With 253 restaurants cataloged in Waikiki, finding the right spot can feel overwhelming — so I pulled together this list ranked by real visitor ratings from NateEatsHawaii users to help you cut through the noise.
The rankings surface a great mix of what Waikiki does best. Banzai Burger is turning heads with its made-to-order Hawaiian-twist burgers inside the Kuhio Avenue Food Hall, while Marugame Udon keeps locals and visitors coming back for fresh Sanuki-style noodles made in-store daily. And Duke's Waikiki — an iconic beachfront institution at the Outrigger — is a spot I personally recommend, known for its live music every night, the legendary Barefoot Bar on the sand, Taco Tuesday, Thursday Prime Rib Night, and the famous Hula Pie.
Spots I've personally visited and verified carry the **NateEatsHawaii badge** on the page — look for it to find my hand-picked picks. Every other spot is ranked purely on what real visitors to this site have rated highest.
The ranking
Top pick1$$Made-to-order burgers with a Hawaiian twist inside Waikiki's Kuhio Avenue Food Hall. The $19 Waimea double is the move — juicy, cooked medium, and not drowning in sauce. Indoor + outdoor seating, now open for breakfast at 8am.
2bb.q Chicken Waikiki is a korean spot in Waikiki.
3
Iconic beachfront restaurant at the Outrigger with live music every night, the famous Barefoot Bar on the sand, Taco Tuesday, Thursday Prime Rib Night, and Hula Pie. Named after Duke Kahanamoku. A Waikiki staple since 1999.
4Waikiki's most popular udon shop — fresh Sanuki-style noodles made in-store daily. Cafeteria-style ordering, famous Nikutama Udon ($12.99), crispy tempura counter. Two people eat for under $45. 14,000+ Yelp reviews. Read our full guide for menu prices, what to order, and how to beat the line.
5$$Soba noodles are the main draw at this compact Japanese place that also serves tempura & udon.
6$$$New American & Pacific Rim fare, plus an upscale buffet including tempura & crab legs.
7$$Tucked into Waikiki, 206 BCE Waikiki serves seafood at mid-range prices. Look for takeout — known as a solid pick.
8Acai Republic brings brazilian to Waikiki. Family-friendly casual dining.
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11ALO Cafe Hawaii is a vegan spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a consistent local favorite with takeout.
12$$ALOH Health Bar & Cafe brings cafe to Waikiki at a mid-range price point. Lively atmosphere perfect for groups and celebrations.
13American fare in Waikiki. Aloha Bowls and Tea is a solid pick and offers takeout.
14$$Food Delivery fare in Waikiki. Aloha Mac Shack is a reliable choice and offers takeout.
15$$Restaurant dishing up grilled cheese sandwiches in a compact setting.
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17$$Casual fine dining on steaks, seafood & Hawaiian dishes with beer, floats & tropical cocktails.
18Fast Food fare in Waikiki. Angry Shrimp Seafood Kitchen is a well-loved spot and offers outdoor seating.
19$$Full-service Italian restaurant with Neapolitan pizzas, wines, and cocktails in chic digs or outdoors.
20$$$Creative, elevated Italian dishes served in a polished restaurant that has a robust wine list.
21$$Tucked into Waikiki, Aroma Italia serves italian at mid-range prices. Look for outdoor seating — known as a well-loved spot.
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23$$Outdoor cafe has Hawaiian plates & standard American fare, plus live music & a weekend beach BBQ.
24$$Contemporary venue dishing up a range of local produce on a familiar comfort-style menu.
25$$$Upscale surf 'n' turf restaurant at Moana Surfrider offering ocean views with veranda seating.
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29$Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak is a budget-friendly seafood spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a reliable choice with outdoor seating.
30$$Easygoing, aquarium-themed eatery in the Hilton turning out seafood, steak, and BBQ dishes.
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FAQ
Based on real visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii, Banzai Burger currently ranks at the top of Waikiki's restaurant list, followed closely by bb.q Chicken Waikiki and the iconic Duke's Waikiki. Rankings are updated as new ratings come in, so the order can shift over time.
Waikiki has solid budget-friendly options — Marugame Udon is widely popular for fresh udon noodles at approachable prices, and Banzai Burger inside the Kuhio Avenue Food Hall is another great choice for a quick, satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
This list is driven by real visitor ratings submitted to NateEatsHawaii and refreshes automatically as new ratings come in, so the rankings reflect up-to-date visitor sentiment rather than a one-time snapshot.
Waikiki