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Best restaurants in Waikiki

If you’re planning an Oahu vacation and staying in Waikiki, you’ll probably be looking for the best restaurants in Waikiki.

I hope you’re enjoying this restaurant series. If you’re visiting other islands, check out the best restaurants in Kauai, the best restaurants on the Big Island, and the 40 best places to eat in Maui. I’ll have a post with the best Oahu restaurants soon (not just Waikiki), but for now, here are the best places to eat in Waikiki.

So, as you sit in the sand, staring at Diamond Head in the distance, think back on this list of the best restaurants in Waikiki and decide where you are heading for your next meal.

Do I need a car in Waikiki?

In most of Hawaii, you definitely need a rental car. However, if you’re staying in Waikiki, it is optional. That said, if you plan to explore the island – and I recommend that you do – you’ll want a rental car!

There are so many things to do in Oahu that you’ll need a car to access, such as Kualoa Ranch, the North Shore, and more!

As always, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best prices on rental cars in Hawaii. As a bonus, you can cancel anytime (and rebook if you find a better price), and you don’t have to pay until you pick up your car. 

Best Places to Eat in Waikiki

Here are the best restaurants in Waikiki, in no particular order. If your favorite Waikiki restaurant isn’t on here, share it with me in the comments! 

Cream Pot

One of the best places to eat in Waikiki for breakfast and brunch is Cream Pot. This restaurant is located inside the Hawaiian Monarch Building.

I recommend requesting a table that overlooks the garden. This will allow you to enjoy the views while you are eating.

There are so many tasty dishes on the menu. The most popular ones, though, are their signature dishes. They include the maguro eggs benedict and the souffle pancakes.

Address: 444 Niu St, Honolulu, HI

Katsumidori Sushi

When looking for an authentic sushi experience while on vacation in Oahu, you must dine at Katsumidori Sushi.

As soon as you walk inside the restaurant, you will feel as if you have been transported to Japan. The wooden furniture and wall displays are similar to what you would see in traditional houses in Japan.

The food is fantastic too. The Japanese dishes all have a Hawaiian twist. Two must-try dishes include the nigiri and the maguro sushi.

Address: Prince Waikiki 1F 100 Holomoana St. Honolulu, HI

La Vie

La Vie is an open-air restaurant on the top floor of the Ritz Carlton Residences. This is one of the best places to eat dinner in Waikiki, especially if you love French cuisine and music from a piano playing in the background.

The menu constantly changes at this restaurant in Waikiki. However, you should be able to find fried frog legs and crispy Grenouille on the menu throughout the year.

Address: 383 Kalaimoku St. Waikiki Beach, HI

Tommy Bahama Restaurant

The Tommy Bahama Restaurant has a beach theme, which is perfect due to its location. You can eat any of the American dishes from the menu up on the rooftop. Although, you may not spend much time with your food thanks to the gorgeous views of Waikiki.

The burgers and fries are best sellers. I recommend you try the coconut shrimp dish too.

Photo property of Tommy Bahama Waikiki.

Oh, and if you are celebrating your birthday while in Waikiki, take advantage of this restaurant’s birthday happy hour deals.

Address: 298 Beachwalk Dr, Waikiki, HI

Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin

Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin is a restaurant that has been well-known in Asia for many years. Well, they finally opened their first restaurant in Waikiki. Traditional Japanese dishes are plentiful on the menu.

The most popular dish is pork cooked in the restaurant’s signature sauce and served with fruits and vegetables.

Address: 255 Beach Walk, Waikiki, HI

Marugame Udon

Watching the chefs prepare your food is possible when you dine at Marugame Udon. This is one of the best places to eat in Waikiki when you want a show with your meal.

The noodles used in this restaurant’s dishes are prepared the same way they were in Kagawa. Therefore, the noodles are thicker and taste better than noodles at other restaurants.

Address: 2310 Kuhio Ave, Waikiki, HI

Kona Coffee Purveyors

You know you will want to find one of the best places to drink coffee in Waikiki. Since Kona coffee is some of the best coffee in the world, I recommend heading over to Kona Coffee Purveyors.

This coffee shop is inside Kuhio Mall. You can order a cup of Kona coffee when you arrive. But I doubt you will be able to resist their pastries, especially their Koign Ammans, glazed croissants.

Address: 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki, HI

TsuruTonTan

There is no shortage of sushi restaurants in Waikiki. If you want fantastic Japanese culture to go with your sushi, you must dine at TsuruTonTan.

Every dish looks like a work of art. The homemade udon is a local favorite. I recommend trying the Dashi broth as well. It is made from kombu and bonito.

Address: 2233 Kalakaua Ave, Ste 310, Honolulu, HI

Island Vintage Shave Ice

You will find Island Vintage Shave Ice inside the Royal Hawaiian Center. Any of the sweet dishes on the menu are perfect for a warm vacation day.

All the items on the menu are delicious. It is the shave ice that everyone seems to order, though.

Address: 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki, HI

Duke’s Waikiki

Everyone must say that they have eaten at Duke’s Waikiki, especially since the restaurant is named after Duke Kahanamoku. He was a surfer who rode a massive wave for miles nearby. This is easily one of the best restaurants in Waikiki, if not the best!

The Pacific Ocean is directly across the street. So, incredible water views can be seen from almost anywhere in the restaurant.

Photo is property of Duke’s Waikiki.

This is one of the best places to eat in Waikiki for fried rice loco moco. At Duke’s, this dish comes with fried rice, hamburger, egg, and mushrooms covered in gravy.

Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki

Roy’s Restaurant

Roy’s Restaurant is one of the best places to eat dinner in Waikiki. This is an upscale restaurant that requires dressier clothes for dining. Keep that in mind if you are heading here for a meal.

You won’t be disappointed with any dishes infused with Japanese and Hawaiian flavors. Please keep room for dessert, though. The melting hot chocolate souffle will, well, melt in your mouth. You won’t want to skip it!

Address: 226 Lewers St, Waikiki, HI

Hula Grill Waikiki

The Hula Grill Waikiki is located inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Its prime location, and excellent food, make it a popular location for anyone in Waikiki.

I recommend planning dinner time just before sunset. This will ensure you can watch a picturesque sunset over the ocean.

The honey mac nut shrimp and coconut seafood chowder are two must-try items on the menu. There are a few vegetarian dishes for those who don’t eat meat.

As for dessert, Kimo’s original hula pie is always a hit. The hula pie shake comes in at a close second.

Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki, HI

Herringbone Waikiki

The atmosphere at Herringbone Waikiki is terrific. It is an excellent place to eat lunch or dinner. Although, it is one of the best places in Waikiki for brunch on the weekends.

I will focus on the brunch menu because that is the meal you want to eat at this restaurant. If you love raw oysters, you will love their oyster bar.

And if not, there are plenty of other options. I recommend the furikake tater puffs, breakfast burrito, and mochi pancakes. The buffalo octopus also sounds interesting.

Address: 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI

Tiki’s Grill and Bar

One of the best places to eat lunch, or a cocktail, in Waikiki, is Tiki’s Grill and Bar. This restaurant is on the second floor of the building. So, the views of the beach are amazing.

The 1944 mai tai, Hawaii 78, and blue mako are all the recommended cocktails. You can also order beer and wine.

As for lunch, you can’t go wrong with the volcano chicken wings, BBQ pork sandwich, or coconut chicken.

Dessert must include the twenty-layer haupia crepe cake. Twenty layers of crepes are filled with tropical fruit sauces and homemade coconut creme.

Address: 2570 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI

Arancino Di Mare

If you are searching for the best Italian dishes in Waikiki, head to Arancino di Mare. This upscale restaurant is perfect for romantic dinners while on vacation in Hawaii.

I recommend beginning with either the saute di vongole or the carpaccio di capesante. As a main dish, the risotto ai funghi, lasagne al forno, and spaghetti alla carbonara all get rave reviews from the locals.

Address: 2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI

Sansei Seafood Restaurant

One of the best places for seafood in Waikiki is Sansei Seafood Restaurant. In addition to seafood, this restaurant has an abundance of sushi options on the menu.

Photo is property of Sansei Seafood Restaurant.

I recommend bringing your appetite to this restaurant. The menu is extensive, and you will want to try a little of everything.

Address: 2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI

Tanaka of Tokyo

A chef will prepare and cook your food directly in front of you at this restaurant in Waikiki. It is a dining experience you won’t want to miss on your Hawaiian vacation.

You can choose between a dinner set menu or a premium set menu. Premium meats like filet mignon and wagyu are served on the premium menu. There is also a kids’ menu for those not ready for larger portions.

Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI

Maguro Brothers Waikiki

This is the second Maguro Brothers restaurant located on the island of Oahu. This location is open for dinner. The other location, inside Chinatown, is only open for lunch.

This is your place if you are craving poke, rice, or sashimi! The king salmon donburi or chirashi donburi are two of the most popular dishes. The ahi poke bowls are delicious too. They offer a donburi and poke combination platter if you cannot choose between them.

Address: 415 Nahua St, Honolulu, HI

Matcha Cafe Maiko

There are other Matcha Cafes, but this is the original. You must order the soft cream, which is basically matcha soft serve ice cream. You can order these multiple ways.

The favorite amongst the locals is the Maiko special. It is the soft cream layered with the parfait. Between those layers are matcha chiffon cake, roasted chestnuts, azuki beans, and a shiratama mochi.

If you do not like matcha, you can always order shave ice.

Address: 2310 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI

Ali’i Coffee

One of the best places to grab a cup of coffee in Waikiki is Ali’i Coffee. You will find this coffee shop inside the Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach.

In addition to your coffee or latte, you should order a breakfast sandwich to start your day right.

Address: 35 S Beretania St. Honolulu, HI

Hua Tree Lanai

This beachside restaurant offers a casual option for brunch. They serve brunch daily right now. This is excellent news if you love brunch and hate waiting for the weekends.

Favorite brunch items include lobster rolls and lemon ricotta pancakes. If you go for brunch, see if you can still order the toasted coconut cake.

Address: 2863 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI

Michel’s at the Colony Surf

One of the restaurants open the longest on Oahu is Michel’s at the Colony Surf. This restaurant in Waikiki has an excellent beachside location.

The menu is packed with French foods, complete with seafood. Choosing between the island seafood cioppino, Michel’s lobster bisque, and Michel’s ocean bounty will be challenging.

Dessert won’t be any easier with options that include cherries, jubilee, and Hawaiian apple-banana flambe.

Address: 2895 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI

Chart House

There are still a few classic seaside steakhouses in the world. When you are on vacation in Waikiki, you can dine at one of them.

The Chart House has a simple menu packed with flavor. Yet you can choose from steaks, seafood, and a couple of other classic dishes.

The dessert menu isn’t extensive either. But you won’t need it to be since I guarantee you will be ordering their signature mud pie.

Address: 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy, Hawaii Kai, HI

Double Fat Ice Cream

You cannot leave Waikiki until you have tried some of the ice creams at Double Fat. This is one of the best places for ice cream in Waikiki.

They make all their ice cream in small batches. It won’t be easy to choose your favorite flavor because they are so good!

Check out their Kona coffee, yuzu creamsicle, and honey furikake before deciding the flavor you want the most.

Address: 2490 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI

The best restaurants in Waikiki

These are some of the best restaurants in Waikiki. Did your favorite Waikiki restaurant make the list? If not, make sure to share it in the comments! Maybe I will even add it to this list of the best restaurants in Waikiki.

Things to do in Waikiki

If you’re looking for more things to do in Waikiki or things to do on the island of Oahu, check out some of my related posts!

• Waikiki Hotels on the beach
• 10 best things to do in Waikiki
• The best Oahu Golf Courses
• The best Oahu snorkeling
• 10 Best Oahu Tours
• Things to do in Haleiwa
• The ten best places to stay in Waikiki

Planning a Hawaii vacation

Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I only take on a select number of clients per month. You can contact me if you’d like more information. I’d love to chat about planning a custom vacation just for you. 

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