Top pick1$10 Empanadas
Kailua·Argentinian Restaurant
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Kailua is one of Oahu's most charming windward towns, and its dining scene punches well above its weight. From the Argentine flavors of 10 Empanadas to the cozy Italian-American comfort of Assaggio Kailua, there's something worth eating on nearly every block. I pulled together this guide to highlight the spots most worth your time across all 78 qualifying restaurants in the area.
This is a curated BEST list — it leads with Nate's verified picks, then layers in the area's highest-rated spots by reputation and visitor feedback. Wherever you see the NateEatsHawaii badge, that's a restaurant Nate has personally visited and recommends. Spots he's been to are clearly marked so you always know which endorsements come from first-hand experience.
Whether you're after a casual breakfast at Cinnamon's Restaurant Kailua — famous for its red velvet pancakes — or a bowl of ramen at Daiichi Ramen, Kailua delivers. Bookmark this page and use it as your go-to guide every time you're eating in Kailua.
The ranking
Top pick1$
2
3$Relaxed health- & eco-conscious eatery serving locally sourced salads & sandwiches.
4$$Cozy chain eatery for romantic dining offering Italian-American classics & a full bar.
5$$Quaint Italian restaurant serving lunch & dinner in a cozy dining room or gardenlike covered patio.
6$$Relaxed local diner chain serving breakfast, burgers & Hawaiian takes on classic American dishes.
7
8$$Casual restaurant serving Hawaiian-American breakfast & lunch dishes, with patio seating available.
9$Counter-service place offering a limited menu of burritos, tacos & other casual Mexican fare.
10$$Laid-back steakhouse presents a surf 'n' turf menu & drinks in a tiki hut-style space.
11$$Breakfast & lunch menus including red velvet pancakes, cinnamon buns & crab cakes in a casual space.
12$$
13$$Brisket, fried chicken & other comfort eats served in a hip restaurant offering cocktails & beer.
14$$Casual establishment offering classic Korean food & an all-you-can-eat vegetable bar.
15
16$$
17
18A contemporary setting with Asian-inspired small & shared plates from lauded chef, Roy Yamaguchi.
19$$
20
21$Local institution for athletic clothing from popular Hawaiian brands, with a shave-ice machine.
22
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24$Low-key, quick-serve outpost offering Hawaiian & Asian BBQ fare plus assorted sides.
25$$Wood-paneled bar & grill serving American pub grub & offering weekly live music & televised sports.
26Down-to-earth outfit with extensive à la carte or platter sushi, plus soups & salads.
27$$Eatery offering sandwiches & salads before 5PM & contemporary dinners with table service at night.
28$$
29$$Hawaiian kitchen preparing slow-roasted pork sandwiches, platters & more in laid-back surrounds.
30$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
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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 Nate's 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.
Kailua