Best of 21 lunch restaurants in Honolulu
Discover the vibrant culinary scene of lunch restaurants in Honolulu, where tropical flavors meet diverse cuisines. From casual beachside eateries to upscale dining spots, lunch restaurants in Honolulu offer something for everyone. Whether you're craving fresh poke or savory plate lunches, these establishments promise a delightful midday experience in paradise.
- 1. House Without A Key
- 2. Senia
- 3. Oli's Kitchen
- 4. Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki
- 5. The Pig and The Lady
- 6. Helena's Hawaiian Food
- 7. Heavenly Island Lifestyle
- 8. Kahai Street Kitchen
- 9. Basalt
- 10. Ono Seafood
- 11. Moku Kitchen
- 12. Sweet E's Café
- 13. O'Kims
- 14. Café Kaila
- 15. ALOHA MELT - Waikiki -
- 16. South Shore Grill
- 17. Oʻahu Grill
- 18. Koko Head Cafe
- 19. Yard House
- 20. Mama Kims
- 21. Highway Inn Kaka'ako
1. House Without A Key
Enjoy lunch with stunning ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Located conveniently near the US Army Museum of Hawaii, House Without A Key offers a delightful dining experience. The menu features delectable options such as fish tacos, atlantic salmon, and crab meat, while the dessert selection boasts coconut cakes, waffles, and halo-halo.
The restaurant boasts a charming outdoor area with a picturesque tree and breathtaking ocean views. Guests rave about the top-notch cocktails and the flavorful food, with highlights including the poke trio, beet salad, and the catch of the day.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
- Dinner
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2. Senia
A unique dining experience that blends creativity with local flavors.

This restaurant provides an unforgettable dining experience, showcasing a playful array of dishes. The tasting menu is a must-try, with each dish showcasing the chef's creativity. The ambiance is perfect for a special lunch, with its elegant yet inviting atmosphere.
The lunch prix fixe menu is a standout, offering a three-course meal that delivers exceptional value. Diners should not miss the smoked ahi cigars, a flavorful and unique appetizer, and the pork belly, which is cooked to perfection.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
- Dinner
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3. Oli's Kitchen
Delicious brunch options served daily from 8 AM to 10 PM.

The restaurant boasts a clean and inviting atmosphere, creating a positive dining experience. Service is excellent, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal.
A standout dish is the Peanut Butter Banana Stuffed French Toast, offering a creative and flavorful take on a traditional breakfast item. This unique offering is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
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4. Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki
Enjoy fresh, local ingredients with a stunning view!

Monkeypod Kitchen in Waikiki boasts an appealing ambiance, complete with breathtaking ocean vistas. The menu offers diverse and flavorful options, with the bulgogi pork tacos standing out as a culinary highlight. The pork, remarkably tender and soft, is a testament to the kitchen's skill.
The poke tacos also prove to be a delicious choice, contributing to the overall positive dining experience. Monkeypod Kitchen's combination of captivating views, lively atmosphere, and impressive food creates a memorable and enjoyable visit.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
- Dinner
5. The Pig and The Lady
Experience authentic Vietnamese flavors in a vibrant setting.

The Pig and the Lady, a modern, open-air restaurant in Chinatown, offers a trendy atmosphere and a satisfying dining experience. The high ceilings create a spacious feel, and the menu features well-executed dishes that are reasonably priced. Service is attentive, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable meal.
This Chinatown restaurant is a popular destination, as evidenced by the wait for a table. Despite the wait, the experience is worth it. The food is delicious and portions are generous, leaving diners satisfied. The convenient location and free parking add to the overall appeal.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
- Dinner
6. Helena's Hawaiian Food
Experience the true taste of Hawaii in every bite!

This Honolulu eatery offers a delightful lunch experience, showcasing authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Standout dishes include the tender Kalua Pig and the flavorful Laulau, providing a taste of the islands.
Known for its exceptional lunch offerings, this Honolulu establishment consistently impresses with its delicious short ribs and butterfish.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
7. Heavenly Island Lifestyle
Experience the taste of Hawaii with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The restaurant's presence in Waikiki, where many eateries remain closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, is a welcome sight. Temperature checks upon entry and a simple contact card for potential exposure tracing demonstrate a commitment to safety. Service, while somewhat distanced, is polite and efficient, reflecting the evolving norms of interaction in the current climate.
A delightful culinary experience awaits, with a diverse menu catering to every palate. From invigorating fruit bowls and indulgent kalua pig eggs benedict for breakfast to local pork and cilantro maze-soba or organic coconut green curry for lunch, the restaurant offers a variety of flavors to satisfy all cravings.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
8. Kahai Street Kitchen
Delicious Hawaiian and Asian cuisine served fast and fresh!

This establishment offers a delectable selection of local cuisine. While the lines are minimal, the daily specials are a testament to the chef's culinary skill. The braised short ribs, in particular, are highly recommended for their tender texture and rich flavor.
The menu boasts a variety of options, including the Bulgogi Beef Cobb salad. The beef is expertly prepared, showcasing tenderness and robust seasoning. The salad itself is refreshingly fresh, enhanced by the addition of grilled or roasted corn, adding a delightful element of sweetness.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
9. Basalt
Experience the taste of Hawaii with a creative twist in every dish.

Basalt offers a creative and delicious lunch menu, with standouts like the Charcoal Buttermilk Pancakes and Pork Belly Buns. The staff is known for its attentiveness and friendliness, making for a pleasant dining experience.
This Waikiki eatery is a great spot for lunch, serving fresh and flavorful dishes with generous portions. The outdoor seating provides a perfect setting to enjoy the beautiful weather.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
- Dinner
10. Ono Seafood
Enjoy the freshest poke bowls in a friendly setting!

Ono Seafood is a delightful option for a lunchtime meal. The ahi poke is consistently fresh and generous in size, ensuring a satisfying experience.
The welcoming atmosphere at Ono Seafood makes it an enjoyable spot for lunch. The poke bowls are prepared with fresh ingredients, resulting in a flavorful and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
11. Moku Kitchen
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a unique Hawaiian twist.

Moku Kitchen stands out as a vibrant casual dining destination, consistently buzzing with energy and offering outdoor seating for those who enjoy al fresco meals. The menu features an enticing selection of bartender specials, encouraging patrons to explore beyond their usual drink choices. Shared starters are a highlight, particularly the shrimp deviled eggs, complemented by pot stickers and fish tacos, making for a delightful culinary experience. Happy hour is a must-try, showcasing the venue as a neighborhood gem.
Set in the lively Kaka'ako art district, Moku Kitchen embodies a chef-driven approach that celebrates Hawaii's rich agricultural and ranching traditions. The restaurant's full table service will resume on December 18, 2023, enhancing the dining experience in this urban oasis. With its unique blend of local flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, Moku Kitchen is an ideal spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
- Dinner
12. Sweet E's Café
A delightful breakfast experience with consistently delicious food and outstanding service.

The establishment offers a variety of menu options, including omelettes. Guests can expect a positive dining experience with swift and courteous service. The staff consistently provides attentive and welcoming care to all patrons, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere.
Omelettes are among the culinary selections available at this eatery. Service is a highlight, characterized by its speed, friendliness, and willingness to accommodate guests' needs. The atmosphere is consistently pleasant, with the staff providing exceptional service to every table.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
13. O'Kims
Experience the best of Korean fusion cuisine in a vibrant setting!

O'Kims Korean Restaurant delivers a memorable dining experience, showcasing a unique Korean-Fusion menu. The food is consistently delicious and expertly prepared, with highlights including the tender and flavorful truffle mandoo and kalbi (short ribs).
O'Kims consistently impresses with its high-quality food. Dishes are beautifully presented and cooked to perfection, leaving diners with a positive and satisfying experience. The restaurant's fusion approach adds a unique twist to traditional Korean flavors, offering a truly enjoyable culinary adventure.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
- Dinner
14. Café Kaila
A must-visit for tasty Hawaiian-inspired breakfast and lunch!

The restaurant offers a compelling value proposition, with prices approximately two-thirds of comparable establishments in Honolulu. The food quality is excellent, exemplified by the Benedict, which featured a delightful combination of Kalua pork and salmon. The service provided was exceptional, contributing to an overall positive dining experience.
This establishment is a solid choice for breakfast or lunch, boasting friendly staff, reasonable prices, and high-quality food. The convenient parking options further enhance the dining experience.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
15. ALOHA MELT - Waikiki -
Experience the best grilled cheese in Waikiki, made with love!

The grilled cheese offered a satisfyingly savory experience, featuring a generous portion of meat that was generously sauced for a flavor reminiscent of a classic patty melt. While the sandwich itself was well-prepared, the limited side options, with only tomato soup available, felt somewhat underwhelming.
The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating, although the indoor space is rather compact, accommodating only a few tables. Despite the limited seating and side options, the quality of the grilled cheese itself makes it a worthwhile stop for a quick and flavorful meal.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
16. South Shore Grill
Amazing fish tacos and generous portions for a satisfying meal.

The chicken tacos are a standout, offering generous portions of flavorful, high-quality ingredients. Each bite is a satisfying experience, leaving diners content and eager to return.
This establishment proves a welcome respite for hikers seeking a budget-friendly lunch option. Compared to the inflated prices of Waikiki's tourist traps, the food here is surprisingly affordable, with portions that easily satisfy.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
17. Oʻahu Grill
Experience the true flavors of old Hawaii in every bite!

The restaurant offers generous portions of delicious Hawaiian cuisine, featuring standouts like the crispy pork belly and Kuala Pig. The staff is friendly and attentive, including the grandmother who adds a personal touch to the experience.
While not inexpensive, the food is flavorful and clearly made with care, lacking the mass-produced taste found in some establishments. Daily specials offer a taste of local flavors, adding variety to the menu.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
18. Koko Head Cafe
A must-visit brunch spot for locals and tourists alike!

Koko Head Cafe, situated conveniently near Diamond Head Park, offers a delectable brunch experience. Recommended by a local, the cafe boasts a loyal following, attracting both residents and visitors seeking an escape from the Waikiki hustle. Be prepared for a wait, as the popularity of this spot often leads to lines.
The cafe's proximity to Diamond Head makes it an ideal post-hike destination. Ample parking ensures a hassle-free arrival, while the flavorful menu provides the perfect fuel after an early morning adventure. The restaurant's popularity among locals speaks volumes about the quality of its cuisine, offering a taste of authentic Hawaiian flavors.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
19. Yard House
Experience a vibrant lunch with delicious food and great service!

The boneless chicken wings, prepared with a barbecue sauce, were found to be quite enjoyable. The flavor was well-balanced and the wings were cooked to a satisfactory level of tenderness.
Customer service at this establishment is generally regarded positively, with many reviewers noting the promptness and helpfulness of the staff. This aspect of the dining experience has been consistently commended.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
- Dinner
20. Mama Kims
Authentic Korean flavors in a welcoming environment, ideal for lunch breaks.

This intimate restaurant may have limited seating, but its culinary offerings are well worth the wait. The Spicy Tuna Bowl is a standout dish, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Offering authentic Korean cuisine in a cozy setting, this establishment is a delight for the senses. The spicy kimchi stew is a must-try, offering a vibrant blend of flavors that will leave a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
21. Highway Inn Kaka'ako
Experience authentic Hawaiian flavors in a welcoming setting.

Highway Inn successfully marries traditional Hawaiian cuisine with modern interpretations, creating a delightful dining experience. The menu features a variety of dishes that honor classic flavors while introducing innovative elements, appealing to both locals and visitors. The bakery items are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a range of delicious treats that have garnered much acclaim.
The generous portions and well-balanced flavors ensure that every meal is satisfying. Among the standout offerings, the Squid Luau shines as a must-try dish, capturing the essence of Hawaiian culinary heritage. Overall, Highway Inn consistently delivers exceptional quality and taste, making it a reliable choice for anyone seeking an authentic yet contemporary Hawaiian dining experience.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner