Honolulu is one of the most exciting — and surprisingly affordable — cities to eat in if you know where to look. I pulled together this guide to the best cheap eats across Honolulu's neighborhoods, combining my own verified picks with the area's highest-rated budget spots from across all 210+ restaurants in the NateEatsHawaii catalog.
At the top of the list you'll find places I personally recommend, like Marugame Udon in Waikiki, where fresh Sanuki-style udon noodles are made in-store every day, Zucchi Pizza for authentic Neapolitan-style pies built with quality ingredients, and the beloved Musubi Cafe IYASUME for satisfying, wallet-friendly Hawaiian bites. These spots carry the NateEatsHawaii badge — my seal of approval. Any spot I've personally visited is also marked on the page so you know exactly where I've eaten.
Beyond my picks, this guide surfaces well-loved spots like 85°C Bakery Cafe in Ala Moana, the counter-serve Mexican hideaway Alejandro's Mexican Food, and Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies — a tiny Manoa fixture known for freshly baked bread and vegetarian options. Whether you're grabbing a quick snack or a full meal, Honolulu's cheap eats scene has something for every craving and every corner of the city.
The ranking
Top pick1
Waikiki's most popular udon shop — fresh Sanuki-style noodles made in-store daily. Cafeteria-style ordering, famous Nikutama Udon ($12.99), crispy tempura counter. Two people eat for under $45. 14,000+ Yelp reviews. Read our full guide for menu prices, what to order, and how to beat the line.
2Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with quality ingredients. Thin crust, fresh toppings, and a casual neighborhood vibe.
3Rated 4.6⭐ (1297 reviews)
4Rated 4.5⭐ (372 reviews)
5
6$Bakery fare in Ala Moana. 85°C Bakery Cafe - Honolulu (Ala Moana Center) is a well-loved spot.
7$Small hideaway featuring tacos, burritos, rice bowls & other Mexican staples in counter-serve digs.
8$
9$Tucked into Downtown Honolulu, Aloha Tortilla Factory & Cafe serves mexican at budget-friendly prices. Look for outdoor seating — known as a well-loved spot.
10$
11$A handful of tables fill this compact, no-nonsense spot for Italian staples like calzones & pasta.
12$Tiny fixture for breakfast, sandwiches made with freshly baked bread, vegetarian treats & juices.
13$Hip, plant-filled coffee shop offering light fare such as toast with unique toppings.
14$
15$
16$Outpost supplying hearty portions of homestyle Thai fare in easygoing accommodations.
17$Bakery fare in Waikiki. Bean About Town is a well-loved spot and offers outdoor seating.
18$
19$
20$Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak is a budget-friendly seafood spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a reliable choice with outdoor seating.
21$Cozy mainstay for Chinese fare including noodles, plus handmade wontons & dumplings.
22$Window-serve shack since 1978 with outdoor seating & late hours, selling Hawaiian BBQ plates.
23$Homey, checkered-tablecloth spot for 19-inch, Boston-style pizza with fresh topping options.
24$
25$Easygoing restaurant plating traditional Sichuan dishes, such as dry noodles & twice-cooked pork.
26$Family-owned local chain offering quick-serve plate lunches, manapua & noodles in no-frills digs.
27$Family-owned local chain offering quick-serve plate lunches, manapua & noodles in no-frills digs.
28$Bakery fare in Ala Moana. Cinnabon draws a steady crowd.
29$
30$See every spot on a live map
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FAQ
Honolulu has a huge variety of budget-friendly dining options spanning Hawaiian, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, and more. Nate's top personally recommended picks — marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge — include Marugame Udon, Zucchi Pizza, and Musubi Cafe IYASUME, but this guide covers 210+ qualifying spots across the city.
Waikiki itself has several great budget options, including Marugame Udon for fresh udon noodles and Musubi Cafe IYASUME for affordable Hawaiian-style musubis — both are Nate-recommended spots. The nearby Ala Moana area also offers options like 85°C Bakery Cafe and Waikiki Crepes.
This is a curated guide that places Nate's personally verified picks first, followed by Honolulu's best-rated budget restaurants based on real visitor ratings collected on NateEatsHawaii. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect the latest ratings and any new additions to the catalog.
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