tends to get busy with a long wait if you don’t have a reservation, but you can be rewarded with some great bargains if you show up for happy hour!

  • Open Sun - Wed for lunch and dinner - 11 AM to 9 PM, Closing 10 PM on Thurs - Sat
  • 660 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 591-6658
  • Check out more at MokuKitchen.com
Maui Brewing Company is a popular brewery and restaurant that offers a wide selection of handcrafted beers and delicious pub-style food, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Make sure to check out other great eateries around the island, including some great Oahu restaurants to be discovered in Kailua, Hawaii Kai, Kakaako, and the North Shore...

2. The Surfing Pig

The Surfing Pig is a trendy and casual eatery that serves mouthwatering dishes inspired by Hawaiian and global flavors, combining the best of comfort food with a touch of culinary innovation.

Smokey Cheesy Mac w/ Porchetta, Portuguese Sausage Loco Moco, Pan Seared Ahi w/ Sriracha Fried Rice, Truffle Butter Rib Eye, and lots more tempting choices at this popular Waialae eatery.

The Surfing Pig is one of the newest hip creation from the Kono plate lunch chain restaurants.  They have taken some of the best Honolulu Restaurants island comfort foods, and added their own fusion twists to make everything signature on the menu and memorable.

The atmosphere has lots of fun elements that will draw you in, and adding to the magic is the lively bar and handcrafted cocktails…a good reason to show up for their 4 to 6 PM happy hour!  The Smoked “Rosemary Mezcal Margarita” and Smoking Pig Old Fashioned w/ Crispy Bacon won’t disappoint!

  • Located at 3605 Waialae Ave, Waialae – Phone (808) 744-1992
  • Brunch 11 Am to 2 PM Mon - Thurs & 9 AM to 2 PM Fri - Sun 
  • Dinner 4 PM to 9 PM Mon - Thurs, Closes 11 PM on Fri & Sat & 10 PM on Sun
  • Learn more – The Surfing Pig Hawaii

3. Mud Hen Water

Mud Hen Water Oahu is a vibrant and eclectic restaurant that celebrates the flavors of Hawaii through a creative and ever-changing menu, offering a unique and memorable dining experience.

Fitting right in with the best Honolulu Restaurants is all about the experience…sampling many new flavors and creations.  It’s a great eatery to bring friends as many of the dishes can be shared.

There is a good mix of vegetarian dishes that are highlights on the menu including a Beet Poke that will have you questioning whether or not its ahi tuna.  Their Szechuan Lotus Root and Pohole fern shoot & okra dishes are also sought after.

The Tempura Fish Sandwich with olive-ume tarter sauce is absolutely delicious and Mud Hen Water’s most popular dish.  Also consider their Lemongrass Sausage & Clams w/ coconut milk for a table pleaser.  Hawaiian food lovers with like their twist on Pork Lau Lau and Chicken Long Rice Croquette w/ Curry.

Make a reservation or it can be tough to get in!

  • Lunch Tue – Sat 11 AM to 2 PM, Sun Brunch 9:30 AM–2PM
  • Dinner Tue - Sat 5 to 9 PM & Closing 9:30 PM Fri & Sat
  • 3452 Waialae Ave, Honolulu - Phone  (808) 737-6000
  • Learn more at Mud Hen Water

4. Shokudo Japanese

Shokudo is a lively and contemporary Japanese-American fusion restaurant that offers a diverse menu of delicious dishes, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.

This Japanese fusion restaurant deserves all the island fame with all the incredible creations that come out of the kitchen.  The menu descriptions do no justice for what is actually presented at the table. 

Don’t miss Shokudo’s signature Agedashi Tofu- melt-in-the-mouth and cooked to perfection, Lobster Dynamite, a rich creamy dish that that just can’t last long enough, Spicy Miso Ramen – topped off with a good spoonful of fried garlic ( this dish rocks!),  and many more best-of-the-best small plate dishes to share!

  • $$ Dinner Daily 5 PM to 11 PM / Lunch Sat & Sun 11:30 AM to 11 PM
  • Location:  1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI Phone (808) 941-3701
  • Check out more at ShokudoJapanese.com

5. Doraku

Doraku is a stylish and upscale sushi restaurant that combines traditional Japanese flavors with modern culinary techniques, delivering an exquisite and memorable dining experience.

When it comes to the art of sushi creations, Doraku steps up to the plate! This is the spot to post some pictures of your amazing looking dishes on Facebook, and make all your friends jealous!

There is much tradition that takes place in the sushi preparation at Doraku, with a Latin inspiration.  You'll find such fusions in some of their specialty rolls and small dishes!

This best Honolulu Restaurant is also known for having the largest displays of sake which goes hand in hand with the food!  Doraku is modeled after a Japanese gastropub, and meant to be a gather place for friends sharing food.

There are 2 locations:

  • Kaka'ako Location (near Ala Moana Center) - $$ - Open Daily for Lunch 11:30 AM to 3 PM, Dinner 4 PM to 10 PM +  Location:  1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu - phone (808) 591-0101
  • Waikiki Location - Daily 11:30 AM to 10 PM (11 PM on Sat) Location:  2233 Kalakaua Ave, Suite 304, Honolulu - phone (808) 922-3323

6. Gyu-Kaku

Gyu-Kaku is a popular and interactive Japanese BBQ restaurant that allows diners to grill their own high-quality meats and enjoy a fun and flavorful dining experience.

Japanese BBQ grilled to order at your table by you!  This can be a fun spot for a group celebration, or just a small gathering of friends ready to share tasty, grilled selections. 

Gyu-Kaku staff will bring thinly sliced meats and special marinades such as miso, garlic, and teriyaki, that are ready to grill at your table.  Don’t worry if you’re not a cook…just remember to flip over the meats every 30 seconds to a couple of minutes!  Top off your barbecued meats with dipping sauces, such as Sweet & Spicy, Ponzu, and Lemon.

Arrive before 6pm or after 10pm for their discounted menu, which goes from fair pricing to cheap.  $$ Lunch & Dinner, Mon - Sun 11:30 AM to 10 PM & Closing 10:30 Fri & Sat

Locations:

  • 307 Lewers St., Waikiki HI - Phone (808) 926 2989
    1221 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu HI - Phone (808) 589-2989
    Check out more at     Gyu-Kaku.com

Make you own chocolate bar experience!  Sign up for fun an hour workshop in Chinatown or Kailua, learning about the chocolate making process, and create your own unique bar using spices and/or fun ingredients.  Reserve your spot now...

5 Best Restaurants in Honolulu - $

1. Helena's Hawaiian Food

Helena's Hawaiian Food is a beloved local eatery that serves authentic and flavorful Hawaiian cuisine, showcasing traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients and cultural heritage.

Helena is a well-loved local Hawaiian restaurant by both locals and visitors from all around. The interior of their restaurant is a bit plain, but the richness is found in the food.

This is the spot if you only have one opportunity to get your Hawaiian meal with all the sides and fixings.

Imu cooked Kalua Pig, Pork Chicken or Squid Laulau, Beef Stew, Chicken Long Rice, Lomi Salmon, and Haupia are your classics to choose from.

They also feature delicious Beef Stew, Pipilaula Short Ribs, Poke, Opihi, Fried Ahi and Fried Butterfish Collar. You can order ala carte or they also have some combinations to choose from…most likely it will be a combination of both.

It’s family style and affordable, so bring the whole fam and try everything! Plan accordingly as they are not only popular but also only open 4 days of the week and not weekends.

  • Open Tue - Fri 10 AM to 7:30 PM
  • 1240 N School St, Honolulu / Phone: 808-845-8044
  • Learn more - Helena's Hawaiian Food

2. 1938 Indochine

Step into a hip Kaka’ako Southeast Asian scene and sample many street food favorites with your friends.

1938 Indochine is a chic and elegant restaurant that offers a unique fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine, creating a sophisticated and flavorful dining experience.

Whether you choose to dine in their swanky French Colonial indoor setting with an impressive tall standing bar, or grab one of their front outdoor tables where all the action is, you’re in for a fun experience.

Highlights of the menu are influences of Vietnamese and Asian fusion popular dishes.  Lemongrass Pork Ribs, Le Citronelle Fried Chicken, Clay Pot Steamed Clams with a spicy ginger dipping sauce, and Thai Ribeye Brochette Skewers to whet your appetite!  It’s easy to over order here with lots of great options!

1938 Indochine has an extensive Bourbon and Scotch selections behind the bar, along with some well-crafted cocktails worth taking a look at.

  • 602 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu – Phone 808-545-7777
  • Open Daily 4 PM to 10 PM (Closing 11 PM Thurs - Sat) / Happy Hour Sun-Thurs 4 PM to 6 PM
  • Learn more at 1938 Indochine

3. Highway Inn

Wondering where to get your Hawaiian food fix amongst the best Honolulu restaurants?

Highway Inn Kakaako is a beloved Hawaiian restaurant that serves delicious and authentic local comfort food, showcasing the flavors and traditions of the islands in a welcoming and casual atmosphere.

Highway Inn has been in business since 1947, but has taken on a refreshed look as it opened up in the new Kakaako SALT center along with Moku, Bevy, and other new hip eateries.

You can order a Super Combo Plate and layer on all your Hawaiian favorites like Kalua Pig, Chichen Long Rice, Lomi Salmon, Lu’au, and of course a bowl full of Poi!  Steer to their Hawaii fusion side and try their Hawaiian Style Nachos with kalua pork, Edamame Poke with a smoked aioli or delicious Flame Broiled Pulehu Ribs.

Stop by for breakfast and be treated to Poi Pancakes with Macadamia Nuts and a Creamy Haupia (coconut) Sauce.  Consider trying their Smoked Loco Moco as well with bell peppers & onions.

  • Mon–Thurs 9:30 AM – 8 PM, Fri–Sat 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM, Sun 9:30 AM – 3 PM
  • 680 Ala Moana Blvd., #105 Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813 / Phone: 808-954-4955
  • Learn more - MyHighwayInn.com

4. Ethel’s Restaurant

Ethel's Restaurant is a charming and cozy diner that serves classic American comfort food with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, providing a nostalgic and satisfying dining experience.

This is one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Honolulu on the island!  Located deep in the industrial district in Kalihi near the Bishop Museum, is a small little eatery that draws the crowds.

The home cooked dishes served up at Ethel’s even draws out the top Oahu chefs, late after their shifts.  Everything on the menu – which is handwritten on sheets of paper encased in plastic, cascading down from a hanging surfboard from the ceiling -- is usually a hit.  Get a taste of their Ox Tail Soup, Japanese Hamburger Steak, and a delicious and generous side order of Tataki Ahi Tuna sashimi!

  • $ Breakfast & Lunch, Tue - Sat 8 AM to 2 PM
  • Location:  232 Kalihi St, Honolulu, HI - Phone (808) 847-6467
  • Check out more Ethel’s Grill reviews. 

5. Honolulu Ramen

Goma Tei is a popular ramen restaurant that specializes in flavorful and authentic Japanese noodle dishes, offering a satisfying and comforting dining experience.

Honolulu Ramen is one of the most satisfying cheap eats on the island.  Most spots are easy to get into, even without reservations you have a good chance to get in with small wait times.

There are lots of different styles and twists to this Hawaii comfort food. And we have a list of some of the best bowls to try.  Gama Tei, Wagaya, Junpuu, Tenkaippin, and Momosan are you leading ramen spots on the island.  They take pride in brewing their signature broths for hours, and over night for that matter.

Whether you are a tankasu, shoyu, miso, or shiro based fan, or looking for a tasty fusion creation like Chicken Katsu Curry Ramen, you're bound to find a bowl of happiness and walk away feeling satisfied and with a smile.

Waikiki Restaurants

Waikiki restaurants offer a diverse and vibrant culinary scene, featuring a wide range of international cuisines and local Hawaiian flavors, catering to every palate and providing a memorable dining experience in the heart of Honolulu.

Also check out some of the best new and classic Waikiki Restaurants.

There are some classic beach side dining experiences, hidden hole in the wall eateries, and some new institutions that are pleasing visitors from all around!

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