5 Must-Try Gourmet Restaurants in Waikiki (Ready to Splurge!)
Treat Yourself: High-End Bites Near the Beach
You're in Waikiki, soaking up the sun, surfing the waves—why not take it all the way and upgrade your dinner plans too? If you're staying at Waikiki Beachside Hostel, you don’t have to go far to find world-class dining. These five upscale restaurants are all nearby and offer unforgettable food experiences, from Hawaiian fusion to French cuisine.
Whether you're celebrating something special or just in the mood to eat like royalty, these spots bring big flavor and luxury vibes to your plate.
🔥 1. Roy’s Waikiki
Where Hawaiian Fusion Meets Fine Dining
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Walk Time: 6 minutes (0.3 miles)
- Cost: $50 to $100 per person
- What to Order: Misoyaki Butterfish, local seafood
Roy’s is one of Waikiki’s signature dining destinations. Known for its bold fusion of Hawaiian ingredients with Asian and European influences, the menu changes with the seasons and the catch of the day. Expect fresh, flavorful seafood and top-tier service in a polished, island-modern setting.
🍷 2. La Mer at Halekulani
Fine French Dining with Ocean Views
- Rating: 4.6 stars
- Walk Time: 8 minutes (0.4 miles)
- Cost: $100 or more
- What to Order: Tasting menus with French classics, Hawaiian twists
If you're looking for something elegant, La Mer delivers. With its refined atmosphere and expertly crafted French cuisine, this spot has earned a Five Diamond rating for a reason. Every dish is beautifully plated and built around locally sourced ingredients. Bonus: The view of the Pacific at sunset is next-level.
🐟 3. Azure at the Royal Hawaiian
Seafood, Surfside Style
- Rating: 4.4 stars
- Walk Time: 5 minutes (0.2 miles)
- Cost: $145 per person for a 5-course meal
- What to Order: Chef’s Tasting Menu, fresh island fish
Steps from the sand, Azure offers an upscale seafood experience inside the iconic pink Royal Hawaiian hotel. The vibe is beach-luxe, and the menu features carefully prepared dishes made with local fish, produce, and spices. Go for the tasting menu if you want a full culinary journey.
🍽 4. Mugen
Exclusive. Intimate. Next-Level Flavor.
- Rating: 4.8 stars
- Walk Time: 7 minutes (0.3 miles)
- Cost: $175 to $220
- What to Order: Five-course tasting menu, wine pairings
Tucked inside the luxurious ESPACIO hotel, Mugen is all about detail. The menu is compact but powerful, offering a curated tasting experience that leans into Japanese and European flavors. This is a splurge-worthy destination if you’re after intimacy, creativity, and flawless technique.
🥩 5. The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood
Sky-High Steakhouse with Killer Views
- Rating: 4.7 stars
- Drive Time: 10 minutes (1.5 miles)
- Cost: $100 or more per person
- What to Order: Prime ribeye, lobster tail, signature cocktails
For steak and a skyline, The Signature sits atop the 36th floor of the Ala Moana Hotel and serves top-tier meats with a view to match. While it’s a quick drive from the hostel, the atmosphere—complete with live piano music—and panoramic views make it worth the ride.
💡 Quick Recap
Here are your top splurge spots near Waikiki Beachside Hostel:
- Roy’s Waikiki – Hawaiian fusion, 6 min walk
- La Mer – French fine dining, 8 min walk
- Azure – Seafood with ocean views, 5 min walk
- Mugen – Exclusive tasting menu, 7 min walk
- The Signature – Steakhouse with city views, 10 min drive
