Where to eat on Oahu, from plate lunch institutions to the newest openings. This page collects our restaurant coverage across the island and is updated as we report new stories.
Last updated: Oct. 31, 2026
Readers’ favorites: 2026 Hale ʻAina Awards
Every year, HONOLULU Magazine readers vote on the best places to eat in the islands. Here are some of the Oahu honorees from the 2026 Hale ʻAina Awards:
- Best Oahu Restaurant: Giovedì (gold), Arancino at The Kāhala (silver) and Kapa Hale (bronze).
- Best New Restaurant: Chao Hawaiʻi (gold). Its owners, Chancelor Kim and Dong Dang of Chao Restaurant Group, were named Restaurateurs of the Year.
- Best Hawaiian: Helena’s Hawaiian Food (gold), Highway Inn (silver) and Waiāhole Poi Factory (bronze).
- Best Filipino: Thelma’s (gold), Elena’s (silver) and Max’s (bronze).
- Best Breakfast: Café Kaila (gold) and Over Easy (silver).
Want picks for a specific part of the island? Our town guides list addresses and what to order, starting with Honolulu, Kailua and Waipahu.
Latest restaurant and food stories
- October’s new Oahu restaurants, from Kailua to Waikiki
- Rainbow Drive-In turns 65 in Kapahulu
- Taste of Waipahu 2026 on Depot Street (Nov. 7)
Restaurants by town
- Honolulu restaurants
- Waipahu restaurants
- Kailua restaurants
- Kapolei restaurants
- Haleiwa and North Shore restaurants
New openings
See every new restaurant, shop and service we have covered on new businesses on Oahu.
Food events
Food festivals and markets are listed on our Oahu food and drink events calendar.
Tell us about a restaurant
Know of an opening, closing or a place we should cover? Send us a tip.