Where to Eat in Honolulu: Top 10 Picks

Honolulu is not only famous for its stunning beaches and cultural landmarks but also for its incredible and diverse food scene. The city is home to some of Hawaii’s most exciting restaurants, serving everything from traditional Hawaiian dishes to creative fusion cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch spot by the beach or a fine dining experience for a special occasion, Honolulu has it all. In this guide, we’ll take you through 10 of the best restaurants in Honolulu, highlighting their specialties, locations, and why they deserve a spot on your foodie itinerary.

1. Orchids at Halekulani

• Location: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
• Rating: 4.8/5

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Honolulu, Orchids at Halekulani should be at the top of your list. Situated in the iconic Halekulani Hotel, Orchids offers more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of island-inspired cuisine with stunning oceanfront views. This award-winning restaurant is known for its blend of contemporary and traditional Hawaiian dishes, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere at Orchids makes it the perfect spot for any occasion, whether you're indulging in a romantic dinner or gathering with friends. The restaurant's signature dishes showcase a seamless fusion of flavors, combining classic techniques with bold, local ingredients. Highlights include the Keahole lobster risotto and the roasted rack of lamb. For dessert, don’t miss their signature Coconut Cake, a light and airy treat that's become legendary on the island.

With its unbeatable location, exceptional service, and innovative menu, Orchids offers a dining experience that captures the essence of Hawaii's culinary scene—elegant, fresh, and full of flavor.

Specialty: Island-Inspired Cuisine
Recommended Dishes: Keahole Lobster Risotto, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Signature Coconut Cake

2. Roy's Waikiki

• Location: 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
• Rating: 4.8/5

Roy’s Waikiki is the brainchild of Chef Roy Yamaguchi, another key figure in the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement. Yamaguchi opened his first Roy’s restaurant in 1988, blending local ingredients with Japanese, European, and Pacific Rim flavors. Since then, Roy’s has become a global brand, but the Waikiki location remains one of the most beloved spots for both locals and visitors alike.

Located just steps from Waikiki Beach, Roy’s offers a welcoming, open-air atmosphere that’s perfect for soaking in the island vibes. Yamaguchi’s dishes are known for their fusion of techniques and flavors, and the menu here is no exception. The Misoyaki Butterfish is a standout, as is the Hibachi Grilled Salmon, both of which perfectly showcase the blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors that have become Yamaguchi’s signature.

Specialty: Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine
Recommended Dishes: Misoyaki Butterfish, Hibachi Grilled Salmon, Chocolate Soufflé

3. Helena's Hawaiian Food

• Location: 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817
• Rating: 4.7/5

Helena’s Hawaiian Food has been serving up traditional Hawaiian comfort food since 1946. Founded by Helen Chock, the restaurant remains a family-run business to this day. Helena’s is not about flashy decor or gourmet presentations—it's about celebrating the simplicity and authenticity of Hawaiian home-cooked meals. Locals have been coming here for generations, and it’s easy to see why.

When you walk into Helena’s, you’re greeted with the warmth of a small, no-frills diner, but the food packs a punch. The Kalua Pig, Pipikaula Short Ribs, and Lomi Salmon are all must-try dishes that give you a real taste of the islands. What sets Helena’s apart is the focus on preserving and sharing traditional Hawaiian flavors with the community and visitors alike. If you want a truly authentic experience of local cuisine, Helena’s is your go-to spot.

Specialty: Traditional Hawaiian Cuisine
Recommended Dishes: Kalua Pig, Pipikaula Short Ribs, Lomi Salmon, Poi, Haupia

4. The Pig & The Lady

• Location: 83 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817
• Rating: 4.9/5

The Pig & The Lady has become a staple in Honolulu’s Chinatown dining scene since it was founded by Chef Andrew Le and his family in 2011. What started as a pop-up quickly grew into one of the city’s most beloved restaurants, offering a modern take on Vietnamese cuisine with global influences. Chef Le, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu, blends his Vietnamese heritage with his culinary training to create dishes that are bold, inventive, and packed with flavor.

Walking into The Pig & The Lady, you immediately feel the energy of the place. The menu changes often but always features inventive dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Favorites like the Pho French Dip Banh Mi and Laotian Fried Chicken have garnered a loyal following. This is a restaurant where you can expect to be surprised and delighted by every bite.

Specialty: Modern Vietnamese Cuisine
Recommended Dishes: Pho French Dip Banh Mi, Laotian Fried Chicken, Creative Rotating Desserts

5. MW Restaurant

• Location: 1538 Kapiolani Blvd, Ste 107, Honolulu, HI 96814
• Rating: 4.8/5

MW Restaurant, run by husband-and-wife team Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka, has been a shining star in Honolulu’s dining scene since 2013. Both chefs have impressive resumes: Wade spent years working under Chef Alan Wong, and Michelle trained as a pastry chef at various high-end restaurants before the couple decided to open their own place. MW offers a modern take on Hawaiian cuisine, with a focus on creativity and fresh, local ingredients.

The vibe at MW is upscale but casual, making it perfect for everything from date nights to business dinners. The Ahi Poke Nachos and Mochiko Crusted Chicken are standout dishes, while Michelle’s desserts, like the Lilikoi Pie, are worth a visit in their own right. MW has become known for taking classic island flavors and giving them a contemporary, upscale twist.

Specialty: Contemporary Hawaiian Cuisine
Recommended Dishes: Ahi Poke Nachos, Mochiko Crusted Chicken, Lilikoi Pie

6. Duke's Waikiki

• Location: 2335 Kalakaua Ave Ste 116, Honolulu, HI 96815
• Rating: 4.6/5

Named after Hawaii’s legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s Waikiki has been a favorite of both locals and tourists since it opened in the 1990s. Located on the beach at Waikiki, this restaurant offers unbeatable views of the ocean and Diamond Head, along with live Hawaiian music and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal after a day of surfing or exploring the island.

Duke’s menu is a mix of classic Hawaiian seafood dishes and American favorites. The Fresh Catch of the Day is always a good bet, but the real star here is the Hula Pie—an indulgent dessert made with ice cream, fudge, and macadamia nuts. Duke’s is all about good vibes, great food, and enjoying the beauty of Hawaii.

Specialty: Hawaiian Seafood and Grill
Recommended Dishes: Fresh Catch of the Day, Hula Pie

7. La Mer

• Location: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 (inside Halekulani Hotel)
• Rating: 5/5

La Mer is the epitome of luxury dining in Honolulu, located inside the prestigious Halekulani Hotel. Opened in 1983, La Mer has earned a AAA Five Diamond rating and remains one of the most celebrated fine dining establishments in the state. Executive Chef Alexandre Trancher brings a blend of French culinary techniques and Hawaiian ingredients to the menu, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

This restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views, impeccable service, and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for special occasions. The Lobster Gnocchi and Kona Coffee-Crusted Rack of Lamb are standout dishes, and the seven-course tasting menu is ideal for those looking to experience the best of what La Mer has to offer.

Specialty: French-Hawaiian Fine Dining
Recommended Dishes: Lobster Gnocchi, Kona Coffee-Crusted Rack of Lamb, Tasting Menu

8. Nanzan Giro Giro

• Location: 560 Pensacola St, Honolulu, HI 96814
• Rating: 4.7/5

Nanzan Giro Giro offers a unique dining experience in Honolulu, blending traditional Japanese kaiseki (multi-course meal) with modern, artistic flair. Opened by Chef Nanzan Matsumoto, this intimate restaurant focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with each dish beautifully plated like a work of art. The menu changes monthly, keeping things fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.

The restaurant itself is small and cozy, with an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the chefs meticulously prepare each course. The multi-course meals are designed to showcase balance and harmony, making every bite a memorable one. Nanzan Giro Giro is perfect for those who appreciate both culinary tradition and innovation.

Specialty: Kaiseki Japanese Cuisine
Recommended Dishes: Monthly Rotating Tasting Menu

9. Marukame Udon

• Location: 2310 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
• Rating: 4.5/5

Marukame Udon may not be a fine dining spot, but it’s easily one of the most beloved places to eat in Honolulu. Opened in 2011, this casual restaurant specializes in hand-pulled udon noodles and tempura, offering a comforting and satisfying meal at an affordable price. The lines can be long, especially during peak times, but the wait is worth it for a bowl of freshly made udon.

The restaurant is set up cafeteria-style, allowing you to watch as the noodles are prepared right in front of you. Marukame’s Niku Udon (beef udon) is a favorite, and their tempura selection is perfect for rounding out your meal. It’s a great spot to grab a quick, delicious meal after a day of sightseeing.

Specialty: Udon and Tempura
Recommended Dishes: Niku Udon, Tempura Shrimp

10. Senia

• Location: 75 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817
• Rating: 4.8/5

Senia, located in Honolulu’s Chinatown, has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors since its opening in 2016. The restaurant was founded by chefs Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush, who bring their Michelin-starred experience to the table. Senia offers a contemporary take on American cuisine with a strong focus on local ingredients and refined techniques.

The restaurant is split into two dining areas: a casual à la carte dining room and an exclusive chef’s counter where guests can enjoy a multi-course tasting menu. Standout dishes include the Smoked Ahi Toast and Aged Duck Breast, but the Chef’s Tasting Menu is the best way to explore Senia’s innovative offerings.

Specialty: Contemporary American Cuisine with Hawaiian Influences
Recommended Dishes: Smoked Ahi Toast, Aged Duck Breast, Chef’s Tasting Menu

Honolulu’s food scene is a culinary playground where every meal tells a story. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and flavors are as vibrant as the island’s sunsets. Each restaurant on this list offers a unique dining experience, blending local ingredients with global inspiration. Exploring these spots is more than just satisfying your hunger—it’s about diving into the rich culture and spirit of Hawaii. So grab a seat, savor each bite, and let Honolulu’s restaurants take you on a journey that leaves your taste buds craving more.