Best Lunch Restaurants in Oahu

"The first true brunch spot in Windward O‘ahu, Over Easy (same owners as Easy Que) has refined breakfast with its truly unique dishes. While the cozy restaurant serves crispy-edge pancakes and a solid fried egg sandwich, it specializes in dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Its French toast features sweet bread from Punalu‘u Bake Shop on Hawai‘i Island crusted in Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and topped with an orange crème fraîche."

"Kailua, on the Windward side of Oahu, is the island’s brunch destination, with every breakfast spot offering its own twist on pancakes. Over Easy’s rendition may be the simplest, but it’s also the best—fluffy and tender with crispy edges as contrast. On the savory side, don’t miss the Kailua eggs, a take on the comforting Japanese ochazuke—tea poured over rice—but here with a bacon and cabbage broth."

"Down the road, at Shark’s Cove, you’ll want to walk in its tidepools and snorkel its fairly shallow depths, before stopping at world-famous Waimea Bay. Choose a beach to lounge at for the rest of the day, before exploring Haleiwa Town and getting an early dinner at Haleiwa Beach House. Instead of ending your day on the North Shore here, consider driving back to the Polynesian Cultural Center for its evening show, Ha: Breath of Life, featuring over 100 Polynesian dancers—one of the best shows in Hawaii. Believe us, it may be out of the way, but it’s worth it."

"The next major point of interest, just 4 miles east, is Waimea Bay, where you’ll find a large and popular sandy beach with a big rock people like to jump off of. Across the road, the Waimea Valley preservation has botanical gardens, a waterfall you can swim in and cultural tours of the religious sites. There's an entrance fee for this attraction."

"Further on past pipeline is Shark’s Cove (opposite this beach is a small carpark with food trucks), Waimea Bay (rock jumping has become a popular activity) and Laniakea Beach also known as “Turtle Beach” where turtles make a regular appearance on the sand to lay eggs. It’s impossible to miss this as you’ll notice the cars all gathered around."

", hidden on bustling King Street, garners a devoutly loyal — nearly cultlike — following, mostly because of its unpredictability. Here’s the backstory: Joyce Harada traveled to Europe and was inspired by the pastries and desserts she ate there. So when she returned to Oahu in 2007, she opened The Little Oven — and didn’t tell anyone."

"Buzz started early for this nondescript shop tucked behind a bus stop at the corner of Kaheka and King streets, near Ala Moana Center. Photos of Mama Kim’s sushi and poke bowls flooded Instagram, especially its Neba Neba bowl with eight toppings including ‘ahi poke, natto (fermented soybeans) and ikura (salmon roe). Other favorites include the spicy ‘ahi bowl, torched scallop bowl and a rice-less Korean sashimi salad."

"Word is the Ke‘eaumoku area’s newest spot for poke, sushi bowls and assorted kim chee is solid on flavor. Of note: a poke-kim chee-natto bowl and a build-your-own option with two proteins and three sides."

"Where: Waikiki Grand Hotel, 134 Kapahulu Ave, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States. Serving the residents of Honolulu and international guests for over 42 years, Hula's Bar & Lei Stand is one of the best beach bars in Honolulu. Set on the Kapahalu avenue across the Honolulu Zoo, the open-air environment of Hula's Bar & Lei Stand is the right place to soak in the beauty of Diamond Head."

"A legend among the gay community across the states, the Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand has welcomed a vibrant crowd since generations. This bar located at the Waikiki Grand Hotel is the personification of Aloha for all. It hosts live entertainment in form of various musical performances and pool tables for the visitors to enjoy a unique experience of liberation and chill while exploring Honolulu."

"Chiko’s Tavern is a long time staple of Hawaii’s LGBT scene. Jus on the outskirts of Waikiki, Chiko’s is one of the best kept Dive Bar secrets and is worth the short ride up McCully. They by far have the most consistent bar food menus which is very tasty!"

"Named one of the top 40 restaurants in 2011 by Gayot Guide, Chef Mavro Honolulu (chefmavro.com) ranks as one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Honolulu. Located on South King Street, the AAA Five Diamonds restaurant (2009, 2010, 2011) showcases the talents of Chef George Mavrothalassitis, a native of France who previously owned a gourmet restaurant in Marseilles before moving to Oahu in 1988. Dedicated to food and wine pairings, the menu features everything from Keahole lobster a la coque and cavier to fois gras parfait, kurobuta pork and valrhona chocolate cremeux."

"The most honored restaurant in Hawaii, holder of the coveted AAA Five Star and Gayot Three Toques 18/20 rating, Chef Mavro is located at 1969 S. King Street, just a short drive from most Waikiki hotels. Chef George Mavrothalassitis, the holder of the prestigious James Beard award and a founding member of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, specializes in the unique flavors of Hawaii influenced by Chef’s native Provence in France."

"Locally and nationally recognized as one of Hawaii's top chefs, chef George Mavrothalassitis uses his French and Mediterranean background to wow diners. The restaurant is frequented by guests celebrating special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries or any milestone event. Tourists will often choose Chef Mavro for their grand finale dinner in Honolulu."

"The gist: Enjoy Japanese-French fine dining at the uber-chic Espacio hotel. The food: Prix-fixe menu changes with the season and often includes indulgent offerings like Sasanian osetra caviar, Parisienne Gnocchi, and Poule au pot pie, all enhanced with unique characteristics. Paired with an extensive wine list, a luxuriously intimate lockdown dinner date is almost guaranteed.The cost: Mugen offers weekly bento specials for $25 and lunch entrees range from $7-42.How to order: Call 808-377-2247 to place your order and allow 45 minutes for meal preparation."