If you’re craving a taste of local-style comfort food served with aloha, Big City Diner is a must-visit. For more than 25 years, this neighborhood favorite has fed generations of Hawai‘i locals and lucky visitors alike. From stacked loco mocos to smoky guava ribs, the dishes here feel like home—even if you’re visiting for the first time.
The reach of Big City Diner goes beyond the neighborhoods it serves. For many families, it’s a place where memories are made—celebrating birthdays, grabbing brunch with tutu and the keiki, or catching up with friends over pancakes and Portuguese sausage. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people who grew up eating there, and now bring their own children.
Big City Diner-Salmon Salad
A Homegrown Dream, Born in Kaimukī
Founded in 1998 by Lane Muraoka, a Kailua native and ‘Iolani School graduate, Big City Diner started with one simple idea: serve hearty, local-style food in a place where everyone feels welcome. The first location opened in Kaimukī, quickly becoming a go-to spot for families, students, and late-night diners.
Thanks to its popularity, Big City Diner expanded across Oʻahu, bringing its signature dishes to neighborhoods all over the island:
- Kailua Town Center (opened 2002)
- Waipiʻo Shopping Center (2005)
- Pearlridge Center in ʻAiea (2007)
- Windward Mall in Kāneʻohe (2015)
Each location keeps the same laid-back vibe and crowd-pleasing menu, making Big City Diner a familiar taste, no matter which side of the island you’re on.
About Big City Diner
Big City Diner is a beloved restaurant chain in Hawaii, renowned for its mouth-watering breakfast, brunch, and dinner options. With multiple locations scattered across the islands, it has become a go-to spot for both locals and tourists. The menu is a delightful fusion of traditional American comfort food and local Hawaiian dishes, crafted with the freshest ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Whether you’re indulging in their famous loco moco or savoring one of their juicy burgers, there’s something to satisfy every discerning palate.
A Spot for Every Generation
Big City Diner is more than a restaurant—it’s a gathering place. Whether you’re fueling up after a beach day or sitting down for Sunday brunch with grandma and the keiki, the welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like part of the ʻohana. The menu is packed with options for all ages and appetites, from plant-based bites to indulgent classics.
As one happy customer wrote on Yelp: “Big City Diner always gives such a home-cooked comfort food feel, and each time I eat here, I feel so satisfied.” — Yelp review
Big City Diner-Salmon Salad
Must-Try Dishes, including Those Famous Chicken Wings
Big City Diner celebrates the bold flavors of Hawaiʻi, with dishes inspired by Korean, Japanese, and American traditions. One of the most popular menu items is their famous chicken wings tossed in a spicy guava-BBQ sauce, served with celery and carrot sticks.
In addition to that, here are some other dishes to try:
- Grandma’s Incredible Kimchee Fried Rice – A savory mix of spicy kimchee and fried rice, topped with eggs your way.
- Guava BBQ Baby Back Ribs – Sticky, smoky, and sweet with tropical guava sauce.
- The Original Really Loco, Loco Moco – Juicy beef patty over rice, covered in rich brown gravy and eggs.
- Boneless Korean Kalbi Steak – Grilled to perfection with a secret house marinade.
- Da Big Burger – Bacon, cheddar, avocado, and caramelized onions on a potato bun.
- Malibu Chicken Sandwich – Fresh sautéed mushrooms, jack cheese, California avocado with roasted garlic mayo on a whole wheat bun.
- Paniolo Burger – A classic burger with guava BBQ sauce and crispy onion strings.
- Citrus-Grilled Salmon – A light, zesty choice with herbs and lemon.
- Kimchee Burger – Bold, spicy, and packed with flavor.
- Mac & Cheese Burger – The name says it all—comfort food at its finest.
- Old-Fashioned Chop Burger Grilled – A classic burger option that provides a nostalgic dining experience.
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast – Featured in the hearty Upcountry BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad.
- Hamburger Steak with Crispy Onions & Gravy – A huge homemade hamburger patty smothered in demi-glace & topped with crispy sweet onions.
- Mamasan’s Homemade Meatloaf – Served over a bed of fresh sautéed spinach and topped with marsala mushroom brown sauce.
- Roasted Garlic Cheese Bread – Part of the popular Pupu Platter, perfect for sharing.
- Simply Just Wings – Unbreaded chicken wings with ranch dip served with skin-on fries, steamed white or brown rice.
- Big Brownie Pie – Topped with indulgent vanilla bean ice cream for a deluxe dessert experience.
Breakfast and Brunch at Big City Diner
At Big City Diner, breakfast is served all day, every day, ensuring you can start your day right no matter the time. The menu boasts a wide array of options, from classic breakfast staples to unique local favorites. Dive into the two eggs any style with choice of breakfast meat, featuring fresh local eggs and your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham. For a heartier option, try the Big City Diner three egg breakfast, which includes three fresh local eggs, your choice of link sausage, bacon, or country-style ham, and homemade corned beef hash. Don’t forget to pair each dish with fresh brewed island coffee.
Weekends at Big City Diner are all about brunch, with a menu designed to satisfy your mid-morning cravings. The famous breakfast burrito is a must-try, stuffed with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheddar cheese for a kick. For a local twist, opt for the chicken katsu, served with a side of steamed rice and fresh local eggs. Their variety of omelettes, including the ultimate three egg omelette, served with fresh mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and sweet onions, are also a delight bite
Lunch Bites
The burgers and sandwiches are crafted with the freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection, making each cravable treat. You can add roasted garlic fries as an optional enhancement or crispy sweet onions as a garnish or topping to add texture and flavor. For a unique twist, the kalbi burger is topped with grilled kalbi beef, roasted garlic mayo, and crispy sweet onions. For vegetarians, the grilled portobello mushroom with caramelized onion and jack cheese is a flavorful choice. If you’ve really worked up an appetite, the beast burger is served with honey cured bacon atop two beef patties.
For a light and healthy midday meal, their salads and soups are a popular choice. Enjoy Tutu’s caesar salad, featuring big croutons and imported parmesan, or the Paniolo chicken salad with lime-marinated chicken, sweet roasted corn, and chopped roma tomato. If you’re in the mood for something warm, their famous Big City Chili, served with a scoop of steamed rice and shredded real cheddar cheese, always hits the spot.
Community is at the Heart of Every Meal
From its earliest days, Big City Diner has been deeply rooted in the Hawaiʻi community, going far beyond the plate to make a difference in people’s lives. One of the most consistent ways the restaurant supports the community is through partnerships with local nonprofits. Over the years, Big City Diner has supported organizations like the Special Olympics Hawai‘i, American Heart Association, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi, and countless school programs across Oʻahu. Whether it’s donating food for fundraisers, hosting community nights, or simply helping raise awareness, the team is always looking for ways to serve, which is a passion of Founder Lane Muraoka.
As Muraoka shared in an interview, “We’re a neighborhood restaurant, and we’re nothing without the people who support us. Giving back is just the right thing to do.”
That spirit of aloha was especially clear during COVID-19 pandemic. While many restaurants struggled just to stay afloat, Big City Diner found ways to support others — donating meals to frontline workers, school staff, and kūpuna in need. In a time of uncertainty, they doubled down on kindness and compassion.
They regularly host fundraising nights where a portion of dine-in and takeout sales go toward supporting local athletic programs, student clubs, and classroom supplies. It’s a simple, feel-good way to share a meal and support the community at the same time.
Their generosity hasn’t gone unnoticed. On social media, Big City Diner often gets shoutouts like:
“Mahalo @bigcitydiner for supporting our school’s fundraiser tonight! We love your food and your aloha!” — @808ohanaeats
They also make a strong effort to support Hawai‘i’s farmers and producers. Many of their ingredients — from fresh greens to local beef — are sourced right here in the islands. It’s a quiet but powerful way to keep the economy strong and reduce their environmental impact.
Follow the Flavors on Social
Want to see what’s sizzling in the kitchen? Follow Big City Diner on Instagram or Facebook for food photos, weekly specials, and community news. Big City Diner fans also love sharing their foodie finds online. Here are a few recent shoutouts:
“Kimchee Fried Rice and a guava mimosa? Yes, please. 🤤” — @hungryinhawaii
“Sunday brunch with my faves at @bigcitydiner. Can’t beat the pancakes and people watching.” — @waikikieats
“That loco moco hit different today. Mahalo for the ono grinds!” — @grindz808
Plan Your Visit:
You’ll find Big City Diner in several Oʻahu neighborhoods, so it’s easy to add a stop during your next island adventure. For directions, hours, and reservations, visit the official website.
Pro tip: If you’re getting your food to go, order ahead during graduation or the holidays—it gets busy fast!
Other nearby experiences:
- Where to Find the Best Local Plate Lunches on Oʻahu
- Family-Friendly Things to Do on Oʻahu
- O’ahu Beach Guide
Whether you’re looking for a late-night bite, a laid-back brunch, or a place to catchup with friends and family over a tasty bite, Big City Diner is always a good idea.
