Garlic shrimp, though not of Hawaiian origin, has somehow managed to maneuver its ways as a must-try plate in Hawaii. It started with shrimp farms on the North Shore, but its evolution has paved the way for many businesses in Waikiki, which now impart a series of creative versions. Here are 20 popular places to enjoy garlic shrimp in 2025 (as of June 9, 2025) .
🍤 Waikiki
Sam’s Kitchen
This plate lunch shop is popular among celebrities. The garlic shrimp ($14.00) is lightly fried, then tossed in an original garlic sauce made with a number of curated ingredients. The shrimp stay juicy and plump, exploding with flavor.
ShoreFire
This spot near Waikiki Beach is open from early morning to late night. The garlic shrimp ($35.00) has replicated the North Shore style of flavor. Consider getting the “Surf & Turf” combo which adds steak ($48.00).
Genius Lounge
Close to DFS, this lounge helmed by a Japanese chef also serves this dish. His version of garlic shrimp ($22.00) is served sizzling like a Spanish tapa, with bread for dipping.
Tsuru Ton Tan
The popular Japanese udon chain’s Hawaii location in the Royal Hawaiian Center offers an exclusive garlic shrimp ($14.00) at this location. Its garlicky, salted flavors beg for a cocktail, and if you go from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. for happy hour, you can enjoy specially priced drinks and half off the garlic shrimp for just $7.00.
Giovanni Pastrami
An American dining and sports bar in Waikiki Beach Walk has a garlic shrimp ($25.00) scented with a garlic-wine sauce — The buttery rich and deep roasted garlicky flavor is nothing short of amazing.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
The local plate lunch chain with locations in Waikiki and Ala Moana features a garlic shrimp plate ($18.95) with rice and macaroni salad (or brown rice and salad). If you feel guilty about the butter, there is also a smaller-portioned option.
LuLu’s Waikiki
Near the zoo with beach views, this eatery offers a garlic shrimp plate ($29.00) with spicy chili peppers and jumbo shrimp you can eat with shell on.
Le’ahi Bar & Grill
Behind the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, this popular hotspot has garlic shrimp ($26.00) fried in an original garlic sauce that pairs well with rice, and of course, some drinks.
Morimoto Asia
Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s restaurant at the ‘Alohilani Resort uses Kauai soft-shell shrimp ($34.00), so the shrimp is easy to consume with the shell on. Imagine the succulent crustaceans cooked in a garlic-butter confit.
Five Star Shrimp
In the Waikiki Food Hall at Royal Hawaiian Center, this specialty outfit offers three flavors: garlic, spicy, and lemon-butter. During the happy hour time (4:00–6:00 pm), you can enjoy a special discount on the dish: $15.80 → $12.00.
Ebinomi
Near Marukame Udon on Kuhio Street, this spot focuses on shrimp, deshelled and juicy. These Kauai shrimp are large and beautifully tender.
🌺 Ala Moana / Other Areas
HI Steaks
In the Foodland Farms supermarket at Ala Moana and in Kailua is the steak specialty counter that also features a garlic shrimp ($16.00). If you love a strong garlic-butter flavor, this one is for you.
Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp
Relocated from the North Shore, the iconic garlic shrimp outpost is now in Ala Moana Center. Maintaining the classic flavor, this location now offers six types of shrimp dishes including salt & pepper and coconut shrimp.
🌴 Outside Waikiki
Uahi Island Grill (Kailua)
Those seeking jumbo shrimp will love this rendition of garlic shrimp ($24.00), which also features a surf‑and‑turf combo with steak.
Loco Moco Hawaii Kai (Hawaii Kai Harbor)
A local plate lunch spot with beautiful ocean surroundings, this place offers a garlic shrimp ($11.25 regular) that is crisp and juicy. There is a mini size available for lighter appetites.
🌊 North Shore
Camaron (Haleiwa)
A hidden spot featuring garlic-cream sauce shrimp ($16.40). The shrimp have the shells removed, so they are easy to eat. Get there before they close at 4 pm and your palate will thank you.
Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp
Opened in October 2023 by a former famous North Shore cook, this business serves buttery garlic and spicy versions ($18.00) of shrimp. The homemade sauces are rich, and seem to go over very well with both locals and visitors .
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
This is the iconic shrimp truck with locations in Kahuku and Haleiwa. Now, also open in Kakaako inside the food court at H Mart, they offer three flavors ($15.00): Scampi (strong garlic), Hot & Spicy, and Lemon Butter.
Romy’s Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp
A family-run place near shrimp ponds, this eatery serves large, grilled shrimp over hot rice ($24.95). The garlic is roasted imparting a balanced flavor to the quality shrimp.
Try Them All!
From fancy restaurants to food trucks, Hawaii has so many locations that offers amazing garlic shrimp. Try different styles, compare them all, and find your favorite. Happy shrimp hunting!
