Oahu, Hawaii, is the third-largest Hawaiian island. It is home to some of the most incredible views, sparkling blue waters and soft sandy beaches. In addition, Oahu has a vibrant and dynamic food scene. You can explore the island's food scene easily by shuttle, tour bus, public transportation, or rent a car.
Besides indulging in unique, traditional Hawaiian foods, the island Oahu has a lot to offer. It has fantastic sunny weather all year round and offers numerous recreational activities. Enjoy surfing, swimming, dolphin watching and more while you experience the delicious Oahu food. Unique cafes and fine dining eateries await you at every corner!
Many restaurants in Oahu serve traditional Hawaiian with a mix of American favorites. Some familiar favorite Hawaiian dishes are:
- Poi - this is a thick paste that has a unique flavor. It has a heavenly texture and is very satisfying bite after bite.
- Laulau - made from the taro root leaves, this traditional Hawaiian dish is usually served with pork but can also be enjoyed with chicken or fish.
- Kalua Pig - cooked with precision, following a strict ritual, this dish has a smokey wood flavor and pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice.
You'll find eccentric environments, elegant dishes, comforting corners and more inside some restaurants in Oahu. Many cook with local, fresh produce and meat and support local, sustainable farms.
Whether you live in Oahu or you're planning a trip, the food vibe is unlike any other! You'll find traditional favorites, beautiful scenery, and dining experiences that promise delicious food, friendly and superior service, and so much more.
We've hunted and researched to find you the best restaurants in Oahu and can't wait to hear how you loved them. These ten restaurants guarantee a great time, amazing food and wonderful experiences that you will want to go to again and again.
Here are the 10 best Oahu restaurants you need to try!
While Oahu is filled with a number of excellent and unique places to eat, some right on the beach and others are hidden away on eccentric streets, we've narrowed them down to the ten best ones that are a must-try! This list is based on a few factors:
- Location
- Customer reviews
- Menu options
- Price range
- Aesthetic of the interior
- Curb appeal
1. Helena’s Hawaiian Food
1240 North School Street, Honolulu, HI, 96817
Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a must-eat at restaurant in Oahu. It has been serving traditional Hawaiian food since 1946. It is a family-owned business that started with a small dream and has flourished into becoming a well-known pillar in the local community.
Helena's Hawaiian Food has a simple, cozy vibe inside. It is a beautiful place to gather for any reason at all.
A few popular dishes from Helena’s Hawaiian Food are:
- Kalua Pig
- Lomi Salmon
- Haupia
This fabulous restaurant is open Tuesday - Friday from 10 am until 7:30 pm. It is an awesome place to stop in for a little appetizer or a heavenly meal.
2. Oahu Grill
1137 11th Ave #104, Honolulu, HI, 96816
O’ahu Grill is a popular place to eat. It has a vibrant and bubbling atmosphere. The cuisine is prepared by a chef passionate about cooking traditional, authentic Hawaiian food. There aren't any unnecessary additives in the meals, and they're made with basic, wholesome ingredients.
A few popular dishes from Oahu Grill are:
- Laulau
- Kalua Pig
- Squid Lu’au
O'ahu Grill also provides catering, special event and party catering. It is a wonderful, fun place to hang out and eat and enjoy authentic Hawaiian food prepared by a chef with a strong passion for preparing great meals.
3. Romy’s Kahuku Prawn’s and Shrimp
56781 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI, 96731
Romy’s Kahuku Prawn’s and Shrimp serve fresh, incredible seafood. Enjoy both fried and steamed platters of local caught shrimp and prawns. In addition, the restaurant is home to unique, homemade sauces and amazing, mouthwatering dishes. It is a great restaurant to visit for any occasion.
A few popular dishes from Romy’s Kahuku Prawn’s and Shrimp:
- Butter and garlic sauteed shrimp or prawns
- Fried shrimp
Romy's Kahuku Prawn's and Shrimp serves savory, juicy, plump shrimp and fresh, succulent prawns. They're open 11 am-4 pm seven days a week. You'll enjoy a casual dining experience with restaurant staff who feel like family.
4. Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha
820 W Hind Drive, #116, Honolulu, HI, 96821
Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha is a unique place to eat at. It features a menu that guides the customer through building their own shaved ice! There are delicious flavors and savory toppings that take your shaved ice to the next level.
The syrups used are homemade and filled with all-natural, healthy, good-for-you ingredients. Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha has many specials to choose from if you're not up for creating your own masterpiece.
Popular toppings:
- Chocolate
- Haupia
- Caramel sauce
Well-Loved Shaved Ice Specials:
- Tropical Delight
- Magic Island Mocha
Shaved ice is a fun, delicious way to cool down from exploring Oahu. Dress it up with your favorite flavors to create the ultimate treat. Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha is open seven days from 12 pm - 6 pm. Visiting Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha is a delightful sweet treat!
5. Moku Kitchen
660 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI, 96813
Moku Kitchen is a unique restaurant. It hosts live music on the regular and is a great gathering spot. So whether you're going out for an evening snack or looking for a place to enjoy dinner, Moku Kitchen is the restaurant to be at. The chefs at Moku Kitchen create delightful meals with fresh food from local and sustainable ranching, farming and fishing.
Popular Dishes To Enjoy At Moku Kitchen:
- Garlic Truffle Oil Fries
- Shrimp Deviled Eggs
- Roasted Squash Ravioli
Moku Kitchen has an extensive drink menu and loads of specials. They're open daily from 11 am-9 pm and host a daily happy hour from 2 pm-530 pm. Moku Kitchen is a chic place to hang out and always serves great seasonal food.
6. Arvo Cafe
324 Coral Street, Suite 1a-104b, Honolulu, HI, 96813
Arvo Cafe is both a delicious place to eat and an incredible place to be. It is in a great location. Explore the area to find beautiful wall murals and unique, vibrant shops. Arvo Cafe has a great, relaxing vibe to it. The walls are filled with open shelves that are overflowing with plants. Arco Cafe is great for many types of gatherings. Regardless if you're wanting to find a place to study, grab a coffee with friends or enjoy a nice meal, Arvo Cafe is the place to be.
This delightful cafe has a hip feel to it. It specializes in unique toasts with delicious toppings and offers a massive coffee menu. Arvo Cafe aims to inspire, relax, and connect with the community.
Popular Dishes From Arvo Cafe:
- Arvo Green Salad
- Ricotta Toast
- Halloumi Burger
- Loaded avocado toast
You can enjoy the ambiance at Arvo Cafe daily from 8 am-2 pm. It is an affordable, hip, chic, trendy place to be. So much so you'll want it in your IG feed for sure! Arvo Cafe is a beautiful restaurant and is in a beautiful neighborhood. So grab a savory piece of toast, a comforting cup of coffee and get exploring the community.
7. Hideout at The LayLow
2299 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96815
Hideout at The LayLow is a hidden gem to eat at. It has an extensive menu and looks beautiful. Hideout at The LayLow is a restaurant inside a hotel. It is very modern and elegant. You’ll find comforting dim lighting, a pool to relax by, warm fire pits and beautiful gardens at the Hideout at The LayLow.
Hideout at The LayLow serves both breakfast and dinner. It's open from 6 am-11 am and 5 pm-9:30 pm, with a daily happy hour from 5 pm-6 pm. This beautiful restaurant combines luxury with cozy to create an incredible experience for its guests.
Hideout at The LayLow has an extensive menu with something for everyone. From crisp, bright salads to traditional Hawaiian dishes to exciting cocktails, the Hideout has it all.
Popular Choices From The Hideout:
- Avocado and Beet Salad
- Kauai Prawns
- Catch of the day
- Sweet Chili Crab Dumplings
The Hideout at The LayLow has beautiful aesthetic appeal and good mouthwatering food. It's a great place to celebrate, gather, and enjoy good people and excellent food.
8. Plumeria Beach House
5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96816
If you're looking for somewhere casual, comfortable, cozy and delicious to dine at in Oahu, then Plumeria Beach House is the place to check out! Situated right on the beach, Plumeria Beach House is a great restaurant to dine at.
The atmosphere at Plumeria Beach House is suitable for all kinds of gathering. Whether you're looking for a meeting place, a romantic dinner spot, or a casual cocktail restaurant, Plumeria Beach House is the place.
The restaurant offers beautiful views, indoor and outdoor seating and complimentary parking. It hosts many events throughout the year and has a diverse menu.
Popular Dishes At Plumeria Beach House:
- Fried Ahi Poke Musubi
- Beach House Salad
- Crispy Wok Fried Prawns
Plumeria Beach House has several menus. So enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and rest assured, there is even a kid menu!
Hours of Operation
Breakfast - 6:30am - 11:00am daily
Lunch - 11:30pm - 2:00pm daily
Dinner - 5:30pm - 8:30m (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays for dinner)
Plumeria Beach House has a calm vibe to it. It is a great restaurant and a must-try!
9. Tiki's Grill and Bar
2570 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Tiki Grill and Bar serves traditional island meals mixed with a vibrant, bubbling atmosphere. Tiki Grill and Bar chefs create heavenly meals with fresh, local produce. Along with great food, Tiki Grill and Bar also hosts live entertainment regularly.
The restaurant offers impressive views and a festive atmosphere. It serves food that looks elegant and tastes heavenly.
Popular Dishes at Tiki's Grill and Bar:
- Hawaiian Ahi Poke
- Coconut Shrimp
- Kalua Pig Quesadilla
- Smoked Fish Arancini
Tiki's Grill and Bar promises a great time. It has a diverse menu with traditional dishes and nostalgic favorites. Open daily from 12 pm-11 pm, Tiki's Grill and Bar is a fabulous restaurant in Oahu.
10. La Mer
2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96815
La Mer is an award-winning restaurant that serves outstanding dishes. It offers beautiful views paired with incredible food to create a wonderful experience. La Mer serves island-inspired french cuisine and dotes an elegant atmosphere.
La Mer is a great reason to get dressed up. The dress code is evening attire making the restaurant absolutely gorgeous. Sparkling, elegant, and beautiful, La Mer delivers a fine dining experience, unlike any other restaurant.
La Mer creates dishes using inspiration from South France and beautiful, local-grown produce. It provides an exquisite meal with attention to detail everywhere you look.
Popular Dishes at La Mer:
- Homard Poche
- Filet de Boeuf
- Souffle de Hawaii
La Mer is a beautiful place for celebrations, dinners, dates and more. It promises an experience different from any other restaurant and exquisite dishes.
Oahu promises a wonderful time. It is abundant with things to do, see and experience. Besides that, it is simply beautiful, and it is also home to a vibrant food scene. So whether you're looking for a simple, casual dining experience or something elegant needing a beautiful outfit, Oahu has a restaurant for you.
Quick Recap
The ten best restaurants in Oahu that you need to try are:
- Helena's Hawaiian Food
- Oahu Grill
- Romy's Kahuku Prawn's and Shrimp
- Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha
- Moku Kitchen
- Arvo Cafe
- Hideout at The LayLow
- Plumeria Beach House
- Tiki's Grill and Bar
- La Mer
These ten restaurants promise great food, a fantastic atmosphere and, for many, incredible views. Enjoy a sunset cocktail while admiring the beach, or enjoy live entertainment and a vibrant, bubbling restaurant. Oahu restaurants offer every experience, delicious food and great people.
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