Looking for the best places to eat in Oahu? I gotchu! As a frequent Hawaii visitor and former resident, I’m happy to help with anything Hawaii, especially when it comes to food. If it’s your first visit to Hawaii, Hawaiian food mixes several cultures, so I think it’s so delicious. Japanese and Portuguese influences are heavy on the food, in addition to wonderful access to fresh seafood.
If you haven’t already, check out all of my Hawaii posts for inspiration! If you prefer Instagram, you can click here to view all my Hawaii stories, which consist mostly of food.
Paia Fish Market
We’re just getting right into my favorite place ever, Paia Fish Market. If you go to just one from this list, go to Paia Fish Market in Waikiki. I first discovered Paia Fish Market in Maui, as their original store is out there. If you enjoy seafood, you’re welcome, and thank me later! You’ll definitely think this is the, if not one of the best places to eat in Oahu.
I highly recommend the chargrilled Ono (pictured here) plate. I always get french fries because even the fries are delicious there, and so is the coleslaw.
Monkeypod Kitchen
Monkeypod is a fan favorite (saving the ‘cult favorite’ phrase for the next one..) and gets extremely busy, so make reservations via OpenTable at least a week in advance! It’s a chill-vibe restaurant with an assortment of food selections.
My three recommendations are the Macnut Crusted Fish (pictured above), the Lilikoi Foam Mai Tai, and any of the pies!
Leonard’s Bakery
Ok, so this is the actual cult favorite in Oahu. Leonard’s Bakery for the malasadas (aka Hawaiian donuts). If you’ve never had a piping hot malasada from Leonard’s, did you even visit Hawaii? Don’t get fooled by other restaurants and shops that sell malasadas! Not even I thought there was a difference, but once I tried Leonard’s, I realized the hype was real. Very real.
I don’t know how I got so lucky and stumbled in when there was no line (0 people, zip, seriously) but expect a wait. Once we ordered, a huge line had formed, and from watching the line, it seemed like they were going fairly quickly.
I enjoy the classic malasada with no filling, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. As seen in the picture, we ordered half a dozen of whatever assortment of flavors they had that day.
Foodland
Yes, Foodland is a grocery store equivalent to, let’s say, a Safeway or Albertson’s. The difference is that they’re local to Hawaii and have the best assortment of Hawaiian products and brands.
First, go straight to the seafood section for the poke. They have rows and rows of freshly made poke, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. It’s fresh and tasty; if the locals love it, you know it’s good.
Second, head to the bakery. They have mochi cake, ube cupcakes, you name a Hawaiian dessert, it’s there.
We usually head straight to Foodland for water, groceries, poke, baked goods, and snacks before even arriving at the hotel. Because it’s a local grocery store, the prices are lower and more reasonable than a hotel mini shop or even the ABC Stores.
Island Vintage Coffee
Island Vintage Coffee has been and will always be one of my favorite coffee shops of all time. In fact, when I was in Japan last month, I was so thrilled to see them in Harajuku! I know their acai bowl is the highlight for many, but I would actually say the coffee, and breakfast plates steal the show. Although, look at this acai bowl; how can you say no? It’s tasty and fresh, and I can’t say no to the lilikoi topping. If you can, try the breakfast plate and definitely grab their Macnut Latte!
P.S. If you’re a Kona coffee lover, you must grab a bag, albeit pricey, to bring back home! We always take a few home.
Koa Pancake House
Koa Pancake House may be second on my personal best places to eat in Oahu list. On my last trip, I discovered Koa Pancake House and went 3 times in 1 week! I would say it’s largely untouched by tourists since it’s not in the most convenient area (for tourists). The Ube Pancake was a hit, and yes, pay the extra dollar to sub the white rice for their fried rice! My stomach just growled at me for thinking about Koa Pancake House, and I can’t wait to go back.
Beastside Kitchen
Beastside Kitchen is a popular food cart turned restaurant. I randomly found them on our way home from snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and so glad I did. Sometimes you find the best places unexpectedly! When we went, they were still in their soft opening stage but by the time you’re reading this now, I’m certain they’re up and running.
You must try their garlic shrimp and guava BBQ dishes! It comes with a ton of rice, furikake on top, and slices of fresh Maui onions (mmmm). Speaking of furikake, the Furikake French Fries were something else (in a good way)! Just keep in mind their portions are HUGE!
McDonald’s
I got so much crap when I put McDonald’s on my 10 Best Maui Food Spots post (which amassed over 2 million visits!), but I don’t care! McDonald’s in Hawaii (and especially in other countries) has different and local menu items that are delicious. For example, in Hawaii, McDonald’s has the Haupia Pie (pictured above) and the Ube Pie that is to die for. They also have breakfast plates with Spam and Portuguese sausage and rice with soy sauce – YUM!
Kalapawai Cafe and Deli
Since we were staying in the Ko’Olina area the last time around, it was a good excuse to find restaurants closer (Ko’Olina is about 30-40 minutes away from Waikiki) to the hotel. The town next door, Kapolei, is where we found the delightful Kalapawai Cafe and Deli. It had amazing reviews but mostly a drool-worthy menu, so we had to try it. The Guava BBQ Ribs (pictured above) and the Ube Pie Squares were our favorites! The Guava Beer I had was so different and fun, too (and I’m not a beer drinker)!
Kalapawai Cafe and Deli is also in the same lot as a shave ice spot we loved (check it out here), so you can treat yourself twice!
Tropic Poke
I was debating whether or not to add Tropic Poke to the list, but I truly enjoyed it, so I figured, why not? Think Chipotle, but for Poke! It’s a fast-casual restaurant, and the one we went to was in Ko’Olina by Monkeypod Kitchen. We wanted a quick lunch, and this was the perfect spot! The poke was fresh, the rice was good, and the price was reasonable. I wish we had this in LA!
Pancakes and Waffles
In a constant search for the best places to eat in Oahu, especially breakfast foods, we found Pancakes and Waffles. We were on our way to hike the Diamond Head trail and needed a hearty meal. The Loco Moco with fried rice blew my mind. The French Toast plate was also perfect for that savory and sweet! And of course, we had to get a side of Portuguese Sausage.
Shave Ice
When in Rome, correct? Lucky for you, I actually have a 5 Best Shave Ice in Oahu post right here, so you can take your pick…or try all of them! This one pictured was one of my favorites, though. It’s Uncle Clay’s House of Love’s Matcha Shave Ice. It has matcha syrup, condensed milk, red bean, mochi balls, and vanilla bean ice cream! YUM!
Do you think these are the Best Places to Eat in Oahu? Are you excited about any of them? Anywhere I should try next time? Let me know in the comments below!
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