Our daughter lived on the island of Oahu for 4 years while she was completing her undergraduate degree. This gave us an excuse to visit often, and we ate our way around the island! After visiting countless times, we have compiled a list of our favorite places to eat on Oahu, including everything from local joints to tourist hot spots!
16 of the Best Places to Eat on Oahu
Table of Contents
- Seven Brothers
- Sunrise Shack
- Kahuku Sugar Mill
- Kahuku Farm Cafe
- Adela’s Country Eatery
- Scratch Kitchen
- Ken’s Fresh Fish
- Marugame Udon
- Hukilau Cafe
- The Elephant Shack
- Hukilau Marketplace
- Surf N Salsa
- Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha
- Shaka Bowls
- Leonard’s Bakery
- Ted’s Bakery
Seven Brothers
Seven Brothers has become a North Shore institution. This family-owned restaurant has been slinging hand-crafted burgers since 2009 and boasts the best burgers on the island.
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 drizzled with BBQ sauce. It pairs perfectly with the fresh-cut home fries and a creamy milkshake.
Seven Brothers has two locations on the North Shore. Our favorite is 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!
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 rolling hillsides as a backdrop and the sprawling ocean across the street.
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 and making their surfing dreams come true, they developed a passion for healthy eating and were inspired to open The Sunrise Shack when they returned home.
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 to 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, and it’s one of our favorite foodie destinations on Oahu.
Country Eatery
The Country Eatery is known for its healthy, organic dishes. They cater to those with celiac disease and offer great gluten-free and vegan options.
Their flavorful dishes are made from scratch using high-quality ingredients. They are open for breakfast and lunch, and we especially love their berry cream pancakes, egg sandwiches, and cold-pressed juices.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
There is no shortage of shrimp trucks on Oahu, but Giovanni’s was the first, and 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, including 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 back on the mainland, 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 a poke bowl here. Our favorite is the firecracker poke.
It is so fresh and flavorful that even our 11-year-old son, who does not like seafood, really liked it.
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 ice cream. It’s like Hawaiian shave ice, but with ice cream instead of ice. It melts in your mouth and you will be craving it for days!
This dessert is starting to gain popularity, so there are a few places around the island where you can find it, but Badabingsu at Kahuku Sugar Mill is by far the best!
There are several different flavors to choose from, all topped with fresh fruit, condensed milk, and syrup. The mango and strawberry flavors are our favorites.
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.
They have outdoor tables, or you can find a spot on the sprawling lawn to enjoy a picnic and play some volleyball.
Start your morning off right with a fresh 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, along with 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 pick up fresh produce to enjoy as a snack on the beach. Their specialty products also 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 through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Adela’s Country Eatery
Adela’s Country Eatery made Yelp’s list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the US, and we can see why! At the time of our visit, they had a 4.8-star rating with almost 4,000 reviews on Yelp, which is a pretty solid rating! They also took the #1 spot on USA Today’s list of the 10 Best Restaurants in Hawaii in 2024.
They serve delicious handmade plant-based pasta with a variety of sauces made from scratch. Everything is made fresh daily.
First, you’ll choose your pasta. The options include avocado, ube, moringa, breadfruit, saimin, and taro pasta.
Next, you’ll choose your sauce with options including alfredo, marinara, coconut cream, garlic butter, tomato cream, and more.
I tried the ube pasta with coconut cream sauce, and although it doesn’t photograph well, it was absolutely divine!
They also serve other dishes like fried rice, short ribs, beef brisket, ramen, seafood, and more.
For dessert, we ordered a slice of ube cheesecake, and I’m still dreaming about it!
This is a small take-out kitchen with no seating, but the Kane’ohe Community Park is located nearby. Due to its popularity, you can expect a long wait. We waited for about 45 minutes.
Scratch Kitchen
Scratch Kitchen has two locations in Honolulu. We prefer the one that is closer to 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, fresh fruit, and is 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 is smothered with hollandaise sauce.
Their menu takes a fresh, 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!
Ken’s Fresh Fish
Ken’s Fresh Fish is a local’s secret, and was introduced to us by my brother, who lived on Oahu. My husband claims it is one of the best meals he’s ever eaten, and he even bought their t-shirt that he proudly wears!
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 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!
Marugame Udon
If you like noodles, then you are in for a treat!
Marugame Udon specializes in hand-crafted udon noodle bowls made fresh 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 it is made 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.
For more recommendations, see our guide, Honolulu, Hawaii: The Best Places to Go, Stay & Eat.
Hukilau Cafe
The Hukilau Cafe is 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 Island 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 a fried egg on rice, then smothered in gravy.
Hukilau Cafe was also featured on Man vs. Food for their Hukilau Burger.
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.
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 their 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.
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 on Oahu. We have a few favorites here, so I am adding Hukilau Marketplace as one collective recommendation.
One of our favorite places to eat is Tita’s Grill, 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 only $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.
Elsie’s Smoothie Shack has the best real fruit smoothies and chilled coconuts served with a straw. We especially love the pineapple and strawberry smoothie. It pairs perfectly with a caprese crepe from North Shore Crepes.
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.
*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!
Surf N Salsa
The last few times we visited Oahu, our daughter kept telling us that we needed 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, on this last visit, she finally convinced 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!
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 string lights, and there is even a small stage where live music is often performed. It has delicious food and a great ambiance, definitely a winning combination!
While you’re in Haleiwa, be sure to stop by Wailua Bakery & Juice Bar. They serve amazing, freshly-baked goods. Our favorites are the homemade ice cream sandwiches and banana bread pudding. They are to die for!
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!
We also love Rainbow House Shave Ice on the North Shore.
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 tasty 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!
Leonard’s Bakery
Leonard’s Bakery is an iconic and beloved bakery in Honolulu.
It first opened in 1952 by Leonard DoRego. 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 a hit, but over 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 malasada puffs that are 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.
We love it so much that we added it as one of the must-visit spots in our 7 Day Oahu Itinerary for Families!
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. My daughter would come here all the time, and the Chicken Katsu plate with rice and mac salad was her favorite.
Ted’s Bakery was opened in 1987 by Ted Takemitsu, son of Japanese immigrants.
His 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 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!
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!
While you’re planning your trip to Oahu, be sure to check our 7 Day Oahu Itinerary for our top recommendations!
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