Restaurants in Honolulu, Island of O'ahu - Leeward Oahu (Honolulu)

Zippy's

Zippy's is an island institution that offers a fast food counter, a sit-down dining room, and a bakery that will keep you coming back time and again. This local standout is one of the things ex-islanders run to when returning to the island. The menu is a twist on standard family restaurant fare that includes complete dinners of Garlic Fried Rice and Shrimp, and Shoyu Braised Boneless Spare Ribs. But, it's the chili that hits a home run here. Whether vegetarian or beef, it is mildly seasoned and poured over fresh white rice. Don't even think of asking for cheese or crackers. - Lottie Tagupa

Kunio

Located about 30 minutes from Waikiki Beach, this small intimate bistro serves stylish, fresh, and flavorful Japanese dishes, and is a favorite of the area's bedroom community residents. The service is subdued although attentive and the setting is filled with warm colors in a Japanese décor. Booth and table seating are the mainstays and advance reservations are essential at this tiny spot, although the parking is ample and readily available. Sushi is one of the better choices and the teishoku is definitely some of the best in the area. - Lottie Tagupa

Jurison

This small counter restaurant is packed during the lunch hour with a mixed crowd of area locals and visitors who take the 30 minute bus ride from the resort area for the fantastic plate lunches. Locals line up because of the great prices and tasty meals, while visitors who have spent the day outlet shopping settle in for a casual plate lunch that is truly an authentic island experience. The selections are vast and inexpensive, including hibachi tofu and teri-chicken, miso chicken, and misoyaki Salmon. The specialty of the house is the kim-chee burger. It's something that no other plate lunch spot on the island has mastered and the kim-chee is top notch. - Lottie Tagupa

Golden Coin

This is probably a spot that could only be found in Hawaii. Imagine a place where you can order dinuguan along with your dim sum. Well, it happens here and the locals are all for it. The coffee shop and bakery opens early and the parade of patrons flock in for pandesal, empenadas, and flan to enjoy with their morning coffee. The Waipahu location is surprisingly spacious and modern with a huge parking lot and banquet hall. You can order both lunch and dinner from a steam table or the counter, so step up and create your meal on a paper plate and slide into one of the many booths to enjoy. - Lottie Tagupa

Poke Stop

If you live in Hawaii for any length of time, you're pretty much expected to have a poke spot. For some it's the seafood area at warehouse stores and others it's the neighborhood supermarket, but this tiny counter has managed to put together a connoisseur collection of poke that will blow you away. The freshest and tastiest can make anyone forget it's just raw fish chopped up with all kinds of spices and flavored oil. During football season, this place rocks with guys in pickups and large coolers of beer stopping in for their favorites on the way to tailgating at Aloha Stadium. - Lottie Tagupa

Max's of Manila

This restaurant has turned a relatively desolate parking lot into a hub-bub of activity. The decor is one of neutral tomes and carved dark woods, accompanied by splashes of bright color, courtesy of well-placed, fresh orchid plants. Since the word here is that the chicken is the cornerstone of this restaurant empire, there are several dishes featuring the bird, the most popular being the Fiesta Plate with chicken, lumpia and french fries served with a sweet ketchup. The staff is friendly and courteous and the prices are quite reasonable. - Lottie Tagupa

Ninja Sushi

The décor at Ninja Sushi is not fancy, but it does have character with lots of personal touches and functionally stylish furniture. The sushi here is consistently good and is reasonably priced. There is a bit of a wait since everything prepared fresh on order with wasabi and pickled ginger on the side. There is a large parking lot for easy access and you can call ahead so they'll be ready for you at the door. Along with hand rolled temaki there is also a specialty category that includes wonderfully creative selections that you can choose from. - Lottie Tagupa

Taste of Puerto Rico

Located on a quiet back road in Ewa, this small casual café seems to fit right in the older plantation-style buildings in the area. The small restaurant has a cheery décor, outdoor seating and a steam table full of the owner Johanna Martinez's homestyle specialties. The menu offers combination plates of gandules rice, pasteles and salad. Free parking and friendly service to boot. - Lottie Tagupa

Souvaly Thai Cuisine

Located on the makai side of Kamehameha Highway across the street from the Pearl City Shopping Center, this chic and upscale Thai eatery is slowly gaining attention from Thai enthusiasts on the Leeward side of Oahu. The setting is quite domestic, with soft colors and service that is attentive but not hovering and offering the relaxation of home. The menu favorites are pineapple fried rice and crispy curry. Parking is ample and free. - Lottie Tagupa

Off the Wall

This joint is small and casual, and if anyone wants a taste of some authentic plate lunches, this spot offers a splash of aloha, a splash of Okinawan magic, and lots of local attitude to make it a spot worth seeking out. The menu offers yummy selections like Kobe hamburger steak, garlic shrimp, Shoyu Pork and much more. Parking can be a challenge at this busy shopping mall along Pearl Harbor, but it's worth it. - Lottie Tagupa

Diego's Taco Shop

It’s not elegant, grand or upscale, but this tiny hole in the wall along Kamehameha Highway has a small free parking lot, lots of character, and by far the tastiest burritos on the island. The carne asada burrito is overflowing with flavorful cooked-on-the-spot beef with touches of cilantro and sour cream. No filler, no nonsense, no kidding. The dining room closes early, but the take-out window is open until midnight. Muy delicioso! - Lottie Tagupa