Must-see restaurants in Hawaii

  • Mei Sum

    Honolulu

    Where else can you go to satisfy that crazy craving for dim sum in the afternoon or evening (though it may not be as fresh as it is in the morning)? This…

  • Abundant Life Natural Foods

    Hilo

    Located downtown, Abundant Life opened in 1977 when only hippies in Hilo ate 'health food.' Like all health-food stores predating Whole Foods, it's…

  • Kuhio Grille

    Hilo

    Large appetites will find satisfaction at this no-frills diner specializing in local favorites: taro corned-beef hash, oxtail soup, fried-rice loco moco…

  • Halfway to Hana

    The Road to Hana

    This aptly named old-timer has been slinging burgers, hot dogs and ice cream to midway road trippers for 30 years. The only ATM on the highway is here, as…

  • Taco Tita

    Hawaiʻi the Big Island

    A Mexican joint in the same building as the famed Hona Hou diner, serving up tacos, burritos, nachos and taco salads. Pick your protein (pork, chicken,…

  • Baci Bistro

    Kailua

    Home-style Italian cooking is on offer here, where the owner knows most patrons by name. Don’t miss the white-chocolate and mascarpone cheesecake. The…

  • Molokaʻi Pizza Cafe

    Moloka'i

    Have a seat in a retro booth in the starkly lit dining area at this pizza joint, or order takeout from the counter (and play Pac-Man while you wait). It…

  • Bears' Coffee

    Hilo

    An unhip fixture downtown, this coffee shop has an old-school vibe (and teddy bears lining the walls). It's a laid-back spot for a cuppa joe and…

  • Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack

    Hilo

    If Lisa Frank did fruity 'health' food, it would look like the rainbow of concoctions served here. Think technicolor smoothies and giant bowls of fruit…

  • Moonstruck Patisserie

    Hilo

    Strange but true: an impeccable European-style bakery is plopped in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Pastry chef Jackie Tan-DeWitt specializes in classic…

  • Donut King

    Honolulu

    Don't expect $4 doughnuts with toppings such as marzipan acai at this splendid little old-school doughnut bakery. Among the dozens of classic flavors is…

  • Saucy Dogs

    Hilo

    Go beyond mustard and relish at this indie hot dog shop. The Mac Attack is smothered in bacon and house-made mac and cheese, while the Kalua Pork Dog is…

  • Nanding's Bakery

    Waikiki

    A fine alternative to overhyped bakeries, Nanding's has a great range of excellent baked goods and no lines. Their Spanish rolls are light, fluffy and…

  • Kawamoto Store

    Hilo

    Stand in line (the earlier the better) with the local crowd to fill a box with freshly cooked okazu-ya (Japanese deli) food. Don't miss the maki sushi,…

  • Down the Hatch

    Lahaina

    Downtown Lahaina's best bar also has very good bar food. There's an emphasis on seafood, choices include fish tacos, various deep-fried shellfish, grilled…

  • Pho Saigon 808

    Lahaina

    Excellent Asian fare is cooked up fast and fresh at this small restaurant buried in the recesses of the Wharf Cinema Center mall. Choose from a large…

  • Ponds

    Hilo

    This steak, seafood and pasta restaurant will suit those hankering for familiar American food with an island twist. More mainstream than cutting edge,…

  • Foodland

    Lahaina

    Has everything you need for self-catering, as well as a good deli. The ahi poke (raw tuna) is served fresh, cheap and in numerous varieties at the seafood…

  • Peaberry & Galette

    Kona Coast

    Brewing 100% Kona estate-grown coffee and Illy espresso, this cafe with Euro-bistro style also dishes up sweet and savory French crepes, plus satisfying…

  • Village Snack Shop & Bakery

    Hanalei

    This basic mom-and-pop storefront, tucked in the back of the Ching Young mall, is perfect for filling up on macnut pancakes before you hike the Na Pali…

  • Down to Earth Natural Foods

    Honolulu

    Organic and natural foods are the draw at this always-busy grocery store. It has a vegetarian- and vegan-friendly salad bar, a deli for sandwiches, a…

  • Bogart's Cafe

    Waikiki

    Regulars crave the taro-banana pancakes at Bogart's, which uses fresh local produce in its full menu of breakfast and lunch items. The avocado-and-spinach…

  • DJ's Pizza and Bakeshop

    Hawaiʻi the Big Island

    The pizza is only above-average, however, the gluten-free crust and vegan meatball sandwich are a welcome find in the area. Come here to satisfy your…

  • Juicy Brew

    Honolulu

    Beautiful home-cooked food is boxed up and ready to go, or you can enjoy it at one of the small tables. Most everything is sourced locally and includes…

  • Nabeya Maido

    Honolulu

    Choose your broth from five different styles at this hot pot storefront, then decide what you want to put into it, including meats, seafood and vegetables…

  • Formaggio Grill

    Kailua

    Dozens of wines by the glass; convivially large, high dining tables with stools; and hearty dishes (braised lamb, large burgers, myriad pastas) help…

  • Teddy’s Bigger Burgers

    Waikiki

    Although the 1950s-style black-and-white checkered decor looks a bit out of place by the beach, this fast-growing chain’s hand-formed burgers, milkshakes…

  • Down to Earth Organic & Natural

    Kailua

    Part of the Oʻahu-wide chain, this large natural-foods store with a takeout deli and hot-and-cold meal bar has moved into a massive space on Kailua Rd…

  • People's Open Market

    Waikiki

    City-sponsored farmers market in Kapiʻolani Regional Park that trades in Oʻahu's enormous fresh bounty from mauka (land) to makai (sea). Only a short walk…

  • Bubbies

    Oʻahu

    Could it possibly get any better than a Bubbies mochi (Japanese sticky-rice cake) ice cream? There are so many great flavors to try that it will be hard…

  • Scandinavian Shave Ice

    Kailua-Kona

    Shave ice is piled up here in huge, psychedelic-colored mounds that are as big as your head. Dither over a rainbow variety of toppings, from condensed…

  • Kalapawai Market

    Kailua

    A 1930s landmark market near the beach that sells picnic supplies, convenience foods, made-to-order sandwiches and market-fresh salads. Good coffee, too…

  • Turmeric

    Hanalei

    A saffron-scented Kundalini-themed food truck serving Indian delights such as coconut vegetable and shrimp curries, chana palak (a chickpea curry), dahl,…

  • Chilangos

    Lahaina

    Enjoy authentic fare at this habanero-hued restaurant. All the expected standards are here like fajitas and burritos. There is also a huge selection of…

  • Island Chef

    The Road to Hana

    The coconut shrimp served at this food truck is so good that it brings people out of Hana. Other plates include mediocre beef and rice. Tuck in under a…

  • Whole Foods

    Oʻahu

    Fill your picnic basket with organic produce and locally made specialty foods, hot and cold deli items, takeout sushi and salads, made-to-order hot pizzas…

  • Kamana

    Kailua-Kona

    Kamana is a fine choice for Indian food way out here in the islands, with a deep menu that caters to carnivores (chicken vindaloo) and vegetarians …

  • Bob’s Pizzeria

    Kailua

    Authentic flat-crusted pizzas. Buy by the slice or by the pie. Close to the beach, it has a fine terrace with tables under umbrellas. Does a huge takeout…

  • Gina's Barbecue

    Honolulu

    The BBQ ribs plate lunch is huge at this unfussy strip mall Korean kitchen. Fast service and tons of parking. The chicken katsu is a winner.

  • Ono Gelato Co

    Lahaina

    Enjoy your silky gelato on the back deck overlooking the sea. There's a hard-to-resist array of smooth gelati as you enter, and a fine coffee bar.

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