Locals and vacationers flock to the shores of Waikiki by the hundreds day by day. With white sand seashores, world-class browsing, and the unbelievable backdrop of Diamond Head in the space, what’s to not love?
Besides all of that enjoyable in the solar and rest, there’s one other nice cause to like Waikiki: its scrumptious meals. Some of one of the best meals, drinks, and desserts on Oahu will be discovered among the many infinite locations to eat in Waikiki. As one of many best-known trip locations in the world, Waikiki attracts a number of the greatest cooks, bakers, mixologists, and different culinary creators from across the islands and the world.
I used to stay in Waikiki, and considered one of my first jobs was as a concierge at a significant resort there. Therefore, I really feel fairly assured in providing my tackle one of the best Waikiki eating places. I hope you’ll skip the usual breakfast buffet and keep away from ordering pizza to your room, even when it’s only for a day, as a result of there may be some critically nice meals available in this neighborhood!
Read on to be taught extra about a number of the greatest eating places in Waikiki, whether or not you’re coming from the island or the opposite aspect of the world. Make a reservation forward if it’s potential, as a few of these eateries get pleasure from excessive recognition. Enjoy Waikiki!
Best Restaurants in Waikiki
1. Duke’s Waikiki
Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815
It solely is sensible to begin with a spot that’s been probably the most in style eating places in Waikiki for many years: Duke’s Waikiki. This beachfront restaurant is in a major location in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, staying open from early morning to late night time and providing stay music each night time.
First, a little bit of historical past: the restaurant is called after well-known surfer Duke Kahanamoku, a neighborhood legend and largely recognized worldwide. Kahanamoku got here from a noble Hawaiian household earlier than the islands turned a state, was an Olympic gold medalist, and is named the daddy of contemporary browsing. He left an enormous mark on Hawaii, particularly in his house neighborhood of Waikiki, and also you’ll see tributes to him all over the place.
While the restaurant got here nicely after Duke, it has change into nearly as liked because the surfer himself. It gives a variety of menu objects, starting from takes on basic American dishes to native favorites like Huli-Huli rooster and coconut shrimp. Do NOT miss their well-known dessert: a slice of Hula Pie, in all its chocolatey-macadamia nut glory.
Duke’s is tremendous in style, so attempt to make a reservation if potential. Live leisure is hosted every day in the late afternoon and late night time, and Duke’s on Sunday is “a thing,” so plan accordingly. While Duke’s is greatest loved on-site, particularly for completely happy hour, you’ll be able to order supply or takeout if in case you have a tremendous view out of your room that you just simply can’t go away.
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2. The Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian
Address: 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
My private must-do, each time I’m again house, is to get pleasure from a day or night at The Mai Tai Bar. This informal spot is on the well-known Royal Hawaiian resort, which is the second-oldest in Waikiki and has an impossible-to-miss pink paint job. It additionally occupies what’s arguably one of the best spot on Waikiki Beach.
The Mai Tai Bar is in the nice and cozy, open air however fully lined by parasols, offering a calming escape from the Hawaiian solar. It is actually steps from the sand, and you’ll hear the calm water of Waikiki splashing in opposition to the shore. The tables closest to the sand get a panoramic view all the way in which to Diamond Head.
Most folks come right here for the well-known Mai Tai, of which there are a number of varieties. You in all probability gained’t discover a higher instance of this island drink; some had been invented by bartenders behind the counter who’ve labored right here for many years. They come at a steep value, however they’re value it.
Besides the scrumptious cocktails, a lunch and dinner menu is accessible for individuals who need a full meal. I normally order the ahi poke and truffle fries starters to share with my spouse, or there’s additionally a superb Korean fried rooster sandwich. Whatever you’re consuming or consuming, the ambiance of postcard-worthy views, tropical sunsets, tiki torches, and stay music are what convey friends again repeatedly.
3. Kona Coffee Purveyors
Address: International Marketplace, 2330 Kalākaua Ave #160, Honolulu, HI 96815
Now, let’s shift to one thing a bit totally different – Hawaiian espresso. While many of the good eating places in Waikiki serve some type of the well-known Kona espresso Hawaii’s Big Island is understood for, few have a 100% Kona mix. Kona Coffee Purveyors does.
This specialty espresso store is severe about its beans. Pure Kona espresso beans are sourced from a number of totally different farms across the Big Island, and whereas it could be costly, the distinction in high quality is clear. Hawaii advantages from a tropical local weather, and the Big Island has wealthy, distinctive soil due to the energetic volcanos you might have heard about currently.
You can strive it in their upscale cafe in the International Marketplace, a big buying middle in the center of Waikiki with a protracted historical past. Besides the wonderful espresso drinks, guests love their handmade pastries and different desserts. Both their espresso and their snacks have gained native awards.
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4. Hula Grill Waikiki
Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Just upstairs from Duke’s, on the second ground of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, you’ll discover Hula Grill Waikiki. Both eating places have the identical nice views of Waikiki Beach, the identical house owners, and the identical nice high quality.
Many guests discover the flavors at Hula Grill just like these at Duke’s, however Hula Grill makes native flavors and substances extra of a precedence and has its personal specialties. It additionally has an environment that feels a bit much less informal, however it’s definitely not a wonderful eating expertise – simply not the “bar & grill” informal you’ll discover downstairs. It’s packed each night, and also you’ll wish to reserve a desk in advance for one of the best expertise.
I all the time advocate Hula Grill as an ideal spot to spend completely happy hour, as I like their Early Eats menu. The poke tacos and smoked ahi dip are unbelievable for followers of fish. If seafood isn’t for you, there’s even a major rib poke that ought to undoubtedly do the trick.
Again, with a view like Hula Grill’s, I’d advocate eating in if potential. If you missed your likelihood for a reservation or have a good higher spot in your balcony, you’ll be able to all the time order for pickup or takeout.
5. Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar, & Store
Address: 298 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815
You may need some Tommy Bahamas in your suitcase on a visit to Hawaii. This basic vacation-wear model additionally has an superior restaurant in their Waikiki retailer, and it’s an ideal place to seek out island-fresh seafood, meats, and cocktails, too.
The Tommy Bahama Restaurant in Waikiki is on the Beachwalk – a road in the middle of all of the motion that’s an ideal place to seek out meals and store in normal. The restaurant is unfold out over three flooring. The decrease two have a tropical dwelling house surroundings with a stay herb wall, whereas the highest ground is a rooftop lounge full with sand, a firepit, stay leisure, and a tremendous view of the town.
The menu is all about farm-to-table, with choices to please all style buds, together with vegetarians and gluten-free eaters. While reservations aren’t required, they’re extremely beneficial, as it is a in style place that fills up shortly.
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6. Roy’s Waikiki
Address: 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
One of the best-known native celeb cooks in Hawaii is Roy Yamaguchi, founder and proprietor of the assorted Roy’s eating places across the islands. This Japanese-Hawaiian chef’s institutions have been a staple for vacationers and locals alike, and the Waikiki location on the Beachwalk is commonly packed full.
Roy’s is one other nice instance of that distinctive Hawaiian capacity to mix upscale with informal ambiance. The menu is Pacific Rim and Hawaii-regional primarily based, and the meals on it has gained many awards. I, personally, can’t not get the Misoyaki Butterfish at Roy’s – regardless of how wonderful the steaks are.
Overall, it is a nice restaurant to go to in case you are curious in regards to the distinctive flavors discovered in Hawaii delicacies. Reservations are extremely beneficial at this in style Oahu eatery. Roy Yamaguchi additionally has a Pan-Asian idea restaurant in Waikiki referred to as Eating House 1849 if you find yourself changing into a giant fan.
7. Musubi Cafe IYASUME
Address: 2427 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
So, the place do locals eat in Waikiki? Mostly, the identical place because the vacationers, as a result of good meals is sweet meals! However, one native favourite will be notably robust to seek out in Waikiki eating places, aside from at locations like Musubi Cafe IYASUME.
That native favourite is the beloved spam musubi, and it’s considered one of a dwindling variety of low-cost eats in the islands. In its easiest type, it’s merely a slice of fried spam on a thick mattress of white rice, wrapped and held along with a sheet of nori, the Japanese seaweed used in sushi. You eat it such as you’d eat a sandwich, and whereas a musubi will not be a full meal, it’s the right easy lunch on a Hawaiian seashore day.
Musubu Cafe IYASUME is a straightforward Japanese-Hawaiian store specializing in the musubi in three totally different Waikiki places, together with three others in the better Honolulu space. Along with their many variations of musubis, additionally they provide different native dishes like uncooked ahi poke bowls and Japanese delicacies like miso soup. Locals can’t get sufficient of this sort of stuff, nor can vacationers who know the place to look.
You can strive these handheld delights for your self on the Waikiki Beachwalk, Kuhio Avenue, or in the Waikiki Monarch Hotel. Consider ordering forward on GrubHub or (*17*)DoorDash in case your plan is to take lunch to a spot on the North Shore or a neighborhood hike.
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8. Dukes Lane Market & Eatery
Address: 2255 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Duke is again child!
Dukes Lane is a slender aspect road that’s greatest recognized for being lined with road stalls promoting souvenirs and different issues for vacationers. But extra lately, it’s additionally change into recognized for Dukes Lane Market & Eatery. Located in the Hyatt Centric resort, this meals corridor is fairly new however has already made itself an enormous status.
This giant house is crammed with a number of locations to get meals at any hour of the day. Besides the market, which is like an extra-large ABC Store (you’ll discover these comfort shops all over the place in Waikiki), there’s the Basalt restaurant, Soleil Hawaii Bakery, Il Gelato Hawaii ice cream, Spitfire Rotisserie, and Flatbread restaurant, and two espresso outlets.
For mornings, the market is a good place to seize a breakfast sandwich earlier than hitting the seashore. Basalt’s brunch is a good place to strive a breakfast staple in Hawaii – the loco moco, consisting of fried rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy.
For afternoons and evenings, dine in for attention-grabbing entrées comparable to duck empanadas or macadamia nut-crusted fish. If you’d fairly one thing extra easy, Spitfire has rotisserie chickens and paninis which are scrumptious and simply introduced again to the room. Thanks to all of this selection, this meals corridor is house to a number of the greatest eating places in Waikiki for households, the place everybody can discover one thing nice.
9. Sushi Sho
Address: 383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815
There is not any scarcity of sushi in Hawaii, and also you’ll definitely discover the standard to be spectacular, to say the least. However, if in case you have a big price range and really need the highest of the highest, Sushi Sho might be one of the best restaurant in the whole state for sushi.
Sushi Sho is extra of a eating expertise than a sushi dinner. It’s a small, elegant house positioned in the again room of the La Vie restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach. In reality, it’s simply the 10-seat sushi counter the place all the night time’s friends sit and the place famend chef Keiji Nakazawa crafts his masterpieces.
Nakazawa is a sushi legend, having established one of many high eating places in Tokyo. After 25 years of success, he determined to shut and begin from new in Hawaii, and Sushi Sho opened its doorways in 2017. His thirty-course omakase sushi menu focuses on fish from the waters of Hawaii and different native substances, with an obsessive eye for freshness and the custom of Japan.
Despite costing greater than $300 per particular person, you’ll discover it laborious to get a reservation at this prestigious and unique sushi counter, so you’ll want to plan in advance. There are two seatings per night, and the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
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10. Michel’s on the Colony Surf
Address: 2895 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Sticking with the wonderful eating and recent fish theme, I’d extremely advocate Michel’s on the Colony Surf to anybody who desires an upscale and chic dinner on their journey to Waikiki. Michel’s is on the japanese finish of Waikiki Beach on the foot of Diamond Head.
This is likely one of the few basic haute-cuisine French eating places in Waikiki, with the others being La Mer at Halekulani and La Vie in the Ritz-Carlton. I’ve all the time most popular Michel’s, nonetheless, as a result of moreover providing nice service and recent substances, the distinctive view of Waikiki from its different finish gives spectacular sundown and glowing metropolis lights views.
Do not miss their well-known lobster bisque. Maine lobsters are flown in, and each a part of them is used to create probably the most velvety appetizer you’ve ever had, full with a tableside flambé of the meat.
After that, you’ll be able to’t actually go fallacious with any of the primary programs. There’s additionally a wine-paired tasting menu that takes away the robust choices and gained’t disappoint.
Be positive to make a reservation at Michel’s and request a desk with a view. Recently, they’ve additionally began doing Sunday Brunch on the primary Sunday of every month. While I’ve but to strive it, I can’t think about something at Michel’s to be less-than-stellar, so take into account having an expensive breakfast in the event you’re in Waikiki on the proper time.
11. Double Fat Ice Cream
Address: 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
If you’ve acquired a candy tooth, you’ll discover ice cream throughout Waikiki. But none do it fairly like Double Fat Ice Cream in the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki, a definition hole-in-the-wall ice cream stand that seems to be a steel shack in a quiet nook.
Chef Brandon Lee creates small-batch recipes that vary from easy vanilla or chocolate to curious mixtures like honey-furikake and yuzu creamsicle. There are additionally Hawaiian sorbets like pineapple and lilikoi (passionfruit). The stand is barely open in the night, and provides have been recognized to promote out due to such excessive demand.
The identify is Double Fat, so let’s not create any illusions – your sugar rush comes with some energy, and the serving sizes are both “double” or “half-double.” Add a number of the local-favorite toppings like li factor mui powder or mochi crunch to get the complete Hawaii-dessert expertise.
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12. Marugame Udon
Address: 2310 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
If you’re strolling down Kuhio Avenue in the central a part of Waikiki and see a large line of individuals ready on the sidewalk, it means you might be strolling by Marugame Udon. Also spelled Marukame Udon, this informal Japanese restaurant makes one of the best udon noodle soup in the islands.
Udon noodles are thick, medium-soft, and created from wheat. They are normally served in a broth and with different toppings like meats and greens. This is a very talked-about dish in Japan and Hawaii as nicely as a result of cultural hyperlinks between the 2.
Marugame works like an off-the-cuff cafeteria, the place you’ll seize a tray and level out what you need earlier than reaching the cashier. Besides their well-known udon dishes (I like the meat model), you’ll be able to take easy however scrumptious sides like shrimp tempura or fried zucchini.
Don’t be intimidated by the large line you might be certain to see on the sidewalk, because it strikes shortly. If the seating space is packed full, you’ll be able to all the time take your meals to go – it’s considered one of my favourite issues to do in Waikiki.
13. Cream Pot
Address: 444 Niu St, Honolulu, HI 96815
In phrases of breakfast, Cream Pot is likely one of the go-to Waikiki eating places for locals, and it’s a real hidden gem for the vacationers who discover out about it. This country-style kitchen is tucked away in the again of Waikiki, in the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel alongside the Ala Wai Canal, and open in the mornings and afternoons.
The breakfast and brunch served listed below are acquainted favorites which are taken to a different stage. Take the Maguro Eggs Benedict, for instance, with its recent ahi tuna and orange miso shoyu sauce. There’s additionally the souffle pancakes, topped with vanilla custard, whipped cream, and your selection of fruit. These two are the highest hits at Cream Pot.
There’s an ideal morning beverage listing to go together with these treats, too, together with native espresso and specials like house-made mint lemonade. You may convey your individual wine or champagne for a small corkage payment.
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14. Quiora
Address: 383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815
You actually can’t go fallacious with Italian – I imply, what’s to not love? If you agree, then among the finest eating places in Waikiki for dinner is the Ritz-Carlton’s Quiora.
This open-air eating room on the resort’s eighth ground is elegant however laid-back, providing panoramic views of the Waikiki skyline and additional to the ocean. Its menu combines the gorgeous simplicity of Italian specialties with the strong flavors of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. The result’s heavenly for any pasta fanatic, with entrées like Lobster & Kauai Prawn Ravioli and Lamb Chops Gnocchi.
The restaurant is open for each lunch and dinner, and lunch is a bit bit friendlier to your price range if that may be a concern, whereas the meals is simply as tasty. Don’t skip cocktails at Quiora, both, because the creativity of those drinks will blow your thoughts.
15. Island Vintage Shave Ice & Island Vintage Coffee
Address: 2201 Kalākaua Ave Kiosk B-1, Honolulu, HI 96815
These are technically two totally different eating places, however the Island Vintage model gives two totally different ideas. Both will be discovered in the Royal Hawaiian Center, a big buying middle in the center of Waikiki.
Their shave ice stand is on the road stage in a small stand outdoors of the primary buying middle. Here, you’ll be able to do that Hawaiian specialty, excellent for cooling off from the warmth. Ice shavings are packed right into a snow-like pile that’s flavored with candy island treats like pineapple and mango.
On the higher stage of the Royal Hawaiian Center, the bigger Island Vintage Coffee store is the place you could find scrumptious espresso and tea refreshments, together with small bites like pastries and sandwiches. Most guests go together with icy drinks like chilly brew and blended drinks to sip on whereas beneath the new solar.
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16. Maui Brewing Co. Waikiki
Address: 2300 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Maui Brewing Co. is a spot in Waikiki for all beer lovers, in addition to individuals who like good meals in normal. This Maui-based brewery has a number of eating places on each Oahu and Maui, and you could find them in Waikiki in the Beachcomber resort.
This spacious open-air eating room is positioned on an higher ground of the resort, with some seating on an outside terrace and a few inside, beneath cowl. The bar has a minimum of 36 craft and specialty brews on faucet, together with each year-round and seasonal beers from Maui Brewing Co., in addition to others from comrade craft breweries in the islands.
There’s a incredible meals menu to go together with all that beer, together with locally-inspired pizzas, sandwiches, fish tacos, and extra. Visit throughout completely happy hour for reductions on each drinks and pizzas.
17. Banàn Waikiki Beach Shack
Address: 2301 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
If you’ll be able to’t get sufficient of the hole-in-the-wall secrets and techniques that locals love, Banan needs to be in your listing. This little restaurant is behind a window in a hidden location alongside the Waikiki “Surf Alley,” a tiny aspect road between the Royal Hawaiian Center and Outrigger Hotel lined with surfboards.
Just a few years in the past, it might have been laborious for me to explain what they serve at Banan, however now the idea of açai and smoothie bowls is rising in recognition around the globe. Everyone desires to say this title, however Banan was really one of many first in Hawaii and doubtless the remainder of America, too.
In reality, Banan does it in another way. The menu was born from their well-known ice cream-like delicate serve created from bananas, together with açai and different fruit blends.
They serve these topped with native granola, unique macadamia nut butter, and different fruits and sweets. To make it much more amazing-looking, you will get it served in a half-pineapple or papaya as an alternative of a cup.
This superior deal with is the right noon snack on the seashore – particularly as a result of it’s just some steps away after grabbing your order. The unique Banan is a meals truck in the Kapahulu neighborhood simply down the street, which is an equally superior cease in the event you’re on the street to east Oahu!
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