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.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

This Italian eatery has a new ‘land and sea’ themed menu
Botanico Waikīkī, which opened last fall, recently launched a new dinner menu. It highlights premium ingredients from the earth and ocean. Customers can enjoy dishes ranging from an anchovy and mentaiko potato salad and crab cream linguine to a crispy swordfish cutlet.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 22, 2026

Budget Bites: $13 poke bowls at Noods Ramen Bar Hawaiʻi Kai
These poke bowls are only available at the ramen business’s East Oʻahu store. Choose from spicy ‘ahi, hurricane, ginger scallion and spicy garlic crunch.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 22, 2026

Vintage Books Hawaiʻi relaunches brunch service with new chef
Chef Keith Endo, whose culinary background includes leading the kitchens at Vino and Ki Club, is now the executive chef at this Kaimukī speakeasy. Vintage Books Hawaiʻi re-launched its weekend brunch with a new menu in mid-April.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 21, 2026

Rainbow Drive-In has a new happy hour
The business’s new happy hour menu is at the Kapahulu location only on Mondays to Thursdays. Customers can enjoy $5, $10 and $12 specials, ranging from small Slush floats and chili fries to barbecue burgers and loco moco plates.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 21, 2026

New Korean fusion pop-up in Kaimukī
KoLab, formerly located in Kakaʻako, now offers a Korean-inspired breakfast within Kaimukī’s Aloha Bakehouse & Café. The biz offers fresh poke with crispy waffle rice, egg salad sandos and joomuk bap, or savory Korean rice balls.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 21, 2026

New frozen Greek yogurt spot in Honolulu
Aloha Greek Waikīkī opened recently on Kūhiō Avenue. The business offers self-serve frozen Greek yogurt with Hawaiʻi-inspired flavors like ube, mango, liliko‘i and pineapple.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 19, 2026

Da Morning Grind Cafe is tucked away within a laundromat
The business’s takeout window is located on South King Street. Open for grab-and-go, the café offers a variety of coffees, teas, dirty sodas and specialty drinks, including a twist on the London Fog latte.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 19, 2026

Ry’s Poke Shack opens in Honolulu
The Kahuku-based biz opened its second location on Oʻahu this past weekend. The Honolulu location is located in the Ala Moana neighborhood next to Jugo Life, and features specialty collaboration poke flavors.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 19, 2026

This acai bowl shop has a new location in Kāneʻohe
HI Cravings Windward opened a storefront in Kāneʻohe last March. It recently relocated to Windward City Shopping Center earlier this month, and now features extended hours.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 18, 2026

Festa Italiana 2026 is coming this June
The ticketed Passaporto Italiano VIP experience is June 5, while the street festival — which is free to attend — is June 6. The festival highlights a selection of authentic Italian and Italian-American restaurants and chefs from both Italy and Hawaiʻi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 15, 2026

PizzAlba is a new pizza pop-up in Kakaʻako
PizzAlba pops up on Thursdays in the space next to Bevy in Kakaʻako. You can also find the pizza biz at the Kakaʻako and Kailua farmers markets on Saturdays and Sundays, respectively.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 14, 2026

First look at Sonic’s new Oʻahu location
Sonic Kapolei, located at 5001 Kapolei Parkway, is opening May 16. This is the brand’s first drive-in restaurant on the island and Hawaiʻi’s second Sonic location. Customers can look forward to Sonic’s signature burgers, drinks and a Hawaiʻi-exclusive menu item.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 14, 2026

Kukane Street Stand is a new bake stand in Kāneʻohe
The neighborhood bake stand offers a rotating selection of desserts and specialty lattes. Baked goods are available on a first-come, first-served basis; the bake stand is usually open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 13, 2026

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya is opening in Windward Mall
The business’s newest location is celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday, May 13. This is Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya’s seventh Hawaiʻi location. Customers can enjoy a discounted ramen offer on May 13, along with specials during the restaurant’s first week of operation.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 13, 2026

Chef Jason Yamaguchi is the new consulting chef at Ki Club
Yamaguchi — who also owns Konpa, located in Southern California — is bringing Japanese-Peruvian cuisine to the Honolulu eatery. The new menu highlights Nikkei-style dishes ranging from ‘ahi nigiri and lomo saltado to mushroom ceviche.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 12, 2026

AYCE wagyu shabu shabu spot opens in Kapahulu
Mikiya Honolulu just opened its second location in Kapahulu Shopping Center. The eatery is currently open nightly from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Customers can look forward to meats ranging from Japanese A5 wagyu brisket to Australian wagyu, a self-serve veggie bar, and soft serve for dessert.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 11, 2026

53 By The Sea has a new chef and tasting menu
Internationally acclaimed chef Takayoshi Kawai is now at the oceanfront restaurant; he is known for his 1995 appearance on Fuji TV’s “Iron Chef.” Diners can choose from five-course and six-course tasting menus. The eatery plans to replace its former Sunday brunch with weekend lunch service in the upcoming months.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 11, 2026

Mai Tais & Burgers to Malama campaign runs through May
The Marriott Waikīkī Collection and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa have launched this fundraising campaign to support the Hawaiʻi farmers affected by the Kona Low storms. Until May 31, five resort restaurants are donating $1 from every designated burger and mai tai sold to the Hawaiʻi Farmers’ Disaster Relief Fund.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 09, 2026

Thirty Eight launches a new happy hour
The Pier 38 eatery’s new happy hour is from Mondays to Saturdays. The restaurant also added a variety of new dishes — ranging from blackened ‘ahi salad to mahi sandwiches — to its lunch menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 08, 2026

Oakberry Hawaiʻi is opening in Honolulu
Acai business Oakberry Hawaiʻi is opening its newest location at the Park Shore Waikīkī on Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. This store is located close to Waikīkī Beach and Honolulu Zoo.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 08, 2026

Hot Pot Heaven Kailua is offering pho during lunch
Starting Friday, May 8, the eatery will offer pho, fresh spring rolls, summer rolls and papaya salad daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. These dishes are bestsellers at the eatery’s sister business, Pho Heaven.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 07, 2026

Fairway Tavern is now open at ‘Ewa Villages Golf Course
The eatery is owned by chef Adam Gilbert, previously of Monarch Poke and Plantation Tavern, and business partner Chris Natale. The eatery strives to offer local-style dishes — including its signature poke nachos — at affordable prices, and also features a grab-and-go section for golfers.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 06, 2026

Tango Empanadas is now open in Honolulu
The North Shore-based business is known for its authentic Argentinian flavors and housemade empanadas. The biz recently opened a second location in Honolulu, close to Ala Moana Center.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 05, 2026

These viral seafood bowls are now available for takeout
Totoya ʻAiea, known for its signature negitoro don, will have select seafood bowls available for takeout starting May 4. Takeout will be available during weekdays only at this location for now.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 04, 2026

This popular brunch spot has new dishes
Guieb Café — known for dishes like ube mascarpone pancakes, ube haupia French toast and prime rib loco moco — just added new dishes to its menu. New items are available at all Hawaiʻi locations; options range from strawberry red velvet waffles to Dubai waffles and a 12-ounce Korean rib-eye.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 04, 2026

This hidden sushi spot has a revamped happy hour
Tucked away in Nimitz Business Center, TORO — known for its sushi omakase experience — recently updated its happy hour menu. New dishes include soft shell crab, fried local Hawaiian octopus, and fried mochi, served takoyaki-style.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 02, 2026

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day – part 4
Dine-in and takeout options to celebrate Mom.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 01, 2026

Everbowl is soft opening second store with free acai bowls
The acai bowl spot, which opened its first location in Kapolei about one year ago, is soft opening tonight in Pearl City. Everbowl will be giving away around 300 free acai bowls from 5 to 8 p.m. April 30 only; it will be open for its first full day on May 1.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 30, 2026

Where to find treats for Children’s Day 2026
Specially decorated cakes, cookies, mochi and other desserts are available for a limited time.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 29, 2026

Grand Lānai Restaurant Week starts May 1
From May 1 to 10, participating restaurants at International Market Place’s Grand Lānai will feature special prix fixe menus starting at $55 per person.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 29, 2026

Arancino di Mare now serves housemade gelato
The eatery, known for its classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, just started serving housemade gelato at its Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa location. The gelato is currently available in four flavors, and will eventually expand to Arancino’s other locations.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 28, 2026

Michelin-recognized ramen spot is opening first Hawaiʻi location
MENSHO, founded in 2005 in Japan, is opening in Kapolei’s Ka Makana Aliʻi on May 2 at 5 p.m. The business is famous for its farm-to-bowl philosophy, and will feature Hawaiʻi-exclusive bowls like butter clam and garlic shrimp ramen.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 27, 2026

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day – part 3
Whether you’re looking for specialty desserts or an all-inclusive buffet, we’ve got you covered with a list that spans across the Islands.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 24, 2026

The 18th annual East Honolulu Food Festival is coming May 2
The festival, hosted by Mary, Star of the Sea Church and Schools in Kāhala, is themed “Under the Moon in Old Hawaiʻi” and features vintage vibes. The family-friendly event invites the public to celebrate local cuisine.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 24, 2026

SKY Waikīkī has a new steak and seafood menu
The eatery now offers a variety of 28-day dry-aged Black Angus beef premium choice steaks, along with elevated sushi rolls and seafood entrées.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 23, 2026

This sushi spot is celebrating a milestone with discounts
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera is celebrating its two-year anniversary with 50% off on select nigiri. From April 24 to 27 — Friday to Monday — customers can take advantage of discounted maguro sushi. The discount is valid for dine-in only.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 22, 2026

You can find these fancy French cakes in Honolulu
Raphaelle Garwood, baker and owner of Fancy French Cakes, wanted to start a business that features some of her favorite confections. She currently bakes out of a commercial kitchen and her desserts — including caramel pecan tarts and Opera cakes — are available for online orders.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 22, 2026

Seattle-based Piroshky Piroshky is popping up in Honolulu
The Eastern European bakery’s flagship location is in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. It’s bringing its popular pastries to Honolulu Beerworks on June 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. While this event is in June, customers can already place pre-orders.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 22, 2026

The Pig & The Lady launches a pay-what-you-can dinner experience
The Kaimukī eatery’s new Only Good Vibes program supports food accessibility and local nonprofit organizations.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 21, 2026