The Best Restaurants in Oahu: 13 Must-Try Spots for Every Visitor

I’ve been to Oahu a few times now, and the food is always one of the highlights. Whether it’s a quick bite after the beach or a spot worth planning your day around (we do this you best believe me!), these are the thirteen places I always recommend to those visiting Oahu!

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Tips for Ethical Travel in Hawaii
What Is Hawaiian Food? (And What to Expect!)
The Best Food Spots I Always Recommend in Oahu

Before I get into my favorite food spots, I want to acknowledge something important: Hawaii is more than just a vacation destination—it’s a deeply special place with a rich culture, history, and community. Tourism plays a big role in the islands, but it’s important that we travel in a way that’s respectful and mindful. This means supporting local businesses, being aware of the environmental impact we have, and taking time to learn about the place beyond the pretty views and ‘Instagramable’ spots.

Remember: Please don’t geotag sacred sites or natural areas when positing on social media when you visit Hawaii!

Tips for Ethical Travel in Hawaii

Support local: Choose locally owned restaurants, shops, and local tour companies whenever possible.
Be mindful of the land: Stay on marked trails (aways!), pack out your trash, and never take rocks or sand with you.
Learn before you go: Take a little time to understand Hawaii’s history and native culture.
Use water and resources responsibly: Conservation is key, be mindful of water and energy use.
Give back when you can: Donating to local organizations or participating in volunteer activities.

Consider giving back by donating or volunteering through:

Mālama Hawai‘i – A statewide initiative promoting responsible travel.
Hui Aloha ‘Āina Momona – A local nonprofit focused on land stewardship, food security, and cultural education.

What Is Hawaiian Food? (And What to Expect!)

Hawaiian food is a unique and flavorful blend of cultures-and one of the best parts of visiting the islands in my opinion It’s a mix of native Hawaiian traditions and influences from Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines, Portugal, and other places that have shaped the islands over the years. Some dishes are rooted in ancient Hawaiian cooking (like kalua pig or poi), while others are more modern fusions you’ll only find here.

Here are a few local favorites you’ll probably come across (and should absolutely try):

Poke: Raw, marinated fish (usually ahi tuna) served over rice. It’s fresh, simple, and so good—often with seaweed, sesame, or spicy mayo.
Loco Moco: A comforting plate of white rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and gravy. Trust me, it works!
Spam Musubi: A slice of grilled Spam on top of rice, wrapped in seaweed. Imagine sushi vibes, but Hawaiian-style.
Plate Lunch: The ultimate local comfort food-usually includes a protein like shoyu chicken, teriyaki beef, or kalua pork, served with white rice and macaroni salad.
Malasadas: Portuguese-style donuts rolled in sugar. You’ll see them everywhere-and Leonard’s Bakery is famous for a reason.
Haupia: A coconut milk-based dessert that’s light, creamy, and often served in little squares.

My biggest tip is to make sure to hit a mix of food trucks, classic local joints, and modern spots-so you can taste all the different sides of the island’s food culture when you visit. And the restaurants I list below cover just that!

Here’s where to eat in Oahu-from laid-back poke bowls to poolside drinks and famous garlic shrimp.

Kalapawai Café & Deli (Waimanalo)

Details: 41-865 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI | Sandwiches + salads

This colorful café is the perfect pre or post-beach lunch spot. It’s tucked in a cute area near Waimanalo Beach and serves salads, sandwiches, coffee, and wine. It’s a relaxed, healthy, and unassuming spot that is delicious. You can dine on the patio or grab something to go.

Foodie Tip: Get the egg breakfast sandwich and an iced coffee and head to my favorite beach in Oahu, Waimanalo!

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (North Shore)

Details: 66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI | Shrimp plates (cash only)

When you are in Hawaii you have to try garlic shrimp, and one of the more famous spots is Giovanni’s! You’ll wait in line at the famous food truck for a steaming hot plate of shrimp, rice, and salad. There’s not much else to say, you’ve just got to give it a try yourself. Just remember to bring cash!

Big Wave Shrimp Truck

Details: 66-521 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI | Shrimp plates

If Giovanni’s line is out of control, which chances are it might be, or you are starving, you can head down the road to Big Wave. Their garlic shrimp is also flavorful, with a bit more variety on the menu. You can try the coconut shrimp, it’s also amazing. It’s less chaotic, but still a North Shore gem and incredibly delicious.

Hale’iwa Bowls (North Shore)

Details: 66-030 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI | Acai bowls

When you are in Hawaii another must is an acai bowl and luckily you’ll find them around every corner. Frankly, you can’t go wrong with any bowl, but my personal favorite is from Hale’iwa Bowls. Everything is fresh, loaded with fruit, and is the perfect snack after a beach day. I also think their portions are just perfect (I want a LARGE acai bowl).

Sushi Akasaka (Honolulu)

Details: 1646 Kona St, Honolulu, HI | Nigiri/sushi sets

A cozy, tucked-away sushi spot in Honolulu that locals love. It’s an authentic spot, where you will remove your shoes and sit on the floor! They have some tables too if you aren’t able to sit cross-legged so don’t let this deter you. It’s casual but super authentic, and the fish is incredibly fresh. You can also sit at the sushi bar and get a look into how everything is made!

Ono Seafood (Honolulu)

Details: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI | Poke bowls

This is famous for a reason, and it’s hands down one of the best poke spots on the island. This is not a sit-down place-just, grab and go, but the poke is so fresh, you’ll want to eat it right on the curb. We always grab ours and then head to the beach to snack.

Leonard’s Bakery (Honolulu)

Details: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI | Malasadas

You can’t visit Oahu and not try a malasada from Leonard’s. These Portuguese donuts are warm, fluffy, and filled with flavors like custard, coconut, or chocolate. It’s a unique dessert (or breakfast) no judging here, that you won’t be able to find elsewhere.

Kyung’s Seafood

Details: 1269 S King St, Honolulu, HI | Korean plates

This is a spot I would teleport back to in a heart beat. We grabbed food here before heading to the airport and I’m still dreaming about it! It’s a very casual spot, with Korean food made from the heart. The garlic poke is incredible, and the Korean-style kalbi ribs should be the first thing you try. We didn’t even a get a picture here because we were so engulfed in the food!

Mahina & Sun’s

Details: 412 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI (inside The Surfjack Hotel) | Small plates + cocktails

This poolside restaurant offers a trendy, low-lit atmosphere with island-inspired dishes and cocktails. It’s a fun spot for small plates, stylish décor, and great drinks.

Sushi Izakaya Gaku

Details: 1329 S King St, Honolulu, HI | Omakase or shared plates around $40–$60 pp

For a slightly more upscale sushi experience, this spot is a favorite with locals and Japanese visitors. It’s cozy, intimate, and the fish is always fresh. Make reservations before you go!

Egghead Cafe and Espresso Bar

Details: 885 Queen St #1, Honolulu, HI | Brunch dishes

The best breakfast I had on the island, no contest. Egghead is a modern, café, serving locally inspired dishes. It’s a a perfect morning stop if you’re exploring the city, or before heading to go kayaking.

Travel Tip: We rented a Jeep through, and it was an absolute blast! It’s uncomplicated and communication is super easy.

Rainbow Drive-In

Details: 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI | Plate lunches around $9–$13

A local legend. Come here for classic Hawaiian plate lunches—think loco moco, shoyu chicken, and all the comfort food hits. It’s nostalgic, casual, and super affordable. Expect a line, but it moves fast, and the food is always worth it.

Chiba-Ken

Details: 468 Ena Rd, Honolulu, HI | Sushi + ramen plates around $15–$30

A solid sushi spot just a short walk from Waikiki Beach that is less touristy than everything else in the area. They do sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese comfort food (like karaage and tempura) really well. They have an insane late night happy hour and I will admit, we ate here multiple times during our last trip it was just that good.

Oahu is filled with incredible places to eat, but these are the spots I find myself returning to (and texting to friends) over and over again. From the freshest poke in Honolulu to cozy cafés on the North Shore, this list is packed with easy, delicious, no-fuss places that make your trip even better.

If you’re planning your Oahu trip soon, save this post so you can reference it on the go—and let me know which place ends up being your favorite in the comments or over on socials!

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The Best Restaurants in Oahu: 13 Must-Try Spots for Every Visitor

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Tips for Ethical Travel in Hawaii