Honolulu and Pearl Harbor Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Honolulu and Pearl Harbor - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Kapa Hale

    $$$ | Kahala

    Putting a playful and creative spin on Hawaii regional cuisine, Kapa Hale has elegantly presented, upscale, fusion cuisine and cocktails by a local-boy chef. Menu items are changed seasonally and sourced locally with fun, wordplay names for different dishes.

    4614 Kilauea Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816, USA
    1-808-888–2060

    Known For

    • Creative drink menu
    • Modern local cuisine
    • Hip interior

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. Brunch Sat. and Sun. only. No lunch on weekends., Reservations by phone only
  • 2. MW Restaurant

    $$$ | Ala Moana

    The "M" and "W" team of husband-and-wife chefs Michelle Karr-Ueko and Wade Ueko combine their collective experience (20 years alongside chef Alan Wong, a side step to the famed French Laundry, and some serious kitchen time at comfort food icon Zippy's) to create a uniquely local menu with a decidedly upscale twist. Michelle's flair for sweets has resulted in a dessert menu as long as the main one, including tropical fruit creamsicle brûlée, an MW candy bar, and the frozen lilikoi (Hawaiian passion fruit) soufflé.

    888 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814, USA
    808-955–6505

    Known For

    • Scrumptious desserts (save room)
    • Nice craft cocktails
    • Excellent fish dishes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 3. Senia

    $$$ | Chinatown

    Every item on the modern American menu at this small, sophisticated, James Beard Award–nominee is carefully concocted and artfully plated. You can order à la carte or indulge in the pricey tasting menu at the Chef's Counter; dessert is a must thanks to pastry chef Mimi Mendoza's delectable works of art. The same owners also operate the swanky bar Podmore, nearby.

    75 N. King St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817, USA
    808-200–5412

    Known For

    • Charred cabbage that looks like a mossy rock but mesmerizes the tastebuds
    • Sophisticated cocktails and an encyclopedic wine menu
    • Senia cookie made with peanut butter, toffee, and Valrhona chocolate

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.
  • 4. Tiki's Grill and Bar

    $$$ | Waikiki

    Tiki's is the kind of fun place people come to Waikiki for: a retro–South Pacific spot with a back-of-the-bar faux volcano, open-air lounge with live local music, indoor-outdoor dining, and a fantastic view of the beach across the street. Chef Ronnie Nasuti turns out beautifully composed plates and puts fresh twists on the super-familiar—like spicy "volcano" chicken wings, watermelon and feta salad, or Thai-style shrimp puttanesca. Be sure to try one of the mai tais, which come in a variety of flavors, then settle in and stay a while. There's live music on most nights and an upbeat crowd at the bar. It may look like a place designed for tourists, but it's the locals who come back again and again.

    2570 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
    808-923–8454

    Known For

    • Surprisingly good food in a made-for-TV setting
    • Pacific Rim menu inspired by a noted Islands chef
    • Can get pricey, but a fun experience worthy of a hana hou (encore)
  • 5. Arancino di Mare

    $$$ | Waikiki

    Three locations in town offer fresh seafood, hand-trimmed beef, pastas cooked to order, handmade pizza and bread, homemade desserts, and meats and cheeses imported from Italy. Customer favorites include spaghetti pescatore (with shrimp, calamari, mussels, and clams) and a pizza topped with shrimp and Maui onions. This, the flagship location, features an open terrace with a view of the beach; the original Beachwalk location (Arancino on Beachwalk) is the smallest and most casual of the three; and the newest location at the Kahala Resort (Arancino at the Kahala) is a bit more upscale.

    2552 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
    808-931–6273

    Known For

    • Fresh, authentic ingredients
    • Local favorite
    • Small and casual in Waikiki, elegant date-night setting in Kahala
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  • 6. Chef Chai

    $$$ | Ala Moana

    This contemporary dining room in a condo building across from the Blaisdell Center is the go-to spot before and after plays or concerts. The creative starters and seafood and meat entrées on the eclectic, global-fusion menu are healthier than the norm as they don't rely on butter or cream, with dishes like lobster bisque thickened instead with squash puree.

    1009 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814, USA
    808-585–0011

    Known For

    • Early-bird and prix-fixe menu options that will leave you stuffed
    • Ahi tartare with avocado mousse in miniwaffle cones
    • Excellent desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 7. Doraku Sushi

    $$$ | Waikiki

    From entrepreneur Kevin Aoki, son of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki, comes this low-lit, bells-and-whistles, sushi-roll chain (with two additional locations in Hawaii and another in Miami) featuring indoor-outdoor seating, as well as happy hours and a late-night bar scene that keeps the place packed. Newer dishes, such as the sake bomb or stuffed jalepeño rolls, are offered alongside favorites like the tuna tataki or the Emperor Roll, a seafood extravaganza of tuna, crab, shrimp, and scallop crusted in panko and flash-fried. And there is tempura everything—from lobster to brownies. The Waikiki location, upstairs in the Royal Hawaiian Center, caters to visitors, and locals favor the Kakaako location on Kapiolani Boulevard, near the Ala Moana Center.

    2233 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
    808-922–3323

    Known For

    • A buzzing bar scene, with both early and late happy hours
    • Tempura everything, including brownies
    • Creative rolls

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 8. Duke's Waikiki

    $$$ | Waikiki

    Locals often bring Mainland visitors to this open-air restaurant, which has a lively bar and a beachfront setting facing Waikiki's famed Canoes surf break. Named for the father of modern surfing and filled with Duke Kahanamoku memorabilia, this casual spot offers lots of pupus (appetizers), a large salad bar, and crowd-pleasing entrées that include fish, prime rib, and huli huli (rotisserie). Be sure to try the famous Hula Pie, made with macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a cookie crust and topped with fudge and whipped cream. The atmosphere can be raucous when A-list Hawaiian musicians perform. Sunday afternoon, when Grammy-nominated Henry Kapono revs up the crowd, is a great time to come for a mai tai.

    2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
    808-922–2268

    Known For

    • Iconic local spot with great views, a fun bar scene, and a perfect location
    • Duke's on Sunday is so renowned that musician Henry Kapono wrote a song about it
    • Bar seating usually offers faster service
  • 9. Hau Tree

    $$$ | Waikiki

    Countless anniversaries, birthdays, and other milestones have been celebrated under this lanai restaurant's spectacular hau tree, where it's said that even Robert Louis Stevenson found shade as he mused and wrote about Hawaii. Diners are captivated as much by the beach views, spectacular sunsets, and romantic setting as by celebrated chef Chris Kajioka's updated takes on eggs Benedict at breakfast and tuna tartar, scallops, or Kurobuta pork chops later in the day.

    2863 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 98615, USA
    808-921–7066

    Known For

    • The romantic beach dining spot folks dream about
    • Spectacular views of the beach by day and the moonlit water by night
    • An updated menu and attentive service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 10. Heyday

    $$$ | Waikiki

    Although it's in the center of Waikiki, this lively outdoor restaurant with a retro, tropical vibe feels a bit tucked away, with a bamboo-lined walkway leading to its entrance and tables set around the pool at the White Sands Hotel. Grab a drink at the whimsical bamboo bar, where a cool crowd sits on wooden swings or bar stools and sips tiki-style cocktails, and peruse the "new continental" menu with a variety of pupus (appetizers) and decadent desserts, as well as such favorites as the B.O.L.T. (bacon, smoked ono salad, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich on a brioche bun or the schnitzel with potato mac salad.

    431 Nohonani St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
    808-475–6864

    Known For

    • Great food with retro vibe
    • Large and small plates, including vegan options
    • Swinging seats around the bamboo bar
  • 11. Hula Grill Waikiki

    $$$ | Waikiki

    The placid younger sibling of boisterous Duke's, downstairs, resembles an open-air, plantation-period summer home with kitschy decor, stone-flagged floors, warm wood, and floral prints. The food is carefully prepared and familiar—with the occasional intriguing Asian touch—and dishes include steaks, locally caught grilled fish, and a few island-inspired options, such as the Loco Moco and tropical pancakes. Request a lanai or window table to enjoy the fabulous views of Diamond Head and the beach. Sometimes the music from Duke's resonates from below, allowing diners to enjoy it without the chaos of the bar.

    2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
    808-923–4852

    Known For

    • Spectacular views from the window tables
    • Reliable local dining experience with the right amount of Waikiki kitsch
    • Nice bar scene for drinks and snacks
  • 12. Imanas Tei

    $$$ | Moiliili

    Nihonjin (Japanese nationals) and locals flock to this tucked-away, bamboo-ceilinged restaurant for its tasteful, simple decor and equally tasteful—and perfect—sushi, sashimi, nabe (hot pots prepared at the table), and grilled dishes. You assemble your meal dish by dish, and the cost can add up if you aren't careful. Reservations are limited, and there can be a line, so come early or very late. Being named one of the nation's best Japanese restaurants (twice) has only added to its popularity. The parking lot is the size of a handkerchief.

    2626 S. King St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96826, USA
    808-941–2626

    Known For

    • Simple food that some feel is better than in Japan
    • Long waits
    • Traditional izakaya experience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch, Reservations by phone only
  • 13. Izakaya Nonbei

    $$$ | Kapahulu

    Teruaki Mori designed this pub, one of the most traditional of Honolulu's izakayas, to make you feel that you're in a northern inn during winter in his native Japan. Dishes not to miss include aji tataki (seared, vinegar-marinated jack mackerel topped with ginger); karei karaage (delicate deep-fried flounder); fried gobo (burdock) chips; and crab, avocado, and bacon salad. And don't forget to try the frozen sake: the menu item that brings locals back begging for more.

    3108 Olu St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816, USA
    808-734–5573

    Known For

    • Great happy hour and late-night spot
    • Tiny spot with a huge menu
    • Long waits (reservations strongly recommended)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 14. Mariposa

    $$$ | Ala Moana

    Yes, the popovers and the wee cups of bouillon are available at lunch, but in every other regard, the menu at this Neiman Marcus restaurant departs from the classic model, incorporating a clear sense of Pacific place. The breezy, open-air veranda, with a view of Ala Moana Regional Park, the twirling ceiling fans, and the life-size hula-girl murals say "Hawaii." It's still a spot for ladies who lunch, but it also welcomes a more casual crowd.

    1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814, USA
    808-951–3420

    Known For

    • Extensive cocktail menu
    • Corn chowder
    • Lovely Hawaii-style interiors

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 15. Merriman's Honolulu

    $$$ | Kakaako

    This is fine dining without the fussiness, where cordial, well-trained servers present your "Bag O' Biscuits" or smoking oysters on the half shelf with equal aplomb and know all the details of each menu item. The large Hawaiian-French bistro has floor-to-ceiling windows and native wood accents throughout, and chef-owner Peter Merriman focuses on farm-to-table food, using Oahu-sourced ingredients as much as possible. In addition to other branches of this restaurant on neighbor islands, Merriman operates the more casual Monkeypod Kitchen and Moku Kitchen on Oahu.

    1108 Auahi St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814, USA
    808-215–0022

    Known For

    • Lobster potpie
    • Tableside poke
    • Waialua chocolate purse (a take on molten lava cake)
  • 16. PAI Honolulu

    $$$ | Downtown

    Michelin star–restaurant chef Kevin Lee and his general manager wife, Justine, are at the helm of the innovative, upscale Pai (short for ho'opai, meaning "to encourage" in Hawaiian). The tantalizing and surprising fusion cuisine is served in a modern, arched dining room and patio tucked into the atrium of the Harbor Court condo building. You can expect friendly service as you choose from either à la carte items or the chef's seasonal tasting menu. For the tasting option, try to snag a seat at the counter so you can pick chef Lee's meticulous culinary brain. Dogs are welcome with their owners at the courtyard tables and get their own canine menu options.

    55 Merchant St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, USA
    808-744–2531

    Known For

    • Homemade breads
    • Superb cocktails and wine pairings
    • Attention to detail in each dish

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch.
  • 17. Queensbreak

    $$$ | Waikiki

    Across from popular Kuhio Beach, and three floors up from busy Waikiki on the pool deck at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, this laid-back, multilevel, terrace restaurant is a great place to grab a casual bite (fish tacos, poke, Caesar salad, burgers) and a beer, a glass of wine, or a tropical cocktail. In addition to ocean views, you can enjoy happy hour specials and live music. Reservations are a good idea.

    2552 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
    808-922–6611

    Known For

    • Live music in the evening
    • Casual favorites on the menu
    • Outdoor dining
  • 18. Roy's Waikiki

    $$$ | Waikiki

    Enjoy a taste of modern Hawaiian cuisine from the chef who started it all, Roy Yamaguchi. Situated in the center of Waikiki, the sprawling, stylish restaurant has been serving innovative pan-Asian dishes since 2007 and remains a fan favorite. Today, executive chef Jason Ichiki uses locally sourced ingredients to prepare such delectable signature dishes as spicy ahi hand rolls, ginger soy-glazed ora king salmon, and honey mustard–braised short ribs. Enjoy a multicourse chef’s tasting dinner in the main dining room, sit at the sushi bar, or simply snack on some happy hour pupu plates at the bar on the lanai. There’s something for everyone here, including an excellent children’s menu.

    226 Lewers St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
    808-923–7697

    Known For

    • Iconic status
    • Nightly happy hour on the lanai
    • Indoor and outdoor seating
  • 19. The Surfing Pig Hawaii

    $$$ | Kaimuki

    This fancier sibling of the island's four Kono's barbecue spots focuses on Americana-tinged-with-Hawaiian food and drink served in a small, lofted eatery with a surfer-industrial vibe. Heaping portions of juicy smoked and grilled meats are the specialty, but the menu also has several great fish appetizers and entrées. Order à la carte or choose the Friends Night Out or Date Night prix-fixe meal options. The playful cocktails, several of which are presented under a bell jar filled with smoke, are worth trying. Note that most of the seating is upstairs, with bar seating below; brunch is also an option.

    3605 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816, USA
    808-744–1992

    Known For

    • Old-fashioned with bacon-infused bourbon, bacon garnish, and "smoking" cloche presentation
    • Pork, beef, and porchetta slider trio
    • A strong neighborhood brunch option
  • 20. Yanagi Sushi

    $$$ | Downtown

    One of relatively few restaurants to serve a complete menu until 2 am (until 10 pm on Sunday) offers not only sushi and sashimi around a small bar, but also teishoku (combination menus), tempura, stews, and cook-it-yourself shabu-shabu. The fish can be depended on for freshness and variety.

    762 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, USA
    808-597–1525

    Known For

    • Late-night happy hour
    • Baked crabmeat volcano roll, spicy shrimp tempura roll, live abalone sashimi
    • Local favorite

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