Epi-Ya Boulangerie & Patisserie
Honolulu
Grab a pair of tongs and fill up your platter with pastries, ham rolls and myriad other treats fresh from the oven (we bought a loaf of their superb…
Must-see restaurants in Oʻahu
Oʻahu
After a tough day at Hanauma Bay, do as former president Obama has done (attested to by photos of Obama modeling a Kokonuts Shave Ice T-shirt) and drop…
Honolulu
Buried in Kekaulike Market, you wind your way around vegetable and seafood vendors to this little stall in the back. Everything is spare and sparkling,…
Honolulu
In the charming old YWCA Laniakea building opposite 'Iolani Palace, Cafe Julia is a gem. Named after Julia Morgan, one of America's first female…
Honolulu
This place at the top of Kapiʻolani Blvd racks up best breakfast gold medals in local culinary awards. Expect to queue to get in for the legendary lineup…
Windward Coast
Superb plate lunches can be enjoyed at tables inside and out at this super-casual (but not shack-like) local eatery. The beach is a short walk away; get…
Kailua
Locals reading the paper or petting their dogs at the blue-checker-clothed tables are the norm at this legendary cafe. The famous lilikoʻi (passion fruit)…
Windward Coast
One of the Windward Coast's best food trucks, this one is set near beaches and is surrounded by lush plants. There's also a nice shady picnic area. The…
Kailua
Cool off with a Lanikai Lime or Banzai Banana shave ice at Island Snow, which serves up some of the best shave ice on Oʻahu; it's creamier than most. A…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Held in the lower parking lot at Mililani High School, this popular market doesn't see too many tourists. There's everything you'd expect to find at a…
Haleʻiwa
At the back of the town’s karmically cool health-food store hides a popular vegetarian-friendly deli. Breakfast is served all day, lunch is hot plates,…
Kailua
An excellent addition to the local farmers-markets lineup, this one lasts all morning. Wake up with local coffee and browse fresh foods, prepared foods,…
Oʻahu
This Big Island import is known for its microbrewed beers, especially the Longboard Lager, the Pipeline Porter and the Big Wave Golden Ale. There's live…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Black Sheep makes craft ice cream in small batches daily. Every unique flavor has a kitschy name. Brave a single scoop ($4.50) of I Like Pig Butts and I…
Haleʻiwa
Nestled amid the sea of food trucks on the main street in Haleʻiwa, this cute little crepe shop operates out of a vintage Volkswagen selling both savory…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
This excellent poke place is in the Gateway at Mililani Mauka shopping center, just off the H-2 on Meheula Pkwy. Load up here for a picnic of incredible…
Waikiki
This plate-lunch legend draws legions of locals and tourists from Waikiki. Wrapped in rainbow-colored neon, it's a throwback to another era. Construction…
Waikiki
If it's 3am and you're famished, skip the temptation for a cold $25 burger from room service (if you have room service) and drop by Waikiki's best all…
Waikiki
Oʻahu’s most elegant Sunday brunch spread covers all the bases, with a made-to-order omelet station; a buffet of poke, sashimi, sushi and salads; and a…
Honolulu
Market-fresh salads and sandwiches made with Oʻahu-grown ingredients, a decent selection of wines by the glass and tropically infused desserts make this…
Waikiki
Three generations at Haili’s have been cooking up homegrown Hawaiian fare since 1950. Locals shoehorn themselves into kid-friendly booths and tables, then…
Waikiki
The crowds are proof: people love Pioneer Saloon's Japanese-fusion plate lunches, with dozens of choices from grilled ahi to fried baby octopus to…
Waikiki
Azure is the signature restaurant at the Royal Hawaiian Resort. Seafood fresh from the market is celebrated in the bouillabaisse, and simplicity is the…
Honolulu
Sleek bistro tables are packed elbows-to-shoulders at this arts-district noodle bar, which crafts hot and spicy Asian-fusion bites, knockout artisanal…
Waikiki
At the luxury Halekulani resort, La Mer is rated by traditionalists as Waikiki’s top fine-dining destination. A neoclassical French menu puts the emphasis…
Honolulu
A charming locally owned hole-in-the-wall in Pearl City Shopping Center, Sadie's specializes in authentic Korean eats. Mouthwatering choices include loco…
Waikiki
This contemporary incarnation of Roy Yamaguchi’s island-born chain is perfect for a flirty date or just celebrating the good life. The ground-breaking…
Waikiki
For colonial atmosphere that harks back to early-20th-century tourist traditions, enjoy afternoon tea here. It comes complete with finger sandwiches,…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Like a food truck, only there's no truck. This family-run legend hidden deep in a commercial complex turns out memorable Hawaiian food, including pork…
Waikiki
Overlooking the stylish pool at the Surfjack Hotel, this open-air bistro has a well-imagined casual and comfortable menu of classics, such as burgers,…
Waikiki
Why drive all over Oʻahu looking for favorite local foods when you can get many of them right here. Fittingly owned by the iconic Rainbow Drive-In next…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Inside a small, breezy green plantation-style house surrounded by fast-food joints, this cafe looks like it belongs in the Caribbean or Key West. The…
Honolulu
After a high-profile solo run, maverick chef (and namesake) George Mavrothalassitis has paired up with chef Jeremy Shigekane to continue creating avant…
Waikiki
Step inside this fantastic gourmet deli and bakery for take-away roast pork loin and citrus jicama (yam bean) salad, perfect for a beach picnic. Outside…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Fans of this mini-chain line up for manapua (Hawaii version of Chinese-style steamed or baked buns) stuffed with anything from char siu (Chinese barbecued…
Windward Coast
Mike and his legendary yellow food truck have moved up the coast to Kahuku. You can't miss the vehicle, emblazoned with the words 'Winna Winna Chicken…
Honolulu
The original store of this mini-chain dates to the 1940s – and looks it. The shave ice here is old-style: sliced powder fine, then flavored with an array…
Honolulu
An originator of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Merriman's serves comfortable fare with island and Asian accents. Dishes are 90% locally sourced. Regular menu…
Honolulu
Seafood yes, but Young's also serves up plenty of locally beloved kalua pork, chicken and beef with the popular plate lunches that it's been dishing up…
Waikiki
Why go to Tokyo for perfect pork tonkatsu when you can enjoy the lightly breaded bits of deep-fried pork goodness right here near Waikiki Beach? The…
