Whether you’re the next big influencer or just a foodie at heart, knowing the best places to grab some grub when you travel is a must. Today we’re reviewing ten of Waikiki, Hawaii’s finest places to grab a bite during your stay. From drinks to local cuisine, great waitstaff and memorable experiences, Waikiki is flavorful in all the best ways.
1. Aloha Table Waikiki
Dine with the locals at this casual cafe. Aloha Table is a Hawaiian staple with vibrant beach aesthetics. The restaurant is known for its signature egg-topped burgers and oversized portions. If you try one of their beef patties, make sure to ask for the homemade gravy for a creamy (and dreamy) dressing. Not a fan or in the mood for hearty meat? Aloha Table makes one of the best plant-based katsu burgers on the island.
2. Paia Fish Market
Originally opened in 1989, the Paia Fish Market went island hopping in 2018 and opened a new location in Waikiki. This all-star favorite has been recognized by National Geo, Thrillist, The Travel Channel, LA Times, and more media outlets worldwide. When you want fresh seafood, you can’t find a fresher catch unless you go out fishing yourself.
3. Tiki’s Grill & Bar
Get festive as you sit oceanside sipping high-dollar cocktails at this tiki-inspired establishment. Tiki’s Grill features live music, a lengthy list of drinks, and a mixture of Hawaii’s best dishes. Looking for a snack? We highly recommend the Korean-style tofu.
4. Heavenly Island Lifestyle
Snag yourself a heavenly brunch at this cozy cafe. Heavenly’s offers locally sourced produce with a vintage aesthetic. The farm-to-table restaurant serves up a variety of freshly blended smoothies, leafy greens, and mouthwatering paella. The best part? You can catch some rays and soak up some sun on the outdoor terrace as you indulge in menu favorites.
5. House Without A Key
Settle in for dinner and a show at this iconic restaurant. Connected to the Halekulani Hotel, this restaurant brings you live Hawaiian music with stunning dancing from former Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii-USA winners. Locally sourced ingredients ensure every meal is just as refreshing as the memories you’ll make as you wine and dine the evening away.
Bonus tip: take advantage of the breakfast buffet.
6. Morimoto Asia
Channel your inner rockstar at Morimoto Asia. As Waikiki’s first collaboration with iron chef Masaharu Morimoto, this pan-Asian location seamlessly blends Western and Japanese ingredients to curate an unforgettable menu. With a glass-encased kitchen, you can watch in theatrical style as your meal is prepared with precision. Top menu items include fresh sushi rolls, Peking duck, and tonkatsu ramen.
7. Duke’s Waikiki
You’ve never had authentic surf’n’turf until you’ve dined at Duke’s. With seven different specialty menus, you can embrace your inner foodie during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Like many popular restaurants in the area, Duke’s is located directly on the beach, but what makes the place special (aside from the incredible staff) is their grab-and-go breakfast menu. Head on over for some superb burritos and breakfast dishes, then head on out to the beach to enjoy a little picnic as the sun rises.
8. LuLu’s Waikiki
Get breezy at this stunning location after a visit to the Honolulu Zoo. With a menu filled with bold flavors, you’ll be coming back for seconds. One neat thing about this stylish restaurant is that they offer a full-scale Japanese menu, whereas other restaurants on the island often include a mixture of hiragana and kanji in small print below the English alphabet. Check out this version of the menu and you may just find a few hidden specialties.
9. RumFire
Loved for its beachside lounge, and trendsetting fire pits, RumFire is nestled oceanside next to the Sheraton Hotel. Offering a private yet energetic atmosphere, you can sip on signature cocktails as you watch the sun bathe in endless views of the water. Stay warm by the fire, listen to live entertainment, and unwind in complete comfort.
10. Marugame Udon
When you’re craving authentic Udon noodles, head on over to this grab-and-go establishment. Marugame Udon is a traditional Japanese restaurant specializing in noodle soups and tempura. Dishes are made with Sanuki-style Udon noodles and are jam-packed and full of flavor. Don’t be put off by the often lengthy line, as it moves quickly.
Thanks for joining us to review some of the best restaurants in Waikiki! Need help planning your unforgettable trip to the islands of Hawaii? For more hotspots, you can’t miss out on, hole-in-the-wall adventures, and all-around fun ways you can mesh with the locals, head on over to our Instagram and check out more of our content.
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