Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Hawaii

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Hawaii? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

J-Shop

5.0

5 (33)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Mccully-Moiliili

About the restaurant

<< We are BYOB, so please bring your favorite liquor >>
Our restaurant is a small, hidden izakaya restaurant located inside the J-Shop supermarket.
J-Shop is a Japanese fresh food store run by a company that imports fresh fish, wagyu beef, vegetables, and fruit directly from Japan several flights a week.
Please enjoy the freshest Japanese foods at Izakakaya.

Top review

JuneVIP

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Nothing fancy but the sushi is fresh and the servers are very attentive. I love the authentic vibe great value!

Makawao Public House

4.9

4.9 (347)

$31 to $50

Gastro Pub

Makawao

About the restaurant

Newly opened in the heart of Upcountry in Makawao Town. Join us for fresh, locally inspired fusion cuisine, craft cocktails, draft beer and wine.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined 5 days ago

First time Great food Good time We’ll be backreat food

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4.8

4.8 (486)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Honolulu

About the restaurant

"Welcome to Izakaya Matsuri!"
We offer you freshest Sashimi, Sushi and various chef Specials in Japanese cuisine along with selected Sake, Shochu and wines to complete your meal. Izakaya Matsuri is located in the center of town- on Young St. with lots of free parking for our customers.
(*We do not provide highchairs, or baby seats for children since we are Japanese - Izakaya style restaurant which is mainly for adults.)
* Please, aware that your reservation may be cancelled if you do not confirm your reservation, please cancel your reservation within 12 hours prior to your reservation,
or you will be subject to charge the cancellation fee per person $30.
Do text, or call us to cancel (business cell) 808-745-5858. (The cancellation fee will be automatically charged if it happens after 12 hours prior to your reservation time)
* You will be charged the fee for NO show.($50 per person on your credit card)
* Please, be aware we may add group service charge20 % for a table of 5 or more.

Top review

ReeceVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

The food and service here is so good. This is one of our favorite izakaya in Honolulu.

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Off the Wall Craft Beer & Wine

4.8

4.8 (72)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Honolulu

About the restaurant

Indulge in a unique fusion of local craft beer, wine, and delectable cuisine at Off The Wall Hawaii. Located in the heart of Kaka’ako, our tap house offers an unforgettable experience of local flavors, artfully crafted beverages, and mouth watering dishes.

Complementing our beverage selection is our restaurant menu, crafted with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and latin flavors. Join us for live music events and weekly specials, immersing yourself in the dynamic local culture.

If you're interested in hosting a private event, visit our homepage and watch the video under the private events tab. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate function, graduation party, birthday celebration, or any other special event, choose us to host your event for an evening packed with artisanal brews and lasting memories.

Top review

Jared

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

It was a great pau hana night with coworkers. We’ll definitely be back.

Kalapawai Cafe & Deli - Kapolei

4.7

4.7 (717)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Kapolei

About the restaurant

Kalapawai Cafe & Deli offers residents and visitors to Kapolei a friendly place grab anything from a morning cup of coffee, a delicious deli sandwich or pizza to an award winning full service dinner that includes burgers, locally caught seafood and the freshest salads. We are proud to feature locally sourced ingredients whenever possible on our menu and we focus our wine and beverage program around small, family owned wineries and breweries.

Top review

Christopher

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

We had a wonderful experience at Kalapawai Cafe & Deli - Kapolei! From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm, friendly, and attentive. Everyone there took great care of us throughout our visit. The food was exquisite! It was flavorful, hearty, and generously portioned. Every dish we ordered was satisfying and beautifully presented. The peaceful, quiet atmosphere (it was a Monday night) made it easy to talk, relax, and truly enjoy the meal. Our server checked in often without being intrusive, and was happy to answer any questions we had about the specials, or the menu items. While we were too full to try dessert, the options in the deli case looked amazing. I had to stop myself from buying everything as it all looked decadent and generously sized. We’ll definitely be back, and next time we’re saving room for dessert!

Waikiki Leia

4.7

4.7 (104)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Kaimuki

About the restaurant

-If you are more than 6 people, please contact us.
-Dinner reservation is available by PHONE CALL ONLY.
Popular wedding venue at Diamondhead is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Open-air ambiance surrounded by Diamondhead.
Enjoy our tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls as you dine.

Top review

BruceVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Always a nice pleasant experience, very attentive staff. Love the ambiance & atmosphere.

Khan Skewer Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (83)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Mccully-Moiliili

About the restaurant

Khan Skewer Restaurant serves an unique twist on Mongolian Style BBQ on skewers with Juicy Grilled Beef, Lamb, Chicken, Seafood and Vegetables with two dips that offer different takes. Come and enjoy a variety of Mongolian Specialties.

Top review

David

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Great little Mongolian BBQ that we've never noticed before, because it's on a block we never pass, though we drive through the neighborhood at least once a day. We had the chicken and venison skewers, whole squid, enoki mushrooms, and the frozen dessert, all tasty. We'll be back.

Aloha Beer

4.6

4.6 (80)

$30 and under

American

Kaka'ako

About the restaurant

Locally owned local craft brewery with 13 rotating beers on tap. Great for large groups, families, and parties with dogs. Enjoy a delicious selection of beer, cocktails, and local pub food with Happy Hour Daily from 2pm - 6pm. Brewery Tours and Tastings now available under Experiences!

Located at 700 Queen Street in Kaka'ako. Parking is available for $5 up the ramp w/ validation from the brewery.

Top review

Jessica

Dined 7 days ago

Great outdoor space, dog friendly, yummy beers, and attentive servers!

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SKY Waikiki | Raw & Bar

4.3

4.3 (1770)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Waikiki

About the restaurant

SKY WAIKIKI Raw & Bar offers an elevated guest experience with a unique combination of fresh seafood, refreshing champagne, handcrafted cocktails and Aloha. Located in the heart of Waikiki, the wrap-around deck features stunning panoramic views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the city lights glittering 19 stories below. Relax with the sunset and indulge in enchanting cuisine at Hawaii's premier rooftop destination.

Top review

JoAn

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

A perfect evening overlooking Waikiki. Service was incredible.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar - WAIKIKI, Oahu

4.2

4.2 (1228)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Asian

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Sansei, meaning third generation, is a locally owned contemporary Japanese Restaurant offering new wave sushi. The force behind the food is Chef/Owner Dave "DK" Kodama. An Oahu native, he is fearless when it comes to flavors and one of the most adventurous chefs you will meet. At Sansei, he has combined his Japanese heritage with Hawai'i's incredible ethnic mix and the flavors he experienced in his travels to create a New Wave Sushi, Japanese-inspired Pacific Rim, Contemporary Japanese type of cuisine. Call it whatever you like. What you will taste are unique combinations of flavors and textures.

Top review

PeterVIP

Dined on May 11, 2025

Food was excellent as usual: crab truffle ramen and sushi rolls. Enjoyed the mom’s teriyaki steak for the first time. Kitchen service was very timely and much improved.

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