Sushi and poke on Oahu’s North Shore is like having pasta and pizza in Italy. Does the fish get any fresher? Ahi (yellowfin tuna), aku (skipjack tuna), and tako (octopus) are just a few kinds of fresh seafood caught daily in the beautiful blue waters around Hawaii. Here are our top spots
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: Banyan Grill
57-512 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa
808.364.4023
Aji Limo is tucked in the back of the food truck compound across from Sharks Cove. These guys source locally caught fish and local organic produce from Pupukea Farms. This Peruvian-Japanese cuisine is some of the best food you’ll find on the North Shore. Open daily from 11:30am to 8:15pm.
This food truck is located just in front of the Waialua Sugar Mill — it’s a big parking lot, and there’s outdoor seating. Banyans is on a mission to serve 100% locally sourced, sustainable caught fish and produce. This place is mostly about the fish, but the hand-cut fries make for a great snack too. Open Tuesday through Friday 11:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 11:30am to 2:30pm. Closed Sundays.
66-246 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa
808.637.4404
Voted one of Oʻahu’s best by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser four years in a row, BANZAI prides itself in offering locals and visitors some of the finest sushi the islands have to offer. They’ve partnered with local fishermen and North Shore organic farmers to create fresh, unique quality sushi according to season. Open Wednesday through Sunday 4pm to 9pm.
66-235 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa
808.450.8714
This food truck is so evolved you can actually order take out on their website. Yes, we know this is a photo of tempura— if you have one of their sushi please send. No. 7 is open daily from 11:30am to 8pm.
Poke for the People is a small shop in Haleiwa has delicious poke and sushi bowls to fit your fresh fish fix. Their mission is to create healthy and flavorful cuisine with quality ingredients. Absolutely worth your business. Open daily 11am to 5pm.
67-456 Goodale Ave., Waialua
808.282.8162
One of the newest spots on the North Shore, this old converted gas station now serves delicious local style plates. There’s lotsa fish on the menu, including eight different styles of poke. Save room for dessert — they have a great selection of that as well! The Smoking Boar & Coconut is open every day for coffee, smoothies, and hot breakfast from 7:30am to 11am, lunch everyday except Wednesday from 11 am to 3pm, and dinner Thursday through Sunday from 3pm to 8pm.
Uncle Bo’s is a casual spot for lunch and dinner is located right in the heart of Haleiwa town. The menu features all sorts of goodness, but if you’re in the mood for raw fish, you have your choice of seafood ceviche, ahi poke and the spicy tuna bowl. Open Sunday 11am to 7pm, Monday through Friday 4pm to 9pm, Saturday 11am to 9pm.
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku
808.293.7697
Celebrated chef Roy Yamaguchi’s casual, open-air restaurant at the Turtle Bay Resort offers great views of Kuilima Cove and a family potluck-inspired menu heavy on Asian influences and seafood dishes. The sunset sashimi sampler, ahi poke, and tempura spicy ahi roll are all must haves. Beach House is open daily for lunch 11:30am to 2:30pm and for dinner from 4:30pm to 9pm.
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.
