Honolulu Restaurant Guide

Although it was once a well-kept secret, Helena’s isn’t much of a secret anymore. Known as one of the best spots on the island of Oahu for Hawaiian cuisine, you can expect a wait at Helena’s. Part of the appeal is the eatery’s legacy, Helena’s has been open since 1946, and people continue to return time and time again to this still-excellent local favorite. Try the pipikaula short ribs or order one of the set menus to get all the fixings with your meal, including rice or poi, lomi salmon, raw onions, a side of salt, and haupia to finish.

Before poke became a mainland craze, Ono Seafood was already perfecting it. This beloved hole-in-the-wall on Kapahulu Avenue has been serving some of Honolulu’s freshest poke since 1995, using never-frozen ahi and recipes created by founder Judy Sakuma. Make sure to try the shoyu ahi, their most popular style, tossed with sesame oil, chili pepper, and green onions. Or go for a combo bowl to sample two flavors, like the spicy ahi with fish roe alongside the rich miso ahi. Every bowl comes with rice and a complimentary drink. Ono Seafood is counter-service and takeout only, making it a perfect grab-and-go stop after hiking nearby Diamond Head.

If there is one thing you must try while in Honolulu, it’s poke. There are plenty of great places to sample the island’s poke, but you will want to head to Maguro Brothers. Their authentic version of poke highlights the fresh fish and is tossed to order with minimal seasonings of salt, limu, shoyu, and onion. You can expect a line in Waikiki after they open. However, the Chinatown location is far less busy and stays open until the early afternoon. Additional menu favorites include ahi belly and chirashi with grilled hamachikama.

You might have heard of The Pig and the Lady’s famous ph​​ở French dip. This eatery was one of the first on the island to serve this version of ph​​ở and still serves up, arguably, the best version. The sandwich is only available for lunch, but it’s also worth stopping by for their braised brisket-stuffed creation with a side of phở broth for dipping. You’ll love the atmosphere in the new Kaimukī dining room, which features a mural by a local tattoo artist. The fusion of Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian ingredients combine to make incredible fusion dishes like Escargot en Croute wrapped in a flaky pastry envelop and the Bun Cha Hanoi  a vermicelli noodle dishes that will have you wanting more. If you love sweets, save some room for the soft serve swirl.

Lucky Belly is loved by locals for its fantastic cocktails and gigantic bowls of noodles with a modern twist. This popular fusion ramen bar is known for savory broths and trendy small plates with offerings like pork belly buns and oxtail dumplings. Make sure to dig into a bowl of ramen, complete with sesame seeds, green onion, ginger, a soft egg, and dried seaweed. Add the exceptional oxtail wontons and togarashi shrimp with house made kimchi to spice things up a bit. You’ll love the atmosphere if you dine in, but Lucky Belly also offers takeout.

If you want to experience the true soul of Hawaiian cuisine reimagined, Mud Hen Water is the place. Tucked along Kaimuki’s charming Waialae Avenue, this laid-back neighborhood gem serves inventive, locally sourced dishes meant to be shared family-style. The chicken long rice croquettes with Japanese curry sauce are a must-order, it’s crispy, comforting, and unforgettable. Try the sausage and clams in lemongrass coconut broth and finish with the kiawe bean brownie topped with black sesame gelato and macadamia nut brittle. Make reservations ahead of time, as this beloved local favorite fills up quickly.

Roy’s has been an institution in Honolulu for many years. The chefs here utilize the freshest local ingredients, bold Asian spices, and European sauces; and focus on fresh seafood for a mouthwatering menu you will love. Often packed with food-savvy visitors and residents alike, Roy’s has become known for classics like smoked Szechuan baby back ribs or blackened ahi with soy mustard butter sauce. Local favorites include the miso butterfish and chocolate lava cake. There are also several vegetarian and vegan options, not to mention a fantastic wine list.

Azure serves a dinner to remember at their world-class beachfront location in Waikiki. Located at the Royal Hawaiian Resort, you can enjoy a handcrafted five-course dinner menu created by the talented chef at Azure. Grab a table on the outdoor patio for a fantastic oceanfront dining experience. Although the Azure menu changes seasonally, you can expect a flavorful and delicious cuisine year-round. When dining at Azure, they request that you wear resort or business casual attire to your meal.

Perched on the second floor of the iconic Halekulani Hotel, La Mer is Hawaii’s only restaurant to hold both AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star awards. Chef Alexandre Trancher blends classic French technique with the freshest local ingredients, and trust us, the breathtaking Diamond Head views make this one of Honolulu’s most romantic dining experiences. To start, try the exquisite Poached Maine Lobster with coconut anchovy sauce, then savor the Filet de Bœuf Façon Rossini with foie gras and truffle sauce. Make sure to save room for the legendary Soufflé à la Vanille, served with a trio of decadent sauces. Elegant evening attire is required, and reservations are a must.