The 5 Best Lobster Roll Places in Honolulu

Aloha fellow lobster roll enthusiasts!

Let me tell you, I’ve been on the hunt for the tastiest, juiciest, best lobster rolls in Honolulu for quite some time now. Ever since my boyfriend and I first tried these heavenly treats at Jolene’s Market during a sweltering summer day in Chinatown, we just can’t get enough! So trust me when I say that you are going to love what I have in store for you.

But hey, I understand your fears of making the wrong choice or missing out on that perfect roll. No worries!
After spending countless hours researching and taste-testing (someone’s got to do it, right?), I’m ready to share with you my top picks for scrumptious lobster rolls right here in beautiful Oahu. You’ll soon be an expert too!

Picture yourself sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering combination of fresh, succulent lobster mixed with creamy sauce, crisp veggies all nestled inside a warm New England bun…ahh! If this sounds like you – then welcome to our Lobster Roll Loving Family.

Warning: You might start considering moving to Hawaii after trying these delightful dishes.

So grab your favorite cold drink and let’s dive straight into the world of irresistible Hawaiian-style lobster rolls!

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Jolene’s Market

With three locations in Oahu, Jolene’s Market is a local favorite for island-style lobster rolls. The restaurant bakes its buns for the rolls and gets its Maine lobsters from local fisher shops on the island, so expect fresh seafood flavors.

Jolene’s lobster rolls also deviate from the usual mayonnaise-filled ones, as she uses a Cajun butter sauce that tastes fantastic. Mixed with lettuce, onions, daikon, carrots, and a hefty portion of lobster, the rolls are positively spilling with filling, which is tasty enough to scoop up and eat on its own.

You can’t miss Jolene’s Market when visiting Oahu, as they make the best lobster rolls in Honolulu.

They have a comfortable interior and dining setup to enjoy your food.
They also serve a delicious lobster grilled cheese sandwich.
Service is friendly and efficient here.

Address: 100 N Beretania St, Suite #105, Honolulu, Oahu.

Livestock Tavern

You’ll find the Livestock Tavern in the heart of Chinatown, a cozy eatery with an eclectic setup and amazing food. They specialize in a range of meat dishes, but the lobster rolls here are unmatched, made in the classic style that OG lobster roll enthusiasts will love.

Their rolls come with a big portion of lobster, well-seasoned and coated with a rich brown butter hollandaise, a tangy lemon aioli, fresh onions, celery, and parsley. There’s also mayonnaise in the mix, but it’s kept light with the other sauces, so you can taste each flavor individually.

Don’t miss Livestock Tavern if you visit Chinatown, as they make some of the best lobster rolls in Honolulu.

Try their brunch menu, which has excellent dishes like burgers and steaks.
The restaurant bakes its own butter-brioche bun for the lobster roll.
The service is great, and they have a friendly waitstaff.

Address: 49 N Hotel St, Honolulu, Oahu.

Feast by John Matsubara

Chef Matsubara brings forth American classics on his menu and enhances them with his recipes. That’s why you have to try the lobster roll at Feast, considered one of the best in Honolulu for its simple yet delicious flavors.

Their rolls are packed with chilled lobster meat, coated in dashi and soy-infused mayo, finely chopped dill, scallions, and juice from fresh Meyer lemons, and loaded in a buttery roll. The result is a party in your mouth, as each flavor stands on its own and makes the lobster meat stand out.

You can also try other delicious items from the menu: Hilo steak burger with mushroom sauce, pork belly lunch plate with rice, and fresh catch of the day.

We’re fans of the food at Feast, and you’ll love it, too, as they make the best lobster rolls in Honolulu.

They offer indoor dining in a comfortable seating area.
You must place your order at the counter or call ahead for pick-ups.
The chef is often around and checks on diners during the meal.

Address: 2970 E Manoa Rd, Honolulu, Oahu.

Fat Cheeks

Hole-in-the-wall eateries make the best street-style food, so visit Fat Cheeks in the Ohana Hale Marketplace to try their delicious lobster rolls. As they’re inside Ward Village, the restaurant isn’t crowded, and you won’t have to wait for the food.

Fat Cheeks makes a terrific lobster roll on a fresh bun with simple butter bay seasoning with strong garlic flavors, which bring out a slightly sweet taste from the lobster, and chopped veggies. The lobster roll comes with a side of chips that pair well with the crispy and meaty roll.

Stop by Fat Cheeks after shopping in the market for a taste of the best lobster rolls in Honolulu.

Their menu has great options like fish and chips, pork sandwiches, garlic shrimp, and cheeseburgers.
They have a display case of baked desserts like lemon curd tart and chocolate bread.
Their prices are reasonable for the big portions.

Address: 333 Ward Ave, Honolulu, Oahu.

Royal Lobster

A walk down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki reveals tons of amazing eateries, but you want to walk into Royal Lobster for the best lobster rolls in Oahu. They only have a few items on the menu and deliver a cozy vibe with their intimate outdoor seating.

The lobster roll was the perfect mix of temperatures, featuring a hot buttered bun packed with chilled lobster chunks and butter. The chefs here prepare a version primarily with meat with very few sides, so the fresh flavors from the lobster dominate the roll. Paired with garlic mayo, slaw, and chips on the side, this makes for a delicious meal that fills you up for the whole day.

We love Royal Lobster’s version of the roll, and you will, too, after trying it.

The owner gives a 10% discount to first-timers.
They also serve a delicious lobster salad with all the flavors of the roll.
Service here is friendly and efficient.

Address: 2230 Kalakaua Ave Ll102, Honolulu, Oahu.

Wrapping Up: The Best Lobster Rolls in Honolulu

With the Pacific Ocean right next to the island, it only makes sense for Oahu to serve seafood favorites like lobster rolls made with fresh island and Maine lobsters. Honolulu seafood restaurants are a must-visit for anyone craving the best seafood in Hawaii. Hawaii lobster dishes have a unique taste, especially when sourced from the Pacific Ocean adjacent to Oahu. Honolulu stands out for its lobster specials, with both island-caught and Maine lobster used in their renowned lobster rolls. The lobster roll trend is huge, and while they are available across the island, top eateries in Honolulu serve them with both classic and new flavors.

For a taste of the traditional lobster roll, Feast and Livestock Tavern is your destination. However, if you’re keen on exploring a fusion of lobster flavors, Jolene’s Market in Chinatown should be on your honolulu dining recommendations list. If you’re wondering where to eat lobster in Honolulu, these seafood shacks in Honolulu offer lovely food options. Don’t miss out on their side offerings, like french fries and potato salad, to complement the great food experience. Reviews often cite that the best lobster roll in Honolulu is truly unmissable!

Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by Brigitte