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Paradise on a Plate: Hawaii’s Best Restaurants
Written by Emily Jacobs
It’s not just surf, sand and sea across Hawaii’s spectacular islands – the culinary scene is also worth diving into.
The Paradise of the Pacific is truly that: a haven of untouched beaches, lush landscapes and buzzing cities, all backed by an emerging restaurant scene that celebrates the diversity of local ingredients harvested across land and sea.
From humble take-out shacks delivering traditional takes on big and bold flavours to restaurants redefining modern Hawaiian cuisine, every part of the Aloha State has something delicious to offer.
Read on to find our picks of the best restaurants in Hawaii.
Best restaurants in Honolulu & Oahu
Duke’s Waikiki
As much of an institution as the waves of Waikiki, Duke’s Waikiki is a must-visit Honolulu institution. Pop into Barefoot Bar for tropical cocktails and casual bites, or enjoy Hawaiian-inspired dishes, like Huli Huli chicken and furikake ahi tuna steak, in the Dining Room. Found in the lobby of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, directly overlooking the beach’s famous white sands, it couldn’t be better located for days spent in the sun and sand.
La Mer
As the state’s longest consecutive AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 Star restaurant, La Mer is no stranger to a list of Hawaii’s best restaurants. This prestigious fine diner is the full package, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, refined dishes inspired by the South of France and an extensive wine and cocktail selection.
Nami Kaze
Expect a melting pot of culinary creativity at Nami Kaze, the debut restaurant from renowned Kaua’i chef, Jason Peel. The menu combines his Japanese heritage with a farmer-focused approach, with dishes like day-boat scallops with smoked tomato beurre blanc (rich butter sauce), ulu polenta and crispy taro, and corn beignet with Japanese curry salt and kewpie.
Fête
Brooklyn and Honolulu meet under one roof at Fête. Part brasserie, part farmhouse, this New American spot is rooted in the farm-to-table movement, with a compact menu that celebrates the seasons. Admire the chefs at work in the open kitchen while sipping on a classic cocktail, before devouring a French onion grilled cheese or twice-fried Ludovico chicken.
Alaia
Located within the magnificent Turtle Bay Resort, Alaia celebrates the rich culture of the islands by utilising unique, local ingredients – most harvested from its own private farm – to elevate humble Hawaiian comfort food. First-class ahi poke is tossed in a simple dressing of sesame oil and soy sauce; caviar is served atop smoked marlin mousse and toasted Japanese-inspired milk bread. From the shoreline to the sea, Hawaii’s bounty is masterfully prepared – clams, lobster, heirloom tomatoes and watermelon are mainstays on the menu. For dessert, it would be criminal to miss Alaia’s signature banana bread, a glorious mess of vanilla bean gelato, chocolate, sea salt caramel and cinnamon toffee.
The Pig & The Lady
One of Honolulu’s most acclaimed venues, The Pig & The Lady serves Vietnamese cuisine with plenty of signature Hawaiian style. The banh mi alone is well worth the visit – the venue’s signature sando is stuffed with slow-roasted beef brisket, topped with holy basil chimichurri, sauteed bean sprouts and onions, and served with a cup of pho. It’s great, but then so’s everything else. For a lighter bite, try the house Burmese tea salad – slices of green papaya and dates are tossed in a fermented tea dressing to create a bowl that’s equal parts zing and bling – or order the pate toast, a humble Hanoi classic.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
You can’t go wrong with any of Oahu’s legendary prawn purveyors – but Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck stands proud as one of the very best. Operating since 1993, the refurbished bread van has quickly become an iconic part of Kahuku’s living folklore – its white exterior, covered in thousands of locals’ scribbled signatures, a promise that a mouthwatering plate of pan-fried scampi is just moments away. Served with a heaped scoop of white rice, slathered in lemon garlic butter and best enjoyed with a little hot sauce, there’s no better post-surf snack.
Ethel’s Grill
Six decades of eclectic culinary brilliance on a plate – that’s what Ethel’s Grill, beloved by locals and the late, great Anthony Bourdain, offers its customers. Proudly scrawling its ever-evolving menu on paper, Ethel’s plates dance between Tokyo, Okinawa, Mexico and the United States, with dishes like the ‘Kim Chee Ahi Donburi’ even crossing into Korea. But the diner’s real draw is its authentic taco rice – steamed rice is topped with salad, smothered with cheese, fresh salsa and steaming spiced beef mince, and garnished with a whole fried egg. Feeling brave? Let your tastebuds surf uncharted flavours with a side order of Ethel’s house-fermented natto (soybeans).
Best restaurants in Maui
Mama’s Fish House
This family-owned institution has become one of Maui’s most beloved institutions, offering all who visit a fine dining experience with a distinct island style. Reservations are hard to come by, but those who persevere are rewarded with the freshest seafood in Maui, an ever-changing menu detailing which fisherman caught which fish (and where), flawless service and jaw-dropping ocean views.
Fond
Hidden away in a strip mall in West Maui, Fond is a tale of two restaurants: pop in after a morning spent exploring for bowls and buns, or plan ahead for dinner to try Chef Jojo Vasquez’s take on regional and New American cuisine. Whatever time you visit, wash it down with an XO Mai Tai, rosemary rye sour or hibiscus paloma.
Ichiban Okazuya
Locals have been flocking to Central Maui for decades to grab a plate jam-packed with Japanese flavours from this humble spot, run by the same family since its inception. Stop by for crowd favourite chicken katsu, served with a scoop of rice and a side of nishime (vegetables, fish or meat simmered in fish stock), wakame salad or kimchi. It’s takeaway only, but there are plenty of pretty spots nearby to perch.
Tin Roof
Will it be white rice, brown rice or garlic noodles? Mochiko (fried) chicken, garlic shrimp or chopped steak? Use your time in Tin Roof’s queue to build your dream bowl at this lunch-only spot, offering some of Maui’s tastiest cheap eats. Before you order, sneak a peek at the specials board, which often takes inspiration from chef Sheldon Simeon’s Filipino heritage.
Best restaurants on Island of Hawaii
Cafe 100
Go straight to the source at Cafe 100: the restaurant is generally agreed by locals to be the birthplace of the Loco Moco, a classic Hawaiian comfort food. This old-school eatery serves 30 versions of the dish, but for the true experience, it’s hard to look past the original: white rice, topped with a juicy beef patty, gravy and a sunny-side-up egg.
Merriman’s
Chef Peter Merriman may have restaurants across the Hawaiian islands, but this outpost is the original and remains a locals’ favourite 20 years on. Work your way through the locally-led menu, enjoying the likes of Lalamilo-grown broccoli salad, spicy Kona lobster ravioli and Kahua Ranch lamb in the upcountry dining room.
Hau Tree
Keep it fresh at Hau Tree, an alfresco restaurant on the sands of Mauna Kea Resort. Start at the gazebo-style bar for a cocktail or local brew, before settling into your beachside table for a relaxed lunch or dinner of salads, burgers, poke bowls and more – just make sure you leave room for their famous Ovaltine Froth.
Best restaurants on Kaua’i
Beach House
Combine old-fashioned Hawaiian hospitality, an elevated Pacific Rim menu and stunning oceanfront views and you’ll get something that looks and feels a lot like Beach House. Swan in around sunset to sample Chef Marshall Blanchard’s creative takes on local classics, including grilled sea scallops, pork potstickers and poke tacos, all made with ingredients sourced from around the state.
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler
After diving into the sea, dive into a pu pu (appetiser) platter at Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, a casual open-air eatery just metres from Poipu Beach on Kaua’i’s South Shore. Nibble on ceviche, tuna and other raw seafood delicacies – sourced from local fishermen – or opt for something more substantial, like the Kaua’i pad thai or wasabi seared ahi. Guests travel from far and wide to try their famous Lava Cake, so it’s worth making a reservation!
Mark’s Place
Some of the best restaurants in Hawaii aren’t restaurants at all, but much-loved take-out spots. Mark’s Place, located in the southern town of Lihue, serves fast and delicious Kaua’i food, such as gourmet plate lunches, burgers, salads and more. Perch on a picnic table to feast on Mark’s famous mixed plate – chicken katsu, teriyaki beef and beef stew served with rice and potato macaroni salad.
Best restaurants in Lanai
Sensei by Nobu
Book a stay at the Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort for your chance to dine at fine dining restaurant Sensei by Nobu, the Lanai outpost of the world-renowned Japanese restaurant. Embrace the beauty of nature from your table – located within a glass pavilion – as you sample signature dishes like chirashi don (scattered sashimi on rice) and roasted kona lobster, paired with curated cocktails like the Ko’ele Mai Tai.
Lanai City Bar & Grille
Join the throngs of locals flocking to Lanai City Bar & Grille, an island-style bistro within the historic Hotel Lanai. This buzzy spot is all about friendly service and flavours that will knock your socks off, using ingredients from around the islands. Start with pineapple parker rolls, shaved zucchini salad and market oysters, before moving onto bigger plates of burgers and pasta.
Pele’s Other Garden
A slice of New York sits in peaceful Lanai at Pele’s Other Garden, a deli and bistro turning out ‘Italian-ish’ favourites Monday-Friday. Bite into your stacked sandwich at lunch, or pop by for dinner to try their freshly-made pasta, pizzas, salads and more. Before you leave, pop your head into the back-room bar – local musicians occasionally drop in for impromptu jam sessions that you’ll want to stick around for.
Discover Hawaii
Looking for more inspiration? Check out The Best Five-Star Resorts in Hawaii.
Feature image: Duke’s Waikiki at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.
