Get ready, Honolulu — Pepper Lunch, known for its casual, customizable teppanyaki plates, is opening to the public on Dec. 12.
The Japanese chain is opening its first Hawaiʻi location in Moanalua Shopping Center (in the former spot of Loco Moco Drive Inn, which is now located in Kapahulu). Pepper Lunch has been serving DIY Japanese teppanyaki since 1994, and has other locations in states like California, Nevada, Utah and Florida.
On grand opening day (Dec. 12) only, customers can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free entrée deal.
The biz is popular for its sizzling teppanyaki plates, and the menu is extensive. Its signature dish is the beef pepper rice ($15.99), but customers can also opt for combos ($19.99), premium steaks ($19.99-$35.99), sizzling curry rice ($16.99-$20.99), pastas ($16.99-$19.99) and teriyaki entrees ($16.99-$20.99). Lighter options, like salads, are also available.
Customers can order in-person or use the digital kiosks. We got a preview of the new eatery during its friends and family event.
Pepper rice entrees range from beef ($15.99) and chicken ($15.99) to shrimp ($15.99), tofu and veggie ($15.99) and salmon ($15.99). But that’s just the beginning — customers can add a variety of toppings (choose from up to 16 options), including bacon bits ($1.99), garlic chips ($1.99), extra corn ($1.99) and carrots ($1.99). Keep in mind that toppings are an additional charge.
Once your sizzling teppanyaki plate is delivered to your table, you can mix it to your liking. Complimentary garlic soy and sweet brown sauces are at each table, so you can add those to your dish, too. The sweet brown sauce provides a nice balance to the beef pepper rice’s savory sauce.
The beef aglio olio pasta ($16.99) was highly recommended by a staff member; we made ours more indulgent and creamy by adding extra mozzarella ($1.99).
The eatery also offers side dishes like onion rings ($5.99), sweet potato wedges ($5.99), and French fries ($4.99). Customers can round out their meals with beverages like Tractor strawberry dragonfruit ($3.99) and desserts like chocolate tort ($5.99) and yuzu cheesecakes ($4.99).
Pepper Lunch Hawaiʻi will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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CONTACT
Pepper Lunch Hawaii
Moanalua Shopping Center
930 Valkenburgh St., Honolulu
Instagram: @pepperlunchhawaii
Open daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
