Updated September 26, 2018
We just put together a list of favorite places to eat on the island. If you’re hungry and on a budget, check out the following.
Pho Bistro 2
1694 Kalakaua Ave #C (Kalakaua and Fern)
Pho is a Vietnamese soup consisting of rice noodles, broth, and either chicken or beef. And Pho Bistro 2 seems to have the best in town. Not too far outside Waikiki, this little local establishment is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Food portions are large. Staff is friendly. It is a bit pricey, but definitely a good value.
Amina Pizzeria
1694 Kalakaua Ave #C (Kalakaua and Fern)
Also in the same complex as Pho Bistro 2, go around the corner to Amina Pizzeria for the best in Italian. Very small space with only about 10 or 12 tables. So it might be better to order your food to go. But the customer service is great and the food is delicious. Calzones, pizza, spaghetti, and a number of other dishes. You can’t go wrong here.
Machete’s Mean Sandwiches
1694 Kalakaua Ave #C (Kalakaua and Fern)
In the mood for sandwiches instead? No need to walk too far. Next door to Amina’s you’ll find Machete’s Mean Sandwiches. After being open only for a few months, this local deli is quickly becoming a favorite. Known for their fresh baked bread and huge portions of meat on every sandwich, you can’t go wrong for a quick lunch at Machete’s. Prices are reasonable and the menu is very simple.
Yooncy Korean Barbeque
888 Kapahulu Ave # 150
[updated with new website link]
Let’s change locations for a bit and head over to a different part of town. It’s Korean this time. Travel up Kapahulu to the nearest Safeway and you’ll find Yooncy Korean BBQ. Another small eatery with few tables, so it might be good to take it to-go. Big plates and large portions, most come with rice and four different sides. Prices are a bit high, but one plate could easily feed two people.
South Shore Grill
3114 Monsarrat Ave
Heading towards Diamond Head? In the mood for some tacos? Stop by South Shore Grill, a family-owned business that serves up the best fish tacos. Of course, they have plate lunches, sandwiches, and other food too. But come on a Tuesday and you get some good cheap prices on their taco plates. There’s no alcohol served at this location. But you’re free to bring your own beer and make a party of it.
Bogarts
3045 Monsarrat Ave
Head across the street from South Shore and you’ll find Bogart’s, a little local coffee shop. Bogart’s serves up breakfast all day long and has a variety of different foods on their menu. And be sure to check out their famous Acai bowls too, a traditional favorite of Hawaii. It’s the perfect place to work in after a hike up Diamond Head Crater. Be warned though, this place is pretty popular and often has long lines. So plan to wait, but it will be worth it.
Aloha Burrito
310 Lewers St
Are you looking to get your burrito fix on? Well check out Aloha Burrito located on Lewers St. The burritos are pretty massive in size, and a number of different fillings to choose from. The price is not bad either, only around $10. Aloha Burrito’s dining area is pretty large, so you can choose to dine in if you wish. And it’s located right next to Moose’s Bar. So you could always have a nice evening meal and then grab a beer next door.
Da Spot
2469 S King St
[updated with new website link]
Just outside of Waikiki, look for Da Spot. This place is put on our list of great restaurants due to their awesome customer service, tasty food, and huge servings. Da Spot focuses on being healthy and serves up vegetarian dishes coming from the Mediterranean. Go in the evenings and experience Da Spot as a music venue too.
Thanks to our staff member Chris Bates for help compiling this list.
Image by: South Shore Grill
