Where to eat in Honolulu

No booking, open most days and late: the places you can decide on at 6:45 and still eat at 7.

1. 1Asato’s WaikikiHawaiian-style sherbert and sorbet · WaikīkīNo booking, just show up. Open every day, till 9:30pm.$6 a cup, two minutes from the Kūhiō Beach hula mound.Walk in
   Hours, address and menu

   Hours

   Daily 11am–9pm

   Address

   2424 Kalākaua Ave, Ste 113

   Real check for two

   $13: a cup each $12, tax $1

   Published prices

   $6 a cup

   On the menu

   Strawberry with condensed milk · Li hing lemon sorbet · Makaha mango sorbet

   Getting there

   Two minutes from the Kūhiō Beach hula mound

   The sibling business, Asato Family Shop, is a 2026 James Beard finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.

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2. 2Rainbow Drive-InLocal plate lunch, open since 1961 · Kaimukī & KapahuluNo booking, just show up. Open every day, till 9pm.Chili rice bowl $5. Two scoops rice, as it should be.Walk in
   Hours, address and menu

   Hours

   Daily 7am–9pm

   Address

   3308 Kanaina Ave

   Real check for two

   $29: two typical mains $28, tax $1

   Published prices

   Chili rice bowl $5, chili plate $10

   On the menu

   Loco moco · Shoyu chicken plate · Rainbow bento

   Getting there

   Kapahulu, near Waikīkī

   Two scoops rice and mac salad, as it should be. Happy hour Mon–Thu 3–5pm.

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3. 3Highway InnTraditional Hawaiian and plate lunch, family-run since 1947 · KakaʻakoNo booking, just show up. Open every day, till 8:30pm.Handmade lau lau, family-run since 1947.Walk in
   Hours, address and menu

   Hours

   Mon–Thu 9:30am–8pm · Fri & Sat 9:30am–8:30pm · Sun 9:30am–3pm

   Address

   680 Ala Moana Blvd #105, at SALT

   Real check for two

   $52: two typical mains $40, 5% charge $2, tax $2, tip $8

   On the menu

   Handmade lau lau

   Getting there

   Inside SALT; about 5 minutes from Fishcake

   The default answer in this neighbourhood. Note Sunday closes at 3pm, which catches out families coming from the Discovery Center. A 5% “Mahalo Kitchen Charge” is added to every check.

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4. 4Merriman’s HonoluluHawaiʻi Regional Cuisine, farm to table · KakaʻakoWalk in or book. Open every day, till 9pm.Entrées $29–$69, free garage parking.Walk in or book
   Hours, address and menu

   Hours

   Daily 11am–9pm · happy hour 3–5:30pm

   Address

   1108 Auahi St, Ward Village

   Real check for two

   $98: two typical mains $76, 4% charge $3, tax $4, tip $15

   Published prices

   Entrées $29–$69

   On the menu

   Taro chickpea falafel $29 · Makai special day-boat catch $52 · Lobster pot pie $69

   Getting there

   About 13–15 minutes from SALT, 5 minutes from Fishcake

   Open seven days until 9pm with published prices — the most reliable splurge in the neighbourhood. Resort casual dress, free garage parking. A 4% kitchen surcharge is added to food.

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5. 5Drip Studio HNLSpecialty coffee and sandwiches · DowntownNo booking, just show up. Open every day, till 2pm.Your before for Capitol Modern on a Saturday.Walk in
   Hours, address and menu

   Hours

   Mon–Fri 7am–2pm · weekends and holidays 8am–1pm

   Address

   1114 Fort Street Mall

   Real check for two

   $34: two typical mains $32, tax $2

   Published prices

   $5–$12

   On the menu

   Pour over from $7 · Ceremonial matcha from $7 · Sammies from $12

   Getting there

   Four blocks from Capitol Modern, about 8 minutes

   One of the very few downtown places verified open on a Saturday morning. Capitol Modern opens at 10, so this is your before.

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6. 6ARVOAustralian-style café · KakaʻakoNo booking, just show up. Open every day, till 2pm.Coffee before a morning class.Walk in
   Hours, address and menu

   Hours

   Daily 8am–2pm

   Address

   324 Coral St, at SALT

   Real check for two

   $29: two typical mains $28, tax $1

   Getting there

   Inside SALT, about 4 minutes from Fishcake

   Coffee before a morning class. Closes at 2pm.

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7. 7Marugame UdonSanuki udon, made to order · WaikīkīNo booking, just show up. Open every day, till 11pm.Cheap, fast, open late after a show.Walk in
   Hours, address and menu

   Hours

   Daily 10am–11pm

   Address

   2310 Kūhiō Ave, Ste 124

   Getting there

   About 6 minutes from Royal Hawaiian Center

   Cheap, fast and open until 11pm — the practical answer after an evening show.

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8. 8Leonard’s BakeryPortuguese-Hawaiian bakery · Kaimukī & KapahuluNo booking, just show up. Open every day, till 7pm.Buy more than you think you need.Walk in
   Hours, address and menu

   Hours

   Daily 5:30am–7pm

   Address

   933 Kapahulu Ave

   Real check for two

   $15: three malasadas each $14, tax $1

   On the menu

   Malasadas · Ube malasada · Pão doce

   Getting there

   Kapahulu

   Malasadas hot out of the fryer. Buy more than you think you need.

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9. 9Duke’s WaikikiBeachfront American and seafood · WaikīkīBook if you can. Open every day, till midnight.Hula pie, live music, the latest kitchen on the list.Book ahead
   Hours, address and menu

   Hours

   Daily 7am–midnight · live music 4–6pm and 7pm–midnight

   Address

   Outrigger Waikiki, on Kalākaua Ave

   Real check for two

   $79: two typical mains $58, tax $3, tip $12, parking $6

   On the menu

   Hula pie

   Getting there

   On the beach, minutes from Kūhiō Beach

   The latest kitchen on this list. Reservations recommended. The hotel is being renovated through 2026, so expect a shorter menu.

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10. 10House Without A KeyCasual tropical, outdoors under a kiawe tree · WaikīkīWalk in or book. Open every day, till 9:30pm.Free hula nightly 6:30–8:30pm under the kiawe tree.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Dinner and sunset cocktails nightly 5–9:30pm, last seating 8:30pm

    Address

    Halekulani, 2199 Kalia Rd

    Real check for two

    $135: two typical mains $108, tax $5, tip $22

    On the menu

    Halekulani Mai Tai · Grilled fresh fish tacos

    Getting there

    A few minutes from Waikiki Beach Walk

    Its own free hula runs nightly, 6:30–8:30pm, with Hawaiian music from 5:30pm. No reservations for the cocktail lawn — turn up early and get a seat facing the water.

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11. 11Koko Head CafeIsland-style brunch, plus dinner · Kaimukī & KapahuluWalk in or book. Open every day, till 9pm.Koko moco and ricotta pancakes.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Brunch Mon–Fri 8am–1pm, Sat & Sun 8am–2pm · dinner Fri–Mon 5–9pm

    Address

    1120 12th Ave

    Real check for two

    $62: two typical mains $48, tax $2, tip $10, parking $2

    On the menu

    Fried jidori butter chicken · Koko moco · Ricotta pancakes

    Getting there

    About 8 minutes from Plantoem

    No dinner on Thursdays — brunch only that day. Lee Anne Wong’s place.

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12. 12Livestock TavernSeasonal American tavern · ChinatownWalk in or book. Open Tue–Sun, till 10pm.The safest First Friday dinner booking.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Dinner Tue–Sun 5–10pm · brunch Sat & Sun 10am–2pm

    Address

    49 N Hotel St

    Real check for two

    $100: two typical mains $80, tax $4, tip $16

    Getting there

    Under 5 minutes from the First Friday core

    One of the few Chinatown kitchens reliably open until 10pm — the safest First Friday dinner booking.

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13. 13Skull & Crown Trading Co.Tiki bar with food · ChinatownWalk in or book. Open Tue–Sat, till 11pm.Open latest in Chinatown, a good landing spot after the galleries close.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Tue–Sat 5–11pm · closed Sun & Mon

    Address

    62 N Hotel St

    Real check for two

    $70: two typical mains $56, tax $3, tip $11

    Getting there

    Two blocks, about 4 minutes

    Open latest of anything on this list. Good landing spot after the galleries close.

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14. 14Side Street InnLocal comfort food and pūpū · Makiki & Ala MoanaWalk in or book. Open Tue–Sun, till 8pm.Signature fried rice and pork chops.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Mon–Fri 4–8pm · Sat & Sun noon–8pm

    Address

    1225 Hopaka St

    Real check for two

    $49: two typical mains $32, 3% charge $1, tax $2, tip $6, parking $8

    On the menu

    Signature fried rice · Pan-fried island pork chops · Kalbi ribs

    Getting there

    Near Ala Moana, about 10 minutes from HoMA

    The original Hopaka St location — the Kapahulu branch has closed. Paying by card adds 3%.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
15. 15FêteNew American, local farm-to-table · ChinatownWalk in or book. Open every day, till 9:30pm.Robynne Maii, the first Native Hawaiian woman to win a James Beard award.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Mon–Thu 11am–9pm · Fri & Sat 11am–9:30pm · Sun 4–9pm

    Address

    2 N Hotel St

    Real check for two

    $95: two typical mains $76, tax $4, tip $15

    Getting there

    One block from Pauahi and Nuʻuanu, about 2 minutes

    Recognition

    James Beard Award, Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific, 2022 — chef Robynne Maii

    Robynne Maii was the first Native Hawaiian woman to win a James Beard award. Open for lunch and dinner most days, with no break in between.

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16. 16Mud Hen WaterContemporary Hawaiian with French Indochina influences · Kaimukī & KapahuluWalk in or book. Open Tue–Sun, till 9:30pm.Across the street from Plantoem’s free jazz night.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Dinner Tue–Thu & Sun 5–9pm · Fri & Sat 5–9:30pm · brunch Sat & Sun 9:30am–2pm · closed Mon

    Address

    3452 Waialae Ave

    Getting there

    Directly across Waialae Ave from Plantoem — about a minute

    Recognition

    Chef Ed Kenney — 2026 James Beard semifinalist, Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific

    The single best pairing in this guide: dinner here, then walk across the street for the jazz night. Open Thursdays.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
17. 17The Pig & The LadyVietnamese-inspired · Kaimukī & KapahuluWalk in or book. Open Tue–Sun, till 9:30pm.Moved here from Chinatown in 2025.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Lunch Wed–Sun 11am–2pm · dinner Tue–Sat 5–9:30pm · closed Mon

    Address

    3650 Waialae Ave #120

    Real check for two

    $97: two typical mains $74, 6% charge $4, tax $4, tip $15

    Getting there

    About 4 minutes from Plantoem

    Recognition

    Chef Andrew Le — 2026 James Beard semifinalist, Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific

    It moved out of Chinatown in 2025 — most guides still print the old N King St address. Validated parking at Civil Beat Plaza. A 6% kitchen service charge is added to the pre-tax check.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
18. 18Duc’s BistroVietnamese and classic French · ChinatownWalk in or book. Open every day, till 8pm.Closes at 8, so eat first and wander after.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Mon–Fri noon–8pm · Sat & Sun dinner only, 5–8pm

    Address

    1188 Maunakea St

    On the menu

    Pho · Coq au vin

    Getting there

    Two blocks, about 4 minutes

    Closes at 8pm, which is early for a First Friday — eat first, wander after.

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19. 19Moku KitchenUpcountry Hawaiʻi farm and ranch, rotisserie-led · KakaʻakoWalk in or book. Open every day, till 10pm.A Peter Merriman concept at SALT.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Not published online. Call ahead.

    Address

    660 Ala Moana Blvd #145, at SALT

    Real check for two

    $56: two typical mains $43, tax $2, tip $9, parking $2

    Getting there

    Inside SALT

    A Peter Merriman concept. Hours are not published online — book on OpenTable or call (808) 591-6658.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
20. 20Café JuliaAmerican café · DowntownWalk in or book. Open Mon–Fri, till 2pm.Lovely room, closed at weekends.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Mon–Fri 11am–2pm · closed weekends

    Address

    1040 Richards St, in the historic YWCA Laniākea building

    Getting there

    One block from Capitol Modern, 2–3 minutes

    Lovely room in a Julia Morgan building, and useless to you on a Saturday. Weekday museum visits only.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
21. 21Chef ChaiPacific Rim and fusion · Makiki & Ala MoanaWalk in or book. Open Wed–Sun, till 10pm.Built for dinner before a Blaisdell show.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Wed 4–9:30pm · Thu–Sun 4–10pm · closed Mon & Tue

    Address

    1009 Kapiolani Blvd

    Real check for two

    $112: two typical mains $90, tax $4, tip $18

    Getting there

    About 6 minutes from the Blaisdell, 12 from HoMA

    Built for pre-show dining before Blaisdell events, and it says so itself.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
22. 22Tea at 1024Afternoon tea · ChinatownBook if you can. Open Mon, Wed–Sun, till 4:30pm.Reservations required, two-hour table limit.Book ahead
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Mon, Wed–Fri 11am–2pm · Sat & Sun 10:30am–3:30pm · closed Tuesday

    Address

    1024 Nuʻuanu Ave

    Real check for two

    $92: two set menus $74, tax $3, tip $15

    Published prices

    Prix fixe $28.95–$47.95

    On the menu

    Traditional Afternoon Tea $36.95 · Children’s Tea $28.95

    Getting there

    One block — the closest sit-down to 15 N Pauahi St

    Reservations required, two-hour table limit. Daytime only, so pair it with a morning workshop rather than First Friday.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
23. 23Arden WaikīkīHawaiian-inspired shared plates, field to fork · WaikīkīWalk in or book. Open Wed–Sun, till 9pm.Hale ʻAina 2026 gold for Service and Ambiance.Walk in or book
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Wed–Sun 5–9pm · Après Surf happy hour 5–6pm

    Address

    2885 Kalākaua Ave, 2nd floor

    Real check for two

    $200: two set menus $160, tax $8, tip $32

    Published prices

    Ohana Menu — four shareable courses, $80 a person, Fri–Sun

    On the menu

    Oxtail · Hamachi · Shishito peppers

    Getting there

    About 10 minutes from Kūhiō Beach, at the Diamond Head end

    Recognition

    2026 Hale ʻAina Gold for Best Service and Best Ambiance, Bronze for Best Cocktail Program

    Far enough down Kalākaua to escape the crowds.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
24. 24SeniaRegional American, tasting menu · ChinatownBook if you can. Open Mon–Sat, till 9:30pm.Reservations essential. Closed Sunday.Book ahead
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    À la carte dinner Mon–Sat 5:30–9:30pm · tasting menu Fri & Sat at 6:30pm

    Address

    75 N King St

    Real check for two

    $611: two set menus $490, tax $23, tip $98

    Getting there

    Three blocks makai, 5–6 minutes

    Reservations essential. Closed Sunday.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
25. 25Bar Leather ApronCraft cocktail bar with food · DowntownBook if you can. Open Wed–Sat, till midnight.James Beard Outstanding Bar, 2023. Book a month ahead.Book ahead
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Wed–Sat 5pm–midnight · closed Sun–Tue

    Address

    745 Fort St, Suite 127A

    Real check for two

    $137: four cocktails and a snack $110, tax $5, tip $22

    Getting there

    Three blocks from Capitol Modern, about 6 minutes

    Recognition

    James Beard Award, Outstanding Bar, 2023

    Hawaiʻi’s first national James Beard win. Reservation requests open a month ahead and are not confirmed until they reply; walk-in seating is possible but not promised. Its open days line up exactly with the museum’s.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
26. 26Ăn Đi DzôVietnamese · KakaʻakoBook if you can. Open every day, till 9pm.Pho, shaking beef salad, lemongrass banh mi.Book ahead
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Tue–Thu 11am–9pm · Fri & Sat 11am–9:30pm · Sun 11am–7:30pm · Mon 11am–3pm

    Address

    1060 Auahi St, Ward Village

    Real check for two

    $48: two typical mains $38, tax $2, tip $8

    On the menu

    Pho · Shaking beef salad · Lemongrass banh mi

    Getting there

    About 12 minutes from SALT

    Monday is lunch only.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
27. 27HoMA CaféContemporary café, island hospitality · Makiki & Ala MoanaBook if you can. Open Wed–Sun, till 8:30pm.No museum ticket needed to eat here.Book ahead
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Café Wed–Sun 11am–3pm, plus Friday evening 5–8:30pm with food until 7:30pm · Coffee Bar Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun 10am–5pm and Fri 10am–8pm

    Address

    Inside the Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S Beretania St

    Real check for two

    $64: two typical mains $47, tax $2, tip $9, parking $6

    On the menu

    Shakshouka · Eggs Benedict · French toast on Punaluʻu sweet bread

    Getting there

    Zero minutes — it is inside the museum

    The detail worth knowing: you do not need a ticket. In the museum’s own words, “There is no museum charge to visit the HoMA Café. Walk-ins are welcome.” You can eat in one of the loveliest courtyards in Honolulu for the price of lunch. Reservations recommended.

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28. 28MĀZEOmakase and à la carte, with a serious cocktail programme · KakaʻakoBooking required. Open Wed–Sun, till 10:30pm.Book by email and assume it is essential.Booking only
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Wed–Sun 5:30–10:30pm

    Address

    604 Ala Moana Blvd

    Real check for two

    $337: two set menus $270, tax $13, tip $54

    Getting there

    About 8 minutes east of SALT, and walkable to downtown

    From the team behind Bar Leather Apron. Booking by email, and you should assume it is essential.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
29. 29La MerFrench, with island ingredients · WaikīkīBooking required. Open Tue–Sat, till 8:30pm.AAA Five Diamond. Dress code enforced.Booking only
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Tue–Sat 5:30–8:30pm, last seating 8:30pm

    Address

    Halekulani, 2199 Kalia Rd

    Real check for two

    $661: two set menus $530, tax $25, tip $106

    Getting there

    Halekulani, by Waikiki Beach Walk

    Recognition

    2026 AAA Five Diamond and 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star

    The dress code is enforced: no t-shirts, shorts, ripped denim or caps. Children 8 and over only, and they do not take mobile payments.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
30. 30Tonkatsu TamafujiJapanese tonkatsu specialist · Kaimukī & KapahuluBooking required. Open Mon, Wed–Sun, till 9:30pm.Pork loin katsu sets from $32.50.Booking only
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Mon & Wed–Fri 4–9:30pm · Sat & Sun 11am–2pm and 5–9:30pm · closed Tue

    Address

    449 Kapahulu Ave #105 (street level)

    Real check for two

    $71: two typical mains $57, tax $3, tip $11

    Published prices

    Sets $32.50–$33.50

    On the menu

    Jyukusei pork loin katsu set $32.50 · Sizzling plate miso sauce pork loin set $33.50

    Getting there

    Kapahulu, a short drive from Plantoem

    Reservation required to dine in. Moved downstairs to a bigger, street-level space in April 2026.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
31. 31Maunakea Marketplace food courtFilipino, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean stalls · ChinatownNo booking, just show up. Open hours not published.Eat whatever looks busiest.Walk in
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Not published online. Call ahead.

    Address

    1120 Maunakea St

    Getting there

    Two blocks, about 4 minutes

    No website and no published hours — go mid-morning to early afternoon and eat whatever looks busiest. Closed by evening.

    Something changed? Tell us
32. 32ELEVENCraft cocktails and small plates, 90+ whiskeys · Makiki & Ala MoanaBooking required. Open Sun, till 11pm.Sunday brunch and dinner, tucked inside Foodland Farms.Booking only
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Sundays only: brunch 8:30am–1:30pm, dinner 5–11pm (its own pages disagree, so call first)

    Address

    Foodland Farms Ala Moana, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd

    Real check for two

    $98: two set menus $78, tax $4, tip $16

    Getting there

    Ala Moana Center

    Now a Sunday room, tucked inside Foodland Farms. Booking required; a $35-a-guest no-show fee applies.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us
33. –Legend Seafood RestaurantCantonese and dim sum · ChinatownClosed by the Health Department on Oct 1, 2026 (red placard); reopening not confirmed. Plaza tenants must leave by Mar 31, 2027.Dim sum by day, seafood by night, seven days a week.Closed for now
    Hours, address and menu

    Hours

    Closed for now (usually daily 8am–2pm and 5–9pm)

    Address

    100 N Beretania St #108, Chinatown Cultural Plaza

    Getting there

    Three blocks, 6–7 minutes

    Closed for now: the Health Department red-placarded it on 1 October 2026, and it has not announced a reopening. Cultural Plaza tenants have also been told to leave by 31 March 2027. We’ll update this when it reopens.

    Restaurant’s site →Something changed? Tell us

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