Best 8 Restaurants in Honolulu for Unforgettable Dining

Deciding where to eat in Honolulu (which includes Waikiki) is a major task. There are hundreds of restaurants within just a few square miles.

For our picks of top Honolulu restaurants, we’ve included a wide array of cuisines and price ranges. We’ve selected places where you can enjoy a great breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here in alphabetical order are our picks.

Alan Wong’s Honolulu

Address: 1857 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA

Phone: +1 808-949-2526

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Consistently honored by Honolulu Magazine as a top restaurant on Oahu, Alan Wong’s flagship Honolulu restaurant is located on the third floor of the 1857 S. King Street office building in downtown Honolulu.

Alan Wong’s offers a menu featuring Hawaii Regional Cuisine (HRC) at its finest. “Dishes are tested and born; brainstorming sessions give rise to innovative methods and partnerships; the next generation is coached and developed to be the best they can be…” The restaurant is highly regarded for its impeccable service.

Bali Steak & Seafood

Address: 2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Phone: +1 808-941-2254

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If attentive, professional, and friendly service is important when dining, Bali Steak & Seafood in the Rainbow Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is well worth considering.

Prices are on the high end with offerings like their 16-ounce bone-in prime Delmonico seasoned with a special in-house blend of Kona sea salt and local herbs and spices at $70, which is a splurge worth making.

This chef-driven restaurant focuses on partnerships with local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers to deliver the island flavors of Hawaii and Bali, also featuring a delicious 4-course chef’s selection and top-quality Wagyu.

Chef Mavro

Address: 1969 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA

Phone: +1 808-944-4714

Chef Mavro is the most honored restaurant in Hawaii, holding the coveted AAA Five Star and Gayot Three Toques 18/20 rating. It is located at 1969 S. King Street, not far from most Waikiki hotels.

Chef George Mavrothalassitis, a James Beard award recipient and founding member of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, specializes in unique flavors of Hawaii influenced by his native Provence in France.

Popular dishes include lobster, wagyu beef, lamb, and local fish, with fixed-price options for 4-course and 5-course menus available at $95 and $155 respectively. Reservations are recommended.

Duke’s

Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Phone: +1 808-922-2268

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Located oceanfront in the lower lobby of the Outrigger Waikiki, Duke’s celebrates the legacy of Hawaii’s most famous surfer, Duke Kahanamoku.

The restaurant is renowned for its stunning sunset views and live Hawaiian music, offering beachside service as well as lunch, dinner, and an excellent breakfast buffet.

Selections include fresh fish, steaks, and prime rib, along with their famous “Kimo’s original hula pie,” which is a must-try dessert.

Hau Tree Lanai

Address: Lobby floor of the Kaimana Beach Hotel, 2863 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Phone: +1 808-921-7066

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Looking for the best breakfast in Honolulu? The award-winning Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani Kamaaina Beach Hotel is the place to be.

With an unbeatable atmosphere, you can dine al fresco under the restaurant’s famous Hau Tree, enjoying ocean views and an extensive menu. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Dinner specializes in fresh seafood and a monthly signature prix fixe dinner menu curated by Executive Chef Rene Caba.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Address: 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817-2013, USA

Phone: +1 808-845-8044

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Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a world-renowned Hawaiian restaurant located in downtown Honolulu, famous for its traditional dishes such as kalua pig, laulau, luau squid, and short ribs. This restaurant has a rich history since opening in 1946, receiving the prestigious James Beard Award for “America’s Classics.”

Helena’s is a cash-only business, operating from Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It’s an excellent choice for lunch while exploring Honolulu’s historic district.

Nico’s Pier 38

Address: 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA

Phone: +1 808-540-1377

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Nico’s Pier 38 offers the freshest fish in Hawaii, right beside the pier where fish are auctioned each morning. This restaurant features locally sourced, line-caught fish served in a casual environment with live entertainment.

Don’t miss the Poke Sampler, which includes three styles of Nico’s auction-fresh poke.

Shokudo Japanese Restaurant and Bar

Address: 1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA

Phone: +1 808-941-3701

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A list of top Honolulu restaurants would be incomplete without a mention of Japanese cuisine. Shokudo Japanese Restaurant and Bar, located at the Ala Moana Pacific Center, offers excellent casual dining with over 70 dishes at affordable prices, validated parking available.