Hawai‘i’s culinary scene is on fire. Here’s where you need to dine now.
Han no Daidokoro is new to Ward Village
Recently opened in Ward Village, this Korean-Japanese fusion restaurant originated in Japan and is every meat lover’s dream. At the entrance, slab upon slab of A5 Miyazaki wagyu and Oregon washugyu prime beef sit in an illuminated glass and steel refrigerator. Once seated, choose from one of two seven-course meals or sample from the a la carte menu. Don’t skip on the beef tongue, fan-favorite wagyu ribeye roll or the beef tataki. 1108 Auahi St., Ste. 150, Honolulu
Feeling like a fiesta? At this authentic taqueria, you’ll learn to eat tacos straight from the pros. Tortillas are gluten-free and housemade with whole corn imported directly from Oaxaca, Mexico, and only the freshest fruits are utilized in the cocktail syrups. Snag a taco (or two!), like the fried fish taco Baja style with cabbage, lime, habanero mayo, salsa bandera and radish—best washed down with the signature margarita del gallo. 108 Hekili St., Kailua
The intriguingly named Unicorn Butt Sneeze from Purvé Donut Stop with lemon glaze and Fruity Pebbles.
This one-of-a-kind doughnut experience features revolutionary doughnuts like you’ve never seen before. Each has a theme and a cheeky name to go with it—think feature film favorites like the You’re Killing Me Smalls with chocolate, graham cracker and marshmallow s’more. Complete with upbeat music blasting in the brightly decorated space, this is the coolest doughnut shop around. Its new location in Kū‘ono Marketplace means there’s even more fresh-to-order doughnut goodness to go around. 1234 Kona St., Honolulu; 4210 Waialae Ave., Honolulu
The Korean-Japanese fusion restaurant is an import from Shibuya, Japan. The Miyazaki beef assortment is shown here.
Co-owner and chef duo Chris Kajioka, a James Beard Award semifinalist, and Mourad Lahlou, of San Francisco fame, recently revamped the former home of Café Miro into a hot new spot serving flavorful French-inspired fare with a Japanese twist. Offering a prix fixe menu that rotates seasonally (wine pairings are available), expect elegant dishes such as Kauai prawns, beef cheek and agnolotti with clams. Insider’s tip: Sunday brunch means myriad breakfast choices from the three-course menu, paired with bubbly—of course. 3446 Waialae Ave., Honolulu
Photography by: Purvé Donut Stop photo by Brion Zablan; All others couresty of brands
