Leonard’s Bakery
Leonard’s Bakery has been a local institution since the 1950s and is a great place to try malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts)
Liliha Bakery
Liliha Bakery is famous for its buttery, creamy coco puffs. Its original store is in Kuakini St, Honolulu, but it now has several other outlets.
Waiola Shave Ice and Matsumoto Shave Ice
Waiola Shave Ice, which has outlets on Waiola Street in Honolulu and Mokihana St in Kapahulu, and Matsumoto Shave Ice at Hale‘iwa are among the best places to indulge in the tropical treat.
Skull & Crown Trading Co.
In Downtown Honolulu, check out hip tiki bar and courtyard, Skull & Crown Trading Co.
Senia
Considered one of Honolulu’s best restaurants, Senia in Chinatown offers the option of dining from the a la carte menu or trying the multi-course tasting menu at the Chef’s Counter.
Tchin Tchin
In Chinatown’s art district, rooftop wine bar Tchin Tchin serves both original and classic cocktails alongside small plates and tartines.
Yours Truly
The stylish Yours Truly, inside the AC Hotel Honolulu, has a lively vibe with a menu of craft cocktails, beer and wine.
The Pig & the Lady
It’s also worth checking out Vietnamese-inspired, family run restaurant The Pig & the Lady, farm-to-table restaurant Fête, and hip sushi and matcha bar OBAKE.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
The family-owned Helena’s Hawaiian Food has been serving traditional cuisine since 1946, even winning the James Beard Foundation’s Regional Classic Award along the way.
Sushi Gyoshin
Opened in 2024, Sushi Gyoshin OMAKASE is a 16-course restaurant where chef Hiroshi Tsuji serves personalised small plates and intricate sushi creations based on his expertise and the availability of fresh ingredients.
SALT at Our Kaka‘ako
There’s also some fantastic eateries in the trendy mixed-use area, SALT at Our Kaka‘ako. Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine co-founder Peter Merriman’s Moku Kitchen brings O‘ahu’s rich upcountry and farm heritage to downtown Honolulu. It also has one of Hawai‘i’s first keg wine systems and dozens of craft beers on tap, including selections from local breweries. Also at Kaka‘ako, 1938 Indochine brings Asia’s street food culture to Hawai‘i, with décor shipped from the region.
Mana + Pua
Mana + Pua bistro serves Italian classics, shareable platters and seafood (mostly sourced from the family’s fishing charter) in a contemporary open-air dining room with urban city views, while ALO Café Hawai‘i offers plant-based food and beverages for eco- and health-conscious diners.
Merriman’s Honolulu
At nearby Ward Village, Merriman’s Honolulu is a great place to experience Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine.
Honolulu Fish Auction
You can also dine on locally caught seafood sourced by the famous Honolulu Fish Auction at Upstairs at Pier 38, which offers island cuisine fused with rustic French techniques.
