Looking for gluten-free dining options in Waikiki and Honolulu? Sure there’s the Cheesecake Factory with a gluten-free menu on Kalakaua Avenue, but did you really come to Oahu to go to a restaurant you could go to at home? While we have included a couple chains on our list below, for the most part these are unique GF friendly options.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
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Feature Image: Tucker & Bevy
2525 S King St., Honolulu
(808) 947-7678
As the name implies, if you have one or more eating restrictions, there are plenty of no-fuss ingredients to keep you functioning at your best here. Down to Earth menu items include acai bowls, salads, casseroles and even gluten-free cake mixes. Open daily 6am to 10pm.
2335 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki
(808) 923-4852
While happy hour doesn’t feature too many GF items, this restaurant takes dietary restrictions seriously. From using tender touch gloves to prepare food to diners reporting all-clear ratings on Nima sensors, you’re in good hands here. Hula Grill is open every day 7am to 10:30pm.
Thanks to corn tortillas it’s easy to make Mexican food gluten-free. The Surf N Turf menu is filled with fresh ingredients like fresh fish and salsa, which is everything you really need. Grab your items to-go or enjoy them at the communal tables outside. Open daily 10am to 9pm.
3571 Waialae Ave., Honolulu
(808) 734-3443
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, find them all at To Thai For, that’s known for serving authentic, not watered down Thai food. A great thing about this cuisine? Most curries, rice noodle-based dishes, and desserts like mango with sticky rice are naturally gluten-free. Open Monday through Saturday 11am to 8pm and Sunday 4:30 pm to 8pm.
2586 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki
(808) 922-2088
Healthy, tasty, and plenty of gluten-free and vegan options to choose from. Adored by tourists and locals alike, Tucker and Bevvy is a solid choice for a quick bite — pick pre-made items from the fridge — or hang in line for the made to order goods. Open daily 7am to 7pm.
226 Lewers St., Waikiki
(808) 923-9273
Not only a favorite of beer lovers, this reliable chain offers a gluten sensitive menu and makes strides to keep food uncontaminated—think: steamed asparagus and dairy sauces for sautéing. There are no gluten-free bread options but burgers are often better wrapped anyway. Yardhouse is open Sunday through Thursday 11am to 1am and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 1:20am.
2199 Kalia Rd., Waikiki
(808) 923-2311
While House Without a Key doesn’t have a separate gluten-free menu, the staff is very knowledgeable and will steer you right. Be sure to check with your waiter to see which items on the menu can be prepared gluten-free, or opt for the fresh fish catch special and quinoa salad. Open daily 7am to 8:30pm.
Offering an abundance of cuisines ranging from Mediterranean to Japanese to American, and many dishes that can be made gluten-free, Orchids has it all. Known for its afternoon tea service, keep in mind that tank tops, beachwear, exercise attire and flip-flops are not permitted here. Open Monday to Saturday 7am to 8:30pm and Sunday for from from 9am to 1:30pm and for dinner from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
Did we miss your favorite restaurant?
Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.