Top pick1$$$3660 On the Rise
Kaimuki·Asian Fusion Restaurant
Chic, but comfortable restaurant serving innovative European-Asian fusion cuisine.
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Kaimuki is one of Honolulu's most beloved dining neighborhoods, and for good reason. Waialae Avenue and the surrounding streets are packed with locally owned gems, eclectic cuisines, and spots that keep regulars coming back week after week. I pulled together this guide to cut through the noise and highlight the 64 qualifying restaurants worth knowing in this area.
The list combines the best-rated spots on NateEatsHawaii with any of Nate's hand-picked recommendations — those carry the NateEatsHawaii badge so you can spot them at a glance. From the chic European-Asian fusion of 3660 On the Rise to the Neapolitan-style pies at Brick Fire Tavern and the modern Vietnamese comfort food at Hale Vietnam Restaurant, Kaimuki covers serious ground across cuisines and price points.
Whether you're a first-timer exploring the neighborhood or a local looking for your next regular haunt, this guide is a solid starting point. Spots Nate has personally visited are marked on the page — look for the badge to see which ones come with his direct stamp of approval.
The ranking
Top pick1$$$Chic, but comfortable restaurant serving innovative European-Asian fusion cuisine.
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4$$Rustic-chic locale featuring a wide selection of craft brews, cocktails & upscale, creative tapas.
5$$Neapolitan-style pizzas with local ingredients, plus Italian wine & cocktails, in a rustic space.
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7$$Chain eatery serving up inventive pizzas, plus pastas & salads in a modern setting.
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12$$Informal destination for modern Vietnamese fare, including pho, BBQ plates & vegetarian options.
13$$This casual Chinese eatery features a large seafood-centric menu, including dim sum served daily.
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15$$Dessert hub crafting gelato in traditional Italian & Hawaiian flavors, plus paninis & waffles.
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19$Homey, checkered-tablecloth spot for Boston-style pizza with Hawaiian topping options.
20$$Stylish, convivial locavore joint with elegant murals serving creative takes on island cuisine.
21$Casual chain serving classic omelets, waffles, pancakes, crêpes & sandwiches with a Hawaiian spin.
22$$Celeb chef Lee Anne Wong runs this brunch stop for breakfast udon, congee & other Pan-Asian eats.
23$Japanese take-out spot serving a variety of sushi rolls, plus bento & udon options.
24$$Vibrant restaurant offering traditional floating sushi, along with other Japanese standards.
25$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
26$$
27Long-standing Japanese eatery known for sushi & tempura, with sushi bar or table seating.
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30Serene French bistro featuring Japanese-influenced fixed-price menus & a BYOB policy.
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FAQ
3660 On the Rise is one of Kaimuki's most acclaimed dining destinations, known for its innovative European-Asian fusion in a comfortable, upscale setting. Brick Fire Tavern is another standout, celebrated for its Neapolitan-style pizzas made with local ingredients.
Yes — Kaimuki has options across all budgets. Spots like Broken Rice and Hale Vietnam Restaurant are well-regarded for flavorful Vietnamese fare that won't break the bank, and Goma Tei Ramen is a popular pick for a satisfying, wallet-friendly bowl.
This guide is reviewed and refreshed regularly to reflect new openings, closures, and shifts in visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii, so you can trust it's pointing you toward what's current.
Kaimuki