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

Waialua is home to a new okazuya
Nani’s Café offers a healthier alternative to local-style eats and strives to be a positive influence in the Waialua community.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 05, 2025

This affordable udon spot has a new menu
Udon Gama-Dashi, known for its reasonably priced, customizable udon bowls, added a few new dishes to its menu. You can now feast on curry udon with pork cutlet, a mini ten don and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 04, 2025

Jamba Hawaiʻi is offering $2 watermelon smoothies on Sunday, Aug. 3
The discount is in honor of National Watermelon Day and will be valid from 2 to 5 p.m. at participating Jamba Hawaiʻi stores.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 02, 2025

Frost City brings its Taiwanese-style shave ice to ‘Aiea
The dessert shop is home to fluffy snow ice treats, bubble teas, smoothies and more. Plus, starting Aug. 5, customers can take advantage of a “Back to School” discount.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 01, 2025

DEVOS Hawaiʻi is a new ʻEwa-based matcha pop-up
This faith-based biz offers weekly matcha pop-ups. Choose from classic matcha lattes to more creative options like the strawberry ube matcha latte.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 01, 2025

Five-One-Six is West Oʻahu’s new, chic rooftop bar
Located within Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina, this unique experience officially opened to the public at the beginning of July. Here’s what you can expect.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 31, 2025

Affordable sushi option now open in Chinatown
Fruisea, located in the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, offers a variety of fruit teas and sushi rolls at reasonable prices.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 30, 2025

Budget Bites: ONKEE Korean Grill House’s affordable early bird special
This prix fixe menu is less than $40. The catch: It’s only available from 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 29, 2025

‘Rise’ and shine with this keto-friendly café
Kaimukī-based Rise Café offers low-carb brunch options that are designed to keep your blood sugar down.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 29, 2025

This new Korean restaurant specializes in savory pork broth
OKDONGSIK, with locations in New York and Seoul, recently opened its first Hawaiʻi location.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 28, 2025

Iconic brunch spot Koko Head Café launches its new dinner menu
Dinner service has been 11 years in the making. The menu debut includes dishes like wagyu ramen, ʻulu fried cheese and poisson cru with a shave ice surprise.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 26, 2025

Big Island Candies’ newest collab will benefit HUGS
The business’s collaborative box features a design from local artist Lauren Roth. A portion of proceeds from every sale of this special box will benefit HUGS.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 25, 2025

Budget Bites: Mahina & Sun’s $2 oysters
The eatery’s Sip & Shuck Social features a $2 oyster deal from Monday to Friday.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 24, 2025

Cosmic Records is a limited-time ’90s pop-up bar
Located in the former space of Chili’s Grill & Bar at Pearlridge Center, the themed pop-up is around until the end of August.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 24, 2025

This new late-night happy hour includes a luxe wagyu burger
Available on Friday and Saturday nights, Solera’s Afterglow includes elevated eats like caviar loaded tater tots, crab fried rice, and boozy shave ice.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 23, 2025

Nami Kaze’s ‘omakaze’ offers a unique dining experience
The “Chef’s choice” dinner isn’t centered around sushi, but highlights local products from Hawaiʻi’s farmers and purveyors through a variety of dishes.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 22, 2025

Hiromi-Ya offers a premium all-you-can-eat wagyu experience
The $60 dinner experience includes premium A4 and A5 wagyu from Japan.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 22, 2025

$3 sushi is back at Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera
The popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant is bringing back discounted nigiri from July 26 to 28.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 21, 2025