Looking for a great meal in Waikiki without blowing your budget? I pulled together all 40 qualifying spots and ranked them by real visitor ratings from NateEatsHawaii — so you can eat well and keep your wallet happy.
Topping the list is Marugame Udon, Waikiki's beloved udon shop serving fresh Sanuki-style noodles made in-store every day — and it's one I personally recommend (look for the NateEatsHawaii badge). Elsewhere on the list you'll find crowd favorites like Ice Monster Hawaii, a contemporary counter-serve known for Taiwanese shaved ice in flavors like papaya and matcha, and Harbor Pub & Pizza, a family-owned pub dishing up nachos, pizza, and sandwiches in casual marina-inspired digs.
Every spot here earned its rank through genuine visitor ratings on the site. Restaurants Nate has personally visited are marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — a quick way to spot verified picks as you browse.
The ranking
Top pick1
Waikiki's most popular udon shop — fresh Sanuki-style noodles made in-store daily. Cafeteria-style ordering, famous Nikutama Udon ($12.99), crispy tempura counter. Two people eat for under $45. 14,000+ Yelp reviews. Read our full guide for menu prices, what to order, and how to beat the line.
2$
3$Bakery fare in Waikiki. Bean About Town is a well-loved spot and offers outdoor seating.
4$Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak is a budget-friendly seafood spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a reliable choice with outdoor seating.
5$Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
6$Family-owned pub & eatery serving nachos, pizza, sandwiches & more in casual, marina-inspired digs.
7$Contemporary counter-serve stop for Taiwanese shaved ice in flavors such as papaya or matcha.
8$
9$Brunch fare in Waikiki. Kono's Northshore - Waikiki is a solid pick and offers outdoor seating.
10$Outpost of an Osaka-based chain serving sushi & other basic Japanese eats in a no-frills setting.
11$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
12$Tucked into Waikiki, Magnolia Ice Cream & Treats serves food store at budget-friendly prices. Look for takeout — known as a solid pick.
13$Maguro Spot brings sushi to Waikiki at a budget-friendly price point. Family-friendly casual dining.
14$Modern, counter-serve nook for matcha-flavored soft-serve ice cream & drinks like lattes & floats.
15$Counter-serve joint dishing up large portions of Korean barbecue fare such as kalbi & bibimbap.
16$Mini Monster Cafe is a budget-friendly cafe spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a solid pick with takeout.
17$Nanding's Bakery is a budget-friendly bakery spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a solid pick with takeout.
18$Seafood fare in Ala Moana. Paradise Poke Hawaii at Ilikai is a solid pick and offers outdoor seating.
19$
20$Funky, compact Japanese spot dishing up plate lunches & musubi specialties for dine in or take-out.
21$Tucked into Waikiki, Pit Stop Hawaii Food Truck serves hamburger at budget-friendly prices. Look for takeout — known as a consistent local favorite.
22$Iconic counter-serve spot for Hawaiian plate lunches features BBQ, mahi mahi, chili dogs & more.
23$Casual, contemporary eatery featuring many varieties of ramen, plus gyoza & fried rice.
24$Breakfast fare in Waikiki. Ride and Grind Cafe is a well-loved spot and offers takeout.
25$Tucked into Waikiki, Royal Lobster serves a casual menu at budget-friendly prices. Look for outdoor seating — known as a consistent local favorite.
26$No-frills, counter-serve seafood joint with an Asian twist offering garlic prawns & teriyaki plates.
27$San Paolo Pizzeria brings pizza to Ala Moana at a budget-friendly price point. Lively atmosphere perfect for groups and celebrations.
28$
29$Casual, family-owned restaurant serving tacos, burritos, sandwiches, burgers & other comfort food.
30$Located close to the beach, this basic food stand serves breakfast & all-day steak plates.
See every spot on a live map
Filter, get directions, and find what's open right now.
FAQ
Based on real visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii, Marugame Udon ranks #1 — it's known for fresh, affordable Sanuki-style udon noodles made in-store daily and is also a spot Nate personally recommends.
Waikiki has plenty of wallet-friendly options beyond the resort restaurants — from plate lunch staples at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue to bakery fare at Bean About Town and budget seafood at Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak. This ranked list of 40 spots is a great place to start.
The rankings are based on real visitor ratings submitted to NateEatsHawaii and are refreshed regularly as new ratings come in, so the list reflects what diners are actually enjoying right now.
Waikiki