Non-Touristy Restaurant in Waikiki

Question

Hi folks - I know I may be asking for an oxymoron, but does anyone know of a good, small, non-touristy dinner restaurant in Waikiki? Thanks in advance!

GOPBI · Accepted Answer

My vote is Sam Choy's (on Nimitz).. This restaurant is not technically in Waikiki.. It's on the edge of the downtown. You can easily get there via taxi.. His portions are hugs, price is-- for hawaii-- reasonable. And he has really good tasting food..

As a whole, in my opinion, there are several really good restuarants in Waikiki, most are higher end places (Le Mer, for example) or there are also some very casual places too.. Rainbow Drive Inn or Kaka'ako Kitchen...

Not a lot of tourists at any of these places.. mostly locals..

Here's the link to Sam Choy's restaurant.. You can see all the menus and prices..

http://www.samchoy.com/restaurants_bigaloha.html

Kailuamom · Answer

One of my very favorites is Mariposa which is located at the Neiman Marcus in the Ala Moana Mall. If you sit on the lanai, you have a beautiful view of the ocean. We like to bring our out of town guests there for dinner on Friday nights. Then, we can enjoy the Hilton fireworks.

The food is quite good, the ambiance is really relaxed and a great break from the intensity of Waikiki.

GOPBI · Answer

I agree.. I went on NM's grand opening (and paid grand opening prices too) for tea and scones there.. It does have a 'to die for' view of Ala Moana Beach.. Make sure you go later in the afternoon and get an lani seating..

Also in the mall, Ala Moana, is Assagio's... downstairs from Liberty House (I refuse to acknowledge this place that some people call ..Macy's west) excellent italian..

mamma0233 · Answer

We love The Willows, also not really in Waikiki but a short cab ride away. Haven't been in about 4 years but it was just magical!

default0051018 · Answer

IN Waikiki, as requested...

1. Hy's Steak House. "Old School", kinda upscale, no view but great Victorianesque ambience, with live dinner music some nights.

http://www.hyshawaii.com/

2. Keo's. Yeah, mostly tourists go there, but it is the flagship in the world-famous local Thai restaurant empire. Not formal at all, but an elegant open-air bistro atmosphere.

http://www.keosthaicuisine.com/

Generally, for a "nice" meal Waikiki residents leave the District for the cheaper prices and local-oriented restaurants elsewhere in Honolulu. And, non-Waikiki residents come into Waikiki typically to specifically eat at the famous tourist joints; otherwise they don't go into Waikiki.

Charles B · Answer

Give L&L Hawaiian BBQ a try. Outstanding local food and local people. 2280 Kuhio Ave. http://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com Chuck...

Charles B · Answer

Give L&L Hawaiian BBQ a try. Outstanding local food and local people. 2280 Kuhio Ave. http://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com Chuck...

Taxman2006 · Answer

LOVE L and L!!! Wailana Coffee House is great too! Another great one is Alan Wong's Pineapple Room in the Ala Moana Mall.

GOPBI · Answer

Another great feature of the Wailana.. they have parking!!!! LOL

A Tripadvisor Member · Answer

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