Waikiki punches well above its weight when it comes to Japanese food, and this list ranks all 51 qualifying restaurants by real visitor ratings submitted right here on NateEatsHawaii. Whether you're craving slurpy noodles, creative sushi rolls, or a full izakaya spread, there's something on this list for every appetite and budget.
Topping the rankings is Marugame Udon — a spot Nate personally recommends and one of the most beloved udon shops on the island, known for fresh Sanuki-style noodles made in-store daily. Further down the list you'll find Doraku Sushi Waikiki, a modern Japanese gastropub widely praised for its craft cocktails, izakaya bites, and innovative sushi, and Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, a popular choice for a fun, interactive tabletop grilling experience.
Spots that carry the NateEatsHawaii badge are Nate's hand-picked, verified recommendations — look for that marker as you browse. The rest of the list is ordered purely by the ratings real visitors like you have left on the site, so the rankings reflect genuine on-the-ground experience across all 51 spots.
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$$Soba noodles are the main draw at this compact Japanese place that also serves tempura & udon.
3$$CAMADO RAMEN TAVERN brings ramen to Waikiki at a mid-range price point. Casual and welcoming atmosphere.
4$$Modern Japanese gastropub specializing in craft cocktails, Izakaya cuisine & innovative sushi.
5
6$$Snug sushi house for classic rolls, seafood salads & Japanese mains in colorful, homey quarters.
7$$Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ brings asian to Waikiki at a mid-range price point. Lively atmosphere perfect for groups and celebrations.
8$$Cheerful counter-service place offering sashimi, rolls & rice bowls featuring local fish.
9Honolulu Noodle & Co. Is a ramen spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a well-loved spot with full bar.
10$$
11Kamukura Surf + Dine is a ramen spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a solid pick with full bar.
12
13
14$Outpost of an Osaka-based chain serving sushi & other basic Japanese eats in a no-frills setting.
15$Maguro Spot brings sushi to Waikiki at a budget-friendly price point. Family-friendly casual dining.
16
17$$Laid-back noodle joint offering traditional Japanese noodle soups, plus vegan options.
18$$Family-friendly chain offering creative takes on Asian fare in a striking space.
19$Seafood fare in Ala Moana. Paradise Poke Hawaii at Ilikai is a solid pick and offers outdoor seating.
20$Funky, compact Japanese spot dishing up plate lunches & musubi specialties for dine in or take-out.
21Artisanal ramen specialist with a variety of preparations & toppings & draft beer in a food court.
22$Casual, contemporary eatery featuring many varieties of ramen, plus gyoza & fried rice.
23$$$High-end chain serving notable chef Roy Yamaguchi's Hawaiian fusion fare in a contemporary setting.
24$No-frills, counter-serve seafood joint with an Asian twist offering garlic prawns & teriyaki plates.
25
26$Located close to the beach, this basic food stand serves breakfast & all-day steak plates.
27$$$$Stylish eatery with a patio offering a reimagined, seasonal steakhouse menu & craft cocktails
28Homestyle Okinawan-style Japanese dishes & other Asian fare served in a down-to-earth setting.
29
30$$$$Refined destination for upscale, chef-driven Japanese fare in a stylish setting with only 10 seats.
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FAQ
Based on real visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii, Marugame Udon currently sits at the top of the list — it's also one of the spots Nate personally recommends, known for its fresh Sanuki-style udon noodles made in-store every day.
Several spots on this list offer great value, including Marugame Udon for wallet-friendly fresh udon and Hawaii Sushi, a cheerful counter-service spot featuring sashimi, rolls, and rice bowls with local fish. Keep an eye on the price indicators on each listing page for the most current details.
The rankings are driven by real visitor ratings submitted to NateEatsHawaii and refresh automatically as new reviews come in, so the list always reflects the most up-to-date community feedback.
Waikiki