Whether you are a gastronome, a travel aficionado, or a prospective homebuyer in Honolulu, you are likely on the lookout for the top places to enjoy a meal. Look no further! Howard Richmond, your trusted local real estate agent, is here to share a list of some must-visit local restaurants in Honolulu. From local markets, and trendy bakeries, to elegant sit-down dinners, Howard has got your dining needs covered in Honolulu. Keep scrolling to discover some of the best eateries in the city!
1. Maguro Brothers - Chinatown
Maguro Brothers in Chinatown is famed for its fresh sashimi and poke on rice, embodying a seafood lover's haven. Run by brothers Junichiro and Ryojiro Tsuchiya with notable experience from Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan, the establishment emphasizes fresh fish and Japanese culinary traditions. Recommended dishes include Omakase 7 cuts of Sashimi, Maguro 5 cuts of Sashimi, Maguro Kama Teriyaki, and the Tsubaki Sushi Set, celebrating the essence of bluefin tuna. Sushi bowls like Maguro Danburi (local tuna) and grilled options like Grilled Ahi Belly are also popular among patrons. The simplicity of Maguro Brothers allows for a focus on quality seafood, making it a cherished spot for authentic seafood delights in Honolulu.
- Ratings: 4.7 Stars / 614 reviews
- Type: Hawaiian
- Highlights: Fresh poke, chirashi, grilled hamachi kama, and ahi belly.
- Contact: Website | Phone: (808) 259-7100
- Location: Chinatown
- Address: 1120 Maunakea St, Honolulu, HI 96817
- Get Directions
2. Helena's Hawaiian Food - Casual/Market
Helena's Hawaiian Food in Honolulu is renowned for its authentic Hawaiian cuisine, blending oceanic and earthy flavors. Highlights include Pork, Luau Squid, and Poke, with a special mention for Poi, a dish made from taro root. It's one of the few places to enjoy traditional Hawaiian banquet food without a full luau, offering a quick, casual, and affordable dining experience. Notable menu items are Ahi Poke, Fried Butterfish Collar, Beef Stew, Long Rice Chicken, and Laulau. They also offer tasty pudding for dessert. Helena's provides a genuine Hawaiian food experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for exploring Hawaii's culinary traditions.
- Ratings: 4.5 Stars / 2,968 reviews
- Type: Hawaiian
- Highlights: Pipikaula short ribs, rice or poi, lomi salmon, and haupia.
- Contact: Website | Phone: (808) 845-8044
- Location: Kalihi
- Address: 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817
- Get Directions
3. La Vie - Fine Dining
La Vie - A modern approach to multi-course dining with a French-inspired menu curated by Chef de Cuisine Patrick Collins, offering house and seasonal menus. The restaurant emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients, collaborating with the community for a distinct dining experience. They provide an open-air dining ambiance on the eighth floor of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, with views of the Pacific Ocean. They also have a Bar Room for ala carte favorites, creative beverages, and an award-winning wine list. Special mentions include a Fried Chicken + Champagne special available on Wednesdays, a variety of desserts, custom cakes, and a selection of wines.
- Ratings: 4.7 Stars / 191 Google reviews
- Type: Fine Dining - French
- Highlights: Special mentions include a Fried Chicken + Champagne special available on Wednesdays, a variety of desserts, custom cakes, and a selection of wines
- Contact: Website | Phone: (808) 941-9994
- Location: Waikiki
- Address: 383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Get Directions
4. Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar & Grill - Modern Casual Dining
Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar & Grill is a popular spot in Waikiki known for its eclectic design, unique 5-Star menu by Chef Bo Pathammavong, and a hip crowd. The menu is rooted in Hawaiian cuisine with highlights including fried prawns, ribs, and bun cha. Dessert options like beignets and mango sorbet are also available, along with a selection of beverages including draft beers and Mai Tais. Notable menu items include Uncle Bo's Dynamite Shrimp, Thai-Style Steamer Clams, and Walnut Shrimp Wraps. They also offer comforting dishes like Chicken Pesto and Chicken Alfredo, as well as a seafood medley dish called Uncle Bo's Seafood Catch. The restaurant provides a modern casual dining experience, blending great food with an upbeat ambiance.
- Ratings: 4.6 Stars / 1495 reviews
- Type: Local Hawaiian Cuisine
- Contact: Website | Phone: (808) 737-4531
- Location: Diamond Head
- Address: 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Get Directions
5. Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery - Bakery
Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery in Honolulu is celebrated for its freshly made Malasadas and homemade ice cream. Their fluffy Malasadas, fried to order, have become a local favorite, offering a unique taste especially when dusted with li hing powder. They also provide an option of coating the Malasadas in granulated sugar or rolling them in sugar flavored with cocoa, coffee, or li hing (salted, dried plum). Besides Malasadas, the bakeshop serves a variety of baked goods from scratch and homemade ice creams, complemented by custom Hawaiian Coffee from Maui and Ka'u. Another notable offering is their pumpkin crunch. Established in 2016, Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery has quickly become a sweet hub in Honolulu, enticing both locals and visitors with its array of delectable treats.
- Ratings: 4.6 Stars / 438 Google reviews
- Type: Bakery/Café
- Highlights: Fluffy malasadas, pumpkin crunch, lilikoi bars, and signature malafrozada ice cream.
- Contact: Website | Phone: (808) 738-8200
- Location: Kaimuki
- Address: 2332 Young St, Honolulu, HI 96826
- Get Directions
6. natuRe - Modern Dining (farm to table)- Hale ‘Aina Awards including Best New Restaurant (Gold, 2022) and Best Tasting Menu (Silver, 2023)
natuRe Waikiki in Honolulu is a modern French restaurant emphasizing a sustainable farm-to-table concept, blending French techniques with local ingredients. They offer a 6-course tasting menu for both regular and plant-based vegan diners, along with an a la carte menu in the bar area featuring daily rotating specials. The dishes aim to provide a unique "wow" factor to patrons. Chef Nae Ogawa, with a focus on fermentation, crafts a menu of fermented culinary delights. The restaurant has been recognized with Hale ‘Aina Awards including Best New Restaurant (Gold, 2022) and Best Tasting Menu (Silver, 2023). Highlighted dishes include an oyster with beef tartar and a Maui version, and a bartender's choice with a citrus/yuzu flavor profile is recommended for citrus lovers. Operating hours are from 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm, with the last seating for the tasting menu at 8:30 pm and the last call for the a la carte menu at 10:00 pm in the bar area.
- Ratings: 4.5 Stars / 159 reviews
- Type: French
- Highlights: French and Japanese-inspired tasting menu, Molokai venison in a bolognese, and seared opakapaka bouillabaisse.
- Contact: Website | Phone: 808-212-9282
- Photos
- Location: Waikiki
- Address: 413 Seaside Ave #2F, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Get Directions
7. Fête - Dinner, Cocktails & Beer. (2022 James Beard winning, farm-to-table restaurant)
Fête in Honolulu is an award-winning restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine blending contemporary American fare with Hawaiian essence, honored with the 2022 James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest & Pacific. It offers a distinctive culinary experience with dishes like southern fried chicken, spaghetti carbonara, and red snapper, alongside desserts like vanilla ice cream and raspberry sorbet. Described as a Seasonal New American neighborhood restaurant, Fête merges classic cooking techniques with island flavors, providing a simple yet delicious cuisine. They operate from Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and are located at 2 North Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817. For reservations, especially for parties of 10 or less, they can be contacted at 1-808-369-1390.
- Ratings: 4.6 Stars / 959 reviews
- Type: New American
- Highlights: Local fish specials, pork chops from Kualoa Ranch, carbonara with Portuguese sausage, and Korean fried chicken sandwich.
- Contact: Website | Phone: 808-369-1390
- Photos
- Location: Chinatown
- Address: 2 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817
- Get Directions
8. Sushi ii
Located at 655 Keeaumoku St #109, Honolulu, Sushi ii on Keeaumoku Street in Honolulu is a notable sushi bar known for its excellent omakase options and creative cooked dishes. Beyond sushi, the establishment offers hot, made-to-order dishes like Australian lamb lollipops with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, and shrimp minoage. With a personal touch in its culinary offerings, Sushi ii is more than just a sushi bar. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey that transcends traditional sushi experiences, with a menu that showcases a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The omakase options at Sushi ii are carefully curated to highlight the freshest seasonal ingredients, ensuring a delightful and unforgettable dining experience. Whether savoring the succulent Australian lamb lollipops or the flavorful shrimp minoage, each dish at Sushi ii is crafted with precision and creativity, promising a symphony of taste sensations. Step into Sushi ii and embark on a gastronomic adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
- Ratings: 4.6 Stars / 367 reviews
- Type: Sushi
- Highlights: Omakase, dashi-marinated ikura, golden eye snapper from Japan, and local live baby abalone.
- Contact: Website | Phone: (808) 942-5350
- Location: Keeaumoku
- Address: 655 Ke’eaumoku St #109, Honolulu, HI
- Get Directions
Honolulu is a paradise for food enthusiasts with a myriad of culinary delights awaiting. These eight spots are just a glimpse into the city's vibrant food scene. From casual eateries to upscale dining, there's a place for every palate. Whether it's Maguro Brothers' fresh poke or the elegant dining experience at Nature, these restaurants offer a unique culinary journey that you shouldn't miss. So, grab your loved ones and start exploring the delightful eateries in Honolulu today!
FAQs
Where can I dine on Hawaiian-inspired global cuisine with ocean views in a romantic setting?
You can delight in Hawaiian-inspired global cuisine while soaking in breathtaking ocean views in a charming and romantic setting at Hoku's. Located within the luxurious Kahala Hotel and Resort, this sophisticated eatery provides a perfect fusion of refined dining in a relaxed atmosphere. With its tantalizing menu featuring Hawaiian-inspired global dishes, Hoku's offers an unparalleled dining experience with stunning ocean vistas that enhance the overall romantic ambiance.
Which restaurant in Honolulu is known for its Mai Tai cocktail and beachside dining experience?
The renowned establishment in Honolulu celebrated for its Mai Tai cocktail and exceptional dining by the beach is House Without A Key.
What are some high-end dining options in Honolulu with a focus on seafood and steakhouse cuisine?
If you are seeking high-end dining options in Honolulu that specialize in seafood and steakhouse cuisine, you may consider establishments like Roy's Hawaiian Kai. Situated in Honolulu, Roy's is renowned for its exquisite menu featuring fresh seafood and tantalizing steakhouse dishes.
The chefs at Roy's masterfully combine local ingredients with Asian spices and European sauces to create delightful meals such as smoked Szechuan baby back ribs and blackened ahi with soy mustard butter sauce. Another notable upscale dining spot is Hoku's, located at the Kahala Hotel and Resort.
Hoku's impresses diners with its Hawaiian-inspired global cuisine, especially focusing on seafood and contemporary dishes. Guests can enjoy an elegant dining experience overlooking the ocean, indulging in dishes like fisherman's soup and foie gras with macadamia nuts.
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