Kailua has quietly become one of the best food neighborhoods on Oahu. Tucked on the windward side, away from the Waikiki tourist rush, this beach town is where locals actually eat — and the restaurant scene reflects that. From fresh-catch seafood joints to hole-in-the-wall brunch spots, there’s something for every craving and budget.
Whether you’re planning a beach day at Kailua Beach Park, exploring Lanikai, or you just moved to the windward side, here’s your insider guide to the best restaurants in Kailua in 2026.
Best Restaurants in Kailua for Lunch and Dinner
1. Uahi Island Grill
If you only eat at one restaurant in Kailua, make it Uahi Island Grill. This place has a cult following among locals, and for good reason — the kalua pork is legitimately some of the best on the island. The irie chicken (jerk-style with a Hawaiian twist) is another standout, and their mai tais are dangerously good.
Uahi is all about modern Hawaiian comfort food. Portions are generous, prices are fair (most plates run $16–$22), and the vibe is casual and welcoming. It gets packed during dinner, so aim for an early seating or order takeout.
Address: 33 Aulike St, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Hawaiian comfort food, date night, takeout
Price range: $$
2. Nico’s Kailua
Nico’s has multiple locations on Oahu, but the Kailua outpost feels the most neighborhood-y. It overlooks the Kawainui Canal, giving it a relaxed, almost mainland-bistro feel. The menu changes based on what’s fresh from the fish auction — you might see opah one day, ono the next.
The furikake pan-seared ahi is a staple, and their fish tacos are always solid. Lunch plates typically run $15–$20, making it a great value for the quality of seafood you’re getting. If you’re new to Hawaiian fish, this is a great place to start — check out our guide to foods found in Hawaii to know what you’re ordering.
Address: 970 N Kalaheo Ave, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Fresh seafood, waterfront dining
Price range: $$
3. Paia Fish Market Kailua
Originally from Maui, Paia Fish Market brought its legendary fish tacos and fresh-catch plates to Kailua — and locals couldn’t be happier. The Cajun-style fish is the move here. Order the fresh catch plate and pick your fish (mahi mahi, ahi, ono, salmon, or snapper) and your cooking style (charbroiled, sautéed, Cajun, or blackened).
The portions are massive, the prices are reasonable ($16–$22 for a plate), and there’s both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a no-frills kind of place — paper plates, casual atmosphere — but the food speaks for itself.
Address: 151 Hekili St #150, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Fish tacos, fresh catch plates
Price range: $$
4. Gaslamp
When you want a proper sit-down dinner in Kailua, Gaslamp delivers. It’s one of the more upscale options in town, with a menu that leans American-eclectic — think craft cocktails, quality steaks, and creative appetizers. The ambiance is polished without being stuffy.
Entrees range from $25–$45, so it’s more of a special occasion spot than a daily driver. But for date nights or celebrations, it’s one of the best options on the windward side. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Address: 44 Hoolai St, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Date night, cocktails, upscale dining
Price range: $$$
5. Banyans Craft Kitchen & Lounge
Banyans brings a gastropub vibe to Kailua with a solid selection of craft beers, creative bar bites, and heartier entrées. Their burgers are some of the best in the area, and the poke nachos are a crowd favorite. It’s the kind of place where you can come for happy hour and accidentally stay for dinner.
The outdoor patio is a great spot for groups. Expect to spend $15–$30 per person depending on how hungry you are.
Address: 145 Hamakua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Craft beer, burgers, groups
Price range: $$
6. Willow Tree Korean Restaurant
Kailua isn’t exactly known for Korean food, which makes Willow Tree a hidden gem. This small, family-run spot serves up authentic Korean dishes — bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi jjigae — at prices that won’t make you wince. The combo bowls are a great deal, and the banchan (side dishes) are always fresh.
It’s a bit off the main strip, which keeps it from getting overrun by tourists. Locals love it, and so will you. Most dishes are $12–$18.
Address: 1020 Keolu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Korean food, budget-friendly
Price range: $–$$
Best Breakfast and Brunch in Kailua
7. Over Easy
Over Easy is the brunch spot in Kailua. Open since 2016, it’s built a loyal following with dishes like the Brunch Bowl (eggs, rice, greens, and your choice of protein) and seasonal pancake specials. The lunchtime eggplant sandwich with crispy purple potatoes is a sleeper hit.
The space is bright and welcoming, and the food is consistently good without trying too hard. Expect a short wait on weekends — it’s that popular. Most items are $13–$18.
Address: 418 Kuulei Rd #103, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Brunch, pancakes, casual breakfast
Price range: $$
8. Cinnamon’s Restaurant
Cinnamon’s has been a Kailua institution for decades. It’s the kind of place where families go after church on Sundays, and visitors make a special trip for. The guava chiffon pancakes are legendary — light, fluffy, and topped with guava sauce and whipped cream. The mochiko chicken is another must-order.
Fair warning: the wait on weekends can be brutal (45+ minutes isn’t unusual). Go on a weekday if you can, or put your name in early. Worth the wait, though.
Address: 315 Uluniu St, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Classic breakfast, pancakes, family dining
Price range: $$
9. Moke’s Bread & Breakfast
The original Moke’s started right here in Kailua (there’s now a second location in Kaimuki). It’s all about the lilikoi pancakes — incredibly light and fluffy, drenched in passion fruit sauce. One order and you’ll understand the hype.
Beyond pancakes, the corned beef hash and honey butter biscuits are solid picks. Kids get a Mickey Mouse-shaped pancake, which earns major points with families. It’s smaller than Cinnamon’s, so waits can be long, but the food is worth it.
Address: 27 Hoolai St, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Lilikoi pancakes, family brunch
Price range: $$
Best Quick Bites and Casual Eats
10. Kono’s
Voted #1 plate lunch and best cheap eats on Oahu multiple years running, Kono’s is all about slow-roasted pork. Their breakfast bombers (basically a loaded breakfast burrito with kalua pork) are the perfect fuel before a morning at Kailua Beach. Plates, wraps, and salads round out the menu.
Everything is reasonably priced ($10–$15), and it’s quick — perfect for a grab-and-go situation. If you’re heading to the beach with the family, swing by Kono’s first.
Address: 35 Kainehe St, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Plate lunch, quick bites, breakfast burritos
Price range: $
11. Ganesh Dosa
Dosas in Hawaii? Yep, and they’re incredible. Ganesh Dosa is a unique find on Oahu — crispy, fermented-batter dosas stuffed with potato masala, cheese, avocado, and served with warm sambar soup and chutney. The Chef’s Recommendation dosa is the way to go for first-timers.
It’s a small operation, so don’t expect a fancy dining room. But the food is fresh, flavorful, and unlike anything else in Kailua. Vegans can easily sub avocado for cheese. Most dosas are $12–$16.
Address: 315 Uluniu St, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Indian food, vegetarian/vegan options
Price range: $–$$
12. Nalu Health Bar
Nalu is popular for açaí bowls and smoothies, but the sandwich game here is underrated. The caprese sandwich, grilled cheese, and ahi tuna sandwich are all excellent. They use quality ingredients without charging absurd “health food” prices.
There’s indoor seating and a small outdoor counter area that’s great for people-watching in Kailua town. It’s a solid lunch option when you want something lighter but still satisfying.
Address: 131 Hekili St #109, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Smoothies, açaí bowls, healthy sandwiches
Price range: $$
Best Desserts and Coffee in Kailua
13. Island Snow Hawaii
Yes, this is the shave ice spot that Barack Obama visits when he’s in Kailua. But celebrity endorsement aside, Island Snow is genuinely excellent. Get the snow cap (sweetened condensed milk on top) and add mochi balls for texture. The flavors are vibrant and they don’t skimp on the syrup.
It’s a must-stop after a beach day, especially with kids. Shave ice runs $5–$8 depending on size and toppings.
Address: 130 Kailua Rd #109, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Shave ice, post-beach treat
Price range: $
14. Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop
Agnes closed its original brick-and-mortar years ago, but the malasadas live on via their food truck — and fans will tell you they’re even better now. These Portuguese doughnuts are warm, pillowy, and absolutely addictive. They sell out fast, so go early or call ahead for large orders.
No seating — you’ll eat these in the car or standing in the parking lot, sugar dusting your shirt. No regrets.
Address: 5 Hoolai St, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Malasadas, quick dessert
Price range: $
15. Tradition Coffee Roasters
Tucked in a warehouse area off the main drag, Tradition is one of the best coffee shops on Oahu. They roast beans on-site, and you can taste the difference. The Mexican Mocha (hot or iced) is a local favorite. The space is family-friendly with a basket of toys for kids.
Grab a bag of fresh-roasted beans to take home — the grocery prices in Hawaii mean specialty coffee is actually a great value when you buy direct from roasters like this.
Address: 905 Kalaniana’ole Hwy #3201, Kailua, HI 96734
Best for: Specialty coffee, work-from-café vibes
Price range: $–$$
New for 2026: Faria
The biggest change to Kailua’s dining scene since this guide first published is Faria, which opened in early 2025 as O‘ahu’s only Portuguese restaurant — the island’s first in more than 40 years. Honolulu Magazine named it one of O‘ahu’s best new restaurants of 2025, and it has quickly become a windward-side destination for dinner.
The menu leans into Portuguese classics with a Pasifika sensibility: alcatra pot roast, sardines simmered in a tomato-garlic confit, polenta fritters with chili-pepper jelly, and several preparations of bacalhau (salt cod). It’s a dinner-only spot and reservations are recommended, so plan ahead rather than walking in.
Address: 306 Ku‘ulei Rd, Kailua, HI 96734
Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 5–10 PM
Best for: Date night, special occasions, Portuguese cuisine
Price range: $$
Tips for Dining in Kailua
A few things worth knowing before you eat your way through town:
- Parking: Most restaurants are in or near Kailua town center, where street parking can be tight. The municipal lot behind Longs Drugs is your best bet for free parking.
- Timing: Brunch spots get slammed on weekends from 9–11 AM. Go early (before 8:30) or late (after 11:30) to avoid the worst waits.
- Takeout for the beach: Kailua Beach Park is just minutes from town. Grab food to-go and eat oceanside — it’s the local move.
- Cash vs. card: Most places take cards now, but a few smaller spots (food trucks especially) may prefer cash.
- Tipping: Standard 18–20% is customary, same as the mainland. Many locals tip 20%+ at their regular spots.
If you’re considering a move to the windward side, the food scene is just one of many reasons Kailua is worth it. Check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Honolulu for families to see how Kailua stacks up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Kailua, Oahu?
It depends on what you’re looking for, but Uahi Island Grill is consistently ranked as the top restaurant in Kailua by locals. Their Hawaiian comfort food — especially the kalua pork and irie chicken — draws a devoted following. For seafood, Nico’s Kailua and Paia Fish Market are hard to beat.
Are restaurants in Kailua expensive?
Kailua restaurants are moderately priced compared to Waikiki. Most casual dining spots charge $14–$22 per plate. Upscale options like Gaslamp run $25–$45 for entrees. Quick bites and plate lunches from spots like Kono’s can be had for under $15. Overall, it’s a better value than Honolulu’s tourist areas.
What is the best breakfast spot in Kailua?
Cinnamon’s Restaurant and Moke’s Bread & Breakfast are the two most popular breakfast spots. Cinnamon’s is known for guava chiffon pancakes, while Moke’s is famous for lilikoi pancakes. Over Easy is another excellent choice with shorter wait times on weekends.
Is Kailua a good area for food on Oahu?
Absolutely. Kailua has one of the best food scenes outside of Honolulu. It offers a wide range of cuisines from Hawaiian to Korean to Indian, most restaurants are locally owned, and prices tend to be lower than tourist-heavy areas like Waikiki. The combination of great food and proximity to Kailua Beach makes it a perfect day-trip dining destination.