11 Honolulu, Hawaii Plate Lunch Spots That Redefine Comfort Food
Hawaii’s plate lunch tradition brings together the islands’ multicultural heritage on one plate. These hearty meals typically feature two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein that might range from kalua pork to teriyaki chicken.
Honolulu’s food scene offers some of the most mouthwatering plate lunches you’ll ever taste, served in spots where locals and tourists alike gather for authentic island flavors.
1. Rainbow Drive-In
Tucked near Waikiki, this legendary spot has been feeding hungry surfers and locals for over six decades. The portions are generous and prices reasonable.
Their mixed plate with beef, mahi-mahi, and boneless chicken is pure Hawaiian comfort. Don’t miss their gravy-smothered loco moco – a hamburger patty topped with a fried egg.
2. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Started as a small dairy operation in the 1950s, L&L evolved into Hawaii’s most successful plate lunch export. Their signature chicken katsu creates lines during lunch rush.
Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and served with their special katsu sauce. The BBQ mix plate offers a perfect sampler for newcomers wanting to experience multiple island flavors at once.
3. Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Family-owned since 1946, Helena’s Hawaiian Food has earned national recognition for its authentic Hawaiian dishes. The no-frills setting lets the food take center stage.
Their pipikaula (Hawaiian-style dried beef) offers a sweet-salty jerky texture that locals crave. Order the kalua pig with cabbage alongside poi (fermented taro root) for a truly traditional Hawaiian meal experience.
4. Yama’s Fish Market
Seafood shines at this unassuming Honolulu market where daily catches transform into island delicacies. Regulars know to arrive early before popular items sell out.
Their menu often features fresh seafood options, with grilled fish and Hawaiian sides that vary by day. Laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves) is sometimes available, offering a traditional Hawaiian dish when on the menu.
5. Alicia’s Market
Family-run since 1949, Alicia’s rebuilt after a devastating fire because locals couldn’t live without their roast pork. The poke counter remains a popular stop for many locals seeking fresh seafood options.
Their roast pork is a longtime menu favorite, known for its juicy texture and crispy skin. Pair it with their kimchi fried rice instead of plain white for an extra flavor kick.
6. Kahai Street Kitchen
Once a food truck, this Honolulu operation grew into a local lunch spot known for occasionally adding creative touches to classic plate lunch favorites. The chef’s culinary training shows in every dish.
Their furikake-crusted ahi comes seared rare with wasabi aioli that elevates the humble plate lunch format. The garlic fried chicken plate features twice-marinated meat that stays juicy under its crispy coating.
7. Diamond Head Market & Grill
Tourists hiking Diamond Head crater often miss this local gem just minutes away. Morning lines form for their freshly baked blueberry cream cheese scones.
The grilled mahi plate features fresh fish with a tropical fruit salsa that perfectly balances the savory elements. Their plate lunches sometimes include local desserts like haupia alongside the usual macaroni salad and rice.
8. Kalihi Bar-B-Q
Situated in Honolulu’s industrial Kalihi district, this no-frills joint serves some of the island’s most flavorful Filipino-influenced plate lunches. Cab drivers and construction workers crowd the counter during lunch rush.
Their chicken adobo falls off the bone after marinating in vinegar, soy, and spices. The BBQ short ribs feature a sticky-sweet marinade with just enough char from the grill to create caramelized edges.
9. Richie’s Drive Inn
Family-owned for generations, this modest drive-in keeps locals coming back with consistent quality and generous portions. Regulars are on a first-name basis with the staff.
Their fried noodle plate combines crispy and soft textures with vegetables and your choice of protein. The garlic shrimp plate comes with a flavorful butter sauce that pairs perfectly with the traditional rice sides.
10. Zippy’s
Since 1966, this Honolulu institution has been Hawaii’s answer to the mainland diner – with some locations open late into the night and serving comfort food that generations have grown up eating. The Kapahulu location buzzes with energy at all hours.
Their Zip Pac offers a sampler of island favorites: fried chicken, teriyaki beef, fried fish, and Spam on a bed of rice. The chili plate features their famous recipe – slightly sweet and served over rice with a side of mac salad.
11. Ohana Bar-B-Q
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, this family-run Honolulu spot blends Korean barbecue techniques with Hawaiian plate lunch traditions. The small kitchen serves up hearty portions with bold flavors influenced by Korean barbecue traditions.
Their kalbi (Korean short ribs) features a sweet-savory marinade that caramelizes on the grill. The meat-jun plate offers thinly sliced beef dipped in egg batter and fried until golden – a Korean-Hawaiian specialty that pairs perfectly with their house-made dipping sauce.
