The Top-Rated Luxury 5-Star Restaurants in Waikiki

Soothing island breezes, tropical sunshine, and rhythmic sounds of waves crashing onto shore, welcome to paradise.

You’ve arrived! Whether you’re on O’ahu for a milestone celebration, a honeymoon, or an island escape, magical moments and incredible cuisine await.

The number of restaurants can be overwhelming, especially in Waikiki.

When you’re looking for 5-star restaurants with exceptional views, incredible food, and outstanding service, this guide has you covered.

Read along in this First Cabin Hawaii edition as we uncover the luxury dining spots from Forbes 5-star restaurants and James Beard nominee to Eater’s best list.

Here’s where to dine in style at top-rated and 5-star restaurants in and around Waikiki Beach for a memorable meal.

The Best 5-Star Restaurants in Waikiki

Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Restaurants

There are only two Forbes 5-star restaurants on O’ahu, and they’re both in Waikiki.

Treat yourself to a luxurious dinner at these exceptional restaurants.

Waikiki

2452 Kalākaua Ave, Waikiki

Hours: Breakfast 7 am – 10 am. Dinner Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

This award-winning restaurant blends global contemporary artistry with a sense of place.

The 34-seat intimate space boasts a fine dining concept focused on hyper-seasonal and local ingredients.

This newly awarded restaurant also offers a breakfast menu.

There are several dishes, telling stories with inventive cocktails to match.

La Mer

2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Dine oceanside with iconic Diamond Head views at one of Hawaii’s most sought-after restaurants.

La Mer is Hawaii’s longest consecutive AAA Diamond 5-star and Forbes 5-star restaurant.

Experience elegance and romance while savoring French-inspired flavors in Waikiki’s prestigious Halekulani Hotel.

James Beard Nominees & Award-Winning Restaurants

Hawaii’s restaurateurs and bartenders are getting the recognition they deserve with James Beard nominations and awards.

Discover some of the hottest restaurants in and around Waikiki, from inventive menus to fine dining.

Bar Māze

604 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm

The team behind the award-winning Bar Leather Apron, Justin and Tom Park, put together an innovative restaurant experience.

The omakase dinner menu intertwines exceptional foods with handcrafted drinks in a modern yet minimal setting.

Expect a highly curated 5-star experience that will leave you wanting more.

Fête

2 N Hotel St, Honolulu

Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 am – 9 pm, Sunday 4 pm – 9 pm

Chef Best Chef for the Northwest and Pacific Region in 2022; she’s the first Native Hawaiian-born woman to receive the award.

Owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team, this outstanding restaurant is in the heart of Chinatown, not too far from Waikiki.

The New American style cuisine is one part Brooklyn, one part Hawaiian, and focused on local ingredients.

They check all the boxes: delicious dishes, impeccable service, and exceptional cocktails.

Top-Rated Restaurants & Local Favorites

The Eater list showcases the hottest restaurants in Waikiki!

These are worth checking out in addition to the local favorites.

Here are a few more restaurants with 5-star services, incredible cocktails, and unbelievable food in and close to Waikiki Beach.

MW Restaurant

888 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu

Hours: Dinner 5 pm – 8:30 pm. Closed Sunday

There’s a husband-and-wife duo behind this exceptional restaurant showcasing Hawaiian regional cuisine.

The restaurant menu emphasizes local ingredients and changes daily.

However, there are recurring dishes like the Unagi Butterfish Aracini and the Miso Honey Glazed Butterfish.

The desserts and pastries are top-notch.

Their sister eatery Artizen by MW is a thumbs up too.

It’s worth the jaunt from Waikiki Beach.

Senia

75 N King St, Honolulu

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Closed Monday and Sunday

This is one of Honolulu’s favorite restaurants with 5-star service, inventive cocktails, and mouthwatering food.

Chef Anthony Rush is creating dishes highlighting the area’s ingredients: Kona kampachi, Maui venison, and Kauai Shrimp.

The 8-seat Chef’s counter has an exclusive tasting menu.

Aracino at the Kahala

5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu

Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm

For a romantic evening, head to the stunning Kahala Hotel.

Indulge in Italian cuisine with Asian influences like octopus carpaccio, uni pasta, and whole baked seabass.

Executive Chef Daisuke Hamamoto’s menu blends the land and the sea in an exceptional setting with star quality service and an impressive wine list.

Sushi Sho

383 Kalaimoku St, Waikiki

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 5 pm – 10:30 pm. Closed Monday.

Sit down for an Omakase sushi experience from a sushi master blending traditional Edomae-style techniques with local Hawaiian ingredients.

Located in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Waikiki, this prix fixe menu starts at $400 a person.

Restaurant reservations are required.

Arden Waikiki

2885 Kalākaua Ave, Waikiki

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm

Have an unforgettable night with redefined island dining in Waikiki.

The down-to-earth menu consists of shareable bites with elevated flavors.

Located in the Lotus Honolulu Hotel , this restaurant is close to Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park .

Take a culinary journey with field-to-fork cuisine like the Venison Tartare, Steamed Kona Kampachi, and Braised Oxtail.

Restaurant Suntory

2233 Kalākaua Ave B307, Waikiki

Hours: Lunch from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Dinner from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Since 1980, Restaurant Suntory has been one of Waikiki’s most popular Japanese restaurants.

The menu selection includes Teppanyaki, Tokiwa Omakase, Tempura, Hot Pot, and seasonal dishes.

Sit down for an exceptional culinary experience and premium beverages.

Katsumidori

100 Holomoana St, Waikiki

Hours: Lunch 11:30 am – 2 pm, Dinner 5 pm – 9:30 pm. Closed Wednesday

Located inside the Prince Waikiki Hotel, indulge in casual fine dining, modern Japanese cuisine, and a sushi bar.

Executive Chef Noboru Nagumo curates the ultimate and innovative sushi experience.

This award-winning restaurant focuses on harmonizing Japanese cuisine with fresh and seasonal Hawaiian ingredients.

Treat Yourself to Luxurious 5-Star Dining in Waikiki

We hope this list has piqued your interest and pointed you in the direction of the right restaurants for luxurious dining experiences in and around Waikiki Beach.

From 5-star oceanside restaurants to farm-to-table eateries and exceptional sushi, you can find it all on O’ahu.

As always, we’re here at First Cabin Hawaiito help you with recommendations while staying in Waikiki.