Waikiki isn't just a place to stay โ it's a genuine destination for Hawaiian food, and this list ranks the best of it by real visitor ratings submitted right here on NateEatsHawaii. From breezy beachfront dining to no-frills plate-lunch counters, there's something for every appetite and budget.
Topping the chart is Duke's Waikiki, Nate's personal pick and the holder of the NateEatsHawaii badge. It's the iconic beachfront restaurant at the Outrigger, famous for live music every night, the legendary Barefoot Bar on the sand, and crowd favorites like Taco Tuesday, Thursday Prime Rib Night, and the beloved Hula Pie. Also in the mix are well-regarded spots like L&L Hawaiian Barbecue โ the island-themed plate-lunch chain beloved across Hawaii โ and Zippy's Kapahulu, the comfort-food institution known for its stews and chili.
Every restaurant on this page earned its ranking through genuine visitor ratings, so you know the order reflects real experiences. Keep an eye out for the NateEatsHawaii badge โ that marks the spots Nate personally recommends.
The ranking
Top pick1
Iconic beachfront restaurant at the Outrigger with live music every night, the famous Barefoot Bar on the sand, Taco Tuesday, Thursday Prime Rib Night, and Hula Pie. Named after Duke Kahanamoku. A Waikiki staple since 1999.
2
3$$Popular window-serve grill offering American eats, plus a market for prepared foods & baked goods.
4$$
5$$
6$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
7$Funky, compact Japanese spot dishing up plate lunches & musubi specialties for dine in or take-out.
8$$Hawaiian casual dining chain known for its stews, chili & other comfort-food dishes.
9$Chef-curated shave ice in Waikiki with 44 housemade syrups. All items $10 with ice cream base, premium toppings, and ocean views at Twin Fin Hotel.
10Korean-Hawaiian fusion food truck serving the signature K-Loco Moco ($15) with bulgogi patty and kimchi gravy, Animal Style Fries ($10), and handmade fried mandoo. Open late until midnight on weekends.
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FAQ
Based on real visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii, Duke's Waikiki ranks #1 โ it's the iconic beachfront restaurant at the Outrigger, known for live music, the Barefoot Bar, and the famous Hula Pie. It also carries Nate's personal recommendation badge.
For budget-friendly options, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a go-to island chain serving classic plate lunches at accessible prices, and Zippy's Kapahulu is a local comfort-food staple known for hearty stews and chili without breaking the bank.
The rankings on this TOP list are based entirely on real visitor ratings submitted on NateEatsHawaii โ no paid placements, no guesswork. Spots tagged with the NateEatsHawaii badge are also personally recommended by Nate.