Nestled in the Aina Haina Shopping Center is a small Japanese restaurant named Komakata. I have heard many good things about this restaurant from various friends and co-workers over the years. Truth be told I remember going to this restaurant many years ago with my family, but could not recall the dining experience at the time. Luckily for me one of my weekend travels took me to a neighboring business in the shopping center, giving me a second chance to sample Komakata’s Japanese cuisine. Read the rest of this entry »
Located on University Avenue next to where Varsity Theater used to stand, Kit N’ Kitchen is a small Italian restaurant with some Chinese influences. The restaurant us usually fairly busy during peak hours, but unfortunately shares the small parking lot with a number of neighboring businesses like Bubbies and Ezogiku. Read the rest of this entry »
In the mood for some good sushi, I went online to see what sushi restaurants were open for lunch on a Saturday. To my dismay I found that the establishment I had originally thought of, Sushi Sasabune, was not opened. I reached back into my memory and recalled a sushi restaurant that a friend of mine had recommended months ago. He had mentioned that it was near the airport, in a location where you would not expect to find excellent sushi. This restaurant was Mitch’s Fish Market & Sushi Bar, and after my first experience, I can say with great confidence that I’ll be back! Read the rest of this entry »
A new addition to the Hawaii Thai food scene is Ploi Thai, a restaurant that resides on Keawe Street across from the old CompUSA location in Kaka’ako. The restaurant is located in the building that used to house Bliss and Velvet’s. Unlike the location’s predecessors, Ploi Thai offers a truly promising culinary establishment, exploring traditional and modern Thai cuisine. Read the rest of this entry »
Yama’s Fish Market has been serving local Hawaiian style cuisine since 1980 from it’s long standing Moilili location. One of my favorite places to go for good takeout food, Yama’s offers a variety of local foods from kalua pork to haupia. Read the rest of this entry »
What began as a single location in 1998 has since grown into a five location franchise spanning the island of Oahu. Big City Diner has made quite a reputation for good service and food at reasonable prices. With a very family-friendly atmosphere, Big City Diner has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades in its relatively short history. Read the rest of this entry »
On the corner of Kapahulu and Kaimuki Avenues is a small yet stylish yakiniku restaurant named Toraji. This location is just one out of more than two dozen, but the rest are located in Japan. Much like Gyu-kaku on Kapiolani Avenue, Toraji is one of a new breed in stylish yakiniku establishments. Read the rest of this entry »
Located on Kamehameha Highway in the heart of Wahiawa is a small Italian restaurant named Cafe Olive. From the outside Cafe Olive doesn’t appear to be much, in fact it seems very ordinary. To be honest I probably would not have tried this restaurant, or known about it, if an acquaintance of mine hadn’t suggested I give it a try. What awaited me inside was a pleasant lunch I did not expect! Read the rest of this entry »
Located on Kapiolani Boulevard on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center is the Amuse Wine Bar. For those not familiar with Amuse, it is a wine bar that features ATM-like self-serve wine stations. The first of its kind on Oahu, it also features a tapas style (small plates) menu and live entertainment on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Parking is free in the Honolulu Design Center lot. Read the rest of this entry »
Among the myriad of yakiniku restaurants in Honolulu, there are only a few that I frequent on a regular basis, and they all happen to be right off of Kapiolani Boulevard. One of these establishments, named Seoul Garden Yakiniku, makes its home across the street from 24 Hour Fitness, and shares its parking lot with Club Femme Nu. Read the rest of this entry »
