2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, United States
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
Contact: +1 (888) 605-1350
dining
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa Restaurants Ranked (Best Food, Best Ambience, Best Value)
Trying to decide where to eat at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa? This in-depth guide ranks the resort’s restaurants and bars by food quality, oceanfront ambience, convenience, and overall value—so you can plan the best meals for your Waikiki stay. Whether you want breakfast at The Veranda, a prix-fixe dinner at Beachhouse at the Moana, casual bites under the banyan tree, or easy coffee before the beach, this breakdown shows which dining spots are worth prioritizing.
Resort dining guide
Looking for the best restaurants at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa? This guide ranks all seven dining and drink venues by what travelers actually care about: best food, best ambience, and best value—so you can plan your meals on Waikiki Beach, match the venue to your mood, and book the experiences that feel most "worth it" for your historic oceanfront stay.
Quick takeaway:
At Moana Surfrider, the "best" restaurant depends on the vibe you want: upscale oceanfront dining (Beachhouse at The Moana), iconic historic ambience (The Veranda or Afternoon Tea), casual all-day convenience (Surfrider Cafe), or cocktails with a view (The Beach Bar or Vintage 1901). Use the rankings below to decide quickly—then rotate your meals for variety across your trip.
At Moana Surfrider, the "best" restaurant depends on the vibe you want: upscale oceanfront dining (Beachhouse at The Moana), iconic historic ambience (The Veranda or Afternoon Tea), casual all-day convenience (Surfrider Cafe), or cocktails with a view (The Beach Bar or Vintage 1901). Use the rankings below to decide quickly—then rotate your meals for variety across your trip.
Best upscale dining: Beachhouse at The Moana
Best iconic experience: Afternoon Tea at The Veranda
Best oceanfront view: The Beach Bar
Best all-day value: Surfrider Cafe
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Explore the resort
Continue planning your stay at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa with these quick guides. Explore room categories and suite options, browse dining and drink venues, preview activities and amenities, and learn about the spa, weddings, and meeting spaces—so you can book the best historic oceanfront experience on Waikiki Beach.
Moana Surfrider Restaurants Ranked (Best Food, Best Ambience, Best Value)
This table is the fastest way to pick where to eat. "Best food" is the strongest overall culinary experience, "best ambience" is the most memorable or elevated feel, and "best value" is the easiest win when you want a solid meal without overthinking it.
| Category | Top pick | Runner-up | Why it wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best ambience | The Veranda (Afternoon Tea) | Beachhouse at The Moana | Most iconic "Moana Surfrider" experience—historic, memorable, photo-worthy |
| Best food (overall) | Beachhouse at The Moana | The Veranda | Most upscale, refined menu with oceanfront elegance |
| Best oceanfront view | The Beach Bar | Beachhouse at The Moana | Best direct beach access + sunset cocktail energy |
| Best all-day value | Surfrider Cafe | Honolulu Coffee | Easy, versatile, great for breakfast, lunch, or quick bites |
| Best cocktail experience | Vintage 1901 | The Beach Bar | Most refined craft cocktails in an intimate, upscale setting |
Venue-by-Venue Guide
Below is a practical breakdown of each restaurant and bar at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa—what the vibe feels like, who it's best for, and how to fit it into your trip (upscale dinner, iconic experience, casual meal, or beachside cocktails).
Beachhouse at The Moana
Beachhouse at The Moana is the top choice for upscale oceanfront dining at Moana Surfrider. With refined Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, elegant ambience, and direct views of Waikiki Beach, it's perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, and travelers who want the most elevated meal of their trip.
- Best for: couples, celebrations, upscale dinner experiences
- Vibe: elegant, oceanfront, refined
- Strategy: reserve Beachhouse for your "special night out" dinner—sunset seating is most popular
Top strength: best food
Great for: couples
Upscale dining
The Veranda at the Moana
The Veranda is the most iconic dining space at Moana Surfrider—a beautifully restored historic setting with oceanfront views. It's ideal for leisurely breakfasts, relaxed lunches, and travelers who want to soak in the timeless elegance of Hawaii's "First Lady of Waikiki."
- Best for: historic ambience, relaxed breakfast/lunch, families and couples
- Vibe: classic, elegant, breezy
- Strategy: choose The Veranda for a slower-paced morning or afternoon—perfect for photos and conversation
Top strength: iconic setting
Great for: breakfast/lunch
Historic charm
Afternoon Tea at The Veranda
Afternoon Tea at The Veranda is the most memorable experience at Moana Surfrider. This beloved tradition has been served since 1904, offering a refined selection of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries in the elegant oceanfront setting. It's perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to a classic Hawaiian luxury experience.
- Best for: celebrations, special occasions, iconic Moana Surfrider tradition
- Vibe: elegant, traditional, timeless
- Strategy: reserve well in advance—this is one of the most popular experiences at the resort
Top strength: best ambience
Iconic experience
Book early
Surfrider Cafe
Surfrider Cafe is the best all-day casual option at Moana Surfrider. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it offers a versatile menu with Hawaiian-inspired favorites and American classics. It's perfect when you want a solid meal without the formality of upscale dining.
- Best for: families, casual meals, quick breakfast or lunch
- Vibe: relaxed, versatile, convenient
- Strategy: use Surfrider Cafe on busy activity days when you want easy, satisfying meals
Top strength: all-day value
Great for: families
Casual dining
Vintage 1901
Vintage 1901 is the top choice for craft cocktails and refined ambience at Moana Surfrider. Named after the hotel's opening year, this intimate lounge offers expertly crafted cocktails, live music, and an upscale setting—perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a sophisticated evening out.
- Best for: cocktail lovers, couples, pre-dinner drinks
- Vibe: upscale, intimate, sophisticated
- Strategy: visit Vintage 1901 before or after dinner at Beachhouse for a complete elevated evening
Top strength: craft cocktails
Great for: couples
Live music
The Beach Bar
The Beach Bar is the best spot for oceanfront cocktails and sunset views at Moana Surfrider. Located directly on Waikiki Beach, it's perfect for casual drinks, tropical cocktails, and soaking in the beach vibe between activities or before dinner.
- Best for: beachside drinks, sunset cocktails, casual socializing
- Vibe: breezy, oceanfront, relaxed
- Strategy: visit The Beach Bar for sunset drinks—it's the best "toes in the sand" experience at the resort
Top strength: best view
Great for: sunset
Beachfront vibe
Honolulu Coffee
Honolulu Coffee is the best grab-and-go spot at Moana Surfrider. Serving premium Hawaiian coffee, pastries, and light breakfast items, it's perfect for early risers, quick caffeine fixes, or when you want something fast before heading out to explore Waikiki.
- Best for: quick coffee, grab-and-go breakfast, early morning convenience
- Vibe: casual, fast, efficient
- Strategy: use Honolulu Coffee on busy days when you need a quick start before activities
Top strength: convenience
Great for: quick bites
Hawaiian coffee
Smart Dining Tips (How to Plan Your Meals)
- Book Afternoon Tea early: this is the most popular experience at Moana Surfrider—reserve well in advance, especially during peak season.
- Rotate your "vibes": do one upscale night (Beachhouse), one iconic experience (Afternoon Tea), and casual meals (Surfrider Cafe).
- Use The Beach Bar for sunsets: it's the best oceanfront cocktail spot—arrive before peak sunset time for the best seating.
- Start mornings at Honolulu Coffee: perfect for quick caffeine and breakfast before excursions or beach time.
- Pair Vintage 1901 with Beachhouse: pre-dinner cocktails at Vintage 1901 followed by dinner at Beachhouse is the best upscale evening rotation.
Planning rule that works:
If you're staying 3–4 nights, reserve Afternoon Tea once, do one upscale dinner at Beachhouse, and use Surfrider Cafe or Honolulu Coffee for casual meals. If you're staying 5+ nights, add sunset cocktails at The Beach Bar and a nightcap at Vintage 1901.
If you're staying 3–4 nights, reserve Afternoon Tea once, do one upscale dinner at Beachhouse, and use Surfrider Cafe or Honolulu Coffee for casual meals. If you're staying 5+ nights, add sunset cocktails at The Beach Bar and a nightcap at Vintage 1901.
FAQ: Moana Surfrider Restaurants
What are the best restaurants at Moana Surfrider?
Most guests choose Beachhouse at The Moana for the best upscale dining, Afternoon Tea at The Veranda for the most iconic experience, and The Beach Bar for the best oceanfront view. For casual all-day value, Surfrider Cafe is the easiest go-to.
Which restaurant is best for couples?
Beachhouse at The Moana is usually the top couples pick because it offers the most upscale, romantic ambience. Afternoon Tea at The Veranda is also excellent for a special, memorable experience.
Which restaurants are best for families?
Surfrider Cafe is the best family-friendly option because it's casual, versatile, and open all day. The Veranda is also great for a relaxed family breakfast or lunch.
What's the best "value" restaurant choice?
Surfrider Cafe is the top value pick for all-day dining with a solid, versatile menu. Honolulu Coffee is also a great value option for quick, quality coffee and grab-and-go breakfast.
How should I plan meals for a 4–5 night stay?
A great rotation is: Afternoon Tea at The Veranda (one iconic experience), Beachhouse at The Moana (one upscale dinner), sunset cocktails at The Beach Bar, and casual meals at Surfrider Cafe or Honolulu Coffee as needed.
Do I need reservations at Moana Surfrider restaurants?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for Afternoon Tea at The Veranda and Beachhouse at The Moana—especially during peak season. Surfrider Cafe, The Beach Bar, and Honolulu Coffee typically don't require reservations.
Is there a dress code at Moana Surfrider restaurants?
Resort casual is fine for most venues. Beachhouse at The Moana and Afternoon Tea at The Veranda suggest resort elegant attire (no swimwear, tank tops, or flip-flops). Surfrider Cafe, The Beach Bar, and Honolulu Coffee are fully casual.
What makes Afternoon Tea at The Veranda special?
Afternoon Tea at The Veranda has been a beloved tradition since 1904, making it one of the most iconic experiences in Waikiki. The elegant setting, oceanfront views, and refined tea service create a memorable, timeless experience—perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
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