Explore Honolulu
10Best Restaurants by Type
10Best Restaurants by Cuisine
Expert Tips for Honolulu Restaurants
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Haili's Hawaiian Food: "Order the "Big Kahuna" combo plate."
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Yama's Fish Market: "Order a Hawaiian plate, but save room for dessert!"
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Highway Inn: "Order a Hawaiian combo plate."
Best Honolulu, HI Restaurants
Michel's
Fabulous French cuisine tempts diners at this elegant ocean side restaurant, making for potent sensory stimulation. While you revel in beautiful views and...
Haleiwa Joe's
Take in the North Shore's relaxed lifestyle at this fantastic eatery. Kick back on the lanai, take in the incredible island scenery, and revel in the...
Chef Mavro
Some of the island's most accomplished cuisine is served at this small, intimate restaurant in Honolulu. Under the masterful command of Chef Mavro, French...
3660 on the Rise
Lauded for its spectacular island cuisine, this perennial favorite attracts a regular contingent of high-profile folks. They come to soak in the chic,...
Roy's
Under the masterful tutelage of chef Roy Yamaguchi, who skillfully fuses European and Asian cuisines, this establishment has earned a reputation for lively...
Alan Wong's
A beautiful, pale room, accented with gleaming wood and sprinkled with flowers and artwork, welcomes guests to this exceptional place. The overall all...
Bogart's Cafe
Bogart's is one of those hole-in-the-wall places that is a tried and true reliable joint for locals in search of that perfect breakfast. Whether taken to...
Local Expert Restaurant Recommendations
Local Expert Restaurant Recommendations
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About Honolulu, HI Restaurants
Hawaii, as a whole, exhibits a dual nature when it comes to dining, and Oahu's restaurant scene – although larger than that of the other islands – demonstrates a similar pattern. On one hand, as a US city, Honolulu delivers standards like steakhouses, Italian eateries, and American restaurants, which embrace everything from meat-and-potato basics to innovative amalgams of various cuisines. On the casual end, for example, you can hang out at Side Street Inn and rub shoulders with local chefs as you sample the signature fried pork chops. Or, if you're interested in top-rated cuisine with views to match, make it a point to visit Hoku's at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, where you can gaze out over the Pacific as you treat yourself to wok-fried whole island fish for two or salt-crusted Colorado rack of lamb carved tableside. Unsurprisingly, Hawaii boasts wonderful traditions of island food, and any visitor would be remiss not to sample the fantastic local fare. Seafood is a natural indulgence, and John Dominis is a splurgeworthy destination, famous for both its in-restaurant stream and its exceptional food. Nick's Fishmarket is also well-regarded for fin fish and shellfish, not to mention classy but unpretentious environs. For decidedly casual occasions, Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch & Crab is a family-friendly delight, complete with handcrafted brews and island hospitality. Beyond the sea's bounty, authentic Hawaiian cuisine incorporates Asian influences and a working-class sensibility. Ono Hawaiian Foods is a prime example of the no-frills eateries that satisfy local taste buds with roast pork, coconut pudding, raw seafood salad, and a host of more unusual dishes. Homegrown fast-food place Zippy's also specializes in laid-back Hawaiian fare, notably the plate lunch, which features items like steamed fish or pork and the usual scoops of rice and macaroni salad. It's a quick-to-satisfy standard for folks from all walks of life. Visitors are also perennially sold on luaus, those extravaganzas of food and entertainment that provide an immersive introduction to Hawaiian culture and cuisine. With so many culinary options, both within Honolulu and throughout the island, it's a safe bet that you'll find yourself exclaiming "ono!" repeatedly each time you sample some place new.
About Kelly Sigmon
Senior editor Kelly Sigmon is Southern born and Ivy educated. During his tenure with the company, Kelly has prized being a mystery traveler and overseeing the printed 10Best Travel Guides for San Francisco, Miami, and Atlanta.
Read more about Kelly here.