A Review of Waikiki Hawaii’s Best Restaurants

There are so many places to eat in downtown Waikiki it can get overwhelming. I have compiled this top 5 list of restaurants in Waikiki to help those with limited time and resources to sift through the options. With such a diverse culture and bevy of fresh local ingredients it is hard to go wrong dinning at any of these locations. Explore each of the reviews inspired by my personal experiences to decide which of these great restaurants just may become your new favorite.

5) Duke’s Restaurant & Canoe Club

At the Outrigger in Waikiki

2335 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 116,

Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-2900

Price: $30+

Duke’s Restaurant is just like climbing Diamond Head – it just something you’ve got to experience while you’re on Oahu. Named for Duke Kahanamoku it makes sense that you’d spend your dinning experience looking out over the slow, low, rolling waves of Waikiki. The food and service are both good but you may not be blown away, its more about the atmosphere here. If anything, get drinks and appetizers at their fully stocked bar.

The atmosphere makes Dukes a great place for any occasion. The kids will be in awe of the view while you enjoy some killer cocktails.

4) Ruth’s Chris Steak House

500 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 6C,

Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96813-4900

Price: $40+

If you want the perfect steak on Waikiki then there is only one place to go; Ruth’s Chris. It’s what they do, and they do it well. This is an especially good place for those with less adventurous palates. The steaks are hardy and always cooked perfectly, the sides are ala carte. Service is more than attentive though they never hover. No one will walk away from Ruth’s Chris dissatisfied.

The masculine atmosphere makes Ruth’s Chris Waikiki a perfect location for a business dinner.

3) House Without a Key

2199 Kalia Rd., Halekulani Hotel,

Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815

Price: $21+

House Without a Key isn’t a typical hotel restaurant. With a truly awesome evening view of Waikiki beach it’s easy to see why this restaurant often finds its way to the top of most must-see lists. The service is always great and their Hawaii inspired dishes compliment your beautiful surroundings. House Without a Key has something for everyone without making you feel to adventurous. You might even spot a celebrity at this high end eatery.

This is the perfect place for a family meal out, a romantic dinner for two or a friendly business dinner.

2) La Mer

2199 Kalia Rd,

Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815

Price: $40+

Of course La Mer, Hawaii’s only five diamond restaurant would make it to the top of the list. This French-Hawaiian fusion restaurant wins you over with spectacular service straight from the start. La Mer is like visiting someone’s home! While you’re waiting for your table you’ll enjoy complementary beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Once you are assigned a table the server will immediately put you at ease, welcoming you as if you’re a regular. Their selection is varied and seasonal but all of it is fantastic. The only thing that prevents me assigning La Mer the number one stop is their prices.

Thanks to the wonderful and warm atmosphere La Mer is perfect for a romantic evening, or maybe a business dinner.

1) Roy‘s Waikiki Beach

226 Lewers Street ,

Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96816

Price: $28+

A Hawaiian mainstay; Roys at Waikiki just is the quintessential Waikiki dinning experience. They maintain a well stocked bar boasting a number of unique and festive drinks as well as a wonderful climate controlled lounge which makes even waiting on your table a pleasant experience. They immediately make you feel at home, once you do manage to grab a table be prepared to be welcomed and thanked by every employee you pass on the way to your seat. The meals at Roys always start with their wonderful edamame, but if you prefer bread just ask. After that enjoy any of their fantastic appetizers or jump straight in with an entrée. Their fresh fish selection is amazing and seasonal so their menu changes often, ask your server what is new.

Roys is perfect for the family or a date night, I wouldn’t recommend it for business as the dinning room can get a bit loud at full capacity. They are able to close off a portion of the dinning area for a large group.