Honolulu is the heartbeat of Hawaiian food culture on Oahu, and with over 110 qualifying restaurants in the city, there's no shortage of places to dig into kalua pig, lau lau, poi, and a classic plate lunch. I pulled together this curated guide to highlight the spots genuinely worth your time — starting with my own verified picks, then rounded out with the area's best-rated restaurants by visitors on this site.
Topping the list is Duke's Waikiki, an iconic beachfront restaurant at the Outrigger that Nate personally recommends — look for the NateEatsHawaii badge on the listing. Between the Barefoot Bar on the sand, live music every night, Taco Tuesday, Thursday Prime Rib Night, and the legendary Hula Pie, it's a Honolulu institution that earns its reputation. Further down the list, Ala Moana Poi Bowl in the Makai Market Food Court is a well-loved local stop known for kalua pig, lau lau, and satisfying plate lunches at accessible prices.
Every spot Nate has personally visited carries the NateEatsHawaii badge on its listing page — that's your signal for a first-hand stamp of approval. The rest of the guide is built on real visitor ratings collected on this site, so you can browse with confidence whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime Honolulu local.
The ranking
Top pick1
Iconic beachfront restaurant at the Outrigger with live music every night, the famous Barefoot Bar on the sand, Taco Tuesday, Thursday Prime Rib Night, and Hula Pie. Named after Duke Kahanamoku. A Waikiki staple since 1999.
2$$Hawaiian spot in Ala Moana Center's Makai Market Food Court serves kalua pig, lau lau & plate lunch.
3
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5
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7$$This casual Asian pit stop serves up large portions of comfort food & is known for its oxtail soup.
8$Outpost supplying hearty portions of homestyle Thai fare in easygoing accommodations.
9$$Casual spot with island flair offering creative pizzas, hearty sandwiches & desserts.
10$Window-serve shack since 1978 with outdoor seating & late hours, selling Hawaiian BBQ plates.
11
12$$Popular window-serve grill offering American eats, plus a market for prepared foods & baked goods.
13$$
14$$
15Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.
16$$
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21$$Quaint quarters in Salt Lake Shopping Center dishing up Hawaiian comfort food for dine-in & takeout.
22$$Small, no-frills counter serve dispensing classic Hawaiian plate lunches, tacos & burgers.
23
24$$
25$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
26$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
27$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
28$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
29$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
30$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
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FAQ
Duke's Waikiki tops this curated list as a NateEatsHawaii-verified recommendation — it's an iconic beachfront spot beloved for its Hawaiian atmosphere, live music, and classic dishes like Hula Pie. Beyond that, the best choice depends on what you're after: a food court plate lunch, a casual tiki bar, or a sit-down dining experience.
Ala Moana Poi Bowl in the Makai Market Food Court at Ala Moana Center is a well-known option for budget-friendly Hawaiian staples like kalua pig and lau lau. Food court and casual counter spots throughout Honolulu tend to offer the most accessible prices for traditional plate lunches.
This is a curated BEST guide for Honolulu — Nate's personally verified picks appear first (marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge), followed by the highest-rated spots based on real visitor ratings collected on NateEatsHawaii. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect new ratings and any changes to the restaurants featured.
Honolulu