With so many delicious food choices in Oahu, it’s easy to eat your way around the island! From local joints to tourist hot spots, here are 15 of the best places to eat in Oahu.
15 of the best places to eat in Oahu
Table of Contents
- 1. Seven Brothers
- 2. Sunrise Shack
- 3. Kahuku Sugar Mill
- 4. Kahuku Farm Cafe
- 5. Scratch Kitchen
- 6. Ken’s Fresh Fish
- 7. Marugame Udon
- 8. Hukilau Cafe
- 9. The Elephant Shack
- 10. Hukilau Marketplace
- 11. Surf N Salsa
- 12. Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha
- 13. Shaka Bowls
- 14. Leonard’s Bakery
- 15. Ted’s Bakery
1. Seven Brothers
Seven Brothers has become a North Shore institution. This family-owned restaurant has been slinging up hand-crafted burgers since 2009 and already boasts the best burger on the island and beyond.
In fact, Seven Brothers was ranked #7 out of 25 on TripAdvisor’s 2022 Best of the Best Traveler’s Choice Award for the Top Quick Bites in the US.
They take pride in using only fresh locally sourced beef and organic greens. Their signature burger is the Paniolo (Cowboy).
This burger is stacked tall with a beef patty, two thick hand-cut battered onion rings, grilled pineapple, bacon, cheese, and dripping in BBQ sauce.
It pairs perfectly with the fresh-cut home fries and a creamy milkshake.
Seven Brothers has two locations open on the North Shore, I would recommend the one located in Kahuku at the historic Kahuku Sugar Mill.
Here you’ll find outdoor seating with a lively atmosphere and great ambiance.
It really is one of the best places to eat in Oahu and we make a mandatory stop every time we visit the island!
2. Sunrise Shack
This cheerful little roadside stand serves fresh organic smoothies, bowls, and specialty coffee. It’s one of our favorite places to stop when hanging out on the North Shore.
The Papaya Bowl is their most popular menu item, but it’s not my personal favorite.
I prefer the Tropical Bowl with blended mango, banana, and pineapple, topped with coconut cream, honey, and granola.
Be sure to order a side of sourdough avocado toast to round out your meal.
Enjoy your food on the brightly painted picnic tables surrounded by the untamed beauty of the North Shore.
You really can’t beat the scenery with the vegetated hillsides as a backdrop and the sprawling ocean on the other side of the road.
I also love the story behind The Sunrise Shack. It started as 3 local brothers picking fruit from their backyard and selling it from a stand in their driveway.
Their goal was to earn enough money to take a 2-month surf trip to Australia, which they did.
While traveling the world making their surfing dreams come true, they developed a passion for healthy eating and were inspired to open The Sunrise Shack once they returned home.
3. Kahuku Sugar Mill
The Kahuku Sugar Mill is a historic site located on the North Shore. It was once a working sugar mill that operated from 1893-1971. You can even find some old artifacts located around the property.
Today, the Kahuku Sugar Mill is a collection of shops and food trucks.
There are so many incredible options to choose from, it’s one of our favorite foodie destinations on Oahu.
Listed below are some of our favorite places to eat at the Kahuku Sugar Mill.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
There is no shortage of shrimp trucks in Oahu, but Giovanni’s was the first and, to this day, it is still the most popular one.
The trucks can be found in three different locations around the island, but the Kahuku Sugar Mill location on the North Shore is our favorite.
This was the first location where the truck was parked and it has now become its permanent location.
Giovanni’s is known for two things: their savory butter lemon shrimp and their truck covered in signatures.
Order a plate of jumbo shrimp simmered in a butter lemon sauce, then add your signature to the truck!
Their menu is simple with only three shrimp plate options, butter lemon shrimp, shrimp scampi, or hot and spicy shrimp.
Each plate is served with a dozen shrimp and 2 scoops of rice. You can also order a half-portion plate.
Tina Fresh Fruit Smoothie
After we first discovered the Tina Fresh Fruit Smoothie truck, we came back three days in a row!
You have to order the Taro Boba Smoothie, It is absolutely divine. Their Strawberry Boba Smoothie is our second favorite.
They use only real fruit in their smoothies and you can taste the freshness.
We have tried countless boba smoothie shops since coming home from Hawaii and we still have yet to find one that compares! They also serve coffee and bubble tea.
Ry’s Poke Shack
There are so many food trucks competing for the title of the best poke on the island, and Ry’s Poke Truck is definitely in the running for the coveted title!
In fact, when we were standing in line, there was a couple ahead of us who said they drove an hour and a half just to get Ry’s Poke.
It is so fresh and flavorful, that even our 11-year-old son who does not like seafood really liked it. Order the firecracker poke and enjoy it on the outdoor tables.
A little insider’s secret is that some of the best sushi on Oahu can actually be found at the deli counter in Foodland. Try the California Crunch Roll!
Sugah Daddeh’s Kane Juice
Sugah Daddeh’s is a juice bar that serves fresh-pressed sugar cane juice mixed with real fruit.
You can even watch as they press the sugar cane into the cup. It doesn’t get much fresher than this!
We love the Sugah Daddeh special with lemon, pineapple, strawberry, and sugar cane.
Badabingsu
Bingsu is a Korean dessert made of shaved cream. It’s like Hawaiian shave ice, but with shave ice cream instead.
It melts in your mouth and will have you craving it for days!
There are a few places around the island where you can find this dessert as it is starting to gain popularity, but Badabingsu at Kahuku Sugar Mill is by far the best!
There are several different flavors to choose from, but most are topped with fresh fruit, condensed milk, and syrup. The mango and strawberry flavors are our favorite.
4. Kahuku Farm Cafe
Kahuku Farm Cafe is a true farm-to-table experience. Their cute outdoor cafe is located right on the grounds of the fourth-generation family-owned Kahuku Farms.
You’ll see countless garden boxes and orchards teeming with fresh fruits and vegetables. Their seasonal menu uses fresh ingredients sourced directly from their farm.
Bring a blanket and once you have your order, find a spot on the sprawling lawn to enjoy a serene picnic.
Start your morning off right with a healthy Acai Bowl made from farm-grown organic Hawaiian açaí. It is the only spot on the island that serves açaí grown right on the property.
The Haupia Pineapple Smoothie is also a favorite. And you have to try the iced cocoa drink made from fresh cacao harvested right on the farm!
If you’re feeling naughty, indulge in their Grilled Banana Bread topped with vanilla haupia and caramel. Thank me later.
I also love the farm pizza for lunch. It is topped with diced tomato, eggplant, mozzarella, basil, and macadamia nut pesto.
You can also pick up fresh produce to take for a snack on the beach, and specialty products that make great gifts to take home.
We purchased some fresh papaya and lilikoi (and grabbed a plastic knife) to take to the beach. Lilikoi is a variety of passion fruit and it was fun trying it for the first time!
If you have extra time, you can also make reservations for a farm tour. Keep in mind that the Kahuku Farm Cafe is only open Friday thru Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5. Scratch Kitchen
Scratch Kitchen has two locations in Honolulu, we prefer the one that is closer into town on Auahi Street.
They are open for brunch and dinner. However, they are known for their brunch dishes, especially their famous Milk & Cereal Pancakes.
This tall stack of pancakes comes topped with fruity pebbles and fresh fruit, and drizzled with a housemade milk syrup.
If you’re craving something savory, you can’t go wrong with the Braised Pork Belly Benny.
It comes with an open-faced English muffin topped with house braised pork belly, poached eggs, tomato, avocado spread, cabbage, and smothered with hollandaise sauce.
Their menu takes a fresh and unique twist on traditional dishes, such as their Deep-Fried Deviled Eggs.
These stuffed eggs are breaded and deep-fried then topped with jalapenos and their house sauce. They are insanely delicious!
6. Ken’s Fresh Fish
Ken’s Fresh Fish is a local’s secret. My brother lives in Laie and introduced us to this gem. My husband claims that it is the best meal he has eaten in Oahu and still dreams about it!
You have to order the Ahi Katsu-style fish. They will ask if you want it medium or well, but ask if you can get it medium rare.
The thick slice of fresh yellow-fin ahi tuna is breaded, fried, and then drizzled with a special house sauce. It is served on a bed of rice and literally melts in your mouth!
The unassuming location is easy to pass by. It’s about 1 1/2 miles north of the Polynesian Cultural Center on Kamehameha Highway.
The small shop is tacked onto the Laie Country Store and Cackle Fresh Egg Farm Outlet.
It is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 am- 5 pm.
I would highly recommend arriving right when they open. They often sell out within the first hour and once it’s gone, it’s gone!
*Related post: For more local gems, be sure to check out our guide to 9 Secret(ish) spots in Oahu!
7. Marugame Udon
If you like noodles, then you are in for a treat!
Marugame Udon specializes in hand-crafted udon noodle bowls that are made fresh by hand every day.
The noodles have the perfect texture and pair well with the homemade broths and sauces.
Marugame Udon is more of a cafeteria-style restaurant where you grab a tray and order the food as they make it fresh.
As you continue down the line, there are a variety of tempura dishes that you can grab as well.
Rice bowls, salads, and other sides are available on the menu, but the udon bowls are the star of the show.
There are two locations in Honolulu. The downtown location is right across the street from the International Marketplace if you want to do some shopping.
You’ll most likely find a line out the door, but it goes fast.
8. Hukilau Cafe
The Hukilau Cafe is also located in Laie on the North Shore.
This quaint cafe is the inspiration for the Hukilau Cafe in the blockbuster movie, 50 First Dates.
The actual exterior of the cafe was an old building at Kualoa Ranch and the interior was shot on a movie set in LA.
However, it is still worth a stop at this cozy little hole-in-the-wall joint. They have a reputation for serving delicious homestyle comfort cuisine.
If you are coming for breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the Hawaiian French Toast or Coconut Pancakes with a side of Grilled Potatoes or Portuguese Sausage.
This modest local cafe also caught the attention of the Food Network Magazine. They hailed Hukilau Cafe’s Loco Moco Burger as the best in all of Hawaii.
This burger consists of a beef patty and fried egg on rice then smothered in gravy.
Hukilau Cafe was also featured on Man vs. Food for their Hukilau Burger. So come hungry, but also come bringing cash since cards are not accepted.
The Cafe is located near Hukilau Beach, so pick up your order from the take-out window and enjoy a lovely picnic on the lawn at the beach.
9. The Elephant Shack
The Elephant Shack has two locations, one in Honolulu and one on the North Shore at Sunset Beach (in the parking lot of the Texaco station).
This food truck serves up some of the best authentic Thai food on the island.
We love the traditional Pad Thai with rice noodles stir-fried in the special house sauce.
The Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew are also delicious and are made with wide noodles.
Every dish is made fresh to order and is bursting with flavor, but it is a little pricey.
Rajanee Thai in Haleiwa is also a great option for Thai cuisine on the North Shore.
10. Hukilau Marketplace
The Hukilau Marketplace is a collection of shops, restaurants, and food trucks located at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie.
It boasts some of the best places to eat in Oahu. We have a few favorites here so I am adding it as one collective recommendation.
One of our favorite places to eat is Tita’s Grill.
Tita’s Grill is a food truck serving up traditional Hawaiian breakfast dishes and plate lunches. Their Portuguese sausage fried rice is delicious!
You also need to try their coco rice. For $1 you can get a cup of warm rice simmered in chocolate coconut milk.
Be sure to order a slice of thick Polynesian sweet bread to go with it. It is perfectly buttery and toasted on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
It is so filling and is definitely the cheapest meal you’ll eat in Oahu!
Pounders Restaurant is also located at the Hukilau Marketplace and is known for serving up hearty fresh Hawaiian dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Their Mango Mascarpone Pizza is divine! You can’t go wrong with the island-style Hawaiian Burger or Shrimp Tacos either.
Just be sure to leave room for the Guava Cheesecake!
You’ll also want to pick up some fresh baked goods to go from Aunty Emily’s Polynesian Bakery located inside Pounders.
If you’re craving a Dole Whip but don’t want to stand in the never-ending line at the Dole Plantation, pop into Tutu’s Sweet Shop for a pineapple or mango Dole Whip.
This is also a great place to snag some unique Hawaiian treats to take home as gifts, like mango gummy bears, coconut saltwater taffy, and chocolate-covered pineapple.
Elsie’s Smoothie Shack also has the best fresh pineapple smoothies. They also sell chilled coconuts that you can drink out of with a straw.
*Related post: If you’re looking for more things to do in Oahu, be sure to check out our guide to The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List!
11. Surf N Salsa
The last few times we have visited Oahu, our daughter keeps telling us that we need to go to Surf N Salsa in Haleiwa.
But we are from Arizona where there is no shortage of good Mexican food and we always opted for restaurants offering more authentic Hawaiian dishes.
However, this last visit we let her convince us to go, and holy moly those were the best burritos!
We ordered the California Burrito, Chicken Chimichangas, Surf N Turf Burrito, Bean Cheese & Rice Burrito, and a side of freshly cooked tortilla chips and salsa.
Everything was absolutely amazing and the burritos were ginormous!
But don’t worry, if you’re craving the ocean they have mouthwatering fish and shrimp tacos as well.
It was the perfect meal after an evening surf session and a long day at the beach!
Surf N Salsa is located in the darling surf town of Haleiwa in a food truck lot nestled in the trees.
The outdoor seating offers picnic tables under strings of lights and even a little stage where live music is often performed. Delicious food and a great ambiance, definitely a winning combination!
12. Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha
There are countless places to get shave ice on Oahu. Matsumoto’s in Haleiwa is one of the most popular places, but our favorite place is Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha, also known as HOPA.
This unassuming little shop is found in a strip mall in Honolulu and is the home of the original all-natural shave ice.
They use only natural fresh ingredients for their homemade syrups. You won’t find any artificial ingredients here!
They also serve locally made ice cream with their shave ice.
There are so many delicious flavors to choose from, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
However, our favorite is the Strawberry Dream.
It consists of shave ice topped with homemade strawberry syrup, fresh sliced strawberries, homemade mochi, condensed milk, and Tahitian vanilla ice cream.
Uncle Clay’s HOPA has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It was even featured on the Netflix series, Somebody Feed Phil.
And if you’re looking for organic shave ice on the North Shore, check out Kula Shave Ice North Shore in Waialua. The fresh fruit and homemade syrup escalates their shave ice to a whole new level!
13. Shaka Bowls
Shaka Bowls is a food truck serving up some of the best fresh poke bowls and açaí bowls on the island.
It can be a little tricky to find them as their location and hours are constantly changing, but it is worth the hunt!
Check their Instagram for updated locations and times.
We found them at the Geiger Park location. Our GPS led us to the parking lot but we found the food truck parked along the street with several other food trucks.
We ordered the Spicy Ahi Poke Bowl and the Shaka Acai Bowl. Both were phenomenal and so fresh! The sauce on the Ahi bowl was rich in flavor with just the right amount of heat.
The Acai bowl had the standard toppings but tasted so fresh. I also loved the addition of the bee pollen sprinkles, I have never had them before and loved the cute little puffs of flavor.
The owners are also so friendly, we will definitely be hunting them down the next time we’re on the island!
14. Leonard’s Bakery
Leonard DoRego opened his bakery in 1952.
His grandparents had migrated to Hawaii from Portugal and Leonard’s mother encouraged him to sell the traditional Portuguese malasadas at the bakery for Shrove Tuesday.
They weren’t quite sure if the Portuguese doughnuts would be hit, but almost 70 years later you’ll still find a long line of people waiting to buy these scrumptious pastries!
You can find malasadas at other bakeries around the island, but Leonard’s is the original and still the best.
Leonard’s also sells a variety of other pastries and baked goods, but the malasadas are what most everyone comes for.
There are a few different malasada options to choose from. They sell original malasadas rolled in either plain sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a sour Hawaiian li hing powder.
You can also get a malasada puff that is filled with vanilla custard, dobash (chocolate), haupia (coconut), macadamia nut, or guava.
Our favorite is the original rolled in a thick coat of cinnamon sugar, or the vanilla custard-filled malasada puff.
15. Ted’s Bakery
Ted’s Bakery is one of the best places to go on the North Shore for a traditional Hawaiian-style plate lunch.
A Hawaiian plate lunch usually consists of meat, rice, mac salad, and/or a green salad served on a paper plate.
Ted’s Bakery was opened in 1987 by Ted Takemitsu, son of Japanese immigrants.
Ted’s parents migrated from Japan to work at the Kahuku Sugar Plantation.
They later opened a small grocery store at Sunset Beach, one of the best beaches on the North Shore.
Ted started selling home-baked goods out of the grocery store and over the years the bakery expanded to include a full lunch menu along with the homemade baked goods and pies.
Ted’s cream pies have become legendary, particularly their chocolate haupia pie.
If you’re coming for the bakery items, get there early because they often sell out!
If you’re there for lunch, my daughter lives on the North Shore and the Chicken Katsu plate with rice and mac salad is her favorite.
[convertkit form=3250084]
And now all of this talk of food has got me hungry! I hope this guide helps you discover the best places to eat in Oahu, be sure to eat an extra Malasada for me!
Pin it for later:
Hiding in our country’s crevices are a handful of killers,rapists,child porn freaks,racists,etc.
We could organize them all based on their political affiliations and tie them to each other’s preferred political parties, or we can eradicate them, together
What’s best 4 America
Thanks very nice blog!
This is actually a great blog post. Thanks for posting it!
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
Prior to the implementation of the parliamentary Citizenship Register,
various other MPs and Senators who were being born outside Australia or are identified
to have at the very least one foreign-born dad or mum have built statements clarifying that.
my blog post :: http://Www.Secondhandbazaar.In
I love the array of flowers that we saw in Hawaii.