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
FEAST on this: Okinawan FEASTival is coming Sept. 1 to 15
A variety of Oʻahu businesses are offering specials designed to celebrate Okinawan food and culture. Specials range from andadogs and pork and bittermelon to Okinawan sweet potato manju and pork belly rafute.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 27, 2025
This fusion taco truck features yakisoba burritos
Tacos 4U — sister business of Tako 4U — offers tacos, nachos and sobarittos, or yakisoba burritos. You can find the Japanese kei (mini) truck roaming around Oʻahu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 26, 2025
Mad Pie is Kakaʻako’s new 'friendly neighborhood pizza shop'
Owned by James Orlando from Fatto a Mano, Mad Pie features an extended menu of pizzas — made from naturally leavened sourdough — along with salads, cookies and cannolis.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 26, 2025
Budget Bites: Izakaya Tenkichi’s new lunch deal
This tempura and sashimi set includes noodles, soup, tofu, tempura and more — for less than $20.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 25, 2025
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
Izakaya Hideyoshi is hidden sushi pop-up within Osoyami Bar & Grill
This Mo‘iliʻili gem is a one-man show — and that's how chef Hideki “Hide” Yoshimoto likes it.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 21, 2025
This new European steakhouse has ‘flair’
Flair Hawaiʻi just opened in Kakaʻako with a menu that has French, Italian, Spanish and Eastern European influences.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 19, 2025
New Asian snack shop now open in Pearl Kai Shopping Center
1-2 Buy Hawaiʻi soft opened its new location across Queen’s Island Urgent Care. While this store isn’t as huge as the business’s Kakaʻako warehouse, you’ll still find an extensive selection of Asian snacks.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 18, 2025
Here’s the scoop on National Ice Cream Day
Celebrate the food holiday this Sunday, July 20, with some delicious ice cream finds — including brand-new flavors and $1.50 single scoops.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 18, 2025
First look at Honolulu Coffee Co.’s new bakery on South King
The biz is celebrating its grand opening in Moʻiliʻili on Monday, July 21. The new artisan bakery and café will feature an expanded menu of homemade pastries, breads and café specialties to pair with its signature coffees.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 17, 2025
Budget Bites: Camado Ramen Izakaya’s $10 ramen
From 5 to 6 p.m. every day, customers can take advantage of a $10 shoyu ramen bowl and other discounted dishes.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 17, 2025
Q&A with Boarded Up by Chubbies Burgers owner Jeff Nedry
From the meaning behind the business’s name and its new offerings to his go-to order, Nedry updates us on his latest venture.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 16, 2025
Say ‘chao’ to this new, contemporary Vietnamese eatery
We got a first look at Chao, which just opened for takeout in Nuʻuanu Shopping Center.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 16, 2025
New Japanese breakfast option in Honolulu
Ward Village’s Nori Bar just launched a new weekend breakfast that includes a variety of sets and tonkotsu ramen.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 15, 2025
Dim sum eatery Tim Ho Wan Waikīkī now offers xiao long bao
Plus, you can get 20% off during the eatery’s weekday happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 15, 2025
How this Haleʻiwa-based sourdough pizza spot got its start, name
Jax Wood Fired Pizza features 18 specialty pizzas made from a sourdough starter. The result? Flavorful pies that are good for your gut health.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 14, 2025
New summer dishes at this Kailua speakeasy
Tucked away within Kailua Town Pub & Grill, Gaslamp just launched its summer menu. Standout dishes range from a light, flaky Dover sole to an A5 wagyu beef belly Bolognese.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 11, 2025
Budget Bites: Makoto Sushi’s massive sushi rolls
This 'Aiea hidden gem offers huge rolls that are less than $20 each.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 11, 2025
The W Lanai by Wolfgang Zwiener just opened in Waikīkī
Wolfgang Steakhouse’s new concept features an approachable menu with reasonable prices in a more casual environment.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 10, 2025