Local Gems: The Best Places To Eat In Oahu (2023)

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I’ll admit that the eating part of vacation is what I plan first. And what I really, really look forward to. Experiencing local cuisine always gives such interesting insight to culture and history, and a chance to try new things.

Before we went to Oahu (here’s my guide to the island + best hikes and views), I created a list comprised of suggestions from this Honolulu guide, and this one, which also included hiking/great view suggestions. The one thing I couldn’t find much information on was how “gluten-free friendly” restaurants were, and I was a little worried knowing soy sauce is used in many  traditional Hawaiian dishes (poke, marinated meats, salad dressings). But even when traveling, I know that 90% of the time there are several choices on every menu that are naturally gluten-free.

We stayed on Waikiki Beach, and because it’s the main spot for tourists, I wasn’t surprised to see chain restaurant after chain restaurant (think Cheesecake Factory, Benihana, Hard Rock Cafe) around that area. Not my style, vacationing or not.

However! With a little digging, I think I found several local restaurants hidden within those blocks (we walked a lot and used our Fitbit for tracking steps), and many of the others on my – best places to eat in Oahu – list were just a short drive away from where were staying. (I would highly suggest renting a car while you are there.)

Spots for Good Coffee in Honolulu:

1. Arvo: This place is the cutest! It’s in a newer part of Honolulu, and runs in coordination with a plant/home store. The coffee is great, and they make several “toasts” each day too. With outdoor seating and a walk up window, I’d be here every day if I lived there.
2. Kona Coffee Purveyors & Patisserie: They brew fancy. And make excellent coffee and baked goods. Located in Waikiki.
3. Ali’i Coffee Co:  A Hawai’i based coffee company with a focus on light roasted coffees, delicious breakfast items, and freshly prepared sandwiches. They have some really unique drinks, like their Queen Latte – espresso, hazelnut syrup, toasted coconut flakes, and steamed milk! All of their coffees are roasted in their downtown Honolulu location.

Breakfast in Oahu:

1. Koko Head Cafe: Think refined breakfast food that incorporates authentic hawaiian flavors at a hip and local diner, whose chef worked at the French Laundry and starred on Top Chef.

I ordered the Breakfast Congee, a slow simmered rice porridge with soft poached local egg, greens, crispy bacon, tamari glaze, toasted spices + seeds. It was incredible.

2. Goofy Cafe & Dine: A strange name, a hidden location, but so worth finding. With an open-air, surfer vibe, they pride themselves on using local and organic food when possible.

Their menu is feel-good healthy without being boring. The farm fresh omelette I ordered was fantastic. Made with avocado, charred corn, spinach, local goat cheese and served with greens + brown rice. We also enjoyed dinner, but I preferred the breakfast.

3. Rainbow Drive-In: It’s not one bit fancy, but completely delicious. We went to this original drive-in after our sunrise hike at Diamond Head to refuel. I wanted to order the traditional loco moco, but the gravy had wheat flour, so I went with the classic egg and rice plate. And it totally hit the spot!

4. Leonard’s Bakery (pictured at top of this post): The famous home of the Portuguese donut, a soft and puffy Malasada. The friends in my group absolutely loved these, and couldn’t stop talking about the fried dough, just lightly sweet and custard filled.

Best Places to Eat on The North Shore of Oahu

This gorgeous, slow paced area is all about the food trucks and roadside stands. Definitely spend a day exploring! Haleiwa is the main town, with one road that takes you along the coast through surf country, the mountains, and ocean.

1. Matsumoto Shaved Ice: Nostalgia! Since 1953, Matsumoto’s has been making their famous shaved ice in a zillion different flavors. And honestly, no snow cone you’ve had on the U.S. mainland can compare.

It’s reminiscent of fluffy snow, super soft and icy.

2. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: Garlic.Scampi.Shrimp and rice…. so simple, so good. And the constant line of people is there to prove it. The shrimp is incredibly juicy and flavorful.

You’d be wise to get there as soon as they open at 11am for an early lunch, otherwise you’ll probably wait about 40 minutes, but worth every minute.

3. Sunrise Shack {roadside}: In case you were wondering if bullet proof coffee and all the superfood trends like collagen, maca, ashwaganda, etc. the answer is yes – but only here. Pull up to the stand and you’ll see a few Vitamix’s, fresh fruit, and coffee accessories ready to make you something deliciously healthy.

We went for these papaya bowls, with local honey + granola, bananas, nut butter, cacao nibs, goji berries, and blueberries. Ultra refreshing.

Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu:

1. Helena’s Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you shouldn’t judge a restaurant by it either. Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you’ll find Helena’s, she’s been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. I ordered the Kalua Pig with cabbage and Luau Chicken (like a slow simmered green coconut curry}. Amazing. Do not miss this spot. Cash only, most likely a wait.

2. Waiahole Poi Factory: All the dishes available at Waiahole Food Factory are inspired by the food you would find at a traditional Hawaiian Luau. They’ve created a place that shares Hawaiian culture through food while supporting farmers by maintaining an agricultural presence to nourish vital Hawaiian agricultural traditions. Their works plate has it all; Laulau, Kalua Pig, Chicken Long Rice, with choice of Beef Luau OR Squid Luau and choice of Rice OR Poi. Includes Lomi Salmon and Haupia.

3. Mud Hen Water: Hawaiʻi-born chef Ed Kenney’s modern interpretation of traditional Hawaiian food, and it’s fabulous. The biscuit + mapo gravy is a delicious brunch item they feature, and their version of a charcuterie plate called a “Seaboard”, featuring an assortment of locally caught fish. And don’t miss the Miso Butterscotch Rice Pudding!

4. Moku Kitchen: Great locally-sourced restaurant where their specialty is cooking over an open fire, rotisserie style. Including the most amazing “roasted vegetable” plate ever. It had cauliflower, brussels sprouts, corn, peppers, butternut squash…. just perfect. The burger was also excellent, with grassfed Hawaiian beef. And most importantly, crispy fries.

5. Dean & Deluca: Definitely not a local restaurant, as I’m sure many of you know of them here on the mainland, but their prepared foods, cheeses, and deli are amazing. Located just a short walk from Waikiki Beach, we picked up dinner and had a picnic as we watched the sunset. It was absolutely perfect.

And…….. with that, you can probably see that you won’t go hungry in Oahu. I know I didn’t cover everything, but this is what we were able to make it to in 7 days. Seek out local food, your tastebuds will thank you!