🏝️ Oʻahu Food Guide – Part 1: Hits & Misses in Waikīkī

Just got back from another trip to Oʻahu, and I’m here with a fresh, honest recap of what’s worth your time — and what’s not. From comforting ramen to overhyped brunch spots, let’s dig in 🍽️ 🏖️ Around Waikīkī 1️⃣ Ramen Nakamura ❤️❤️ 🍜 Oxtail Spicy Ramen – A must-try! Rich broth, tender meat, perfect after a late flight. ⏰ Open past 11 PM — no line at 10 PM. Late-night savior! 🍚 Skip the rice bowls & gyoza — meh. 🍺 No beer? A slight letdown. 2️⃣ Island Vintage Coffee Waikīkī ❤️ 🦀 Crab Scramble – Solid. 🥣 Acai Bowl – Fresh but not mind-blowing. ☕ Even less-sweet coffee was still too sweet — stick to standard lattes. 🚶 Crowded by 9 AM — go next door to Island Vintage Wine Bar for the same menu, shorter wait. 💬 Personally prefer GOOFY Cafe — tastier across the board. 3️⃣ Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu ❤️ 🐷 Chicken Katsu > Pork Cutlet — more flavorful and juicy. 👎 Service was rushed and impersonal. Got scolded for arriving early — not the warmest welcome. 🏬 Two storefronts now — confusing seating and booking. 4️⃣ Marugame Udon ❤️ 🍜 My ultimate comfort food — from Shanghai to Waikīkī! 🦀 Always order Kitsune Udon + fried crab cake — simple, warm, satisfying. 5️⃣ Kai Coffee Hawaii 🩶 ☕ Tried three locations — standard iced latte is okay, but not worth a wait. 📍 Hyatt Regency line was especially long — skip if you’re in a hurry. 6️⃣ Ride And Grind Coffee ❤️❤️❤️ 🏆 Best coffee on the island! 🌺 Local beans, smooth, not acidic. 📍 Hidden in an outdoor food court — a true gem 💎 7️⃣ Nanzan Giro Giro ❤️❤️❤️ 🍶 A beautiful kaiseki experience — exquisite ceramics, impeccable service. 🍱 6-course menu ($88) — looks small but surprisingly filling. 🦞 Added lobster uni & cake — totally worth it. 💬 Not the most elite flavors, but incredible value and vibe. Met a loyal 14-year customer — says it all! 🎯 Final Take: Waikīkī is full of flavor — but choose wisely. From low-key udon to elegant kaiseki, there’s something for every mood — and budget. #OahuEats #WaikikiFood #HawaiiFoodie #HonoluluDining