My Favorite Restaurants on Oahu
Food in Hawaiʻi is truly one of a kind. Located in the heart of the Pacific, the islands are a melting pot of Asian, Polynesian, and local cultures—creating flavors you won’t find anywhere else. From fresh-caught fish and island-style plate lunches to tropical desserts and fruit you’ve never heard of but will instantly love, Hawaiʻi is full of delicious surprises. Here are some of our favorite places to eat—most of them casual, laid-back, and full of local flavor.
South Shore
Dukes Waikiki $$ Must get the hula pie! Good for brunch or dinner.
Waiola Shave Ice $ A longtime local favorite on Oʻahu, famous for its ultra-fine, melt-in-your-mouth shave ice and classic island flavors.
Liliha Bakery $ The coco puffs are legendary.
Leonard’s Bakery $ Fresh malasadas (portuguese donuts), eat them while they’re hot! Get the original!
Helena's Hawaiian Food $$ James Beard award-winning traditional Hawaiian food. Must try: pipikaula short ribs, kalua pig, poi, haupia.
Roy’s Restaurant $$$ Classic Hawaiian fusion, founded by Roy Yamaguchi. Try their misoyaki butterfish and Hawaiian-inspired appetizers.
North Shore
Matsumoto’s Shave Ice $ Be sure to add ice cream to the bottom!
Ted’s Bakery $ Great place for plate lunch and you must get the chocolate haupia pie!
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck $$ North Shore is famous for their shrimp trucks and Giovannis is the OG.
Uncle Bo’s Haleiwa $$ Island-style comfort food with a modern twist. Get the bonuts!
Haleiwa Joes $$ Expect fresh seafood, hearty portions, and great tropical drinks with a classic island ambiance.
Farm to Barn $$ A farm-to-table café with stunning views of the North Shore countryside.
East Side
Buzz’s Steak House $$$ Famous mai tais. Great for dinner or Happy Hour. Old Hawaii charm.
Boots & Kimo’s $$ Known for macadamia nut pancakes
Island Snow $ Go to the original location at 130 Kailua Rd. Kailua, HI 96734
Waiahole Poi Factory $$ Known for: Fresh poke bowls and plate lunches. Best spot for authentic Hawaiian food with a historic feel.
Moke’s Bread & Breakfast $$ Known for: Lilikoi pancakes, corned beef hash.
Ai Love Nalo $ What to get: Vegan laulau, Buddha bowls, smoothies. A healthy, plant-based twist on local favorites.
West Side
Shimazu Shave Ice $ Tons of unique house-made flavors (like crème brûlée, durian, taro, li hing).
Kountry Style Kitchen $$ Local style food. Must-Get: Mac nut pancakes, loco moco, and Portuguese sausage & eggs.
Tanioka’s Seafood $ Legendary poke and bentos, known island-wide for ultra-fresh seafood.
Island Vintage $$ Trendy café known for fancy acai bowls, Kona coffee, and sandwiches.
Pho 97 One $ Local go-to for Vietnamese food. Get the Pho with beef brisket.
Everbowl $$ Health-forward smoothie and superfood bowls — acai, pitaya.
General
Foodland $ The local grocery store on the island, the best place to go for local foods! Get the poke bowls, musubis, and li hing mui candy.
Zippys $ Local chain restaurant found all over the island. Known for their chili and rice (my childhood fave!) and their Zip Pac.
7 Eleven $ Surprisingly a good spot to pick up spam musubis when you are out n about.