Photo: DB Grill.


The holiday season is upon us and while our heads may be weary and our hands are full from shopping, we need a place to fuel-up and relax. Here are some of the hottest new restaurants on Oahu from the south shore to the west coastline.

1. Fish Hook Cafe

Fish Hook. Photo: Olena Heu.


Many know him as the man who specializes in island cuisine and gourmet poke, now Chef Elmer Guzman brings his fresh flavors, locally sourced dishes and savory poke bowls to the outskirts of Waikiki. Fish Hook Cafe quietly opened its doors at the Luana Waikiki Hotel and brunch hasn’t been the same since.

An all-you-can-eat Hawaiian breakfast buffet along with an impressive ala carte brunch menu makes this new gem a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Grab-n-go items like fresh made sandwiches, salads, soups and of course poke bowls make this eatery a convenient spot for the adventure-seeker.

2045 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 942-0999
Open 7am-2pm (everyday)

2. Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar

Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar. Photo: Olena Heu.


Some of the most notable culinary masters of fine Italian cuisine aren’t from Italy, many visited (or trained) there, and in Hawaii you’ll find a few Japanese chefs with a passion for Mediterranean fare. The same can be said at Appetito Craft Pizza and Wine Bar where Chef Hiroyuki Mimura stands at the helm creating menu items using classic techniques.

Neapolitan pizzas made artisanal-style and hand tossed are complimented by tender pasta and an impressive wine list. The eclectic menu also features fresh salads, tapas for sharing and farm-to-table cuisine for the Italian-food lover. This spot is perfect for large parties or an intimate date night.

150 Kaiulani Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-1150
Open 7am-10pm (everyday)

3. Five Spice Kitchen

Photo: Five Spice Kitchen.


Centrally located on Sheridan Street off of Keeaumoku Street, Five Spice Kitchen combines the flavors and techniques of Asia with local ingredients of Hawaii. A blended fusion of American classics prepared with a Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Korean twist are sure to satisfy any craving.

Known for their loco moco, flatbreads, burgers and brunch, Five Spice Kitchen is poised to become one of the newest hotspots for both brunch and dinner. Prices are affordable and the lunch set-menu is an afternoon favorite for only $14.

808 Sheridan Street #109
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 330–6889
11am-3pm and 4pm-9pm Tuesday-Friday
10am-3pm and 4pm-9pm Saturday
10am-3pm and 4pm-8pm Sunday
Closed Monday

4. DB Grill

Photo: DB Grill.


Modern and trendy meets friendly and casual at DB Grill. The younger sister to Cafe Duck Butt in Kakaako is now a popular lunch spot and lounge located at Kapolei Commons. Elevated, new-wave Korean comfort foods are paired with expertly crafted cocktails and soju classics.

Korean favorites are prepared with seasonal ingredients, Hawaiian influences and local flavors. The Ramen Fried Chicken Sandwich, Bulgogi Banh Mi and Duck Butt Chicken with Duck Fat Fried Rice are favorites along with the fresh fruit sojus.

4450 Kapolei Parkway
Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 376-0885
Sunday – Thursday 11am-12am
Friday and Saturday 11am-1am

5. Limon Rotisserie

Limon Rotisserie. Photo: Christina Yan.


A taste of Peru has come to Hawaii, Limon Rotisserie (located at Ka Makana Alii) takes Latin cuisine to the next level with tasty tapas, hearty and flavorful main dishes and their fresh and juicy rotisserie chicken. Famous for their marinated rotisserie free-range chicken, fresh ceviches, empanadas, paella, steak and fresh seafood, this is the opportunity to try authentic Peruvian cuisine.

A great way to try all the flavors and dishes is to enjoy with a group of friends, their prix fixe menus served family-style for parties of 10+ showcase the cold plates, hot plates and chef’s side dishes.

91-5431 Kapolei Parkway Suite 501
Kapolei, HI 96813
(808) 670-2646
Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm
Friday & Saturday 11:30am-11pm

See also:
The 5 Best New Restaurants in Honolulu this Fall – 2017
The 6 Best New Places to Eat This Summer in Honolulu – 2017
The Best New Restaurants on Oahu to Visit – 2016
Oahu’s Hottest New Restaurants – 2016