Top pick1Fin's Bagels
Authentic New York style bagels in Kapahulu — hand rolled, kettle boiled, baked fresh daily. The Kiawe Smoked Brisket on asiago is the must-order. Best breakfast spot near Waikiki.
Oahu's sandwich scene runs deep — from pillowy banh mi stuffed with fresh-daily fillings to hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels that would hold their own in New York City. I pulled together 92 qualifying spots across the island so you know exactly where to go, whether you're in Kapahulu, Ala Moana, Manoa, or anywhere in between.
Two spots I personally recommend are front and center: Fin's Bagels in Kapahulu, where authentic New York-style bagels are hand rolled, kettle boiled, and baked fresh every single day, and Ms. Nguyen Banh Mi & Rolls in Ala Moana, a Vietnamese counter inside Midtown Eats serving fresh-daily banh mi, famous chicken pho, and a standout Vietnamese iced coffee. Both carry the NateEatsHawaii badge — my signal that I've been there and can vouch for them. Beyond my picks, well-loved spots like Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies in Manoa — a tiny fixture famous for freshly baked bread and vegetarian-friendly options — round out a list built to cover every craving and corner of the island.
This is a curated BEST guide, meaning Nate's verified picks lead the list, followed by Oahu's highest-rated sandwich spots as ranked by real visitor ratings on the site. Look for the NateEatsHawaii badge on spots Nate has personally visited and recommended.
The ranking
Top pick1Authentic New York style bagels in Kapahulu — hand rolled, kettle boiled, baked fresh daily. The Kiawe Smoked Brisket on asiago is the must-order. Best breakfast spot near Waikiki.
2Vietnamese counter inside Midtown Eats — fresh-daily banh mi, famous chicken pho, chicken egg rolls, and a standout Vietnamese iced coffee. Card only. Free validated parking.
3$$Food Delivery fare in Waikiki. Aloha Mac Shack is a reliable choice and offers takeout.
4$Tiny fixture for breakfast, sandwiches made with freshly baked bread, vegetarian treats & juices.
5$Fast-food chain, known for its roast beef, serving up hot & cold sandwiches, fries & shakes.
6$$Family-friendly restaurant serving Italian-American fare in a comfortable setting.
7$Vietnamese cafe chain serving banh-mi & other sandwiches on artisanal bread, pho & baked goods.
8$$
9$$Casual spot with island flair offering creative pizzas, hearty sandwiches & desserts.
10$$Pizza fare in Ala Moana. California Pizza Kitchen draws a steady crowd.
11$$Chain eatery serving up inventive pizzas, plus pastas & salads in a modern setting.
12$$Chain eatery serving up inventive pizzas, plus pastas & salads in a modern setting.
13$$
14$$Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.
15$$
16$$Dell's Kitchen and Bakery is a mid-range asian spot in McCully. Locals consider it a well-loved spot with takeout.
17$$BBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides.
18$
19$$Unique eateries & a full bar are offered at this cool, buzzy food hall with a gourmet market.
20$$
21$$Everyday restaurant spotlighting generous sandwiches, including veggie options, plus salads & sides.
22Chain selling clever arrangements & gift baskets made up of fresh & chocolate-dipped fruit.
23$Counter-serve restaurant offering burgers, Hawaiian-style seafood & Asian bento boxes.
24$$
25$$Family-friendly, casual establishment serving an extensive menu of Japanese specialties.
26$$Family-friendly, casual establishment serving an extensive menu of Japanese specialties.
27$$Family-friendly, casual establishment serving an extensive menu of Japanese specialties.
28
29$$Upbeat, casual spot dishing up an all-day menu of traditional Hawaiian fare for eat-in or takeout.
30$$Chain retailer selling island-themed apparel for the family, plus jewelry, food, home goods & gifts.
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FAQ
Nate's top personal picks are Fin's Bagels in Kapahulu for authentic New York-style bagels and Ms. Nguyen Banh Mi & Rolls in Ala Moana for fresh Vietnamese banh mi — both carry the NateEatsHawaii verified badge. Beyond those, the guide surfaces the island's highest-rated sandwich shops across all neighborhoods.
Banh mi counters like Ms. Nguyen Banh Mi & Rolls and the Ba-Le Sandwich Shop chain are well known for offering generous, wallet-friendly sandwiches. Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies in Manoa is also a longtime local favorite for budget-conscious eaters looking for freshly made food.
This is a curated BEST guide combining Nate's hand-picked, personally verified recommendations with the top-rated spots drawn from real visitor ratings across NateEatsHawaii's catalog of roughly 1,900 Oahu restaurants. The list is reviewed and refreshed regularly to reflect new openings and updated ratings.
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