16 Best Restaurants on Oahu!

Alright, so you’ve booked your flight and hotel, you’ve been staring at Waikiki Beach photos on the internet for weeks, and now the day has finally come for you to make the trek over to this lovely little island. Excitement and anticipation for the thrill of adventure in paradise swells in your brain, and it’s all you can think about until the timeless old question rumbles up from your stomach and into your brain- so, what should we eat tonight?

Google is a friend and foe in this department. It will quickly answer your question, but it will flood your system with FAR too much information, so much so that you can’t possibly make a well informed decision on where and what to eat. And nothing is worse than having high hopes for a restaurant with good reviews only to be served lackluster meals that leave you wanting more. Don’t do this to yourself! Take it from me, your typical foodie, who wholeheartedly believes that the right dish will elevate your day from average to fantastic, and can make or break the perfection of paradise. If you can only make it here to Hawaii once, you’d might as well knock it out of the park. Below are my suggestions for some of the best restaurants on Oahu, with meal suggestions and price considerations included. I’ve been on island for just over two years now (which isn’t a whole lot of time!), and it’s been my mission to find the best of the best that will satisfy every craving, and leave me feeling all fat and happy.

I hope you enjoy this and get something special out of it. When I started writing, I realized the length of this piece was becoming rather daunting, so I have split it up into several projects. This particular report will include restaurants in the Waikiki and downtown Honolulu areas- check back later for other areas on the island soon! Disclaimer: The places listed below are not in any particular order.

South Shore/Waikiki/Honolulu Restaurants

1. The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood

Let's kick things off with a good steak. Scratch that- a great steak. I've been lucky enough to dine in some of the finest steakhouses in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Baltimore, and D.C.- but few come close or are as memorable as this steak from Signatures. For not being Waygu or Kobe beef, I'd say this is pretty impressive, and what's more is that this place is consistent. Each visit leaves me just as satisfied as the first. Oh, and one more word: VIEWS. Reserve a table overlooking the ocean just before sunset. The restaurant is on the 36th floor of the Ala Moana Hotel, and its views are breathtaking. Great for birthdays, anniversaries, and date nights- and yes, you can eat on the piano.

Price Rating: $$$$. Main course averages $60. Happy hour 4:30-6pm

Menu Recommendations:

-Apps: Oysters on the half shell, Ahi Tartare, Crispy Fried Calamari

-Main: Tomahawk Steak (not listed on the menu, always their special. Runs $120, will easily feed 2 people). Comes with a side of Rustic Truffle Mashed Potato. Their Creamed Spinach is a great add on, too.

-Dessert: Lilikoi Creme Brulee (don't waste your time with anything else)

Considerations: When ordering a bone-in steak, always order one temperature above what you normally enjoy. For example, I prefer medium rare, but for a bone-in steak I request medium. This is because the meat by the bone will not cook as quickly as the outer portions, and usually stays one temperature below your request.

2. Deck.

Views are going to be a popular topic on this page because, well, it's Hawaii, and it's hard to find a place without a nice view. But not every spot has Diamond Head front and center in their backyard. Deck. is a laid back local spot located on the third floor of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel with a ton of youthful energy and visual appeal, all in an open air setting. Make sure to check out the gallery of paintings of the Queen and other notable persons on display as you leave and walk down to the second level.

Price Rating: $$. Main course averages $30. Happy hour 3-6pm

Menu Recommendations:

-Apps: Hawaiian Poke, Grilled Octopus, Guava Smoked Pupu Ribs

-Main: Grilled Prime Angus Ribeye, Island Spice Rubbed Chicken

Considerations: Get their Mai Tai. Go for happy hour or do the Signature Prix Fixe Menu for $55- great value and enough to feed two.

3. Chef Chai

This has been one of my favorite spots since arriving to Oahu. It's usually pretty quiet, and they have a great selection of diverse plates. I will say, however, that their consistency in quality is not always reliable, but I do very much appreciate their menu and will keep coming back! Especially for one of their EXTRA special appetizers...

Price Rating: $$$. Main course averages $40.

Menu Recommendations:

-Apps: Kataifi and Macadamia Nut Crusted Jumbo Black Tiger Prawns, Hamakua Mushroom and Black Truffle Risotto Cakes, Sun-dried Tomato and Puna Goat Cheese Wontons with Pineapple Chutney

-Main: Braised Kurobuta Pork Osso Bucco with Five Spice Demi, Grilled Fresh Kabayaki New Zealand King Salmon and Grilled Spicy Pineapple

-Dessert: White Chocolate Amore Gelato Truffle, Fried Caramelized Banana Cream Cheese, Crème Brulee` Sampler

Considerations: That appetizer in bold up there... that's the special one. Get that.

4. Ya Ya's Chophouse & Seafood

They may not have a view or extra flair in ambiance- but Ya Ya's is definitely worth a spot on this list. They are up-and-coming, so give it some time and I think they will come into their own.

Price Rating: $$$$. Main course averages $60. Happy hour all day at the bar.

-Apps: Ahi Tartare, Fat Fried Rice, Fire Roasted Tomato Bisque (please get this)

-Main: Lamb Chops (comes with SO many). Sides: Ya Ya's Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts

-Dessert: was not impressed with the Candied Cheesecake. Would consider their Beignets, but it will be a hard win for them after having NOLA beignets at Cafe Du Monde.

Considerations: If you are interested in comparing Ya Ya's Tomahawk to Signatures- I advise against it. Signatures takes the cake on this one, or in this case, the steak.

5. Duc's Bistro

Time for a hole-in-the-wall gem. I stumbled upon this on my way into Chinatown and boy was I glad I did. They are a quaint little place tucked away in an otherwise unremarkable area. The inside was intimate, quiet, and felt local. Gave off some NYC, classy dive-bar-esque vibes, too.

Price Rating: $. Main course averages $20.

Menu Recommendations:

-Apps: Escargots a La Chablisienne, Mousse of Black Truffle Duck Plate, Cha Gio Crispy Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Tomato Lobster Bisque

-Main: Steak Au Poivre. Returning to try New Zealand Lamb Chops, Breast of Duck Saigon, and the Ca Chien Xoai Pan-Fried Fish with Green Mango

Considerations: There is a lot on this menu, and I have not had the pleasure of tasting it all, but I am SURE, based solely on my initial expereince, that the other items are probably just as fantastic. Oh, and if you drive there, they cover your parking fee in the lot across the street. It's the little things, ya know?

6. La Cucina Ristorante Italiano

Ah, Italian food. Arguably my favorite. Arguably everyone's favorite. It took me a LONG time to find quality Italian food here on island, but I think I have finally found it. And is it delicious.

Price Rating: $$. Main course average $30.

-Apps: Cavoletti di Bruxelles (brussel sprouts), Midollo Osseo (bone marrow), Crostini al Porcini

-Main: Ravioli Neri (squid ink lobster ravioli), Pappardelle Agnello

-Dessert: Creme Brulee Cheesecake. Will probably be back to try everything else on the menu as well. Not probably... definitely.

Considerations: This place is SMALL. Try to make a reservation. It is a well-kept secret for now so you may get lucky without calling ahead. For now.

7. Michel's at the Colony Surf

Can one ever get enough of open air dining whilst in Hawaii? I think not. At Michel's, you can fine dine on a five course meal, then roll up your pant leg, jump over the 4-foot-wall and land feet in the sand. 10/10 plan if you ask me. Another bit of fun- they offer several tableside meal preparations. Dinner and a show.

Price Rating: $$$. Main course averages $50.

Menu Recommendations:

-Apps: Lobster Bisque A La Michel's, Trio of Sashimi, Helix Escargot's Bourgogne

-Main: Chateaubriand for Two, Ocean Bounty

-Dessert: Michel's Chocolate Souffle

Considerations: They offer a 6-course tasting menu for $130, with wine pairings at an additional cost.

8. J. Dolan's

Ok, time to talk pizza. Small pub-spot with some great eats. Limited menu, but when everything is good, you don't need a whole lot. Fun, laid back atmosphere with a bunch of random memorabilia on the walls, including an old mugshot of a young Frank Sinatra (I always thought that was cool).

Price Rating: $. Specialty pies average $20

Recommendations: Boardwalk Pie, Spinach and Garlic Pie

9. Serg's Mexican Kitchen

This is basically a magical, colorful shack that takes your order and gives you back happiness on a plate- with a side of beans and spanish rice. Think food truck vibes, without the truck.

Price Rating: $. Main course averages $15. Daily Specials offered (including Taco Tuesday)

Recommendations: Rajas con Queso, Mexico City Style Tacos, Taquitos, Enchilladas, Tortas

Considerations: Want a great way to end this meal? Try their Horchata with the flan... you can thank me later.

10. Margaritas

Serg's has my favorite all around mexican food, but Margaritas is another hole in the wall spot with some pretty awesome nachos, and if you can believe it, some pretty awesome marg's as well. This is a family owned spot, and the two sons of the owners work it almost entirely on their own! One even designed the restaurant's logo T-shirt, a rendition of a female sugar skull on a black background. And yes, I do own one.

Price Rating: $. Main course averages $15. $1 off Margarita Mondays.

Recommendations: House Nachos, Fajitas, Taquitos

Considerations: Their margarita flavor selection is amazing, and they can be a bit heavy handed on the liquor pour so don't worry about getting your money's worth. I'm a personal fan of the Pink Guava marg, salted rim.

11. Merriman's

Here's a nice spot in a more laid back, residential part of town. They run daily specials and are right across the street from the movie theater too, which always makes for a convenient night out.

Price Rating: $$$. Main. course averages $40.

Menu Recommendations:

-Apps: Poke, Kalua Pig Quesadilla, Housemade Pierogis

-Main: Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Fish, Wagyu Umami Burger

12. Gen's Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ is popular here on island, but Gen's has great ambiance, a great selection of fresh meats, and superb service.

Price Rating: $$. Dine in is $30 per person for 2 hours all you can eat.

13. Tanaka of Tokyo West at Ala Moana

Who doesn't love a good hibachi? There are 3-4 of these on island, but I prefer the location at Ala Moana and, yes, I do believe it makes a difference. They also have the sporadic photographer hired by the restaurant to take pictures of your group, and at the end of your meal they offer you a free print-out, with option to purchase larger prints. Safe to say I have at least four of the freebies.

Price Rating: $$$. Main course averages $40.

Recommendations: Filet and shrimp, with double fried rice (for next day leftovers, of course)

14. Koko Head Cafe

That picture just above here- that is not-so-french french toast. Intigued? You should be.

Price Rating: $. Average dish costs $15.

Recommendations: Cornflake French Toast (please get this), Koko Moco

15. Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar

You knew this had to be coming, right? A good sushi spot is a must have on any foodie hit list. There's a lot of good sushi on island, but this is one of my favorites.

Price Rating: $$. Main course averages $30.

Recommendations: Dragonfly Roll, Holy Cow Roll, Sansei Special Roll, Ahi and Salmon Sashimi, Nobu-Style Miso Butterfish

16. 53 By the Sea

Probably the fanciest, most posh restaurant on island (that I've been to so far anyway). Think big price, small plate. There are a handful of these types of restaurants on Oahu, and they usually fall under what I consider the creative/artwork sector of food preparation and service. These restaurants are usually a bit out of taste for me because I'm a foodie not a food critic. But 53 brings the flare along with an easily understood, palatable menu. This restaurant has sweeping views of Waikiki beach down to Diamond Head- perfect for sunset dinner dates and anniversaries. Not a bad place to have a wedding reception either, I suppose. Dress to impress.

Price Rating: $$$$. Main course averages $60 (but remember, small plate)

Recommendations: They offer a 5-course tasting menu for $95 per person, a 6-course tasting menu for $125 per person, and a 7-course tasting menu for $150 per person. I recommend selecting one of these to get a good taste of the entire menu and the chef's unique interpretation of each dish. Wine pairings are offered at an additional cost.

Considerations: There is also a pretty fancy staircase just as you walk in through the entrance. Thought it was worth mentioning.

Stay tuned for other island foodie spots...

There are a ton of great food spots here in Waikiki (and some not so great, too), but these 16 are the one's I find myself returning to time and time again. I hope you can check some of them out for yourself- whether you're here for a week or just moved on island, Hawaii has something wonderful for everyone. Wonderful and, most importantly, delicious.

***Please stay safe during COVID and always check local community guidelines before going out. Some restaurants listed above may have different operating hours/conditions due to COVID-19.***