When people visit Oʻahu and stay in Waikiki, most just look for whatever’s nearby and end up at chain spots or hotel restaurants. They’re everywhere—and they’re often overpriced. What’s more, many visitors assume that anything affordable or truly local is far away. But Waikiki is just three miles long. You don’t need to leave the area to eat well or save money—you just need to know where to look. I’ve eaten at all the spots below, and trust me, they’re worth finding. Here’s a short list of my favorite low-key gems—small on size, big on flavor.
Pho Minh Thu Waikiki
Address: 2301 Kūhiō Ave #136, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: $10–$14
Portion Size: Generous; big bowls, sharable apps
I walked into Pho Minh Thu on a humid afternoon craving something comforting and left borderline obsessed with the beef pho. The broth is clear but deeply flavored, and they pile in the tendon if you ask. I could drink that broth like tea.
What to order: Beef Pho with tendon, shrimp spring rolls
Zigu
Address: 413 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: $18–$32
Portion Size: Full entrées, craft presentation
Zigu brings a modern touch to Japanese izakaya dining. The interior is hip, and they use local ingredients for a fresh take on traditional dishes. It feels more upscale without being stuffy.
What to order: Local vegetable tempura, wagyu sushi, uni udon
Maguro Spot
Address: 2441 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: $9–$16
Portion Size: Bowl portions; solid for one
You’ll miss it if you blink, but this tiny window spot serves some of the freshest poke in Waikiki. No frills, no fluff—just rice, raw fish, and flavor. It’s grab-and-go, and the price is fair.
What to order: Spicy ahi poke bowl, shoyu ahi with avocado
Buho Cantina
Address: 2250 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Top floor of Waikiki Shopping Plaza)
Price Range: $16–$28
Portion Size: Large; great for sharing
This rooftop Mexican spot delivers killer views and tasty bites. It’s lively at night but still chill enough for lunch. They’ve got solid tacos, strong margaritas, and a vibe you won’t get downstairs.
What to order: Short rib tacos, churros, jalapeño margarita
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Address: 134 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: $11–$15
Portion Size: Big burgers, filling fries
This is where I go when I want a real burger. No prefab patties—these are juicy, messy, and cooked to order. The seasoned fries seal the deal.
What to order: Original Burger with garlic fries, teri burger
Nakamura Ramen Waikiki
Address: 2141 Kalākaua Ave #1, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: $12–$18
Portion Size: Big bowls, filling
Good ramen in Waikiki is rare—Nakamura nails it. Broth is flavorful, noodles have bite, and the char siu melts. It’s a small place so you might wait, but it’s worth it.
What to order: Tonkotsu ramen, black garlic ramen
Stix Asia Food Hall (Waikiki Shopping Plaza)
Address: 2250 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: $8–$20
Portion Size: Small-to-medium; food court variety
It’s not your average food court. Stix has a curated lineup of Japanese, Korean, and other pan-Asian stalls. It’s air-conditioned, clean, and fast. Good for picky eaters or when you’re craving variety.
What to order: Spicy miso ramen, tempura udon, yakitori skewers
Waikiki Business Plaza Food Options
Address: 2270 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: $10–$20
Portion Size: Varies; mostly fast casual
This building has low-key good eats if you know where to look. There’s udon, curry, local bento, and even a sweet shop. Perfect for a no-fuss lunch stop while shopping.
What to order: Katsu curry, oyakodon, mochi ice cream
BBQ Chicken Hawaii (Waikiki)
Address: 2299 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: $12–$18
Portion Size: Shareable boxes, heavy sides
When I’m craving crunchy Korean-style fried chicken, this is it. The garlic soy is addictive. It’s crispy even after sitting, and the spice levels go from mellow to mouth-burning.
What to order: Secret spicy wings, garlic soy chicken, kimchi fried rice
Favorite Son at the Ambassador
Address: 2040 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: $9–$13
Portion Size: Light and fresh; breakfast and lunch style plates
I stop in here when I want something healthy without the “health food” attitude. It’s tucked inside the Ambassador Hotel and easy to miss, but worth it. Their smoothie bowls are clean and balanced, and the veggie wraps are super fresh.
What to order: Acai bowl with local fruit, veggie wrap, green juice