BEST RESTAURANTS IN WAIKIKI & HONOLULU

There are tons of dining options in Honolulu, Hawaii’s largest city and capital. World famous Waikiki is not only a beach, but a neighborhood within the city of Honolulu and the tourist hub of the island of Oahu. Like any major city, Honolulu has huge variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. It’s impossible to list all of the amazing spots, but these are a few of my favs!

IN WAIKIKI:

Nature | Website | Instagram – My fav spot for a special night out. Tasting menus with optional cocktail pairings to match
Island Vintage Wine Bar | Website | Instagram – my number one pick for great food and wine
Doraku | Website | Instagram – fun, creative sushi rolls. Outdoor and indoor space
Zigu | Website | Instagram – creative Japanese food and good drinks
Mahina & Suns | Website | Instagram – poolside dining
Favorite Son | Website | Instagram – creative cocktails, yummy pupus
Aloha Amigo | Website | Instagram – if you’re craving Mexican and a fun vibe
Heyday | Website | Instagram – fun pool bar + restaurants with swings! Try the hot dog – trust me!

Other favs: Botanico,

FOR THE OCEAN VIEWS:

The Hau Tree | Website | Instagram – Be sure to come during the day or for sunset and request the lanai for direct views of Kaimana Beach
Monkeypod | Website | Instagram – Another stunning sunset spot with really amazing food and they’re known for their mai tai with lilikoi foam
Duke’s | Website | Instagram – a Waikiki staple in a prime location! I admit the food is good, not great; you come here for the location and the vibe. Try the famous hula pie for dessert!
Deck | Website | Instagram – good happy hour and views of Diamond Head

IN HONOLULU:

The Pig and the Lady | Website | Instagram – I take all my out-of-town guests here. Modern Vietnamese
Fete | Website | Instagram – reallllllly good food in the heart of Chinatown
Yanagi | Website | Instagram – authentic sushi. Great happy hour and late night happy hour
La Mariana Sailing Club | Website | Instagram – old school tiki bar on the marina. The location is a bit obscure, but it’s worth the drive. Take an Uber and try their mai tai with a Bacardi 151 float.

Other favs: Merriman’s, Istanbul, Cino, et al, Brick Fire Tavern, Miro Kaimuki, Eleven, Rangoon, Kaimuki Shokudo, Senia, Podmore, Sera

FOR BRUNCH:

Mud Hen Water | Website | Instagram – trendy spot in Kaimuki, a neighborhood worth checking out for boutiques and dining (great for dinner too!)
Kokohead Cafe | Website | Instagram – local fav! Really great brunch cocktails
Herringbone | Website | Instagram – gorgeous lanai, $5 fresh fruit mimosas⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

COUNTER SERVICE/QUICK:

Marugame | Website | Instagram – handmade udon, cheap, line is always long for a reason
Island Vintage Coffee | Website | Instagram – yummy menu options including açaí bowls
Earl of Sandwich | Website | Instagram – outside of Waikiki in the Kaka’ako neighborhood. While you’re here wander around and check out the street art this neighborhood is known for

PLANT BASED:

Tane | Website | Instagram – dinner spot with incredible vegan sushi and izakaya. MY FAV!
Leahi | Website – lunch spot with quick counter service food and a ton of delicious smoothies

Curious where to grab a drink on Oahu? Check out my favorite spots here!