Discovering The Best Food In Waikiki: A Culinary Journey

Waikiki is a bustling district located on the south shore of Honolulu, Hawaii. The area is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and most importantly, its delicious cuisine. From fresh seafood to vibrant tropical fruits, Waikiki is a food lover’s paradise. We’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants, cafes, and food spots in the area, so get ready to indulge in the ultimate culinary experience.

🍤 Fresh Seafood Galore

Waikiki is a seafood lover’s dream destination. It’s hard to find a restaurant that doesn’t serve fresh seafood on its menu. Whether you’re looking for sushi, shrimp, or lobster, Waikiki has it all. Here are some of the best seafood spots that you must try:

1. Nico’s Pier 38

If you’re craving fresh poke bowls, Nico’s Pier 38 is the place to go. This casual seafood restaurant is located near the Honolulu Fish Auction and serves some of the freshest poke bowls in the area.

2. Doraku Sushi

Doraku Sushi is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This sleek Japanese restaurant serves some of the best sushi rolls in Waikiki. Be sure to try their signature Doraku roll, which is a delicious mix of crab, avocado, and shrimp tempura.

3. Herringbone

If you’re looking for a high-end seafood experience, Herringbone is the perfect spot. This chic restaurant serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including lobster spaghetti and oysters on the half-shell.

🍔 Local Hawaiian Cuisine

When in Hawaii, it’s important to try the local cuisine. From traditional Hawaiian dishes to fusion creations, Waikiki has it all. Here are some of our favorite local food spots:

4. Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a local favorite that has been serving traditional Hawaiian food for over 70 years. Be sure to try their kalua pig, which is cooked in an underground oven and served with poi (mashed taro root).

5. Ono Seafood

If you’re in the mood for a quick bite, Ono Seafood is the perfect spot. This local favorite serves delicious poke bowls and fresh seafood plates.

6. Duke’s Waikiki

Duke’s Waikiki is a legendary restaurant that serves a mix of traditional Hawaiian dishes and modern creations. Be sure to try their famous hula pie, which is a delicious dessert made with macadamia nut ice cream and hot fudge.

🥤 Tropical Drinks

No meal is complete without a refreshing drink. In Waikiki, you’ll find a variety of tropical cocktails and mocktails that are perfect for sipping on a warm day. Here are some of our favorite drink spots:

7. Mai Tai Bar

The Mai Tai Bar is located in the heart of Waikiki and serves a variety of tropical cocktails. Be sure to try their signature mai tai, which is made with rum, orange curaçao, and fresh lime juice.

8. Barefoot Beach Cafe

The Barefoot Beach Cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning ocean views. They serve a variety of tropical cocktails and mocktails, as well as delicious food.

9. The Edge of Waikiki

The Edge of Waikiki is a rooftop bar located in the Sheraton Waikiki hotel. They serve a variety of cocktails and mocktails, as well as delicious small plates.

🍦 Sweet Treats

No meal is complete without a sweet treat. In Waikiki, you’ll find an abundance of delicious desserts and treats. Here are some of our favorite sweet spots:

10. Waiola Shave Ice

Waiola Shave Ice has been serving delicious shave ice for over 70 years. Be sure to try their signature rainbow shave ice, which is made with a mix of tropical fruit flavors.

11. Liliha Bakery

Liliha Bakery is a local favorite that serves delicious pastries and baked goods. Be sure to try their famous coco puffs, which are cream-filled pastries topped with chocolate frosting.

12. Island Vintage Coffee

Island Vintage Coffee serves a variety of delicious coffee drinks and sweet treats. Be sure to try their famous acai bowl, which is topped with fresh fruit and granola.

🍽️ Best Restaurants in Waikiki

If you’re looking for a sit-down dining experience, Waikiki has a variety of restaurants to choose from. Here are some of our favorite restaurants:

13. Roy’s Waikiki

Roy’s Waikiki is a high-end restaurant that serves a mix of Hawaiian and Asian fusion dishes. Be sure to try their signature misoyaki butterfish, which is cooked to perfection.

14. Alan Wong’s Honolulu

Alan Wong’s Honolulu is a fine-dining restaurant that serves a variety of Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Be sure to try their famous garlic chicken, which is cooked in a delicious garlic sauce.

15. Morimoto Asia Waikiki

Morimoto Asia Waikiki is a sleek Japanese restaurant that serves a variety of fresh sushi and seafood dishes. Be sure to try their signature tuna pizza, which is a delicious mix of tuna sashimi, avocado, and wasabi aioli.

Best Food In Waikiki: FAQs

1. What is the best seafood restaurant in Waikiki?

Our top pick for seafood in Waikiki is Herringbone. They serve a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including lobster spaghetti and oysters on the half-shell.

2. Where can I find the best poke in Waikiki?

Nico’s Pier 38 is our top pick for fresh poke bowls in Waikiki. Be sure to try their classic ahi poke, which is made with cubed raw ahi tuna.

3. What is a must-try local Hawaiian dish?

One must-try Hawaiian dish is kalua pig, which is cooked in an underground oven and served with poi (mashed taro root). You can find this dish at Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Waikiki.

4. What is the best place to get a tropical cocktail in Waikiki?

The Mai Tai Bar is our top pick for tropical cocktails in Waikiki. Be sure to try their signature mai tai, which is made with rum, orange curaçao, and fresh lime juice.

5. Where can I find the best acai bowl in Waikiki?

Island Vintage Coffee serves a delicious acai bowl topped with fresh fruit and granola. Be sure to try it out!

6. Which restaurant serves the best garlic chicken dish in Waikiki?

Alan Wong’s Honolulu is known for its delicious garlic chicken dish, which is cooked in a delicious garlic sauce.

7. What is the must-try dessert in Waikiki?

The coco puff from Liliha Bakery is a must-try dessert in Waikiki. These cream-filled pastries topped with chocolate frosting are a local favorite.

Conclusion

Waikiki is a food lover’s paradise, with something for everyone. From fresh seafood to local Hawaiian cuisine, tropical drinks, and sweet treats, Waikiki has it all. We hope this guide has inspired you to try some of the best food spots in the area. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Waikiki today and indulge in the ultimate culinary experience.

Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. Please note that prices, menus, and hours of operation may vary depending on the restaurant’s policies and regulations. We recommend contacting the restaurant directly for the most current information.