An island in the CentralPacific, Oahu is part of the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also home to the state capital, Honolulu. As part of the Hawaiian island chain, Oahu is home to some iconic beaches like Waikiki and an amazing nightlife area. If you want to spend a vacation on the paradise island, pack your bags and get ready. And no vacation is complete without dining in best places to eat in Oahu.
Oahu island is also home to a historic place for American history. West of the capital, Honolulu, you can find Pearl Harbor, the site of the WWII bombing attack and home to the USS Arizona Memorial.
When you visit Oahu, the dining options and choices are aplenty. From vibrant bars to establishments with amazing ocean views, private spaces, joint offering menus, and more.
In the best places to eat in Oahu, you can try some classic native Hawaiian dishes like poke, poi, Lomi Lomi salmon, Lau Lau, loco moco, and more.
What is Oahu known for?
The nickname for Oahu is Gathering Place. It is the most visited Hawaiian island. Many call it a perfect piece of paradise, known for the state capital Honolulu, the historic Pearl Harbor, the famous Waikiki beach, and the surfing mecca on the North Shore.
When you try to compare Oahu to another island, say Maui, you have to know what you are after. Oahu is more of a place for a cosmopolitan vacation where you enjoy the nightlife, historical and cultural activities, and more.
Maui is more of a romantic island with great snorkeling options and outdoor activities. But here is the best part about Oahu. You can find both Waikiki and Honolulu on it. And every time you visit Hawaii, you can enjoy new best restaurants and try new foods.
With that in mind, let’s check some of the popular options for dining in Oahu.
Best Restaurants in Oahu
The Hibachi
Hibachi is close to one of the underrated gems in Oahu, the Lanikai beach. Most people go to Waikiki, but Lanikai has much to offer as well. Hibachi has a great poke selection. With so many varieties and flavors, you can find one that suits your taste buds the most.
They have fresh poke, and also lunches like BBQ chicken and kalbi plates. You have to try their grilled plates.
And Poke on the mainland and poke on the Hawaiian islands are two different things. Native Hawaiian poke is usually pre-made and marinated in the seasoning for longer periods.
Stripsteak Waikiki
Stripsteak Waikiki is a modern American steakhouse located at the International Market Place. You can find it in the open-air shopping center, meaning it is a place mostly for tourists.
As one of the best places to eat in Oahu, it features a menu of American and Japanese dishes. They change according to the season, so you always get fresh ingredients in your dish.
If you like, you can also eat at the outdoor seating patio for an al-fresco dining experience. You have to try their house specialty, the Lobster Udon Carbonara. The dish comes with parmesan, applewood-smoked bacon, black pepper, and Kizami nori.
Sweet E’s Café
Here is another best place in Honolulu, this one, a casual breakfast joint. Located near Ala Wai Golf Course, Sweet E’s is a charming restaurant with great breakfast choices.
The chic space has very friendly and hospitable staff. You can try sweet and savory breakfast and brunch dishes.
If you are on the sweet side, you have to try their Enchanting French Toast, which is three slices of Hawaiian bread topped with powdered sugar. On the other hand, if you like a savory breakfast, try Lox Bagel, a toasted bagel with smoked salmon, scallions, tomatoes, cream cheese, and onions.
Liliha Bakery
We have to have something different and unique on our list of the best places to eat in Oahu. Not all are restaurants.
Liliha’s bakery has been a staple in Oahu thanks to their Chantilly cake. It is a chocolate cake with rich buttercream frosting.
The bakery has an inside look like a 1950s diner counter. Bonus: you can get a package of their signature jelly or coco puffs for home.
Helenas Hawaiian Food
With a name like Helenas Hawaiian Food, you knew it would be on the list. If you want Hawaiian cuisine that feels home-cooked, then this is the best place to go in Oahu.
Opened in 1946, it is still run by Helen Chock’s family. The Oahu restaurant even won a James Beard award. But they still operate in a classic and homestyle environment.
Some of the best dishes to sample here include Lomi salmon, short ribs, and kalua pig. The salmon has a nice earthy and fresh flavor that will feel amazing with the fattiness of the salmon.
Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp
Go to the North Shore, and ask any local what is the best restaurant to try. Almost all of them will tell you to visit Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp.
The family-run business is a must-visit for newcomers and first-timers on the island. Their signature dish is butter and garlic sautéed shrimp with a generous amount of soft rice, and secret shoyu sauce for dipping.
They serve fresh shrimp and fresh prawns daily. What does that mean is they raise prawns and shrimp on the premise. You can even see the kahuku farms pools next to the dining area.
Waialua Bakery
Waialua Bakery is a bakeshop located just five minutes from the oceanfront in Haleiwa. You can try amazing dishes. Plus, they have a juice bar and a vegetarian-friendly menu.
Here, you can have your lunch at a budget-friendly rate. Their best-selling sandwich is Teriyaki Chicken, with over-roasted teriyaki chicken, avocado, tomatoes, sweet onions, bacon, mayo, lettuce, and sprouts.
If you want to try a salad, order the Hungry Hawaiian Salad. The name is funny, but it is a salad that will definitely make you feel full for lunch.
Poke Bar
Poke Bar in Honolulu is a dining establishment at the Waikiki Beach Walk, a two-level shopping mall. We can say it has one of the best poke bowls on the island. Each bowl is personalized to your needs and desires.
Among the many ingredients, you can choose noodles, rice, tuna, albacore, cucumbers, mixed greens, salmon, octopus, corn, shrimp, kale, tofu, and more.
Fresh Catch
The name says it all. Hawaii is the best place to try fresh seafood. And there is always a fresh supply. Fresh Catch has some of the freshest and tastiest poke on the island.
Order at least ¼ pound to taste and then go with the classic poke bowl, served over a mound of soft Asian rice.
If you feel really hungry, go a step further and order a plate lunch, like the crab-stuffed ahi plate. Do not forget to ask for the red velvet chocolate chip cupcakes. They are a special homemade treat baked by the wife of the owner.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
There are many street food options in Oahu Hawaii. And we recommend Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, where you can try some of the best garlic shrimp on the island.
Giovannis is famous for having more garlic and sauce on top of extra-large shrimp. If you want to try it, go on a weekday after lunch. At that time, the line is much shorter.
Over Easy
Over Easy is a New American restaurant in the waterfront town of Kailua. It is a great place for brunch. They have indoor and outdoor dining options. All of the dishes are creatively presented.
We recommend trying the Kalua Pig Has, a brunch option with Lomi tomatoes, green goddess, Kalua pork, cilantro, and farm-fresh eggs.
For your children, order Keiki Breakfast.
Seven Brothers
Seven Brothers in Kahuku is a place you can go with your travel buddies. If you want to take a break from beachfront fun and other tourist activities, go to Seven Brothers to enjoy a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.
Their signature dish is the Spencer Burger. It is a hand-held favorite with grilled jalapenos, bacon strips, blue cheese ranch, homemade onion rings, and melted Swiss cheese.
If you are on a vegetarian diet, we recommend Keep the Country, a dish with mushrooms, avocado, pineapple, Swiss cheese, and a special sauce.
Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha
Aloha is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, and compassion. Usually, people use it for greeting. But in Hawaii, it is a term used to define a force that holds together existence.
And that is what you get at Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha. This is the best place to try the iconic dessert in Hawaii, shave ice. It is the perfect way to cool down during the summer.
Here, the shaved ice comes in a bowl of delicious fruity syrup topped with many other fresh ingredients.
Matsumoto Shave Ice
Matsumoto is another place that you can try the amazing dessert on the big island.
Matsumoto shave ice started as a grocery store, but has now grown into an institution on the island of Oahu.
Leonards Bakery
Leonards Bakery should be on your list the moment you decide to visit Hawaii. They serve the infamous malasadas that are piping hot and filled with different types of cream.
Malasadas are fluffy, Portuguese-style donuts without a hole. Usually, they are filled with custard, chocolate, and more. At Leonards, you have to try the cinnamon sugar-coated with custard filling.
Because they make them fresh to order, you can always enjoy hot and fluffy donuts.
La Mer
Let’s finish off with an unusual restaurant for Hawaii. La Mer is a 5-star French restaurant located at the Halekulani Hotel, a luxurious resort in Hawaii.
If you want to splurge on fine dining in the best Oahu restaurant, visit La Mer. This high-end local restaurant has a lavish interior with opulent décor and an intimate vibe for your date night or romantic evening.
As for the food, we recommend trying a seafood-based dish. Order Homard Poche, a poached lobster with squid ink gnocchi, chorizo cream sauce, and more.
Once you get to the dessert, splurge for a decadent dessert like the Textures of Chocolate.
Hi, I’m a clinical psychologist and inclined towards best buying practices for home and kitchen things. Critical towards choosing the best product and honest with my feedback. I’m a seasoned writer having more than 4 years of experience in multiple niches as well.
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