New restaurants and long-time favorites are sure to please the palates of even the pickiest eater. Great for a parents’ date night or a large birthday celebration, Kaka‘ako, Ward Village, and Ala Moana are some of the best neighborhoods on Oahu for foodies.
1. Tanaka of Tokyo
Be wowed with onion volcanos and flying food tricks while eating ono (delicious) food, like steak, chicken, shrimp, fried rice, and more. Tanaka of Tokyo is Hawaii’s best locally owned family Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, and they have a location at Ala Moana Center.
Hookipa Terrace, 4th Floor, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, (808) 945-3443, tanakaoftokyo.com, @tanakaoftokyo
2. Ahi & Vegetable
Find the freshest Hawaiian ahi (tuna) as well as many other fish and salad favorites at this hidden treasure in Ala Moana Center. Locally owned, Ahi and Veg will always serve the freshest, directly sourced seafood with a smile.
The Lanai, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd #2276, Honolulu, HI 96814, (808) 377-4097, ahiandveg.com, @ahiandvegetable
3. Highway Inn
Located in SALT at Kaka‘ako, this locally owned eatery has served authentic Hawaiian staple foods for more than 60 years. Try the kalua pig and loco moco!
680 Ala Moana Blvd #105, Honolulu, HI 96813, (808) 954-4955, myhighwayinn.com, @myhighwayinn
4. Moku Kitchen
Bringing Hawaii’s rich upcountry farming and ranching heritage to the Kaka‘ako urban lifestyle, Moku Kitchen serves decadent dishes alongside craft beers, sustainable wines, and creative beverages.
660 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813, (808) 591-6658, mokukitchen.com, @mokukitchen
5. Merriman’s
A pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in Hawaii, Peter Merriman showcases his great food at his Ward Village location, and the restaurant’s lively whimsical ambiance is sure to create a memorable meal.
1108 Auahi St #170, Honolulu, HI 96814, (808) 215-0022, merrimanshawaii.com, @merrimanshonolulu
6. Two Tides Bar
Inside Ward Village’s Whole Foods Market, Two Tides Bar serves craft beer and wines along with grilled entrees. Take-out can also be easily ordered to pick up fresh eats after a grocery shopping excursion.
388 Kamakee St 100, Honolulu, HI 96814, (808) 379-1774, wholefoodsmarket.com
7. Consolidated Theatres at Ward
With reclining seats and TITAN LUX sound, Consolidated Theatres Ward is a great place to relax and watch a movie. Their café menu also mixes traditional movie snacks with heartier food offerings, like a Banh Mi-style hot dog. Beer and wine are also available!
1044 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96814, consolidatedtheatres.com, @consolidatedhi
8. Karai Crab
Delicious eats – which, of course, features mouthwatering crab dishes – along with a full drink menu will make a memorable meal at this casual seafood restaurant. Karai means ‘spicy’ so if you like the spice, you will find something nice here. Reservations recommended!
1314 S King St STE G2, Honolulu, HI 96814, (808) 952-6990, karaicrab.com, @karaicrab
9. 53 By The Sea
Open the door to the elaborate double staircase and sit down to a relaxing lunch or dinner with an astonishing view of Diamond Head and Waikiki. 53 by the Sea serves upscale dishes with fresh ingredients – making a meal to remember that is perfect to celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any special family occasion.
53 Ahui St, Honolulu, HI 96813, (808) 536-5353, 53bythesea.com, @53bythesea_hawaii
