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The Best restaurants in Oahu

Oahu is the most popular island in Hawaii to visit. So if you’re planning an Oahu vacation and looking for the best restaurants in Oahu, you’ll need to check this out!

If Oahu has been on your bucket list, now is the time to plan your vacation there! Everything is completely back open and back to normal! Of course, once you arrive, you will want to know about the best places to eat in Oahu.

You may choose your favorite places to eat in Oahu according to each restaurant’s food. Or you may consider the ambiance or the location. You’ll need a rental car to access some of the best restaurants in Oahu. If you don’t have a rental car yet, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best deals on any of the Hawaiian Islands.

There is no wrong way to choose the best restaurants in Oahu for your vacation. The problem is there are so many to choose from!

So, let’s start talking about what I think are the best places to eat in Oahu.

Best Places to Eat in Oahu

Here are the best restaurants in Oahu, in no particular order.

Eggs ‘N Things

Eggs’ N Things is one of the best places to eat breakfast in Oahu. You must arrive early if you don’t want to wait forever to enjoy an excellent breakfast at this restaurant.

The menu is expansive, so it can be challenging to choose just one thing. In my opinion, that simply means going back to eat there again!

best restaurants in Oahu Photo is property of Eggs N’ Things.

They have a few if you are looking for one of their signature dishes. I recommend trying the signature rainbow pancakes, plantation pork chops, eggs, or ENT morning wrap. They also have a Hawaiian loco moco.

Address: 339 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI

Island Brew Coffeehouse

One of the best places for coffee in Oahu is Island Brew Coffeehouse. The customer service is so personal that you will feel like a local from the moment you arrive.

Start your day by ordering one of their coffees or another drink. An acai bowl is a popular option. Although, past visitors have said it looks almost too good to eat!

A little note… When you arrive at this coffeehouse location, you may not think it looks like much. After all, it is in a slightly rundown plaza next to a pizza place and Safeway store. Don’t turn around and run. Walk-in and enjoy the Hawaiian vibe on the inside.

Address: 377 Keahole St, Honolulu, HI

Musubi Cafe

There are four Musubi Cafe locations in Oahu. However, this one is a favorite of many. It is small. It is located off a side street. And it is a hidden gem that prepares the best rice balls!

Musubi Cafe should be at the top of your list if you are searching for the best-cooked sushi in Oahu. Their menu is filled with options, including a few containing Spam. The Spam with eggs musubi is perfect for breakfast.

This is an excellent restaurant to stop at before heading to the beach. All the food is wrapped, which makes it simple to pack for a day near the water.

Address: 2427 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI

Beet Box Cafe

Organic dishes made from locally sourced ingredients are what you will find when you choose to dine at Beet Box Cafe. They offer breakfast all day and lunch during those hours.

Their gluten-free banana oat pancakes served with vanilla coconut, whipped cream, and fruit are popular for breakfast. Lunchtime brings items that include the yogi bowl, burrito babe, and hello burger.

This is a great place to meet the locals. They are always there grabbing some of the best food in Oahu. Spend a little time talking to them. If you do, they will share a few secrets about where you should go to have a fantastic time on this island.

Address: 66-443 Kamehameha Hwy Ste 104, Haleiwa, HI

Sweet E’s

Sweet E’s is one of the best places to eat French toast in Oahu. The French toast is so good there is usually a crowd waiting when this restaurant in Oahu opens.

If you are not a fan of French toast, you can always order an omelet. There are six options, as well as make your own. Then, of course, pancakes, waffles, breakfast burritos, and breakfast sandwiches.

A little something for everyone! Oh, and they serve lunch too, so if you don’t make it for breakfast, head over when the crowds go down a little.

Address: 1006 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI

Goofy Cafe

One of the best places to eat brunch in Oahu is Goofy Cafe. This restaurant offers a laid-back, surfer-style vibe. The menu is full of American and Hawaiian-style dishes.

There is limited seating at this restaurant. This seems to be expected in the most popular places to eat in Oahu. Arrive early for their eggs benedict with pulled pork. Or the Big Island honey French toast.

Address: 1831 Ala Moana Blvd # 201, Honolulu, HI

Marugame Udon

Japanese cuisine is easy to find in Hawaii. However, if you are searching for the best place to eat Japanese food in Oahu, you must head to Marugame Udon. This restaurant is over in Waikiki.

It is a grab-and-go restaurant. You can find everything from udon and tempura rolls to sushi. You can watch the food as it is being prepared in the kitchen.

If you are looking for some more of the best places to eat in Waikiki, I wrote a post about that too!

Address: 2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI

Surf n Turf Tacos

You may hear the words surf and turf and automatically think of seafood. Well, this is a Mexican restaurant in Oahu. Surf N Turf Tacos everything from burritos and tacos to quesadillas and rice bowls.

This is one of the best places to eat lunch or dinner in Oahu, especially if you are looking for a filling meal without breaking your budget.

best restaurants in Oahu Photo property of Surf N Turf Tacos.

The best part is you can always take your order to go. You don’t need to stop exploring as you eat your meal.

Address: 2310 Kuhio Ave Ste 100, Honolulu, HI

The Hibachi

One of the best places to eat poke in Oahu is The Hibachi. They have multiple options on the menu each day. Although, they run out of some of them rather quickly. And when they are gone, they are gone. They won’t be back until the next day.

This is an excellent place to go when you want a little takeout. You can choose prepared items. Or you can choose things that need to be cooked if you stay in a vacation home.

Address: 515 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Helena’s has been serving up delicious Hawaiian foods since 1946. From the outside, this restaurant doesn’t look like much. Once you walk inside, though, the aromas and Hawaiian vibe will keep drawing you in.

All the dishes are served on small plates in this restaurant. It is best to order multiple dishes and then share them all.

A couple of menu items you should try to include poi, kalua pig, and fried butterfish collar. The haupia is a bestselling dessert. It is a coconut milk-based dessert that is similar to panna cotta.

Address: 1240 N. School St. Honolulu, HI

Monkeypod Kitchen

One of the best restaurants in Oahu is Monkeypod Kitchen. They also have a fabulous happy hour! I share the Monkeypod locations in Maui in my best Happy Hours in Maui and the 40 best places to eat in Maui posts!

You can choose from an extensive appetizer menu. Or there is pizza, noodle dishes, and seafood. I recommend the poke tacos, macadamia nut-crusted Mahi Mahi, and saimin.

best restaurants in Oahu Photo property of Monkeypod.

Address: 92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei, HI

Maui Brewing Company

Another Maui company and one of the best places to grab a drink in Oahu is the Maui Brewing Company. They have multiple specialty and craft beers on tap.

After you have enjoyed a cold one, you will be more than ready to enjoy a meal. The blistered shishito peppers are perfect for sharing. Afterward, you can enjoy a cheeseburger, pork sliders, or the bikini blonde fish and chips.

Address: 573 Kailua Rd Ste 105, Kailua, HI

Matsumoto Shave Ice

One of the best places to eat shave ice in Oahu is Matsumoto. It is located on the North Shore of the island. They have been making shave ice since 1951. I discuss this more in my things to do in Haleiwa post!

The shave ice is topped with colorful syrups in bright colors. As you order, you choose a paper cup or cone. Then ask for your syrup of choice or a couple of different ones.

get a shave ice in Haleiwa

The most popular option is rainbow. It is strawberry, pineapple, and lemon syrups swirled together to make a delicious cold treat.

Address: 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI

If you want to burn off some of the calories of all of this delicious food, check out the best hikes in Oahu.

Leonard’s Bakery

When you want a sweet treat while on vacation in Oahu, you must go to Leonard’s Bakery, their malasadas are yummy! Think of a donut without the hole. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Their menu is filled with other pastries, cakes, cookies, and pies. Just don’t forget the malasadas as you are placing your order!

Address: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI

Diamond Head Market & Grill

One of the best places to eat scones in Oahu is the Diamond Head Market & Grill. Yes, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But it is the scones that will keep you returning!

The flavors of the scones rotate throughout the week. A few of the most popular flavors include blueberry cream cheese, banana cream cheese, pineapple cream cheese, and apple cream cheese crumb.

Address: 3158 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI

Koko Head Cafe

Finding a brunch location in Oahu is not difficult. Finding the best place to eat brunch in Oahu is what is challenging. Well, it was until Koko Head Cafe came along!

The brunch menu includes breakfast sandwiches, French-style omelets, and eggs benedict. You will also find specialty dishes like Koko moco and breakfast bibimbap.

Address: 1145 12th Ave Ste C, Honolulu, HI

Rainbow Drive-In

This is one of the hidden gems in Oahu. Hawaiian comfort foods fill the menu at Rainbow Drive-In. Add in the Hawaiian vibe inside, and you may have found your go-to restaurant on the island.

The most popular dish is the loco moco. This version includes two hamburgers topped with white rice, fried eggs, and special gravy.

Address: 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI

Mud Hen Water

Mud Hen Water is one of Oahu’s best places to eat dinner. They are also open for brunch on Sundays.

This is an Asian-fusion restaurant that serves both hearty meals and lighter dishes. Their menu changes regularly. However, a few menu items you might see include beet poke, chicken long rice, sausage and clams, and two-scoop hapa rice.

Address: 3452 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI

Haleiwa Bowls

Acai bowls are currently all the rage. It has been that way in Hawaii for many years now, though. Haleiwa Bowls is one of the best places for acai bowls in Oahu.

Many people stay in the Honolulu and Waikiki area in Oahu, which is a mistake! Haleiwa is my favorite place in Oahu, and you might as well grab some acai bowls while you’re there!

best restaurants in Oahu

They offer many types of bowls plus numerous toppings. It is best to order a freshly blended smoothie to go with your acai bowl.

Address: 66-081 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI

Piggy Smalls

Vietnamese dishes are served at this restaurant located across the street from Ala Moana Park. Piggy Smalls is open for dinner and then also brunch on the weekends.

Out of all the menu options, the must-try ones include the oxtail bo Kho and the classic pho French dip banh mi.

Address: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI

Seven Brothers Burgers

It is all about the burgers at Seven Brothers in Oahu. They take so much pride in making the perfect burger. Therefore, it isn’t surprising they are considered the best burgers on the island.

This restaurant location is at the historic Kahuku Sugar Mill. You will want to order your burger as soon as you arrive. The paniolo burger is fantastic. It is topped with onion rings, bacon, cheese, and grilled pineapple.

Although, you can’t go wrong with the shem burger or spencer burger either. They even sell seafood plates if you are not in the mood for a burger when you arrive.

Address: 55-553 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI

Kahuku Farm Cafe

The farm-to-table experience is what you will discover when you arrive at the Kahuku Farm Cafe. This cafe is located on Kahuku Farms. It doesn’t get much closer to a farm than that!

The menu rotates with the seasons and what is fresh. The acai is grown there, so ordering an acai bowl is a must. The farm pizza and grilled banana bread should also be at the top of your list of foods to try.

It is best to bring a blanket to enjoy your picnic-style meal out on the lawn.

Address: 56-800 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI

Ted’s Bakery

Bakeries are usually the best places to purchase pastries. However, you can also grab a traditional Hawaiian-style plate lunch at Ted’s. The chicken katsu plate is always a hot seller.

Oh, and while you are there getting lunch, purchase one of Ted’s cream pies. They are legendary! You may need to arrive for lunch early, though. All the baked goods here sell out fast.

Address: 59-024 Kamehameha State Route, Haleiwa, HI

Hukilau Cafe

This charming cafe was used as inspiration for the cafe you may have seen in the movie 50 First Dates. That alone may be worth the stop to check things out.

However, Hukilau Cafe must be at the top of your list if you are craving homestyle comfort foods. My favorite breakfast items are Hawaiian French toast and coconut pancakes.

Address: 55-662 Wahinepee St, Laie, HI

There may be plenty of restaurants on Oahu, but some of the best places to eat in Oahu are food trucks.

You will find dozens of food trucks scattered around the island of Oahu. Some of those food trucks will be among a group of food trucks. Others will simply be standing all alone in the middle of nowhere.

Many of the food trucks in Oahu stay in one place. But there are those you may need to track down if you want to try their yummy food.

The best food trucks on Oahu

Here are my favorites if you are looking for the best places to eat from a food truck in Oahu.

Surf N Salsa

There are quite a few Mexican restaurants in Oahu. Surf N Salsa is one of the best places to eat Mexican foods in Oahu. Everything on the menu is delicious. You need to arrive hungry at this restaurant!

You may want to begin with the fresh tortilla chips and salsa. Next, choose between the chicken chimichangas, California burrito, and the surf n turf burrito.

Address: 66-521 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

One of the best food trucks in Oahu is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. They currently have three locations, with the location I mention below being the most popular.

The menu contains their infamous shrimp scampi, lemon butter shrimp, and hot and spicy shrimp. There is also a jumbo garlic hot dog.

Address: 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI

Leilani’s Island Tacos

Tacos with an Asian flair are on the menu at Leilani’s Island Tacos. The ingredients in every taco are sourced locally.

There are daily menu specials. But the taco ordered the most are their shrimp and fish tacos. Add one of their homemade sides to complete your meal.

Address: 120 Hekili St, Kailua, HI

Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken

You can’t miss the bright yellow truck home to Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken. This is one of the best food trucks in Oahu. It was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network Channel.

Their Hawaiian barbecued chicken is a must-try. The kalua pork and shrimp combos are pretty tasty too. Don’t worry; you can get a combination plate with chicken and either shrimp or pork. So, you won’t need to make a major decision while ordering lunch!

Address: 56-565 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI

Five Star Poke

Five Star Poke is one of Oahu’s best places to eat poke. They don’t drench their seafood in heavy marinades. This is perfect if you prefer to taste the seafood in your poke.

Popular menu items include jalapeno salmon, spicy ahi, and miso mayo tako. Don’t worry; you can also order an avo bowl if you prefer.

Address: 206 Kapuni St, Honolulu, HI