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

New udon spot open in McCully
Udon Yonpachi offers firmer, chewier noodles served with a hot dipping sauce. The new eatery recently started opening for lunch with a variety of noodle sets.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 22, 2025

Honolulu’s newest tonkatsu spot features high-quality pork cutlets
Tonkatsu @ Honolulu, features deep-fried pork cutlets, shrimp katsu and gyukatsu made by a Michelin-trained chef.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 21, 2025

Ki Club Hawaiʻi has a new weekend brunch
Indulge in matcha pancakes, smoked salmon eggs Benedict, miso crème brulee and Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 21, 2025

A taste of Sushi Fukurou’s summer menu
Feast on seasonal specialties like somen in an ice bowl, A5 wagyu presented three ways, and chutoro with caviar in this affordable Waikīkī-based omakase.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 20, 2025

Puck’s Alley has a new late-night ice cream shop
MOSA! opened its second location on South King Street. The ice cream biz is known for its shaven peanut brittle topping which comes on its desserts.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 20, 2025

This Kapahulu izakaya now serves lunch
Izakaya Nonbei’s new lunch menu includes dishes like chicken katsu curry, soba and a mouthwatering hamburger steak.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 19, 2025

Budget Bites: $5.99 cold noodle lunch special at Choi’s Garden
These discounted noodles are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Korean restaurant for a limited time.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 19, 2025

Korean fried chicken biz opens a second location
E Chicken just opened in the former space of Good Chicken in the Ward neighborhood. Feast on a variety of fried chicken and Korean street food.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 18, 2025

This Waikīkī eatery features a new culinary experience inspired by local favorites
855-ALOHA, located in Romer House Waikīkī, just launched a new menu, spearheaded by executive chef Brad Dodson. What you’ll find: poke nori wraps, kalbi ribs and the most addicting edamame hummus.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 16, 2025

Budget Bites: Kamitoku Japanese Hot Pot’s $29.99 AYCE wagyu hot pot
This all-you-can-eat hot pot deal is from Aug. 18 to 24 during dinner only.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 15, 2025

Arancino at The Kāhala has a new tableside tiramisu experience
This location-exclusive experience features an elevated tiramisu presentation. Plus, now’s your chance to try the Italian eatery’s new summer dishes.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 14, 2025

New poke and sushi shop now open in Māpunapuna
Souza’s Fish House, which started as a seafood catering company, is now open in the former Kau Kau Grill restaurant space. Its new daily menu features sashimi donburi and poke — and local-style plates are coming soon.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 13, 2025

Meant to BE: This coffee trailer is worth the drive to West Oʻahu
BE. owners Cody and Kaitie Miyashiro-Carvalho created their business to be a space where “kamaʻaina and kanaka can find BElonging.” Plus — find out what they’re bringing to this year’s Made in Hawaiʻi Festival.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 12, 2025

Texas de Brazil is starting a new $1 mimosa brunch special
This $1 mimosa deal starts Aug. 16 at the all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse. Plus, kamaʻāina can score a 20% discount on Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 11, 2025

Mariposa’s new executive chef revamps its Sunset Lounge experience
Starting this week, the Sunset Lounge is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with live music, a new menu and scenic sunset views. Returning executive chef Marc Freiberg shares more about the updated menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 11, 2025

Dipped by Dee is bringing signature dipped delights to Made in Hawaiʻi Festival
Business owner Daniela Fry gives us an update on her second store in Las Vegas, the newest dipped treats, and what to expect at the 31st annual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 08, 2025

The Hawaiʻi United Okinawa Association’s 43rd Okinawan Festival is coming
Early admission tickets are available for pre-sale starting Aug. 8 at 8 a.m., but general admission tickets will still be available for purchase at the door. This year’s festival on Aug. 30 and 31 commemorates the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawaiʻi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 08, 2025

Discounted donburi during lunch at Doraku Sushi Kakaʻako
This location-exclusive offer features discounts on spicy lobster, rib-eye and toro-taku donburi until Sept. 30.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 07, 2025

Budget Bites: Fresh Bites’ Thirsty Thursday special
On Thursdays only, the Moʻiliʻili-based café is offering $1.99 lattes. You can also take advantage of its $2.99 matcha latte special on Matcha Mondays.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 07, 2025

This Waikīkī brunch spot is also a sushi spot
Brunch Spot Waikīkī offers dishes ranging from loco moco and brioche French toast to sushi rolls during lunch time.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 06, 2025

Haliʻa by Side Street Inn is now open in ‘Ewa Beach
The new eatery is in the former space of Kitchen Door at Wai Kai. You can still find Side Street Inn’s classic dishes, including that signature fried rice and pan-fried pork chops, along with new seafood dishes and brunch coming soon.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 05, 2025