Where To Eat In Honolulu Waikiki

When it comes to planning a trip to Honolulu, one of the most exciting aspects is deciding where to eat. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Honolulu’s culinary scene is a fusion of traditional Hawaiian, Asian, and American flavors. Waikiki, in particular, is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the best places to eat in Honolulu Waikiki, from local institutions to hidden gems and trendy newcomers.

Overview of Waikiki’s Culinary Scene

Waikiki’s culinary scene is a reflection of its cultural diversity, with a mix of traditional Hawaiian dishes, Asian-inspired cuisine, and modern twists on classic American fare. From seafood restaurants serving up fresh catches of the day to local eateries dishing out traditional Hawaiian comfort food, there’s something for everyone in Waikiki. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot, a quick bite on the go, or a unique culinary experience, Waikiki has it all.

Types of Cuisine to Expect

In Waikiki, you can expect to find a wide range of cuisines, including:

• Hawaiian cuisine, featuring dishes like poke, laulau, and kalua pig
• Seafood, with fresh catches of the day and seafood-centric restaurants
• Asian-inspired cuisine, including Japanese, Chinese, and Korean options
• Modern American fare, with trendy restaurants and cafes
• Local comfort food, featuring traditional Hawaiian dishes and classic comfort food

In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into the best places to eat in Honolulu Waikiki, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries in each category.

Where to Eat in Honolulu Waikiki: A Foodie’s Paradise

Waikiki, one of the most iconic beach destinations in the world, is a haven for foodies. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood offers a diverse range of culinary experiences that cater to every taste and budget. From traditional Hawaiian cuisine to modern fusion eateries, and from casual beachside eateries to upscale fine dining restaurants, Waikiki has it all. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Honolulu Waikiki, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries that showcase the region’s unique flavors and ingredients.

Traditional Hawaiian Cuisine

Experience the authentic flavors of Hawaii at these traditional Hawaiian restaurants:

• Helena’s Hawaiian Food: This local institution has been serving traditional Hawaiian dishes like laulau, kalua pig, and poi since 1946. Be prepared for a culinary journey through Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.
• The Pig and The Lady: This popular eatery offers creative twists on traditional Hawaiian dishes, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try their famous pho-style laulau or their innovative takes on classic Hawaiian comfort food.
• Ono Seafood: This casual, family-owned eatery serves up fresh, sustainable seafood dishes, including poke bowls, seafood laulau, and traditional Hawaiian-style fish plates.

Seafood and Steak Houses

Indulge in the freshest seafood and premium steaks at these top-rated restaurants: (See Also: Where To Eat In Leicester)

• Duke’s Waikiki: Named after the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, this beachfront restaurant serves up fresh seafood, premium steaks, and farm-to-table produce, all with stunning ocean views.
• The Beachhouse at the Moana: This upscale restaurant, located in the historic Moana Surfrider hotel, offers an impressive seafood menu, including fresh oysters, lobster, and fish, all expertly prepared by award-winning chefs.
• Morton’s The Steakhouse: This renowned steakhouse chain has a location in Waikiki, offering premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list in an elegant, upscale atmosphere.

International Cuisine

Experience the flavors of the world in Waikiki:

• Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar: This popular restaurant serves up innovative Japanese cuisine, including sushi, seafood, and steak, all in a lively, modern atmosphere.
• The Nook Neighborhood Bistro: This cozy bistro offers a diverse menu of international dishes, including French, Italian, and Asian-inspired cuisine, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar: This Italian eatery serves up authentic, homemade pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.

Casual Eats and Snacks

Grab a quick bite or snack at these popular casual eateries:

• Zippy’s: This local institution has been serving up classic Hawaiian comfort food, including plate lunches, musubi, and laulau, since 1966.
• Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: This iconic food truck has been serving up mouth-watering shrimp plates, including their famous garlic shrimp, since 1993.
• Shave Ice Co.: Beat the heat with a refreshing shave ice from this popular snack stand, offering a variety of flavors and toppings.

Breakfast and Brunch Spots

Start your day off right at these top-rated breakfast and brunch spots:

• Eggs ‘n Things: This popular breakfast spot serves up fluffy pancakes, omelets, and eggs benedict, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• The Breakfast Place: This cozy breakfast eatery offers a diverse menu of omelets, pancakes, and breakfast burritos, all made with love and care.
• Koko Head Cafe: This trendy brunch spot serves up creative dishes, including breakfast tacos, eggs benedict, and pancakes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Desserts and Coffee

Indulge in sweet treats and caffeine at these popular dessert shops and coffee houses:

• Shirokiya Japan Village Walk: This Japanese dessert shop offers a variety of sweet treats, including mochi, manju, and daifuku, all made with traditional Japanese ingredients.
• Liliha Bakery: This local institution has been serving up traditional Hawaiian pastries, including malasadas and poi donuts, since 1950.
• Kona Coffee Purveyors: This specialty coffee shop serves up 100% Kona coffee, grown on the Big Island, in a variety of blends and roasts.

Food Tours and Markets

Experience the flavors of Waikiki through food tours and markets:

• Oahu Market Tours: Join a guided food tour to explore the best of Waikiki’s culinary scene, including local eateries, markets, and hidden gems.
• Waikiki Farmers Market: Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Waikiki Farmers Market offers a variety of local produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods, all made with love and care.
• Royal Hawaiian Center: This cultural center offers traditional Hawaiian cooking demonstrations, workshops, and classes, showcasing the region’s unique flavors and ingredients.

Recap and Key Points

In conclusion, Waikiki is a foodie’s paradise, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences that cater to every taste and budget. From traditional Hawaiian cuisine to modern fusion eateries, and from casual beachside eateries to upscale fine dining restaurants, Waikiki has it all. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, premium steaks, or international cuisine, Waikiki’s culinary scene has something for everyone. (See Also: Where To Eat In Brentwood)

Remember to try some of the local specialties, including laulau, kalua pig, and poke bowls, and don’t forget to indulge in some sweet treats and caffeine at the many dessert shops and coffee houses. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Waikiki is the perfect destination for foodies and travelers alike.

Key points to remember:

• Try traditional Hawaiian cuisine at Helena’s Hawaiian Food, The Pig and The Lady, or Ono Seafood.
• Indulge in fresh seafood and premium steaks at Duke’s Waikiki, The Beachhouse at the Moana, or Morton’s The Steakhouse.
• Experience international cuisine at Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar, The Nook Neighborhood Bistro, or Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar.
• Grab a quick bite or snack at Zippy’s, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, or Shave Ice Co.
• Start your day off right at Eggs ‘n Things, The Breakfast Place, or Koko Head Cafe.
• Indulge in sweet treats and caffeine at Shirokiya Japan Village Walk, Liliha Bakery, or Kona Coffee Purveyors.
• Explore the flavors of Waikiki through food tours and markets, including Oahu Market Tours, Waikiki Farmers Market, and the Royal Hawaiian Center.

We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the culinary wonders of Waikiki. Happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in Honolulu Waikiki

What are the must-try local dishes in Waikiki?

When visiting Waikiki, be sure to try some of the local favorites like poke bowls, laulau, kalua pig, shave ice, and loco moco. These dishes can be found at various restaurants and food trucks throughout the area, and are a great way to experience the unique flavors of Hawaiian cuisine.

Are there any affordable dining options in Waikiki?

Yes, despite being a popular tourist destination, Waikiki has plenty of affordable dining options. Consider visiting local eateries like Helena’s Hawaiian Food, Ono Seafood, or Zippy’s, which offer delicious and authentic Hawaiian dishes at reasonable prices. You can also try food trucks or grab a quick bite at a convenience store like 7-Eleven or ABC Store. (See Also: Where To Eat In The New Forest)

What are the best restaurants in Waikiki for sunset views?

If you’re looking to enjoy a romantic dinner with a stunning sunset view, consider visiting restaurants like The Beachhouse at the Moana, Azure, or Duke’s Waikiki. These restaurants offer outdoor seating areas with breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Can I find vegetarian or vegan options in Waikiki?

Absolutely! Waikiki has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, cafes, and eateries. Some popular options include The Vegan Cafe, Greens & Vines, and R. Field Wine Company, which offer a range of plant-based dishes and drinks. Many traditional Hawaiian restaurants also offer vegetarian or vegan versions of local dishes, so be sure to ask your server for options.

Are there any restaurants in Waikiki that offer traditional Hawaiian entertainment?

Yes, several restaurants in Waikiki offer traditional Hawaiian entertainment, such as live music or hula dancing, to enhance your dining experience. Some popular options include the Old Lahaina Luau, Paradise Cove Luau, and Germaine’s Luau, which offer a fun and festive atmosphere along with delicious local cuisine.