The 17 Best Restaurants in Waikiki Right Now
Waikiki is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and it’s known for its vibrant nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and excellent restaurants. If you are looking for the best places to eat in Waikiki, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we have narrowed down the top picks for the best restaurants on the island at the moment – from cheap eats to fine dining restaurants and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Whether you are looking for a casual beachfront eatery or an upscale sushi bar, there are plenty of dining options.
How did we come up with this list? I’m glad you asked! We researched the best restaurants on the island and consulted locals about their favorite places. We then took it upon ourselves to try the restaurants and make sure we were recommending places of the highest quality.
Without further ado, here are the best restaurants in Waikiki right now:
Best Restaurants in Waikiki With a View
Kicking off our list are the top restaurants with the best views on the island. These restaurants are fun and offer spectacular scenery.
(1) Azure Restuarant and Bar – The Royal Hawaiian
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Location: 2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $$$$
Cuisine: Seafood, Steakhouse
Dress Code: Resort Wear
Hours of operation: Wednesday-Sunday, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where to Park: The Royal Hawaiian offers complimentary parking for the first 4 hours with a $25.00 minimum purchase.
What’s it like?: This restaurant has become the go-to spot for travelers looking for the best views on the island and the best place to catch a sunset. Azure sits right along the Waikiki beachfront, providing awe-inspiring ocean and Diamond Head views.

Azure serves a prix fixe menu (multi-course meal for a “fixed price”) that includes a four-course tasting meal with seafood, short ribs, vegetarian, and other local favorites. They also offer a great selection of craft cocktails and an extensive wine list that includes the famous mai tai.

The four-course dinner costs $130 per person, and you can add a wine pairing for $55 per guest. While Azure is one of the most expensive restaurants on this list, it’s absolutely worth it.


Why we love it: We love that this restaurant is located on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The building is stunning with Spanish Moorish architecture, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The food is delicious, the drinks are creative and well-crafted, and the views of Diamond Head from the restaurant will take your breath away. On top of that, the service is top-notch – they always make sure to take care of their customers.


Azure is an excellent choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion. The atmosphere, the food, and the views are all unbeatable!
While this is one of the most expensive restaurants in Waikiki, it was worth the price for the experience. We will definitely go back to celebrate special occasions.
Read our full review if you want to know more about our experience at Azure.
(2) La Mer
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Location: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $$$$
Cuisine: French
Dress Code: Elegant evening attire. Dinner jackets, long-sleeved collared shirts or Aloha shirts, dress slacks, and close-toed shoes are required for men. Golf shirts or denim are not permitted.
Hours Of Operation: Wed-Sat: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where to Park: La Mer offers complimentary valet parking with validation.
What’s it like?: La Mer is one of Waikiki’s most luxurious and acclaimed restaurants. It’s located at the Halekulani, an iconic beachfront hotel, and it offers stunning views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline.
La Mer has the unique and prestigious claim of being Hawaii’s only Triple-A Five Diamond restaurant, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience. La Mer also obtained a spot in Forbes as a Five Star island-inspired French-style restaurant, so you know you’re in for something unique.
The menu features dishes inspired by different flavors from the south of France. They use local and tropical ingredients to create a unique culinary experience.
La Mer serves two different prix fixe menu options. The four-course menu du Soir and the seven-course menu degustation, along with a la carte and caviar options.
The four-course menu costs $190 per person with a $90 optional wine pairing. The seven-course menu costs $255 with a $125 optional wine pairing.
Why we love it: The ambiance, service, and food quality are why we will return. We love that they use only the freshest ingredients for their dishes and strive to offer a world-class dining experience. The setting at Halekulani is also perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners.
Overall, La Mer is an unforgettable dining experience you will surely reminisce on. With its delicious food, exquisite setting, and attentive service, La Mer is highly recommended, especially if you’re celebrating something special.
(3) Hula Grill
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Location: 2335 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 203, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Hawaiian, Seafood, Breakfast, and Brunch
Dress Code: Casual
Hours of Operation: Daily: 7:00 am – 10:30 pm
Where to Park: Validated valet parking is available at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. $15 for 4 hours. Self-parking is available for $6 at Ohana East for 4 hours.
What’s it like?: Hula Grill is located at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and offers stunning Diamond Head and ocean views from its outdoor seating area. The restaurant’s open-air design provides a casual atmosphere with wonderful “aloha” vibes.

Hula Grill serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. They are known for using only the freshest local ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. We came here for lunch multiple times, and we were impressed. We ordered from both the buffet and a la carte menus, and both were good. The food, the views, and the service are spectacular.

The menu is extensive and features fresh seafood, Hawaiian classics like loco moco and poké tacos, and brunch dishes such as strawberry mochi waffles, acaí bowls, and banana macadamia nut pancakes. They also have extensive beer and wine lists and a kid’s menu.

Why we love it: Hula Grill is one of our favorite spots in Waikiki for its casual atmosphere, stunning views, fresh food, and reasonable prices. The restaurant is excellent for families or large groups, but they also have romantic tableside seating if you’re looking for a special dinner. Compared to most of the restaurants in this section, Hula Grill is more budget-friendly and the main reason we keep returning.
(4) House Without a Key
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $$$-$$$$
Cuisine: Seafood, Bar
Dress Code: Casual resort or beach attire. Cover-up or shirt and footwear are required.
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun: 7:00 am – 10:30 am, 11:30 am – 8:30 pm
Where to Park: Validated valet and self-parking
What’s it like?: Housed in a historic building on the grounds of the iconic Halekulani Hotel, House Without a Key offers stunning views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.
It’s one of the few spots that capture Hawaii’s laid-back vibes with nightly music and traditional nightly Hawaiian performances of former Miss Hawaii winners.


House Without a Key is known for using quality, fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from the Hawaiian Islands that are enhanced with unique flavors. They are also known for their signature Mai Tai cocktail.
They offer an extensive lunch, dinner, Keiki (kids), dessert, sunset cocktail, bar, and pool food menus. They feature dishes using different grilling techniques, brick oven pizza, and lunch carving.


Why we love it: We love House Without a Key for its iconic location, stunning views, quality food, and unique Hawaiian entertainment. The outdoor seating options are lovely, making it a great spot to watch the sunset in Waikiki. The atmosphere is perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings. It’s also great to pop in during the day for lunch and enjoy the spectacular views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Waikiki
Next on our list is a selection of some of the finest dining establishments in town. All the restaurants mentioned above also fit this category, but we will include three more options below.
(5) Roy’s Waikiki Beach
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Hawaiian, Asian Fusion, Bar
Dress Code: Casual
Hours of Operation: Daily: 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where to Park: Validated valet parking at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Beachwalk St: $6.00 Validated parking for 4 Hours.
What’s it like?: Roy’s Waikiki Beach is a fusion restaurant that blends Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Rim influences in its dishes. This is another popular spot in Waikiki, and for a good reason – the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is inviting.

Roy’s offers a three-course prix fixe menu for $70 per person. They also have an a la carte menu you can order from if you don’t want the prix fixe. We highly recommend the prix fixe menu if you are celebrating a special occasion.
I ordered from the prix fixe menu, while Cody ordered from the ala carte menu. We shared our meals, and the staff was friendly enough to bring us extra plates. Both meals were excellent choices, and we were highly impressed. If I had to pick just one fine dining restaurant in Waikiki, Roy’s would be my pick.

We usually order multiple small plates from the a la carte menu when casually dining. Some of our favorites are the crispy zucchini and Okinawan sweet potato bisque.
The service at Roy’s is excellent, as is their extensive wine list. We recommend making reservations in advance to ensure you get a table.


Why we love it: Roy’s Waikiki Beach is an excellent place for a special occasion or a casual dinner. The food is top-notch, and the atmosphere is inviting. Also, we love that Roy’s is cheaper than some of the restaurants mentioned in this article but still provides a fantastic experience.
Tip: if you have a sweet tooth, try the upside-down pineapple or lava cake. You won’t be disappointed!
(6) La Vie
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: 383 Kalaimoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $$$$
Cuisine: French, Lounge, Breakfast, and Brunch
Dress Code: No strictly enforced dress code
Hours of Operation: 7:00 am – 11:30 am daily, Mon-Sat: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where to Park: Complimentary valet parking
What’s it like?: La Vie is a French-inspired restaurant on the 8th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach Hotel.
Their menu is inspired by classic French cuisine with a modern twist that features seasonal ingredients. La Vie is known for using fresh ingredients and local produce sourced from trusted farmers.
The dinner menu consists of two prix fixe options: a three-course menu or the chef’s selection.

The three-course menu is $99, including an appetizer, and entree, with no dessert. There are multiple options to choose from in each course. For example, the options on the entree include the Miyazaki wagyu, Waimea rose veal rossini, and the Sonoma duck.
The chef’s selection is a four-course meal for $115 per person. You can add the $99 beverage pairing or order from the a la carte drink menu.
The main difference between the three-course and four-course menus is that you get a dessert with the four-course. All other options are the same.


La Vie offers a dietary, vegetarian, and pescatarian option and a Keiki (kids) menu. The three-course menu costs $89 per person, while the chef’s selection costs $119 with a $99 wine pairing. The Keiki option costs $18.


For those who prefer breakfast or brunch, they offer an extensive selection of options such as egg white frittata, loco moco, short rib braciole, french toast, and more.
Note: If you are not a fan of eating different kinds of food, we highly recommend skipping dinner and coming here for breakfast. Most of the items on the dinner menu were different from your standard restaurant options. If you love raw seafood and caviar and are eager to try different cuisines, you will most likely love this place. However, we recommend picking another option if this is not your cup of tea!
We will let you be the judge based on the options we listed below from our orders.
Why we love it: Everything from the stunning views of the pacific ocean to the open-air concept and exquisite dishes make La Vie a must-visit for fine dining in Waikiki. The quality of the food is top-notch, and the service is exceptional. It’s also great that they offer an extensive selection for breakfast and dinner.
(7) Mina’s Fish House
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Location: 92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Seafood
Dress Code: Casual dress
Hours of Operation: Daily Happy Hour: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Bar: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where to Park: Complimentary valet parking for up to three hours
What’s it like?: If you’re looking for a casual atmosphere and great food, Mina’s Fish House is the place to go. They offer a modern take on Hawaiian seafood at the Four Seasons Resort in Ko Olina. Enjoy Hawaiian-style seafood in a relaxed setting, with some of the best views on the island.
This restaurant was founded by award-winning chef Michael Mina, who was initially inspired by the traditional fish houses on the Hawaiian Islands. The menu showcases his creative approach to classic seafood dishes.
Mina’s offers an a la carte dinner menu and a Keiki (kids) menu with a variety of delicious options. Our favorites are the Kona lobster, pacific oysters, Michael Mina’s lobster pot pie, and the filet mignon.
If you’re not a seafood lover, there are also options such as a variety of steak, pork, and chicken meals.
Whether you want to enjoy a meal with friends and family or watch the sunset over the ocean while sipping one of their signature cocktails, Mina’s Fish House is worth a visit!
Why we love it: We love the happy hour option before dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The bar serves crafty cocktails and has a great selection of local beers. Aside from that, the food is excellent, the live music is perfect, and the panoramic ocean views are breathtaking.
Budget-Friendly Places/Great for Lunch
Next on our list of the best restaurants in Waikiki are budget-friendly options. These restaurants offer quality meals at reasonable prices.
(8) Aloha Melt
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars
Location: 355 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $
Cuisine: Sandwiches
Dress Code: None
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 1:00 am; Sun: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where to Park: No Parking
What’s it like?: Aloha Melt is a popular spot in Waikiki known for its delicious and inventive grilled cheese sandwiches. Their menu features a selection of classic and unique grilled cheese combinations to suit any taste and a tomato basil soup.

While this restaurant might not seem like much from the outside, the food is definitely worth trying. Stop by at least once; you won’t be disappointed!

I know most of you are probably thinking, “it’s just a grilled cheese sandwich,” but trust me, it’s not! Aloha Melt has taken the classic sandwich to a whole new level!
Why we love it: We love that Aloha Melt is budget-friendly yet still offers delicious food. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff is friendly.
(9) ARS Cafe
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: 3116 Monsarrat Ave, Honululu, HI 96815
Price: $$
Cuisine: Coffee and Tea, Gelato
Dress Code: None
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where to Park: Residential parking
What’s it like?: ARS Cafe, a quaint little coffee shop on the outskirts of Waikiki, is a perfect breakfast place. They pride themselves on using state-of-the-art machines to ensure the highest quality. If you love the homage of an early-century English bar, you’ll love this place as much as we do.

What better way to start your day than with their delicious honey mushroom toast oozing with gorgonzola cheese accompanied by a cup of artisanal coffee?

If you prefer a sweet treat, give their homemade gelato and affogato a try; you will thank us later. The banana bread is also good and comes in highly recommended.

Outdoor dining space is limited, so you can grab your meal and take a walk to the nearby Kapiolani Park to enjoy a breakfast picnic. There’s no better way to enjoy breakfast than watching surfers out in the distance or by lazing on the beach.
Why we love it: We love the charm and coziness of this coffee shop. The atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends or reading a book in peace. They also serve great coffee, so if you are looking for an espresso fix before hitting the beach, ARS Cafe will be your go-to spot!
(10) Marugame Udon
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: 2310 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $$
Cuisine: Japanese, Noodles, Salad
Dress Code: None
Hours of Operation: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Where to Park: No parking
What’s it like?: Marugame Udon is a small but popular noodle shop in Waikiki. This spot specializes in fresh udon noodles made from scratch and other Japanese favorites like Takoyaki and Tempura. The menu includes a wide selection of meat and vegetarian options, so everyone can find something they like.
The atmosphere here is casual and inviting. You can sit at the bar or in one of the comfortable booths, then watch as your udon noodles are made right before you. Marugame Udon also offers a selection of side dishes like rice bowls, salads, and drinks to complete your meal.
Be warned: This place can get very crowded during peak hours, so plan ahead if you don’t like waiting in long lines. While the lines seem incredibly long at times, they do move quite fast.
We now only order to-go here since we’ve already been here multiple times. Ordering to-go is the best option if you are in a hurry and don’t fancy crowds.
Why we love it: We love Marugame Udon for its fresh and delicious made-to-order udon noodles. The noodle dishes are tasty, filling, and reasonably priced.
(11) Paia Fish Market
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: 2299 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $$- $$$
Cuisine: Seafood, American, Fish and Chips
Dress Code: None
Hours of Operation: Daily: 10:30 am – 9:30 pm
Where to Park: No parking
What’s it like?: The well-established Paia Fish Market brand was established in 1989. The restaurant has since been featured in many travel magazines for its delectable meals. Paia Fish Market offers fresh fish, seafood dishes, and American classics like burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with outdoor seating available for those who want to watch the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. The staff are friendly and efficient, so you can be sure that your order will arrive quickly.
We recommend ordering their signature fish tacos or the fish and chips, which come with a side of homemade salsa. They also have an extensive drink menu to choose from, plus desserts.
Why we love it: Its fast and efficient service and delicious food make it one of our favorite places for a casual lunch or dinner.
Best Breakfast in Waikiki
Next on our list are the best breakfast spots in Waikiki.
(12) ARS Cafe
ARS Cafe needs no introduction since we mentioned it earlier in this post. Scroll up to read more about this restaurant.

(13) Sweet E’s Cafe
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: 1006 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816
Price: $$
Cuisine: Cafe, Breakfast, and Brunch
Dress Code: None
Hours of Operation: Daily: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm (closed on certain holidays)
Where to Park: Limited on-site parking
What’s it like?: Sweet E’s Cafe is a little breakfast and brunch spot tucked away in Kapahulu. The café has been serving delicious homemade dishes since 2011 that keep customers returning for more.

The menu consists of classic breakfast and brunch favorites, such as pancakes, french toast, omelets, and sandwiches. They also have vegan and vegetarian options for those who prefer plant-based meals.

The atmosphere here is bright and cheerful, making it perfect for a casual morning meal with friends or family.
Why we love it: Sweet E’s Cafe is the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast without breaking the bank. We always love savoring their fluffy pancakes, french toast, and omelets. Both of our meals were generous portions, and we both had leftovers.
(14) Basalt Waikiki
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: 2255 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $$
Cuisine: American, Bars, Breakfast, and Brunch
Dress Code: None
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm; Sat-Sun, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm. Dinner from 5:00 – 9:00 pm daily
Where to Park: Complimentary validation self-parking at Hyatt Centric Waikiki Hotel
What’s it like?: Basalt Waikiki has been a mainstay in the restaurant scene of Waikiki for many years. Located in Duke’s Lane Market and Eatery, this local favorite offers an extensive brunch menu that features classic American dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy, and the restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating.

The extensive menu includes dishes such as loco moco, charcoal buttermilk pancakes, omelets, eggs benedict, and more. They also offer classic lunch items like burgers, fettuccine, and sandwiches. The portions are generous, so you’ll be sure to leave feeling full and satisfied.

Why we love it: We’ve been going to Basalt Waikiki for a few years now, and their food and vibes never disappoint.
Best Sushi and Poké in Waikiki
Lastly, here are some of our favorite places to get sushi and poké in Waikiki.
(15) Poké Bar
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: 226 Lewers Street #L106 Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $$
Cuisine: Poké, Hawaiian, Seafood
Dress Code: None
Hours of Operation: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where to Park: Park at SALT at Kakaako parking lot
What’s it like?: Poké Bar Waikiki is a fast-casual dining experience with a modern twist. They pride themselves on serving fresh, high-quality poké bowls prepared with care. They serve fresh fish daily, premium sauces, and fresh ingredients.
Why we love it: We love the build-your-own bowl options that they offer. You can customize your bowl with various proteins, toppings, and sauces – perfect for picky eaters or those who want to mix things up. We also love that the poké bowls are made with fresh ingredients.
(16) Doraku Sushi Waikiki
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Location: Royal Hawaiian Center, 2233 Kalakaua Avenue Suite 304, Honolulu
Price: $$
Cuisine: Sushi Bar, Asian Fusion, Izakaya
Dress Code: None
Hours of Operation: Daily: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm, Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where to Park: Parking entrance is on Royal Hawaiian Ave off Kalakaua Ave
What’s it like?: Doraku Sushi, created by Kevin Aoki, is located at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Kevin Aoki strives to be inventive in his menu by incorporating Pan Asian and Latin American flavors with traditional Japanese ingredients.
There are many reasons for the lines snaking around the block, and these are just a few of them.
You are guaranteed each dish is freshly prepared using only fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Doraku’s menu is well-balanced, catering to seasoned sushi lovers and beginners alike.
You can start your night with deliciously prepared sushi and end with sake and music.
Why we love it: We love the creative sushi options at Doraku. They have something for everyone, from traditional to inventive rolls.
(17) Eating House 1849 Waikiki
⭐ RATING: 4 out of 5 stars
Location: 2330 Kalakaua Ave #322, Honolulu
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Seafood, Asian Fusion, Steakhouse
Dress Code: None
Hours of Operation: Daily: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Happy Hour: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Sunday Brunch: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Where to Park: Parking garage entrance located on Kuhio Ave and Walina St
What’s it like?: Eating House 1849 Waikiki is another brainchild of famous restauranteur Roy Yamaguchi. His chain of restaurants, aptly named Roy’s Restaurants, are hugely successful.
I have been to almost all of his restaurants and am always impressed. While I mainly go to Eating House for their seafood and burgers, they also have great sushi options.

Well known for his Asian fusion dishes, Chef Yamaguchi honors traditional Hawaiian foods in Eating House 1849 by incorporating the old with the new. He uses simple, traditional flavors fused with a modern twist. The result is a gastronomical explosion!
Why we love it: What’s not to love about this place? The atmosphere is excellent, the food is delicious, and they have an impressive selection of local beers and wines.
The Wrap-Up
There you have it – the best restaurants in Waikiki! If you’re looking for a place to grab dinner or lunch, these spots should be at the top of your list. Bon Appétit!
Until next time, Aloha and Mahalo for stopping by!
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