Good Places to Eat in Ala Moana: A Complete Guide

Discover the Best Restaurants in Ala Moana to Satisfy Your Cravings

Ala Moana is a paradise for foodies, with an abundance of restaurants offering diverse cuisines that cater to everyone’s taste buds. From casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, there is something to please every palate. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of options. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best places to eat in Ala Moana.

Opening Statement

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii, Ala Moana is known for its stunning beaches, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. However, the culinary scene is also a major draw for visitors and locals alike. The area is home to some of the best restaurants in Hawaii, offering everything from traditional Hawaiian cuisine to international dishes.

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the best places to eat in Ala Moana, serving up a diverse range of flavors and cuisines to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, a family-friendly spot, or a lively atmosphere to enjoy with friends, you’ll find it all here.

Introduction

Ala Moana offers an impressive array of restaurants, ranging from upscale eateries to casual dining spots. The area is a hub for international cuisine, with Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and American restaurants among the most popular. Many of the restaurants are located in the Ala Moana Center, which is also Hawaii’s largest shopping mall. Here are some of the top restaurants in this diverse area:

1. 🍕 Roy’s Waikiki

Located in the heart of Waikiki, Roy’s is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a fusion of Hawaiian and European cuisine. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, blackened Ahi, which is served with garlic mashed potatoes and lobster butter sauce. Roy’s also has an extensive wine list and a bar that serves up cocktails made with fresh island ingredients.

2. 🍞 Moku Kitchen

Moku Kitchen is a casual dining spot that serves up contemporary Hawaiian cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The menu features dishes like kalua pork pizza, ahi poke bowl, and ginger fried chicken. Moku Kitchen also has an impressive craft beer selection and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it a great spot for families and groups.

3. 🍣 Shirokiya Japan Village Walk

Shirokiya Japan Village Walk is a Japanese food court that features over 30 vendors serving up traditional Japanese cuisine. From sushi to ramen, there is something for everyone at Shirokiya. The food court also has a beer garden that offers a variety of Japanese beers and sake.

4. 🍽 The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory is a popular chain restaurant that offers a wide range of dishes, including burgers, pasta, and of course, cheesecake. The restaurant’s location in the Ala Moana Center makes it a convenient spot for shoppers looking for a quick bite to eat.

5. 🍦 Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop

Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop is a local favorite that serves up breakfast and lunch dishes made from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features items like banana macadamia nut pancakes, pork belly eggs benedict, and a variety of sandwiches and salads.

6. 🍴 Doraku Sushi

Doraku Sushi is a Japanese restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional sushi. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and hot dishes. Doraku Sushi also has an extensive cocktail menu and a happy hour that offers discounted drinks and small bites.

7. 🍲 Piggy Smalls

Piggy Smalls is a casual dining spot that serves up Vietnamese cuisine with a Hawaiian twist. The restaurant’s menu features items like banh mi sandwiches, pho, and lemongrass chicken. Piggy Smalls also has a bar that serves up craft cocktails and local beers.

8. 🍣 Foodland Farms Ala Moana

Foodland Farms Ala Moana is a gourmet grocery store that also offers a variety of prepared foods. The store has a poke bar, hot food bar, and sushi bar, as well as a bakery and coffee shop. Foodland Farms also offers cooking classes and wine tastings.

9. 🍧 The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong

The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a fusion of Hawaiian and Asian cuisine. The restaurant is located inside the Macy’s store at the Ala Moana Center and offers a beautiful view of the ocean. The menu features dishes like ahi poke, kalbi short ribs, and misoyaki butterfish.

10. 🍕 La Mer

La Mer is a fine-dining French restaurant located in the Halekulani Hotel. The restaurant offers beautiful ocean views and an elegant atmosphere. The menu features classic French dishes like escargot, foie gras, and rack of lamb.

11. 🍣 Goma Tei Ramen

Goma Tei Ramen is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in ramen. The restaurant offers a variety of ramen bowls, including a vegetarian option. Goma Tei Ramen also has a small selection of appetizers and desserts.

12. 🍱 Aloha Sushi

Aloha Sushi is a Japanese restaurant that offers a variety of sushi rolls and hot dishes. The restaurant also has a bar that serves up sake, beer, and cocktails. Aloha Sushi’s location in the Ala Moana Center makes it a convenient spot for shoppers looking for a quick sushi fix.

13. 🍣 Gen Korean BBQ House

Gen Korean BBQ House is a Korean barbecue restaurant that offers an all-you-can-eat menu. The restaurant features a variety of meats, including beef, pork, and chicken, that are cooked tableside on a grill. Gen Korean BBQ House also has a selection of appetizers, sides, and desserts.

FAQs

1. What is the Best Restaurant for a Romantic Dinner?

The best restaurant for a romantic dinner is La Mer, which offers beautiful ocean views and an elegant atmosphere.

2. What is the Best Restaurant for Families?

The best restaurant for families is Moku Kitchen, which offers a laid-back atmosphere and a menu that caters to everyone’s taste buds.

3. What is the Best Restaurant for Sushi?

The best restaurant for sushi is Doraku Sushi, which offers a modern twist on traditional sushi.

4. What is the Best Restaurant for Ramen?

The best restaurant for ramen is Goma Tei Ramen, which specializes in a variety of ramen bowls.

5. What is the Best Restaurant for Korean BBQ?

The best restaurant for Korean BBQ is Gen Korean BBQ House, which offers an all-you-can-eat menu of meats cooked tableside on a grill.

6. What is the Best Restaurant for Poke?

The best restaurant for poke is Foodland Farms Ala Moana, which offers a poke bar with a variety of toppings and sauces.

7. What is the Best Restaurant for Italian Food?

The best restaurant for Italian food is not in Ala Moana, but in Waikiki: Arancino di Mare, which offers some of the best Italian cuisine in Hawaii.

8. What is the Best Restaurant for Vegetarians?

The best restaurant for vegetarians is Goma Tei Ramen, which offers a vegetarian ramen bowl.

9. What is the Best Restaurant for a Quick Bite?

The best restaurant for a quick bite is The Cheesecake Factory, which offers a wide range of dishes and is located in the Ala Moana Center.

10. What is the Best Restaurant for Local Hawaiian Cuisine?

The best restaurant for local Hawaiian cuisine is not in Ala Moana, but in Kakaako: Highway Inn, which has been serving traditional Hawaiian cuisine for over 70 years.

11. Are Reservations Required for Fine-Dining Restaurants?

Yes, reservations are highly recommended for fine-dining restaurants like La Mer and Roy’s Waikiki.

12. What is the Best Restaurant for Cocktails?

The best restaurant for cocktails is Piggy Smalls, which has a bar