Unearth The Voyage
Honolulu offers one of the most exciting food scenes in America, where fresh island ingredients meet traditions from around the Pacific. Whether you crave authentic Hawaiian comfort food, modern farm-to-table creations, or barefoot dining with ocean views, this city has something delicious for everyone. Get ready to explore the restaurants that make eating in Honolulu an unforgettable adventure.
1. Fête (Chinatown)
James Beard Award winner Robynne Maii brings her culinary magic to downtown Honolulu with a restaurant that celebrates local farms and seasonal bounty. Her 2022 Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific honor proves what diners already knew: this place serves extraordinary food. The lively dining room buzzes with energy as servers deliver gorgeous plates that change with the harvest.
House-made pastas shine here, with each strand capturing sauces that highlight Hawaii’s freshest produce. Seasonal fish preparations showcase whatever fishermen brought in that morning. The Chinatown location adds urban energy to your meal, making reservations essential.
Booking ahead isn’t just recommended; it’s practically required if you want to experience this farm-to-table gem. The inventive menu keeps regulars coming back to see what Maii dreams up next.
2. Duke’s Waikiki (Waikīkī, oceanfront)
Kick off your shoes and feel the island breeze at this legendary beachfront spot where sand meets sophistication. Live music drifts through the open-air dining room while waves crash just steps away. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner service keeps the good times rolling from sunrise to moonlight.
Fresh fish dominates the menu, prepared simply to let quality shine through every bite. Fish tacos bring California-casual vibes to Hawaiian waters, perfect for a light lunch between beach sessions. Thursday night prime rib buffets draw crowds who know a good deal when they taste one.
Save room for the famous Hula Pie, a towering dessert that’s become as iconic as the restaurant itself. This macadamia nut ice cream creation topped with chocolate fudge has ended countless perfect beach days on an even sweeter note.
3. Moku Kitchen (Kakaʻako)
Peter Merriman’s relaxed vision comes alive in the trendy SALT complex, where upcountry spirit meets urban cool. The Monkeypod Mai Tai alone is worth the trip, a perfectly balanced tropical cocktail that regulars order by the round. Live music adds soundtrack to meals that champion local farmers and ranchers.
Wood-fired pizzas emerge from blazing ovens with blistered crusts and toppings sourced from island producers. Burgers stack high with grass-fed beef and creative combinations that go beyond typical bar food. The locally sourced philosophy isn’t just marketing; you can taste the difference in every dish.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families, couples, and groups of friends equally. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a long dinner with cocktails, the energy here captures modern Honolulu perfectly.
4. Ono Seafood (Kapahulu)
Ultra-fresh ahi and tako draw lines of locals who know where to find the best poke on the island. This counter-service gem on Kapahulu Avenue keeps things simple: exceptional fish, minimal fuss, maximum flavor. Affordability meets quality in every bowl, making it a go-to spot for lunch or an early dinner.
Spicy ahi poke delivers heat that doesn’t overwhelm the fish’s natural sweetness, while shoyu ahi offers traditional salty-savory satisfaction. Tako (octopus) lovers find perfectly tender pieces marinated to perfection. The no-frills approach means all attention goes where it belongs: on the seafood.
Speed is part of the charm here. Order at the counter, grab your bowl, and find a spot to enjoy one of Honolulu’s most authentic local experiences. 747 Kapahulu Avenue is the address locals have memorized.
5. Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Kalihi)
Since 1946, three generations have kept authentic Hawaiian cooking alive at this Kalihi institution. The James Beard Foundation recognized this dedication in 2000 with their America’s Classics award, cementing Helena’s place in culinary history. Limited hours mean you need to plan your visit, but the reward is worth any schedule juggling.
Pipikaula short ribs arrive with that perfect balance of salty and tender that defines traditional Hawaiian preparation. Laulau wrapped in taro leaves steams to silky perfection, while squid luʻau offers rich, coconut-creamy comfort. These aren’t recreations or modern interpretations; this is the real thing.
Going early is essential since they close when the food runs out. That’s how beloved Helena’s remains after nearly eight decades of serving the community.
6. Senia (Chinatown)
Chef and owner Anthony Rush transforms Hawaii’s incredible ingredients into modern regional American dishes that feel both familiar and surprising. The polished kitchen operates with precision, turning out plates that look like art but taste like home (if home had a James Beard-caliber chef). Evening reservations fill up quickly, especially for weekend dinners.
Seasonal dishes change regularly, reflecting what’s freshest from local farms and waters. The tasting menu offers the best way to experience Rush’s creative vision, with courses that build on each other beautifully. Each plate demonstrates technical skill without losing sight of flavor and satisfaction.
Chinatown’s energy pulses just outside, but inside Senia, the focus narrows to the food, the wine, and the company. This is special-occasion dining that doesn’t feel stuffy, just special.
7. Sweet E’s Café (Kapahulu)
High energy fills every corner of this beloved breakfast and brunch spot where the stuffed blueberry and cream-cheese French toast has achieved legendary status. Lines forming outside the door signal both popularity and quality. Arriving early beats the rush and gets you seated faster for what many consider Honolulu’s best morning meal.
That famous French toast deserves its reputation: thick slices stuffed with cream cheese and blueberries, then griddled to golden perfection. Kalua pork eggs Benedict takes the classic and gives it a Hawaiian twist that locals and tourists alike devour. The cozy space buzzes with conversation and the clink of coffee cups.
Weekend waits can stretch long, but regulars know the food is worth every minute. The friendly staff keeps the atmosphere warm even when the dining room is packed.
8. Hula Grill Waikiki (Waikīkī, ocean views)
Ocean views frame every meal at this Waikiki favorite where Hawaii Regional Cuisine meets picture-perfect sunsets. Locally sourced ingredients drive the menu, with chefs showcasing island flavors through dishes that honor tradition while embracing creativity. Breakfast starts the day with views, and sunset dinners end it spectacularly.
Fresh fish preparations highlight whatever the day’s catch brought in, prepared with techniques that let natural flavors shine. That same Hula Pie that made Duke’s famous appears here too, offering the perfect sweet finale. The open-air setting captures everything visitors dream about when they picture dining in Hawaii.
Reservations for sunset seating disappear fast, especially during peak season. Book ahead to secure your spot for what might become your trip’s most memorable meal, where the view competes with the food for your attention.
9. Highway Inn – Kakaʻako (SALT at Our Kakaʻako)
A long family legacy of Hawaiian comfort food finds new life in this modern SALT complex location. The family-owned name has earned trust over generations, and this contemporary space makes their traditional cooking accessible to a new neighborhood. Hawaiian plates here taste like they’ve been perfected over decades because they have.
Lau lau wrapped and steamed the old-fashioned way delivers tender pork and fish with every unwrapping. Poi offers that authentic starchy side that pairs perfectly with rich kalua pig. The Hawaiian plate brings everything together, a complete introduction to island comfort food done right.
The SALT location adds convenience to quality, sitting among other shops and restaurants in one of Honolulu’s trendiest developments. You can taste history and tradition in every bite while enjoying thoroughly modern surroundings.
10. Merriman’s Honolulu (Ward Village)
Hawaii Regional Cuisine pioneer Peter Merriman created this Ward Village destination that showcases his decades of championing local producers. Polished service matches the quality of ingredients, with servers who know the story behind every dish. The lively crowd includes celebrating locals and visitors seeking Honolulu’s best contemporary island cooking.
Nightly fresh catch specials let the kitchen show off whatever arrived at the dock that morning. Wok-fried whole fish arrives dramatically at the table, crispy and fragrant with Asian-inspired flavors. The cocktail program deserves attention too, with bartenders who take their craft as seriously as the kitchen takes sourcing.
Ward Village’s shopping and entertainment complex surrounds the restaurant, making dinner here easy to combine with other activities. Reservations help avoid waits, especially for prime dining hours when the restaurant fills with happy diners.
11. The Pig and The Lady (Kaimukī; formerly Chinatown)
Modern Vietnamese flavors get creative twists at this Kaimukī location, the brand’s newest full restaurant after years of building a devoted following. Pho-inspired specialties take the beloved soup in unexpected directions while respecting its soul-warming essence. Seasonal plates change regularly, keeping the menu fresh and giving regulars reasons to return often.
Inventive desserts close meals with sweet surprises that blend Asian ingredients with pastry techniques. The kitchen isn’t afraid to experiment, resulting in dishes you won’t find anywhere else on the island. Each visit brings the possibility of discovering a new favorite combination of flavors.
The Kaimukī neighborhood adds to the experience, with its mix of local shops and restaurants creating a distinctly Honolulu vibe. This is where creativity meets comfort, where Vietnamese traditions inspire contemporary cooking that feels both familiar and exciting.
12. Kyung’s Seafood (S. King St.)
No-frills describes the decor, but not the portions or quality at this Korean-style seafood favorite on South King Street. Generous sashimi and poke platters arrive overflowing with fresh fish that would cost twice as much at fancier spots. Kalbi adds grilled meat options for those who want variety beyond seafood.
The sashimi combo showcases whatever’s freshest, sliced expertly and served simply to highlight quality over presentation. Spicy ahi brings heat and flavor that poke lovers crave, with enough fire to make your eyes water happily. Value and taste combine here in ways that keep locals coming back weekly.
1269 South King Street is the address to remember when you want serious seafood without the fuss. The casual atmosphere lets the food do all the talking, and what it says is delicious.
13. Koko Head Cafe (Kaimukī)
Chef Lee Anne Wong built a brunch empire on cornflake French toast and Breakfast Bibimbap, two dishes that have achieved cult status among Honolulu breakfast lovers. The iconic morning menu now shares space with dinner service several nights a week, expanding options for fans who couldn’t get enough. Checking which nights offer dinner ensures you don’t miss the evening menu.
Those brunch signatures remain the main draw: crispy cornflake-crusted French toast that’s somehow both crunchy and custardy, and Breakfast Bibimbap that reimagines the Korean classic with eggs and island flair. Creative combinations define Wong’s cooking, blending influences into something uniquely her own.
The Kaimukī location fits the food’s personality: neighborhood-friendly but ambitious, casual but creative. Weekend brunch waits can test patience, but first bites prove why everyone’s willing to wait.
14. GOOFY Cafe & Dine (near Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikīkī)
Surfer vibes and EAT LOCAL philosophy define this casual cafe near Hilton Hawaiian Village where breakfast and lunch rule the day. The small space means waits are common, so planning ahead or making reservations when available saves time. Popularity comes from commitment to island ingredients and portions that fuel beach days ahead.
Loco moco here stacks hamburger patties, rice, gravy, and eggs into the ultimate comfort meal that satisfies surfers and tourists equally. Acai bowls pile fresh fruit and granola onto purple smoothie bases for lighter appetites. Eggs Benedict variations show creativity while delivering classic brunch satisfaction.
The cafe’s size works in its favor, creating an intimate atmosphere where you might chat with neighbors at the next table. This is Waikiki dining without the resort prices, where local ingredients and friendly service make breakfast something special.
15. MW Restaurant (Ala Moana/Ward gateway)
Husband-and-wife team Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka combine savory brilliance with pastry artistry at their Velocity Honolulu building restaurant. Refined Hawaii Regional Cuisine meets show-stopping desserts in a partnership that covers every course with equal skill. The Ala Moana/Ward gateway location makes it accessible from multiple neighborhoods.
Mochi-crusted kampachi demonstrates the creative approach: traditional ingredients applied in unexpected ways that somehow feel completely natural. Seasonal desserts from Karr-Ueoka close meals with sweet masterpieces that look too beautiful to eat (but taste too good not to). Each course builds on the last, creating complete dining experiences.
Special occasions find a perfect home here, where the food and atmosphere elevate ordinary evenings into celebrations. Reservations through OpenTable secure your spot for cooking that represents Hawaii’s culinary evolution beautifully.
