Best Places for Grilled Food in Hawaii

There’s something about food cooked on a grill that just seems appropriate to island life. And when you’re in Hawaii, that food can be cooked on a variety of iconic grills, from American style barbeque grills to Japanese hibachi or fancy teppanyaki grills. Knowing this, we’ve put together this list of the best restaurants for grilled food in Hawaii that will give you all sorts of fancy, festive, and casual dining experiences.

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Tanaka of Tokyo West

Great teppanyaki cooked with premium ingredients at Tanaka of Tokyo West

1450 Ala Moana Blvd | Ala Moana/ tanakaoftokyo.com/en/west

If you’re in the mood for an amazing steak and seafood dinner cooked right in front of you with incredible speed and dexterity, look no further than Tanaka of Tokyo West. Master teppanyaki chefs will prepare your dinner right on your table top grill, giving you a fantastic show as flames rise, steak sizzles, and grilled onions and vegetables give off mouth-watering aromas.

Tanaka of Tokyo Restaurants have been serving diners since 1978 and take pride in offering certified angus beef and high-quality seafood. Choose from all your favorite premium ingredients, including lobster, chicken teriyaki, blackened ahi, wagyu beef, and scallops. Of course, great teppanyaki is often defined by the service as much as the food, and Tanaka of Tokyo doesn’t disappoint, with the chefs proving as gifted at entertainment as cooking. You might even get a visit from the managers who periodically check to see if their guests are having a good time.

Located in the Ala Moana Center, Tanaka of Tokyo West is ready to provide you with a memorable dinner experience seven days a week.

“The food was amazing and so filling, definitely worth the cost.” — Yelp Review

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Osaka Teppanyaki & Izakaya Kawano

Some of the best teppanyaki and okonomiyaki in Hawaii

Be sure to try the Okonomiyaki at Osaka Teppanyaki & Izakaya Kawano. Image courtesy of Yelp.

1960 Kapiolani Blvd Ste 107 | McCully Shopping Center

You can enjoy a fine teppanyaki dinner at Osaka Teppanyaki & Izakaya Kawano while enjoying a good drink. Osaka is also well-known for its Okonomiyaki, a Japanese pancake dish with cabbage, meat, seafood, and savory Japanese sauces. In truth, there’s a wide variety of dishes you can order here — both grilled and otherwise — including fried salmon belly, grilled sausage, cold tofu, shrimp fried rice, and ginger pork. Side orders include salad, fried noodles, and gyoza.

Located in McCully Shopping Center, Osaka Teppanyaki & Izakaya Kawano can fill up pretty fast, so be sure to make a reservation for your group. With so many flavors to sample, you won’t be disappointed.

“Hands down the best okonomiyaki on the island.” — Yelp Review

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Yaki Yaki Miwa

Delicious Japanese cuisine at Yaki Yaki Miwa

Spicy poke at Yaki Yaki Miwa. Image courtesy of Yelp.

1423 S. King St. | Honolulu

Diners rave about the flavors they can enjoy at Yaki Yaki Miwa, which specializes in preparing teppanyaki dinners. Popular dishes include the korokoro steak, super pork tama, and miwa special negiyaki. You can also order Okonomiyaki here, a famous savory Japanese pancake dish. Customers can expect an intimate dining experience with an attentive staff. Given its popularity, it’s probably best to reserve your spot at Yaki Yaki Miwa in order to truly enjoy your dinner.

“Simply delicious and comforting food. Beef tongue is so soft and tender and the steak is juicy and flavorful.” — Yelp Review

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Okonomiyaki Chibo Restaurant

Enjoy award-winning service at a world class teppanyaki restaurant

Okonomiyaki with beef, shrimp, squid, and green onions cooked fresh. Image courtesy of Yelp.

280 Beach Walk Unit L 106 | Waikiki/ chibohawaii.com

Located at their new restaurant at Beach Walk, Okonomiyaki Chibo Restaurant offers both dine-in and take out options. As its name indicates, this place is well-known for its Okonomiyaki pancake dishes that come with their special Japanese plum sauce. You can enjoy your meals with an excellent selection of Japanese sakes and whiskies as well. Then there’s the award-winning service that reminds you that you’re dining in a world-class restaurant.

Teppanyaki options include an amazing live lobster teppanyaki, or a more familiar teriyaki, garlic chicken, or fried mix vegetables teppanyaki. You can also try their abalone when it’s in season or have their master chefs cook some prime cuts of rib eye or wagyu Japanese beef for you. Other dining options include their flavorful yakisoba, live lobster sashimi, and ahi poke. For the best in island dining, don’t forget to treat yourself to Okonomiyaki Chibo Restaurant.

“Amazing food. Quiet ambience. Attentive service. Quite a gem I found today.” — Yelp Review

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Tiki’s Grill & Bar

Taste the flavors of the island at Tiki’s Grill & Bar

Order some great coconut shrimp at Tiki’s Grill & Bar. Image courtesy of Yelp.

2570 Kalakaua Ave. | Waikiki/ tikisgrill.com

Located in Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Tiki’s Grill & Bar’s menu invites you to sample the flavors of the island. Popular dishes include their coconut shrimp, kalbi beef gyoza, and prime rib poke. Other exotic options are their kalua pig quesadilla and island taro rolls. Dishes are prepared with fresh, local produce ensuring you really do get to taste everything good about Hawaii.

Beyond their food, Tiki’s Grill & Bar is known for having a great view of the Waikiki Beach. Enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner here accompanied with wonderful customer service and Hawaiian entertainment every evening.

“Get the full rack of ribs. It’s too much for one meal, but you’ll thank me tomorrow when you open that fridge on something exciting for a change!” — Yelp Review

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Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill

Excellent food and drink selections at Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill

Don’t miss Uncle Bo’s Dynamite Shrimp at the Pupu Bar & Grill. Image courtesy of Yelp.

559 Kapahulu Ave. | Kaimuki/ unclebosrestaurant.com

Regarded as one of Honolulu’s best bars with a wide selection of craft beers, signature handcrafted drinks, and top shelf premium and superwell offerings, Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill also makes sure you have some great food options to choose from. Seafood dishes, including their dynamite shrimp, oyster shooters, and crab cakes, are always popular choices — but you can also enjoy a nice prime rib dinner here as well. For dessert, be sure to try some taro beignets for a unique island flavor.

“They have a fairly large menu with items that are great for sharing.” — Yelp Review

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Osoyami Bar and Grill

Vegan friendly dishes at Osoyami Bar and Grill

Great chicken at Osoyami Bar and Grill. Image courtesy of Yelp.

1820 Algaroba St. | Honolulu/ osoyami-bar-and-grill.square.site

You can arrange to have your food delivered to you from Osoyami Bar and Grill’s website, but if you want the full bar and grill experience, you’ll want to come down to Osoyami and enjoy their great burgers and hot dogs (available in vegan options as well). Osoyami offers a full bar and entertainment, including live music, karaoke, and trivia nights. For a high-energy night, give Osoyami Bar and Grill a try.

“The service was awesome, both the bartender and server were so kind.” — Yelp Review

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Chez Kenzo Bar and Grill

Plenty of dining options at Chez Kenzo Bar and Grill

Chikuwa tempura at Chez Kenzo Bar and Grill. Image courtesy of Yelp.

1451 S. King St. | Honolulu/ chezkenzo.net

A local favorite, Chez Kenzo Bar and Grill offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere near Downtown Waikiki. You can order from over 100 dishes here, including 20 different pasta dishes, and homemade desserts. Popular dishes include the Kenzo steak, wafu hamburger steak, or the veggie pasta (great for vegans). Their full bar offers single malt whiskeys, Japanese sake, and original cocktails — and their happy hour actually lasts well over an hour (5:00PM to 7:00PM). If you’re looking for casual dining that takes pride in its dishes, come to Chez Kenzo Bar and Grill.

“If you’re on the hunt for a local biz that does elevated bar food right, this is the place.” — Yelp Review

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