10 Best Restaurants In Kailua, Oahu | Food Lover’s Paradise

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Kailua, in this post, we will give you the local grinds. 

With its stunning beaches, lush mountains, and vibrant community, Kailua has become a popular destination for visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian experiences.  

But the beautiful town also offers a diverse culinary scene you cannot miss. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best restaurants in Kailua offers, from upscale dining to local favorites and everything in between.

Top 10 Best Restaurants in Kailua

Baci Bistro 

This Italian restaurant is known for its great food and excellent service. The menu features classic Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and risotto. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The wine list is impressive and includes a wide selection of Italian wines. 

The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, which provides a beautiful view of Kailua town.

Kono’s

This restaurant specializes in barbecue, and it is famous for its delicious ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. The restaurant has a casual, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for families with children. The menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, and sides. 

The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Nico’s Kailua

This seafood restaurant offers fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes, including poke bowls, fish tacos, and grilled fish. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. The outdoor seating provides a beautiful view of Kailua Bay. 

The restaurant also offers a happy hour menu with discounted drinks and appetizers.

Lemongrass Vietnamese and Thai Cuisine 

This restaurant offers a variety of Asian fusion dishes, including pho, curry, and stir-fried noodles. The restaurant has a modern, sleek decor, perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. 

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Cinnamon’s Restaurant Kailua 

This brunch spot offers a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict. The restaurant has a casual, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for families with children. 

The outdoor seating provides a beautiful view of Kailua town. The restaurant also offers lunch and dinner items, including salads and sandwiches.

Uahi Island Grill 

This restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food inspired by Hawaiian, Asian, and American cuisine. With its 4.4-star rating, Uahi Island Grill is a go-to spot for those seeking a satisfying meal in Kailua. 

The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as burgers, salads, and seafood, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Customers have praised the restaurant’s friendly service and reasonable prices, making it a great option for families and groups.

Yamas Mediterranean Cuisine 

With its airy setting and a 4.6-star rating, Yamas Mediterranean Cuisine is a must-visit restaurant in Kailua. The menu features authentic Mediterranean dishes, such as gyros, hummus, and falafel, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

Customers have raved about the quality of the food, noting that the portions are generous and the flavors are well-balanced. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal in the sunshine.

Easy ‘Que 

This restaurant has a 4.6-star rating and offers a fusion of Southern-style BBQ and Asian cuisine. The menu includes pulled pork sandwiches, brisket fried rice, and Korean BBQ chicken wings. 

Customers have praised the restaurant for its unique and flavorful dishes, as well as its friendly service. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

Over Easy 

This 4.7-star-rated New American restaurant offers a brunch-inspired menu that includes classics such as pancakes and omelets, as well as more unique dishes like avocado toast and crab cake benedict. 

Customers have praised the restaurant for its creative and flavorful dishes, as well as its friendly service and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, making it a great spot to enjoy brunch in the sunshine.

22 Kailua

This sushi restaurant boasts a 4.8-star rating and offers a variety of sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. Customers have praised the restaurant for its fresh and delicious sushi, as well as its attentive service. 

The restaurant also offers outdoor seating and a cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot for a date or night out with friends.

Best Restaurants In Kailua: Dining Tips for Kailua

To make the most of your culinary adventure in Kailua, consider the following tips:

• Reserve a table in advance, especially at popular restaurants and during peak travel seasons.
• Don’t be afraid to ask locals for their recommendations. They often know hidden gems that aren’t widely advertised.
• Be prepared to try new dishes and flavors. Kailua’s culinary scene is diverse, and you might discover a new favorite!

Top 12 Best Dishes to Try in Kailua, Oahu

Kailua’s culinary scene boasts a wide range of flavors and dishes that cater to various tastes. Here’s a list of must-try dishes to experience the essence of Kailua’s food culture:

Mahi Mahi

A popular fish in Hawaiian cuisine, mahi mahi is a versatile and delicious seafood option. You’ll find it prepared in various ways, such as grilled, blackened, or encrusted with macadamia nuts. Mahi mahi dishes can be found in many Kailua restaurants, from casual beachside grills to upscale dining establishments.

Spam Musubi

This beloved Hawaiian snack, perfect for a quick dinner on-the-go, consists of a slice of grilled Spam, seasoned rice, and a sheet of nori (seaweed). You can find spam musubi at local convenience stores, food trucks, and some restaurants in Kailua.

Lau Lau

Lau Lau is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from pork, fish, or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and cooked in an underground oven (imu). This tender, flavorful meal is usually served with rice, poi, or sweet potatoes, making it a satisfying dinner choice. Look for lau lau at local Hawaiian restaurants or luaus in Kailua.

Saimin

Saimin is a comforting noodle soup with Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino influences. This dish features thin egg noodles, savory broth, and various toppings like green onions, fish cake, and char siu pork. Saimin is a popular dinner choice in Kailua and can be found at local noodle shops and restaurants.

Hawaiian-Style BBQ

Enjoy a taste of the islands with Hawaiian-style BBQ, which often features dishes like huli huli chicken, kalbi ribs, and teriyaki beef. These grilled meats are typically marinated in sweet and tangy sauces and are served with rice and macaroni salad.

You can find Hawaiian-style BBQ at food trucks, roadside stands, and restaurants throughout Kailua.

These dinner-type meals showcase the diverse flavors of Kailua’s culinary scene, making them perfect additions to your must-try list during your visit to Oahu.

Poke

This iconic Hawaiian dish features fresh, raw fish, usually tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. You’ll find numerous poke variations, including some with avocado, seaweed, or even mango. 

Be sure to sample this local favorite at one of Kailua’s poke shops or restaurants.

Kalua Pork

Slow-cooked in an underground oven called an imu, kalua pork is a tender and flavorful dish typically served at luaus. This smoky, succulent pork can be found at many local restaurants, often accompanied by rice and macaroni salad.

Shave Ice

A refreshing treat on a warm day, shave ice is a Hawaiian classic made from finely shaved ice and flavored with a variety of syrups. Head to a shave ice stand in Kailua and customize your icy creation with flavors like passion fruit, guava, or li hing mui.

Loco Moco

This hearty local dish consists of a bed of rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and rich brown gravy. Loco moco is a filling and satisfying meal, perfect for refueling after a day of outdoor activities.

Malasadas

These Portuguese-inspired doughnuts are a popular dessert in Hawaii. Deep-fried and coated in sugar, malasadas are often filled with tropical fruit jams, custard, or chocolate. Visit a local bakery in Kailua to enjoy this sweet treat.

Acai Bowls

For a healthier option, try an acai bowl, a blend of frozen acai berries topped with granola, fresh fruit, and honey. These nutritious and delicious bowls can be found at various cafes and smoothie shops in Kailua.

Huli Huli Chicken

This grilled chicken dish, marinated in a tangy, sweet sauce, is a local favorite. Huli huli chicken is often found at roadside stands, food trucks, and family gatherings, making it a delicious and authentic taste of Kailua.

As you explore Kailua’s culinary landscape, don’t hesitate to try these delectable dishes that showcase the island’s unique flavors and rich cultural heritage. Happy eating!

From upscale dining to local favorites, Kailua’s culinary scene offers something for everyone. 

Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch, or a delicious breakfast, you will surely find it in this picturesque town. So go ahead, indulge your taste buds, and experience the best restaurants in Kailua offers!

Best Restaurants In Kailua: FAQs

What are your favorite dishes to try at the best restaurants in Kailua? 

Share your recommendations in the comments!