indisputable , restaurant chains often get a bad belt , partially because they can be perceive as take business from small hometown eatery , and partially because folks often assume that all chains pitch bland dish with crushed - quality ingredient , which of course is n’t always the case . But one of the smashing affair about mountain chain is that you have a go at it what you ’re getting anytime , anywhere . While Oahu is pretty diminished , we ’re still big enough to have several island - based restaurants with multiple locations , all of which keep local position and serve ordered , predictably scrumptious dishes .
Roy’s
Two Oahu locations , multiple locations worldwideRoy Yamaguchi opened his first restaurant in Hawaii Kai in 1988 . Today , you’re able to taste his Pacific Rim universe all across mainland America , Japan , and Guam . Besides yield your sense of taste buds things like kiawe - smoked Szechuan baby back costa and melt - in - your mouth misoyaki butterfish , Yamaguchi is also accredit as one of the twelve Lord of Hawaiian regional culinary art . The new Hawaiian fusion - style of cookery he helped introduce in the nineties focused on utilizing invigorated , local constituent . Across the nation , his menus feature continually evolving creations , based on seasonally uncommitted ingredients , in summation to serving his longtime classic … so you may try out a moment of island story with each bite .
Zippy’s
22 Oahu locationsIf you come of drinking age on the island , it ’s likely that you ’ve spend many an early morning shoveling Zippy ’s chili tall mallow fries or saimin through your vodka hole , attempt to sober up before sunup . It ’s cool – you were far from the only one . This 50 - twelvemonth - old institution offers more than just belated - night munchies , however : you’re able to find local comfort nutrient like loco moco and teriyaki cheeseburgers , alongside staples like the famous chili , as well as Zip Pac bento , meet with local , meaty delights like teriyaki kick , Spam , fried chicken , or mahi mahi on rice , sprinkled with furikake and a slice of daikon . There are consistently filling flavors to be found in any neighborhood location .
Big City Diner
Six Oahu locationsOpen since 1988 , Big City Diner is a place to which large groups incline to clump due to its copious John Wilkes Booth and board seating . But little parties can also find joy in its hearty American culinary art and local puff food . Greasy spoonful selections like the Really Loco , Loco Moco hamburger , or Grandma ’s Kim Chee Fried Rice , are there to console your homestyle food cravings . But those looking for healthy options can discover vegan pick like gluten - spare chili fries , fire - roasted portobello mushroom cloud salad , and Mamasan ’s Vegetable Stir - Fry , made with a pastiche of fresh garden vegetable , so your post - diner food for thought coma is completely optional .
Bangkok Chef
Four locationsJust 15 age ago , this ship’s company was your low neighborhood Asiatic miniskirt market . fortunately , a rum customer asked about the delicious scent coming from the back kitchen , and through that butterfly stroke result , your go - to pad Thai place , Bangkok Chef , was stomach . Now we can tell all the St. Basil chicken , Thai green curry , and mango salad our athirst heart desire .
Ichiriki
Four locationsSliced meat : dear . Vegetables : skillful . All cooked together in a warm , mushy stock at your mesa : half-baked , ridiculously good . When your day demands something console and healthy , heed the call at this Japanese nabe eating house , locate in Ala Moana , Aiea , Kaneohe , and Kaimuki . Customize your raging hatful first by choosing from definitive & exchange premium broths , then selecting between seafood or finely slice USDA Choice cuts of core . Then blend with generous platefuls of vegetables & tofu , and fill in your meal with ramen , udon , or a rice porridge . Ichiriki gets extra budget - well-disposed twice a mean solar day , during former and late - night happy hour , where adult drinkable , appetizers , and a especial nabe are pop the question at discount Mary Leontyne Price . For a quicker - paced experience , try the fresh hot pot location in Kaimuki , where you’re able to snaffle your soup supplements as they voyage past you on a conveyer belt .
Gyotaku
Four locationsThis local chain deliver with intimate favorites like sushi , chicken katsu , and poke donburi , as well as more traditional Nipponese choice like misoyaki Pholis gunnellus and nishime . With everyday lunch specials and an other bird particular from Wednesday through Friday , Gyotaku have you fill up on bento , leave with a full stomach , and have your wallet still be … well , half full , at any charge per unit .
AGU Ramen
Three localisation , one opening soonHaving opened just three years ago , this Japanese bistro was already one of the most popular ramen joints on the island before it expanded . Noodle lovers can regain sports stadium of slender , chewy noodles with an raiment of soup bases varying from tonic jidori ramen to supernumerary - robust kotteri tonkotsu . Try the savory Parmesan kotteri , with a heaping of grated cheese sprinkled , along with black garlic oil . The spiciness horizontal surface range from one to five , but think conservatively … for novice spice eaters , level one may reset the sinuses , and level three may start the spice sweats . Level five , of path , is of grand - scale of measurement spiciness proportions , and only for those with all-encompassing spiciness level breeding and preparedness . spare napkins available upon request . ( Not that you ’ll need to pass over the tears from your eyes or anything ) .
Fresh Catch
Four locationsChef and owner Reno Henriques , a seasoned diver , brings fresh Pisces the Fishes to his quartet of seafood delis in the form of poke & shell lunches . If you love raw fish , and you love particular sauces , and you peculiarly love raw fish and special sauces mixed together , chequer out all two 12 of Fresh Catch ’s options .
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
11 Oahu locations , multiple location worldwideWith locations sprawled across the Hawaiian Islands , the continental US , and Asia , it ’s hard to trust that the first of these fast - food burger joints spread out at the base of Diamond Head only 18 years ago . Decorated in the style of a 1950s diner , Teddy ’s reinvent the concept by preparing its classic dishes with character component . brisk buns are redeem daily , and Warren E. Burger are made with 100 % chow – without fillers or binder . All of the patties are chargrilled to order , so you always know you are n’t getting a sad slab of sum that ’s been hanging out under warmer all solar day . An added bonus : even the peculiar sauce are made from incision , a far yell from plain ketchup and mustard varieties found at fast - food joint .
Assagio’s
Six locationsIn 1990 , Thomas Ky open up his first southerly Italian eatery in Kailua , and tardily expanded his special brand of favorable fine dining across the island . Stop by for a white tableclothed lunch or dinner party for grilled steak , seafood , and excellent pastas . Even small dowery are hearty enough here for the modal eaters to stuff themselves silly … before remembering there ’s still homemade dessert to consider . Pro tip : consider dessert .
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Summer Nakaishiis a freelance writer for Thrillist who would take the air to the end of the globe for delicious soup stock , but is glad she does n’t have to .
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Roy’s Hawaii
Zippy’s
Big City Diner
Ichiriki Japanese Nabe Restaurant
AGU Ramen
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
