Eat Local in Waikiki: Our Favorite Small Restaurants You’ll Love
Waikiki is packed with tasty dining options, just blink and you’ll discover ten more restaurants.
The amount of choices can be overwhelming, and you certainly don’t want to get stuck in a tourist trap, overpaying for an underwhelming meal.
To help you on your gastronomic quest, we’ve created this guide to navigate the sea of restaurants in Waikiki.
Join us in this First Cabin Hawaii edition as we share our favorite locally owned restaurants in and surrounding Waikiki.
Indulge in ono food and spread the Aloha while supporting local businesses, farmers, and fishermen.
Moani Waikiki Island Bistro & Bar
- 2330 Kalākaua Ave #312
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday 4 pm to 11 pm.
- Friday and Saturday 4 pm to 12 am
This family-owned and operated establishment embodies the Aloha spirit.
It offers a locally inspired menu and live music.
Order some pupus, dig into the family-style plates, and sip it all down with locally brewed beers.
Check out their monthly calendar for exciting special events.
Barefoot Beach Cafe
- 2699 Kalakaua Avenue
- Hours: 8 am – 9 pm
Bite into some tasty local dishes at this upscale snack bar.
Tucked into the park, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki’s main strip.
This oceanfront eatery has al fresco dining and a front-row show to surfers hanging ten. The menu offers smoothies, sandwiches, plate lunches, and vegan dishes.
On Friday nights you can watch the fireworks alongside the live music.
The Sunrise Shack
- 2335 Kalakaua Ave
- Hours: 6 am to 7 pm
Begin the day with nourishing smoothie bowls, salads, and sandwiches.
Founded by professional surfers, this vibrant eatery has various locations on the island. In Waikiki, head to the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, for these healthy grinds.
The sweet and savory toasts all feature handmade sourdough bread.
South Shore Grill
- 3114 Monsarrat Avenue
- Hours: 12 pm – 8 pm
This family-owned hotspot has been cooking up some of the island’s best fish tacos, sandwiches, and plate lunches for over 20 years.
It’s a local favorite with cheap eats.
The fish tacos are a must-try, featuring locally made corn tortillas, aioli, creamy slaw, tomatoes, and green onions.
The peanut butter temptations are housemade and worth every extra calorie!
Our Favorite Locally Owned Restaurants Near Waikiki
Escape the touristy streets of Waikiki and explore the surrounding neighborhoods, dotted with locally owned shops and restaurants.
There are so many to choose from but here are a few of our favorite eateries less than 15 minutes from the center of Waikiki.
Mud Hen Water
- 3452 Waialae Ave
- Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 5 pm to 9 pm.
Friday to Sunday 9:30 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm. Closed Monday
Chef Ed Kenney has been holding it down in Kaimuki for decades.
This gem of a restaurant has a hip vibe with inventive Hawaiian small plates showcasing locally sourced ingredients.
The food is unlike anything else you’ve tasted before and pairs perfectly with the handcrafted cocktails.
Bring friends because you’ll want to order the entire menu.
The Pig & the Lady
- 83 N King St
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
In the heart of Chinatown, local boy Andrew Le is in the kitchen of this family-run spot. It’s creative, it’s delicious, and it’s an absolute must.
The menu changes seasonally but the staple dishes include the Le Fried Chicken Wings, the Banh Mi Sandwiches, and their signature Pho Soup.
You can also find them at the KCC Farmers Market every Saturday morning, next to Diamond Head.
Lady Eliane
- 2756 Woodlawn Dr 6 102
- Hours: Open Monday to Saturday 11 am to 2 pm & 5 pm to 9 pm
- 2 N Hotel St
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday 4 pm to 9 pm
- 1120 12th Ave #100
- Hours: Daily 7 am to 2 pm
A new addition to the Mānoa Marketplace, this culinary gem is ready to delight you.
It’s the latest creation from local restaurateur Dusty Grable.
Lady Eliane brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors to the valley.
Local artists decorate the walls and local ingredients shine on the menu.
The craft cocktail list pays homage to local mixologists while the wine list features Old and New World selections.
Fête
A husband and wife duo is behind this outstanding establishment.
It’s an homage to their Brooklyn and Hawaiian roots and is located in the heart of Chinatown.
This James Beard Award-winning restaurant boasts exceptionally delicious New American cuisine, impeccable service, and exceptional cocktails.
KokoHead Cafe
Just outside Waikiki is this popular brunch spot, owned by the renowned Chef Lee Anne Wong.
Savory, delicious, and packed with flavors, the breakfast menu sources fresh and local ingredients.
Everything is made from scratch, daily.
Bring your appetite because the Daily Dumplings, the Cornflake French Toast, and Volcano Eggs are all worth the food coma.
Eat Delicious Food & Support Locally Owned Restaurants
The best food allows the ingredients to shine.
And in Hawaii, there’s no shortage of fresh and local fish, vegetables, and produce.
The food scene here just might surprise you, let it!
We hope you’re inspired by this tantalizing guide that features some of the best locally owned restaurants in and around Waikiki Beach.
As always, get in touch if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you here soon!
