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 favorites!

IN WAIKIKI:

Nature | Website | Instagram – My fav spot for a special night out. Tasting menus with optional cocktail pairings to match
Hideout | Website | Instagram – chic, open air lounge space in The Laylow Hotel
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

ON THE WATER:

The Hau Tree | Website | Instagram – Be sure to come during the day for sunset and request the lanai for direct views of Kaimana Beach
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 hula pie for dessert!
Rumfire | Website | Instagram – I view this spot as more of a bar than a restaurant, but the location can’t be beat. I recommend drinks & pupus at sunset⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

FOR THE VIEW:

Sky Waikiki | Website | Instagram – rooftop bar with stunning views
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

FOR BRUNCH:

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

LUNCH/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
Ripple of Smiles | Website | Instagram – all day (except Tues) with an extensive vegan Vietnamese menu

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