Our Official Ranking of the Top 5 Waikiki Beach Restaurants

Waikiki beach restaurants
Hawaii Aloha Travel > Blog > Our Official Ranking of the Top 5 Waikiki Beach Restaurants

The other night, my sweet husband took me out for a special Valentine’s Day dinner at one of our favorite Waikiki Beach Restaurants. This took quite some planning, since it books up a whole year in advance of the holiday. The amazing night out reminded me how special a meal can be when it’s in a great location like Waikiki Beach.

The experience got me thinking of you visitors — how would you know where to go for the best beachfront dining in Waikiki? So that’s what inspired me to rank my favorite Waikiki Beach Restaurants. 

Ready to enjoy amazing food in an unbeatable setting? Read-on to find out which restaurants provide both the ambiance and cuisine you want in Hawaii. 

The Best Waikiki Beach Restaurants

1. Hau Tree

Bathed in pink tablecloths, the Hau Tree is the perfect place to set up shop for a relaxing meal in Waikiki. The menu features mostly brunch dishes, and the decor screams “Ladies Who Lunch.” And while this is the best restaurant for a girls’ trip to Waikiki, it’s also suitable for anyone who wants to chill by the beach while eating fantastic food.

Where to Find It: Within the Kaimana Beach Hotel, near Diamond Head

What to Order: Hau Tree Eggs Benedict; Kaua’i Salted Espresso Martini; Ube Cinnamon Roll

2. Michel’s at the Colony Surf

My experience at Michel’s was fantastic — who doesn’t love excellent French cuisine while you revel in beautiful views and romantic sunsets? This is a great beachside setting, and it’s open for dinner and Sunday Brunch. 

Settle in and enjoy great views of one of Waikiki’s most beautiful beaches as you enjoy a great upscale restaurant menu.

Where to Find It: Within the Colony Surf Condos near Kaimana Beach.

What to Order: Lobster Bisque; Filet Mignon & Lobster; Bananas Foster

3. La Mer

lamer dining

If you’re looking for exquisite French cuisine with an idyllic ambiance, look no further than La Mer, which is located inside the beautiful Halekulani Hotel. The high-end spot is considered one of the best and most luxurious restaurants along Waikiki Beach, as everything is prepared thoughtfully with the most outstanding flavors. Plus, you get to enjoy splendid views of Diamond Head. 

La Mer is open daily for dinner. 

Where to Find It: Inside the Halekulani Hotel, toward the western end of Waikiki. 

What to Order: Filet of Beef; Roast Duck; Poached Lobster

4. Orchids Waikiki Beach Restaurant

This is where my better half and I spent this last Valentine’s Day, and the experience reminded me why it’s been one of our favorite Waikiki Beach restaurants for years. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a table by the lawn, where you can gaze upon not only the beach and ocean, but also the outdoor cafe next door, where live music and hula are part of the ambiance. 

At Orchids, I never leave without getting some sort of lobster dish, and this time was no different. I had the linguine with lobster, and it was heavenly!

Orchids is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a special Sunday brunch. 

Where to Find It: Inside the Halekulani Hotel

What to Order: Keahole Lobster Tagliatelle: Gnocchi Portofino; Halekulani Mai Tai

5. Duke’s Waikiki

Whenever I have visitors in town, I try to take them to Duke’s in Waikiki because, to me, the restaurant represents what’s great about Hawaii: A relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and great cuisine. 

When visitors think of having a Mai Tai on Waikiki Beach, I can bet this kind of ambiance is what they imagine! In addition to the great atmosphere, you’ll also find memorabilia, live Hawaiian music, fruity cocktails, and fresh local seafood.

This spot isn’t as high-end as some of our other Waikiki Beach restaurants, and that’s one of the reasons why we love it so much. It’s delicious, approachable, and crowd-pleasing. 

Where to Find It: In the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort, right in the heart of Waikiki Beach

What to Order: Duke’s Mai Tai; Sautéed Macadamia Nut & Herb Crusted Fresh Fish; Kimo’s Original Hula Pie

Enjoying the Best Restaurants in Waikiki Beach

Waikiki is the epicenter of Oahu’s visitor industry, and for good reason. It offers incredible outdoor experiences, such as surfing lessons, stand-up paddle board lessons, and parasailing. But, it also offers some of the most outstanding cuisine in the state. So, make sure you reserve at least one meal at a scenic Waikiki Beach Restaurant!

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