10 Best North Shore Oahu Restaurants

The North Shore of Oahu seems to have it all: super chill, laid-back vibes (even more so compared to other islands), unparalleled beaches, and, if you have a car and are willing to drive a little, absolutely fantastic food options. Expect delicious takes on typical Hawaiian dishes like shoyu poke, kalua pork, acai bowls, and liliko’i in almost everything. Eateries commonly feature house-grown produce across their menus, the freshest seafood, and a focus on local flavors. But don’t be surprised to find a few favorites that deviate from the norm at the best North Shore restaurants: some of the best Thai basil fried rice, sourdough waffles, and killer carne asada street tacos.

Our Top Picks for the Best North Shore Restaurants

10. Hale’iwa Bowls

There’s an undeniable desire to consume tropical fruit in all forms when you’re eating your way across the North Shore, and Hale’iwa Bowls is our favorite spot for acai bowls in Oahu. Each bowl is not only a piece of delectable art, but they have mastered the perfect ratio of ingredients. No matter what bowl you order, the acai is smooth, and the topping-to-acai ratio is just right. The hapa bowl is our top pick, made with a blended base of acai, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, and is topped with granola, local bananas, raw coconut flakes, and local raw honey. Don’t forget to add strawberries, blueberries, and cacao nibs to make this the best acai bowl on the North Shore.

9. Waialua Bakery and Juice Bar

Located a short 10-minute walk from Hale’iwa Alii beach park, Waialua Bakery and Juice Bar is a great spot for a light lunch. Stop in early for a sandwich to take to the beach (the Avocado on a jalapeno bun or a Crazy Nut made with housemade coconut peanut butter are both phenomenal) or take a mid-afternoon break for a fresh salad. And with a bakery case full of sweet treats to choose from, we trust you won’t leave without a sampling of at least a few. Or, if you can’t decide, pick two cookies and they’ll add some ice cream for you because an ice cream sandwich on fresh-baked cookies is never a bad idea.

8. Kahuku Farms

Farm-to-table has a whole new meaning at Kahuka Farms, where the produce used in-house for their acai bowls, grilled paninis, salads, and pizzas is grown on their 100-year-old family farm that begins mere steps from the front door. As you can imagine, fresh is the name of the game at Kahuka Farms, and we highly recommend leaning into the plant-based vibe. The grilled vegetable panini with grilled eggplant, zucchini, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic herb mayo is filling and delicious, especially when enjoyed outside with views of the idyllic property. After your meal, feel free to leisurely explore the beautiful gardens on your own or take a guided tour. Don’t forget to visit the shop for some liliko’i (passion fruit) syrup to take a taste of one of the best North Shore restaurants home with you.

7. Kono’s Restaurant

Kono’s Restaurant has been bringing award-winning kalua pig to the North Shore since 2002, and we are here for it. Kono’s slow roasts their pork for 12 hours and serves it fast-casual style for breakfast and lunch. Yes, you could get a kalua pork sandwich, which is delicious, but the breakfast bombers are really why you’re here. A bomber, which is essentially an enormous breakfast burrito, is filled with eggs that are nice and soft, breakfast potatoes, shredded jack cheese, and a very generous amount of that famous kalua pork. Add avocado for something really transcendent, and while it will set you back a pretty penny, they are technically shareable, though saving the second half to polish off for a second breakfast mid-hike is never a bad idea.

6. The Elephant Shack

Take a brief pause from traditional Hawaiian food and all that gloriously fresh seafood to enjoy some delicious Thai food at The Elephant Shack. And with food trucks now in two locations (Sunset Beach and Kaka’ako), The Elephant Shack makes it easy to order ahead and grab a meal on the go. Venture out from the safe but typical pad thai and order the panang curry, thai basil fried rice, or pad see ew for flavorful and filling Thai dishes.

5. Ted’s Bakery

Ask any of your friends which of the North Shore restaurants you should try and Ted’s Bakery will inevitably come up. This iconic, just-off-the-highway bakery is a must-stop when it comes to North Shore food, plus it’s more than just a bakery. Ted’s is open until 6:30 every day offering breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. The fried rice special is our favorite breakfast order and, regardless of what meal we’re enjoying, we never fail to finish with a slice of chocolate haupia (coconut) cream pie from the bakery– quite literally the stuff that dreams are made of.

4. Wicked Hi Cafe

Where in the world can you get sourdough waffles, slushies, and homemade pizza all in one place? Wicked Hi Cafe, one of the best restaurants on the North Shore of Oahu. This bright and airy cafe, situated just a couple miles south of Hale’iwa Beach, is a great stop for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner on the North Shore. They’re most known for their slushies, all made with wholesome and local fruit and honey. Pair their signature honey slush with a sourdough waffle for breakfast or a margherita pizza for lunch for one of Oahu’s most flavorful, delicious meals.

3. Seven Brothers

Seven Brothers is a family-owned institution in Oahu. With four locations on the North Shore (plus an additional six on the mainland), the Hannemann family has made their mark in the North Shore food industry. They’re known for their juicy burgers, swoon-worthy coconut chocolate chip banana bread, and friendly customer service. If you have your pick of locations, visit their Kahuku At The Mill location, their OG stomping grounds with their biggest menu (don’t sleep on the coconut macadamia shrimp!). For even more offerings, visit their brand new Kahuku Marketplace where you can grab phenomenal ice cream, banana bread for the road, and chocolate chip cookies.

2. Surf N Salsa

We get it, you didn’t come to the North Shore for Mexican food. But you’d be missing out on one of the best North Shore restaurants if you didn’t eat at Surf N Salsa. Start every meal with a spread of their homemade guacamole, salsa, and chips. While Surf N Salsa is known for their killer burritos (the classic California Burrito is uber popular), their carne asada (or shrimp as a close second) tacos are our top pick. Complete your meal with a tall cup of horchata or jamaica agua fresca for an outstanding Mexican meal you didn’t expect to find so far from the mainland.

1. Ken’s Fresh Fish

If we could only eat at one North Shore, Oahu restaurant, it would be Ken’s Fresh Fish. This family-owned, takeout-only joint serves not just delicious food, but amazing, fresh, flavorful seafood in several different offerings. Their poke is the best on the North Shore (yes, better than Foodland and Kahuku Superette), and their ahi katsu is quite possibly our favorite meal from any North Shore restaurant. Pro tip: grab your takeout from Ken’s and drive four minutes up the road to the Laie Beach Park to enjoy your fresh fish with an incredible view.