COMPLETE HONOLULU RESTAURANT GUIDE: 2025 EDITION
Where to eat across Waikīkī, Kaimukī, and Chinatown.
Honolulu is a true food town, blending Japanese precision, big-city ambition, and hole-in-the-wall charm. This guide covers our favorite restaurants across the city, from quiet noodle shops to the best omakase.
There’s more to Honolulu’s food scene than plate lunch and poke—though both are essential, and we’ll tell you where to get them. This is a city where Japanese chefs earn Michelin stars, Thai joints hide behind laundromats, and some of the best meals are served in foam takeout boxes. In this guide, we cover our favorite restaurants across Waikīkī and greater Honolulu—organized by what you’re craving, not just what’s trending. Sushi, poke, fine dining, brunch, Kaimukī classics, Chinatown legends. No TikTok hacks, just real spots we’d send a friend to.
Hole-in-the-Wall Classics
Honolulu has no shortage of white-tablecloth restaurants, but some of the best meals are found in old strip malls, roadside windows, and steamy back kitchens with no social media presence. These are the spots that locals swear by—where the food doesn’t need a write-up to have a line out the door.
Where grandma’s recipes still rule and aloha comes in a takeout box.
James Beard Award–winning, family-run institution serving laulau, kalua pig, and pipikaula short ribs in a humble dining room that hasn’t changed in decades. Cash only.
Kalihi – 5.0 miles, ~15 min drive
This Kalihi gem is technically a market, but the back deli serves up some of the best poke, roast meats, and Hawaiian-style plate lunches in the city. Get the spicy ahi poke and a side of roast pork.
Kalihi – 4.8 miles, ~13 min drive
Home of the legendary coco puff, this 24/7 diner-style bakery also does grilled mahimahi, loco moco, and butter rolls with neon pink jelly.
Liliha – 4.6 miles, ~13 min drive
A fish market and plate lunch hybrid located right at the pier, where the fish is as fresh as it gets. Order the furikake ahi and find a seat outside among longshoremen and office workers.
Pier 38 / Iwilei – 4.2 miles, ~12 min drive
One of the oldest saimin shops in the state. Fluorescent lights, vinyl booths, and a deceptively simple bowl of noodles that hits the spot.
Kalihi – 4.8 miles, ~14 min drive
You’re not allowed to leave Honolulu without eating here at least once. Plate lunches stacked with mac salad, gravy, and nostalgia. The mixed plate with BBQ beef is a rite of passage.
Kapahulu – 1.8 miles, ~6 min drive
Classic okazuya-style takeout from an old-school counter in Liliha. Choose your own adventure: fried chicken, nishime, tempura, and musubi wrapped in wax paper.
Liliha – 4.4 miles, ~13 min drive
Sushi & Japanese
Honolulu might just be the best sushi city in the U.S. that no one talks about. The fish is local, the chefs are serious, and there’s a quiet reverence in the city’s best omakase spots—no shouting, no sake bombs, just skill. Whether you’re sitting at a ten-seat counter in Kaimukī or splurging on a high-end tasting downtown, this is where sushi stops being a trend and returns to being a craft.
Sushi Sho An intimate, Tokyo-style omakase inside The Ritz-Carlton. Legendary chef Keiji Nakazawa serves up an Edo-style experience with aged fish, warm rice, and deep technique. Not casual, not cheap—but unforgettable.
Waikīkī – 0.7 miles, 4 min drive from the Duke Statue
A low-key favorite among sushi heads. Omakase without the formality, but with high-end fish flown in daily. Sit at the counter if you can.
Ala Moana – 2 miles, 8 min drive from the Duke Statue
Bustling, warm, and reliable. The menu’s big, the sashimi’s fresh, and the grilled items go well with a Sapporo. A neighborhood go-to.
Kaimukī – 4.5 miles, 12 min drive from the Duke Statue
Refined and traditional, inside Royal Hawaiian Center. Think sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and multi-course kaiseki in a quiet, wood-paneled space.
Waikīkī – 0.3 miles, 2 min drive / 5 min walk from the Duke Statue
Ginza Bairin The best tonkatsu in town, hands down. Crunchy pork cutlets with miso sauce, shredded cabbage, and rice. Casual, compact, and beloved.
Waikīkī – 0.3 miles, 2 min drive / 5 min walk from the Duke Statue
Izakaya Nonbei An old-school Japanese pub with red lanterns, grilled squid, and ice-cold beer. Feels like a Tokyo back alley, in the best way. Kapahulu – 2 miles, 6 min drive from the Duke Statue
Poke & Local Grinds
Where to get classic Hawaiian flavors, from roadside poke counters to family-run plate-lunch legends. These are locals-first spots—think vivid fish, smoky pork, and carbs for days. We’ve included neighborhood, distance, and drive time from the Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikīkī to help you plan.
Still the benchmark for poke in Honolulu. Takeout only, cash only, and unapologetically old-school. The shoyu ahi and spicy tako are staples, and the fish is always pristine.
Kaimukī / Kapahulu – 3 miles, 5 min drive from the Duke statue
A seafood market first, poke counter second—but the selection is massive. Wasabi masago, rare local fish blends, and a dizzying case of fresh options.
Kalihi – 6 miles, 10 min drive from the Duke statue
Family-run and unpretentious, this is a mix of lunch counter and mini-mart. Known for poke, but don’t skip the roast pork, char siu, or pipikaula beef jerky.
Kalihi – 7 miles, 12 min drive from the Duke statue
A neighborhood favorite for laulau, kalua pig, and lomi salmon. The poke is solid, but the full plate lunch lineup is what makes this spot essential.
Diamond Head – 2.5 miles, 6 min drive from the Duke statue
A James Beard Award winner and local institution. Order the combo plate with kalua pig, pipikaula ribs, and poi, and you’ll understand why this place hasn’t changed in decades.
Liliha – 5 miles, 15 min drive from the Duke statue
Noodles, Bowls & Quick Fixes
Whether you're crashing after the beach or recovering from last night’s cocktails, Honolulu's quick-serve scene delivers. From ramen and saimin to hearty bowls and takeout classics, these spots are where locals go for food that fills and delights—without the fuss.
Slightly hidden near Thomas Square but beloved for black garlic tonkotsu and spicy tan tan men. Balanced, flavorful bowls and serious credentials.
Downtown / Kapahulu – 3.5 miles, ~8 min drive from the Duke statue
In Mō‘ili‘ili, a cozy late-night standby with Tokyo home-style feel. Tonkotsu, shoyu, plus dishes like cold hayashi and miso ramen.
Mō‘ili‘ili – 2.2 miles, ~7 min drive from the Duke statue
Boasts a 23-hour simmered pork broth with depth and umami. Rich, silky chāshū that commands respect from ramen lovers.
Downtown – 3.8 miles, ~10 min drive from the Duke statue
Waikīkī ramen bar open late with original tonkotsu, black garlic, and spicy tantan. Comfortable, lively, and always ready to serve.
Waikīkī – 0.6 miles, ~3 min walk/drive from the Duke statue
Sekiya’s Restaurant & Deli – Saimin
Classic Kaimukī spot since 1935 serving firm noodles in shrimp-scented broth. Less than fancy, more foundational.
Kaimukī – 2.7 miles, ~7 min drive from the Duke statue
Offers inventive takes—oxtail, moyashi, or oyako saimin—in a vibrant, no-frills setting. Locals made this their favorite run.
Near Ala Moana – 3.5 miles, ~9 min drive from the Duke statue
Brunch & Cafés
Where to fuel your mornings with intent. These are not hotel cafés pretending to be charming. Think elevated brunch plates, excellent coffee, and bites locals actually wait in line for. Bali shirts optional.
A local favorite hidden behind the Hilton. Known for hearty eggs, grilled fish, and the kind of rice and fish breakfasts that actually make sense here.
Waikīkī – 0.5 miles, ~4 min drive from the Duke statue
Bright, modern café serving bowls, waffles, popovers, and strong coffee. Popular with the health-conscious crowd, but none of it tastes like rabbit food.
Kaimukī – 3.0 miles, ~8 min drive from the Duke statue
Stylish, mellow spot in Mō‘ili‘ili with a curated selection of espresso drinks and breakfast pastries. Good stop before mid-morning errands.
Mō‘ili‘ili – 2.3 miles, ~6 min drive from the Duke statue
Unmistakably Kona, unmistakably excellent. Great pourovers, island-roasted beans, and rotating tropical blends in a minimalist warehouse space.
Ala Moana – 2.8 miles, ~7 min drive from the Duke statue
Bright, plant-filled, and popular with early risers. Good for avo toast, strong espresso, and the kind of bread that makes you think you might move here.
Kaka‘ako – 2.6 miles, ~6 min drive from the Duke statue
Fine Dining & Michelin Stars
Honolulu might be best known for casual beach eats, but it’s also home to some of the most refined dining in the Pacific. Whether it’s a Japanese kaiseki counter, a tasting menu that flirts with the future, or a homegrown chef redefining Hawaiian cuisine, these spots deliver—and usually book out.
Where to splurge when the occasion (or appetite) demands it.
A masterclass in technique and restraint, Senia delivers modern American cuisine with Hawaiian ingredients and global precision. Go à la carte or dive into the chef’s tasting.
Chinatown – 4.4 miles, ~13 min drive from the Duke statue
French tasting menus in a minimalist, open-air setting above Waikīkī. The view alone is a flex, but the wine pairings and delicate seafood preps seal the deal.
Waikīkī – 0.8 miles, ~5 min drive from the Duke statue
One of the most creative kitchens on the island. French-Japanese tasting menus, house-made everything, and a quiet confidence that doesn’t need flash.
Kaimukī – 3.5 miles, ~9 min drive from the Duke statue
Sushi Sho (Michelin Star)
Located inside The Ritz-Carlton, this intimate omakase experience is led by Tokyo-trained Keiji Nakazawa. Expect precision, tradition, and the kind of sushi that makes you go quiet.Waikīkī – 1.1 miles, ~6 min drive from the Duke statue
Tasting menus with a plant-forward twist, plus sustainability credentials that aren’t just for show. Bright, clean, and ideal for the design-minded diner.
Waikīkī – 0.6 miles, ~3 min drive from the Duke statue
Bars & Lounges
Honolulu’s bar scene is full of contradictions in the best way. One minute you’re sipping a $20 negroni at an underground speakeasy; the next you’re barefoot with a plastic cup of mai tai by the beach. Some bars take their craft seriously—think ice cubes cut by hand and spirits you’ve never heard of—while others just hand you a cold beer and call it a night. Here's where we go:
The most iconic beachfront bar in Waikīkī. Touristy? Sure. But there’s something undeniably great about a cold drink with your feet basically in the sand and live music on stage.
Waikīkī – 0.1 miles, 2 min walk from the Duke statue
Tucked away in a downtown office building, this award-winning cocktail bar is precise, moody, and low-lit. Think serious whiskey selection, hand-carved ice, and zero beach vibes—in a good way.
Downtown – 4.5 miles, 15 min drive from the Duke statue
Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian
Classic pink hotel, classic pink drink. This open-air bar fronts Waikīkī Beach and serves the namesake cocktail in a carved-out pineapple if you ask nicely.
Waikīkī – 0.4 miles, 4 min walk from the Duke statue
A no-frills dive just off the main drag, complete with thatched roofing, plastic cups, and cheap beers. Come for the vibe, not the mixology.
Waikīkī – 0.3 miles, 3 min walk from the Duke statue
In the heart of Chinatown, Manifest is part café, part cocktail bar, part dance floor once the DJ starts. Great energy, eclectic crowd, strong drinks.
Chinatown – 4.6 miles, 15 min drive from the Duke statue
Stylish pub energy with a strong cocktail program and local beer list. Not your average sports bar—even if there’s a game on.
Ala Moana – 2.3 miles, 9 min drive from the Duke statue
A haunted tiki bar (yes, really) serving theatrical rum cocktails under jungle lighting and skull decor. It’s ridiculous in the best way.
Chinatown – 4.5 miles, 15 min drive from the Duke statue
A second-floor wine and cocktail bar with open-air seating and a breezy, unpretentious feel. Great for a date night or slow wind-down.
Chinatown – 4.5 miles, 15 min drive from the Duke statue
This artsy bar in Kaka‘ako leans creative—house cocktails, DJs, and a design-savvy crowd that feels more Brooklyn than beach town.
Kaka‘ako – 3.3 miles, 10 min drive from the Duke statue
A stylish, elevated lanai space tucked inside the Laylow hotel. Espresso martinis, live music, and plenty of outdoor seating.
Waikīkī – 0.4 miles, 5 min walk from the Duke statue
Brewpub meets Instagram hangout. Creative craft beers, bright murals, and an all-ages-friendly menu make this a solid group choice.
Kaka‘ako – 3.4 miles, 11 min drive from the Duke statue
Kaimukī
A creative food hub tucked into a residential neighborhood. Think indie coffee shops, under-the-radar tasting menus, and unfussy favorites that locals swear by. ~10–12 min drive from Waikīkī
Miro Kaimukī – Refined French-Japanese tasting menu with serious technique and minimal ego.
Mud Hen Water – Inventive Hawaiian-inspired small plates from one of the island’s most respected chefs.
Koko Head Café – Elevated brunch comfort food with island flavors (get the congee or kimchi bacon fried rice).
Coffee Talk – Quirky, retro café with strong coffee and a true local vibe.
Chinatown
Edgy, eclectic, and packed with flavor. Come for the historic grit, stay for the bao buns, noodle joints, and cocktail bars tucked into brick buildings. ~12–15 min drive from Waikīkī
Senia – Elegant modern tasting menus that show off the best of island ingredients.
The Pig and the Lady – Beloved Vietnamese fusion spot with a cult following—pho French dip, anyone?
Fête – Modern American bistro with local sourcing and a killer burger.
Bar Leather Apron – Hidden cocktail den with serious whiskey and even more serious bartenders.
Chinatown Market Stalls – Walk through the open-air markets for tropical fruit, roast duck, and snacks you won’t find back in Waikīkī.