Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
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“The legendary original; the "Scampi" here is the benchmark for every other shrimp truck on the island.”
Best Garlic Shrimp
in Honolulu
While synonymous with the North Shore, Garlic Shrimp is a mandatory part of the Honolulu food circuit. The dish consists of large, fresh local shrimp sautéed in a massive amount of garlic and butter, often served with two scoops of rice. The defining characteristic is the **'Garlic Crust'**—the bits of fried garlic should be golden, crispy, and infused into the butter sauce. The trap is "rubber-like" frozen shrimp or a sauce that is overly oily without enough garlic punch. Expect to pay $18–28.
Garlic Shrimp · say “Garlic Shrimp” ·
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Guide score ✕ verified reader stamps ✕ critic notes ✕ Google Maps signal. External reviews are linked, never copied.
What to order
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Why locals care
While synonymous with the North Shore, Garlic Shrimp is a mandatory part of the Honolulu food circuit. The dish consists of large, fresh local shrimp sautéed in a massive amount of garlic and butter, often served with two scoops of rice. The defining characteristic is the **'Garlic Crust'**—the bits of fried garlic should be golden, crispy, and infused into the butter sauce. The trap is "rubber-like" frozen shrimp or a sauce that is overly oily without enough garlic punch. Expect to pay $18–28.
Ranked Garlic Shrimp stops in Honolulu
Romy’s Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp
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Verdict: Known for using the freshest prawns from their own ponds right behind the truck. — North Shore (Kahuku)
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Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp
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Verdict: A local favorite that many consider to be more consistent and flavorful than the more famous spots. — North Shore (Kahuku)
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Nico's Pier 38
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Verdict: Located right next to the fish auction; the freshness here is literally unbeatable. — Kalihi
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Fresh Catch
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Side Street Inn
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Verdict: Their "Kalua Pig and Cabbage" is a massive, sharing-sized comfort classic. — various locations
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Kono's North Shore
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Queue:
Go: 09:00 (For their famous "Breakfast Bombers").
Price: $$
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Rainbow Drive-In
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Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering
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Go: 09:30 (Line starts early for their famous fried chicken too).
Price: $$
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Liliha Bakery
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Verdict: Their dinner service includes a very solid, traditional kalua pig plate. — various locations
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Moku Kitchen
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Verdict: A modern, chef-driven restaurant that uses high-quality local pork for their wood-fired kalua pig. — Kaka'ako
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Basalt
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Verdict: A modern, upscale setting that serves a refined loco moco with high-quality local ingredients. — Waikiki
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Duke’s Waikiki
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Verdict: A classic spot to enjoy garlic shrimp with your feet in the sand and a sunset view. — Waikiki
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Hula Grill Waikiki
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Verdict: Known for its "Barefoot Bar" and a very high-quality, traditional garlic shrimp preparation. — Waikiki
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Paia Fish Market
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Verdict: A popular Maui import that serves exceptionally fresh and well-seasoned garlic shrimp. — various locations (e.g., Waikiki)
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Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
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Verdict: Their "Chili-Garlic Shrimp" is a legendary fusion dish that is a must-try for foodies. — Waikiki
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The Pig and the Lady
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Verdict: Offers a modern, high-end take on kalua pig, often featured in their creative fusion dishes. — Chinatown
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Mina’s Fish House
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Verdict: A high-end seafood restaurant by Chef Michael Mina that treats local shrimp with extreme technical care. — Ko Olina
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Highway Inn
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Zippy's
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Verdict: A reliable, 24/7 source for a consistent and comforting kalua pig and cabbage meal. — various locations
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