From Casual Date Nights to Special Occasions, Here Are My 10 Favorite Restaurants on Oahu
The island of Oahu has an abundance of dining options. And as Waikiki residents, we’ve tried them all. But these 10 spots are truly special.
Living in Waikiki means I’m spoiled with dining options. But one of my favorite things to do is hop around Oahu to try new restaurants.
My husband and I love checking out new spots, but there are a few places we always return to because the food and atmosphere are just that good.
I’ve already shared my favorite Waikiki Breakfast Spots, the best Happy Hours in Waikiki, and even a guide to the best Cheap Eats around town.
Today I’m branching out across the island.
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And while Oahu is famous for its food trucks and grab-and-go bites (I’ll cover those in another post), sometimes you want to sit down, enjoy the view, and linger over a meal.
So in this post, I’m sharing my go-to dinner spots around this island.
These are my favorite Oahu restaurants for special occasions, date nights, or anytime we just want a proper dinner out.
For this list, I’m going to order the restaurants by overall level of fanciness. We’ll start with the most upscale restaurants for special occasions and work our way down to my favorites for a casual date night.
Yes, my list is heavily weighted toward Waikiki restaurants. But that’s just because there are so many great ones to choose from! Not to mention, we can walk to those.
But there are quite a few other great restaurants around the island worth making the drive.
Also, it’s worth noting that the dress code here in Hawaii is pretty casual, even at the fanciest restaurants. A nice aloha shirt and slacks for men and a sundress for women are acceptable attire pretty much everywhere.
Now, let’s get right to it!
Here are my favorite restaurants around Oahu for everything from an anniversary dinner to an “I don’t feel like cooking” night.
1. 53 By the Sea
We don’t do true fine dining restaurants very often. But when we do, this is our go-to spot. For birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, 53 By the Sea is a must.
The entire restaurant is designed to maximize its stunning oceanfront location with Diamond Head views. It’s an elegant setting with a grand staircase serving contemporary seafood and steak dishes.
If you’re celebrating something on your visit to Oahu or just looking for a romantic night out, make a reservation here.
My favorite menu items include the hand-cut pasta with seafood and the incredible seafood platter.
Where to Find It: 53 Ahui St, Honolulu, HI 96813 | (808) 536-5353, Website
Reservations Needed? Yes—definitely book ahead, especially for dinner and terrace or window seats.
2. The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood
Perched on the 36th floor of the Ala Moana Hotel, this steakhouse has one of the best panoramic views in Honolulu. It also has the best happy hour on the island.
Read More: The 5 Best Happy Hours in Waikiki for Deals with a View 🍸
Come for the sunset and stay for perfectly cooked steaks and fresh seafood. In addition to perfectly cooked steaks, I also love the shrimp stuffed mushrooms and the lobster mac and cheese.
Where to Find It: 410 Atkinson Dr, 36th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96814 | (808) 949-3636 | Website
Reservations Needed? For dinner, yes. For Happy Hour, you’ll have to wait in line with the rest of us!
3. Empire Steak House
Located atop the Ilikai Hotel in Waikiki, this New York-style steakhouse delivers a classic fine-dining experience with big portions and an extensive wine list.
The plush, clubby interior makes it feel like a special night out. And the jaw-dropping 360-degree views are the best in Waikiki. While I think Signature gets the edge for food, Empire definitely has the better views.
And on Friday nights, you can even watch the Friday night fireworks from above.
Read More: Waikiki’s Friday Night Fireworks (where to watch by land, sea, or air!)🎆
Splurge on the shareable Empire Filet for two (it will actually feed more than two!), lobster cocktail, crab cakes.
Where to Find It: 1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 | (808) 777-3100 | Website
Reservations Needed? Strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
4. Hale‘iwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens
Nestled in Kaneohe with a lush garden backdrop, this spot feels like dining in the jungle. The portions are massive, and the tropical setting makes it one of Oahu’s most unique restaurants.
The prime rib is famously enormous, but I also love their grilled fish with Macadamia nut pesto and lobster cream sauce. Other must-try menu items, the Luau Crab Dip and incredible garlic bread.
Dinner at Hale’iwa Joe’s is worth the drive from Waikiki. But Kaneohe also makes a terrific home base on Oahu.
Read More: Windward Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay is Home to the Dreamiest Sandbar in Hawaii
Where to Find It: 46-336 Haiku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744 | (808) 247-6671 | Website
Reservations Needed? They don’t take reservations. Be sure to arrive early to get your name in. They open at 4:00pm and there’s often a line by 3:30pm.
5. The Crouching Lion
Located on Oahu’s North Shore, this cliffside restaurant serves local dishes an Asian flair and sweeping coastal views.
The drive from Waikiki takes more than an hour, so it’s best to add this Oahu restaurant to a day trip itinerary around the island. It also pairs perfectly with a day at Kualoa Ranch.
Read More: The 3 Best Tours at Kualoa Ranch (from an Oahu local who’s done them all!)
The signature dish here is The Crouching Lion Pasta, a seafood pasta with scallops, shrimp, lobster, sundried tomato pesto, mushrooms, arugula, and parmesan.
The presentation is beautiful and it’s a delicious dish, but only you can decide if it’s actually worth the $78 menu price. The good news is pretty much everything else on the menu is more reasonably priced, so there are plenty of other options. Like the excellent Prime Brisket Tacos!
Where to Find It: 51-666 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730 | (808) 237-8981 | Website
Reservations Needed? Walk-ins are fine most days, but weekends can be busier.
6. Buzz’s Original Steakhouse
Located directly across from Kailua Beach, Buzz’s is a beloved local steakhouse with a relaxed, old-school vibe.
It’s the kind of place you go after a day in the sun. The famous Buzz’s Mai Tai is so legendary that it actually comes with a “talk” from your server when you order it.
The short version is that a mai tai at Buzz’s packs a punch (the most alcohol legally allowed in a single glass by the city of Honolulu). Proceed with caution.
The steaks are predictably delicious, but they also have some terrific appetizers. The Artichoke Surprise, the escargot, and the shrimp cocktail.
Where to Find It: 413 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734 | (808) 261-4661 | Website
Reservations Needed? Recommended for dinner.
7. Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki
When we have friends and family come visit us on Oahu, this is always the first reservation I make.
This lively spot by Peter Merriman is all about farm-to-table dining with craft cocktails and a fun vibe. The open-air setting and incredible ocean views make it great for both lunch and dinner (they also serve breakfast).
The truffle fries, wood-fired pizzas, and lobster deviled eggs are favorites. The fish and lobster pasta is also a winner. It comes with a half lobster, house fettuccine, big island chèvre, and kamuela tomatoes.
And, of course, you can’t miss the signature Monkeypod Mai Tais topped with a honey, lilikoi foam. It’s one of the best mai tais in Waikiki.
Read More: The 5 Best Mai Tais in Waikiki (Do NOT Leave Hawaii Without Trying #3)
Where to Find It: 2169 Kalia Roda (inside the Outrigger Reef Hotel), Honolulu, HI 96815 | (808) 900-4226 | Website
Reservations Needed? Recommended, especially for dinner. But not essential if you’re willing to wait a bit.
8. Duke’s Waikiki
When we have friends and family come visit, this is the second reservation I make. Right on Waikiki Beach, Duke’s is a classic.
Yes, it’s touristy. But that’s exactly why I bring friends and family there when they vist. It’s casual and fun with live music, beach views, and a menu full of local favorites.
The Duke’s Mai Tai is a classic must for any visitor to Hawaii. And the music on the patio and ocean views practically scream “I’m having dinner by the ocean in Hawaii.“
My favorite thing on the menu at Duke’s is the sauteed macadamia nut & herb crusted fresh fish. They are also known for a terrific salad bar.
And, of course, for dessert don’t miss the Hula Pie.
Where to Find It: 2335 Kalakaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815 | (808) 922-2268 | Website
Reservations Needed? Dinner reservations recommended, but walk-ins are possible for lunch. The tables around the bar are first-come, first-served and we’re often able to grab a table there when we stop by without a reservation.
9. San Paolo Pizza & Wine
This upscale neighborhood pizzeria serves up pizza with aloha in the heart of Waikiki.
This cosy spot is – hands down – our favorite pizza on Oahu. The wood-fired crust is light and airy, and the simple, fresh toppings keep us coming back. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and they often have live music as well.
Our two favorites are the Hawaiian pizza and the pepperoni with rosemary. We can never decide between them so we always order half and half.
Where to Find It: 1765 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 | (808) 204-9578 | Website
Reservations Needed? It’s usually fine to walk in here, but weekends can get busy.
10. Paia Fish Market
What started on Maui is now a favorite in Waikiki for no-frills, fresh fish. It’s casual, counter-service style, but the food is always top-notch.
The blackened mahi mahi plate is my favorite thing on the menu here. They’re also known for delicious fish tacos and chowder.
Where to Find It: 2299 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | (808) 212-9252 | Website
Reservations Needed? Nope. This one is counter-service, first come, first served.
That’s a wrap!
Are you hungry yet? I sure am.
From oceanfront steakhouses to hidden neighborhood gems, Oahu’s dining scene has so much to offer.
These are just a few of the restaurants we keep going back to again and again for a great meal. Whether it’s a date night on the North Shore or a special occasion in Waikiki, you’ll find incredible food and a great atmosphere at these Oahu restaurants.
