Garlic shrimp is one of the most iconic local foods in Hawaii. Though technically not something that originated in Hawaii, it quickly became a popular dish thanks to food trucks and counters lining Oahu’s North Shore, especially near Kahuku, where shrimp was once heavily farm raised. Today, you can find garlic shrimp not only on the North Shore but also across Waikiki and Honolulu, with each eatery offering its own unique style.
If you want to compare flavors and find your favorite, this roundup covers 20 recommended garlic shrimp spots in Oahu (2026 edition), from famous food trucks to hidden local favorites.
Information is based on data as of March 30, 2026.
North Shore / Kahuku
Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp
A highly popular garlic shrimp spot in Kahuku that continues the legacy of a well-known North Shore favorite is Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp. Long lines are common throughout the day, so expect a little bit of a wait. However, the large, tender shrimp packed with flavor makes it all worthwhile. Homemade sauces are prepared daily, such as garlic butter and spicy, forging rich and bold flavors that appeal to both locals and visitors.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
One of the most famous and OG garlic shrimp trucks on the North Shore, known for its graffiti-covered truck, is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. Locations include Kahuku and Haleiwa, but for those who do not want to drive out, there is also a location inside H Mart in Kakaʻako, Honolulu. Menu options include scampi, hot & spicy, and lemon butter. The scampi is especially popular because of its robust garlicky flavor.
Romy’s Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp
Romy’s Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp is frequented spot for fresh shrimp sauteed with garlic and served generously over rice. The large shrimp are plump and juicy, and the grilled garlic adds a rich aroma. Combo plates include rice, corn, salad, and a drink.
North Shore / Haleiwa
Camaron
A favorite hidden spot in Haleiwa known for its garlic cream shrimp is Camaron. For those seeking a milder expression of garlic, this is the place to enjoy. Better yet, the shrimp are served already peeled.
Jenny’s Shrimp Lunch Wagon
This wagon is by a former chef who once worked a popular North Shore shrimp truck. The garlic shrimp starts off with a strong garlic note but ends surprisingly light finish.
Address: 66-532 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI
Hours: 10:00–18:15
Phone: 808-429-3522
Big Wave Shrimp
This food truck was featured on various food programs in America. The garlic butter shrimp is loaded with garlic, with other options including a spicy shrimp and lemon pepper shrimp.
HONOS Shrimp Truck
Located in the Haleiwa Town Center food court, HONOS Shrimp Truck offers garlic shrimp, but also combo plates adding kalbi to the shrimp for a local-style surf-and-turf.
Address: 66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI
Hours: Fri–Wed 10:30–17:00
Waikiki
Sam’s Kitchen
A popular plate lunch spot with a convenient Waikiki location, Sam’s Kitchen is located in the lower level of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Made with over a dozen ingredients, the garlic sauce showcases beautiful complexity. The shrimp are also lightly fried before being coated in this lavish signature garlic sauce.
ShoreFyre Fresh Grill & Bar
A casual restaurant serving local Hawaiian favorites, ShoreFyre recreates the North Shore experience with its garlic shrimp also offering surf & turf combos.
Genius Lounge
Located near the former DFS area in Waikiki, this hidden gem of a bar and lounge three stories up serves garlic shrimp sizzling on a skillet, similar to the Spanish tapa ajillo, making it an exceptional pair with bread.
Tsurutontan
A well-known Japanese udon restaurant featuring a trendy setting offers a Hawaii-exclusive garlic shrimp dish. During happy hour, it is available at a discounted price. And be sure to ask for the secret menu too!
Giovanni Pastrami
A New York-style American dining spot and sports bar on Lewers in Waikiki Beach Walk, Giovanni Pastrami may offer amazing pastrami sandwiches, but the garlic shrimp features a garlic wine sauce that imparts a rich, deep flavor to the plump, succulent shrimp.
L&L Hawaiian BBQ
L&L Hawaiian BBQ may be a well-known local chain serving classic Hawaiian plate lunches, but they also do garlic shrimp well. A popular menu item, this rendition comes with rice and macaroni salad or, for a slightly healthier option, brown rice.
Lulu’s Waikiki
Lulu’s Waikiki, a casual dining spot near the Honolulu Zoo, boasts ocean views. And while the shrimp may not be sourced from the waters out front, people can’t get enough of their garlic shrimp, large, spicy, and served in generous portions.
Island Vintage Coffee
Famous for acai bowls, Island Vintage Coffee also serves garlic shrimp made with garlic butter, rice, and vegetables, creating a well-balanced meal.
Eggs ’n Things
Sure, Eggs ‘n Things may be known for pancakes, and well, eggs and things, but the popular breakfast spot also offers garlic shrimp plates served with fresh salad, giving you something else to try during lunch and dinner.
Leahi Bar & Grill
A local restaurant near Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Leahi Bar & Grill features Kahuku-style garlic shrimp deep-fried first, but then finished with a rich garlic sauce for a powerful blast of flavor.
Morimoto Asia
A restaurant by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Asia also jumped on the garlic shrimp bandwagon. The garlic shrimp there uses Kauai soft-shell shrimp, allowing patrons to eat the shell and all.
Ebinomi
A shrimp-focused restaurant offering garlic shrimp, shrimp curry, and more, Ebinomi carefully selects the shrimp, sauteeing them peeled for ease of consumption.
Ala Moana
Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp
Originally from the North Shore, Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp is now located inside of Ala Moana Center’s Makai Market food court. Patrons may continue to enjoy its signature Kahuku flavor and style, with additional shrimp variations served seasoned with salt & pepper or encrusted in coconut flakes for an amazing coconut shrimp.
From the North Shore to Waikiki, garlic shrimp is widely available across Oahu. Each spot offers a different flavor and style, so trying multiple places is the best way to find your favorite. At least you have almost a few dozen to get you started.
