The 10 Best Eats on the Island of Oahu
1. Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Local Eats)
Serving traditional, Hawaiian food since 1946. This family-owned business is in my opinion the crown jewel of Oahu. From their juicy short ribs (pipikaula) to their savory luau squid, this place never disappoints. This is a place that gets packed from open to close, so keep in mind that there will most likely be a line out the door-but definitely worth the wait!
2. Marugame Udon (Budget Eats)
Please send noods…and make sure they’re from Marugame! This local Japanese restaurant serves up made-to-order, hand-crafted udon bowls with a plethora of tempura items (shrimp, sweet potato, chicken, etc) to choose from. Prices range from $6-12 a bowl.
3. Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering (Best Poke)
With so many options to get poke bowls on the island, Taniokas takes the cake. This spot was recommended to us by our friend, a local, and fellow foodie, as the best spot for poke bowls in Honolulu! The fish is always fresh and the poke is served on a lukewarm (very important) bed of seasoned sushi rice. This is the holy grail for poke bowls and sets the standard for all the future poke you plan to eat on the island! Also, the lines here are also pretty long, and they do close early at 2 pm, so plan ahead!
4. Uncle Clay’s Pure House of Aloha (Shaved Ice)
The best way to cool yourself off in the Hawaiian heat is with a flavorful bowl of shaved ice, drizzled with fruit syrup, and topped with chunks of mango, Tahitian vanilla ice cream, and sweet red beans. I really enjoyed Uncle Clay’s because I like their use of natural homemade fruit syrups and locally made ice cream. It’s a dessert MUST in my opinion!
5. The Sunrise Shack (Healthy Snacks)
The Sunrise Shack has been on my foodie bucket list FOREVER! Located on the side of the road, this cute little shack offers shaded palm trees, smoothies, avocado toast, and of course, acai bowls! For the most healthy-ish option, the Acai bowls here, are ripe with fresh fruits, nuts, and other delicious toppings. They are super nutritious and refreshing and the presentation is almost always Instagrammable!
6. Leonard’s Bakery (Iconic Treats)
The malasadas are Hawaii’s favorite fried treat. The origin of these deep-fried, custard-filled, sugar-dusted donuts is from Portugal! Make sure to mix and match the fillings (chocolate, guava, and custard) to sample the variety! It’s a destination marked on every foodie’s list when stopping in Oahu and for good reason!
7. .Deck (Brunch Vibes)
If you’re on the hunt for brunch with a beautiful backdrop, then this place is for you! This rooftop restaurant has an incredible, unobstructed view of Diamond Head. Great music plays a huge role in creating the ultimate brunch vibes. Not to mention the food is pretty stellar. We recommend getting the mimosa flight to get you started!
8. XO Restaurant (When you want to be fancy, but on a budget)
My experience at XO was beyond what I could have imagined! This not-so-hidden gem offers fine dining vibes on a tight budget. You get these creatively, plated dishes for the price of $72 (if you choose the tasting menu-which is WORTH IT). Chef Kenny Lee takes you on a journey with every bite, not to mention it never gets dull here as the menu changes every three months! We highly recommend eating family-style so that you can sample more dishes.
9. Signature Steak House (Fine Dining with A Panoramic View)
If you are looking to splurge, this is the high-end restaurant to do it at. With panoramic views of Honolulu, a live pianist, and even better food, what’s not to love about this place?? I’ve come here on a few different occasions and got to see how the space looked during a spectacular sunset, followed by a beautifully lit cityscape. Well, not surprisingly, the food here equally matches the view and the sides are just as amazing! The restaurant delivers a typical steakhouse menu with notable items such as rib-eye steak, lobster mac ‘n cheese, and truffle mashed potatoes. Word on the street is they have the best happy hour on the island!
10. 53 By the Sea (Fine dining with an Ocean Front View)
This place was a pure dream! Justin surprised me with a special dinner here and I was ecstatic (lots of points go to him btw)! The decor was elegant, and the ambiance set the tone for a very romantic evening. My favorite dish was the honey macadamia nut shrimp which was a combo of sweet and savory. Overall, if you enjoy dressing up, fine dining, and ocean views, come to this spot! Hack: Make sure you take a picture in front of the fancy staircase at the entrance (see about us page)!
