Honolulu’s dining scene is defined by its unique position at the crossroads of the Pacific. Here, the freshest local catch meets culinary traditions from Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and the American mainland. The result is a seafood culture that is as diverse as the island itself, offering everything from high-end sashimi platters to casual garlic shrimp plates.
For visitors and locals alike, navigating the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. While Waikiki offers convenient tourist-friendly spots, some of the most memorable meals are found in neighborhood strip malls and bustling markets. Knowing where to go ensures you experience the true depth of Hawaiian "ono" food.
This guide focuses on quality, consistency, and the authentic flavors that define the Honolulu seafood experience. Whether you are looking for a romantic sunset dinner or a quick, satisfying lunch after a morning of surfing, there is a perfect spot waiting for you. We have prioritized restaurants that source locally and honor the island’s rich culinary heritage.
Price points vary significantly, but you do not need to spend a fortune to eat well. From poke bowls that cost less than a fast-food meal to multi-course tasting menus featuring the finest bluefin tuna, the range is staggering. Our list covers the full spectrum, ensuring there is a recommendation for every budget and occasion.
Below, you will find a curated selection of the best establishments currently operating in Honolulu. These are places that consistently earn high marks for freshness, flavor, and service, helping you cut through the noise and eat like a local.
Nico's Pier 38
| Address | 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 540-1377 |
My wife and I had a wonderful evening at Nico’s!!! To start we ordered their famous snow crab. The flavor was unreal! No doubt the best crab I’ve ever had. The meat was soft and flavorful and paired excellent with the garlic butter sauce.
I ordered the Tuna ahi steak medium rare (chefs choice) and it did not disappoint. It came with rice, carrots, green beans, and a delicious ranch like sauce. My wife ordered shrimp scampi pasta. Everything was so fresh and very delicious. Our waiter Jon was very friendly and kind and was spot on, informing us of the evening specials in popular menu items.
I would highly recommend coming here if you enjoy seafood. They really know what they’re doing. Everything was well priced. I would come here weekly if I lived in Oahu!!!
Our party of 8 had the best time on the patio. Dinner was excellent from tbe starters all the way through dessert! With 8 of us, we tried everything!! The atmosphere was fun with live music and the bay next to us. The service was great!! The food amazing! I didn't get photos of everything, because we devoured it too quickly!!
Everyone there was soo nice, great atmosphere. Lotsa tables both inside and out. They had live music too. The bartender was busy but still she was so polite taking and delivering food. And the food, yeaya! I had the pork belly and they gave 4 large pieces. The dressing on my bros salad was so good, they had an extra to go container of it so we took it home and the lady at the front desk was telling us how she grrs it to dip taro Chips in. Would absolutely go again. (Plus it's near costco 😆)
Restaurant is located on the waterfront. There is self parking along the building and an adjacent parking lot.
Dining interior or exterior of the restaurant.
The menu includes pizza, chicken, beef, and several seafood dishes. The prices were reasonable, and the portions were large. The service is very good. There was a full bar. The dishes served were good. The restaurant has live music in the evenings.
The food was amazing! The atmosphere was soo neat! You have to order at a counter and self serve your drinks. We were told no matter what the catch of the day was an amazing so we got it and the chicken katsu! Both were amazing! Fun restaurant.
Cajun Crab Waikiki
| Address | 226 Lewers St 2F L215, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 913-2003 |
We had such a great experience here! 🦀
We ordered the Honeymoon Combo for two, and the portion was just right. Everything was delicious, and the draft beer was especially good! 🍺
The staff were also incredibly friendly and attentive, which made our meal even more enjoyable. Great food, great service, and a wonderful place to enjoy a meal in Waikiki. Highly recommended!
Stopped in for fried shrimp, calamari, and soft-shell crab, and everything was cooked well and tasted great. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which made for a pleasant experience. While it wasn’t a meal that completely blew us away, it was solid Cajun seafood that hit the spot. We’d definitely come back and would recommend it if you’re in the mood for good seafood and a relaxed atmosphere.
Recently ate at Cajun Crab Waikiki and it was a great experience. The food was beautiful (we got the snow crab combo). Why I’m giving the food a 4/10 is on top of all the delicious fish, it came with 2 pieces of corn, 2 small potatoes, and 4 small pieces of sausage. Wasn’t the most balanced mixed I’ve had when eating a seafood boil but the staff were super friendly and helpful and there was a great vibe around the area
Stopped by Cajun Crab with my wife for our honeymoon, and this place is legit. We got the Honeymoon Set and it was hands down one of the best meals of our trip. The seasoning is out of this world, with a spice level similar to Shin Ramyun just enough heat to keep you going back for more. My wife and I couldn't get enough of it. Do yourselves a favor and check this place out!
I went at lunch and the place was empty so I can't really rate the atmosphere. They have some good lunch specials. I opted for the boil of 1/2 each of shrimp, mussles, clams, and snow crab legs (+ 2 each of corn, potatoes, and sausage and a side of rice).
Service was excellent and extremely quick. My server was courteous and kept on eye out for anything I would need.
The food was delicious. House sauce at medium heat seemed great for me. The heat didn't overpower anything and put a nice little tingle on my lips.
My next trip over I'll probably just opt for the real stars of the show (Snow crab, king crab, and a whole dungeness). Hopefully my wallet can handle it.
Cajun Crab Waikiki - International Market Place
| Address | 2330 Kalākaua Ave 3F #318, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (808) 991-3291 |
Came to try this place while vacationing from California & WOW 10/10 if I’m ever vacationing again I’ll definitely be back ! Servers are extremely nice & attentive! Food was amazing great Cajun sauce!
Mocha was the best server ever! We had the best experience here! Very delicious and bomb!!! Picture below is all the food we ate!!!
I dined in as a single person and the whole staff was very hospitable and kind. I’m putting in that I spent over $100, but to be fair it’s enough food for two people and the portion sizes are awesome, they are much more generous than some of the other places on island! I’ll be back again, ideally with more people 😂
We came here for a seafood boil and ordered the lobster combo with extra mussels. We got the mild sauce, and everything was absolutely delicious! This is definitely the best lobster I’ve had in Hawaii.
Our server, Jay, was also so friendly and nice. We had such a great experience and were very satisfied. We’ll definitely be coming back! Highly recommend!
Everything was amazing. Staff was warm and personable and the food was incredible. Left way too full but satisfied.
Ono Seafood
| Address | 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (808) 732-4806 |
Came in around 2:30pm on a Thursday, wasn't busy at all and was immediately able to order. Got my order quickly too and seating outside is available, but not a lot. Plenty of parking at the free parking lot too
Food was lovely, salmon was available that day. Also had the miso variant which is made in house, was a touch seeeter than usual miso. Pretty tasty!
Service was great, was given info on the salmon availability and extra info of the miso. Order was ready quickly, and the food was great.
Atmosphere was nice, very peaceful location, very clean too.
Get the miso ahi. That's my whole review, but I'll say more.
The tuna here is really fresh, which is the whole thing with poke, and you can taste it immediately. Firm, clean, no funk. The miso ahi is my pick because the flavor actually complements the fish instead of covering it up.
If you can, do the shoyu and miso combo. That's the move. The shoyu is clean and classic and lets the fish speak for itself, and the miso brings that deeper savory thing, so together you get both sides of it in one bowl and never get bored halfway through.
They do a version with unagi sauce too, and it's good, just be ready for it. It's on the richer, sweeter side and a little heavier than I expected. Still tasty, but if you like tasting the fish itself, I'd start with the shoyu and miso and save that one for next time.
Simple spot, really good poke. Exactly what you want.
This was the freshest poke I've ever had and the folks there are so kind and welcoming. I've read so many reviews about this place and took their advice with getting the tempura flakes. We got the ahi tuna and the special of the day which was a spicy salmon. It was delicious but the portion is smaller and pricier than other poke places around the island but I still recommend it. Just note before going that there's not a lot of spots to eat in front and parking is limited.
This has become a staple for visits to Honolulu. The poke is fresh and flavorful and the portion size of fish is never lacking. The staff is very helpful with suggestions and we’ve always been able to find a seat at one of the picnic tables out front (it is take out only).
Honestly just really fresh, yummy poke! We tried a variety of the fishes. The shoyu ahi was my favorite and very well marinated. For
some people it might border on a teensy bit salty if compared to Foodland’s poke (imo it’s wayyy better than Foodland) but it goes well with the rice. I was pleasantly surprised that the spicy ahi and salmon actually did have a little bit of kick to it. In terms of pricing, it is very comparable to other poke spots in Hawaii which is around the 16-20$ range.
There is limited parking unfortunately, but that comes with the busy Waikiki area. The owners are very pleasant. Would definitely recommend this place if you like a no frills poke spot!
Paia Fish Market Waikiki
| Address | 2299 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 200-0200 |
I had a great experience at Paia Fish Market. The fish tasted incredibly fresh and the portions were surprisingly generous for the price.
I ordered the mahi mahi (blackened)plate and it was cooked perfectly — flavorful, tender, and seasoned just right. The sides were also delicious and complemented the meal really well.
The atmosphere was casual, laid-back, and had that local Hawaii vibe that makes the experience feel even more authentic. Even though it can get busy, the service was friendly and the food came out quickly. I can definitely see why so many locals and visitors recommend this place.
If you love fresh seafood and want a tasty meal without a fancy setting, Paia Fish Market is absolutely worth visiting.
This was, without a doubt, our favorite restaurant in Waikiki! The food was absolutely delicious, the seafood was incredibly fresh, and everything we ordered exceeded our expectations.
A very special thank you to Giovanni! He is one of the kindest, most welcoming, and genuinely friendly people we met in Hawaii. His smile, positive energy, and quick recommendations for exploring the island made our evening even more memorable.
And the fried shrimp… absolutely incredible! My daughter is usually very hard to impress when it comes to food, but she completely fell in love with this dish. She couldn’t stop talking about it and wanted to order it again!
Out of all the places we visited during our trip, this is the only restaurant we came back to—and that says everything. Great food, amazing service, and an atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
We highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Honolulu. We can’t wait to come back on our next trip! 🌺🦐❤️
Had a Paia is a hidden gem that I had a wonderful experience at. I’m not a big fan of fish, but they cook everything to perfection. The blackened seasoning was just right, and the flavors were rich and satisfying. I ordered the blackened Mahi Mahi and the Caesar salad, and they also blackened the chicken, which was delicious. I highly recommend this place; it’s worth the wait! I’ll definitely be returning and going here every time.
Just had lunch at Paia, and I typically wait to write reviews once I’m home from my trip, but this was too good to wait. If you like fish, this is a must visit. The blackened sashimi literally melts in your mouth. I’m typically a big salmon fan, but decided to try the ono and it did not disappoint. I don’t think you can go wrong with any fish selection at this place. I got Cajun style and enjoyed it. Still tender and juicy and I added some of their “magic sauce” to it and it was delicious. Highly highly recommend. This is an order at the counter place, so don’t be too scared about long lines as they move pretty quickly!
Absolutely a must! Line is long but goes by fast and they bring the food out fast as well.
I am not the biggest fan of coleslaw or tartar sauce and I ate every bite! Surprising and delicious.
A must try? The blacked snapper. The flavor and juiciness 100/10.
We also had the fish and chips: they have a light batter which I am here for, and get to enjoy the taste of the fish without it being over powered by the batter. Loved this as well.
We can back the next dah to try the fish tacos and those did not disappoint either.
Hula Grill Waikiki
| Address | 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 923-4852 |
We arrived for dinner without a reservation and opted to wait for a table rather than sit at the bar. We waited just under 20 minutes and were seated on the balcony with an enjoyable breeze, view of the ocean, and music from the downstairs restaurant, Duke’s. Our dining experience was more delightful thanks to our wonderful server, Ocean, she was attentive and intentional. Looking back on our trip, this was the most enjoyable meal we had on Oahu. Highly recommend!!
Kudos to Jorge, who was amazing and made our experience an absolute delight. The local drinks were delicious and our meal did not disappoint. Celebrated our anniversary dinner and so thankful that we were presented with a complementary dessert that hit the spot. I recommend going with the daily dinner specials that Hula Grill offers (I believe it differs each day). I went with the fried fish plate and my wife had the two-fish plate.
This restaurant was good just took a little while for the food to come out. The atmosphere was a little stuffy this is a reservation restaurant for sure if you don’t they can sit you at the bar which the menu is different. Customer service is a five. They’re extremely friendly and willing to help when they found out it was my birthday. They gave me a huge slice of cake. Staff made us feel very welcome. and this is an upstairs restaurant with a gorgeous view of the ocean so scenery wise this is great.
We really had the best time here!
We had walked up and down the street past the location many times and Gigi, the host, always looked so happy and approachable so we stopped to talk to her and she was so engaging and lovely. We were tired as we had just arrived and were checking out the area and she was really welcoming. Hula Grill is above Dukes and is a fabulous overlook of Waikīkī Beach with a more chilled atmosphere than Dukes. We dined twice for dinner. The drinks and food were both excellent and perfectly timed, our waitresses were both fun and engaging. The salads were fresh, the ribs were just so delicious and crispy we got them both times, with mash instead of rice per our waitress’ recommendation, and boy was she right. We tried the pie too which was huge! Overall a wonderful experience watching the sun go down over Waikīkī beach.!!
Hula Grill is located in the Outrigger above Duke’s. Reservations recommended. The shrimp carbonara was really great. We also got the swordfish. They have several kids options (grilled cheese and grilled chicken breast was what our kids ate). They also have freshly squeezed guava juice and lemonade.
Duke's Waikiki
| Address | 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (808) 922-2268 |
We went over to catch the sunset on the beach so we figured we grab a drink and a seat at the bar as it was only around 5:30 pm. No such luck as all the bar seats, at both bars, were taken. So, we went to the hostess stand and they had us seated near the buffet in around 10 minutes. It was hot and the table had no breeze so our server, John O, promptly let us move under the table next to us with a fan above. Much better. The place quickly filled up as we ordered and ate. We started with a 20 oz South Shore Stout ($14) and a Virgin Lava Flow ($10) that came highly recommended by John. The Stout was tasty and the Lava Flow was a bit sweet. We weren't expecting much from the food so we were pleasantly surprised. The baked fish for the day was swordfish one of my favorites. The swordfish ($39.50) was small in size but big in taste. But, for the price point was reasonable. We also had the Mac Nut Hummus Dinner ($18.50) whuch was also very good and reasonably priced. They have a $64 dinner buffet that we'll return to try, as it looked very good, when we are hungrier than we were on this visit. There was a young lady on the porch playing guitar and singing some great songs. Dukes is right on the beach, no onsite parking and is a bit hidden away so you'll need to be on the lookout.
My daughter and I had lunch at Dukes on Waikīkī last week. I had the lunch buffet. I had two servings of salad it was fresh and very tasty. There was quite a bit to choose from on the buffet. I got the chicken teriyaki which was a chicken thigh with lots of flavor. I also got the teriyaki steak which was very good. I tried a couple of garlic shrimp out of curiosity they were ok. The serving of fried rice I had was on the dry side. My daughter had the crispy chicken BLT with a side of bbq sauce which she thought was perfect with the chicken. One of her favorite dishes while there. The chicken wasn’t overly fried it was perfectly crispy with lots of flavor. It came with a side of fries. She also had the mango slushie a perfect zero proof drink on a warm day to go with any meal. Great spot with excellent service.
We LOVED Dukes!!!! Totally understand why there’s queues everyday. An absolute vibe & very lively inside. It’s also facing the ocean. More importantly the food was yummy. Loved the fish it was so juicy. Same with the chicken - well portioned too. Can’t say no to the hula pie heheee, btw it’s huge.
We actually did a walk in & was told that it would be approx an hour but got our table around 30-40 mins
Absolutely AMAZING everything. The food was delicious, the young men that were hosts and waiters were so respectful and engaging and kind. It was our first place to eat since arriving to Honolulu and we were so impressed. The crab ragoons were delicious! 10/10 recommend. We came from VT for our honeymoon, what a beautiful location facing the water, plenty of seating and very good service even with every table in the entire restaraunt being filled. They have a great flow and amazing moral.
We had a great time here! Nice seaside restaurant with great views. Good service by Andrew! We got fish tacos and one buffet, which included all sorts of stuff such as coconut shrimp, made to order poke bowls, salads, etc. too much to list here, see my photos. And, the mai tais were superb!
The Boiling Crab
| Address | 330 Coral St, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 518-2935 |
Thee most incredible experience at The Boiling Crab 🦀 . Easily a 5-star visit! The seafood was hands down the best I’ve ever had… perfectly seasoned, super fresh, and absolutely unforgettable.
On top of that, the margaritas were amazing 🍹 and the customer service was truly top-notch. The staff made everything feel welcoming and fun from start to finish.
I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to go back! 🫶🏻
So after a long trip to the island and traffic at a standstill I spotted this place. After several rounds looking for a parking spot.... We were in. Was a Wednesday night so as expected really slow. The waiter came right over. I asked for a few suggestions and about the Gumbo. Gumbo came out and was very good. Shrimp basket with fries have great flavor on the shrimp 🦐. Fries were crunchy for all the entree's ( Not a fan but my wife LOVED them). The Po boy was delicious. Also got the lobster 🦞 roll... They said that the spice level was hotter than most places.... You better believe it.... WOW .
Flavor was on point with the roll but even though I ordered med spice it was HOT. Not that I don't enjoy hot but it kinda hid the flavor. To sum it up was an great meal and would want to try the boil next time.
The service is great here.
The portions were good but the taste or sauce does need a little work.
Tasted mostly hotness... not like a certain taste with the spicy heat.
Not sure how to explain it in words but that's how I felt
The Boiling Crab has consistently served great food, flavor, and service for over half a decade. Welcoming and friendly staff members make the meal very enjoyable allowing the customers to choose the variety of seafood selections to their liking.
Just to name a few: crayfish, dungeness crab, lobster, fried catfish, fried okra, and Gumbo is what you can find on their menu.
The spacious and clean environment shows attention to details on making sure the table and floor are clean and safe to be on.
Expect to pay a hefty price with the market price fluctuating. Overall, I highly recommend this business for their service and quality of food being so great!
just had an amazing time , the manager Cranston truly went above & beyond. Our server George and the host staff were wonderful as well!! I recommend if you want some good seafood especially scallops then come here.. thanks Boiling Crab staff! also guests , the head is included in the shrimp so if that's not your thing then be sure to let them know! thanks again
Restaurant 604
| Address | 57 Arizona Memorial Dr #108, Honolulu, HI 96818 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 431-5224 |
Our server was very sweet and kind. She helped us decide on what food we wanted to eat and try. The fish tacos were fresh but were just a bit dry, the green salad (only veggie option) was just okay and would not recommend. The mac crusted fish was good but not ACTUALLY crusted if u know what i mean…. The fries were good and crispy!
Loved the views and enjoyed our food. We had to wait quite a bit to get in even at 2PM on Friday afternoon. We tried a variety of things and everything was pretty good. It is definitely worth visiting if you are hungry while visiting Pearl Harbor.
What a great find. Headed back from some morning hikes we found the 604 Resturant near the Pearl Harbor area. What great views. Very busy and we ended up finding seats at the bar to eat at vs waiting for a table. Had a great bartender who answered all our questions and provided great recommendations. The Spicy Ahí Poke with Jalapeños was great. Fish tacos were also good.
We stopped in on Valentine’s Day after visiting the U.S.S. Missouri. We had made a reservation on yelp before walking over and our table was ready for us when we got there. I loved the open air atmosphere and friendly service. We all loved our meals! I had the fish & chips! It was hot, fresh and delicious! 5/5 would definitely eat here again after a visit to Pearl Harbor. Mahalo!
Excellent food - The boar meat (Pupu Prime Rib - first time trying it!) and spicy poke nachos appetizers went quickly. The local miso butterfish was delicious as was their loco moto, hamburger steak, chicken katsu with gravy, fish and chips, and teriyaki salmon.
Service was initially slow but once drinks and food were ordered for our large table (requested reservations ahead of time...), the service pace picked up.
Atmosphere - with tables, bar space, a space for karaoke, the vibe is loud and lively - making it sometimes difficult to hear conversations going on at your table. But if Restaurant 604 had a piano in the place, the vibe would have definitely been like the Top Gun film 🙂.
Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak
| Address | 2449 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 922-2288 |
I’m Kenji from Japan. I was served delicious dinners every night during my stay! Every dish was prepared with love and tasted amazing. The atmosphere was fantastic, and above all, the staff were incredibly friendly and kind! I will definitely come back whenever I visit Waikiki again. Thank you so much! Mahalo!!!
1st time visiting while on the island. Food was damn good! Shrimp was grilled with just the right amount of seasoning and calamari was on point! The atmosphere, open seating outside, was perfect with the evening breeze. Thank you for great service and great food!
Cashier was friendly. There's a lot of items on the menu and pictures of every item. Mostly slight variations of the same items, though, individually then combined. Ahi and another fish, shrimp, lobster, squid, etc. Same stuff as most seafood restaurants. You'll get a huge amount of white rice with whatever they grill placed on top. My ahi was substantial, a plank of fish but pretty tough. The Hawaiian shrimp is grilled shrimp (also tough) with a sauce and pineapples. The spices were somewhat overpowering, maybe too much on the salt and pepper. Seating was outside, plastic tables with metal and plastic folding chairs. In a pinch, food was good enough to keep going, though you'd do better at a food court.
This food truck was amazing! Just a block or two away from Waikīkī, they have over 100 different options of food to try from. Everything from traditional Hawaiian food, to pizza and hamburgers, even breakfast! We came to the blue box once a day, and i my favorite was by far the salmon! It was cooked to and seasoned to perfection, with a golden crust on the edge of the fish. It’s also owned by the sweetest locals who came to know my Salmon order by the end of our stay. 10/10 would recommend going here!
Blue Ocean Seafood and Steak doesn’t look like much from the outside — it’s literally a big blue converted seacan — but don’t let that fool you. This place is so worth a stop! The menu is huge, the combo prices are great, and the food is way better than you’d expect from such an unassuming setup.
I ordered the lamb and prime rib combo, and honestly, I’m still thinking about it. Both were cooked perfectly — tender, juicy, and totally melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I went around 6:30pm on a Sunday and got my food within 15 minutes of ordering, which blew me away.
The staff were friendly, efficient, and clearly knew what they were doing. They’ve got upbeat hits playing over the speakers, which adds a fun vibe — maybe not the best for a romantic date, but perfect for a casual, easygoing meal.
If you’re hesitating about checking this place out, don’t. Go. You’ll thank yourself later!
Roy's Waikiki
| Address | 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (808) 923-7697 |
Had a wonderful dinner at Roy's Waikiki. The presentation of the dishes is beautiful, and the customer service is really good—the staff goes out of their way to take care of you.
The Food: The short ribs are absolutely incredible and a must-order. The pasta is also really delicious! Overall, the food is excellent and beautifully plated.
Price: The prices are kind of up there, but for the high-quality food and top-tier service in Waikiki, it’s well worth it for a nice night out.
A fantastic dining experience from start to finish!
What a special place to celebrate our family's birthdays. The atmosphere is clean and very high class. Service was top tier with Collin our server giving us the insight to all what's amazing there. The food was prepared fresh and tasted amazing. Highly recommend.
Delayed review, but worth posting.
We had a pre-holiday meal here in December and wanted a special dinner before our sunset cruise. Roy’s did not disappoint.
At first they were going to seat us outside for our reservation, but we wanted a quieter, more relaxing vibe instead of the bar/outdoor feel, so they seated us inside. That ended up being perfect.
Every server was super friendly, attentive, and very knowledgeable about gluten free adjustments. What I really appreciated was that they didn’t just say “yes” to every possible modification. They actually guided us away from changes that could be made but would take the dish too far from what the chef intended or from the flavor experience.
That was honestly unexpected, and very welcomed. Great meal, great service, and a really thoughtful approach to GF dining.
First time at Roy's with the wife and kids and we were blown away with how great Yoshi (our server) was. Super attentive and helpful with the menu. EVERYTHING was SOOO amazing. Will definitely be back to try more things on the menu. Crab cakes were great, fillet mignon steak was soo tastie, sushi rolls were too notch. there's nothing bad I can say about this place other then I wish I could have tried everything on the menu 😉 Also they print a new menu daily!! Definitely going back again!
First of all our server Tanya was awesome. She gave us a detailed breakdown of the menu and answered our questions about the dinner options. She was very attentive and kept checking on us to see if we needed anything. Drinks were served promptly and were delicious (Mai Tai was very good). We shared the canoe sampler and crab cakes for appies, which was a great start(loved the ribs and ahi rolls). We had the filet, swordfish and land and sea platter for dinner, will definitely go back!!
Thirty Eight (38)
| Address | 1135 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 468-8562 |
My wife, a few friends, and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Thirty Eight, and it was an experience we won’t soon forget. From the moment we arrived, the combination of warm hospitality, beautiful waterfront ambience, and thoughtfully crafted dishes made for an exceptional evening.
The menu truly celebrates Hawai‘i’s incredible ingredients while adding creative twists and bold flavors. We started with the Crispy Tots (+ caviar) - a fun and elevated take on tater tots with potato purée, onsen egg, garlic aioli, and smoked trout roe. It was the perfect balance of comfort food and sophistication.
The Spanish Octopus was beautifully prepared, with tender octopus complemented by shiso chimichurri and charred snap peas. The Cabbage Caesar was another standout - the miso Caesar dressing, crispy fried anchovies, and parmesan created a surprisingly delicious and memorable version of a classic.
For the mains, the Grilled Chicken was a true favorite of the table - incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked, with lemongrass, radish toum, watercress salad, and shichimi chickpeas that brought layers of brightness and texture. The Fried Whole Moi was a true Hawai‘i highlight - perfectly cooked with an amazing alii mushroom and lap cheong stuffing paired with bok choy.
The Prime Rib Eye Steak was another favorite, served with charred onion demi, fennel salad, and truffle ponzu that elevated every bite. And the A5 Wagyu Fat Fried Rice was the perfect finishing touch - rich, savory, and completely satisfying.
Beyond the food, the service was outstanding. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, adding to an already memorable dining experience. The atmosphere at Thirty Eight strikes a wonderful balance between modern island style and relaxed elegance - making it a great spot for a special dinner, gathering with friends, or simply enjoying some of Hawai‘i’s best flavors.
We left impressed, happy, and already looking forward to our next visit. Thirty Eight is a must-try for anyone who appreciates creative cuisine, quality ingredients, and a great dining experience in Honolulu.
Went there last night for the first time and we enjoyed everything we had! The presentation of the food was amazing because we could taste the quality of every bite in our mouths. The service was top notch with a very nice atmosphere. They have a great selection of alcohol options at the bar as well as food diversity. We will definitely come back again. My husband had the salmon and said that was the best one he ever had (it melted in his mouth) and I had the Ahi steak which was out of this world! Incredible taste! I will recommend this place to anyone who is interested in trying seafood/fish even if you don’t care much about fish because this place will change your taste buds.
Early dinner for two on a Friday evening. Very little has changed inside compared to when this venue was Nami Kazi, which is completely fine as we enjoyed the decor and open kitchen. Service was friendly and attentive; one of my bellwethers for a restaurant is if your water glass ever goes empty, and they kept ours topped up throughout the meal. Enjoyed a dock worker (their riff on an old fashioned) and we shared the ceviche, which was the best I’ve had in years. I then had the salmon which was outstanding - truly outstanding - Cooke perfectly and the sauce(s) it was plated with were delicious. The wife had the miso butterfish, which was very good, but our agreed favourite was the salmon. Her black cod was cooked perfectly but the squid ink risotto lacked any flavour at all. I guess it’s a difficult balance, as the black cod is so delicately flavoured, that it could become easily overpowered, but at least a little seasoning in the risotto would have helped. Didn’t have dessert this time but our waiter mentioned that the chef is a former pastry chef so will definitely need to try the bread pudding next time. All in all, highly recommended.
Going against the grain here to say that although there are a decent amount of good dishes here and the presentation was great, the overall taste-to-value ratio ended up being a bit lower than what other reviewers have mentioned, and I believe there are other restaurants delivering better dishes at the same price point.
Both of the appetizers we ordered (wagyu tataki, calamari katsu) had great balance, texture, contrast, and seasoning. The tataki was meltingly tender and the beef contrasted well with the ponzu, and the calamari katsu was a great take on combining elements you’d see in both calamari and tonkatsu, taking an entire fillet and breading it like tonkatsu, then serving it with cabbage and takoyaki sauces that provided a freshness that balanced out the heaviness of the katsu.
Unfortunately, the entrees were not quite at the same level. I tried a few bites of the majority of the entrees we ordered and the entirety of the king salmon, which I’ll review from my most to least preferred:
The grilled chicken was the best entree, which was… a little disappointing for a restaurant that specializes in seafood. Still, the chicken was cooked perfectly with just a bit of sweetness that went well with the watercress salad piled on top.
The butterfish tastes exactly as you’d expect – a flavorful butterfish fillet on a bed of inky black risotto. The risotto could’ve used a bit more seasoning to round out the dish, but maybe its underseasoning is a good thing as most of the other dishes veered a bit on the saltier side.
I would rank the fried whole moi pretty close to the butterfish. The presentation of this dish is outstanding, though I wouldn’t call it a “stuffed” fish. I wished for just a little more acidity to help round out the more oily and hearty flavors of the fish.
The king salmon is liked by a lot of reviewers so I was excited to try this dish, but I felt it had the least punch compared to the other dishes. The salmon was a tad overcooked and unfortunately didn’t have any sort of acidity to balance out the richness of the king salmon. This ended up being a bit of a slog to finish, as the sauces and side of choy sum don’t do much to alleviate the ever-building richness of the fish. You end up a bit tired from it all at the end. Of course, this is my experience having the entire dish versus only bites of the other dishes – it’s possible that the lack of acidity in all of the other dishes could lead you down the same path as the salmon did I.
We had sides (spam fried rice, crispy potatoes) and desserts (bread pudding, brownie sundae) as well, but the sides weren’t as standout and the desserts a little pricey for what they packed. The bread pudding may also have been a bit overcooked as what we had expected to be a more subtle and caramel-like flavor was instead bitter and acrid from a slightly blackened top, the bitter notes heightened further by the coffee anglaise.
But taking all of the food with the prices, I believe you can find dishes hitting a better level of consistency and balance at or below the prices here. Maybe worth a shot if you’re here for happy hour (the appetizers were the best, after all) or are okay with spending a bit more on some drinks to help balance out the richness of the dishes, but I think the dishes need to be elevated further for me to return.
The food was okay. Small-ish portions, but good flavor/sauce. The Caesar was not good - very dry/no dressing and bitter, bad flavor.
The service was horrible. The hostess was rude, the waitress was rude; neither seemed to have any time for pleasantries, not even a good afternoon. The waitress didn’t check on us once. After waiting 10min for her to take our order, we never saw her again until we flagged her down for the check.
This place would be much better as a cafeteria style/order at the counter type restaurant because the service is so bad and slow and rude, yet the restaurant was packed full, so cafeteria style service might get people in and out within a lunch hour.
The restaurant was clean and comfortable. I liked the open kitchen.
*it’s located on a pier, so there is definitely a fishy smell outside (parking lot, walking to the restaurant), but not inside.
Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Hilton Hawaiian Village
| Address | 2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 955-5400 |
Nice eatery with outdoor seating. It's found with some shops located within our hotel, Hilton Hawaiian Village. Food smells and tastes good. Not going to blow you away but it is good. Ordered a sampling of the garlic shrimp, steak, ribs and snapper. Seating is limited but turnover is quick. Service is friendly and fast.
Food was pretty good and not too expensive. My wife and I got the fish tacos, which was very tasty. My fish tacos were loaded with what they usually come with, where as my wife did not get all of that on there. My dad got the steak and shrimp, which I got to try and thought it was exquisite as well.
I subtracted only 1 star for atmosphere only because some feral birds walk around under the table trying to get food, but as an attempt to mitigate their presence they had signs out asking customers to not feed the birds and had umbrellas up.
Service was great, felt easy going, friendly, and checked in on us.
Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood at the Hilton Hawaiian Village was one of the most convenient and satisfying meals of our trip. We ordered the garlic shrimp and the ribs, and both were flavorful, freshly prepared, and served in generous portions that easily satisfied our appetites. The garlic shrimp was perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that was packed with flavor, while the ribs were tender, juicy, and delicious.
If you’re staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, this is an excellent option when you want a great meal without leaving the resort. The service was quick, the portions were impressive, and the food hit the spot after a day of exploring Oahu. We would definitely eat here again and highly recommend it to anyone craving a hearty, delicious meal in a convenient location.
A true hidden gem! We make it a point to visit every time we're in Hawaii. It's always busy, which speaks to its popularity, but the food and generous portion sizes make it well worth the wait. The steak and shrimp were absolutely delicious. If you're visiting Oahu, this is a must-try spot at least once. The combination of quality, quantity, and value is hard to beat in Waikiki. We always look forward to coming back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good food, I actually think the portions are enough and pretty satisfying. The shrimp is tasty and hits the spot after being at the beach. Just be ready to wait a bit for a table since it can get busy. Overall, solid and worth it for a quick seafood meal in the area.
53 By The Sea
| Address | 53 Ahui St, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM Friday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (808) 536-5353 |
Birthday Surprise Dinner - our last night in Honolulu, HI.
If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience in Honolulu, 53 By The Sea delivers on every level. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with the breathtaking staircase to the serene oceanfront views, elegant décor, and warm, attentive service that makes you feel truly welcome.
The menu is thoughtfully crafted, with beautifully presented dishes that are as delicious as they are visually stunning. Every bite was fresh, flavorful, and prepared with exceptional attention to detail.
Our choice begun with, Sautéed Foie Gras; Catch of the Day (Amberjack); Seafood Stuffed Lobster; Wagyu Strip Sirloin; Chicken Roulade.
We shared a bottle of red wine and ended with glasses of port with a special dessert for the birthday girl.
We chose to sit outdoors for the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, combined with the impeccable service and outstanding cuisine, create an unforgettable experience. As the sun begins to set, the scenery becomes even more magical, making it one of the most beautiful dining destinations in Honolulu.
Highly recommend 53 By The Sea for anyone seeking an elegant meal with spectacular views and five-star hospitality. It’s a place we’ll gladly return to.
Amazing view, service and food execution. The most perfectly cooked medium well steak we’ve had in a long time. Cocktails are delicious, and service was attentive with good timing. Astrea Caviar option add on was amazing addition to the menu.
Exceptional experience at
Mother’s Day brunch! Views, service, food quality! Recommend for special occasions.
We especially enjoyed the tuna tartare and quiche! Caviar was super high quality too. Everything was light and balanced. Perfect portion sizes as well. Cade was the best server, so attentive and knew all the details on how the food was prepared and the ingredients!!
Vegetables were locally sourced from farmers, and they change seasonally. Menu was curated perfectly. Loved every veggie taste. They even served green ferns, which was so delicious.
Valet parking. Fantastic ocean view. Indoor and outdoor dining. Every table has a great view.
Dinner at 53 By The Sea absolutely delivered 🌊✨
Went with the roast beef paired with a lobster tail — and wow. The beef was perfectly cooked, tender, and full of flavor, while the lobster was buttery, fresh, and just the right amount of indulgent. That combo alone was worth it.
Add in the oceanfront views and the whole experience just hits different. Great food, great atmosphere, and definitely a spot I’d come back to. 🍽️🔥
We went to the July wine pairing dinner. It was beyond fantastic. Jeremy was our wine event coordinator. He picked the wines and worked with the chef for each course. Ysabelle assisted us and did amazing. Between their impeccable service and the amazing food, it was a great night. There were three courses each paired with their own wine. The pours weee normal sized and perfectly paired with each course. The fried avocado was delicious and my favorite. We will return for another wine pairing at 53 by the sea.
Fresh Catch Kapahulu
| Address | 1113 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 735-7653 |
Awesome little spot about 20 minute drive from Waikiki Beach. Great for take out. There are 2 benches inside if you want to eat there; That is what we did!
Garlic Salmon was really delicious, and the Spicy Ahi Katsu was fantastic. Great choices.
Limited parking outside.
Recommended spot!
This place was so nice! The woman behind the counter was the most lovely person! She was so nice and offered samples so I could decide. The poke was out of this world probably one the best on the island that I've had! This is a must go!!!!
Freshest Seafood Ive ever tried! Aside from the food tasting amazing and fresh, the Staff was so welcoming and Sweet!!! Felt like home, Id definitely come back and recommend this place!!!
Heard huge hype about this place - the staff was not that welcoming or helpful to my questions.
The fish is good but not as fresh as some of the other poke restaurants I had in the area .
Still a solid option to get a good poke
This spot is within a walking distance from Leonard’s. They only offer 15 min takeout parking spots. There is a bench to sit indoors if you want to eat there. We ordered the spicy hawaiian and spicy salmon. The fish tasted fresh and succulent. Spicy salmon tasted sweet like eating mango with chili. The sauce on spicy hawaiian was creamy and tasty, albeit a little too salty to my taste. They have a lot of options so it may take a while to decide. A decent poke spot in my view.
Tikis Grill & Bar
| Address | 2570 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (808) 923-8454 |
We enjoyed several drinks, lava flow, Ube colada and kauai pain killer which was fun injecting the rum into my drink. We shared the beet hummus plate which was beautiful to look at and yummy. I ordered the macadamia nut crusted fish and my sister ordered the coconut chicken. Both were delicious. Fir dessert we had the maui pineapple creme brulet which I highly recommend if you have room! Our waitress was Ashley and she was so welcoming and attentive. Thanks for the drink recommendation!
Tiki's Bar and Grill delivered a five-star experience from start to finish! The food was absolutely delicious, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere made the whole meal special. A huge shoutout to the staff—from the gracious hosts at the front to our amazing server, the service was top-notch. Can’t recommend this spot enough!
Seating was amazing as we requested an ocean view. We were there in time to see the sunset through the palm trees. Our host Jasmine A was awesome! Always checking on us. I jad the Prime rib with spinach and my husband had the Macadamia crusted fish. Both tasted so delicious! We visited in Feb of 2025 and had to come back this year 2026.
Quintessential Waikiki vibe Tiki Bar with a view to match (3rd floor)... We chose Happy Hour. Had a fantastic time listening to the musician while soaking up the atmosphere.
The happy hour here is a standout, with great food and drink offerings.
We made our way through quite a few of their signature cocktails, all with their unique mug - served with that perfect island flair.
A huge shout-out to our host, Ashlie B, who really elevated our experience. She was attentive, welcoming, and made sure we were well taken care of from start to finish. 🙏
The views are, of course, the main event. Whether you’re people-watching or just looking out over the ocean, the open-air setting is unbeatable. The space definitely attracts an energetic, lively crowd, so come prepared for some fun.
Added bonus: the pool area is right nearby, making this an easy stop if you’re already spending the day in the sun.
If you want a spot that captures the high-energy, classic spirit of Waikiki, it's hard to find better!
The outside bar is nice but inside there is a "Lava Lounge" that is wonderful! 6 bar seats or so. Much more interesting drinks and bartenders that really know tiki. I had a drink made with orgeat from avocado pits. Really unique. To shelf liquors and classic flavors make this a great spot. Had poke trio that was out of this world. Great spot, go say "Hi", to Austin, you'll be happy you did.
Blue seafood company
| Address | 1120 Maunakea St Ste 168, Honolulu, HI 96817 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 888-0078 |
After seeing online what Blue Seafood Company had to offer, we decided to give it a go! I’m so glad that we did because this place a phenomenal!! The food and service are excellent. We had the 2 snapper meal in mind, but after finding out more about the freshly caught, 2plus pound Ehu (a close relative of other snappers), we were intrigued. The gentleman behind the counter said that he could give us a great price for the fried Ehu, 2 scoops of rice, a salad, 2 drinks, kimchi, and 2 different types of dipping sauces. SOLD!! The fried fish was sooo good that it didn’t require the dipping sauces! Although, the sauces were also excellent! As you can see, the fried fish was flaky, meaty, and perfectly fried. You find a seat and the gentleman brings everything to the table. Highly recommended! Thank you for an amazing meal and we’ll definitely see you again!! Mahalo!! 🤙 You are now on our Must Visit Again when in Oahu!
FYI: this is located inside the food hall.
This place is an absolute must when you’re in Chinatown. The owner was wonderful! We came back twice during our week-long trip, and on our second visit we even ordered to go. My mom is a very picky eater, but she loved how fresh and flavorful everything was. They partner with the seafood market downstairs, so you can either pick your own fish there or choose from their daily menu. You can have it steamed or fried — just ask for their recommendations. Everything we tried was excellent!
We bought poke from the market and we were treated to the best poke on our trip.
Ryan- was the nicest person ever. 👍🏼😊
Gave us samples of poke with different marinates we did not find anywhere else. It was a perfect meal to bring to the beach.
🛑 WARNING: Tourist Trap! Overcharged and Refused Itemized Receipt!
We bought $70 worth of food ($25.38 Kumu fish + $45 shrimp), but they charged us $115 before tips!
Even with steaming fees and rice, a $45 markup makes no sense. They didn’t give us an itemized receipt.
To the owner: Reply with the itemized breakdown of our bill, or this review stays to warn other travelers. Thanks
We were looking for a restaurant that could accommodate our party of seven, and my husband called around until we found Blue Seafood Company. It was a little tricky to find at first, but while we were searching, they actually called us back to make sure we were okay and to see where we were. That level of care continued throughout our entire visit.
The gentleman who showed us the ropes was phenomenal and truly went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. The food was absolutely spectacular—fresh, delicious, and memorable.
If you're looking for an authentic Chinatown experience with incredible seafood and genuinely wonderful people, this is the place. It ended up being one of those unexpected finds that made our trip even more special. Highly recommend!
How to Choose the Right Seafood Spot in Honolulu
Selecting the perfect restaurant often depends on the type of experience you want. While the list above provides the best overall options, understanding the local nuances will help you match a venue to your specific craving. Whether you prioritize ocean views, culinary innovation, or simply the freshest raw fish, Honolulu has a distinct category for you.
Prioritize Freshness Over Flashiness
In Honolulu, some of the best seafood is served on paper plates. Do not judge a restaurant by its decor. Many legendary poke shops and plate lunch spots are located in unassuming strip malls or grocery stores. The turnover is high, meaning the fish is incredibly fresh, often superior to what you might find in a fancy dining room with a view.
Understand the Difference Between Poke Styles
Not all poke is created equal. Traditional Hawaiian poke is usually simple, featuring sea salt, limu (seaweed), and inamona (roasted crushed candlenut). Modern "bowl" shops often serve marinated fish over rice with various toppings. If you want authenticity, seek out places that serve the fish by the pound and focus on the quality of the ahi rather than heavy sauces.
Check for Local Sourcing
To support sustainable practices and get the best flavor, look for menus that highlight locally caught fish. Species like opah (moonfish), monchong, and uku (grey snapper) are often found in high-end Honolulu kitchens. Asking your server what is "fresh and local today" is the best way to ensure you are eating the catch of the day, not something flown in frozen.
Make Reservations for Fine Dining
If you have your heart set on a specific upscale restaurant, especially one with a sunset view or an omakase counter, booking ahead is essential. Popular spots can book out weeks in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons like winter and summer. If you are flexible, sitting at the bar is often easier to secure and offers a front-row seat to the culinary action.
Don’t Skip the Food Trucks and Markets
Some of the most innovative seafood in Honolulu is coming out of food trucks and stalls at farmers’ markets. These venues allow chefs to experiment with flavors at a lower price point. Following a few local food trucks on social media is a great way to discover limited-time dishes featuring specific catches that may not be available in brick-and-mortar restaurants.
The beauty of dining in Honolulu lies in its accessibility and diversity. You can start your morning with a spicy ahi poke bowl from a market, enjoy a grilled mahi-mahi plate for lunch, and end the day with an exquisite omakase dinner. The connection between the ocean and the plate is never more than a few miles away.
Ultimately, the best meal is the one that satisfies your curiosity and palate. Use this guide as a starting point, but do not be afraid to wander into a place that smells good and is full of locals. In a city surrounded by the Pacific, finding exceptional seafood is less about luck and more about knowing where to look.
