The third-largest island of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is bustling with attractions to enjoy and restaurants to try. When it comes to narrowing down which restaurant to dine at, how do you know the good ones from the bad ones? There are several incredible eateries on this island, but there are a few that are simply outstanding. Luckily for you, we have curated those restaurants into a list of 15 incredible restaurants in Oahu that you cannot miss.
Try out these hot spots in Oahu:
MW Restaurant
If a picture truly could speak 1,000 words, we have a pretty good feeling of what this one would say. MW Restaurant serves creative Hawaiian fare and cocktails like rum with lime, sugar, and raspberry. Grab a dessert like lemon meringue and load up on crab cakes and lobster rolls. The service at MW Restaurant is one that can’t be compared to most places. Friendly servers and fast service make this location a truly special one.
Hoku’s
At the Kahala Hotel & Resort, Hoku’s is a contemporary American seafood experience starring executive chef Jonathon Mizukami that offers a true Michelin-starred treat. Hoku’s offers flawless service as well as truly creative plate presentation. Try out a grand tasting: an eight-course journey. Enjoy the tasting of vegetables: another eight-course meal full of vegetarian cuisine. Not that hungry? The four-course menu that you map out yourself. Taste some lobster grenobloise or some roasted cauliflower to start off the night! You won’t regret coming to this restaurant and tasting the full experience.
Seven Brothers
Seven Brothers is an eatery with several locations on the Hawaiian Islands. Although the service has mixed reviews, the food certainly stays consistent with people’s praise about the flavors this restaurant has to offer. If a burger with grilled jalapeno, bacon, swiss cheese, onion rings, and spicy blue cheese ranch sounds good to you — this is the spot for you. Truly creative and inventive flavors that you wouldn’t think about in a regular day, try out some of the best burgers on the island of Oahu.
Senia
Gather around and share a meal with your friends and family. Senia is located in Honolulu and is a thrilling restaurant with creative plates that you simply cannot get anywhere else. Blackened broccoli with almond and apricot, potato gnocchi, and venison chitarra are just a few menu items that Senia has to offer. The textures and flavors of each dish surely delight and the service at this establishment will have you raving about it to all of your friends.
Beach House at the Moana
Island-inspired classics are waiting at the Beach House at the Moana. Head to your table as you look out into Waikiki Beach and soak up the sun radiating through the open columns and windows. There is a 3-course and 4-course option that will no doubt fill you up by the end of your dining experience. The ambiance here is something to be admired as the open veranda and courtyard are booming with business. If a Maui beet salad and lobster risotto sound up your alley, head on over to this Beach House.
Hy’s Steakhouse
In the heart of Waikiki, Hy’s Steakhouse offers some of the finest quality beef on the island. A frequent anniversary stop, watch the steaks being cooked over Hawaiian wood and taste the unique flavors of Oahu. The menu includes items such as; seared Kauai prawns, pasta primavera, alae salt-roasted prime rib, beef wellington, and more. Come here for a romantic ambiance, outstanding service, and delicious entrees.
Orchids at Halekulani
A perfect brunch spot, Orchids at Halekulani defines coastal Italian cuisine with a Hawaiian flair. Catch views of Diamond Head and taste the wonder of baked pastries and cakes. The view and ambiance alone are something to write home about, but the food is the perfect cherry on top of an unforgettable meal. Not only are the views and food amazing, but the service is truly a delight and extremely efficient. From items like grilled octopus gallega style and goat cheese raviolini to vanilla bean pancakes and Atlantic smoked salmon, you can’t go wrong by visiting Orchids.
House Without Key – Halekulani
Did someone say sunset cocktails? Listen to Hawaiian music underneath the orange-colored sky as you sip on delicious drinks full of rum and passion fruit! Wanting to get a little something to eat? The sunset cocktail menu at House Without a Key includes bites like poke and a charcuterie. Dine by the century-old Kiawe tree and enjoy the outdoor/indoor patio lifestyle on the island.
Istanbul Hawaii
Exciting grand Turkish cuisine is waiting at Istanbul Hawaii. Looking up this restaurant, you’ll probably find a plethora of reviews announcing their praise for this unique restaurant. Some would even say it’s some of the best Turkish food across the United States. The service is excellent and the meals are mouthwatering. Eat menu items like za’atar potatoes with tzatziki or lamb tenderloin shish and then indulge in one of their craft cocktails!
Kalapawai Cafe & Deli
Kalapawai Cafe & Deli is truly a favorite among locals and tourists alike. A family business built from a historical site, Kalapawai Cafe & Deli is a staple in Oahu. A few different locations are scattered throughout the island, but each menu will excite you as you come across items like sesame soba noodles and hot pastrami sandwiches. You will not be able to get enough of these fresh ingredients.
Chef Chai
This Asian fusion restaurant invents some of the most creative plates in Oahu. Chef Chai, named after the owner, fuses Hawaiian ingredients with flavors of Asia. This place is so good, you won’t be able to pass up the thai style oxtail with spicy lemongrass broth and Chinese celery. In fact, it is so good that Chef Chai has a link to every celebrity that has dined in his establishment… and trust us… it is a lot! A must when it comes to visiting Oahu, indulge in a true 5-star dining experience.
Azure
The food, incredible… the ambiance, even better. Dine oceanfront by candlelight at Azure in Oahu. A four-course dinner selection with optional wine pairings, try out tasty items like poached scallops or snake river farm wagyu striploin. Azure is also vegetarian-friendly, not limiting your dietary restrictions. If you’re looking for freshly caught fish, this is the spot for you. At 5:30 am, the Honolulu fish auction commences and they handpick the best that the auction has to offer. You will not regret a stop at Azure.
The Pig and the Lady
Inspired by Vietnamese sensibilities, The Pig and the Lady is a true innovative restaurant. You’ll find this restaurant frequently at the top of the best restaurants of Oahu list, and it is not an exaggeration. Taste the wonders of some delicious pho, burmese tea salad, and black truffle ricotta cavatelli. These options will make you want to take home the restaurant with you.
Koko Head Cafe
Island-style brunch meets Honolulu at Koko Head Cafe. This unique restaurant combines flavors that you wouldn’t think of alone and creates it in an exciting dish perfect for special occasions. Try some cornflake french toast or some dumplings all day wong. Interested in some freshly baked pastries? Try out the cinnamon roll of the day with an inventive twist. You won’t find a menu more original than the one at Koko Head Cafe.
La Mer
A Forbes 5 star restaurant, La Mer is one of the best fine-dining experiences on the island. A culinary celebration awaits as you order items such as; duck foie gras with red beet and onions with popcorn or poached lobster with a swirl of tomato chorizo and squid ink gnocchi with chorizo cream sauce. The fine-dining experience that outweighs every other fine-dining experience, this restaurant is superb for any special occasion and fancy night out.
Oahu does not lack incredibly unique experiences when it comes to dining. In fact, there are several more restaurants that truly stand out as well. When it comes to dining and finding the best eats of Oahu, you will never have a hard time.
