Top pick1$10 Empanadas
Kailua·Argentinian Restaurant
View details
Kailua is one of Oahu's most charming windward towns, and its dining scene punches well above its weight. From the Argentine flavors of 10 Empanadas to the cozy Italian-American comfort of Assaggio Kailua, there's something worth eating on nearly every block. I pulled together this guide to highlight the spots most worth your time across all 78 qualifying restaurants in the area.
The ranking
See every spot on a live map
Filter, get directions, and find what's open right now.
This is a curated BEST list — it leads with our editors' verified picks, then layers in the area's highest-rated spots by reputation and visitor feedback. Wherever you see the NateEatsHawaii badge, that's a restaurant our editors have personally visited and recommend. Spots he's been to are clearly marked so you always know which endorsements come from first-hand experience.
Whether you're after a casual breakfast at Cinnamon's Restaurant Kailua — famous for its red velvet pancakes — or a bowl of ramen at Daiichi Ramen, Kailua delivers. Bookmark this page and use it as your go-to guide every time you're eating in Kailua.
FAQ
Kailua has a diverse dining scene with standout options across cuisines — highlights include 10 Empanadas for Argentine fare, Buzz's Original Steak House for surf 'n' turf, and Cinnamon's Restaurant Kailua for beloved breakfast dishes. This guide covers 78 qualifying restaurants so you can find the right spot for any occasion.
Kailua has several budget-friendly options worth knowing — Bowles Burritos is a counter-service spot for quick tacos and burritos, Bob's Pizzeria is a local go-to for pizza, and Aloha Salads offers locally sourced salads and sandwiches in a relaxed, eco-conscious setting.
This is a curated guide combining our editors' personally verified picks (marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge) with the best-rated restaurants in Kailua based on visitor feedback on the site. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect the current dining landscape in Kailua.
Restaurants
Kailua
The experiences I actually send visitors on.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationCircle the island
Best single day on Oahu if you've got wheels-envy: turtles, the North Shore shrimp trucks, the lookouts — all in one guided loop.
Free cancellationHonolulu tasting walk
If you like eating your way through a neighborhood, this off-the-beaten-path Honolulu tasting walk hits spots you'd never find solo. Come hungry.
Free cancellationOahu luau night
The eating doesn't stop at dinner — a real luau is the one Waikiki night out worth booking ahead. Kalua pig, fire knife, the whole thing.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationWaikiki sunset sail
After happy hour, get on the water. A sunset cocktail sail off Waikiki is the move — drinks aboard, Diamond Head glowing behind you.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationDiamond Head + breakfast
Earn the breakfast plate: hike Diamond Head first, then eat. Shuttle + reservation ticket included, so the morning's sorted before you refuel in Waikiki.
