New Restaurants in North Shore this 2026: Discover Fresh Eats & Must‑Try Spots

New Restaurants in North Shore this 2026: Discover Fresh Eats & Must‑Try Spots

North Shore isn’t just about world‑class waves and stunning beaches — it’s rapidly evolving into a must‑visit culinary destination too. From breezy coastal cafes to major upcoming restaurant debuts, 2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for food lovers exploring the North Shore and broader O‘ahu/North Shore region.


Whether you’re a local, visitor, or foodie planning your next trip, here’s the freshest lineup of restaurants and dining experiences you need to know about — all relevant in January 2026.


1. The Palms Bar & Bites — Oceanfront Casual Dining

Located inside the newly opened Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore, The Palms Bar & Bites has become a talk‑of‑the‑town spot over the past year. With its open‑air layout, tropical drinks, and island‑inspired small plates, this restaurant brings authentic Hawaiian flavor with an ocean view. Expect fresh poke, coconut shrimp, furikake chips, loco moco, and more — perfect for lunch, dinner, or happy hour after a beach day.


Why it’s worth it:

  • Beach‑side setting with breathtaking Kahului Bay views

  • Perfect blend of local flavor and island hospitality

  • Great vibe for sunset cocktails and casual dining


2. avec Highwood — Coming Spring 2026

Foodies are buzzing about avec Highwood, an extension of Chicago’s beloved Mediterranean‑inspired restaurant avec, set to open in Highwood’s downtown district. This will mark the first North Shore location for the acclaimed concept, featuring a refined yet inviting menu rooted in Mediterranean classics and seasonal, locally influenced ingredients.


  • Projected Opening: Spring 2026

  • Cuisine: Mediterranean / Wine‑Focused

  • Highlight: Expect small plates, robust wine pairings, and a warm, minimalist aesthetic designed for sharing and social dining.


3. New Local Cafés & Food Stands on O‘ahu’s North Shore

While not restaurants in the traditional sense, new cafés and casual food spots continue to pop up, becoming local favorites for mornings, light lunches, or quick bites along the North Shore:

  • Saylor’s Haleʻiwa: A coffee destination with specialty brews, matcha lattes, and freshly baked pastries — capturing the laid‑back North Shore vibe.

  • Lucky’s Coffee Stand (Pūpūkea): A breezy surf‑side stand ideal for on‑the‑go drinks and refreshing pick‑me‑ups near Sunset Beach.

These are great stops for travelers and locals alike seeking a casual start to the day or caffeine fix between waves.


What’s Also Coming (O‘ahu Food Scene Highlights)

  • While some openings aren’t strictly in the North Shore, the overall growth in the O‘ahu dining scene directly benefits food lovers visiting the region:

  • Midtown Eats Food Hall — launching mid‑January 2026, this new food hall brings multiple vendors and culinary styles under one roof in Honolulu (nearby and easily accessible from North Shore road trips).

  • Pepper Lunch Expansion — the famed Japanese fast‑casual brand recently opened in Honolulu and plans further locations in 2026 — ideal for locals and visitors craving a quick, high‑quality meal.

  • These developments show that the Hawai‘i dining landscape continues to diversify with both global and local influences — a win for adventurous eaters.


Insider Tips for Food Explorers

  • Combine your culinary adventure with sightseeing — many North Shore eateries and stands are within walking distance of beaches, surf spots, and scenic lookouts.

  • Beat the lunch rush — spots like wave‑side food stands and cafés can fill up fast on weekends.

  • Follow local reviews — Instagram hashtags and foodie guides often spotlight pop‑up specials and secret menu items before they hit mainstream.


Final Bite: Why North Shore’s Food Scene Matters in 2026

North Shore’s culinary profile is growing fast — mixing heritage beach culture with new dining innovations that appeal to both locals and global travelers. With standout hubs like The Palms Bar & Bites already in motion and highly anticipated openings like avec Highwood on the horizon, North Shore is shaping up to be one of Hawai‘i’s most exciting food destinations in 2026.


Get ready to eat, explore, and fall in love with every bite — from casual coffee sips to elevated Mediterranean plates.


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Ranked as a top 1% team in the Chicagoland market, Cory Tanzer and the Cory Tanzer Group specialize in the Chicago, North Shore, and Western Suburbs real estate market. With deep local market expertise and a proven track record, Cory and his team help clients buy and sell with clarity, confidence, and results.