SUSHI IZAKAYA GAKU
Read moreThe izakaya is a kind of aperitif with tapas, Japanese version. It is the Japanese equivalent of Hawaiian puppets accompanied by cocktails. The large Hawaiian community of Japanese origin loves it and so do the many Japanese tourists! It may well be that you will find yourself surrounded by Japanese people. The Gaku has become the reference in izakaya in Oahu. The chef prepares all the dishes in front of the customers and it's excellent. Try the "oyster shot", from oysters to iced sake: a pure pleasure.
DUKE’S CANOE CLUB
Read moreOne of the most popular restaurants in Waikiki. A magical setting with a terrace overlooking the Outrigger beach where the tikis (Hawaiian torches) are lit at night. Tropical decoration and Hawaiian music. The walls are covered with photos of the famous surfing champion, Duke Kahanamoku (1890-1968). Hawaiian and American specialties on the menu. The best plan for small budgets is the "Barefoot Bar", upstairs, where you can sip cocktails and eat large plates of pupus (salty snacks), salads, sandwiches. A sure value!
ROY’S
Read moreNew Hawaiian cuisine by celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi, who has some 30 locations around the world! The one in Waikiki is his very first, and it's worth a visit for that reason alone. Roy's secret is the successful fusion of all the culinary influences of Hawaii's mixed population, from Asia to Polynesia. It's expensive, but it's top-notch Hawaiian cuisine. We recommend the Al fresco menu with starter, main course and dessert, even if it means adding a few side dishes to taste everything.
TIKI'S GRILL
Read moreCreated by three friends just out of college who were looking for a place to hang out. In an exotic and idyllic setting, illuminated by tikis (Hawaiian torches) at nightfall (hence the name of the establishment), you can enjoy Hawaiian and American specialties: coconut chicken, pork chops with guava sauce, Thai-style shrimp, fish with macadamia nut crust. Beautiful terrace with a view of the sea. Live music every night, two to three bands take turns throughout the evening.
LEONARD’S
Read moreEstablished in 1952, Leonard's Bakery has been making the famous "malasadas" for decades. These are doughnuts that Portuguese immigrants, who came to work on the sugar plantations in the 19th century, imported to Hawaii. "Malasadas" means "badly made" because the recipe for their dough was flawed and they were covered with sugar to create the illusion. This is the story of the success of a failure, undisputed today! The proof: tourists and locals are constantly lining up at Leonard's... Coconut, chocolate or plain, everything is possible!
GYU-KAKU
Read moreRestaurant of the American chain Gyu-Kaku, specialized in Japanese barbecue, to share with two. The grill is integrated directly into the table and allows you to choose the cooking, the order and the quantity of meat to brown. The good deal is their daily happy hour, from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm and from 9:30 pm to closing from Tuesday to Sunday and all day Monday: a selection of barbecues and beers at half price! Big eaters can choose the "all you can eat" menus with 37, 60 or 74 dishes to be enjoyed at will for 90 minutes!
GENKI SUSHI
Read moreFeel like eating sushi? This is the perfect address. This chain of rotating sushi bars is very popular in Hawaii (only 8 addresses on Oahu, 2 on Big Island, 1 on Kauai and Maui!) As in Japan, the concept is simple: the price of the sushi that goes by depends on the color of the plates. From the covid, the menu is entirely available to take away or to deliver: bento box with spicy tuna, poke Ahi, Teriyaki chicken, Sukiyaki udon noodles, spicy edamame or gyoza, a treat! The most daring will be able to try the 50 pieces trays!
BUHO COCINA Y CANTINA
Read moreMexican food in Hawaii? It's not typical, but the products are local and the food is quality. This restaurant has set itself the challenge of changing the reputation of Mexican food and proving that it can be refined and sought after. Located outside on the roof of a building, the view on the city is grandiose. Rich program: every Monday it's Margarita night from 5 pm (5 US$ the glass), Tuesday tacos (2 US$ the tacos) and the 5th of the month the restaurant makes the fiesta from 6 pm with music, tapas and cocktails at reduced prices.
ARANCINO
Read moreThe most authentic Italian restaurant in Waikiki. Delicious dishes, prepared just like the "mama"! Pasta fans love the "spaghetti alla pescatora" (with seafood and garlic) and pizza fans can't get enough of the "owner's favorite" (with shrimp and onions, with parmesan cheese). For dessert, there is the inevitable tiramisu, the Catalan cream and a choice of ice creams. The menu is also available to take away since 2021. A second location has opened in the Kahala Resort Hotel.