Here’s the roundup of the latest cafes and restaurants that opened in Hawaii in March 2025. Several new foodie spots caught our attention, including the debut of Shoreline Cafe, a stylish new café in the heart of Waikiki, and Paia Fish Market food truck which serves up fresh plates in the Ala Moana area.
Shoreline Cafe
Located on Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki, Shoreline Cafe is a chic new café just a short stroll from both the beach and major shopping destinations. The café offers an impressive selection of food and drinks, with a focus on quality and local ingredients.
Photo: @shoreline
The café serves drip coffee, café lattes, and Americanos made with beans sourced from the Big Island of Hawaii, along with a selection of teas. Popular pastries that tempt include blueberry lychee scones and double chocolate shortbread, but if you prefer to go a little healthier, there are light meals made with local ingredients.
Photo: @shoreline
The tasteful interior features stylish decor with natural ambient sunlight, creating an open and relaxing space whether you prefer some quiet time to reflect alone or a social session with friends. It’s an ideal spot for a quick respite from your Waikiki stroll.
Shoreline Cafe
📍 2113 Kalakaua Ave. Unit #104, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Open daily 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🔗 @shoreline.cafe
Paia Fish Market Express (Food Truck)
The beloved Maui restaurant with its original location in Paia, and two locations on Oahu on Kuhio Avenue and in Kailua, Paia Fish Market launched a food truck on Atkinson Drive near Ala Moana!
Photo: Yelp
The must-try item is its plate lunch topped with grilled mahi mahi or ahi, served with generous sides such as coleslaw and potatoes. The simple yet flavorful seasoning lets the natural flavor of the fresh fish stand out. Fish tacos and burgers are also local favorites worth consideration.
Photo: Yelp
Enjoy this local gem’s menu without long lines, as often found at the Kuhio location. Experience delicious, unpretentious flavors of Hawaii in a casual food truck format.
Paia Fish Market Express
📍 401 Atkinson Dr, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Wed–Mon 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
📞 808-807-9879
🔗 @paiafishmarketexpress
Dumpling Factory
A new spot on Kapahulu, Dumpling Factory brings a modern twist to traditional Chinese dumplings in a relaxed, casual setting.
Photo: Dumpling Factory
Locals and tourists are already flocking to this spot for lunch and dinner to sink their teeth into the authentic northern Chinese style purses containing a variety of proteins and vegetables. The main draw? An impressive roster of dumplings, with nearly 10 different filling combinations available.
Photo: Dumpling Factory
Some highlights:
• Pork & Cabbage – Classic and flavorful.
• Spicy Pork – A spicy kick that pairs perfectly with beer.
• Chicken & Mushroom – Light but rich in flavor; a favorite among women.
• Beef & Onion – Sweet and savory with a satisfying bite.
• Veggie – Great for the health-conscious, with a fun crunchy texture.
• Kimchi Pork – Fermented, spicy cabbage umami meets tender, juicy pork.
You can choose how your dumplings are cooked: pan-fried or boiled. Try mixing and matching and sharing with friends, or simply enjoy a single flavor thoroughly. The menu also includes other complementary dishes, such as noodles, fried rice, and spring rolls, all ideal for sharing.
Dumpling Factory
📍 755 Kapahulu Ave #1, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Open daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
📞 808-367-1640
🔗 dumplingfactoryhawaii.com
Rice Burger & Cafe
Just outside Waikiki in Kaimuki, Rice Burger & Cafe offers a unique take on the burger—using rice patties instead of bread buns. It’s located at the corner of Waialae Avenue and 11th Avenue.
Photo: Yelp
These palm-sized rice burgers are packed with flavorful fillings like sweet soy kalbi, teriyaki chicken, and pork belly. There are also Hawaii-inspired options with Spam and kimchi, as well as veggie-forward versions using tofu and vegetables. These bites are perfect for those who seek gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Photo: Yelp
A slight departure from the mainstream touristy areas, this spot will give you some insight into the local lifestyle.
Rice Burger & Cafe
📍 3221 Waialae Ave Ste A3, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Open daily 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📞 808-600-4125
🔗 @rice_burger_hawaii
Sister Restaurant & Cafe
Located on Sheridan Street, just a short walk uphill from Ala Moana Center, Sister Restaurant & Cafe fuses classic Thai cuisine with café vibes.
Insert Picture: @sisterhawaii
Here, traditional dishes are offered alongside more innovative approaches. Classics include a papaya salad, fresh spring rolls, larb, and Thai curries, with some more Westernized flavors such as waffles, sandwiches, and café-style desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for a full meal or just want to relax with a sweet treat, the versatility of the menu can serve a variety of occasions.
Sister Restaurant & Cafe
📍 706 Sheridan St Ste 706B, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Mon–Thu 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Fri–Sun 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
📞 808-369-7066
🔗 thesisterhawaii.com
Blue Seafood Company
Nestled in Chinatown’s Maunakea Market, right next to Maguro Brothers, Blue Seafood Company offers a fun “ocean-to-table” experience where patrons choose seafood fresh from the market to be cooked on the spot.
Photo @blueseafoodcompany
From ahi and opah to mahi mahi, the market is packed with freshly caught local fish. Diners simply choose a preferred fish and the staff will prepare it a la minute—grilled with garlic butter, fried with rice and salad, and in other ways that bring out the beautiful flavors of the fruits de mer.
For those who are less familiar seafood, the friendly team will walk through the options. The counter does close early in the afternoon, so get there early for the freshest catch!
Blue Seafood Company
📍 1120 Maunakea St. #168, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Market: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Kitchen: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Daily)
📞 808-888-0078
🔗 @blueseafoodcompany
Pho Viet Ala Moana
Popular Vietnamese eatery Pho Viet, originally located in Manoa Marketplace, opened a second location in Ala Moana, on the ground floor of the Uraku Tower along Kapiolani Boulevard.
Photo: phoviethawaii.com
The signature pho features a clear, rich broth made from beef bones, paired with an abundance of fresh vegetables such as chives and bean sprouts. Condiments allow for the perfect customization of any bowl with basil, lime, and chili sauce. The menu also includes classics like banh mi sandwiches and Vietnamese-style omelets. With authentic flavors and a loyal local following, this new location is already generating quite the buzz.
Pho Viet Ala Moana
📍 1341 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Open daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📞 808-744-0101
🔗 phoviethawaii.com
Most of the new spots are casual counters or charming cafes, so they will appeal to most budgets. Be sure to try one or all and be in the know like the most dedicated of foodie influencers.
