St., Lihue, Kauai, (808) 245-3271; Shiros Saimin Haven, 98-020 Kamehameha Hwy., Aiea, Oahu, (808) 488-8824, shiros-saimin.com. Teds Bakery, 59-024 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Oahu, (808) 638-8207, tedsbakery.com. Donburi with salmon sashimi and uni. Alan Wong has crafted everything you could want in a dessert with this one. In fact, it takes special training by the Alan Wongs kitchen staff to make the dessert look so realistic, from molding the chocolate shells to intricately scooping the sorbet. A luau- any luau you attend on the island will offer poi on their buffet. North Shore Oahu is a world-renowned destination for foodies and beachgoers alike. Update: Let Them Eat Cupcakeshas closed for business since publication of this article. What makes shave ice a must eat food in Oahu is the toppings. This burger consists of a beef patty and fried egg on rice and smothered in gravy, Hukilau Cafe was also featured on Man vs Food for their Hukilau Burger. The breathtaking expanse of the Oahu coastline is home to 51 stunning beaches that span over 17 miles. It opened in 1946 and has earned multiple awards. The Sunrise Shack Rainbow Drive-in I-NABA Restaurant Bann Liliha Bakery Musubi Cafe Iyasume Goofy Cafe & Dine Marukame Udon Giovanni's Shrimp Truck Haleiwa Bowls Over Easy The Hibachi Ken's Fresh Fish These were the Oahu restaurants (I tried to group by area) that I had time to eat at and each one was a culinary gem! This comfort dish is found on menus across the Islands, from hole-in-the-wall eateries to five-star restaurants. From its laid-back beach bars to fine-dining establishments, theres something for everyone to enjoy on this beautiful stretch of coast. Among those are Island Princess Factory Store and Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts. Traditionally, malasadas are not filled. The best restaurants in Tokyo, according to us. Snow cones are made with crushed ice while shave ice is, wellmade with shaved ice. I like food so want to try all of these especially the savory Hawaiian pork dumpling. Our waiter (Hilton) was very attentive and refilled our drinks in a timely manner! Plus, this is a beautiful dessertyoull want to Instagram every rounded edge of this work of art before digging into its creamy sorbet. And while youre there, grab some dried ahi, a tub of smoked ahi, and a paper bag of boiled peanuts by the cash register for all-day snacking, and bring your haul for a picnic at the nearby Diamond Head lookout. On the eighth floor of the Ritz Carlton in Waikiki, this open-air Italian bar and restaurant is the perfect place to sink into a cushy and shaded seat to admire the incredible views of the sea and skyline. Along with this specialty, Two Ladies Kitchen makes some of the most obscure mochi and daifuku youll find anywhere. This modest local cafe also caught the attention of the Food Network Magazine. Everything You Need To Know About Hiking in Hawaii, Incredible Horseback Riding Tours in Oahu, Wild California: The Best 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary, Zion National Park: 7 Useful Things to Know Before Visiting, Why You Should Visit Biltmore Estate in the Fall, The Golden Hour Adventurer | Travel Blogger, 15 Restaurants You Must Try on the North Shore in Oahu. Open for brunch and dinner, Nami Kazes menu can feel somewhere between intriguing and overwhelming, with things like lobster yuzu sushi rolls and a teri ahi burger on the breakfast menu. The 21 Best Restaurants In Honolulu, Oahu 2023 - The Infatuation Macadamia nuts were introduced to the Hawaiian islands in the 1800s. You can liken pasteles to the Mexican tamale, but the Puerto Rican pastele skirts the corn masa for grated green bananas mixed in with plantains and yuca or yauta (a corm that belongs to the same family as kalo). Breakfast lunch and dinner in the heart of beautiful Hawaii Kai!Only 10 -15 minutes from Waikiki!Featuring a fresh to order menu made with local ingredients, craft cocktails & mimosas, champagne & wine list, and over 30 beer taps with locally brewed selections. Food was meh. Thats thanks to the airy, light-filled dining room, paved in reclaimed wood, and its patio adorned with colorful murals. Reserve a spot at the bar to soak in the full dark and moody energy, where the bartenders in ties and, yes, leather aprons, shake, stir, and pour smoking cocktails. For haupia with a decadent twist, head to Teds Bakery in Haleiwa. Most breakfast restaurants in Oahu have coconut syrup and they also have guava syrup or lilikoi syrup, which is worth a try! Here are 25 favorite local dishes and drinks . What is your favorite Hawaiian dish? A writer whose words flow where the mountains meet the sea. Neighborhood shops like Kaimuki Crack Seed in Honolulu, Oahu, carry almost 200 varieties including sweet wet li hing mango; honey ume; and so-hot-right-now lemon peel gummy bears. The humble, family-owned bakery is famous for putting out this popular daifuku (mochi stuffed with sweet filling), a fresh, warm pillowy mochi cake stuffed with a whole strawberry surrounded by anko, a red bean paste. This is just what I needed! Check out these 15 Restaurants You Must Try! We started with a wonderful soup, prawn toast and sashimi followed by mahi ma. You dont have to bowl to eat here, but given that youre in a bowling alley, this place is great for groups. I love that Hawaiians try to put it on everything! 1. From luxury resorts to beachfront cottages, there is something for everyone. Where to Eat and Best Restaurants in Oahu, Hawaii, From a Local - Insider Also, many restaurants do not offer straws. As mentioned above, a plate lunch consists of an entree (usually chicken katsu, loco moco, or kalbi shortribs) with two scoops of white rice and one scoop of macaroni salad. Poke (pronounced POH-KAY) means to slice or cut in Hawaiian. This is a review for restaurants in Honolulu, HI: "A nice place to dine as you can pick your own food, cafeteria style. This route takes roughly two hours and costs $2.75 per person per way. The diner, which opened in 1946, features 30 types of the iconic dish. From its breathtaking landscapes to its abundant wildlife and exciting surf culture, the North Shore is one of Hawaiis most iconic destinations. The restaurants house-made miniature pies come in a variety of flavors, some savory and some sweet. They dont take reservations, so youll want to get here early to grab a spot in this cozy cafe decked out in blue and white tones. Its a meal indicative of the Islands melting pot of cultures with a history dating back to the 1880s when plantation laborers would bring their bento-style lunch to work. You can find some budget friendly eats at local farmers markets, food trucks, and daily specials at restaurants. You can find mochi in just about anything including donuts, waffles, truffles, and shave ice toppings! When some people think of eating in Hawaii, they think of a luau, with hula girls and kalua pig with poi. I'm thinking it's more of a drinking spot/bar than restaurant.more, highly recommend this restaurant. Tying the dish together is the housemade demi-glace. In Honolulu, youll find TheBus which has numerous routes going from Waikiki to the North Shore. For a reinvented loco moco on Oahu, theres the braised short-rib loco moco at Moena Caf in the Koko Marina Shopping Center in Hawaii Kai. From snorkeling and surfing to simply lounging on the beach, North Shore Oahu has something for everyone. But there's so much more to the 50th state. best place to watch fireworks? and restaurant recommendation - Oahu You will, of course, find impeccably fresh poke, often at takeout counters and grocery stores, but theres plenty more to explore, like high-end Japanese-inspired restaurants or oceanfront spots to take in the sunset in Waikiki. It consists of raw, salted salmon that is gently massaged. The original is only $3.50 and still one of the most popular. Youll find loco moco topped with tempura kimchi and congee with three types of meat, plus cinnamon-bacon croutons. We shared a lot of food on this trip so we could try more things. Food trucks also line the shoreline try out Haleiwa Bowls for delicious poke bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies packed with local flavor. A plus of the new space is the shaded outdoor seating, carved out of a parking lot, but made charming with bamboo screens and tropical plants. 01 of 13 Best for Fresh Fish: Nico's Pier 38 Ewen Roberts / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 View Map Address 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA 1. Would definitely recommend the freshmore, We're just in Honolulu for a day, wanted a local Mexican restaurant. While Pipeline is a relative newcomer, their fluffy malasadas instantly became a favoritetheyre right up there with popular spot Leonards Bakery. Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored, we paid for all the activities mentioned and all opinions are our own. Best of O'ahu 2022: Food and Drink - Hawaii Magazine Usually, poke is served as a pupu (what does that mean again? Read more about the Best Breakfast in Honolulu and Beyond! Its made with thick sections of your seafood of choice, the most common being ahi or hee (octopus), mixed with different seasonings. 2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826 3113 Mokihana St, Honolulu, HI 96816 SITE / INSTA. Mochi, the sweet Japanese rice cake, is in no short supply in Hawaiiand comes in many diverse forms heremochi ice cream, mochi balls with shave ice, butter mochi (another local-style classic you should hunt down)but the strawberry mochi hailing from Two Ladies Kitchen in Hilo on Hawaii Island is considered a perennial favorite. I mean hearty and savory noodle soup. But with a chef like Mark Ellman at the helm, whos one of the original 12 founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, why wouldnt it? Be prepared to wait outside, this place always has a line during lunch and dinner. "Fun, off the beaten path restaurant. However, Oahu is overflowing with other non-Hawaiian style restaurants and youre guaranteed to find something that you like. On the long stretch of road to Lahaina from Maalaea, grab lunch at Leodas Kitchen and Pie Shop, then save room for dessert. Best Dining in Kailua, Oahu: See 12,922 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 140 Kailua restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. Visiting the Biltmore Estate in the Fall is the best time to explore the largest home in America! Basalt 1577 American (New) Breakfast & Brunch $$Waikiki Coconut syrup is exactly what it sounds like! A Guide to the Best Local Food in HawaiiAnd Where to Find It Across For a sweeter shave ice, get a chocolate version made with Waialua chocolate. I totally recommend.more, Service was not that good. You name it- they probably got it! Poke Bar 208 reviews Closed Now On top of that, appetizers, desserts, drinks, and snacks can be just as expensive, if not more, than your meal. Life-altering fish tacos, poke by the pound, a kimchi Bloody Mary, and more of our favorite things to eat and drink in Maui. Probably won't be going back. And as we all know, knowledge is power! The famous Zippys chili is shrouded in mystery and local lore. SPAM: the canned meat, popular in Hawaii since World War II. D.K Steak House. There are also pot pies, made with chicken, meat and potatoes and even a veggie. The best (in my opinion) are filled with creams, custards, and other flavors. My favorite loco moco is elevated just a smidge with fried rice instead of white! Keep the ocean clean and safe for the honu (sea turtle)! If you get only one mai tai in Hawaii, order it at House without a Key, the beachside bar and restaurant in the Halekulani hotel. 5. Regardless of your fitness level or skill set, there is sure to be a trail for everyone on North Shore Oahu! Be sure to plan a trip to one or all of the coffee farms to learn more about their flavors and history! Luau stew easily falls into the category of Hawaiian comfort foodproof simpler is just better. A short fermentation time consists of a typically sweeter poi, while a longer fermentation consists of a more sour poi. our best food experience in Hawaii. Open in Google Maps. Order one of the sets, so you get all the fixings with your meal: rice or poi, lomi salmon, a side of salt and raw onions, and haupia to finish. Poi is fermented taro root that has been cooked and mashed into a paste. Pack a few of your picking for the road. Waiola, the best shave ice on Oahu! The Golden Hour Adventurer - 2020 , Howdy! What is the main town in North Shore Oahu? The fresh dish consists of chunks of raw, marinated fish, typically tuna, which is then tossed over rice and topped with vegetables and sauces. The Best Food in Oahu, Hawaii - Love to be in the Kitchen Taro Ko Farm, 3940 HanapepeRd., Hanapepe, Kauai, (808) 335-5586. Kalua Pork is juicy, smokey, and tender. (That means delicious food!). So do celebrities like Bill Murray, who has a table in the back just for him. Located near Sunset Beach, Waimea Valley features a variety of vendors who specialize in handmade crafts from all over Hawaii. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. Best of O'ahu 2021: Food and Drink - Hawaii Magazine A must eat dish in Oahu is a loco moco. Wong has even prepared it for President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle during their annual December vacations to Oahu. Even for locals, this scene never gets old. Many of the Hawaiian style restaurants will offer traditional and authentic Hawaiian meals with a twist that dabbles in other international cuisines. The 38 Essential Hawai'i Restaurants - Eater Join the surfers and construction workers refueling at this general store. If youre exploring the island, particularly the windward coast, youll see a few roadside set-ups grilling chicken and the smell will be hard to pass up! The east Honolulu shave ice counter, opened by Uncle Clay Chang and his nephew Bronson, features local strawberries and pineapple. Some of the most popular spots include Haleiwa Store Lots, Waimea Valley, and Haleiwa Beach Park. Top 10 Best restaurants Near Honolulu, Hawaii Sort:Recommended Price Offers Delivery Reservations Offers Takeout Good for Dinner Hot and New 1. RumFire Waikk Bar Leather Apron Best Bakery Leonard's Bakery Liliha Bakery Kamehameha Bakery Ted's Bakery Sugarlina Bakeshop Best Breakfast or Brunch Eggs 'n Things Liliha Bakery Cinnamon's Koko Head Caf Caf Kaila Best Burger The North Shore of Oahu is the place to be! Only negative is the limited parking lot." more. What to Eat in Hawaii: 30 Hawaiian Foods & Dishes to Try (and Love!) ), Ube: very similar to taro. Best Overall Restaurants in Oahu | OpenTable What we like about their poke selection is that there are so many different varieties of poke and flavors. It also transcends culinary barriers, crossing over from holes-in-the-wall in residential neighborhoods to high-end restaurants in Hawaiis luxury resort towns. Its becoming easier to get a bowl of finely shaved ice over which housemade, all natural, locally sourced syrups are generously poured. Below are our suggestions for any palate and where to find the best of the best of the islands must-eat ono grinds. THE BEST Hawaiian Food in Oahu (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Oahu Grill Kaimuki - The Best Hawaiian Food at Oahu Grill in Hawaii Manapua is a Hawaiian version of a bun style Chinese pork dumpling. So, brush up on some terminology before you visit Oahu! The 38 Best Restaurants in Honolulu, Hawai'i - Eater ), Azuki: a Japanese sweet red bean that is usually made into a shave ice topping (I still gag every time I convince myself to give it another chance! For a classic Hawaiian plate, visit the James Beard Award-winning Helenas Hawaiian Food, open since 1946. Here are your 2023 Readers' Choice Awards winners for public markets, farmers markets, food tours, food halls, and fast casual restaurants. Itinerary help - Fri - Thu in late August Jul 14, 2023. The chunky, raw-fish salad makes appearances everywhere, from birthday paina (parties) to casual picnics spent at the beach. This route takes roughly two hours and costs $2.75 per person per way. In business since 1946, it's fair to say Helena's Hawaiian Food has earned the right to only be open Tuesday through Friday. Great food and unique martinis Small restaurant so arrive around opening time if you don't have reservations.more, looking for something on the casual side as a lot of the restaurants in the area can be a little moremore, Pretty good Cantonese restaurant with reasonable prices! The 15 Best Restaurants in Oahu, Hawaii - Hungry Huy As more migrations followed, more ingredients informally entered the mixgreen onions, kamaboko, kimchi, Portuguese sausage, Spamto create the recognizable bowls of saimin you see today. Im so glad this was helpful! Caf Hilo, 969 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, Hawaii Island, (808) 935-8683, cafe100.com; Moena Caf, 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy., Honolulu, Oahu, (808) 888-7716, moenacafe.com. Its literally served everywhere- even at fast food restaurants! Zippys chili is available at any Zippys location around Hawaii, zippys.com. Located a short drive from the airport, Soon's is the perfect first stop in Hawai'i or the place for a great last meal and if you want to be the brave soul who brings kimchi on a plane, I . Even though Koko Head Cafe recently expanded into a bigger space, theres still a line most mornings for its hefty take on local breakfast favorites. Learn about many sights and attractions that span across Hawaii, and get up-to-date information on current local events and latest activities. I am easily starting my must-try restaurants in Oahu list with Helena's Hawaiian Food. Star Noodle, 286 Kupuohi St., Lahaina, Maui, (808) 667-5400, starnoodle.com; Hamura Saimin Stand, 2956 Kress. From iconic surfing spots like Waimea Bay to sweeping shorelines like Sunset Beach, this picturesque region is an ideal place for sun-seekers and beachgoers alike. Pupus: appetizers (yes, we joke about this constantly), Broke da mout: local slang for exceptionally delicious, Imu: traditional large underground steam cooker, Haupia: coconut milk based dessert- usually paired with chocolate. While the traditional dessert is often served at luau (Hawaiian feasts) and Hawaiian food restaurants, the coconut milk concoction has influenced other desserts. Please share and pin for later! This is where 50s-style diners face 20th-century Buddhist temples, where Filipino adobo shares the menu with kimchi fried rice and Chinese chow fun, and where restaurants have soy sauce alongside ketchup in the condiment tray. the set of movies like Jurassic Park and Jumanji). Kathy YL Chan. You can taste how the recipe has been touched by Hawaii historys different immigrant groups, primarily the thin Chinese chow mein-inspired noodles wading in a Japanese dashi broth. However, we agree it is uniquely Hawaiian and is a must eat food when visiting Oahu! Rainbow Drive-In, 3308 Kanaina Ave., Honolulu, Oahu, (808) 737-0177, rainbowdrivein.com. Im Breanna and Im intensely passionate about creativity, outdoor exploration, and food! Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack 327 reviews Closed Now Quick Bites, Seafood $ Menu Very good casual cuisine, friendly staff 20 Hawaii Dishes You Must Try When Traveling to the Islands, Your Guide to Riding Honolulus Skyline Rail System, 22 Hawaii Dishes You Must Try When Traveling to the Islands, Tips on How To Get To Lanikai Beach on Oahu, Hawaii's Rainbow of Cultures and How They Got to the Islands, The 5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu in 2023, Check Out These 5 Unique Cafs in Hawaii, The Buffet Returns to the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. Residents and visitors alike share memories of sipping mai tais while soaking in postcard-worthy views of. (Yes, macaroni and cheese pancakes, you read that right.) Best Hawaiian in Honolulu, HI - Helena's Hawaiian Food, Rainbow Drive-In, Highway Inn Kaka'ako, Aloha Table, Duke's Waikiki, O'ahu Grill, Heavenly Island Lifestyle, Waihole Poi Factory, Sam's Kitchen, Side Street Inn Moke's Bread and Breakfast. Owners Nicole and Eric Chang wanted to create an upscale loco moco, so they swapped the classic hamburger patty for slow-braised beef short ribs. You, too, will feel presidential when eating this crowd-pleaser. And, yes, we included where you can find an excellent mai tai. Order them by the dozen, or just a single bun to throw in your bag, its arguably Hawaiis most portable food. 17 Best Restaurants on Oahu: Honolulu's Most Important - Thrillist I almost dont miss ice cream when I eat aa bowls- shhhh dont tell! While most Zippys locations have cozy booth seating, it also makes for great takeout if youre exploring and driving around the island. Not only that, its the ideal setting for an afternoon glass of white wine or a non-alcoholic lilikoi, peach, and shiso soda. Also featured in: The 38 . Top 10 Best Restaurants Near Hilton Hawaiian Village Shokudo in - Yelp Of course, Oahu also has some of the most picturesque spots for happy hour and cocktails in Hawaii. Diamond Head Health Cove Bar, 3045 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu, Oahu, (808) 732-8744, diamondheadcove.com. Made with a flaky crust, layered dark chocolate custard cream and silky haupia, and generously topped with whipped cream, this pie is as good as it sounds. (and it just wont be the same anywhere else!) Its one of the cafs signature items, and its most popular. Top 10 Best Hawaiian Food in Honolulu, HI - July 2023 - Yelp article continued below . Chewy, gooey goodness. Sign up for my free road trip packing checklist! I love an aa base thats thick, doesnt melt too quickly, and packs a good sweet and tart flavor profile. The Islands local take on traditional Chinese bao, these pillowy white buns filled with sweet char siu pork were brought by the Chinese who immigrated here in the mid- to late-19th century. We gotta be honestit took us a while to warm up to Oahus food scene. Helena's Hawaiian Food serves beautifully plated traditional meals. Heres the restaurants and happy hours they voted as their favorite. support@veltra.com Pretty soon youll be eating paiai like a local. Come here for a selection of comfort food from Hawaiis plantation era, when laborers from around the world brought with them a taste of home. Thats including, but not limited to, pork chops from pigs raised at Kualoa Ranch (a.k.a. Trails range in difficulty from easy walks on flat surfaces to steep hikes that will test your limits. Beef chips are paper thin beef strips, kind of like beef jerky, that melt in your mouth! Honu Seafood and Pizza, 1295 Front St., Lahaina, Maui, (808) 667-9390, honumaui.com. You definitely need to make a reservation, but aim to get a seat at the sushi bar, where you can joke around with sushi chefs as they skillfully slice thick pieces of akamutsu. It has inspired many a trip to the North Shore, sometimes just for a slice. Weekly live music.Liko's Eggs Benedict and Brunch items served until 1pm everyday! Leonard's Bakery 7,885 reviews Open Now Bakeries, American $ 3.5 mi Oahu Excellent donuts and Malasadas, extremely fresh and worth the wait. Honolulu, HI 96815 USA Liliha Bakery, 515 N. Kuakini St., (808) 531-1651 and 580 N. Nimitz Hwy., (808) 537-2488, Honolulu, Oahu, lilihabakeryhawaii.com. North Shore Oahu is a stunning destination featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Traditional Hawaiian poke is the dish at its most simple and pure, seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt, inamona (crushed, roasted kukui nuts mixed with salt) and limu kohu, a variety of seaweed difficult to find anywhere outside of Hawaii. Hawaii has thriving aquatic farms that grow various types of fish, shrimp, prawns, and oysters. Start your day by ordering one of their coffees or another drink. My goal is to inspire you to embrace your adventurous side and experience the joy of Gods earth through my lens. Very nicely priced especially compared to other Waikiki restaurants.more, Great Food! With its laid-back atmosphere and abundance of outdoor activities, its no wonder why so many people flock to this stunning corner of Hawaii each year. Yard House. They make great late-night snacks. For those looking for a more rustic experience, camping sites are plenty near the shoreline or visitors can rent a cabin at one of many campgrounds in the area. Hy's Steak House. They are cooked by steaming, baking, or frying. Witness the iconic North Shore waves or wander around Haleiwa town with its rich history. Depending who you ask, the name is either a shortening of mea ono puaa (delicious pork pastry) or mauna puaa (pork mountain) and whether theyre better baked or steamed is still up for debate decades later. Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian ingredients collide in dishes like baked escargot in a seafood curry sauce, clam and rau ram linguine, and the wrap battle, a ssam-style feast centered on a big hunk of meat. Shrimp is not native to Hawaiian waters. Uncle Clays House of Pure Aloha, 820 W. Hind Dr., Honolulu, Oahu, (808) 373-5111, houseofpurealoha.com. En route, you will drive past some famous landmarks such as the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Helenas isnt much of a secret anymore. THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Honolulu (Updated July 2023) - Tripadvisor However, Kona coffee is actually only grown on the Big Island of Hawaii. One of them is the mai tai, which is unlike any other youll have, with the addition of a raisin-infused rum and absinthe. Try other exciting flavors such as mango, strawberry, and orange! While visiting, youll probably run across various dishes and desserts that use macadamia nuts.