Best Restaurants with Healthy Menus in Honolulu

Cafe Haleiwa is a North Shore staple, owned and operation by a family who's lived there for decades. The cafe has been open for over a decade too, and is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Until recently the cafe served breakfast only, which was always good. The breakfast menu offered standard breakfast fare like pancakes and eggs, in addition many Mexican breakfast dishes. Just a few months ago Cafe Haleiwa opened for dinner, and is now one of the best dinner spots in the town. Their food is gourmet and still decently priced. The dinner menu offers unique dishes such as savory thyme cheesecake served with greens and fruit, ginger potato soup, and main dishes of fresh local fish, ribs, and steak. It's bring your own beer and wine here, which can be purchased next door at the adjacent wine shop.

Nestled in a historic building across from the ocean on the lush east side of Oahu, the Waiahole Poi Factory is a family owned business that makes 'ono (delicious) Hawaiian food. They also sell traditional Hawaiian arts and musical instruments as well as clothing and other accessories. They also offer workshops for people interested in Hawaiian crafts to learn 'ohe hano ihu (bamboo nose flutes) and ipu (gourd instrument). The factory is one of the most traditional Hawaiian eateries on the island today. Guests can enjoy a meal there while looking at the ocean at an outdoor table, or take it on the road. The menu includes delicious traditional dishes such as poi (pounded taro root), kalua pig, and squid or beef laulau. Chicken long rice, lomi salmon, and poke and fern salad are also available. All dishes come in full or mini sizes. Haupia (coconut dessert) is also on the menu and is absolutely delicious.

Pupukea Grill is a favorite for lunch spot for regular pro surfers, locals, and visitors (check out the array of signed surf photos under the tent). Farm fresh island produce and local fish help to inspire a seasonal menu that caters to both locals and visitors alike. This is not your usual lunch wagon. Although plate lunches are served, the rest of the menu consists of non- traditional lunch wagon fare such as panini, freshly made quesadilla, fish taco, signature fish bowls and shaved ice. The most popular item is our fish bowl which is served with freshly made pico de gallo, sour cream, and lime over brown rice. Combining "Okazu", Japanese, Mexican and local style cooking techniques and ingredients have allowed them to create a unique niche on the North Shore.

If you can drag yourself away from the pounding surf of the North Shore, reserve a table at this this newly revamped and renamed upscale restaurant, which prepares local cuisine with fresh ingredients. Aim for a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows for a magnificent view while you dine. Based on the theme of going "locovore," the menu changes often according to what's in season, guaranteeing new pleasures with each visit. They also use as much locally raised and grown food as possible. Innovative entrees include Thai chili-braised fish with cucumber gazpacho, and seared scallops in "faux" polenta (sweet creamed corn). A five-course tasting menu is also available.

The Heeia Pier General Store and Deli is a classic Kaneohe eatery enjoyed by dedicated locals for three decades as it served up local classic like plate lunches and loco mocos (beef patty, egg and gravy over rice). But recently top chef Mark Noguchi took over the classic eatery and put a modern sustainable and healthier take on the local comfort food. All of the beef is from the Big Island and grass fed, the fish is caught nearby, and other vegetables are all grown locally - a locovore's dream. Located ocean front on the pier, diners can enjoy casual - but really good breakfast and lunch right on the water.

Hip coffee shop, haven for artists of all types, and gathering place for social events - those are just some of the ways you can describe Fresh Cafe in the Kakaako area of Honolulu. Serving up local coffees and espresso in all forms, teas, fruit smoothies, bagels, and other quick and delicious meals, Fresh Cafe is a happening spot that's also home to a bar and gathering space called The Loft. Open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, Fresh Cafe has the latest cafe hours in town. They pride on supporting "next level dreamers, fearless innovators, and for having the largest slam poetry event in the nation."

Hawaii's only all vegetarian natural food store has three locations around the island of Oahu. In addition to a thorough array of grocery shopping, each Down to Earth has a well thought out salad bar as well as a hot food bar open from early morning to late at night. While the salad bar selections remain the same throughout the day, the hot food bar changes from breakfast foods to dishes fit for lunch and dinner. The food here is always healthy, much of it is organic, and it's a really satisfying meal that you can enjoy inside or outdoors at tables, or take it to go.

At this fantastic caf�, you can either step in for a smoothie or a full-bodied cup or coffee, or you can stay awhile and have a light meal as well. Cr�pes are a specialty, both savory and sweet, and you can also pick up an omelet, salad, sandwich, or stir-fried dish. Cakes and cookies make an appearance as well, as do some great vegetarian options, including vegan, low-fat, and tofu-based fare. Although it's located in a modest shopping center, it's actually a super cute and great place to eat. Browse the delightful shops in the immediate area before or after dining.

Spare, contemporary design not only makes an unassuming backdrop for this appealing bistro; it also serves as a thoughtful counterpoint to a menu of simply prepared but complex offerings. Stellar ingredients step in to be given loving attention from the chefs, who turn out dishes like a grilled half-chicken with pancetta, slow-braised pork cheeks, black mussels with fennel-tinged homemade pasta, and crisp, creative salads. Even burgers are sublime. Good wines heighten the flavors, and outdoor dining lets you take in good weather with your great food. You'll need a reservation here any night of the week, so don't forget to call in.

Eat healthy, organic and natural at the Beet Box Cafe in Haleiwa. If you're into vegetarian or vegan food, this is the place to go. The good news is that the Beet Box appeals across the board, those who usually eat meat still love the menu at the Beet Box. A hand written chalkboard on the wall displays their wide variety of smoothies (all named after local surf breaks) and the menu by the cash register shares the healthy breakfast and lunch dishes. Menu includes uniquely named dishes such as the Duppy Conqueror (rice, beans, avocado and mango salsa), Optimistic Thought (hummas wrap), and Three Little Birds (sauteed fake bacon in a sandwich). Salads, tofu dishes, and other wraps and sandwiches compose the rest of the menu. Although there's limited seating in the small restaurant, take out is always a great option here. Call ahead to avoid a wait.