Best Honolulu Restaurants

These best Honolulu restaurants, outside of Waikiki, will leave you more than satisfied, sighing with content, and revved up to go back for more!  Here's a selection for all budgets and tastes from heavy hitters like Alan Wong's and Chef Mavro to holes in the wall like Ethel's and foodie staples like Shokudo.

Your palettes will delight in what these restaurants have, waiting for your tastebuds.  Ready, get set, make your reservations!

Honolulu Restaurants  $

Best hole-in-the-wall Honolulu restaurants that also fall into a category of best cheap eats on the island!

Ethel’s Restaurant

This is probably the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant 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, Mon - Sat 5:30am to 2pm

Location:  232 Kalihi St, Honolulu, HI - Phone (808) 847-6467
Check out more Ethel’s Grill reviews.

Kaka’ako Kitchen

More island comfort meals served up at this corner spot of the Ward Warehouse Shopping Center.  Tempura Mahi-Mahi Sandwiches, Seared Ahi Chop Salad, Hibachi-Grilled Chicken Wraps are just a sampling of what to expect at the Kaka’ako Grill.  They are proud to advertise that they use only fresh local grown ingredients to enhance the taste of their creations.


$ Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner, Mon - Sun 10am to 9pm most days

Location:  1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI - Phone (808) 596-7488
Check out more at KakaakoKitchen.com

Honolulu Restaurants  $$

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

Shokudo Restaurant

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!

$ Happy Hour, $$ Lunch & Dinner, Daily 11:30am to 1am...2am Fri & Sat

Location:  1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI Phone (808) 941-3701
Check out more at ShokudoJapanese.com

Pineapple Room

Another top choice in Honolulu restaurants!  Run and owned by one of Oahu’s top chefs, Alan Wong, the Pineapple room is a great way to dine more casually but still enjoy some of the best island culinary tastes that Oahu has to offer.  

Don’t miss the Kalua Pig BLT served on an onion roll –my favorite!  Kiawe Wood Grilled Short Ribs, Coconut Clam Chowder, and Macadamia Nut Crusted Apple Curry Glazed Pork Chop are a sampling of many tasty choices that Alan Wong has created for his menu.

$$ Breakfast Sat only 8am to 11am, $$ Lunch & $$$ Dinner 11am to 8:30pm

Location:  Ala Moana Shopping Center - Macy’s 2nd Fl, Honolulu, HI
Phone (808) 945-6573  Check out more at alanwongs.com/pineapple.com

Brasserie Du Vin

Step back into time in this French colonial brasserie that also slowly changes into a rustic Provencal setting once you step into their outdoor alley way seating area.  You wouldn't think you were in Honolulu.

Take a break for a traditional dinner meal, and order the delicious small plates to share while sampling their fantastic wine choices.  Fun table choices include artisan cheeses and cured meats neatly arranged on a wooden cutting board, oysters on a half shell, Pommes Frites (crispy French fries), escargot baked in pesto, garlic, and parmesan sauce, and different styles of bruschetta.

Arrive for happy hour and the menu is half off –which, by Honolulu restaurants standards, is definitely a steal! $$ Lunch & Dinner, Mon - Sat 11:30am to Late

Location:  1115 Bethel St., Honolulu, HI Phone (808) 545-1115
Check out more at BrasserieDuvin.com

Gordon Biersch

This lively spot is part of the Gordon Biersch chain of breweries,  but this one is particularly unique for its open air seating, live entertainment, and a menu that promotes the adventurous and delicious island flavors of Hawaii.

Miso Chilean Sea Bass, Pecan Crusted Chicken, Lobster and Shrimp Mac & Cheese, Gorgonzola Bone-in Ribeye…you tell me that doesn’t make you salivate!  You will find the Gordon Biersch restaurant at the end of the Aloha Tower Marketplace on the harbor.

$$ Lunch & Dinner, Mon - Sun 11am to 1am

Location:  One Aloha Tower, Suite 1123, Honolulu, HI Phone (808) 599-4877
Check out more at GordonBiersch.com

Gyu-Kaku

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 barbequed 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 11:30am to 11:30pm

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

Honolulu 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 Oahu’s elite Honolulu restaurants!

Alan Wongs

Chef Alan Wong opened his doors in 1995 and has been a number one success ever since!  Wanting to bring the natural Hawaiian elements to the table, Chef Alan Wong tries to keep everything as local as possible to better enhance his creations.

His menu challenges traditional local Hawaiian favorite dishes to take on new unique flavors and twists.  Winning dishes include Steamed Clams w/ Kalua Pork, Ahi Poke Crispy Won Tons, Grilled Mahi Mahi w/ a Wasabi Sauce, and Macadamia Nut and Coconut Crusted Lamb Chops!

$$ Lunch & Dinner, Daily 5pm to 10pm

Location:  1857 South King St, Suite 208, Honolulu, HI Phone (808) 949-1939
Check out more at www.AlanWongs.com

Chef Mavro Restaurant

George Mavrothalassitis (and you thought Hawaiian names were hard to pronounce) moved from Provence, France to his new home in Hawaii.  In 2009, Chef Marvo launched his French cuisine restaurant, which has been a success out of the gate!

Stretch your palate and imagination to wild tastings such as Burgundy Truffles, Confit Hamachi w/ a Kobosu-Agave Glaze, Kurobuta Pork Lion wrapped in Betel Nut Leaves, and desserts to look forward to, like the Lilikoi Malasada served with Pineapple Coconut Ice-cream!

$$ Lunch & Dinner, Tue - Sun 6pm to 9pm

Location:  1969 South King St, Suite 208, Honolulu, HI Phone (808) 944-4714
Check out more at www.ChefMavro.com

Hoku’s Restaurant

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

$$ Lunch & Dinner, Wed - Sun 5:30pm to 10pm

Location:  Kahala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI
Phone (808) 739-8760, Check out more at www.kahalaresort.com

Roy’s Restaurant

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

Today there are 3 of Roy’s restaurants on Oahu, including one located in Waikiki.  Dream of tender braised beef short ribs, Yamaguchi sushi, fresh Hawaiian catch of the day, and a signature hot chocolate soufflé for desert!

$$$ Dinner only, Daily 5 to 9pm

Location:  6600 Kalanianaole Hwy, Hawaii Kai, HI - Phone (808) 396-7697
Check out more at Roy’sRestaurant.com

Chef Chai

Superceding 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.

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

The menu presents tempting choices such as Apple Kim Chee 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, Daily 4 to 11pm

Location:  1009 Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu - Phone (808) 585-0011
Check out more at www.ChefChai.com

Sam Choy’s

A tribute to Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch & Crab that closed on March 31st, 2013.

Bon Appetit!!!