Seeking new spots to dine in Honolulu? Look no further, as this list features some of the most anticipated openings in 2024. The trick is more about getting a seat at one of these popular hotspots.
April 2024 New Restaurants and Cafes in Hawaii
zen
zen, a matcha and gelato store, has opened along Kapahulu Avenue, not far from Waikiki. This unique store offers organic matcha green tea drinks and handmade gelato pairings. The gelato flavors include Uji green tea, azuki beans, miso, kinako (soybean flour), yuzu ginger, black sesame, and other Japanese flavors. Taking similar flavor profiles, the variety of beverages include matcha green tea, matcha latte, black sesame latte, kinako latte, yuzu soda, organic green tea, hot matcha espresso latte, and many other unique flavors. The matcha is brewed in front of you, making it an authentic experience gaining considerable traction among locals. It is open until late at night, making it a perfect after dinner spot for dessert and non-alcoholic nightcaps.
https://www.instagram.com/cha_to_gelato_zen/
zen
744 Kapahulu Ave Honolulu, HI
Mon-Fri (closed Wed) 2 pm-5 pm/ 6 pm-11 pm, Sat & Sun 2 pm-5 pm/ 6 pm-11:30 pm
(808)200-7642
https://www.instagram.com/cha_to_gelato_zen/
Sugar Factory
Sugar Factory, a restaurant chain with locations around the world, opened its first Hawaii location on the fourth floor of Ala Moana Center’s Ho’okipa Terrace, a floor dedicated to dining establishments.
The full-service restaurant also features a café and candy store component. Frequented by the likes of Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, and Bruno Mars, the chain prides itself on its celebrity appeal, naming some of its offerings after a few glitterati. Be prepared to pull your camera out, because the wide selection of food and beverages have incredible Instagram appeal.
Sugar Factory
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, HI
Sun-Thu 3 pm- 10 pm, Fri-Sat 3 pm-11 pm
(808) 400-8641
https://www.sugarfactory.com/
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera opened on South King Street, a main road in Hawaii. This conveyor belt sushi restaurant is a slightly more casual version of Sushi Ginza Onodera located on Kapahulu Street.
Unlike other conveyor belt sushi spots in town, this location offers quality presentations inspired by its more formal sister restaurant, which earned a Michelin star at a few locations outside of Hawaii. Imagine dining at a sushi restaurant, except having a sushi chef in front of you, the sushi is delivered by a state-of-the-art system. The quality of the fish is exquisite, with the tuna hailing from Japan’s Toyosu wholesaler Yamako. The best part is that the prices are lower than the average sushi restaurant. With sushi ranging from $4.50 to $18.00 per piece, this is a more affordable way to enjoy Onodera’s Michelin-quality Edomae style sushi in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera
2700 S King St, Honolulu HI
10:30am – 10:30pm (last in at 9:30pm, last order at 10 pm)
Opening hours are subject to change.
Tempura Ichika
Ichika, a new tempura restaurant led by Michelin chef Kiyoshi Chikano, opened across the street from Ala Moana Center’s west end. The restaurant offers the finest in Japanese ingredients combined with impeccable technique to forge an unparalleled tempura omakase of 12-14 courses for $160. A chef awarded a Michelin star for eight consecutive years in New York, Chikano brings a wealth of traditional tempura-making experience along with a fresh innovative approach. The restaurant is currently in its soft opening phase and reservations are required.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tempura-ichika-honolulu
Tempura Ichika
434 Piikoi St Honolulu, HI
Tue-Sat 6 pm-10 pm
(808)888-0000
https://www.ichikahawaii.com/
Pho Dynasty
Pho Dynasty is a new restaurant that, as one can easily guess, serves the popular Vietnamese soup noodle dish. Located on Kapiolani Avenue, on the first floor of Uraku Tower, Pho Dynasty elevates the common pho to a luxurious experience by incorporating more noble ingredients such as whole lobster or wagyu beef. Add some spring rolls or other appetizers to start.
https://www.instagram.com/pho.dynastyhi/
Pho Dynasty
1341 Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu HI
10 am – 10 pm
(808)744-0101
https://phodynastyhi.com/
ALO Cafe
ALO Cafe, a café offering dishes and drinks made with organic and eco-friendly ingredients, is now open next to Island Brew Coffee in the Salt at Our Kaka’ako commercial complex in Kaka’ako.
With others locations in Waikiki and Downtown, ALO Café is able to serve its plant-based menu to a wider audience. No animal products, artificial colors or flavors, MSG or sugar is added to the lineup of light meals and ramen dishes. Enjoy meals that taste good and make you feel good too.
ALO Cafe
691 Auahi St. Honolulu HI
8 am – 2 pm
https://www.instagram.com/alocafe_hawaii/
Planted
The plant-based cafe Planted is now open in Kakaako’s Aali’i condominium. Owned and operated by La Tour Café, known for its restaurants featuring fresh baked goods, Planted offers vegan food and beverage that will challenge your expectations. The restaurant features more than just animal-free soups and salads; there is a selection of sandwiches such as a teriyaki burger with Impossible Patty, artichoke katsu sando, falafel banh mi, and a very satisfying French dip-inspired mushroom dip.
Kai Coffee Kalama Valley
501 Kealahou St. Honolulu HI
7 am – 4 pm
MARA
Inspired by the Mediterranean way of life and its shared values, MARA Restaurant & Bar takes its name from the Greek word meaning “eternally beautiful.” Honolulu’s hottest restaurant witnessed a successful opening on April 3 at the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, a new hotel on Kapiolani Boulevard.
Offering the historical cuisines of Greece, Italy, Morocco and beyond while harmoniously assimilating Hawaii’s fresh ingredients, MARA establishes a spectacular setting in its contemporary dining room. The family-style menu comprises of hearth-baked pita and spreads, crudo, cold bar items, mezze, market salads, fish and seafood and land proteins, as well as individual or sharable sofra dishes, along with side dishes. Pair the cuisine with some eclectic wines from an extensive list, or a few craft cocktails and be prepared to feel eternally satisfied.
MARA Restaurant & Bar
1390 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI
Breakfast 6:30-11am, Lunch M-F 11am-3pm, Happy Hour 4pm-6pm, Dinner 5pm-10pm, Brunch Sat-Sun 11am-3pm
(808)450-3036
https://www.marahonolulu.com/
This month’s openings are focused around locations outside of the Waikiki area. From health-conscious vegan cafes to popular Mainland restaurant chains, these restaurants are making quite an impact in Honolulu’s dining milieu.
