Brian Nagele
The perfect Hawaiian vacation awaits you in Honolulu. This beautiful capital city sits on the island of Oahu on the south shore. Honolulu is bustling with the ideal combination of city and beach life.
People flock to Honolulu to swim in the crystal clear waters, soak up the sun’s rays, learn to surf, and hike through the gorgeous forests. Besides these beach activities, you can also see and tour the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
Honolulu is rich in Hawaiian history and culture, making it one of their biggest tourist cities. With over a million visitors annually, it’s no wonder people can’t wait to spend time in Honolulu.
This Hawaiian city is home to some of the best Hawaiian cuisine in the state. While it may be tempting to only eat poke bowls and other Hawaiian dishes during your time there, if you’re in the mood for something else, they have just about every cuisine you could want. Check out the best restaurants in Honolulu.
The Pig and the Lady
83 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-585-8255
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In the heart of downtown Honolulu is The Pig and the Lady. The decor inside is modern and rustic at the same time.
You’ll notice that all the tables are long and provide a communal eating space for all patrons. Everyone on the staff is friendly, and it’s a laid-back place that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
The Pig and the Lady serve authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Their dinner menu features plenty of seafood, popular Vietnamese dishes, and of course, pho.
They even have a small selection of pasta dishes. My server told me that their baked escargot and beef pho were the best. After trying them, I have to agree.
Senia
75 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-200-5412
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Next door to The Pig and the Lady on North King Street is Senia. This refined restaurant has a modern and chic decor without a pretentious attitude. The kitchen is entirely open, so you can see the chefs working their magic from most seats.
Senia serves the perfect combination of Hawaiian and classic American cuisine. You can choose to order a la carte or reserve a spot for tastings.
If you can, the tasting menu is perfect for sampling a few of their top items. I ordered a la carte and chose the smoked ahi “cigars” and venison chitarra.
Koko Head Cafe
1145 12th Ave C, Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 808-732-8920
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You’ll find Koko Head Cafe on 12th Avenue in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu. Famous chef Lee Ann Wong runs this brunch restaurant.
It looks and feels like a casual American diner with booths, bar stools, but they also serve cocktails, beer, and wine. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a white building with a few tables outside.
Koko Head Cafe is one of the best spots in Honolulu to eat brunch before venturing off for the day. The cuisine is Pan-Asian and American.
They have plenty of sweet and savory dishes for you to choose from. If you want something sweet, their cinnamon roll of the day is fantastic, and my favorite savory dish is the classic French omelet.
MW Restaurant
888 Kapiolani Blvd, Commercial Unit, Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-955-6505
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A little over two miles from Ala Moana Beach Park is MW Restaurant. The restaurant has beautiful, floor to ceiling glass doors and large windows that allow for plenty of natural light during the day. The restaurant features Earth tones and stunning wood tables and accents.
MW Restaurant serves patrons Hawaiian fare from locally sourced ingredients. Since they use the freshest ingredients, their menu changes based on availability.
Their most popular dishes include seafood paella, miso honey glazed butterfish, and crab cakes. I loved the paella, and their dessert menu is worth looking at.
Mud Hen Water
3452 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 808-737-6000
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You’ll find Mud Hen Water less than a five-minute walk from Kaimuki Community Park. The best way to describe this restaurant is that it’s the perfect place to grab drinks and small plates with friends.
The decor is modern and casual while boasting neutral tones. They have a garage door they open when the weather’s nice out.
Mud Hen Water serves small plates based on Hawaiian cuisine and culture. You can eat here for brunch or stop by around dinner time.
Their brunch menu features mimosas, biscuits and gravy, and other breakfast dishes. For dinner, I can’t recommend their sausage and clams enough.
M by Jeremy Shigekane
1969 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: 808-944-4714
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M by Jermy Shigekane is on South King Street, less than a mile from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
This restaurant is an elegant and classy spot perfect for impressing a date, treating yourself to a night out, or celebrating anything in life. The colorful glass artwork adds the perfect pop of color.
When you dine at M by Jermy Shigekane, you can feast on the Hawaiian and French fusion by ordering a la carte or reserving a spot for their tasting menu.
You can choose a standard or vegetarian tasting menu. Some of the dishes include the day’s fish and walnut ice cream. If you choose a tasting menu, they’ll select the perfect wine for you.
Breadshop
3408 Waialae Ave #104, Honolulu, HI 96816
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You’ll find Breadshop on Waialae Avenue, a few doors down from Mud Water Hen. This quaint and modern bakery is one of the most popular places in Honolulu for fresh bread and pastries. The space is simple, with limited seating and bright white walls.
Breadshop offers patrons various loaves of bread and pastries that they can take home with them or eat there.
They make their bread throughout the day to ensure the freshest possible products. Their focaccia and brioche bread are delightful, and their cinnamon rolls and bear claws are heavenly.
Tonkatsu Tamafuji
449 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808-922-1212
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You’ll find Tonkatsu Tamafuji half a mile from the Honolulu Zoo. The restaurant is on the second floor, and it’s calming when you walk in.
While it’s usually bustling with people ready to feast, the decor still makes the place feel peaceful. The interior is minimalistic and features Japanese artwork.
Tonkatsu Tamafuji serbes authentic Japanese cuisine. While they have almost everything you could ever want in a Japanese joint, the one thing they’re well known for on the island is their special breaded pork entrees. My server recommended the Jyukusei pork tenderLoin katsu set, which didn’t disappoint.
Ono Seafood
747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 808-732-4806
Less than a mile from Ala Wai Golf Course is Ono Seafood. While Honolulu is filled with elegant and upscale restaurants, sometimes all you need is a casual spot to relax after a long day.
Ono Seafood is incredibly relaxed and has been a hotspot for delicious poke since opening in 1995. Their food is so good, and there’s often a line outside.
Ono Seafood specializes in poke and poke bowls. Some poke or poke bowls options include ahi, spicy ahi, miso tako, and more.
They also have sashimi. Everything here is priced by weight. I went with a classic, spicy ahi poke bowl.
You choose your protein, rice type, and they do the rest. There was no surprise why locals and visitors love Ono Seafood.
Waiahole Poi Factory
48-140 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Phone: 808-239-2222
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Waiahole Poi Factory is a little off the beaten path but well worth visiting. It’s out on Kamehameha Highway, north of Honolulu.
The restaurant is also a market featuring produce and other ingredients. This humble spot offers picnic tables outside so you can enjoy your meal while enjoying the fresh air.
Waiahole Poi Factory has been a staple for delicious Hawaiian cuisine and ice cream. They offer combo plates with protein, rice, veggies, and famous ice cream. Everything smelled tasty, but I tried their Lau Lau beef Luau and Haupia ice cream.
Maguro Brothers Hawaii Chinatown
Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu, HI 96817
In downtown Honolulu is the Kekaulike Market. This bustling market features vendors and plenty of restaurants, like Maguro Brothers Hawaii Chinatown.
Maguro Brothers Hawaii is a humble counter-service spot. They serve everything in to-go containers or disposable plates so you can take your food with you and find a place outside to eat.
You can expect the type of food from Maguro Brothers Hawaii to be market-fresh fish, sushi and poke bowls, sashimi, and more.
I love that they offered a poke bowl in a cup so that you could still enjoy it but get something else too. I got a poke bowl in a cup and then the grilled garlic marlin with white rice.
Lam’s Kitchen
1152 Maunakea St # A, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-536-6222
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If you walk a few minutes down the street from the Kekaulike Market is Lam’s Kitchen. The restaurant is small but has a lot of character.
It features simple furniture, a bright red front door, and gorgeous Chinese artwork and decorations.
Lam’s Kitchen is an authentic Chinese restaurant. They have an extensive menu featuring rice dishes, noodles, and soups.
If you ask the locals and the people at Lam’s, they’ll tell you that their signature beef noodles are the best dish. The beef noodles and Chinese donut sticks for dessert were perfect.
Diamond Head Market & Grill
3158 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808-732-0077
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Diamond Head Market and Grill is a two-minute drive from Diamond Head State Monument. This little spot is a humble place where you order your meal from a window and wait for them to bring it to you.
This is a great spot to visit after hiking, hitting the beach, or exploring the Diamond Head State Monument.
You’ll find Hawaiian and American dishes at this restaurant and plenty of pre-made food that you can quickly grab and eat on the go.
They have salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood dishes, and more. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I stopped in for breakfast, and the fried rice breakfast with spam was filling and tasty.
House Without A Key
2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808-923-2311
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House Without a Key is an American restaurant inside the Halekulani Hotel on Kalia Road. This lively restaurant is entirely outside, near the ocean.
You can dine under the stars, watch the sunset, and appreciate the wonderful live music and dancing that happens here regularly.
The restaurant features classic American dishes, fresh seafood, and tasty tropical cocktails to sip while you wait for your meal.
All the dishes are small plates, so ordering a few is very common. My favorites were the charcuterie plate, poached shrimp cocktail, and coconut cake. You can’t forget to order a Mai Tai, either.
Waiola Shave Ice
2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: 808-949-2269
Waiola Shave Ice is minutes by foot away from Honolulu Stadium State Park. This adorable blue grocery store offers almost everything you could need for groceries and has a counter in the back where you can get some of the best shaved ice on the island. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a bright blue building with colorful accents.
The menu at Waiola Shave Ice was larger than I expected. They have everything from classic flavors like strawberry, blue raspberry to more unique options like pina colada and root beer.
I wanted to go the tropical route and opted for the pina colada flavor. It was refreshing and perfect for helping beat the heat.
Morimoto Asia Waikiki
2490 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808-922-0022
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Right across the street from Kuhio Beach is Morimoto Asia Waikiki. This is a sleek and high-end restaurant that offers beach and sunset views.
The interior features modern furniture and decor, but while everything looks and feels high-end, the vibe is welcoming and relaxed. Both the inside and outside seating options are comfortable and gorgeous.
Morimoto Asia Waikiki serves authentic and high-end Japanese cuisine to locals and visitors. They have an exciting selection of appetizers, seafood, poultry, rice and noodle dishes, and more.
Their tuna pizza appetizer was intriguing and delicious. For an entree, the house fried rice and garlic shrimp were divine.
Azure
2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808-921-4600
Azure is a stunning restaurant inside the Royal Hawaiian Resort on the beach. This restaurant is an upscale restaurant that features a modern and Spanish aesthetic.
Outside, they have cabanas perfect for watching the sunset if you can reserve one for your dining time. Even if you can’t sit outside, the inside is just as beautiful.
The menu at Azure features local seafood and a combination of Hawaiian and American dishes. There’s a four-course dining option, and you can add on a wine pairing if you choose.
The first course is an asparagus salad. Second, you get poached scallops or ahi tuna, the third wagyu steak or market fish, and finally baked Alaska or Russian honey cake for dessert.
Fête
2 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-369-1390
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You’ll find Fête in downtown Honolulu on North Hotel Street. It has a different aesthetic than many restaurants in Honolulu.
When you walk inside, you’re greeted by brick walls, greenery throughout, and a concrete bar that almost looks industrial. The vibe is lively but comfortable and casual.
Fête serves modern American cuisine with plenty of beer and wine to pair with your food. They have a little bit of everything from salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more.
A popular dish is their Korean fried chicken sandwich with pear slaw and a side of cheese grits. If you’re feeling something lighter, the steak caesar salad is fabulous too.
Karai Crab
1314 S King St STE G2, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 808-952-6990
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You’ll find Karai Crab less than a mile and a half from Ala Moana Regional Park. The restaurant is on South King Street inside the Interstate Building.
The restaurant is pretty unassuming from the outside, but the food is most impressive about this joint. The atmosphere is laid-back.
Karai Crab serves fresh seafood, salads, French fries, oysters, and more. Their garlic French fries make for the best appetizers or meal.
I don’t judge. Their house specialties include miso sake clams, seafood pasta, and garlic noodles. I ended up trying the lemon pepper crab clusters and was very impressed.
Merriman’s Honolulu
1108 Auahi St #170, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 808-215-0022
Merriman’s Honolulu is right across from Dave and Busters on Auahi Street. This beautiful, farm-to-table restaurant is known for pioneering that restaurant in Hawaii.
The interior is stylish with wood floors, high ceilings, and plenty of outdoor seating. The restaurant is bustling, and you’ll feel like the most critical person in the joint.
The cuisine features plenty of fresh seafood, hummus, and other farm-fresh dishes. When I dined here, I started with potato and fennel soup.
It was creamy, rich, and hot. The cast iron orange chicken was the perfect entree, and even though I barely had room for dessert, the bread pudding was excellent.
Moku Kitchen
660 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-591-6658
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You’ll find Moku Kitchen less than a mile from Kaka’ako Waterfront Park on Ala Moana Boulevard.
The restaurant is in a stunning brick building that features large floor-to-ceiling windows and a garage door that allows even more natural light. It’s a casual restaurant where you can come as you are.
Moku Kitchen features New American cuisine, beer, wine, and spirits. Their ingredients are locally sourced and as fresh as possible.
The menu features everything from flatbread to tacos to burgers and more. My favorite dishes are their hand-tossed meatball pizza and their ribeye tacos.
O’Kims
1028 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-537-3787
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In downtown Honolulu, you’ll find O’Kims near the area known as Chinatown. O’Kims is a mom-and-pop shop that’s very casual and feels like you’ve walked into a close friend or family member’s home.
The interior is simple yet modern, and there’s a patio that’s covered so you can enjoy the outdoors despite the weather.
O’Kims is a traditional Korean restaurant that features all your favorites, including bibimbap. Their menu is relatively small, but you can’t go wrong with anything on it.
Some of their popular menu items include seaweed salmon, Korean chicken, and of course, their bibimbap. I loved their Korean iced coffee too.
Fresh Catch Kapahulu
1113 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 808-735-7653
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Fresh Catch Kapahulu is on Kapahulu Avenue, minutes away from Oahu Luau. You’ll know you’re at the right place if you see a large, blue and white building with a sign featuring the restaurant’s name and an octopus.
Fresh Catch is informal and is more like a diner that you can visit after a day at the beach for a casual meal.
As the name may imply, this joint serves fresh seafood, poke and poke bowls, soups, and more.
Most people come here for the poke bowls, but they have fried chicken, French fries, and delicious garlic chicken if you’re not in the mood for that. My favorite dish was their ahi tuna seared with Hawaiian spices.
Sun’s Up, Hawaii
333 Ward Ave Booth 40, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 808-266-0980
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Sun’s Up, Hawaii, is about 1.2 miles from Ala Moana Beach on Ward Avenue. Sun’s Up, Hawaii is a fast food restaurant where you’ll walk up to one window to order and then pick up your meal at a different window.
It’s the perfect restaurant for a quick bite, grabbing something on your way to go hiking or for any time.
The cuisine is American and Hawaiian. You’ll find burgers, fried rice, eggs, other sandwiches, and more.
They even have crepes perfect for breakfast or when you want something sweet. I gave a classic hamburger, spam and egg musubi, and ginger pork a try. It was delicious, and the chef prepared the food quickly.
53 By The Sea
53 Ahui St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-536-5353
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53 By the Sea sits only 200 feet away from Point Panic. This waterfront restaurant is beautiful, stylish, and the perfect place to dine if you want some epic views of the Pacific Ocean since the dining room is lined with large windows.
They have both indoor and outdoor seating that offers excellent views, but sitting outside is my suggestion if you can.
You’ll find a little bit of everything on the menu here. There is plenty of seafood and other meat dishes on the menu and vegetarian-friendly meals.
They’re open for dinner and brunch on the weekends. Brunch features pancakes, eggs, and other classic breakfast dishes. Dinner service has ceviche, lobster bisque, ribeyes, and more.
Little Joe’s Steakhouse
580 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-524-0088
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Along the Honolulu Harbor on North Nimitz Highway is Little Joe’s Steakhouse. The steakhouse is elegant and also somewhat casual as far as steakhouses go.
The lighting is dim, which prompts intimate conversation, and they cover the tables in white linen tablecloths. It’s perfect for date night or when you’re craving steak.
Little Joe’s offers plenty of steaks cooked however you want, plus a fine selection of seafood dishes, appetizers, desserts, and a great wine list.
They have surf and turf on special every day, which is unique. The Greek filet mignon was my favorite with a side of bacon mac and cheese and creamy spinach.
Young’s Fish Market
1286 Kalani St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-841-4885
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In the Kalihi Kai neighborhood of Honolulu, Young’s Fish Market is on Kalani Street. Young’s is a no-frills joint that offers counter-service food.
It’s a great quick and convenient spot to grab food for lunch or dinner. There are plenty of tables inside to sit at, or you can order your meal to take with you.
Young’s Fish Market serves classic Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig and laulau. The menu is extensive and features sashimi, seafood plates, various meats, and more.
I went with a Hawaiian plate. My meal included butterfish laulau, Lomi salmon, rice, and a side of their homemade macaroni salad. Everything was made perfectly.
Livestock Tavern
49 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-537-2577
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Livestock Tavern is another bustling restaurant on North Hotel Street in downtown Honolulu.
This relaxed restaurant is in a brick building where the exposed brick stretches inside. The restaurant is spacious and open, making it a wonderful place to gather with friends for a great meal and a few drinks.
The menu features classic yet elevated American dishes that may change with the season. They even offer brunch service on Saturday and Sunday.
They offer soups, salads, burgers, seafood, other meat dishes, and more. I ordered New England clam chowder and Maine lobster pasta. I’d eat here over and over again.
Hula Grill Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808-923-4852
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Hula Grill Waikiki sits only 0.1 miles from the famous Waikiki Beach. The restaurant has a tropical aesthetic with palm trees, bright colors, and other Hawaiian decors.
Faux lava rock lines the half walls along with the restaurant, and the vibe is relaxed yet sophisticated.
The cuisine at Hula Grill is the perfect combination of Hawaiian and American. They use fish and other ingredients from local farmers and fishermen.
They’re open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends. I stopped in for lunch, and their Baja fish tacos and localicious salad were terrific.
Istanbul Hawaii
1108 Auahi St STE 152, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 808-772-4440
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You’ll find Istanbul Hawaii, minutes from Ala Moana Beach on Auahi Street. Istanbul Hawaii is an informal restaurant where you can eat spectacular food in a casual setting.
The interior is beautiful, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and plenty of booths and tables for patrons.
Istanbul Hawaii allows your tastebuds to travel through Turkey while on a tropical island in the Pacific Ocean. To start your meal, you have to try the meze platter.
It has humus, muhammara, babaganoush, su borek, warm pita, and more. For your entree, the lamb tenderloin shish was tender and delicious.
Hibachi Honolulu
514 Keawe St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-762-0845
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For some of the best fast food in Honolulu, you’ll need to head to the Keauhou Condo building on Keawe Street.
The restaurant is casual and perfect for takeaway or eating at the few picnic tables outside. You’ll place your order at the counter where their menu is displayed on TVs behind it on the wall.
Hibachi Honolulu has plenty of fresh poke and poke bowls and other Hawaiian or Japanese meat plates for you to order.
I asked the person behind the counter what their two most popular dishes were, and they said the fried poke plate and their lemon pepper skewers. I shared both with my friend, and we were very impressed.
Mahina & Sun’s
412 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808-924-5810
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You’ll find Mahina and Sun’s on Lewers Street, about half a mile from Fort Derussy Beach Park. You’ll need to go inside the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club to find this stylish and beautifully decorated restaurant. IT features gray and white patterned wallpaper and orange throw pillows for accents.
Mahina and Sun’s serves elevated Hawaiian cuisine. Their dinner menu features dishes like ahi tuna, pasta plates, pork chops, and more.
Some of my favorite dishes that Mahina and Sun’s have are their smoked ahi toast, their beef ragu pasta, and their goat cheese cheesecake.
Hukilau Honolulu
1088 Bishop St LL13, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-523-3460
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If you’re looking for a great sports bar in Honolulu, you need to head to the Executive Centre Hotel on Bishop Street. Hukilau Honolulu looks and feels like your standard sports bar.
The vibe is lively and casual, with plenty of TVs around so everyone can watch whatever game they want that’s on.
Hukilau Honolulu has meat and cheese boards, poke, ribs, and other bar foods for you to enjoy while you sip local beers or a handcrafted cocktail.
My favorite appetizer to munch on while deciding what to order is the deviled eggs. While I’m not always a fan of old fashions, the bartender made me one of the best I’ve ever had.
Morning Glass Coffee
2955 E Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822
Phone: 808-673-0065
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Morning Glass Coffee is less than a mile from Manoa Valley District Park. The coffee shop is adorable, and they almost always have their windows and doors open.
They have their menu options posted on a chalkboard behind the counter where you’ll order. They have tables inside for you to enjoy breakfast and coffee.
All the coffee at Morning Glass Coffee is from local sources, and they have something for all the coffee drinkers. They have cold brew, espresso, and Hawaiian coffees.
If you’re stopping in, you have to try Maui Mellow coffee. Be sure to check out their food options like carrot cake, bread pudding, and scones.
Beer Lab HI
1010 University Ave, Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: 808-888-0913
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Beer Lab HI is a brewery right outside the University of Hawaii campus. The brewery is casual, modern, and has the vibe of a typical brewery. They have plenty of tables, bar stools, and they often have live music and other events.
They have delicious craft beer that you have to try. I recommend ordering a flight so you can sample several of their most popular beers.
The food has a small sandwich and deli menu that pairs well with their beers. Their jerky and pork skins were the best snacks.
Over Easy
418 Kuulei Rd #103, Kailua, HI 9673
Phone: 808-260-1732
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One of the best breakfast spots in Honolulu is six minutes away from Kailua Beach Park. Over Easy is a casual breakfast joint that is casual, warm, and bustling. The restaurant is popular amongst locals and visitors for the food and friendly service.
They have all your favorite breakfast dishes at Over Easy like pancakes, French toast, eggs, and more.
Their most popular breakfast dishes are their kalua pig hash and the fried egg breakfast sandwich. I opted for the sandwich as the perfect meal to start my day.
Palace Saimin
1256 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-841-9983
Palace Saimin is in the Kalihi Palama neighborhood of Honolulu. The restaurant is named after a Hawaiian-style Japanese noodle dish which is popular here.
This humble restaurant has minimal decor, but it’s a comfortable place to eat or grab food to take home.
The menu options at Palace Saimin are limited, but sometimes, fewer options are better. You can’t come here and not order their saimin.
It’s delicious and made perfectly every time. They also have wontons, barbeque sticks, and udon.
Bar Leather Apron
745 Fort St #127a, Honolulu, HI 96813
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Across the street from Hawaii Pacific University is Bar Leather Apron. This dimly lit bar has old-school and speakeasy vibes. The wood is weathered, drinks are relatively cheap, and everyone is very welcoming.
This cocktail bar has plenty of delicious cocktails and bar snacks to munch on before heading elsewhere to dinner or if you’re in the mood for small plates one evening.
They have several old fashion cocktail recipes, and my favorite cocktail was their yuzu mojito. The cheddar, salami plate, and clam dip were fabulous for food.
Ethel’s Grill
232 Kalihi St, Honolulu, HI 96819
Phone: 808-847-6467
Ethel’s Grill is a low-key establishment in the Kalihi Kai neighborhood of Honolulu. This spot has been around for years and is a local staple.
The restaurant is small but has a lot of character. It features Asian decor and is a cash-only business.
The cuisine at Ethel’s Grill features classic dishes from across Asia. The menu options are limited, and you’ll see them typed on a piece of paper above the counter. Their taco rice is unique and tasty. People love their pig feet soup and miso yaki ahi belly.
Ken’s Fresh Fish
55-730 Kamehameha Hwy Suite 102, Laie, HI 96762
Phone: 808-888-7193
Another fantastic fast food restaurant in Honolulu is Ken’s Fresh Fish. You can reach it in five minutes by foot coming from Hukilau Beach Park.
The restaurant is humble, deep green, and the menu with pictures is plastered on the wall near the front door.
Ken’s Fresh Fish features classic Hawaiian dishes and plenty of the freshest seafood you can find on the island.
Most of the people who come here search for delicious poke, and they have it. I loved their oyster chili poke with white rice.
Final Thoughts
Honolulu is a bustling tropical city with a little bit of everything. Whether you plan to spend your time there lounging on the beaches, surfing, hiking, or exploring the city, you’ll want to give some of these fantastic restaurants a try.
If you’re craving something specific, like steak, for example, Honolulu has you covered. Here’s a list of some amazing steakhouses in Honolulu for you to try.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
Best Restaurants in Honolulu
- The Pig and the Lady
- Senia
- Koko Head Cafe
- MW Restaurant
- Mud Hen Water
- M by Jeremy Shigekane
- Breadshop
- Tonkatsu Tamafuji
- Ono Seafood
- Waiahole Poi Factory
- Maguro Brothers Hawaii Chinatown
- Lam’s Kitchen
- Diamond Head Market & Grill
- House Without A Key
- Waiola Shave Ice
- Morimoto Asia Waikiki
- Azure
- Fête
- Karai Crab
- Merriman’s Honolulu
- Moku Kitchen
- O’Kims
- Fresh Catch Kapahulu
- Sun’s Up, Hawaii
- 53 By The Sea
- Little Joe’s Steakhouse
- Young’s Fish Market
- Livestock Tavern
- Hula Grill Waikiki
- Istanbul Hawaii
- Hibachi Honolulu
- Mahina & Sun’s
- Hukilau Honolulu
- Morning Glass Coffee
- Beer Lab HI
- Over Easy
- Palace Saimin
- Bar Leather Apron
- Ethel’s Grill
- Ken’s Fresh Fish
