15 Restaurants You Must Try on the North Shore in Oahu

Are you searching for the best restaurants on the North Shore in Oahu? It’s no secret that the North Shore is one of the top destinations when visiting the Hawaiian Islands.

Not only is the North Shore considered the surfing capital of the world, it’s also home to some of the best “ono grinds” (that means delicious food!) you can find on the island of Oahu.

After a long day of hiking to Ka’ena Point, snorkeling at Shark’s Cove, exploring Waimea Valley’s botanical gardens and waterfall, or simply shopping in historic Haleiwa town, you’ll want tasty and hearty eats. Don’t miss these must-try restaurants on the North Shore in Oahu!

NOTE: As of January 5, 2022- Stay up to date on Oahu’s travel guidelines here. Furthermore, consult the Hawaii Travel Requirements website before you plan your trip to any Hawaiian island.

Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored. We paid for all the activities mentioned and all opinions are our own. This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase after clicking my link. Thank you for being a loyal reader!

Best Food on the North Shore, Oahu

There are numerous options when hunting down a great meal on the North Shore. Ranging from high-end restaurants in Haleiwa to an incredible food truck park in Kahuku, you’re guaranteed to find something to satiate your taste buds.

It is important to note that some local establishments randomly close or open late/close early on the North Shore depending on how good the surf is (not kidding!). So, it’s smart to have a back up restaurant in mind when heading out for your day trip.

For more info on local and authentic Hawaiian grub, check out my blog post Must-Eat Foods in Oahu!

The Beet Box Cafe

Address: 66-437 Kamehameha Hwy #104 in Haleiwa
Hours: 9AM – 3PM, daily
What to Order: Mayan Bowl, Rainbow Country Burrito, Mexicali Blues, Yogi Bowl, Thai Tacos, or any of their fresh, delicious baked goods (gluten-free blueberry donut pictured above).

The Beet Box Cafe is a vegan restaurant. However, according to my carnivorous husband, the meals are hearty, fresh, and flavorful to the extent of not missing the meat!

This fantastic Haleiwa restaurant serves local, organic ingredients and changes the menu occasionally to keep their dishes creative. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative, vegan, or gluten-free menu, the Beet Box is the best place to eat on the North Shore!

TIP: Parking can be challenging. Try parking behind the Post Office or HeisgreaterthanI store. Occasionally, there is free guest parking across the street at the Waialua Community Association. Obviously, don’t park in a tow away zone!

Looking for more amazing breakfast restaurants around Honolulu? Check out these delectable eateries in my blog post for Best Breakfast in Oahu!

Crispy Grindz

Address: 66-236 Kamehameha Hwy in Haleiwa
Hours: 9AM – 8PM, daily
What to Order: Acai Bowl, with as many exciting toppings you can stand, and Coxinha!

An unassuming blue food truck harbors the best acai bowl you can find on the North Shore (in my humble opinion!). An acai bowl, a Brazilian specialty, is a delicious blend of frozen mashed acai berries with custom toppings such as fruit and granola.

Crispy Grindz serves authentic delicacies from Brazil with skill and precision. They are one of the best places to eat on the North Shore for a snack or a meal!

TIP: When parking beside the food truck along the road, try to back into a spot so you can easily hop back out into traffic. Also, plan to spend a little extra time at Crispy Grindz because everything is made to order and served fresh!

Fasay Thai Wagon

best restaurants on the north shore in oahu

Address: 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy in Kahuku
Hours: 11:30AM – 7:30PM, daily (although, the truck is known to be periodically closed unexpectedly)
What to Order: Spring Rolls, Pad Thai, Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken, or anything really!

The Kahuku food truck park is, hands down, the best place to eat on the North Shore. Everyone in your party will be sure to find something they like. Hidden off to the side of this food oasis is a little blue food truck with incredibly scrumptious Thai cuisine.

Fasay Thai Wagon (formerly known as Thong’s Thai) is in my top three favorite Thai restaurants on the entire island! The portions are HUGE and the food is prepared perfectly. When it comes to Thai food, I enjoy a rich chili oil to add to my entrée and Fasay Thai doesn’t disappoint. (But, it’s very spicy, so use it sparingly!)

TIP: The food truck accepts only cash. However, there is an ATM located at the Kahuku Superette Convenience Store next door.

Coffee Gallery

Address: 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Ste C106 in Haleiwa
Hours: 6:30AM – 6PM, daily
What to Order: Milky Way Mocha, Mocha Freeze, Golden Turmeric Latte

Want to try gourmet coffee beans roasted in Hawaii? You’ve gotta make a stop at the Coffee Gallery on the North Shore! There may be a line, but you’ll enjoy perusing their shop while waiting for your order.

In addition to amazing coffee, they offer acai bowls, baked goods, and other grab and go dishes!

TIP: Be sure to check out the “Seasonal Specials” menu and try one of their limited time coffees or teas!

Want more Hawaiian coffee in your life? Don’t miss out on Visiting Green World Coffee Farm on Oahu!

Aloha General Store

Address: 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, #G130 in Haleiwa
Hours: 10:30AM – 6PM, Mon-Sat & 11:30AM – 6PM, Sun
What to Order: Lava Flow Bowl or the Haleiwa Flavor Combination

Thanks to my dear friend who found this gem and introduced me to its deliciousness! I know we’ve all heard of Matsumoto’s Shave Ice (and it is good!) but, Aloha General Store is simply better.

The Aloha General Store has the best shave ice on the North Shore. They use filtered water, fresh chilled syrups, and served with locally made Dave’s Ice Cream.

TIP: Sit outside on the painted benches to enjoy your treat with a perfect view of the island’s tallest mountain peak, Mount Ka’ala of the Waianae Mountain Range.

Uncle Bo’s

Address: 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy, #101 in Haleiwa
Hours: 4PM – 9PM, Mon-Fri & 11AM – 9PM, Sat & 10AM – 7PM, Sun
What to Order: Kalua Pig Sliders (with sweet taro buns!), Boca-Rota, Six Little Piggies, Baked Opah Mauna Kea, and Hobo’s (taro beignets).

Uncle Bo’s is a great North Shore restaurant to sample local Hawaiian cuisine with an upscale American twist. The dining area is large and spacious. Most enjoy the cocktail hour and expansive bar menu.

The convenience of this great little restaurant in downtown Haleiwa makes it a must-try stop when eating on the North Shore. Especially, if you are already shopping around at the local boutiques!

TIP: If no street parking is available, just head behind the strip of shops and look for a vacant spot in the lot behind the buildings.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

Address: 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy in Kahuku
Hours: 10:30AM – 6:30PM, daily
What to Order: Shrimp Scampi (garlic shrimp), Hot & Spicy if you like vinegar and burning your face off -wink- The Jumbo Garlic Hot Dog is also a great option for under $5!

Giovanni’s is arguably the best shrimp truck in Oahu; they are, at the very least, the most popular! Others claim that less touristy shrimp trucks serve it up better, such as Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp and Big Wave Shrimp. You’ll have to try them all and decide for yourself who does it best!

Although there is another location in Haleiwa, I chose the Kahuku location because it’s our favorite. Do keep in mind that you’ll have to peel the shrimp before eating!

TIP: The food truck accepts only cash. However, there is an ATM located at the Kahuku Superette Convenience Store next door.

Hale’iwa Bowls

Address: 66-030 Kamehameha Hwy in Haleiwa
Hours: 7:30AM – 6:00PM, daily (however, they have been known to close an hour earlier in the winter)
What to Order: The Local Bowl, the Blue Majik Bowl, the Paniolo Bowl

Many claim that Hale’iwa Bowls is the best acai bowl on the North Shore, but I don’t quite agree. Don’t get me wrong! Hale’iwa Bowls is delicious. They also offer healthy and locally sourced add-ons to their bowls and smoothies such as spirulina and collagen peptides. However, their acai base isn’t quite as full bodied and tart (the way I like!).

Be that as it may, you can’t beat grabbing a scrumptious bowl or smoothie and enjoying it, just down the road, by the water at Hale’iwa Beach Park. Definitely give the restaurant a try when exploring downtown Hale’iwa!

Seven Brothers

Address: 56-565 Kamehameha Hwy in Kahuku
Hours: 11AM – 3:30PM; 4:15PM – 9:00PM, daily (Closed on Sunday)
What to Order: The Spencer, the Shem, or the Coconut Macadamia Nut Shrimp Salad

This North Shore restaurant is one of the best places to eat, hands down! Not only is Seven Brothers home to one of the most decadent burgers I’ve ever had, but they have truly sensational coconut shrimp. The burgers are juicy and piled high with elaborate toppings. The fries are amazing too! They are well seasoned with a spicy ranch type dipping sauce.

I will admit, the service can be pretty slow. It’s because each dish is cooked to order! So, it’s worth the wait! Enjoy your time sitting on the picnic tables or explore the old sugar mill while you wait for your food.

Matsumoto Shave Ice

Address: 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605 in Haleiwa
Hours: 10:00AM – 6:00PM, daily
What to Order: Ichiban Special or the Tropical flavor combo

Another North Shore staple is Matsumoto’s Shave Ice! Is there better shave ice out there? Yes. BUT, going to Matsumoto’s (especially if it’s your first shave ice on the island) is a fun experience! You can watch them create your masterpiece in an assembly line.

In addition, Matsumoto offers a few other unique items such as mochi balls, azuki beans, and an edible waffle bowl! If the lines aren’t too long, it’s worth checking out this Haleiwa restaurant.

Surf N Salsa

Address: 66521 Kamehameha Hwy in Haleiwa
Hours: 11:30AM – 7:30PM, daily (closed on Sunday)
What to Order: Sopes, Tsunami Fries, and of course, Tacos!

Being from Texas, it’s always a challenge to find the spicy, meaty, cheesy Tex-Mex that I crave. A few of the Mexican restaurants on island satisfied me, however, Surf n Salsa exceeded my expectations!

It’s hard to go wrong with the pork, chorizo, or carne asada tacos. They also offer tasty burritos, quesadillas, and other specialty items to keep you coming back for more. If you’re craving high quality Mexican eats, check out some of the best food on the North Shore at Surf n Salsa!

TIP: Enjoy your meal in the back of the restaurant at the picnic tables- you might be greeted by some locals (the chickens!).

Spaghettini

Address: 66-200 Kamehameha Hwy, Suite B in Haleiwa
Hours: 11AM – 8PM, daily
What to Order: Zucchini Sticks, Jumbo Cheese Ravioli w/ Bolognese, the White Pizza

On the corner of a strip mall along the main highway through Haleiwa is this delightful Italian restaurant. If you’re craving New York style pizza, this is the best place to eat on the North Shore!

Nothing is better than grabbing a slice to-go and enjoying the cheesy goodness along the shores of Haleiwa Beach Park.

Hale’iwa Joe’s

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Address: 66-011 Kamehameha Hwy in Haleiwa
Hours: 4:30PM – 9:00PM, daily; 10AM – 2PM on Sunday
What to Order: Grilled Fish, Prime Rib, New York Strip, and Fried Cauliflower

Hale’iwa Joe’s is one of the best restaurants for dinner on the North Shore! Located in the heart of historic Haleiwa town, the line is often out the door well before they open!

Indulge in refreshing cocktails overlooking the ‘Anahulu river that flows out to Waialua Bay. Often, there are locals jumping from the iconic Kamehameha Highway bridge and peacocks roaming the parking lot. There’s always something fun to see!

Although the seafood is fresh and delicious, I’m partial to their New York Strip steak. It’s consistently cooked to perfection and is smothered in whole, spicy peppers. On an island that’s hard to find good beef (coming from a Texan), Hale’iwa Joe’s really hit the spot!

TIP: Unfortunately, Hale’iwa Joe’s does not accept reservations. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to show up when they open and put your name on the waiting list.

Hale’iwa Beach House

Address: 62-540 Kamehameha Hwy in Haleiwa
Hours: 11AM – 3PM Monday-Thursday; 11AM – 8PM Friday-Sunday
What to Order: Kalua Pork Grilled Cheese, Hawaiian Teri Beef, or the Thai BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Does Hale’iwa Beach House have the best food on the North Shore? I don’t think so. However, the open air dining room and ocean view make the restaurant special.

After a long morning of learning to surf, horseback riding in the mountains, or snorkeling, the hearty lunch portions warm your belly. Eating and relaxing with views of the beach and Ka’ena Point in the distance make it worthwhile. In addition, many of their handcrafted signature cocktails are fun to try!

Farm to Barn Cafe & Juicery

Address: 66-320 Kamehameha Hwy in Haleiwa
Hours: 9AM – 3PM Monday-Friday; 8AM – 12PM Saturday; 8AM – 4PM Sunday
What to Order: Ulu Waffles, BLT Bagel, Harvest Bowl, and any of their fresh bottled juices

Looking for fresh and healthy meals during your Hawaii vacation? Look no further than Farm to Barn Cafe & Juicery! They offer some of the best breakfast on the North Shore. This Haleiwa restaurant prides itself on sourcing their ingredients from the best local, organic farms.

Sit back and relax on their outdoor picnic tables with views of the Wai’anae mountain range. You’ll feel much less guilty indulging in shave ice later after a wholesome and nourishing breakfast -wink-.

TIP: Usually, there is live music on the weekends!

Where to Eat on the North Shore Conclusion

Depending on what you’re in the mood for or what new food you want to try while vacationing in Hawaii, some of the best restaurant options in Oahu are on the North Shore! Regardless, you are unlikely to be disappointed in any establishment you choose to dine in.

We still would like to try other North Shore restaurants such as Wicked Hi Cafe, The Smoking Boar and the Coconut, Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi, and Pupukea Grill. We’ve also tried Kono’s at multiple locations in Oahu, but were never impressed by our meals, so that’s why I didn’t include Kono’s on this list.