Best Authentic Restaurants in Kalihi-Palama

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Regions

Oahu

Neighborhoods

Ala MoanaDowntownHonoluluKaimukiKaka'akoKalihi-Palama

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard Award

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

56 restaurants available nearby

1. Fête

4.8

Exceptional(3986)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Honolulu

Booked 105 times today

2022 James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef Northwest & Pacific.Rooted in the local farm-to-table movement — a place where seasonality and culinary tradition are celebrated in tandem. One part Hawaii and one part Brooklyn. The atmosphere shares a brasserie feel with a laid-back island sensibility—a celebration and homage to all of our favorite things we enjoy eating and drinking. Crafted with brick & reclaimed wood, our urban Hawaiian farmhouse features an open kitchen, lush plant wall, brick walls, and lots of natural light in a historic Chinatown building. The bar mixes classic and modern cocktails with artisanal flare with a well-curated wine list.

2. Giovedi

4.8

Exceptional(79)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Honolulu

Booked 14 times today

Giovedi, helmed by Chef Bao Tran, offers a seamless fusion of Italian culinary technique and pan-Asian flavors. The lively atmosphere of our dining room inside infuses energy into every meal, while the charming patio offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Chinatown, Honolulu. Indulge in our Prosciutto San Daniele, featuring sliced prosciutto paired with a sesame donut—a playful nod to both gnocco fritto and bánh tiêu—served with giardiniera pickles. This creative fusion showcases how our cuisine harmoniously combines familiar flavors, blending tradition with originality. At Giovedi, we provide more than just a meal—it’s an experience. With a welcoming ambiance, thoughtful service, and creative cocktails, we ensure every guest feels like part of our Thursday night dinners in our home that inspired it all.

A photo of Yakitori Hachibei - Chinatown Hawaii restaurant

3. Yakitori Hachibei - Chinatown Hawaii

4.6

Exceptional(767)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Honolulu

Booked 13 times today

Using traditional Hakata Yakitori cooking techniques passed down through generations, our skilled chefs grill Hawaii's natural ingredients to perfection. We are committed to sourcing the very finest ingredients from Hawaii's many talented farmers, fisherman, and purveyors. A wide range of beer, wine, nihonshu (sake), shochu, chuhai and highballs are available to complement our Yakitori.Kick back, relax and have a great time at Yakitori Hachibei!PRECAUTIONSWe directly contact all diners to confirm reservations. Please be sure your OpenTable Profile telephone number and e-mail are up-to-date. Our dining time window is 1.45 hours per reservation (which begins at the time of the reservation and not the time of arrival).Open 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last seating at 9:00p.m.)

4. Podmore

4.8

Exceptional(78)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Comfort Food • Honolulu

Booked 36 times today

Podmore is a neighborhood restaurant and cocktail lounge. Created by the dynamic duo behind Senia, Chef Anthony Rush and Katherine Nomura, Podmore extends a warm welcome to our cozy dining room and bar to savor an unforgettable lunch, pau hana, dinner, cocktails or weekend brunch.We pride ourselves on expertly executed comfort food and innovative cocktails, complimented by good old fashioned hospitality.From our bacon to our pasta to our ice cream, we make things in-house, from scratch, locally-sourced whenever possible.

5. O'Kims

4.6

Exceptional(131)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Korean • Downtown

Booked 11 times today

O'Kims, selected as Yelp "#58 of Top 100 US Restaurants 2024," is a casual restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Known for its delicious, fresh, and expertly prepared food, with a unique Korean-Fusion/farm-to-table variety of dishes, drinks, desserts, and appetizers at affordable prices.

6. Lucky Belly

4.5

Awesome(468)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Asian • Honolulu

Booked 18 times today

Thank you for choosing Lucky Belly! We are located in the heart of Chinatown's art district. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. We are mostly known for our ramen, which is comprised of a tonkotsu and miso based broth. We have a vast selection of delicious sake to choose from and pair with your meal as well as handcrafted cocktails from our bartenders. See you in soon!

7. The Dotted Line

4.2

Awesome(33)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Global, International • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Located in downtown Honolulu, The Dotted Line is the ideal restaurant and bar for breakfast, pau hana, and dinner for the local business power players, casual diners, and travelers alike. Serving a quintessential European breakfast; a dinner menu of Modern Global Cuisine; the social-scene pau hana with late night cocktails - The Dotted Line is a culinary destination for diversified occasions. Set among floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows that invite the island-sunlight by day and surrounded by a cityscape of big deals and even bigger power players, all of whom transformed Honolulu’s central business district into an executive playground, The Dotted Line believes dining should include what you want, when you want it, with satisfaction that empower its guests morning, noon and night. Customize your meal with a selection of decadent ala carte ingredients with a ‘more is more’ philosophy including black truffles, uni, A5 wagyu, caviar, and more.

8. Istanbul Hawaii

4.6

Exceptional(3054)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Honolulu

Booked 59 times today

In our Mediterranean & Hawaiian sanctuary, you become part of our ohana. Led by Chef Mom Nili, Baba Aydin, and Chef Ahu, you're invited on a culinary journey infused with Turkish and Mediterranean essences. Our recipes, a blend of diverse cultures, are nurtured with locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting the heart of our family-run and woman-led venture.Every interaction, whether in our restaurant's warm embrace, the vibrant energy of local events, or amidst the rich array of farmers' lands, is cherished. Each meeting is a chance to intertwine stories, laughter, and a piece of our heritage.Come, celebrate the art of dining with us, where every dish is a passage to the Mediterranean, caressed by the Hawaiian sun. We look forward to serving you, merging our narratives in meals that go beyond mere flavors. Here, every dining experience is an adventure, a discovery, and a celebration of togetherness, nurturing through food next to the Hawaiian ocean.

A photo of Restaurant SUNTORY restaurant

9. Restaurant SUNTORY

4.6

Exceptional(180)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Waikiki

Booked 11 times today

We offer 3 distinct Japanese dining experiences to choose from. To view the full Grand Menu, please visit our website at RestaurantSuntory.com: 1. TEPPANYAKI2. WASHOKU3, SUSHI OMAKASEA one-of-a-kind demonstration of world-class cuisine, culture, and contemporary design awaits at Honolulu’s most iconic Japanese restaurant. From elevated teppanyaki-style dining and seasonally inspired plates to a hidden omakase sushi experience unlike any other, Restaurant Suntory will whisk you away to The Land of the Rising Sun without ever leaving paradise.Take a seat in one of our newly reimagined dining areas and indulge the senses with Suntory’s outstanding combination of unparalleled omotenashi (hospitality), award-winning spirits, and an authentic menu featuring all the beloved cornerstones of Japanese cuisine at the pinnacle of excellence.

10. Yohei Sushi

4.7

Exceptional(80)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Honolulu

Booked 7 times today

Kazuto Obara came to Hawaii in the 1970s with a dream to open his own authentic Japanese restaurant. Practicing the traditional style of sushi known as Edomae, Chef Obara crafts a special omakase experience from the waters of his birth country (Japan) and his home (Hawaii). With his family roots from Hiroshima, he has served generations of families here in the islands. Book a reservation today

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

KP
KathrynP
San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Eaten many places in Honolulu and this is my favorite. Authentic tasty great value. Sit in garden!
More info
O'KimsPrice: Moderate• Korean• Downtown
•
4.6
C
Cheryl
Hawaii •7 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Always an excellent experience at Podmore. The staff and Management always go above and beyond, the menu constantly changes and the food is delicious. One of my favorite places.
More info
PodmorePrice: Expensive• Comfort Food• Honolulu
•
4.8
C
ChloeVIP
Hawaii •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food was amazing with the most unique and interesting flavor combinations. Our party of 4 ordered 8 plates to share-some lighter plates and some entrees. The veal, char sui pork chop and mushroom donburi were excellent. The Frito misto is served with a lime aioli and is to die for. Cocktails were interesting and delicious and we saved a bit of space to share both desserts. Yum! Service was excellent- perfectly attentive, warm and friendly without being intrusive. Fast becoming a fave restaurant for us!
More info
GiovediPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Honolulu
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Impeccable quality: creative dishes that play off of comfort food (international and local) with excellent technique and results.
More info
FêtePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Honolulu
•
4.8
P
PeterVIP
Toronto / Ontario •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We two had an excellent omakase meal. We really enjoyed it. Genuinely 5 stars. Great service; great hospitality; great food.
More info
Yakitori Hachibei - Chinatown HawaiiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Honolulu
•
4.6

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