Want the low-down on some of the best eats on Oahu’s North Shore? No better sources than the world’s best surfers, who, after shredding the massive winter waves along this famed coastline stretch, surely work up the appetites to match the heaving mountains they ride. Defending Vans Triple Crown of Surfing champion and current series leader Andy Irons of Kauai says he most likes to get his grub on “…at Waialua Bakery. It’s amazing. I grind down a turkey/avo sandwich with the banana/chocolate/peanut butter smoothie and I’m totally ready to roll.”

In fact, it appears this low-key, local-style eatery appeals to the international palate, as well. Current world No. 2 Mick Fanning of Australia (editor note: yes, he’s the Fanning of “Fanning” Reef sandal fame -- the man responsible for the first beach slipper with a beer bottle opener embedded in the bottom) was quick to recommend the same place for lunch, and add that Café Haleiwa was the sensational choice for breakfast. His chomp choice? The breakfast burritos. Surfers like to charge the golf links when taking a break from the pounding waves, and world No. 15 Bruce Irons – Andy’s not so little brother – finishes his drives at “Lei Lei’s (at the Turtle Bay Resort). The prime rib, the fish – and it’s right there on the golf course. You can golf, and eat, good.” Lei Lei’s is also a fave watering hole of the surfy set, not to mention the movie stars who float through the North Shore in the winter months.

• Waialua Bakery / 66-200 Kamehameha Hwy. / (808) 637-9079 / Map


• Café Haleiwa / 66-460 Kamehameha Hwy. / (808) 637-5516 / Map


• Lei Lei’s Bar & Grill/ 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy. /(808) 293-2662 / Map

Image via Claud