8 Best Restaurants in Molokai, Hawaii

Located in Hotel Molokai, the island's only oceanfront restaurant is also its fanciest and best place to grab a drink or watch the game on TV. Enjoy pasta, steak, shrimp, or fish while watching the sunset and listening to live music, and don't be surprised if the couple you saw hiking is seated at the table right next to you. Try hearty burgers for lunch, local favorite plates like kalbi ribs for dinner, and for a real treat, plan for breakfast on Sunday.

Stop at this James Beard–nominated Molokai institution for morning coffee, a loco moco (white rice, burger patty, fried egg, and brown sauce), and some Molokai bread—a sweet, pan-style white loaf that makes excellent cinnamon toast. Prices are nice, and portions are large—breakfast can easily carry you through lunch. By night, the famous "Hot Bread Lane" is a Molokai institution—sniff your way down the alley behind the store around 7:30 pm to find the hidden bakery window and grab a loaf of tomorrow's bread right out of the oven. This quest is a crucial Molokai experience—your reward is fresh, warm, tasty bread full of your choice of toppings like tropical jelly, cream cheese, cinnamon, and more.

This popular standout is the perfect spot for a laid-back night out with dishes that are playful yet stay true to the island's roots, highlighted by excellent burgers, garlic shrimp, and nightly specials. The bar has the island's only draft beer, there's live music and dancing most nights, and fish and produce are locally sourced whenever possible.

The old-school interior at this "Molokai rest stop" feels a bit like a time warp, making it the perfect place to try one (or two) of the 30 or more flavors of Dave's Hawaiian Ice Cream; it's the only place that serves it on the island. Sit in the refreshing breeze on one of the benches outside to enjoy your cone and pick up snacks, crack seed, water, and cold drinks.

The best place to grab a snack or picnic supplies is this store, 16 miles east of Kaunakakai. It's the only place on the east end where you can find essentials such as ice and bread, and not-so-essentials such as seafood plate lunches, bentos, burgers, shakes, and refreshing smoothies. It can get hopping at lunch; call ahead to place an order if you can.  

Clean and cheery, Molokai Burger offers both drive-through and eat-in options. Often compared to In-n-Out, this is the island's version of fast food, and the tasty burger buns and super crispy fries (including enormous waffle fries as an option) help to elevate this past a typical experience.

This is a popular gathering spot for local families and a good place to pick up food for a picnic. Pizza, sandwiches, burgers, salads, pasta, ribs, and chicken are simply prepared and served without fuss, and kids keep busy at the arcade games and happy with milkshakes or soft serve for dessert. Good, affordable food brings people in and a warm, friendly staff brings them back. 

A Molokai staple for more than 20 years, this small deli focuses on freshly made takeout food. Sandwiches come on a half-dozen types of bread, and the homemade soups are outstanding. This is a great option for catering for large groups if it's a family affair or for an easy, delicious picnic lunch during a day of exploring.