Determining the top ten places to eat in Oahu is no easy task. After all, the island has a seemingly endless supply of great restaurants providing a variety of dining options at every price point. Whether you are looking for something quick to eat or you are interested in a unique dining experience, you are sure to find something to satisfy your hunger needs with this list of the top ten places to eat in Oahu.
Rainbow Drive-In
A part of the island for more than 50 years, Rainbow Drive-In offers inexpensive Hawaiian lunches. The restaurant also recently opened a logo shop where Rainbow Drive-In merchandise can be purchased. The colorful restaurant is located at 3308 Kanaina Ave in Honolulu.
Koko Head Café
Located at 1145c 12th Avenue in Honolulu, Koko Head Café brings the modern-global fusion cuisine of Chef Lee Anne Wong to the island. The restaurant offers an extensive brunch menu, including brunch cocktails.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Established in 1946, Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a family-owned business offering traditional, local Hawaiian food. Located at 1240 N. School Street in Honolulu, the restaurant was the recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s Regional Class Award in 2000.
Leonard’s Bakery
Known as the “Home of Malasadas & Poco Doce,” Leonard’s Bakery offers doughnuts, pies, cookies, coffee cakes, bread, and wraps. Located at 933 Kapahula Avenue in Honolulu, the bakery is only open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 AM until 11:00 AM, so be sure to get there early so you don’t miss out!
Fresh Catch
Fresh Catch brings “Island Style” seafood and deli creations of Chef Reno Henrique to the island. Offerings include seafood, poke, plate lunches and sashimi platters. Locations include 3109 Waialae Ave. in Honolulu and 45-1118 Kamehameha Hwy in Kaneohe.
The Pig and the Lady
Located at 83 N. King Street in Honolulu’s Chinatown, The Pig and the Lady offers Vietnamese dining along with an outdoor Farmers Market offering Vietnamese street food several days per week.
Town
Offering lunch, dinner and an extensive list of adult beverages, Town offers a menu that changes daily based upon the availability of local ingredients. Located at 3435 Waialae Avenue in Honolulu, the restaurant uses organize ingredients whenever possible.
Peace Café
Featuring a menu that consists of “vegan home cooking,” Peace Café was started with the idea of bringing peaceful harmony among man and nature through pure and whole foods. Located at 2239 S. King Street in Honolulu, the restaurant offers entrees, sandwiches, smoothies, and sweets.
The Elephant Shack
Formerly known as The Elephant Truck, The Elephant Shack offers friendly vibes in a country setting with meals created from locally sourced produce. Several herbs are grown organically right in the restaurant’s backyard, while most other ingredients are obtained from farms within a 10-mile radius of the North Shore. The restaurant is located at 66-145 Kam Hwy in Haleiwa.
Paina Café
Known as the “Home of the original poke bowl,” Paina Café offers plates, sandwiches, and salads made from fresh ingredients. Locations include 1200 Ala Moana Boulevard and 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy Ste. E123A in Honolulu.
