Best Restaurants In O‘ahu

There’s an enormous supply of things to do and see on the island of O‘ahu in Hawaii. Whether it’s surfing some big waves at one of the dozens of different beaches, or taking a look at the beautiful wildlife and plants across the landscape, you’ll never run out of things to do under the sun.

Best Restaurants In O‘ahu

This includes food! There’s a great variety of restaurants to choose from, suiting whatever type of food you’re in the mood for. But what are the best restaurants in O‘ahu?

Well, Spotlight Hawaii has got the answers for you! In our helpful guide below, we’ll introduce you to the very best restaurants in O‘ahu, giving you a great range of places to eat next time you’re wandering the island. Read on!

The Best Restaurants In O‘ahu

Mahina And Sun’s

If you’re looking for seafood, Mahina and Sun’s is a brilliant destination. The kitchen here offers a great range of local and sustainable seafood, which is all part of the restaurant’s drive to promote the country’s culture: its people, its places, its food. 

However, don’t worry if you’re not looking for fish – there’s plenty else to choose from! With three food menus catering to different times of day, there’s a treat of different dishes to enjoy.

From small plates of chicken wings and kalua pork tacos, to big meals of taro burgers and hot dogs, you won’t be lacking for choice.

On top of that, there’s a variety of pizzas you can enjoy, or a “Lanaia Sassy Greens” salad if you want something greener. It’s a lovely restaurant with a great message about Hawaiian culture. 

You can make reservations here

Address: 412 Lewers Street, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 am-10 pm

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Senia

While there may be a few expensive prices at Senia, you’re certainly paying for quality – and there’s still plenty of more than affordable food on the menus. For starters, you can enjoy some beignets (lovely deep-fried pastries) or chickpea crackers. 

For the main meal, you’ll be spoiled for choice, although the prices are a bit higher. If you’re in the mood for something doughy and full, then potato gnocchi will suit you.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a big meat dish then terrine of confit duck or venison chitarra will be good choices. And if you want seafood?

Then sea scallops with parsnip, Bartlett pear, and vanilla will be a delicious option for you. On top of all this, there are large sharing dishes available, as well as a handful of fun desserts – coconut with white chocolate, anyone?

You can make reservations here

Address: 75 N King Street, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 5:30-9:30 pm

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Sushi Sho

This isn’t just regular sushi. Sushi Sho was founded by one of Japan’s most experienced and skilled sushi chefs, so the quality speaks for itself. It’s a relatively private restaurant too, with only 16 seats available at any one time.

Though this means the prices can be a little on the more expensive side, there’s a great range to justify it. The menu is full of omakase-style meals, with over 40 different types of fish, all paired with a range of seasoned rice.

On top of that, there’s a selection of tasty sakes available to complement the meal.

You can make reservations here

Address: 383 Kalaimoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 5-10:30 pm

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook

Best Restaurants In O‘ahu

The Pig And The Lady

This extremely popular restaurant has an enormous range of food to match, with regularly changing menus and food that comes from all over specific traditions – Southeast Asia and Vietnam. 

Dishes come in a few different categories. For rice dishes, you can have a Vietnamese Bo Luc Lac, featuring beef tenderloin, or a fried fish curry full of Vietnamese and Indian spices.

On the other hand, if it’s noodles or soup that you’re in the mood for, then there’s a good range too. Their signature spiced beef broth, Pho 75, is an essential choice, with steak and herbs in the mix.

On the other hand, you can try Bun Thit Nuong, with its pork belly and shrimp, or a simple dish of anchovy garlic noodles. Sides and starters are also available.

You can make reservations here.

Address: 83 N King Street, Honolulu, Hi 96817, United States

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30 am-2:30 pm then 5:30-9:30pm

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Azure

This restaurant receives great reviews from happy customers, and it’s easy to see why. With a menu set into four different courses, from starter to dessert and everything in between, there’s lots of choice. For starters, you can enjoy a beet salad.

When it comes to the second course, options include poached scallops. If you’re a vegan, though, don’t worry! Each course has a dedicated vegan option, such as “poached heart of palm” for this, or seared tofu for the next course. 

Speaking of the next course, meat eaters can enjoy some pan-seared kona or some striploin. With dessert, you can choose between a tart and a cake – that is if you’ve got room after the wonderful selection before!

You can make reservations here.

Address: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hi 96815, United States

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 5:30-8:30 pm

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

This restaurant has been serving O‘ahu for almost 80 years, and it’s stayed in the family! The menu is delicious and very affordable, which speaks to the restaurant’s enduring popularity over the years.

For one, you can get Kalua Pig in three different sizes. If that’s not your pick, then beef stew or tripe stew is also available, as well as luau chicken. On top of that, you can get short ribs in pipikaula style, which is listed as the “U.S. Choice”!

The fish range is excellent too, with options of lomi salmon or opihi. On top of those, you can buy a fried or boiled butterfish collar. And for something sweet to finish it all off?

Haupia is their dessert of choice, which you can again buy in different size servings: from half a pound to a whole pan’s worth!

The food here is delicious and inexpensive, and the restaurant has understandably won awards over its impressive and long history. 

They don’t take reservations, unfortunately, so turn up early!

Address: 1240 N School Street, Honolulu, Hi 96817, United States

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-7:30 pm

Social Media: Instagram

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! If you’re in O‘ahu and looking for a restaurant to eat at, there’s something for everyone. Use our list to find what suits you, and enjoy the meal!

If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy our article on ‘A Guide To O’ahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center‘.

Richard Ennis