Curator’s statement
Oahu’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering everything from food truck garlic shrimp to farm-to-table fine dining. Whether you’re craving a traditional plate lunch, fresh poke or malasadas from a legendary bakery, there’s no shortage of incredible eats. Local flavors blend Hawai'ian, Japanese and other global influences, making every meal an experience. This guide highlights the best spots to grab a bite in each region of Oahu, from hidden gems to iconic must-tries. Come hungry and leave happy!
The Fora Difference
Book with Alyssa to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Alyssa to book your trip.
Where to eat in Honolulu & Waikīkī
Breakfast & coffee
Hau Tree – Beachfront spot known for relaxed brunch with island flavors and fresh ingredients.
Better Daze – Trendy café with health-conscious dishes and colorful smoothie bowls.
Island Vintage Coffee – Famous for Hawai'ian coffee and their amazing açaí bowls.
YogurStory – Popular brunch spot with ube pancakes and local-inspired dishes.
Liliha Bakery – Famous for the original coco puffs, poi mochi donuts and comfort breakfast food.
Lunch/dinner
Podmore – A stylish restaurant known for its elevated brunch and craft cocktails, using locally sourced ingredients.
Monkeypod (Mai Tai) – Farm-to-table dishes and the best mai tais on the island.
Roy’s Waikiki – A Hawaiian fusion favorite known for fresh seafood and flavorful sauces.
Fête – Trendy bistro serving modern American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
Beachhouse at the Moana – Elegant oceanfront dining with a focus on fresh seafood and prime steaks.
Snacks & treats
Henry’s Place – A small, old-school spot offering fresh fruit, homemade ice cream and simple snacks.
Waiola Shave Ice – Ultra-fine shave ice with flavors like lilikoi and li hing mui, since the 1940s.
Leonard’s Bakery – Home of the iconic malasadas — Portuguese-style fried doughnuts filled with custard.
Where to eat in Windward Oahu (Kailua & Kāneʻohe)
Breakfast & coffee
Island Brew Coffee House – Waterfront café known for 100 percent Hawai'ian coffee locally grown and a relaxed atmosphere.
Boots & Kimo’s – Known for their banana macadamia nut pancakes covered in a mac-nut sauce – said to have the best pancakes on the island.
Over Easy – Farm-fresh twists on brunch classics in a chic café setting.
Lunch/dinner
Local Boy Sushi – Best poke on the east side, offering fresh and flavorful sushi options.
Nalu Health Bar & Café – Healthy eats with açai bowls, sandwiches and fresh juices.
Snacks & treats
Lanikai Juice – Try their “Kailua Monkey” smoothie (banana, peanut butter and chocolate) or a pitaya (dragonfruit) bowl.
Where to eat on the North Shore
Breakfast & coffee
Sunrise Shack – Tiny but an absolute must-try for smoothie bowls and refreshing tropical drinks.
Ted’s Bakery – Legendary North Shore bakery known for its chocolate haupia pie.
Haleʻiwa Bowls – Health-food shack with açaí bowls topped with granola, fresh island fruits and local honey.
Lunch/dinner
North Shore Tacos (Sharks Cove) – Tasty, fresh fish tacos with a great view near the beach.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – A famous food truck, drawing crowds for its garlic butter shrimp scampi. It’s a North Shore bucket-list meal!
Kahuku Farms – Farm-to-table café serving fresh produce, smoothies and paninis.
Haleiwa Joe’s – Amazing prime rib or furikake-crusted fish while overlooking a tropical garden pond – go early, as they don’t take reservations and to catch the sunset.
Snacks & treats
Matsumoto Shave Ice – Famous North Shore shave ice with dozens of flavors and toppings (or try Aoki’s or Waiālua Shave Ice for shorter lines).
Where to eat on the West Side (Kapolei & Leeward Coast)
Breakfast & coffee
The Birds Nest Coffee – Small specialty coffee shop serving high-quality espresso and creative drinks like the Ko'olau coconut latte.
My Café – A breakfast hotspot famous for its ube pancakes – fluffy purple yam pancakes topped with ube glaze.
Egg ‘n Things (at Ko Olina Station) – Offers breakfast favorites like macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup in a resort setting.
Lunch/dinner
Boston's North End Pizza – Serves huge, thin-crust slices with classic New York-style toppings.
Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering – A legendary local deli known for some of the best poke on the island and fried chicken.
Off the Hook – Poolside eatery with a tropical bar menu serving tacos and fish sandwiches.
Snacks & treats
Sugah Daddeh’s – For amazing funnel cakes and fried deserts.
Need to know
Oahu’s food scene is a must-experience part of any trip, and I can help you find the best spots for every craving. Whether you’re after local favorites, hidden gems or fine dining, I’ve got the inside scoop — or I can help you pair your meals with nearby activities and unique places to stay to make your trip even better!
Travel Advisor
Alyssa Brigidi
Get in touch with Alyssa
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Alyssa within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Oahu page.