Honolulu hangs onto its food and culture fiercely. It’s why decades-old mom-and-pop restaurants still dominate certain neighborhoods and why you see dishes that would have been familiar to some of the islands’ earliest settlers. While the world moves at its frenetic pace, the city reminds us of who we have been and who we are.
Of course, it’s not immune to change. Over the nearly 20 years that I’ve been writing about food in Honolulu, many beloved institutions have closed, while newer restaurants have brought in flavors from places as diverse as Detroit and Laos. Use this guide to learn more about those special spots both classic and new, and to find plenty of other great meals — in a food-obsessed city, there is always something exciting to eat nearby, if you know where to find it.
We update this list quarterly to make sure it reflects the ever-changing Honolulu dining scene. Our write-ups include insider tips from our experienced writers and editors, as well as a rough range of pricing for each destination — ranging from $ for quick, inexpensive meals with dishes largely under $10, to $$$$ for places where entrees exceed $30.
New to the map in December 2025: The Pig and the Lady returns in new digs in Kaimukī, a neighborhood that’s become a dining destination; and Bocconcino, a fixture of the Kaka‘ako dining scene serving panini and the best Neapolitan-style pizzas in town.
