We’ve put together the best food spots in Honolulu, Hawaii. You can see our methodology here.

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1. Marukame Udon

Try the: Curry Udon

“Marugame Udon provides hand crafted udon bowls, tempura, katsu sandos and beverages from a theater kitchen, allowing guests to watch as food is prepared. Our udon noodles are made to order so that we are sure that you are getting the best tasting Japanese food on the planet. Whether you are a new guest or a regular you should check out our menu because we like to keep it exciting.”

2. Leonard’s Bakery

Try the: Malasadas

“In June 1882 the British sailing ship ‘Monarch’ brought Arsenio and Amelia DoRego from San Miguel Island, Portugal to Maui, Hawai’i under contract to work the sugar cane fields. Some 33 years later, their grandson Leonard was born. In 1946 Leonard and his wife Margaret moved to Honolulu with their daughter Diane, age 8. Leonard worked at Snowflake Bakery until he founded Leonard’s Bakery℠ in 1952.

Leonard and Margaret were no strangers to hard work, both coming from very large families. The bakery prospered. Not long after opening, Leonard’s mother suggested making malasadas for Shrove Tuesday – a Portuguese tradition. Although thinking it may be too ethnic, Leonard’s bakers complied. Malasadas were a huge hit. And, the appetite for malasadas in Hawaii was born.”

3. Duke’s Waikiki

Try the: Kimos Original Hula Pie

“It’s what you came for – authentic Waikiki. You are invited to experience old Waikiki at Duke’s, the world-famous restaurant named for our favorite son, Duke Kahanamoku. It is Waikiki as it should be. But don’t take our word for it, just ask the locals. Duke’s is where they take their friends and family from out of town. With Diamond Head in the distance, you can overlook the spot where Duke rode his largest wave – a 30 foot swell named Bluebird from outside Castles – as you sit on the original site of the Outrigger Canoe Club where Duke reigned the beach. Our staff invites you into our ohana (Hawaiian for family) as we offer delicious original Hawaiian-influenced cuisine, a generous helping of Aloha spirit, and one of the most famous views found anywhere.”

4. Rainbow Drive-In

Try the: Mix Plate

“Seiju and Ayako’s philosophy was to serve plates with generous portions of hearty, simple food with two scoops of rice and a side of macaroni salad at a reasonable price. This continues to be the restaurant philosophy today.

Rainbow Drive-In was fortunate to be featured on shows such as The Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, CBS’ Hawaii 5-0 and more recently, on Netflix’s Terrace House and CBS’ Magnum PI. They have also received accolades such as the Star Advertiser’s Best Diner and Honolulu Magazine’s Best of the Best Loco Moco and Cheap Eats.

After receiving national and international recognition, they saw an increase in both local and visiting diners and during their 56th year in business, they opened their second Rainbow Drive-In location in Kalihi. Rainbow Drive-In continues to expand, with their openings in Pearlridge, Ewa Beach and Waipahu.”

5. Tikis Grill & Bar

Try the: Coconut Shrimp

“Tiki’s Grill & Bar is Waikiki’s locally owned and operated independent restaurant destination. We provide a casual American and Pacific-Rim menu with flavors of the islands, using fresh local produce. We also offer lanai seating with beautiful sunset views of the famous Waikiki Beach.”

6. Musubi Cafe Iyasume

Try the: Spam Musubi

“We make(Nigiru) our Musubi(Rice ball) by using delicious Koshihikari Rice and they are all handmade. We serve and spread Omotenashi (hospitality) to the locals of Hawaii and tourists that is beloved both by local communities and around the world.”

7. Nico’s Pier 38

Try the: Fish and Chips

“Nico’s Pier 38 is a seafood restaurant located pierside on Pier 38 just off Nimitz Hwy in Honolulu, Hawaii. We proudly boast the freshest fish on the island and being located next to the fish auction, we can deliver our promise. Customers can dine on the harbor and watch the fishing boats that bring it all in. We offer a value experience during the day with cashiers and gourmet plate lunches in “green” styrofoam plates, we have our own fish market with a poke bar and our home smoked fish. A night we offer full service with a full bar and “plein air” dining by harbor lights. If fish is your passion, please check us out.”

8. Ono Seafood

Try the: Poke Bowl

“Since our humble beginnings in 1995, we have built a family legacy serving the best ahi & tako poke our hands could create. Taking the freshest ahi & the finest tako, blended with our secret sauces we offer our poke. We are a tradition, not a trend.”

9. Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Try the: Haupia

“In 1946, Helen Chock opened the doors to Helena’s Hawaiian Food, a humble eatery on North King St. in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Over the past 64 years Helena’s Hawaiian Food has been serving the local community quality Hawaiian cuisine. In 2000, the James Beard Foundation awarded Helena’s Hawaiian Food the Regional Classic Award. Helena’s is one of a handful of restaurants in Hawaii to receive this distinctive award. After nearly 55 years, the restaurant was relocated to its current location on 1240 N. School Street.

Helena’s remains the simple and unpretentious eatery it was over 6 decades ago. The restaurant is now run by Helen’s grandson, Craig Katsuyoshi.”

10. Liliha Bakery

Try the: Butter Rolls

“Liliha Bakery is a full-service bakery and diner that has built a loyal following since opening its doors in 1950. Since day one, Liliha’s commitment to baking fresh cakes and pastries with local ingredients has been of utmost priority. Experienced bakers who have been with the bakery for up to 40 years, honor the same time baking methods- making sure that all baked goods are made from scratch.

In 2014, Liliha Bakery opened a second location on Nimitz highway. In March of 2019, Liliha completed its trifecta and opened a location at the Ala Moana Center on the third floor of Macy’s.”