Restaurants in Honolulu
Loading...
Best Restaurants
“If you're looking for an authentic taste of Japan with exceptional quality, Tempura KiKi is the place to go. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance exudes a traditional Japanese charm, perfectly setting the stage for a delightful dining experience.
The tempura at Tempura KiKi is, without a doubt, some of the best I've ever had. Each piece, whether it was the shrimp, seasonal vegetables, or fish, was lightly battered and fried to golden perfection. The crispiness was spot-on, and you could tell that the ingredients were of the highest quality – fresh, delicate, and absolutely flavorful. What truly sets Tempura KiKi apart is their attention to detail. The tempura wasn’t greasy at all, and every bite melted in my mouth, retaining the pure flavor of each ingredient.
Beyond the food, the service was fantastic. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. They were quick to explain the menu, making sure I had everything I needed without being overbearing. It made me feel welcome and appreciated as a guest.
If you’re a fan of tempura or just want a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine, Tempura KiKi should be at the top of your list. It’s a gem of a restaurant with an unbeatable combination of amazing food and stellar service. I can’t wait to return!”
“Every single person on the staff was so kind and welcoming! Highly recommend”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Omakase by Aung was my favorite dining experience in my week in Oahu. Chef and staff were super welcoming and kind while prepping an amazing omakase set. Go here if you’re looking for delicious omakase with a more fun, modern style, and not stuffy at all.
Food - every course was so delicious. Freshly ground wasabi was light and perfectly portioned in each bite of nigiri, coming from a person who avoids wasabi typically but you can trust chef Aung to craft each bite! I loved trying different pieces that I don’t usually order, for example in our set we had two kinds of mackerel that were amazing. Usually my favorite is chu toro and while that was delicious, every course was as delicious if not more.
Pacing was wonderful - there were a few people late to the seating but chef caught them up to us while not delaying any courses - and the music really added to the vibe/experience as well. BYOB and they also help serve your drinks which was so nice. If you want, bring more to share (tequila is chefs fave)”
Recommended Restaurants
“Sunny’s was an awesome find for breakfast. The servers are so nice and the food was awesome. I had the avocado toast - so good. Lots of variety and healthy meals. I would highly recommend this spot.”
“Holy cow! This was a highlight of my trip to Honolulu. The cesar salad was incredible!! The cannoli was amazing, the pizza was so tasty, and they had a great wine/drinks selection. If I lived in Oahu this would be my go to date night stop.”
“I have visited the Haleiwa location multiple times and it just hits the spot for unique gelato flavors! I also highly recommend any of the crepes ... and of course, the Ube Mochi waffle!!! Staff friendly and attentive and the place is kept very clean. Definitely worth a stop if you need to pick up a pint of gelato for a family dinner too. ;)”
“I love their vegetarian stir fry! I have to limit my sodium intake, and this dish gives me the flavor I need without a lot of salt.”
“From the warm greeting everyone receives when walking through the door to the attentive and super friendly service, this place is amazing! The sushi was outstanding… hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had! The texture, taste and presentation was top notch. Wish there was a location on the east coast!”
“TLDR: Melissa is AWESOME! But, if you are gluten free (ie no soy sauce with wheat) or allergic to mushrooms, you can’t eat here.
My husband and I combined have those allergies and Melissa was very kind to ask the chef if we could be accommodated. Unfortunately it wasn’t possible. Melissa was so respectful of how she informed us - aaaaaaand then offered us a complimentary cocktail (which was on point) and a reservation down the road at a nice restaurant that she knew could accommodate our allergies!
I don’t envy her for effectively having to kick us out, but she (and the entire staff) were so gracious to us. Thank you Melissa!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“A hole-in-the-wall place with a ~really~ good burger and fries. Probably the best on Waikiki, or at least the best I've found so far. Generous portion sizes, too. The only knock I can give is it's not "fast" food, like you might expect for a hole-in-the-wall place: Burger was (perfectly) made to order, so it took around the same amount of time to make as it would in a sit-down restaurant, but other than that, it was great. If you're looking for a burger you can grab and take to the beach, this is the place to get it.
Parking: Only parking is what you can find in the garages on Waikiki.”
“TLDR: Melissa is AWESOME! But, if you are gluten free (ie no soy sauce with wheat) or allergic to mushrooms, you can’t eat here.
My husband and I combined have those allergies and Melissa was very kind to ask the chef if we could be accommodated. Unfortunately it wasn’t possible. Melissa was so respectful of how she informed us - aaaaaaand then offered us a complimentary cocktail (which was on point) and a reservation down the road at a nice restaurant that she knew could accommodate our allergies!
I don’t envy her for effectively having to kick us out, but she (and the entire staff) were so gracious to us. Thank you Melissa!”
“Bar Leather Apron is a special place. A truly superlative bar experience with a knowledgeable staff. It is the crown jewel in the Hawaii bar scene, and one of the best bars in the country. Sadly, the reservation system they currently use just doesn't work. Looked every day for 2 months and showed every seat booked. Showed up and fortunately they save some seats for walk-ins. However the way it's currently presented i would not have even stopped in if I had not been very close by. I very much wish they would change this and be responsive to email / calls to sort out the walk in situation. I feel like as it currently exists the bar is losing a lot of business and many potential devoted customers are missing out.”
“My favorite meal during my trip was at Southern Love, and I do not say that lightly. The food is clearly made with Love, as the title implies. It might seem off beat to get Southern food in Hawaii, but you would be remiss to not eat at least one meal at Southern Love. The authentic southern cooking (again, done with love) does take time, so prepare for a little (but not unreasonable) wait for your delicious meal! While you wait for the food (that will blow your socks off!) you can enjoy the ambiance of an at home experience that matches perfectly with the best local dining in the South.
We were lucky enough to have the special chicken sandwich, coated in fried honey crust with perfect tints of spice, with friggin' Mac 'N Cheese on top!! This sandwich slayed!! I saw it, thought no way I could finish it...and then couldn't stop myself from leaving the plate spotless!
In short, thank you Southern Love for an amazing meal and experience! All of the stars for the perfect Southern Love mix with lovin' Hawaiian feels!!”
“Bar Leather Apron is a special place. A truly superlative bar experience with a knowledgeable staff. It is the crown jewel in the Hawaii bar scene, and one of the best bars in the country. Sadly, the reservation system they currently use just doesn't work. Looked every day for 2 months and showed every seat booked. Showed up and fortunately they save some seats for walk-ins. However the way it's currently presented i would not have even stopped in if I had not been very close by. I very much wish they would change this and be responsive to email / calls to sort out the walk in situation. I feel like as it currently exists the bar is losing a lot of business and many potential devoted customers are missing out.”
“The food was very good, wife love the ice cream on her French toast.”
Online Reservation Available
“Omakase by Aung was my favorite dining experience in my week in Oahu. Chef and staff were super welcoming and kind while prepping an amazing omakase set. Go here if you’re looking for delicious omakase with a more fun, modern style, and not stuffy at all.
Food - every course was so delicious. Freshly ground wasabi was light and perfectly portioned in each bite of nigiri, coming from a person who avoids wasabi typically but you can trust chef Aung to craft each bite! I loved trying different pieces that I don’t usually order, for example in our set we had two kinds of mackerel that were amazing. Usually my favorite is chu toro and while that was delicious, every course was as delicious if not more.
Pacing was wonderful - there were a few people late to the seating but chef caught them up to us while not delaying any courses - and the music really added to the vibe/experience as well. BYOB and they also help serve your drinks which was so nice. If you want, bring more to share (tequila is chefs fave)”
“We had a great experience here. Atmosphere feels more like a mainland Chicago or New York eatery than the traditional local place which we welcomed for a change. Amazing food and very nice service (shout out to Jenya (? might be wrong spelling). Didn’t feel rushed at all which I loved. We will definitely be back.”
“This place is small but stylish and beautifully decorated, from the star of a bar design to each and every cozy nook throughout. Now home of the best craft cocktails on Oahu and complimented with well thought out, mouth watering bites. I went with a friend for the grand opening evening and I would never have guessed it was a grand opening. The staff was friendly, seemed very at ease the whole night and the bartender was knowledgeable about the menu. We tried 5 or so different small bites and a couple various cocktails each from the menu and EVERY SINGLE item was delicious and crafted so beautifully we almost didn't want to eat or drink them (almost! 😋) Well done, Podmore!!”
“High quality sushi you can order by pieces, price point is on the higher end but food quality well justified it. All pieces we ordered didn’t have tendon parts you can’t chew, they were very fresh, decent sized. Their wasabi’s freshly grounded version. Would definitely come back again!
The decor looked a bit cheap tho and the lighting of the restaurant didn’t offer any ambiance, didn’t create a feeling that we’d like to stay for a long time and enjoy our food, but rather, let’s eat then leave. Efficiency seems to run in all aspects of the restaurant. You order food on a iPad and pieces delivered directly from kitchen via a conveyor belt.”
“Food are good and yummy, we have ordered the short rib set. It's including salad, tofu, miso soup, kimchi and the meat is very soft and juicy. The taste of the kimchi is unexpected. The server is very nice and they always provide the excellent customer service. I highly recommend you guys to visit this Resturant and you won't regret.”
“I had the unexpected pleasure of enjoying drinks and snacks at Obake. We were early for reservations at Skull and Crown. The hostess recommended Obake, which is their sister bar and restaurant, just around the corner. We were seated at the counter across from chef Christian and watched him craft all the handrolls served during our visit. First, the drinks: we had the Momiji, the Will o' the Whisp, the Fallen Angel, and the Feels like Summer. This isn't your everyday bar. The cocktails took some time to craft, but they did not disappoint . The Momiji was their nod to fall, while the Feels like Summer, well, you get it. While each drink was light and enjoyable, my favorite was the FLS. A nod to the Old Fashioned, but light and bright.
The house pickles and Yukari Fries were perfect sharing plates. We also tried the Hamachi, Summer Toro, Ho Hayn, and Bangsilog rolls. The Summer Toro had strawberries in it that paired beautifully with the spicy Toro. The Ho Hayn was served with a small dish of Hawaiian chili pepper water, either dipped in the water or followed by a chaser sip of the water. The Ho Hayn left me wanting more. The Bangsilog was probably my favorite just because it brought me back to breakfast in my Filipino mother's kitchen. It was all the flavors of my childhood in one roll.
Our server, whose name slips my memory, was a delight. She was attentive and explained the concepts behind the drinks she brought us.
Christian was a joy to watch and a joy to speak with.
Thank you for an enjoyable evening.”
“Excellent staff and atmosphere. The food was delicious. We got the crispy crap cake, butterfish, swordfish, and pineapple upside down cake. Each dish is uniquely tasty and the butterfish wasabi sauce is very impressive. We will come back!”
“My husband was passing by and said we should go there because there were a lot of people, so we went without thinking much, but it was really, really delicious!
It's a taste that you'll always remember once you go there.
It was my favorite meal of all the things I ate in Hawaii. The meat is so good~ The fish balls are so delicious. My husband also said it was the best. ^^ I'm going to go again before I go back. The staff are very friendly and remember me when I go back.
I need to come to Hawaii again to eat this haha.”
24 Hour Restaurants
“Holoholo Cafe & Market is a fantastic little corner store in Waikiki that has everything you could need. The selection of snacks, local treats, and fresh food options is impressive, with beautifully presented grab-and-go items like sushi, sandwiches, and salads. The Kona Coffee bar is a standout feature, serving up great coffee in a sleek and inviting setup.
The store also carries unique gifts and local souvenirs, from wooden decor and handmade crafts to vibrant bags and shirts that capture the spirit of Hawaii. It's a great spot to grab a quick meal, stock up on essentials, or pick out something special to remember your trip. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike!”
“I had about 30 minutes before my "Me time" appointment to get all girled up with lashes, pedicure and manicure. I figured I stop in and have some breakfast. The manager that serviced me was sweet. The environment was kicked back as I noticed families enjoying each other. I sat on a 4 seater. That's all they had. I invited Father God to sit with me... I got to talk with him. And ate my breakfast... cried inside of all things going on in my life. Changes etc. Towards the end, a girl asked if she could use 2 seats... I said yes. Turned around and it looked like time with her mom and dad... at least I had the chair in front of me... #godsseat... I miss my parents. They both alive. They just chose to not be in my life. Been so long. Thank you Jack in the Box for being available for me to sit, eat and talk with God. God bless your buisness �”
“The people who work here are so nice! They’re literal angels. The person taking my order and at the pay window was very kind and then he even saw that I hadd an empty plastic bottle drink in my cupholder and offered to throw it away for me so I would have more room for my drinks I ordered. I had a somewhat difficult order too and he got all of it right. And the lady at the food pickup window also was kind. Wonderful people here- I don’t usually review drive through but I was so impressed I had to. Very quick service and my food was delicious!”
“Best deal in Waikiki.2 tacos for under $2 bucks. Taste great,same recipe since it's inception. Not sure if it's BEEF or some combination of filler & beef the main thing is the TASTE the seasoning is timeless. I dined on these same tacos back in the what? 90's . The quality & pricing has remained the same. Frankly it's the ONLY food product I eat at JNB.... mostly for nostalgia.”
“This was definitely a different Pizza experience... their story is intriguing and hopefully this brand and cuisine comes to the remainder of the states especially Florida... I had their lime drink and it was amazing and their Pizza was delightful. 43 inc highly recommended. In Tampa Florida we have a network called The HUB and it's a place we recommend phenomenal experiences. This would be one.”
“High quality sushi you can order by pieces, price point is on the higher end but food quality well justified it. All pieces we ordered didn’t have tendon parts you can’t chew, they were very fresh, decent sized. Their wasabi’s freshly grounded version. Would definitely come back again!
The decor looked a bit cheap tho and the lighting of the restaurant didn’t offer any ambiance, didn’t create a feeling that we’d like to stay for a long time and enjoy our food, but rather, let’s eat then leave. Efficiency seems to run in all aspects of the restaurant. You order food on a iPad and pieces delivered directly from kitchen via a conveyor belt.”
“Food are good and yummy, we have ordered the short rib set. It's including salad, tofu, miso soup, kimchi and the meat is very soft and juicy. The taste of the kimchi is unexpected. The server is very nice and they always provide the excellent customer service. I highly recommend you guys to visit this Resturant and you won't regret.”
Takeout Restaurants
“If you're looking for an authentic taste of Japan with exceptional quality, Tempura KiKi is the place to go. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance exudes a traditional Japanese charm, perfectly setting the stage for a delightful dining experience.
The tempura at Tempura KiKi is, without a doubt, some of the best I've ever had. Each piece, whether it was the shrimp, seasonal vegetables, or fish, was lightly battered and fried to golden perfection. The crispiness was spot-on, and you could tell that the ingredients were of the highest quality – fresh, delicate, and absolutely flavorful. What truly sets Tempura KiKi apart is their attention to detail. The tempura wasn’t greasy at all, and every bite melted in my mouth, retaining the pure flavor of each ingredient.
Beyond the food, the service was fantastic. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. They were quick to explain the menu, making sure I had everything I needed without being overbearing. It made me feel welcome and appreciated as a guest.
If you’re a fan of tempura or just want a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine, Tempura KiKi should be at the top of your list. It’s a gem of a restaurant with an unbeatable combination of amazing food and stellar service. I can’t wait to return!”
“From the warm greeting everyone receives when walking through the door to the attentive and super friendly service, this place is amazing! The sushi was outstanding… hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had! The texture, taste and presentation was top notch. Wish there was a location on the east coast!”
“The burgers and fries we had on our initial visit were so good that it prompted us to return the following day. However, during our second visit, we observed a few discrepancies. Firstly, the fries served were different and not as satisfactory as before. Secondly, the advertised "secret sauce" seemed to be absent unless mayonnaise was the intended secret ingredient. Additionally, it is worth noting that the menu lacks the option of ordering just the burger without the accompanying fries.
Edited to address the owners reply: I did not ask for anything different from the secret sauce. When we reached our hotel room, that's when we noticed we had mayonnaise and not the secret sauce. As far as the fries, I had no clue there were different options. If I did, I would have opted for the seasoned ones I previously had.”
“We got the vanilla chai hot and iced lavender matcha, both were REALLY good! It's a cute little spot too, love the vibe!
Parking: They have like 3 spots for the cafe but the lot is shared and has reserved spots for other businesses too. Street parking and nearby strip mall has plenty of spots”
“This place has the best coffee in America, and I’m a coffee snob. I’ve been to every coffee shop in the states. I’ve been coming to Bean About Town for a few years now and they who make their own sauces for my Bourbon, Butterscotch latte. It’s unreal and the attention to detail is perfection. I think the owner is from London. Coffee in Europe is just better, simple as that.”
“This was definitely a different Pizza experience... their story is intriguing and hopefully this brand and cuisine comes to the remainder of the states especially Florida... I had their lime drink and it was amazing and their Pizza was delightful. 43 inc highly recommended. In Tampa Florida we have a network called The HUB and it's a place we recommend phenomenal experiences. This would be one.”
“Amazing food and atmosphere every time. I highly recommend this restaurant”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“My husband was passing by and said we should go there because there were a lot of people, so we went without thinking much, but it was really, really delicious!
It's a taste that you'll always remember once you go there.
It was my favorite meal of all the things I ate in Hawaii. The meat is so good~ The fish balls are so delicious. My husband also said it was the best. ^^ I'm going to go again before I go back. The staff are very friendly and remember me when I go back.
I need to come to Hawaii again to eat this haha.”
“Nana Musubi serves up fresh, filling, and flavorful onigiri with unique options like Wasabi Pork and Garlic Shrimp. The rice is cooked perfectly, and the portion sizes are satisfying without feeling heavy—even after eating three.
The only downside? The filling-to-rice ratio could be better. A bit more balance, and it’d be a 10/10.
Still, I strongly recommend it and will definitely be going back for more!”
“My partner and I visited earlier in April, and the experience was incredible—the omakase was the best we’ve ever had! The staff was outstanding, especially the woman, oneesan, who took such attentive care of us. She thoughtfully introduced each dish, using multiple languages, showing us photos of the fish, and describing what flavors we could anticipate. For instance, before serving the sea urchin (uni), she mentioned we'd taste the flavour of the sea, and indeed, it was exactly as described! She was extremely patient and friendly.
The co-chef was wonderful as well. We sat directly in front of him and enjoyed watching him meticulously prepare each course with great skill and patience. He was very polite and welcoming.
Lastly, the food itself was incredibly fresh, and the courses offered exceptional value—especially the lunch set.
We truly felt warmly welcomed and had a wonderful experience overall. After finishing our meal, we enjoyed a friendly chat with the staff oneesan and co-chef, which made our experience even more memorable and delightful. We’ll definitely visit again!
Arigatou gozaimasu!”
“I highly recommend coming here - especially when Laura is working!! She is such a baddie💪 Highly attentive, VERY knowledgeable about their craft beer, and was super helpful/accommodating with food! We were there to watch a football game, and even though my team played horribly, I still had an amazing time, because of Laura’s hospitality and service❤️”
“Their sushi cake exceeded our expectations. It was so delicious and almost too pretty to eat! The 2 guys working when I picked up were awesome! Super friendly and one even took the time to show me the cake and gave tips on how to cut and eat it! Their customer service from ordering to pick up was exceptional!”
“excellent service, I love the homemade salmon milk, makes the outstanding coffee even more delicious. the blueberry muffins have the a cake like texture that is really satisfying. the lilikoi bars were super delicious, very tart, true to real lilikoi flavor and a very dense and buttery bottom crust. I'm truly satisfied every time I come here. thank you”
“I walked passing the center this morning what I found. They start putting up Christmas decorations in the beginning of October.. are you kidding me? It won’t help your sales if you looking for that goal. It would make many people though you are crazy. I am not sure the marketing or what so ever department does not knows well what exactly what is they doing. Instead of trying doing that you should focus on the coming event. Such as Early access sales campaigns it will be boosted traffic Not Christmas decorations in October.”
“I ate like crazy!! So there are only two pictures...
There are about ten side dishes and they are all delicious. I ate it without taking a picture haha.
It tastes like a non-irritating side dish.
The soybean paste stew is salty and spicy, not the taste of a meat restaurant.
The simple taste of making it at home without adding ssamjang, my child really enjoyed it even though there was pepper in it.
The seasoned ribs are also delicious. Most of them are not tough and the seasoning is just right.
Please do not cook only on high heat. It was a shame because the delicious meat burned quickly haha.
Jjambbong contains a moderate amount of seafood and has a rich taste.
Jjajang tastes like old-fashioned jjajang, and it’s light and good.
I also added pot rice, which is black rice.
Overall, everything was delicious, and I was very satisfied, perhaps because I live in a neighborhood that doesn't have many Korean restaurants.
The service is also very friendly!!!
The parking lot is conveniently located in the building.”
Fine Dining
“I walked passing the center this morning what I found. They start putting up Christmas decorations in the beginning of October.. are you kidding me? It won’t help your sales if you looking for that goal. It would make many people though you are crazy. I am not sure the marketing or what so ever department does not knows well what exactly what is they doing. Instead of trying doing that you should focus on the coming event. Such as Early access sales campaigns it will be boosted traffic Not Christmas decorations in October.”
“The best omakase I’ve ever had. The quality of fish is incredible, it’s clear how fresh and expertly sourced and prepared every piece is and they are generous on every serving. Ray and his team are wonderful, clearly experts in what they do! A must try while in town.”
“Took the family (party of 6) to the Waikiki location last night (12/23/23)... ABSOLUTELY stellar...!!! It was very busy... and this location is a little tight on space... But, everyone and everything functioned like a well oiled machine...!!! And, as always - with any Ruth's Chris... the food and service were World Class...!!!”
“The best High Tea we've had, including The Fairmont in a few key cities. Excellent!!”
“I am foodie from Japan, enjoy once or twice a month hotel buffet in Tokyo. But Orchids Sunday branch menu was the best ever. Not only does it taste good, but it also tastes good, fine scenery, number and placement of staff and their diligence noteworthy.”
Cheap Eats
“This coffee shop is a gem and quickly became the highlight of our trip! The owner was so welcoming to us and our baby, it has truly left such a wonderful memory for us in Oahu. We went back again and again, day after day! The Açaí bowl, Pitaya bowl, scones, cookie and coffee were all so good. The owner even came out just to say goodbye to us on our last day on the island, it was truly heartwarming! We will miss Pai Cafe so much!”
“Amazing little food truck, I would dare to say the best meal I had taking into account how much you pay and what you get. Nice little spot with shared tables, and more food trucks if you feeling like something else. The shrimps are huge and very fresh, the attention is very very good as well, basically, nothing else to ask for.”
“Edit, Dec 2024:
We had a matcha soft serve on a cone this visit.
Ube and peach were the seasonal flavors available, though almost everyone ordered matcha.
Original, 2023:
Amazingly creamy, lightly bitter matcha soft serve!
We ordered a matcha shave ice with matcha soft serve to share between 2 adults.
Plenty of dessert to go around.
Ice was a tad chunky and crunchy, not super fine.
3 mochi balls and 1 chestnut
A scoop of sweetened red beans
The soft serve was swirled and more matcha powder was sprinkled on top
This matcha shave ice is winning against my previous favorite at Uncle Clay's HOPA.
First week of March 2023: special flavors are Ube and
Sakura (Cherry Blossoms), which can be swirled together.
I would like to try the Ube next time. Sakura sounds pretty good, but Matcha will likely be the favored choice each time.
Staff were extremely polite and pleasant.
Shop doesn't accept cash, you must use a credit card or your phone (payment via Square).
Vegetarian options: All desert items appear to be vegetarian”
“On Hale Koa's beach (Fort DeRussy). Nice atmosphere and 20% discount for military personnel. Only food is hot dogs and chips. Why a 5/5 rating? Because of Kimo the bartender. Have never met a more caring person. He gives water with the drinks, offers chairs, sun protection lotion and anything else needed. All customers I talked to felt the same way about Kimo. Excellent variety of drinks. Mango flow was my favorite. People from all over the world sit here and we become one big family. Will be back and will recommend ?”
“A cafe I visited after visiting Diamond Head on the weekend
I tried to go to KCC Market, but there were so many people that I couldn't find anything to eat, so I came as an alternative and it was a really good choice.
Ordered the breakfast plate and pineapple juice, which are sold until 10 o'clock.
The plate tasted okay, but the pineapple juice was delicious.
It was so nice to sit and eat in a cool place after trekking.
The Japanese owner is also friendly.
It was near Waikiki, so I probably went there often to drink juice.”
“Fabulous Food and wonderful staff !! Wine list is also terrific!!”
“Simple, shareable, strongly spiced food, reasonably priced but will make you want to drink. Cozy, maybe 10 tables total. Bonus points for being open late but that will mean rowdy tables. Party room next door overwhelms the ambiance with skull-numbing, throbbing bass. Limited parking.”
“My husband was in search of some good fish in Waikiki. We stumbled upon this place and decided to give it a try. I’m not a seafood person so I got the chicken pasta and he tried snapper for the first time. Both of us were blown away by how tasty everything was. The portions were huge too! Out of all the places we had been to during our trip, this place is at the top. Even as a non fish eater, I loved it! There can be a wait, but it is well worth it. Try it, you’ll love it.”
“We had a great experience here. Atmosphere feels more like a mainland Chicago or New York eatery than the traditional local place which we welcomed for a change. Amazing food and very nice service (shout out to Jenya (? might be wrong spelling). Didn’t feel rushed at all which I loved. We will definitely be back.”
“so good!!!!! best lobster roll strongly recommended first time trying and i really like it”
“We loved both the food and the wine and the service. The place is gorgeous too. We had a wonderful time.”
“Amazing dinner and friendly staff from bar to dining room! Our must every time we visit Oahu!”
“Had such a great experience here! Our server Leihala was amazing—super friendly and attentive. The food was delicious, the vibe was just right, and we even caught some fireworks while we were there! Definitely recommend this spot. Will be back! 🌟”
“Authentic Japanese food! It was great to be able to have it while vacationing in Hawaii. Brought back so many memories of living in Japan!”
“Food is ALWAYS delicious and the staff is so kind and attentive! Katsu-san creates the most beautiful sashimi platters and omakase sushi!”
“very hip bar tucked away in one of the many hotels along waikiki. loved the vibe and how small/intimate it was. bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable, and the drinks were unique (and the glasses they were served in were too!)”
“Came here for the $32 lunch special, what a great deal! High quality meats and unlimited sides, soda, curry and Dave's ice cream!!! Nice atmosphere, comfortable and great music. Alex our server was exceptional as usual. Love everything about this place! Our new go to!”
“A friend of mine came here with me for their restaurant week menu. We're glad to just order one set and did a la carte for the rest of the order so we could try a lot of things!
Overall the food was pretty good, a mixture of Spanish or just general European / contemporary American fare. The service was friendly and the outdoor patio seating was pretty nice. We had a lovely evening there.
For the restaurant week menu, the appetizer was Molokai shrimp tartare, iberico rioja wine stew with blue cheese, squid ink seafood and chorizo paella, chocolate mousse with lilikoi and mango. I liked all the items. The flavors were good, nothing surprising or wowed me though. The pork was tender and juicy. The chocolate mousse was definitely a safe bet. The paella taste was solid but I think it could do without the sausage because the fennel seeds were overpowering of the seafood flavor in the dish.
We also tried their croquetas de jamon, buñuelos, truffle egg custard pudding, octopus Ala Gallega, and Ube basque cheesecake. (I know we ordered a lot hahaha). I felt like the croquetas and the buñuelos had too much potato and just a bit of ham flavor and butterfish flavor respectively. Nonetheless they were deep fried well and tasty. The truffle egg custard pudding was smooth, delicate and delicious. It's small though - size of an egg for one order so each person should get one. The octopus was decent but I've had better. I like the Ube cheesecake a lot. It's had a good balance of flavor and texture - not too sweet, not too hard or soft, strong Ube flavor. Also the cream was delicious.
With all the food, and some drinks, I thought the price was pretty reasonable for the ambiance and the type of food. It could be a good spot for a date or hanging out with friends.”
“My favorite panang curry on island! Attentive staff and fun atmosphere.”
“So welcoming ❤️ simple dinner or a drink at night next to the beach, priceless”
“This place is small but stylish and beautifully decorated, from the star of a bar design to each and every cozy nook throughout. Now home of the best craft cocktails on Oahu and complimented with well thought out, mouth watering bites. I went with a friend for the grand opening evening and I would never have guessed it was a grand opening. The staff was friendly, seemed very at ease the whole night and the bartender was knowledgeable about the menu. We tried 5 or so different small bites and a couple various cocktails each from the menu and EVERY SINGLE item was delicious and crafted so beautifully we almost didn't want to eat or drink them (almost! 😋) Well done, Podmore!!”
“Best garlic shrimp I’ve ever had! I’ve been to 15+ eateries ordering the same dish on the mainland and the Hawaiian islands. The guava fried chicken and Lilikoi Pie were epic too! �”
“As a tourist to the island, finding this place was a gem. The bartenders bring the bar to life and the ambiance was awesome for a drink & conversation. Felt fortunate to have walked by & in for a drink.”
“The best omakase I’ve ever had. The quality of fish is incredible, it’s clear how fresh and expertly sourced and prepared every piece is and they are generous on every serving. Ray and his team are wonderful, clearly experts in what they do! A must try while in town.”
“This place is a hidden gem on lower Lewers Street. A pain to get to, no easy parking, and is up two flights of outside stairs. BUT THE FOOD is great, the atmosphere is fun, and the view from the balconey offers all of lower Lewers personalities you could watch!
Parking: take your best shot at all the ONE WAY street parking ;-)”
“I’ve been to Kona many times, and it’s always a great experience! The shrimp tacos are my absolute favorite and I love their seating area by the water. Tina has been my server a few times, and she’s always fantastic—attentive, friendly, and on point. Highly recommend!”
“This passed May, my family and I visit this really nice place, where their food was just amazing, the taste was so good that even my son’s extended family which they are from Korea were fascinated, very recommended.”
“Fantastic food, delicious drinks, and the most welcoming staff. Everything our group of 6 ordered was outstanding and we all said we couldn’t wait to come back again. Highly recommend!”
“It was our first time dining here, and Jace was our server.
He kindly went over the menu with us. Everything we ordered was perfectly seasoned, and portions were a nice size. Lively atmosphere but not overly loud. We sat towards the back of the restaurant. The restroom was clean and tidy. The staff were welcoming and attentive. We will definitely be back.”
“My now husband and I had our wedding rehearsal lunch here on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Their restaurant was my first choice and they were so accommodating! We had a private indoor space with an oceanfront lanai to mingle on. Jenni, who is the manager, and her employees went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. The plumeria buffet was delicious, the drinks and souvenir cups were amazing, and the restaurant had such a relaxed ambience with such a beautiful view for pictures on the patio! Jenni and her team were outstanding, and the venue is highly recommended!”
“Fantastic sushi! Large menu, small intimate location. They have great value for rolls but you can also order very elaborate pieces a la carte. Very popular and can be busy but they take a number and call you when your table is ready! Will definitely be back!!”
“My all itme favirite restaurant. Excellent food and service. Reknown for their chirashi.”
“You will never be disappointed. The chef’s creativity in every dish shines through and is phenomenal every time. Makes me cry good tears! The best sushi on Oahu and a memorable, friendly atmosphere!”
“What a delicious experience! Tasty breakfast, the best coffee, attentive staff, and one of the best views on the beach. We can’t wait to return on our next vacation.”
“Great little spot to get high quality Italian meats, wine, cheeses, and pizza. The wood fired pizza on Friday and Saturday nights was amazing! Fresh mozzarella was so tasty. Tight on seating, but has an open casual eating area.”
“Roy's has a well-deserved reputation for blending creative approaches to dishes with outstanding presentation, taste and quality ingredients. Our fish dishes were exceptional, kitchen timing perfect (not too rushed with sufficient space between courses). Service was attentive but not overly intrusive. Blackened ahi appetizer was plentiful and sashimi quality great. Butterfish always great, and it did at our dinner at the original Roy's Waikiki. Roy's is expensive, but it aligns with the quality and service.”
“Beautiful venue, fantastic and attentive staff, and amazing high-level food. Highly recommend! Having more plants dispersed through the space could warm it a bit more but other than that we wouldn’t change anything. Amazing all-around. Special thanks to our server, John C, who helped make our dinner experience there exceptional.”
“Took the family (party of 6) to the Waikiki location last night (12/23/23)... ABSOLUTELY stellar...!!! It was very busy... and this location is a little tight on space... But, everyone and everything functioned like a well oiled machine...!!! And, as always - with any Ruth's Chris... the food and service were World Class...!!!”
“Super Rude. I'll never go back. Much better places to eat nearby.”
“There's not enough space to right the good things about this place. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted and acknowledged by everyone, including the sushi chefs. Water and drink order is perfectly timed. Whether you order teishoku complete meals or sushi, the flavor and and portions are spot on. If you choose to sit at the sushi counter, the spread is just amazing. From white fish, tuna, to shellfish and sometimes even a fruit or plant to cleanse the pallet. I would recommend reservations as this place is always busy. Takeout is also very good!”
“Holy cow! This was a highlight of my trip to Honolulu. The cesar salad was incredible!! The cannoli was amazing, the pizza was so tasty, and they had a great wine/drinks selection. If I lived in Oahu this would be my go to date night stop.”
“The food was good, the ambiance was nice (Tuesday night, singing live) and the service was excellent. It’s not the best restaurant you’ll ever go to, but it’s fairly decent and I would recommend it.”
“My guest ordered the Pork Chop and ate just a portion of it and said it was over cooked and too hard. Other than that, my Laska and my other guest Laska was excellent! We always try and sit in Yun's section as she has excellent service!”
“The hospitality from check in to service at the table is always consistently excellent and the recommendations from the servers, always so good! The macadamia nut crusted mahi and the taro hummus were amazing and we loved the refreshing the coconut lime sorbet for dessert. Can't wait to go back and try more!”
“Haven't been to Murphy's in a year or two. It sure felt good to sit with friends, feast on great pupus and thoroughly enjoy that great pint of Guinness! Staff was attentive and friendly.”
“Best tsukamem! Large portion of noodles with excellent dipping sauce. Neighbors eating fried chicken and fries which looked delicious. One wait staff took care of the entire place with great efficiency. Would go back again.”
“My partner and I visited earlier in April, and the experience was incredible—the omakase was the best we’ve ever had! The staff was outstanding, especially the woman, oneesan, who took such attentive care of us. She thoughtfully introduced each dish, using multiple languages, showing us photos of the fish, and describing what flavors we could anticipate. For instance, before serving the sea urchin (uni), she mentioned we'd taste the flavour of the sea, and indeed, it was exactly as described! She was extremely patient and friendly.
The co-chef was wonderful as well. We sat directly in front of him and enjoyed watching him meticulously prepare each course with great skill and patience. He was very polite and welcoming.
Lastly, the food itself was incredibly fresh, and the courses offered exceptional value—especially the lunch set.
We truly felt warmly welcomed and had a wonderful experience overall. After finishing our meal, we enjoyed a friendly chat with the staff oneesan and co-chef, which made our experience even more memorable and delightful. We’ll definitely visit again!
Arigatou gozaimasu!”
“Definitely the Hawaiian Eggs Benedict with toast, the fried ice cream. the tarot pina colada, etc... you will not be disappointed with anything you order. Also, don't get me started with the service. Plz ask for Jessica. That girl deserves a raise or a promotion.”
“The Tomahawk steak is outstanding. No need to ruin it with A1 sauce. The stuffed chicken breast was not dry, so tasty. Everything is ala carte but totally worth it. Would go again”
“Beautiful location. Staff was friendly and efficient. The menu was extensive and the food was prepared perfectly and tasted fantastic. Stripsteak should be on your must do list when visiting Honolulu.”
“About the Rating Stars (optional) - suggest a switch to Mandatory! Comments Illustrate as Advertised. Mr. Dolan has another location opposite Kahala Mall. One can pre-populate the Survey. Yep, (Better Be) too busy Dining-n-Enjoying themselves!”
“It was a genuine privilege to watch a master at his craft. The food was fresh and delicious, uniquely prepared in front of you. The restaurant is a discrete and intimate experience with only 10 seats (6 at the counter to watch the chef).
We had the 21 piece option and it is truly worth it.”
“My family and I have been coming here for nearly a decade, and the food, service, and atmosphere has remained the same— 10/10 highly recommend. Their spinach dip is a delicious appetizer, and I always order the tomato soup with extra crostini’s. The soup is delicious and one of the best tomato soup’s you’ll ever have. The Caesar and sesame wonton salad is also yummy. Their plantation iced tea is also seriously addicting. Their service and staff are always quick to deliver the food, yet kind and personable. I highly recommend coming here.”
“Great speakeasy hidden bar in Honolulu. During this visit wanted to find a couple of hidden bars. This one was fun and fit the bill as hard to find! Other reviewers have said where it is. I found finding the phone number to make a reservation a challenge! Once connected they texted the reservation link. Once confirmed they texted the instructions. For us we entered through a vending machine. (Based on other reviews I assume they change the “front” of the door occasionally. Cocktails were excellent!”
“My husband and I found this little gem from Google Map. We had the Galbi plate and bulgogi. They’re super yum. The service though, we’ve never encountered anything like it before. The girl who served us was such a sweetheart! She helped me out with my pain. Top notch with her smile and helpfulness. Thanks so much, girl ?? Best wishes from NZ!”
Latest Reviews
“Great Food with a European influence of France and Spain. Cozy atmosphere and the Chef ZZ is very talented with many years of experience. It’s a little hidden gem and has elevator parking for your car in the back of the building or you can park in the Walmart lot. I very much recommend this place.”
“We visited Aina Steak and Seafood over the Christmas holidays and were a little bit late for our reservations. Luckily, the friendly staff still saved a table for us by the open kitchen. The kitchen and the entire restaurant, including the bathrooms, were very clean. The restaurant had a different vibe from other steakhouses on the island which was very refreshing. The friendly waitress took our drink orders and gave us an overview of some of the recommendations and specials. Our waitress was very attentive and always had a smile on her face. She checked on us multiple times throughout our dining experience. We ordered: Appetizer: Oyster platter, salad (came with the steak) Sides: Truffle mashed potatoes, mushroom medley Entrees: Prime ribeye, lamb rack Dessert: Creme brulee, cheesecake The apps were fresh and delicious. The protein entrees came with these special salts and wasabi on the side. It complimented the meat well. The ribeye was just mediocre but the lamb was some of the best I have ever tasted on this island. The sides were portioned well and very tasty. Desserts was just what you would expect to end the meal with. Overall the food was very good. Now this is where the night was sort of ruined. As we were seated near the kitchen, we could overhear the cook/manager/owner(?) berating his service staff very loudly and in earshot of us customers. We were not eavesdropping, but he was so loud that we could see that this was legitimate borderline verbal abuse. I felt sorry for the female staffers that had to endure his unprofessional outbursts in the workplace. I say this as someone who has worked in every position of the restaurant field. As a manager, I have never yelled at any of my staff ever, because you as the leader must show leadership. How do you expect to manage or control your environment when you cannot control your own temper? As a waiter, I would never tolerate an authoritarian manager. I would quit right on the spot. As HR, you might have a lawsuit on your hands if you were to abuse your workers. I loved the food, but I would only come back again if another cook or manager was working instead of this man. I cannot support a business that mistreats its workers, no matter how good the food is.”
“I and a couple of other retirees discovered Pur Sina when they opened and have been weekly customers ever since. Their small kitchen limits the menu choices, but what they offer is tasty and reasonably priced. The pleasant customer-oriented staff has made it serve as a home away from home for us, and we have always felt welcomed. If/when they leave, they will be sorely missed.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“This place is absolutely AMAZING! I stayed at the hotel and came here every day of my stay. Dinner one night, just a drink the next afternoon, and then brunch the following and final day. Every experience was wonderful from the staff to the vibe and the views it was a wonderful time every time. 100% would recommend!”
“Our host and waitress were very good. The meal was wonderful but the only issue was the man bringing the food out. Apparently the waitress had erred on the food order for a nearby table and as she explained the dining options, he rudely interrupted her to ask about the plate he was delivering to rectify the mistake. It was an awkward moment.”
“Amazing service, good food, and a fun environment. Had a misunderstanding of the gift glasses you get with purchase and the manager took the time to address the issue. I ended up being wrong and he gave my daughter a gift for the confusion. I can appreciate that effort and customer consideration.”
New Restaurants
“Lahaina Tacos located in Fort Street Mall. Family owned, extremely friendly and welcoming. Went for lunch takeout and got the birria burrito. Burrito was a solid size for the price with fresh ingredients. The wait was about 45 minutes total between waiting to order and waiting for the order. The wait was worth it though. Anticipate the long waits will be the case for a bit since they are brand new and in the middle of town. They did run out of some food so get there early! Can’t wait to return and try everything else.”
“Food is so delicious and staff extremely helpful and attentive”