11 Best Dinners in Honolulu: Where To Find The Best Dinner In Honolulu 

Are you ready to discover the 11 best dinners in Honolulu? 

As outdoor enthusiasts, we know that the thrill of adventure isn’t just about scaling mountains or riding waves. 

It’s also about diving into the local culture and cuisine. 

So, let’s embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Honolulu, where the food is as vibrant and diverse as the island’s landscapes.

The Magic of Honolulu’s Culinary Scene

When you think of Honolulu, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the pristine beaches, the lush hiking trails, or the exhilarating surf spots. 

But have you ever considered the city’s culinary scene? 

It’s a melting pot of flavors, where East meets West, and traditional Hawaiian fare meets modern gastronomy.

Why Dinner in Honolulu is an Experience

Dinner in Honolulu isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s the feeling of a warm aloha welcome, the taste of fresh, local ingredients, and the sight of a stunning Pacific sunset as you dine. 

It’s the sound of live Hawaiian music filling the air, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. So, are you ready to explore the best food Honolulu has to offer?

The 11 Best Dinners in Honolulu

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #1 Duke’s Waikiki 

Next up is Duke’s Waikiki it’s a tribute to the aloha spirit and the surfing legends of Hawaii. 

Named after Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing and an Olympic swimmer, this beachfront restaurant embodies the laid-back, fun-loving vibe of Waikiki.

Located right on the sands of Waikiki Beach, Duke’s offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures. 

Whether you’ve spent your day hiking the verdant trails of Oahu, catching waves on your surfboard, or exploring the local shops and attractions, there’s no better place to relax and refuel than Duke’s.

As you step into Duke’s Waikiki, you’re immediately enveloped in a casual, beachy atmosphere. 

The open-air setting allows you to enjoy the balmy sea breeze and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, creating a dining experience that’s quintessentially Hawaiian.

When it comes to food, Duke’s Waikiki shines with its fresh, locally-sourced seafood. 

The menu is a celebration of the island’s bountiful ocean, featuring a variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy any seafood lover. 

From the fresh fish tacos to the Huli Huli chicken, every dish is prepared with care and served with a side of aloha.

One of the standout dishes at Duke’s is the Macadamia Nut Herb Crusted Fish. This dish features a fresh catch of the day, crusted with macadamia nuts and herbs, and served with a delicious lemon butter sauce. It’s a must-try for any seafood enthusiast.

But the culinary delights at Duke’s don’t end with the main course. 

The restaurant is also famous for its Hula Pie—a decadent dessert made with macadamia nut ice cream, a chocolate cookie crust, whipped cream, and a rich chocolate fudge topping. 

It’s the perfect sweet treat to end your meal.

In addition to its fantastic food, Duke’s Waikiki also offers a range of tropical cocktails that capture the essence of Hawaii. 

Whether you opt for a classic Mai Tai or try the signature Duke’s Blonde Ale, you’re sure to find the perfect beverage to complement your meal.

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #2 The Pig and the Lady: A Fusion of Flavors

The Pig and the Lady is a culinary gem in the heart of Honolulu’s bustling Chinatown. This family-run restaurant offers a unique fusion of Vietnamese and Hawaiian cuisine, creating a menu that’s as diverse and vibrant as the city itself.

The restaurant’s name pays homage to the family matriarch, affectionately known as “the lady,” while the “pig” represents the family’s playful approach to food. 

This sense of family and fun permeates the entire dining experience, from the warm service to the innovative dishes.

One of the standout items on the menu is the Pho French Dip, a creative twist on the traditional Vietnamese soup. 

This dish features tender brisket served on a baguette, with a side of pho broth for dipping. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s a must-try for any food lover.

But the culinary delights at The Pig and the Lady don’t end with the main course. 

The restaurant also offers an array of delectable desserts, including their famous soft-serve ice cream. 

With unique flavors like Vietnamese coffee and coconut pandan, it’s the perfect sweet treat to end your meal.

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #3 Roy’s Hawaii: A Taste of the Pacific Rim

Roy’s Hawaii is a culinary institution in Honolulu, known for its exceptional Pacific Rim cuisine. 

Founded by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, a pioneer of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement, this restaurant offers a dining experience that’s a delight for the senses.

The menu at Roy’s Hawaii is a testament to Chef Yamaguchi’s creativity and passion for food. 

Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, combining fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with bold Asian flavors to create a unique culinary experience. 

From the Misoyaki “Butterfish” to the Hibachi Grilled Salmon, every item on the menu promises a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate.

But the culinary adventure doesn’t end with the main course. 

Roy’s Hawaii also offers an array of delectable desserts, including the famous Pineapple Upside Down Cake. It’s the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #4 Helena’s Hawaiian Food: A Taste of Tradition

For a taste of traditional Hawaiian fare, head to Helena’s Hawaiian Food. This family-run restaurant has been serving up authentic Hawaiian dishes since 1946, earning it a well-deserved spot on our list of the 11 best dinners in Honolulu.

The menu at Helena’s is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Hawaii. 

From the Kalua Pig, slow-cooked to perfection, to the Poi, a traditional Hawaiian staple, every dish is prepared with care and served with a side of aloha.

But the culinary delights at Helena’s don’t end with the main course. 

The restaurant also offers an array of delectable desserts, including the famous Haupia, a coconut milk-based dessert that’s the perfect sweet treat to end your meal.

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #5 MW Restaurant: Modern Hawaiian Cuisine

MW Restaurant offers a modern take on Hawaiian cuisine, creating a menu that’s fresh, innovative, and exciting. 

Founded by husband-and-wife team Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka, this restaurant is a testament to their passion for food and their commitment to showcasing the flavors of Hawaii.

The menu at MW Restaurant changes seasonally, ensuring that every dish features the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. 

From the AhiPoke Nachos to the Mochi Crusted Fish, every item on the menu is a celebration of Hawaiian flavors with a modern twist.

But the culinary delights at MW Restaurant don’t end with the main course. 

The restaurant is also famous for its desserts, crafted by pastry chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka. 

Her creations, like the Tropical Fruit Creamsicle Brûlée, are the perfect blend of innovation and tradition.

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #6 Marukame Udon: A Taste of Japan in Honolulu

Craving Japanese food? Marukame Udon serves up the best udon in town. This popular restaurant is known for its fresh, handmade udon noodles and its variety of delicious broths.

At Marukame Udon, you can watch as the udon noodles are made fresh right before your eyes. 

The noodles are then cooked to perfection and served in a flavorful broth of your choice. 

From the classic Kake Udon to the spicy Curry Udon, there’s something for everyone at this Japanese eatery.

But the culinary delights at Marukame Udon don’t end with the noodles. 

The restaurant also offers a variety of tempura options, from shrimp to sweet potato, that makes the perfect accompaniment to your udon.

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #7 Ono Seafood: Fresh, Fast, and Delicious

For the freshest poke bowls in town, visit Ono Seafood. 

This hole-in-the-wall spot may be small, but it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its fresh, flavorful poke.

At Ono Seafood, you can customize your poke bowl to your liking. 

Choose from a variety of fresh, locally-sourced fish, and then add your choice of delicious toppings and sauces. 

The result is a bowl packed with flavor and freshness that’s sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #8 Hau Tree Lanai: Dining with a View

Hau Tree Lanai is a hidden gem nestled in the Kaimana Beach Hotel, offering a dining experience that’s as breathtaking as the surrounding landscapes. 

With its prime beachfront location, this restaurant provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxing meal after a day of outdoor adventures.

As you step into Hau Tree Lanai, you’re greeted by a serene, tropical ambiance. The restaurant is named after the iconic Hau tree that provides shade for the outdoor dining area. 

As you sit under its sprawling branches, you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the sound of waves lapping against the shore, creating a dining experience that’s quintessentially Hawaiian.

When it comes to food, Hau Tree Lanai shines with its fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The menu is a testament to the bountiful ocean surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, featuring a variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy any seafood lover.

Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, combining fresh ingredients with traditional Hawaiian flavors to create a unique culinary experience.

One of the standout dishes at Hau Tree Lanai is the Fresh Island Ahi Poke. 

This traditional Hawaiian dish features fresh, locally-caught ahi tuna, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. 

It’s a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of island cuisine.

Another must-try dish is the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi. This dish features fresh mahi mahi, crusted with macadamia nuts and served with a delicious tropical fruit salsa. 

It’s a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to showcasing the flavors of Hawaii in innovative ways.

But the culinary delights at Hau Tree Lanai don’t end with the main course. 

The restaurant also offers an array of delectable desserts, including the famous Hau Tree Lanai Coconut Cake. 

This dessert features layers of moist coconut cake, filled with coconut pastry cream, and topped with a generous layer of whipped cream and toasted coconut. It’s the perfect sweet treat to end your meal.

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #9 Koko Head Cafe: Island-Style Comfort Food

Koko Head Cafe is a brunch hotspot, but their dinner menu is equally impressive. 

Founded by Chef Lee Anne Wong, a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef, this restaurant offers a unique take on island comfort food.

The menu at Koko Head Cafe is a blend of Asian and Hawaiian flavors, creating dishes that are comforting yet exciting. 

From the Koko Moco, a local take on the classic Loco Moco, to the Poke Tacos, every dish is a celebration of the diverse flavors of the islands.

Best Dinner in Honolulu: #10 Senia: Fine Dining with a Local Twist

Senia is a fine dining restaurant that combines local ingredients with modern techniques. 

Founded by chefs Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush, this restaurant offers a culinary experience that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition.

The menu at Senia changes regularly, reflecting the chefs’ commitment to using the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. 

From the Charred Cabbage with Polynesian Sauce to the Kona Kampachi Crudo, every dish is a testament to the chefs’ creativity and passion for food.

But the culinary delights at Senia don’t end with the main course. 

The restaurant also offers an array of delectable desserts, including the famous Chocolate Cremeux. It’s the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.

Best Dinners in Honolulu: #11 Side Street Inn: A Local Favorite

Side Street Inn is a beloved institution in Honolulu, known for its generous portions, delicious comfort food, and the warm aloha spirit that permeates every aspect of the dining experience. 

This casual, laid-back restaurant is the perfect place to unwind after a day of hiking, surfing, or exploring the vibrant city.

Located off the beaten path, Side Street Inn is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s unassuming exterior belies the culinary delights that await within. 

As you step into Side Street Inn, you’re greeted by a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home.

The menu at Side Street Inn is a celebration of local flavors, featuring a variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. 

Each dish is prepared with care, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to ensure the highest quality.

One of the standout dishes at Side Street Inn is the Kalbi Ribs. 

These ribs are marinated to perfection in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to order, resulting in a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. 

It’s a must-try for any meat lover.

Another local favorite is the Fried Rice. This dish features a medley of rice, vegetables, and meat, all stir-fried to perfection. 

It’s a simple yet delicious dish that perfectly encapsulates the comfort food ethos of Side Street Inn.

The restaurant also offers an array of delectable desserts, including the famous Bread Pudding. 

This dessert features a rich, custard-soaked bread baked to perfection and served with a side of creamy vanilla ice cream. 

It’s the perfect sweet treat to end your meal.

his dessert features a rich, custard-soaked bread baked to perfection and served with a side of creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect sweet treat to end your meal.

So there you have it—the 12 best dinners in Honolulu. 

Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience that reflects the diverse culinary landscape of this vibrant city. 

Whether you’re a foodie, a couple looking for a romantic dinner, or an outdoor enthusiast hungry after a day of adventure, these restaurants will satisfy your cravings and give you a taste of the aloha spirit.

FAQs

Now that we’ve shared our picks for the 11 best dinners in Honolulu, we want to hear from you. 

What’s your favorite dinner spot in Honolulu? 

Share your experiences in the comments below!