Lanikai has no restaurants of its own.
It's a small, exclusively residential beach neighborhood. The closest dining sits 5 to 10 minutes away in Kailua town — 7 spots, from a 1962 steakhouse institution to fresh acai bowls and a daily-catch seafood market.
Nestled on Oahu's stunning southeastern shore, Lanikai is known for its pristine beach and crystal-clear water. Because the neighborhood itself is purely residential, its food scene lives just up the road in Kailua, where a vibrant mix of casual cafes and upscale dining awaits. Here are 7 of the best restaurants near Lanikai, each a short drive from the sand.
01
Buzz's Original Steak House
413 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua · (808) 261-4661 · $$$
Open daily 11 am–2:45 pm & 3:30–9 pm · 7 min from Lanikai Beach
A family-owned island institution since 1962, Buzz's pairs old-school Hawaiian charm — tiki-hut decor, stained glass, decades of regulars — with steaks cooked exactly to order, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. Past visitors have included Presidents Clinton and Obama, who reportedly sat at a corner table inside.
Order this: the calamari steak, prime rib, or a Mai Tai on the front patio. No reservations needed for small parties, but call ahead for groups.
02
Kalapawai Café & Deli
750 Kailua Rd, Kailua · (808) 262-3354 · $$
Breakfast & lunch 7 am–4 pm, dinner 4:30–8 pm (later Fri/Sat) · 8 min from Lanikai Beach
Part of the Kalapawai family of shops serving Kailua since 1932, this location at the entrance to Kailua Town pairs rustic charm with a lanai for open-air dining. It's a go-to for locally roasted coffee, gourmet sandwiches, and a wine and beer list built around small, family-owned producers.
Order this: the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, made with fresh local fish — consistently the most-photographed dish on the menu.
03
Lanikai Juice
600 Kailua Rd, Kailua · (808) 262-2383 · $
Open daily 7 am–6 pm · 8 min from Lanikai Beach
Founded in 1997 and now with several Oahu locations, this Kailua original still feels like the flagship. Every smoothie, juice, and acai bowl is built from organic, locally sourced fruit, and the shop runs on compostable containers and paper straws.
Order this: the Acai Extravaganza, topped with granola, fresh fruit, honey, quinoa puffs, and coconut chips — expect to pay around $11–12 for a bowl, $7–8 for a medium smoothie.
04
Nalu Health Bar & Café
131 Hekili St #109, Kailua · (808) 263-6258 · $
Open daily 9 am–6 pm · 9 min from Lanikai Beach
Started in 2014 by four friends who met through surfing, Nalu has grown from a single Kailua storefront into one of Oahu's favorite local cafes. The menu covers vegan and gluten-free diets without feeling like an afterthought, with locally roasted coffee from Kailua Town Coffee Roasters on tap.
Order this: the Tropical Blast or Purple Bliss smoothie, or an organic acai bowl made with Brazilian-sourced acai.
05
Formaggio Grill
305 Hahani St, Kailua · (808) 263-2633 · $$$
Dinner from 4:30 pm, daily · live music Fri & Sat · 9 min from Lanikai Beach
A casual-elegant Italian bistro with a Mediterranean streak, Formaggio pours more than 50 wines by the glass and runs a happy hour most evenings. The dining room doubles as a date-night favorite, with live music drawing weekend crowds.
Order this: fresh Hawaiian fish or the garlic ribeye steak. Reservations are recommended, especially for prime evening seating.
06
Paia Fishmarket Kailua
151 Hekili St #150, Kailua · (808) 772-4270 · $
Open daily 11 am–8 pm · counter service, no reservations · 9 min from Lanikai Beach
This Kailua outpost (opened 2022) traces back to the original Paia Fishmarket, which started in a sleepy Maui surf town in 1989. It's order-at-the-counter casual, built around whatever fish came in fresh that day — mahi, ahi, snapper — grilled, sauteed, or Cajun-style.
Order this: the fish sandwich with house-made tartar sauce, or blackened sashimi if you're in the mood for something heartier.
07
Teddy's Bigger Burgers
539 Kailua Rd #101, Kailua · (808) 262-0820 · $
Open daily 10 am–9 pm · 8 min from Lanikai Beach
Founded at the base of Diamond Head in 1998 and voted Hawaii's best burger since 2001, Teddy's keeps it simple: 100% fresh ground chuck, no fillers, charbroiled to order. The Kailua location is one of several across Oahu.
Order this: the Kailua Burger — teriyaki, Swiss, grilled onions, and mushrooms — or a hand-scooped shake made with local ice cream.
Lanikai may not have restaurants of its own, but it's just minutes from a food lover's paradise. From the classic charm of Buzz's to the acai bowls at Nalu, Kailua's culinary scene covers every mood — a romantic dinner, an energetic breakfast, or a refreshing smoothie — all a short drive from the beach.
Thinking About Living Near Lanikai?
Lanikai homes rarely last long on the market. If having Kailua's food scene minutes from your door sounds like home, let's talk.
Tracy Allen brings 35+ years of experience helping buyers find their place in Lanikai and the surrounding Windward neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there restaurants in Lanikai itself?
No. Lanikai is a small, exclusively residential beach neighborhood with no commercial zoning, so it has no restaurants of its own. The nearest dining options are in Kailua town, 5 to 10 minutes away by car.
What is the best restaurant near Lanikai Beach?
Buzz's Original Steak House, open since 1962, is the most established dining destination near Lanikai Beach, about 7 minutes away in Kailua. For something more casual, Kalapawai Café & Deli is a longtime local favorite for breakfast and lunch.
Where can I get a healthy meal or smoothie near Lanikai?
Lanikai Juice and Nalu Health Bar & Café both offer smoothies, acai bowls, and health-conscious options including vegan and gluten-free choices, about 8 to 9 minutes from Lanikai Beach in Kailua town.