26 Best Restaurants in Oahu

Majestic mountains, azure waters, white-sand beaches, and beautiful Hawaiian resorts are just the beginning of what you’re in for on a trip to Oahu. But don’t forget one of the most important components of a good vacation – delicious food!

Call me biased, but I’d say that Hawaii has some of the best food in the entire country. Between the ridiculously fresh seafood, the locally-grown fruits and vegetables, and the unique flavors of a real Hawaiian plate lunch, it’s hard to go wrong. Put together with the incredible views that many Oahu restaurants are blessed with, the result is a masterpiece for anyone who loves food.

We’ve already written about the best restaurants in Waikiki, but anyone with a car will find a treasure trove of local restaurants from the east side all the way to the North Shore. Going to other parts of the island is the best way to try the true traditional Hawaiian dishes, too.

Between dozens of scrumptious restaurants, miles of sand, and all of the stunning natural scenery, you’ll never run out of things to discover and things to do in Oahu. As you’ll see, one of the toughest decisions you’ll face on your trip is which of these to skip. Read on to see some of the most popular restaurants in Oahu for locals and tourists alike.

Best Restaurants in Oahu

1. Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Address: 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817

It’s only appropriate to start with a restaurant that serves traditional Hawaiian food, like Helena’s. This hidden gem in the Liliha-Kapalama neighborhood has been a local favorite for many years, and visitors who are willing to go off the beaten path can get a real taste of Hawaii here.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food has won the James Beard Award for its outstanding homestyle recipes. However, it isn’t always obvious to tourists what exactly they are ordering when it comes to local cuisine. Therefore, if it’s your first time trying true Hawaiian food, don’t hesitate to ask for a quick introduction to the menu to ensure you enjoy it.

To summarize, you can order dishes à la carte or in one of the combination meals referred to as plate lunches in the islands. A favorite for tourists and locals alike is kalua pig, which is slow-cooked pork roasted in a smoky pit to perfection.

Pipikaula is a smoky version of braised short ribs, which any meat-lover is sure to enjoy. And if you like coconut, don’t pass up on a piece of haupia.

Helena’s Hawaiian…