The Insider Kailua Restaurant Guide

Kailua is very popular tourist destination.  There are so many restaurants that are recommended in tourist guides, online, and from travelers who have been there before.  However there is also a world of culinary delights that is completely unknown to the mass majority of the people who are visiting the island.  Here are some of those amazing options and best Kailua restaurants that one should be sure to try if they are traveling to the area.

Many travelers prefer to find dining options that not everyone else is visiting.  Some prefer to eat at all of the local places where they can try things that they might not have tried before.

Tips to Find the Best Local Restaurants in Kailua

You need to listen to the natives.  People who live in the area are always going to know where to go to get the best food.  This can include knowing which restaurants offer the best priced choices, are not over populated with tourists, and have the most delicious foods.  Locals are always going to the places with the best values so it is important to ask around and find out what information and recommendations are available from those who live there.

Grab a copy of the local newspaper.  When visiting the city make sure to pick up one of the newspapers.  This can show off some of the restaurants that are in the area as well as some of the ones that might be new to the area.

Spend some time digging online.  When one is first looking at restaurants in a city online they are going to find all of the choices for the chains and the popular places to eat.

Look at the city guides and online websites that feature city guides.  Looking at city guides might not be the best way to find a local restaurant. However if it is the only option then it can come in handy for helping one to find out where they should be going.

9 Favorite Restaurants of the Locals in Kailua

**Cinnamon’s Restaurant (315 Uluniu St)
Cinnamon’s Restaurant has been one of the local favorites for nearly 20 years.  The restaurant features a lot of traditional dishes that the locals love.  Travelers will be able to sample some of the foods that they might not get if they do not live on the islands.

**Crepes  No Ka ‘Oi (143 Hekili St #130)
Chris and Rosario Tarvyd are the owners of Crepes No Ka ‘Oi. The restaurant was Chris’ dream to bring his favorite part of childhood summers spent in French  Polynesia to life.  He loved the food trucks where he could buy the freshest crepes and vowed to one day take those home with him.  The menu is full of an expansive collection of sweet and savory crepes that are sure to please anyone, even the pickiest eaters.

**Uahi Island Grill (131 Hekili St)
Uahi Island Grill is a restaurant that is known for its contemporary foods that are exciting and full of flare.  They pay special attention to the fresh ingredients that are readily available in the area.  The prices are fair and the food served features a variety of different styles of cuisine that all have an island twist on them.  Locals love the comfortable atmosphere that reminds them of former years and the menu that provides modern spins on old favorites.

**Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen (151 Hekili)
Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen is one of the most popular restaurants on the island and is known for having long wait times and long lines.  The thing is that the people who are generally waiting in these lines are not tourists.  The restaurant does not even have their own website.  They are actually just locals who love the food that much.  The restaurant features amazing pancakes and traditional breakfast foods with an island spin.  One of the top specialties is the Macadamia nut sauce that many guests travel great distances just to have again.

**Baci Bistro (30 Aulike St)
Baci Bistro offers some of the best Italian food in Kailua.  This restaurant is known for its “old world” feel with a “new world” menu.  Most of the visitors to this popular restaurant are locals and it seems to remain unknown to most travelers.  The restaurant opened in 1997 and has been going strong since thanks to the menu that keeps diners longing for more and coming back time and time again.

**Tokoname Restaurant (442 Uluniu St)
Visitors who wish to sample the freshest sushi on the island are going to love this local favorite. Their expansive menu even features great options for carry out making it perfect for travelers who are looking for some sushi to take to their rooms or to enjoy on the beach.  There are a number of specials throughout the week on food and drinks as well.