If you thought Honolulu was just about the stunning beaches and gorgeous sunsets, think again. This city is a food lover’s dream. It bustles with the perfect blend of flavors and culinary traditions. Hawaiian delicacy is the perfect mix of Hawaiian, Asian, and American influences.
As you wander around in this vibrant city, you’ll find everything from local food trucks dishing out fresh poke to high-end restaurants offering a gourmet twist on famous island favorites. Whether you’re a local looking for your next go-to spot or a visitor wanting to dive into the island’s culinary scene, this article highlights some of the top-rated Honolulu restaurants you won’t want to miss.
Get ready to explore the mouthwatering flavors of Honolulu and find your next favorite bite!
Best Restaurants in Honolulu to Enjoy Traditional Hawaiian Food
Fête
If you’re looking for a spot that combines a cozy ambiance with good food, Fête should be on your list. This charming restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to create its standout favorites, keeping things minimalistic with a menu that highlights a few standout favorites.
You can’t go wrong with their spaghetti carbonara, which gets a tasty twist from local Portuguese sausage, or the veal schnitzel drizzled with a tangy lilikoi sauce that adds a delightful burst of flavor.
But don’t just stick to the regular menu; listen closely to the list of daily specials that Fête serves up. Once, you may find a whole fried shrimp perched on a fresh tomato compote and grilled lemon, and the next moment could bring you a comforting bowl of ‘ōpakapaka swimming in a savory nishime broth with crispy yaki onigiri.
With every visit, you’re bound to discover something new and exciting that’ll keep you coming back for more!
The Pig and The Lady
Welcome to The Pig and The Lady, a Honolulu institution that started as a modern Vietnamese restaurant and evolved into so much more. Famous for its pho French dip and Mama Le’s regional noodle soups, this place is the spot for flavor and fun. Chef Andrew Le is not your average chef; he’s always trying to push the limits of Vietnamese cuisine with his unique approach to fusion cuisine, blending traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern twists!
You’ll find dishes here that are as quirky as they are wonderful. Like the marinated beets with pickled blueberries for a burst of sweetness, dressed with a spicy chile-cracked vinaigrette, topped with creamy yuzu tofu and shaved caramelized white chocolate—not your average salad!
And the clam and rau ram sausage linguine, a flavor bomb with delicious shrimp paste and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Remember to save room for dessert. The soft serve sundae is a treat, with coconut sticky rice custard swirled with mango sorbet and drizzled with a touch of fish sauce caramel. It’s these crazy flavor combinations that keep people coming back!
Mud Hen Water
Looking for a one of a kind dining experience in Honolulu? Look no further than Mud Hen Water. This place is famous for blending unique flavors and influences in a way that feels totally natural!
Savor dishes like buttered ‘ulu with fermented black bean and preserved Akule served with limu butter and soda crackers. And for some extra special goodness, don’t miss their porchetta stuffed with lū‘au.
Chefs Ed Kenney and Dave Caldiero know how to celebrate local culture with global flair. Imagine starting your Sunday brunch with biscuits smothered in map tofu gravy or a baked banana buried under curry butter, crispy bacon, chives, and chopped egg.
Their cocktails are also just as creative, using fresh local ingredients. Try Vishnu’s Vice—a drink that looks as good as it tastes with fresh-juiced ‘ōlena, gin, honey, lime, and a dash of pepper.
With a great outdoor patio, brunch or dinner at Mud Hen Water is a treat that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Alan Wong’s Honolulu
If you are looking for great fine dining spots in Honolulu, Alan Wong’s is a must! This upscale restaurant is run by the famous chef Alan Wong, who is famous for his modern and colorful Hawaiian cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, so it’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion or just treat yourself to a meal to remember.
The tasting menu is where the magic happens because it showcases the best of what this talented chef has to offer! One of my favorites is the chilled tomato soup, which is refreshing and paired beautifully with foie gras.
Another highlight is the kalua pig, a traditional Hawaiian favorite that Wong takes to a whole new level. And don’t forget the lobster and shrimp lasagna, which is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. For meat lovers, the twice-cooked short rib is a must-try, tender, and full of savory goodness.
La Mer
Nestled in the luxurious Halekulani Hotel, this opulent restaurant is a feast for your taste buds and your eyes, too!
With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, La Mer is the only restaurant in Hawaii to receive a five-star designation from Forbes Travel Guide for multiple years running. The menu excels at blending French culinary techniques with the freshest local food!
Chef Landrieu’s creative approach brings a unique flair to the menu, whether it’s the deliciously prepared Kona lobster paired with seasoned vegetables and mouthwatering sauce or the tender wagyu beef, served with gourmet dishes and a rich jus.
The wine list at La Mer is also pretty impressive, featuring an extensive selection of both local and international wines.
Nico’s Pier 38
Seafood lovers, this is the best spot for you! Located right next to the bustling fishing docks, this casual eatery brings you the freshest catch of the day in a relaxed ambiance. Nico is known for its poke, and for good reason. Their poke bowls are made to order with customizations of all kinds!
If you’re feeling extra hungry, definitely try their famous fish sandwich—it’s a hearty, mouthwatering delight that hits the spot.
This laid-back atmosphere is perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner while watching the boats come and go. Plus, the friendly staff makes you feel at home!
Swing by for a heartwarming experience at Nico’s Pier 38.
Koko Head Café
Looking for a breakfast or Sunday brunch spot that’s truly Hawaiian? Koko Head Café is the place to be. This little gem is famous for its creative take on brunch classics in a chill atmosphere that feels like home.
One of the best here is the Breakfast Fried Rice—a savory mix of rice, eggs, and fresh veggies that will have you coming back for more. And don’t even get me started on the pancakes! Whether you go for the coconut syrup pancakes or the fluffy soufflé pancakes, you’ll be in treat heaven.
The atmosphere is cozy and casual, so it’s a great spot to meet friends or grab a bite before you hit the island. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a menu that’s full of flavor, Koko Head Café is a top brunch spot in Honolulu.
Bar Maze
With Bar Maze, Justin and Tom Park have taken sophistication to the next level. This place may be compact, but it’s big on flavor and creativity—thanks in part to chef Ki Chung, who used to run the Michelin-starred Aubergine in Carmel, California.
Together, Chung and Justin Park have created a unique omakase menu that changes daily. Each dish is paired with a matching cocktail.
Bar Maze is nothing short of a culinary journey, with each course designed to capture the essence of the island. One of the standouts is raw Hokkaido scallops sliced into delicate pieces, calamansi, and green apple, served with a light sea-inspired cocktail.
The drink consists of shochu, mango, elderflower, and a frothy citrus layer that looks like ocean foam. These details make Bar Maze a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique fusion of flavors and a special dining experience in Honolulu.
Roy’s Waikiki
Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s iconic spot in Waikiki is known for its Hawaiian fusion cuisine, blending Asian-inspired flavors.
The portion sizes are famously huge here, so you may want to skip straight to the mains! The watermelon salad with a zingy Thai vinaigrette, the Hawaii Kai crab cakes that are melt-in-your-mouth good, and the Sea of Flames roll are to die for. Each dish bursts with fresh flavors, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself if you can’t resist).
A Few Bonus Restaurants in Honolulu
- Breakfast Congee at MW Restaurant: Start your day with a unique take on traditional Hawaiian breakfast dishes. The breakfast congee here is a comforting bowl of goodness that you won’t want to miss.
- The Pig and The Lady’s Sister Restaurant: For a unique dining experience, check out their sister restaurant, Piggy Smalls. It offers a fusion of traditional and modern cooking techniques that will leave you pleasantly surprised.
- Sushi Bar: If you’re a sushi lover, this place is a must-visit. Their unique take on traditional sushi, like the oysters Rockefeller style, is sure to elevate your sushi experience.
- Kona Baby Abalone: Looking for a unique seafood experience? This restaurant’s take on traditional seafood dishes, like the fried flounder with barbecue sauce, is a true culinary adventure!
- Portuguese Sausage at MW Restaurant: Don’t miss out on their unique take on traditional Hawaiian sausage. The Portuguese sausage here is flavorful and perfectly cooked.
- Bar Leather Apron: For a unique bar experience, check out the bar leather apron. It’s a unique take on traditional bar seating and offers a cozy spot to enjoy your meal.
Explore The Best of Honolulu’s Food Through Honolulu Moped Rentals
Honolulu is a food lover’s paradise with an unforgettable mix of flavors and local influences. From local island favorites to top-notch seafood and innovative fusion spots, this city has something to offer for every type of foodie! Whether you’re looking to dive into a fresh poke bowl, savor island-inspired appetizers, or treat yourself to a fancy beachfront dinner, your taste buds are in for a culinary adventure of a lifetime!
Now that you know the best spots to eat, let’s talk about getting around! To fully immerse yourself in the Honolulu culinary scene, consider renting a moped. Renting a moped is the perfect way to hop from one restaurant to another while fully taking in Honolulu’s beauty.
With Honolulu Moped Rentals, you have the freedom to explore every corner of the city at your own pace.
So, what are you waiting for? Let us help you discover the best of what Honolulu has to offer today!
FAQs
1. What kind of food is most famous in Honolulu?
Honolulu’s culinary scene is a mix of Hawaiian, Asian, and American cuisine. You’ll find everything from traditional Hawaiian dishes like poke and kalua pig to Asian-inspired flavors with a local twist, creating a unique fusion cuisine!
2. What are the must-try dishes for first-timers in Honolulu?
For a true taste of Honolulu try poke (a fresh marinated fish dish), loco moco (rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg and gravy) and malasadas (Portuguese donuts). Many restaurants also have unique fusion dishes to try!
3. How do I get around to try different restaurants in Honolulu?
To fully experience Honolulu’s food scene, rent a moped. You can hop between restaurants, discover hidden spots, and enjoy the views as you go. Plus, it’s easier to park than a car, especially around crowded areas.
4. What are the top fine dining options in Honolulu?
Some top-rated fine dining spots are La Mer for French-Hawaiian cuisine, Alan Wong’s Honolulu for upscale local flavors, and Roy’s Waikiki for Hawaiian fusion. These are perfect for special occasions or just to treat yourself!