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Waikiki Restaurants

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Food is our
passion…and Waikiki has its share of hole-in-the-wall local spots
along with 5 Star Waikiki restaurants that are some of
Oahu’s
best, and worth
considering when looking for a moment of satisfaction!Looking for the best
restaurants in
Waikiki that would satisfy your hungry tummy without
venturing too far out of the area?  There are so many to
choose from but  no matter your budget or craving, we’ve
assembled a nice sampling of local favorites to whet your appetite…

Waikiki Restaurants – Near the Beach!

Duke’s Waikiki – $$

Very popular for its barefoot bar, where you check your shoes at the door and sink your feet into the sand and order a mai tai at the bar!

Duke’s Waikiki is also worth dropping by for a romantic dinner with ono menu choices such as Coconut Shrimp with a Spicy Lilikoi Sauce, or Huli Huli Chicken or Macadamia Nut Sauce with the fresh catch of the day!  Don’t miss the Hula Pie for desert…it’s the best ever!

Serves  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.  Duke’s is
one of few
Waikiki restaurants that sit right on the beach, and worth the visit!  

Breakfast 7am to 10:30am
,
Lunch 11:00 to 3pm, Dinner 4:45pm to 10pm
Location: 
2335 Kalakaua St, Suite 116, Waikiki, HI – Phone (808) 922-2268

Check out more at DukesWaikiki.com

Roy’s Restaurant – $$$$

One of Hawaii’s most renowned chefs is Roy Yamaguchi.  Treat yourself to some of Roy’s best fusion island cuisine that Hawaii is known for.

You can’t go wrong ordering almost anything on his menu, including the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake for dessert. Anyone who’s had it will tell you it’s a must!  Roy’s Restaurant now exists in the heart of Waikiki.

Pupus 11am to 5pm – 
Dinner 5pm to 10pm

Location:  226
Lewers St,
Waikiki, HI – Phone (808) 923-7697

Check out more at Roy’sRestaurant.com

Hula Grill Waikiki – $$$

Great spot to sit in an open-air dining room and watch the surfers paddle out for a morning session in the waves, while sipping on some fresh Hawaiian roast coffee.  This restaurant sits right in the heart of Waikiki beach.

The breakfast menu includes some tasty unconventional choices, such as the Loco Moco, Portuguese sausage eggs Benedict & Maui pineapple & coconut pancakes.  Popular with the Waikiki crowd.  Ono! Located in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel.

Breakfast 6:30am to 11:30pm; Dinner 4:45pm to 10pm

Location: 
2335 Kalakaua St, Suite 203, Waikiki, HI – Phone (808) 923-4852
Check out more at HulaGrillWaikiki.com

Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu – $$

Save on a nice prix-fixe menu at the legendary Honolulu Hard Rock Café!  It’s located in the popular Waikiki Beach Walk in an open air setting on the second floor.

Enjoy your 2 to 3 course meal while looking at some of the rock nostalgia on the walls, or the rainbow arch of guitars on the ceiling!

Location:  280 Beach Walk, Waikiki,
HI – Phone (808) 955-7383

Check out more for Hard Rock Cafe

Michel’s at the Colony Surf – $$$$

Michel’s is one of the longest running establishments on Oahu, and consistently rated one of the best beach-side restaurants on the island! 

From a beautiful beach-side location in front of a semi-private beach to an award winning French island fresh seafood menu, it’s no wonder why they’ve been in business since 1962!

The menu changes with the rolling
tides and seasonal catch…
I’m sure you find equally temping choices such as
Michel’s Lobster
Bisque, Island Seafood Cioppino, and Michel’s Ocean Bounty that
includes a large assortment of the daily catch!

Not to fear as
there is a delicious New York steak option as well.  Save room for
the Hawaiian Apple-Banana Flambe & Cherries Jubilee for
dessert!  

Dinner 5:30 PM
Location:  2895 Kalakaua Ave –
Phone (808) 923 6552

Check out more at www.michelshawaii.com

Chart House $$$

The Chart House one of the Waikiki restaurants that have maintained itself as an old classic seaside steakhouse that still holds much of its charm today!  The menu is somewhat simple, with a nice selection of steaks, shellfish, and other classic entrees to choose from.

They strive for quality,
which holds
up their reputation and guarantees a return visit from you! 
Leave room if you can for their signature Mud Pie desert! It’s
yuuummmy!

Dinner only
4:30pm to 12:30apm
Location: 
6600
Kalanianaole Hwy, Hawaii Kai, HI – Phone (808) 396-7697

Check out more at charthousehonolulu.com

Momosan $

Waikiki has its share of good ramen houses, and Momosan provides the best atmosphere to experience it in.

Their menu features a classic pork Tonkotsu Ramen that measures up to the best on the island.

But I challenge you to try their spicy dan-dan ramen that sits in a brothless sesame red chili oil.  The beauty in the presentation of this dish matches the fiery taste.

Momosan only features 5 different types of ramen, but manages to make each one exciting.

Also make sure not to pass up on their appetizers and sushi rolls that are exceptional as well.  Garlic Shrimp, Twice Cooked Pork Ribs, and Chicken Karrage…good luck choosing.

Poke lovers will be happy to find a few types of poke bowls served with crispy garlic, avocado, chili oil, and a house poke sauce to bring it all together.

2490 Kalakaua Avenue – Phone (808) 922-0011  Open Daily 9 AM to 9 PM

Learn more – Momosan Waikiki

Morimoto Asia

Iron Chef Morimoto continues to innovate with new concept including his casual ramen eatery Momosan, and his new Asian fusion restaurant located right above it, with killer views of Kuhio Beach.

Dive into creative appetizers like Tuna Pizza, Spicy Tuna served on crispy rice, or Hamachi Tacos which are my favorite.

Go big on the entrees… Angry Lobster with a red curry sauce, Crispy Whole Fish w/ tobanjan chili sauce, Roasted Duck with an apricot sweet chili and hoisin miso, and an A5 Wagyu Steak selection!

2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki  (808) 922-0022‬  Hours Fri – Sun 5 PM to 9 PM

Learn more Morimoto Asia

Ono Eats in Waikiki

Marukame Udon – $

This is not your everyday noodle shop.  And the consistent long lines that run out into the street attest to something magical going on at Marukame Udon.  Most ramen shops are usually rated by their broth.  What folks don’t know until they get a good taste is that the noodles are made to perfection.

Marukame starts well ahead on the cooking process, by carefully
selected ingredients and partakes in a time consuming Sanuki hand
rolling process.  The boiling time matters here!

There are 7
different styles of udon to order from, including a rich curry based,
bukkame or cold udon, Kake with light fish broth, to a sweet Niku based
udon.  Make sure to order a side of tempura and spam musubi.

Location – 2310 Kuhio Avenue, Suite 124, Waikiki  Phone – (808)
931-6000
Breakfast – Dinner Daily 7am – 10pm

Discover more – Marukame Udon

Hys Steakhouse – $$$$

There’s a good handful of good steakhouses on Oahu, but none that stand up to Hy’s Steakhouse, located in Waikiki.  With 40 years under their belt, they are growing their reputation and becoming a classic on the island!

All your favorite cuts are represented with a special kiawe wood grilled touch, including New York, Fillet Mignon, and Rib Eye.

If that’s not enough, there are 5 signature sauces available to dip into!

Personally, I would lean towards ordering the classic 15 ounce Slow Roasted Prime Rib!  Hy’s has an impressive shellfish section on their menu, and a few surf & turf options for those who want both.

Try hard not to load up on the delicious cheese bread, and consider ordering a table side prepared house Cesar salad to start, and a Banana Fosters for dessert, or a Cherries Jubilee, or “best voted” Chocolate Lovers…too many yummy choices to choose from!

Open Daily 5 PM to 9:30 PM

Location:  2440 Kuhio Avenue, (808) 922-5555

Learn more:  www.hyswaikiki.com

Doraku – $$

When it comes to the art of sushi creations, Doraku steps up to the plate! This is the spot to post some pictures of your amazing looking dishes on Facebook, and make all your friends jealous!

There is much tradition that takes place in the sushi preparation at Doraku, with a Latin inspiration.  You’ll find such fusions in some of their specialty rolls and small dishes!

This
Honolulu
Restaurant is also known for having the largest displays of sake which
goes hand in hand with the food!

Doraku is modeled after a Japanese gastropub, and meant to be a
gather place for friends sharing food.

There are 2 Oahu locations

Waikiki Location – Daily
lunch 12pm to 5pm, Dinner 5pm to 10pm +
Location:  2233 Kalakaua Ave, Suite 304, Honolulu – phone (808)
922-3323

Kaka’ako Location (near
Ala Moana
Center) – $$ –
Open Daily for Lunch 11am to 4pm, Dinner 4pm to 12am + 
Location:  1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu – phone (808) 591-0101

Discover more at www.dorakusushi.com

International Market Place

The recently transformed International Market Place located in the center of Waikiki not only features 75 new retailers, but a dozen excellent restaurants as well.  You’ll find a mix of casual and high-end eateries that reside on the 3rd level that happens to be the open air top level.

You’re challenge is to only choose one spot to eat, but there will be many good reasons to return! Explore your choices from sushi to gourmet pizza, to Asian fusion, and much more!  And while there are no bad choices, here are a few worth a mention…

Herringbone Waikiki – $$$

Hands down one of the most interesting and stunning restaurants in the International Market and all of Waikiki.  Decorated with glowing pufferfish, a living wall, and a whales skeleton hanging above the bar, there’s lots of exciting décor throughout the restaurant!

Herringbone is known for their fresh seafood, with temping entrees like Mussels Tikka Spice, Whole Fish Ceviche, Sake & Ginger Beurre Blanc King Salmon, and some sizable Seafood Platters.

The menu also includes great options for those non-seafood lovers. 

Save room for the Banana Cream Pie in a Jar, and come early to take advantage of their 4 PM to 6 PM happy hour.  

Open Fri – Sun Brunch 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Dinner 5 to 10 PM & up to 11 pm on Fri – Sun

Location – 2330 Kalakaua Avenue, 3rd Level, Waikiki Suite 330 / Phone (808) 797-2435

Learn more at – Herringbone Waikiki

Stripsteak Waikiki – $$$$

Waikiki gets its own Michael Mina signature restaurant located here in the new market place.  Stripsteak goes beyond your basic prime cuts of steak, and offers a nice 45-day aged Porterhouse Steak, a Tomahawk Steak for two, and a tasty Waygu Grade A5 Striploin Steak.

And if you’re thinking of going big, consider ordering the $95 Kona Lobster Pot Pie!

You will have fun exploring some starters, side dishes and salads, including ”Instant Bacon” (which includes pork belly, tempura oyster, and a black pepper soy glaze), Lobster Tacos, Black Truffle Mac & Cheese, and a B-L-T Wedge Salad.  There’s also a tempting $85 preset menu that includes a Rib-eye Steak as your entrée.

Open Daily 5 to 10 PM

Location – 2330 Kalakaua Avenue, 3rd Level, Waikiki / (808) 800-3094

Learn more at Stripsteak Waikiki

Eating House 1849, Waikiki – $$$

Roy Yamaguchi has led a successful growing chain of Roy’s Restaurants for decades, and now has launched his new more casual dinning venture called Eating House 1849.  If you like Roy’s Asian fusion style of cooking, then you will definitely enjoy a similar menu here.

Whether you’re leaning towards a Portuguese Sausage, Beef, Wild Boar & Bacon Hamburger, or a Ginger & Carrot Vinaigrette Misoyaki Butterfish, you’ll find interesting fusion creations on the menu.  Consider their Kiawe Smoked Szechuan Baby Back Ribs for a starter, a Garlic Ahi Salad, and Samjang Grilled Prawns with Roasted Mushroom Risotto!

Open Daily – Lunch 11 AM to 3 PM, Dinner 5 PM to 10 PM

Location – 2330 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 322, Waikiki / Phone (808) 924-1849

Check out more at Eating House 1849

Goma Tei Waikiki – $

Rated as one of the best ramen noodle houses on the island…and happens to be one of my favorites, Goma Tei fits right into the utopia of elite International Market Place restaurants.  Goma Tei is a growing small chain, and now has added their first operation in Waikiki.

So what makes this noodle house so popular?  Their Tan Tan broth is rich and well balanced in flavor, they add a generous portion of nicely smoked char-su pork belly, and garnish it to perfection with vegetables and a perfectly soft-boiled egg!  And to top it off, Goma Tei is probably your best “cheap eats” option located here on the 3rd level of restaurant row.  Open Daily 11 AM to 9 PM

Location – 2330 Kalakaua Avenue, 3rd Level, Waikiki / (808) 732-9188

Check out more at Goma Tei

Kona Coffee Purveyors & b. Patisserie – $

Located on the 1st level on the backside of the International Market (off of Kalakaua Ave) is one of the best treats in Waikiki.  Wake up and indulge in a signature cup of Artisan Roasted Kona coffee and freshly baked pastries that will have you melting for more!

San Francisco pastry chef & owner, Balinda Leung, has expanded her popular creations here on Oahu, and shares a space with Kona Coffee Pureyors.

Her perfectly flaky, sweet and buttery Kouign Amann treats could easily be added to your Hawaiian vacation bucket list of things to try!

b. Patisserie Waikiki features island-inspired fruit flavors like guava, passion fruit, and coconut.  The menu changes with the seasons, but some staples remain the same, like their yummy Banana Chocolate Croissant & Smoke Honey Ham & Gruyere Croissants.

Open Daily 7 AM to 11 PM

Location – 2330 Kalakaua Ave, 1st Level, Waikiki / (808) 845-1700

Learn more at Kona Coffee Pureyors

Favorite Hawaiian Recipes, Musubi Creations, and Hawaiian Restaurant Popular Dishes – Cookbook Picks

Waikiki Restaurants on Kapahulu Avenue

Kapahulu Avenue is
a main artery that leads from Waikiki Beach out to the H-1
Freeway.  Along with a great selection of restaurants, you will also find a few, neat antique and specialty shops
along this street, like Bailey’s Antique & Aloha Shirts.

Kapahulu Avenue is also known amongst locals to be one of Waikiki’s favorite restaurant rows…and a great one at that, with many best-of-the-best Waikiki restaurants!  Whenever I get hungry, I always think of heading to Kapahulu Ave first!

Cook like popular local chefs like Sam Choy and Roy Yamaguchi with these cook books

Side Street Inn -$$

The Side Street Inn is another great Waikiki restaurant to be discovered on Kapahululu Ave!  This is a very popular restaurant with the local crowd.  I would describe the menu as Chinese-based with American and Hawaiian influences and flavors.

The menu is extensive with great choices, large portions, and savory flavors to look forward too.  It is popular for large groups who would like to dine family-style.

Consider ordering the delicious crispy pan fried pork chops (enough to
serve a table of six), the guava-glazed Pulehu
short ribs, their “da
signature” fried rice, and a nice side of Ahi Poke.  Needless
to say a few dishes go a
long way!

Side Street Inn is only open for dinner.  Although they have
a lot of seating in the restaurant, they still can get packed
quickly!  So be
sure to make a
reservation and/or come early!

3pm to 12am Daily
Location:  614
Kapahulu Avenue,
Honolulu – Phone
(808) 739-3939

Discover more at www.SideStreetInn.com

Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill – $$

Kapahulu is a hot spot for local favorite restaurants, and Uncle Bo’s is definitely on that list!

With a rock star menu full of hit entrees such as Garlic Rib-Eye Steak, Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Misoyaki Sea Bass, and King Crab Legs, you know why the place is always packed.

You would never know it from the outside, but this Oahu restaurant that is located just outside Waikiki, is hip inside with a modern décor.

They have a signature bar area where you can enjoy some creative cocktails and ono appetizers…don’t
miss out on their generous Crispy Crab Cakes, Spicy Korean Style Wings,
and Oysters Rockefeller. 

Open daily 10 am to 9 pm
Note:  New 2nd location in
Haleiwa Town
559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu – Phone
808-735-8310  Reservations available

Learn more:  www.unclebosrestaurant.com

Tenkaippin – $

We call it ramen, but it’s really a special type of Japanese noodles that are only made in Japan.  The broth flavors are savory, thick and intense!  Some of the broths take up to 10 hours to cook and fuse together. 

A friend turned me onto this popular Tenkaippin noodle house.  If you’re on a budget and have a big appetite to fill, don’t think twice and head over to Tenkaippin.

It is a great choice for
ramen
out of many of the Waikiki
restaurants who serve these addictive
Japanese noodles! Onolicious!

Open for lunch
& dinner –
11am to 10pm+.

Check out more reviews for Tenkaippin

Honolulu Food Tour – Eat Like a Local!

Spend 2.5 hours touring hole-in-the-wall eateries located just outside Waikiki.  You will be visiting some of Hawaii’s gems, learning the culinary history, and the exploring the cultures that make up our island through tasting local favorites like Spam Musubi, Ube Pancakes, Malasadas, and island plate lunch hits!

This is a small-group tour, to help keep it personalized, so make
sure
to sign up early if interested.

Book Aloha Food Plate Tour Now!

Best Hawaiian Poke

Some of the best poke on the island is on the Kapahulu strip and just outside
Waikiki!  Discover Ono Seafood that is truly ono!  From delicious ahi poke to signature plate lunches, they have it all!

Review more on the best
Hawaiian Poke spots!

Hawaiian Plate Lunch – Kapahulu Avenue

Hawaiian Plate
Lunch is a category in itself.  It’s Hawaii’s
fast food version of a home cooked meal with an island touch.

The Hawaiian Plate lunch consists of 2 scoops of rice, a
heaping
scoop
of macaroni salad and an entree that usually is some type of BBQ meat
or other deep fried fish (most often Mahi-Mahi) or a combination of both.  Some of the
best Hawaiian plate lunch can be found on Kapahulu Ave…

Zippy’s Restaurant – $

Zippy’s is a very popular
Hawaiian
plate lunch chain restaurant on
the island.  They are well known for their Chili &
Rice Bowls, Fried Chicken Plate Lunch (my little girl’s favorite), and
Saimin Noodle Soup.

I must admit, that I have taken a special liking to the
Hawaiian-style
macaroni salad that accompanies the plate lunch meals. 
Zippy’s makes a signature version of it, making it one of my choices of
Waikiki restaurants for a quick meal. 

Breakfast, Lunch
& Dinner

See Oahu Zippy⁽s locations at Zippys.com

Rainbow’s Drive-In – $

Want to know what President
Obama and I have in common?
 Yup, we both consider Rainbow
Drive-In a plate lunch
favorite…well, along with many other locals who crowd
the outdoor tables to eat their breakfast or lunch!

I remember when my Mom used to pick up some Rainbow
Drive-In plate lunches, before
heading off to the beach.  Selling at $3.00 a plate, that was
still cheap back then.  Today they are double the price, but
still worth every penny!

Arrive early in the morning for Rainbow’s
Fried Rice Plate (which is gone by 8 am), Loco Moco
or the Barbecue Steak for lunch.  Their teriyaki beef sandwiches
are among the best.
 

Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner 7am to 9pm
Location: 
3308 Kanaina St, Honolulu, HI – Phone (808) 737-0177

Check out more on Rainbow Drive In

L&L Barbeque Drive In – $

Definitely a favorite quick stop to grab a satisfying plate
lunch!  I can never get enough of their signature barbecue chicken plate. 

At
one point L&L Barbeque became so
popular that they nicknamed this place “Long Line BBQ”. 
They
have expanded quite a bit over the past decade, and are easy to get in
and out of.

The old Waikiki location on Kapahulu has moved
up closer
to the freeway, now located at
3133
Waialae Ave. 

Breakfast, Lunch
& Dinner
See Oahu L&L
locations at HawaiianBarbecue.com

Sweet Treats on Kapahulu Ave

Welcome Shimazo
Shave Ice to
Kapahulu Ave! The ever growing popular Hawaiian shave ice shop
in Kalihi, just
established
its presence in Hawaii’s Favorite Kitchen (located at 3111 Castle Ave,
Honolulu).

This is a big treat to
Waikiki and surrounding community. If you are unfamiliar with Shimazo’s
incredible creations…this is a must stop!

Leonard’s Bakery – $

Leonard’s Bakery has been famous for decades
within the local
community for their fresh,
hot Malasadas – a type of Portuguese
donuts. 

I have enjoyed these super
ono treats
since my
childhood, and today more and more visitors find their way to Leonard’s
Bakery to sink their teeth into these warm
pieces of heaven! 

Plain malasadas have always held their own, but now there
are
some
yummy fillings of island flavors such as haupia (coconut), mango,
guava, lilikoi (passion fruit) that are worth indulging
in!   Forget your diet…you can always start
tomorrow, yeah?

5:30am to 10pm
Daily
Location:  933
Kapahulu, Honolulu, HI – Phone (808) 737-5591

Learn more…

Waiola Shave Ice – $

No need to drive 1 hour to the North
Shore for a Matsumoto
Shave Ice, when you can enjoy the island  treat right here in
Waikiki.

Hawaiian shave ice sounds simple to
make – just
shave the ice, pour it into a cup, and coat it with sweet flavored
syrup right? Anybody can make it right? Wrong!

There is a cult
following that will swear Waiola shave ice is
bewitching and is simply the best on Oahu!  Try
some exotic
tropical flavors that you are unfamiliar with…and always request a
scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom of your cone to make it
complete! 

7:30am to 6pm,
except open 10am on Sunday
Location:  3113
Mokihana St, Honolulu, HI (across from Safeway, off
Kapahulu St)
Phone (808) 735-8886

Check out more Waiola Shave Ice