Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
“Where should I go to eat?” Is a question I get a lot — whether it’s in person or via Instagram, from both friends and acquaintances via social media. I’m excited to share my findings and adventures with our community — not necessarily to tell them where to eat, but to give an accurate representation of what’s available out there. I love covering the new restaurants and new, local businesses popping up. Limited-time offerings (holiday cocktail bars, weekend pop-ups, etc.) are also exciting because sometimes they’re the result of fun collabs between local businesses.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Biola University, as well as my master’s degree in journalism at the University of Southern California. I was the associate editor of Frolic Hawaii from 2017 to 2021 under Honolulu Magazine, and then worked most recently as the dining editor of Crave with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
My goal is for ASD’s dining section to be the premiere guide for the state. I’m excited to cover the food and dining scene, and to help our readers stay updated with all things food-related. It’ll be a fun, fresh start and I’m excited to be able to cover everything.
Latest from Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Earls Kitchen + Bar is opening today
The new, globally inspired restaurant is opening to the public at 4 p.m. today. The eatery is located on Kalākaua Avenue and is the brand’s first Hawaiʻi location.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 08, 2025

Where to get Halloween treats and pumpkin-flavored snacks on Oʻahu
These spook-tacular sweet and savory treats are around for a limited time.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 08, 2025

Diamond Bakery is celebrating its 104th birthday this Friday
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 10, customers can enjoy free soda cracker boxes, free scoops of Asato Family Shop’s famous sherbet, free hot dogs, a chance to win prizes and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 08, 2025

New Waipahu restaurant features a dual dining experience
916 Grill St. + ShabuZen, open in the former Outback Steakhouse in Waipio, offers all-you-can-eat shabu shabu and an a la carte yakiniku experience.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 07, 2025

Aloha Mamacita has a new Spooky Bar and limited-time BOGO deals
From Oct. 6 to 12, customers and mix and match their favorite drinks and/or desserts at Aloha Mamacita to take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free deal. The free item must be of equal or lesser value.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 07, 2025

This sourdough pizza business has a second location
Jax Wood Fired Pizza, known for its pizzas made from a sourdough starter, just opened its second location at Shark’s Cove. The new location has more seating and space, and the business looks forward to doing more community events.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 06, 2025

This Italian chophouse added new dishes to its dinner menu
CINO Hawaiʻi recently revamped its dinner menu with new appetizers and entrees. Feast on uni and ikura with horseradish panna cotta, Diver scallops, a meaty lamb shank and a cheesy pasta dish that features an impressive presentation.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 04, 2025

Going green: New mobile matcha business on Oʻahu
Green Times Matcha originated as a mobile matcha cart that opened this summer. Business owner Jinie Ho — who recently graduated from high school — uses her barista skills to create unique options like earl grey matcha lattes and matcha-gatos.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 03, 2025

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice just opened in Waikīkī
The new store on Seaside Avenue is the business’s 15th location — and fourth one on Oʻahu. Its grand opening celebration will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 4, complete with a blessing and hula performance.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 03, 2025

New noodle shop open in Kailua
Sunset Noodle House is a new Japanese-fusion eatery that recently opened in Kailua. The eatery offers donburi, combo meals and ramen — including a beefy short rib ramen.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 02, 2025

Sauce boss: Aloha Sauced is open in downtown Honolulu
The business, which started out as a hot sauce company, is known for sauces like Majah Flavah, Maui Owie, and BBQ Bruddah. Its sauces are currently being featured in season 28 of the popular talk show “Hot Ones.”
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 01, 2025

Aloha Tofu Factory is selling tofu for 75 cents on Oct. 2
To celebrate Aloha Tofu Day, the biz is selling its soft tofu and firm tofu for 75 cents each. This deal is from 7 a.m. to noon at the factory on Thursday, Oct. 2 only; limit five per person.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 01, 2025

Paris Baguette just opened its second Honolulu location
The bakery café celebrated the grand opening of its second Oʻahu location today at Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa. Starting Oct. 1, the café will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 30, 2025

Chinatown 808’s annual Mid-Autumn Festival is coming this Saturday
Chinatown 808 is celebrating harvest season on Oct. 4 with this all-day, family-friendly event, presented by Hawaiʻi National Bank Foundation. Attendees can look forward to a lantern parade, cultural performances, a variety of festival dishes and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 30, 2025

Tonkatsu @ Honolulu just launched a new breakfast menu
The eatery, known for its Nagoya-style deep-fried pork cutlet, offers an onigiri breakfast on Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 30, 2025

Get ready to ‘shell’-abrate: Crab Fest is coming to Dixie Grill
The ‘Aiea eatery’s annual Crab Fest is coming Oct. 1 to 31. The restaurant is bringing in Pacific Northwest Dungeness crab and king crab specifically for the festival. Dixie Grill is also celebrating its 25th anniversary with weekly specials during October.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 29, 2025

Inari Factory has $1.50 inari bombs and hand rolls
Inari Factory, located in the food court of Don Quijote Kāheka, is celebrating its 1.5-year anniversary with $1.50 deals. This offer ends Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 27, 2025

Celebrate National Coffee Day with these buzz-worthy deals
National Coffee Day is coming up Monday, Sept. 29. These discounts and deals ensure you have a ‘brew’-tiful day.
Kady Pascual & Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 27, 2025

Prost! Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room Kapolei just launched its Oktoberfest specials
Feast on specialty beers, German-style poutine and bratwurst until mid-October.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 26, 2025

Tūtū’s Place by Highway Inn is a new cafe at Bishop Museum
The new cafe is inspired by traditions passed down from kūpuna, and emphasizes comfort, hospitality and family recipes. You’ll find some of Highway Inn’s signature dishes — including that famous Hawaiian plate with kālua pig — along with cafe exclusives.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 26, 2025

Budget Bites: $9.99 jajangmyeon for a limited time
Korean-Chinese eatery Hong Yeon celebrated its opening on Sept. 10. As part of its grand opening special, the restaurant is offering its popular jajangmyeon for $9.99 until the end of the month.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 25, 2025