11 Best Takeout and Delivery Restaurants In Honolulu (2022)
Rich natural scenery, breathtaking beaches, and favorable climate are a few reasons why Honolulu is known as a “tropical paradise.” After all, it’s an island that attracts many millions of visitors each year.
This experience is incomplete without unforgettable culinary memories. Honolulu is a melting pot of diverse cultures; hence the restaurants have variations in cuisine. The good news is that you are not confined to restaurant dining, as most offer a dine-in and takeout option.
If you are looking for the best takeout restaurant in Honolulu, we have you covered. To help narrow the search, we’ve compiled a list of the top 11 contenders below.
1. Mama Kim’s
Hours Of Operation: Daily: Mon-Thurs: 10:00am – 5:30pm, Fri & Sat: 10:00am – 6:00pm, Closed Sunday
⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5
Price: $$
Location: 1481 S King St Ste 108, Honolulu
Situated in Kaheka Professional Center, Mama Kim’s serves a mix of Japanese, Korean and Hawaiian cuisine. The chef and owner, Rosa Kim, has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant business. The restaurant has been featured in HONOLULU Magazine for the best-tasting poké bowls.
Why we love this place: If you’re a poké bowl lover, you will be happy to know that at Mama Kim’s, you can choose from 9 pokés to build your bowl. The poké bowls are flavorsome and great value for your money. Mama Kim’s secret weapon is the kimchee which is packed with sweetness and heat.
2. Senia
Hours Of Operation: Closed: Mon & Sun, Tues-Sat: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5
Price: $$- $$$
Location: 75 N King St, Honolulu
Type of Food: American
Website: Senia
Senia was derived from the Greek word “xenia,” which translates to hospitality. The restaurant has captured the true essence of hospitality. They pride themselves on providing good quality food with attention to detail, and they have some of the best takeout Honolulu has to offer.
Why we love this place: The food from Senia is not only delectable but also a work of art. Their roasted bone marrow with oxtail marmalade, Hawaiian sweet rolls, and piccalilli was heaven on a plate. Who says that takeout meals have to be boring?
Tips for travelers: Their sharing meals are great value for money.
3. Tonkatsu Tamafuji
Hours Of Operation: Closed: Tues, Mon-Fri: 4:00pm – 9:30pm, Sat & Sun: 11:00am – 2:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:30pm
⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5
Price: $$- $$$
Location: 449 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu
Website: Tonkatsu Tamafuji
⭐ RATING: Tonkatsu Tamafuji is a Japanese restaurant owned by Terashima Genjiro. No newbie to the restaurant business, with years of experience, he has succeeded in creating delectable meals that will keep clients coming back for more. The vibey restaurant is situated on the 2nd floor.
Why we love this place: The tonkatsu, a deep-fried pork cutlet, is crispy and cooked to perfection; a perfect accompaniment was the sweet and sour sauce. The lemon chu-hi cocktail was zesty and refreshing. The oyster and shrimp katsu are a must-try. A real palate cleanser is their lemon iced tea.
4. Poké Bar
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 11:00am – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Price: $$- $$$
Location: 226 Lewers Street, #L106 Waikiki Beach Walk, Honolulu
Website: Poké Bar
Poké Bar was established in the 19th century when the owner saw an opportunity to merge their sushi roots with the Hawaiian culture. Its core focus is to create delicious, nutritious meals—this fast-food restaurant makes a poké bowl, customized by you to suit your palate. The Poké Bar also has an outdoor seating area for those wanting to consume their food on-site.
Why we love this place: At the Poké Bar, for around $10, you can get a choice of 3 seafood proteins and unlimited toppings; now that’s value for money. Their variations of poké bowls are also delicious and packed with lots of flavors. I love the flexibility of creating my personalized poké bowl by choosing the ingredients of my choice from the available options.
5. Merriman’s Honolulu
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 11:00am – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Price: $$-$$$
Location: 1108 Auahi St #170, Honolulu
Website: Merriman’s Honolulu
Situated in Ward Village, Merriman’s Honolulu captures the true essence of Honolulu. This stylish eatery focuses on serving seafood at its best. They have mastered the art of serving good food in a fraction of the time. There is a whimsical feel of the restaurant reflecting the owner’s personal style. The restaurant has won Diners Choice Awards in 2019.
Why we love this place: If you are looking for delectable seafood, head down to Merriman’s Honolulu. The lobster bisque was creamy and pairs beautifully with a bottle of wine. The fish tacos were spicy and flavorsome. The fish dish served with asparagus and rice was succulent. The Waialua chocolate purse with salted caramel and homemade ice cream was decadent.
Tips for travelers: Enjoy your meal while watching the sunset if possible; it’s a perfect way to end the day.
6. Fresh Catch
Hours Of Operation: Closed: Mon, Tues-Sat: 10:00am – 7:30pm, Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Price: $$
Location: 1113 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu
Website: Fresh Catch
Fresh Catch was started by Chef Reno Henriques, who envisioned an island-style seafood and meat deli. You will be able to see the fruit of his labor through his fantastic food creations. The restaurant was also featured on the culinary television show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
Why we love this place: They have about 20 variations of poké bowls, and each one is delicious. The garlic-buttered salmon was fresh and cooked to perfection. If you’re a fan of all things seafood, then this place is a must-try.
Tips for travelers: You might want to consider purchasing one of Chef Reno’s signature sauces as a souvenir, as they sell it by the bottle.
7. Paia Fish Market
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 10:30 am – 9:30 pm
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Price: $$- $$$
Location: 2299 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu
Website: Paia Fish Market
Type of food: American, Seafood, Fish and Chips
The well-established Paia Fish Market brand was first established in 1989. The success story begins when one of the owners started as a dishwasher and eventually gained the owner’s title. The restaurant has since been featured in many travel magazines for its delectable meals.
Why we love this place: The Paia Fish Market is a brilliant find in Waikiki. Their culinary experiments with flavors will create a tasty sensation in your mouth. My favorite was the snapper; the sweet, nutty taste with a hint of paprika was scrumptious.
Tips for travelers: There is no table service; orders must be made at the counter. Their Lilikoi drink comes highly recommended.
8. Side Street Inn
Hours Of Operation: Daily: Mon-Fri: 4:00pm – 9:00pm, Sat & Sun: 11:00am – 9:00pm (Kapahulu location)
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Price: $$
Location: 2 Locations – Kapahulu and Ala Moana
Type of Food: Hawaiian, Sports Bar, Comfort Food
Website: Side Street Inn
The Side Street Inn opened its first location in 1992; in the heart of Honolulu, the demand for its food was so great that the second location opened in Waikiki in 2010. The restaurant has since won many awards and was featured on the Food Network and in travel magazines. The restaurant offers a dine-in and takeout service.
Why we love this place: Their sharing meals offer value for money and are ideal for families and friends. A must-try if you are looking for delicious comfort food. The atmosphere is exceptional and a great spot to hang out.
Tips for travelers: Make sure you bring your appetite; the portions are enormous.
9. Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Hours Of Operation: Closed: Sat-Mon, Open: Tues-Fri: 10:00am – 7:30pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Price: $ – $$
Location: 1240 N School St, Honolulu
Website: Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Experience the spirit of aloha with Helena’s Hawaiian Food. This family-owned business serving traditional Hawaiian cuisine has been passed on from generation to generation. In 1946, the restaurant opened to the community; a whopping 76 years in existence. In 2000, this restaurant received the prestigious regional classic award in the “best food” category.
Why we love this place: Helena’s serves top-tier grub. The smokiness and flavor of the short rib are pure bliss, and the mac salad was balanced to perfection. It’s surely some of the best takeout Honolulu has to offer.
Tips for travelers: It would be advisable to order online, as the lines are often quite long.
10. Chef Chai
Hours Of Operation: Closed: Mon & Tues, Open: Wed-Sun: 4:00pm – 10:00pm (closes at 9:30pm on Wed)
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Price: $$$
Location: 1009 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu
Website: Chef Chai
Renowned celebrity Chef Chai has successfully managed to expose the community of Honolulu to his culinary dishes, which are a fusion of Asian spices with a European flair. If you want to surprise your significant other with a gourmet meal, head down to Chef Chai; these meals will surely put the romance back in your relationship.
Why we love this place: These dishes are island cuisine at their best. The fusion of flavors is pure genius. The beef fillet melts in your mouth. At Chef Chai, you are not just paying for delicious food; you are also paying for a work of art. The food was worth top dollar. The cheesecake, one word: WOW! Some of the best takeout Honolulu has to offer.
Tips for travelers: Happy hours are from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Wed-Sun.
11. The Pig & The Lady
Hours Of Operation: Closed: Sun-Mon, Open: Tues-Sat: 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Thurs-Sat (lunch): 11:30am – 2:30pm (dinner), Takeout/delivery: Tues-Sat: 11:00am – 2:30pm & 4:30pm – 8:30pm
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Price: $$- $$$
Location: 83 N King St, Honolulu
Website: The Pig & The Lady
Situated in the Marine Tower, this dine-in and takeout restaurant focuses on Vietnamese dishes with a difference. Their signature dish is the Pho 75, a recipe the restaurant has used since 1975; rare steak & stewed brisket, scallion, cilantro, fermented chili paste, and zesty citrus keep the patrons coming back for more.
Why we love this place: It’s heer brilliance that the dishes have still managed to stay true to their Vietnamese roots, yet the mix of spices and combination of some local produce has somehow managed to elevate the meals. An added touch is the music in the background; while you are waiting for your takeout meal, you can sway to the sound of their tunes.
The Wrap-Up
If you’re looking for the best takeout restaurant in Honolulu, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. They all offer fresh, delicious food at reasonable prices. So what are you waiting for?! Give them a try today!
Mahalo for reading our post, and enjoy exploring the many tastes of Honolulu!
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