My favorite food places in O'ahu, Hawai'i

    After 3 years living in the island of O'ahu, I can definitely tell you the best places to go eat like a local. There is a lot of diversity in O'ahu, therefore you can find a lot of options around the island. I will divide my favorites in 3 categories: breakfast, lunch and dinner. I will also give you multiple options in different parts of the island.

Breakfast

1. North Shore

• Farm to Barn Café & Juicery - we love this place because not only the food is clean and delicious but they are also dog friendly and we love taking our dog with us. They also have live music most of the mornings we have been there. 

2. Windward coast

• Times Coffee Shop Kailua - Tourists would normally go to Cinnamon's or Over Easy but locals go to this restaurant. 

3. Leeward coast

• Countryside Café - perfect place to have a delicious breakfast after hiking Maili Pillbox. 

4. Central

• Guieb Café - Their acaí french toasts and philly cheesesteak sandwich are just perfect! They also have locations in Wahiawa and Honolulu. 

• Barefoot Beach Café - This is another open and dog friendly restaurant but this one is right at the beach. Their food is great and the view is amazing!

Lunch

1. North Shore

• Surf & Salsa - Burritos, nachos, tacos, you name it! Everything is delicious and it's also open and dog friendly. 

2. Windward coast

• Mojito Café - This Latin American food restaurant opened recently and it makes me feel close to home. I loved their empanadas, the Cuban sandwich, the ceviche and lomo saltado. The decoration and ambiance is nice too. 

3. Leeward coast

• Mekiko Cantina - I went there for the Margarita flight and came out in love with their ceviche!

4. Central

• Big City Diner - This is the place for locals! Food variety and great prices is what we love. I recommend the fried rice with Portuguese sausage and an over easy egg. 

5. South

• Maui Brewing Co. Waikiki - located right where most tourist hang out, this restaurant has a variety of local beers and great atmosphere. 

Dinner

1. North Shore

• Banzai Sushi Bar - yummy sushi in traditional floor seating (you can opt for regular tables and chairs).

2. Windward coast

• Moani Island Bistro - great food, atmosphere and cocktails! Check out their IG for live music schedule. 

3. Leeward coast

• Tasty Kreyol - This food truck is located right in front of Residence Inn by Marriott. It is Haitian food so it has a lot of flavor; food for the soul. I love their plantain sandwiches and their oxtail. They also participate in events throughout the island so make sure you follow their Instagram page to stay up to date of their hours and location. 

4. Central

• Boston's Pizza - You can never go wrong with pizza. They also have calzones on specific days, call to ask for the daily special. 

5. South

• Olay's Thai Lao Cuisine - Beautiful decoration with delicious traditional Thai food. Their curry and Pad Thai are amazing!