November 2024 brings a handful of new restaurants and cafes to the Honolulu dining scene, with a few more announced. Among the hot new places to check out are a burger joint hailing from the Big Island of Hawaii which prides itself on sourcing ingredients locally, a shave ice shop also from the Big Island that opened on Monsarrat, and a popular sushi spot occupying a clandestine location in Ala Moana Center.
Big Island Burger
Located on the ground floor of Waikiki Shopping Plaza, facing Seaside Avenue, is Big Island Burger.
This recently opened burger shop features locally-sourced grass-fed beef and fresh vegetables, along with French fries that are made fresh, not frozen. A variety of delicious burgers include a simple patty-and-bun burger for just $9.99, and the signature “Knockout” burger featuring four patties and four slices of cheese for $24.99.
The spacious interior offers ample dining space for those dining in, but another way most are enjoying these burgers are at the beach or in the comfort of a hotel room.
- Address: 2250 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
- Hours: Sun–Thu: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM, Fri–Sat: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Phone: 808-600-5840
- Instagram: bigisland.burger
Amaterasu Sushi
Previously located on the ground floor of the Velocity Honolulu luxury automobile dealership, the popular omakase sushi counter Amaterasu is now a brick and mortar located on the street level of Ala Moana Center. The eatery may be a little challenging to find, but once patrons discover this mountain-facing sushi counter next to Macy’s, it may be their next favorite dining spot.
Chef Hideo Ohmi’s lunch omakase set, is reasonably priced at $89 and includes about 10 pieces of nigiri sushi, a sushi roll, steamed egg custard, and miso soup. For dinner, the omakase features a more robust lineup, priced at $150, including 10 pieces of nigiri sushi and five dishes with luxe ingredients. Reservations are available via OpenTable.
- Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI
- Hours: Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Dinner: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Instagram: amaterasushi808
Gecko Girls Shave Ice
Hailing from Kona on the Big Island, Gecko Girls Shave Ice opened its first Oʻahu location on Monsarrat Avenue, in the former Sunny Days location. Known for its syrups made with Hawaiian ingredients, Gecko Girls’ shave ice is bursting with juicy flavors, free of articifial coloring. Top off the treat with ice cream or house-made mochi. Since the shop is open until 8:45 PM, people may consider it a perfect post-dinner dessert spot.
- Address: 3045 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:45 PM
- Phone: 808-657-7397
- Website: geckogirlz.com
Onoya Ramen
Onoya Ramen, which has its original location along Kapahulu Avenue, opened its second on South King Street. South King Street is peppered with various foodie points of interest and is a short 10 minute car ride from Waikiki.
Onoya Ramen’s menu includes a range of options, from tonkotsu broth to miso ramen with even vegan ramen for more earth-friendly inclinations. This ramen shop is popular among locals, making it a worthwhile consideration for those visiting Hawaii.
- Address: 1785 South King St., Honolulu, HI
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sat–Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Phone: 808-888-0607
- Website: onoyaramen.com
Leila Honolulu
A new Moroccan restaurant, Leila Honolulu, opened in the space formerly occupied by Angelo Pietro in Kaimukī. The restaurant is the product of a collaboration between San Francisco Chef Mourad Lahlou, widely regarded as a pioneer of contemporary Moroccan cuisine, and Oʻahu-born Chef Chris Kajioka, the owner/chef of Miro Kaimuki who previously worked at some of America’s most pre-eminent kitchens under culinary greats such as Thomas Keller and Ron Siegel.
The $85 prix fixe menu features dishes including zaalouk, muhammara, labneh, and bissara among the opening “seven salads” course, with mains spotlighting a roasted lamb neck meshoui, Mediterranean branzino, Wagyu zabuton, and roasted cauliflower. Add-on options include a duck bisteeya, which is a signature dish of Mourad Lahlou from his Michelin-starred Aziza. The date cake dessert concludes the evening of culinary bliss. Experience Moroccan cuisine at its finest in the heart of Kaimuki.
- Address: 1108 12th Ave., Honolulu, HI
- Hours: Tue–Sat: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Phone: 808-888-0884
- Website: leilahnl.com
[Reopening Soon] Chart House
Chart House, which has been closed for renovations since March, is expected to reopen in December 2024. While an exact date has not been announced, stay tuned for updates on Oahu’s Best Coupons once it reopens! For the absolute latest information, visit their Instagram.
[Relocation Opening Soon] Paris Hawaii
Paris Hawaii, previously located in Waikiki, is set to reopen in its new location at Salt at Our Kakaʻako, in the space once occupied by Hank’s Haute Dogs. While construction is still ongoing, this popular restaurant’s return is highly anticipated. Stay tuned for updates of its opening.
November saw the debut of several exciting new restaurants, adding even more variety to the Hawaiian culinary scene. Be sure to check out these fresh flavors and vibrant ambiances on your next visit!
