This guide to the North Shore restaurants will show you where to eat in the area. I'll break it down by location and share some of our go-to places along the way.
No matter if you're after a quick bite, a casual meal, fine dining, or food trucks, I'll point you in the right direction.
You probably know the North Shore for surfing, but it's also home to some of the best restaurants and food trucks on Oahu.
That's right! Spots like Haleiwa Joe's, Seven Brothers, Sunrise Shack, Ted's Bakery, Matsumoto Shave Ice, and Giovanni's Shrimp Truck are all right here.
All the restaurants, juice bars, local cafés, and food trucks serve dishes made with the freshest farm-to-table ingredients - and you're going to love it!
Want to dine by the beach or try the best food trucks in Haleiwa? Here's where to start.
📍 North Shore restaurants by area
The North Shore stretches about 20 miles from Ka'ena Point to Kahuku Point, and along the way you'll find plenty of places to grab a bite.
I've broken it down by the main areas so you can see what's nearby, where to stop for food, and how it all fits along the coastline:
- Haleiwa Town
- Waialua
- Between Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach
- Turtle Bay Resort
- Kahuku
Here's a map to help you get your bearings:
Now that you know where to find them, let's take a closer look at the food scene in each area. I'll share tips, recommendations, and a few favorites along the way!
Haleiwa Town restaurants
Haleiwa Town is where most of the North Shore's restaurants are located. You'll find everything from cozy cafés and popular food trucks to waterfront dining.
The town offers a wide variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with many places featuring outdoor seating, atmospheres ranging from casual to upscale, and choices to suit any budget.
And no matter if you're in the mood for Mexican, Hawaiian, Japanese, Thai, burgers, pizza, seafood, or healthier vegan options, you'll find it all here.
With so many great options, it's hard to pick favorites, but here are some spots we keep coming back to in Haleiwa Town:
- Matsumoto Shave Ice: Since 1951, they've been serving up refreshing shaved ice to the community. It's super popular and definitely a must-try!
- Haleiwa Joe's: A popular spot with a diverse menu, including amazing locally sourced and fresh seafood, offers both indoor and outdoor seating with ocean views by the Haleiwa Harbor.
- 9th Island Vegan: The best healthy vegan restaurant on Oahu's North Shore, open for breakfast and lunch. We love going here for breakfast after a morning surf!
- Uncle Bo's: Features a cozy ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating and a varied menu blending flavors from Hawaii, Asia, and beyond.
- Surf N Salsa: This food truck serves authentic Mexican cuisine and is one of our top picks in town. I love their spicy shrimp burrito with black beans!
- Crispy Grindz: A Brazilian food truck serving authentic acai bowls and other delicious Brazilian dishes. You've got to try the pastel and chicken coxinha!
- Big Wave Shrimp: Don't miss their signature garlic butter shrimp plate - messy, but absolutely delicious! This food truck has even been featured on the Food Network.
- Seven Brothers: A popular local spot known for its big, juicy burgers that won't disappoint! We keep coming back for the blue cheese and bacon burger - so good!
For an overview of more of our favorite Haleiwa restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, check out our full guide.
Restaurants in Waialua
Just west of Haleiwa, Waialua is the oldest town on the North Shore and has a few great spots to check out.
Its dining scene has been growing lately, and there are some local favorites you won't want to miss. Here are our top restaurant recommendations in the area:
Breakfast
- Mele Mele Bakery: Perfect for coffee, fresh pastries and a light breakfast on the go.
- Paalaa Kai Bakery: Must-visit for sweet treats like sada's malasada donuts and snow puffies.
Lunch & dinner
- The Smoking Boar & The Coconut: Great for lunch, and on some nights they're open for dinner too. We love the generous portions, and the BBQ pork is delicious!
- Wicked Hi Cafe: Open until 6 PM, they're known for their signature Hawaiian honey slush. We love their sourdough pizzas and waffles!
- Ka'ala Kitchen: This food truck has a Brazilian owner and flair, serving healthy and delicious local-style plates. We love the fish plate with salad - it's our favorite!
- Surf N Salsa: I've mentioned them in Haleiwa, and they're just as good in Waialua! This popular spot serves authentic Mexican dishes that locals keep coming back for.
- Jerry's Pizza: Our go-to for a quick, easy lunch or dinner. The thin, crispy crust pizzas are a local favorite - we can never get enough!
On Saturdays, be sure to check out the Waialua Farmers Market. It's a great spot for fresh produce, baked goods, and a taste of local flavors.
Where to eat between Waimea Bay & Sunset Beach
Along Kamehameha Hwy, from Waimea Bay to Sunset Beach, you'll find a few great spots to grab a bite while enjoying the beaches.
Some are near Waimea Valley, Shark's Cove, and Sunset Beach, so you can easily stop for a meal during your day out. Here's a closer look at the dining options you'll find in each of these areas:
Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley is home to Open Kitchen, a beautiful and tranquil spot where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the botanical garden and Waimea Falls Park.
They serve Hawaiian dishes like Kalbi Steak and Luau Plates, as well as sandwiches, salads, snacks, coffee, and other drinks. It's one of our go-to restaurants when we spend the day at Waimea Bay.
Shark's Cove
Shark's Cove is a popular snorkeling spot on the North Shore, and right across the street, you'll find several food trucks where you can grab a meal with unbeatable views.
There are plenty of options, but three of our top picks are Pupukea Grill, Seven Brothers, and Hawaii's Best Fish Tacos, and they're usually open for lunch and dinner.
Sunset Beach
Around Sunset Beach, you'll find great places to eat, all within a few minutes of each other, whether walking or driving.
At the Chevron gas station, you'll find Banzai Bowls serving up acai bowls and smoothies, plus Elephant Thai, a food truck tucked into the back left corner of the lot - we highly recommend it.
Right across from the beach is the world-famous Sunrise Shack, known for their smoothie bowls and "bullet" coffees - definitely worth a stop.
And just north of Sunset Beach, you'll hit Ted's Bakery, a must for sandwiches, Hawaiian plate lunches, and baked goods. Don't leave without trying their signature Chocolate Haupia Pie - it's amazing!
Between Waimea Valley and Shark's Cove, there's a Foodland supermarket. It's a convenient stop to grab food from the deli or pick up coffee at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf café inside.
Restaurants at Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort has eight restaurants, and they're open to the public - not just guests. From casual poolside eats to fine dining with ocean views, there's plenty of variety here.
Here's a rundown of the dining choices available to you:
- Lei Lei's: A local favorite with golf course views. It's one of the best dinner restaurants on the North Shore. Try their ribs and fish of the day when you dine here!
- Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi: An upscale choice with locally sourced ingredients and a true fine dining feel.
- Alaia: Open for breakfast and dinner with views of the ocean and pool. Their Mahi Mahi plate is excellent, and they've got solid gluten-free options.
- Sunset: The pool bar restaurant, perfect for lunch or dinner with live music and surfers in the lineup as your backdrop.
- Off the Lip: A fun evening hangout with ocean and infinity pool views, tasty food, drinks, and live music most nights.
- Ocean Club: A private lounge setting with all-day dining and drinks, ideal if you're after something more relaxed.
- Ho'olana: Great for breakfast and lunch, especially if you want a mellow mid-day meal.
- Paniolo Pa'ina: A weekly dinner party with a buffet, drinks, kids' activities, a hula show, and fire dancing.
Food trucks in Kahuku
Kahuku sits on the northeastern tip of the North Shore and is well known for its lineup of food trucks - plus one of the best places to grab poke.
Among them, Giovanni's is the most iconic, famous for their garlic shrimp plates that people come from all over the island to try.
Around the food truck court, you'll also find small shops, public restrooms, and outdoor sinks to rinse off before and after your meal.
And just a short drive east, Kahuku Superette is a local favorite for poke bowls. Their version is simple, fresh, and loaded with chunky ahi tuna - one of the best you'll find on Oahu.
Top picks for dinner, views & outdoor seating
Looking for the best places to eat on the North Shore? Here's a quick guide to our favorite restaurants by type:
Best dinner spots - Haleiwa Joe's, Haleiwa Beach House, Maya's Tapas & Wine, Stonefish Grill, Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi, Lei Lei's.
Fine dining & special occasions - For a nicer night out or a celebration: Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi, Lei Lei's, Haleiwa Joe's, Maya's Tapas & Wine.
Ocean views & outdoor seating - Enjoy a meal with a view at: Haleiwa Beach House, Haleiwa Joe's, Stonefish Grill, Turtle Bay restaurants, or food trucks near Shark's Cove.
Good to know
- Parking is easy to find at or near the restaurants, with plenty of free options available.
- Budget around $15 to $50 or more per person per meal.
- Tipping in Hawaii is customary, generally 15 to 20% for good service.
- Many places open around 8 or 9 AM, and close a bit early, usually by 10 PM.
- Most restaurants offer takeout, so you can enjoy your meals wherever you like.
FAQs
Most restaurants on Oahu's North Shore do not offer delivery. Additionally, Uber Eats, DoorDash and other food delivery services are unavailable in the area.
For vegan options, check out 9th Island Vegan and Cosmic Kitchen. Many restaurants also offer vegan dishes on their menus.
While there are no certified gluten-free restaurants on the North Shore, you'll find gluten-free options on some menus.
Looking for more dining options on the North Shore? Check these out:
Have you tried any of these restaurants? How was your experience? Are there any other places we haven't mentioned that you would recommend? We would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, and let's chat!
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