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 Kalua pig, poke and poi |
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard (Garage Level, Ala Moana Center) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 949 8444 |
Sad to say, 'real' Hawaiian food cannot be found at a luau. You find it at a place like this, where entire meals are available for just a few dollars. The menu offers all the Hawaiian favorites. There's a choice of about six 'plate lunches' the local meal that includes two scoops of rice, macaroni salad and a meaty main dish. This is not a formal restaurant; it is a food stand in the Makai Market at Ala Moana. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Healthy Sandwiches Served with Aloha |
2904 East Manoa Rd Honolulu, HI 96822 United States +1 808 988 6161 http://www.andyssandwiches.com/ |
Andy's Sandwiches and Smoothies is a mom and pop restaurant in Manoa valley that serves up fresh, healthy fare. It's a favorite lunch venue for vegetarians, old-time Manoa residents, and university students and professors. Owners Andy and Norma Rodrigues greet customers by name and ask if they'd like their usual. For many, the usual is the hot turkey and mushroom sandwich with papaya seed dressing or a vegetarian selection such as the Manoa Delight or the Eggplant Melt. For the tourist who wishes to venture a little further away from Waikiki for a mouth-watering lunch, Andy's is a good option. - Shiyana Thenabadu Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Simple, filling, inexpensive |
3565 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816 United States +1 808 738 8855 |
Laid back, reasonably priced and friendly, this local diner serves tasty American favorites, such as ribs, burgers and sandwiches. On the Oriental side of the menu are fried rice, Oriental salads and salmon. A full bar is available. The kitchen generally stops taking orders one hour before closing time. This restaurant primarily caters to locals, but the tourists that are lucky enough to find it will be more than happy with the food, ambience and service. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Crissy T. Kawamoto |
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Bob's Big Boy |
2828 Pa'a Street Honolulu, HI 96819 United States +1 808 833 3440 http://www.bigboyhawaii.com/ |
The burgers served here make most others look positively puny. They're served double-decker style, fresh off the grill, and dripping with sauce and juice. Plate lunches, seafood, Mexican platters and other dishes are also on the menu. The eatery has been around for almost 70 years. It's a local secret; very few tourists find their way out to the Salt Lake district in which it's located. Perhaps because of that, prices remain reasonable and the service is down-to-earth, helpful and cheery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kailua Al |
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Sassy and sweet |
7192 Kalanianaole Highway D103 Koko Marina Shopping Center Honolulu, HI 96825 United States +1 808 396 8722 http://bubbiesicecream.gourmet... |
Once you get a chance to read the suggestive names on the menu, you might wonder just whether Bubbies was in fact named after a grandmother, or if it was named after something else entirely! But when ice cream this sinfully rich is on the menu, a naughty name is only appropriate. Generous scoops of decadent ice creams, made locally and featuring island produce, are served. Banana Splits, Cookie Sundaes, Mud Pies and other favorites, all with a questionable name, are offered. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: janel quirante |
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Inexpensive late-night local pick |
3297 North Nimitz Highway (At the corner of Nimitz and Paiea) Honolulu, HI 96819 United States +1 808 836 0541 |
No-frills island favorites are served at this little eatery by the airport. If you want an authentic slice of island flavor, forego the Waikiki restaurants and park your vehicle at Byron's. Hawaiian and Asian plate lunches are served round the clock. In addition to the regular menu, which includes such staples as teriyaki and katsu, the place serves several daily specials. A typical day's menu might include roast pork, mixed plate, braised oxtail soup and Chicken Adobo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Little local Chinese joint |
162 North Hotel Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 521 3788 |
If you're in Chinatown and looking for a quick bite for a few dollars, try this informal little place. Family owned and operated, it's mostly frequented by aging Asian folks. The menu is printed in Chinese first, English second. It is not a place with any culinary pretensions; pig's fore shank is listed right above the standard chicken fried rice. The menu is fairly lengthy. The house specialty is the "hot pot". About a dozen varieties are served, ranging from hot-and-spicy chicken to pork and taro. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bar food, cocktails and smoothies |
1450 Ala Moana Blvd (Garage Level, Ala Moana Center) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 946 6245 |
Low walls, about four feet tall separate this establishment from the main Makai Market dining area. About 20 tables are arranged in a circle, and stools are placed all around the bar. Standard bar food is served here, and the prices are very low. The smoothie and juice menu is much more interesting than the specialty drink menu. Juices are freshly squeezed, and smoothies are inventive and flavorful. If you want something alcoholic, go for a blended daiquiri. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tiny curry counter |
1009 University Avenue, Suite 2 Moili`ili Plaza Honolulu, HI 96821 United States +1 808 947 2206 http://www.ichibanya.co.jp/ |
Although it's located in the U.S., this eatery could just as easily be in the Caribbean, Japan or Thailand. The menu is short, the curries are flavorful, and the patrons are from all corners of the globe. The eating space is tiny, cramped and friendly. The cook chats with the patrons as he whips up batches of curried this-and-that. Vegetarians can try the Spinach Curry. Adventurous eaters should sample the Deep Fried Quail Egg Curry - something not found at your local Indian or Thai restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alberto http://audiu |
 Photo: debrakm |
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Pleasant Vietnamese eatery in Chinatown |
175 North Hotel Street, Suite 2 Honolulu, HI 96817-5062 United States +1 808 585 6199 |
This restaurant is located in central Chinatown, just a block away from the Maunakea Marketplace. However, it's more pleasant and more friendly toward Westerners than many of its neighbors. The clientele is mixed. The menu offers over a dozen choices of pho, the popular Vietnamese soup meal. Rice and noodle dishes are also served. The house specialty list is several items long, and most of the selections are seafood. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Omelets in Waikiki |
1911-B Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 949 0820 http://www.eggsnthings.com/ |
The hours of this late-night Waikiki cafe are unusual: 11p to 2p the next afternoon. Breakfast and lunch are the only meals served. As the name suggests, omelets are the mainstay here. Located on the north end of Waikiki, this is a favorite hangout for local residents and employees of area hotels and restaurants. The few members of Honolulu's bohemian community also occasionally pop by for a late night snack and conversation. The omelets are great, as are the crepes and pancakes. Note that alcohol is not served. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Zachary Bass |
 Photo: blackteddybear |
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Authentic Hawaiian plate lunch |
232 Kalihi Street Honolulu, HI 96819 United States +1 808 847 6467 |
For a real Hawaiian meal at rock-bottom prices, you won't find a better place than this stop. This mom-n-pop lunchroom serves gigantic portions of fresh fish with all the fixin's. You can get a plate of fresh fish either broiled or fried, served with a green salad, miso soup, rice and a beverage. After placing your order at the counter, grab a seat inside or sit on one of the benches outside. The cafe is clean, the owners are delightful, and the food is unforgettable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Inexpensive, central, casual |
2310 Kuhio Avenue Kuhio Banyan Hotel Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 922 7573 |
This unassuming little eatery serves cheap meals to locals and tourists alike. It seems like a burgers-n-fries place but, in the Waikiki tradition, serves steak and lobster special. Other choices on the special include shrimp, crab legs, scallops and a half-pound of baby back ribs. The menu also offers chicken, fish and sandwiches (more modest, but more appropriate to the setting). This place does quite a bit of business, and is especially popular with families. The servers are cheerful and eager to please. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Affordable Sushi |
885 Kapahulu Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816 United States +1 808 735 7700 http://www.genkisushiusa.com |
For a novel experience, try the automated sushi service here; it is always a winner with the in-a-hurry lunch crowd. The fish is generally fresh and good quality, although the presentation is unremarkable. Sushi is shuttled down a conveyer belt to the first taker. The menu also features standard cooked Japanese items. Service is quick and efficient, but plan on a noisy, crowded dining experience. This restaurant attracts all kinds of people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrea Warren |
 Photo: Andrea Warren |
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Sushi to go--immediately |
1450 Ala Moana Center (Garage Level, Ala Moana Center) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 942 0132 |
The inside of this restaurant is clean and attractive. Pre-packaged sushi is available at the front counter, and hot lunches are displayed behind it. Patrons can grab something at the counter, sit at one of 20 large tables, eat in a matter of minutes, and go. The menu features sushi, katsu, teriyaki and other Japanese standards. Prices range from $4.50 to $6.95. This is Hawaii's answer to the 30-minute lunch break. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Home-style island favorites |
451 Pi'ikoi Street Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 596 8108 |
A favorite of Oa'hu locals, this cafe specializes in island favorites prepared and presented "like Mom used to make." The decor is as simple as can be: small tables, checkered trim and refrigerator displays at the front. Most items on the menu are simple and hearty: stir-fry and teriyaki chicken. The prices are very reasonable, with entrees averaging $6 and side orders averaging $3. No alcohol is served. There are other locations in the Kahala Mall and in Mililani. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: joebrillantes |
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Indian fast food |
2320 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96826 United States +1 808 949 4840 |
This is the Indian equivalent of the popular Chinese food chain Panda Express. Food is served from steam trays; just point to what you want. Sit at one of the few plastic tables or take your meal to go. While the place lacks in atmosphere, no one can deny that it serves the most inexpensive Indian food this side of Bombay. Vegetarian curry with rice is only $6. Chicken tandoori with rice and two vegetable curries costs $7. A wide selection of vegetarian dishes is featured, but there is no meat except for chicken. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Early and inexpensive breakfast |
247 Lewers Street Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 971 6621 |
For a quick and greasy meal on the move, pull up a chair at this no-frills cafe. The atmosphere is casual and busy. You'll be served hearty American and Hawaiian favorites for just a few dollars. The breakfast special is one of the best meal deals you'll find on O'ahu. At lunch, you can order a cheeseburger and fries. The specialty of the house is orange bread. No alcohol is served. After your meal, head out the door and back onto the bustling streets of Waikiki. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Chinese patio dining |
2330 Kalakaua Avenue Oahu Honolulu, HI 96815-2953 United States +1 808 926 1488 |
Cantonese, Shanghai, Szechuan, Mongolian and Peking styles of cuisine are served buffet-style at this eatery. More than 20 items are displayed for dinner, with a slightly smaller lunch offering. A complete a la carte menu with a nice selection of salads and desserts is also offered. A full bar is available. The setting is a semi-outdoor tropical patio in the popular International Marketplace in the heart of Waikiki. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Coffee shop in a bowling alley |
1520 North School Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 845 3687 |
One doesn't usually think of bowling alleys as dining destinations. However there are some exceptions to that general rule. This one is a standout. All of the menu items are great. But the best dish has to be the Pig's Feet Soup. Yes, delicious soup made from the most unglamorous parts of pork is the hands-down winner here. The Oxtail Soup is a second choice; it's prepared with plenty of chili pepper and fresh ginger. Ouch! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tasty and inexpensive Vietnamese |
1160 Maunakea Street Honolulu, HI 96817-5134 United States +1 808 528 3663 |
The Vietnamese food you'll have at in this small, pleasant restaurant is savory, authentic and inexpensive. The first thing to try is the Pho. Pronounced "fuh" by many Asians, it is steaming soup made out of beef stock, usually served in tureen-like portions and containing little delicacies such as tripe. (Luckily, here you can choose your meat, so tripe need not be an ingredient). A lighter option is the Summer Rolls; like spring rolls, only not cooked. Delicious! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Local plate lunch |
2615 South King Street, #105 Honolulu, HI 96826 United States +1 808 955 0270 |
Stick-to-your-ribs local food is served here for less than $5. Favorites include Ginger Chicken, Teriyaki Beef and Chicken Katsu. All plate lunches cost between $3-5, and are served with two scoops of white rice and one scoop of macaroni salad. Health-conscious diners can order a stir-fry dish prepared oil-free. Order at the counter; eat inside or take it home. This place is close to the University of Hawaii, and attracts quite a few starving students. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Traditional Filipino fare |
1049 River Street Honolulu, HI 96817-5043 United States +1 808 545 1956 |
Filipino cuisine, which is known for its strong aromas and questionable main ingredients, is not at all common on the mainland. And dishes such as Stewed Goat or Broiled Pork Intestines will probably never make it off the islands. However, this restaurant offers a number of flavorful dishes, including Pork Adobo, Chicken Mami and Lumpia, that are more widely served. Some of the house specialties, such as Poached Fish with Watercress, and Pork Paria ($6.55) will probably appeal to open-minded diners. Beer and house wine are served. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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25 restaurants, one food court |
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard (Garage Level, Ala Moana Center) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 943 6841 |
More than 20 food stands, three sit-down restaurants and a bar are located here. You can choose from any kind of cuisine, including American, Hawaiian, vegetarian and Indian. Fresh fruit smoothies, pastries and daiquiris can all be enjoyed. While there are quite a few standard food stands - Sbarro, Blimpies - the local ones are much more interesting. Little Cafe Siam serves Thai food, the Noodle Co. offers a dozen kinds of sai min, and the Poi Bowl serves a Hawaiian plate lunch. The average cost is $40. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A Treat for the Young, Old, and Famous! |
66-087 Kamehameha Hwy Honolulu, HI 96712 United States +1 808 637 4827 http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com/ |
Among the many, always welcome visitors, Matsumoto's has hosted movie stars, rock stars, pro-athletes and more. Photos of Adam Sandler and others hang on the walls. Shaved ice is a Hawaiian tradition, and nobody does it better than Matsumoto's. This is no snow cone; it comes in dozens of tasty flavors and a wide variety of add-on items. Lines are long, but it's well worth the wait. Try ice cream on the bottom, it's a local favorite. They have an old-town style retail shop for all sorts of things Hawaiian, like shirts and stickers. You can also check out their online shop. Their catch phrase is "the coolest place on the North Shore" and trust me, you'll agree. -Rex Davidson Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rave-earning Vietnamese |
1134 Maunakea St Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 545 4188 |
Small and unassuming though it may be, this place has earned high praise from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and other local publications. It offers classic Vietnamese dishes prepared to perfection. Shady and cool, the restaurant seems worlds apart from hectic Chinatown, even though it's actually right in the center. The menu is extensive, offering a variety of pho (traditional Vietnamese soup), rice rolls, plate lunches and entrees. All of the food is fresh, light and healthy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Espresso bar, cafe, creperie |
1200 Ala Moana Boulevard (Victoria Ward Center) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 597 8121 / +1 808 521 9023 |
Great fresh-fruit smoothies, blended coffee drinks and thick milk shakes are served at this cafe. It is an award-winning establishment, taking the category of Best Espresso Fountain in the Zagat Survey. The food here is also exceptional, if a little pricey. There are some terrific crepes on the menu, and the Belgian Waffles are really something. Vegetarian dishes are also offered. The best seating may be in the lovely courtyard section. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spacious, inexpensive, central |
2270 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 United States |
The décor of this large coffee shop is only a step up from what you would see at Arby's or Wendy's. The seating area spreads across much of the lower floor of the Plaza, and the booths are bright orange and yellow. The menu is fairly extensive. Breakfast sees a standard selection of eggs, omelets and pancakes, while the lunch specials range from lasagna to club sandwiches. The dinner special, standard for Honolulu, is steak and lobster. Beer and wine are served. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kanaka Pacifica  |
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Unusual varieties |
2250 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 922 8575 |
This place boasts an extensive sushi menu featuring more than 20 kinds of fish, most of them unique to Hawai'i. Selections include abalone, marbled breast of tuna and gizzard shad. Vegetarian sushi and a few hot dishes are also served. This place is crowded most of the time. An almost entirely Asian clientele occupies the seats around the sushi bar and in the pleasant dining room. There are two entrances, one on street level and one in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Big portions with small prices |
3308 Kanaina Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815-4214 United States +1 808 737 0177 |
People with hearty appetites frequent this place. Plate lunches and other local favorites are served at rock-bottom prices. The atmosphere leaves much to be desired, but for these prices, who cares? Order at the counter and dine outside if you like. Since most everything comes in a to-go carton, there's no need to linger. Several different stick-to-your-ribs meals are available. Try the Teriyaki Beef, the Roast Pork or the Fresh Fish. If you can't make up your mind, go for the mixed plate; it's highly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Healthy and inexpensive |
2443 Kuhio Avenue (in Waikiki two blocks from the statue of Duke Kahanomoku) Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 922 2042 |
Although the name might be disconcerting (oat bran anyone?) this Waikiki natural foods venue has been going strong for 21 years. The sandwiches and smoothies are delicious and inexpensive. The place is casual, funky, and laid-back, with a friendly staff. Fresh fruit smoothies come in a variety of combinations, from straight papaya to peanut butter-banana. Substantial sandwiches are heaped with tomatoes, carrots and sprouts, and although most are vegetarian, you can also order turkey or tuna. Other choices include salads, burritos, omelettes and chili. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Noodle house by the University |
1785 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96826 United States +1 808 947 6065 |
A dozen varieties of ramen soup, or Saimin as it's called by locals, are served at this restaurant. As any Hawaiian local will tell you, there are few meals more popular on the island than an enormous, steaming bowl of noodles, served with meat, vegetables, fish or a combination of all three. Donburi, fried noodle dishes and soba noodle dishes are also served. Most menu items cost about $5. Table service is offered, making it a step up atmospherically from the noodle counters found at malls and shopping districts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Okubo |
 Photo: Jen Clarke |
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Ala Moana's Japanese store |
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard (Ala Moana Shopping Center, Second Level) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 973 9111 |
Japan's oldest department store has a US outpost in Ala Moana Shopping Center. The store features two floors of high-quality Oriental goods, upscale electronics, accessories, fine jewelry and handbags, Sanrio toys and Japanese housewares. There is also a grocery section with a large selection of delicacies imported from Japan. Nearby, a bustling cafeteria serves sushi, noodle dishes and typical Japanese box lunches. There are other Shirokiya locations in Aiea and on Maui. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher Holland |
 Photo: Janine |
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Japanese noodles |
315 Lewers Street Ala Moana Center Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 946 7214 |
Experience shades of Tokyo at this authentic, counter-style Japanese noodle shop located in central Waikiki. The menu offers variations of the noodle theme (thin buckwheat soba or thicker, wheat-flour udon), hot soups or cold platters, as well as tasty tempura and teriyaki. Soft drinks and beer are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
