The place to Eat on Waialae Avenue—A Hidden Culinary Treasure on Oʻahu
Nestled within the coronary heart of Kaimuki on Oʻahu, a number of brief blocks of Waialae Avenue pack a critical culinary punch. From conventional Japanese katsu to daring Hawaiian fusion, this walkable stretch has quietly grow to be considered one of Honolulu’s most scrumptious neighborhoods. Whether or not you’re right here for a morning stroll, a dinner crawl, or a spontaneous chew, this “gourmand ghetto” is value carving out time for.
3585 Waialae Ave
A small house with large taste. Nana Ai Katsu serves up crispy, golden katsu made with care and custom. Every meal is a wonderfully composed Japanese set—comforting miso soup, crunchy pickles, fluffy rice, and pork or rooster katsu that’s fried to perfection. Come hungry, depart glad.
Don’t miss: Uzumaki Shiso Katsu Roll Bento. These promote out so pre-order them when you don’t need to miss out.
3452 Waialae Ave
Chef Ed Kenney’s flagship eatery captures the spirit of recent Hawaiʻi delicacies. Celebrating its 10 12 months anniversary this 12 months, Mud Hen Water is hyper-local and ingenious, remodeling conventional substances into daring, memorable dishes. With an indoor-outdoor vibe and a menu designed to share, it’s a spot to have fun the roots of the islands—previous, current, and future.
Know this: The restaurant is open for brunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday and dinner each night time however Monday.
3434 Waialae Ave
For a very completely different expertise, Restaurant XO gives playful, Asian-fusion dishes that break the mould. Anticipate furikake waffles, uni butter pasta, and dishes impressed by chef Kenneth Lee’s Korean roots and native upbringing. It’s high quality eating taste in an off-the-cuff, energetic house.
Why we adore it: The sudden taste combos—and the rotating chef’s menu that retains regulars coming again.
3632 Waialae Ave
Bought a candy tooth? Pipeline Bakeshop is the go-to spot for malasadas made contemporary to order. They’re heat, pillowy, and simply candy sufficient. Pair with a scoop of island-inspired ice cream and also you’ve obtained an ideal afternoon deal with.
Native tip: Order the cinnamon-sugar malasada and seize it sizzling!
1127 11th Ave
With near 20 Soba choices for lunch, Kaimuki Shokudo is a noodle-lovers dream. Dinner options each cold and warm Pupu choices and rice dishes that can fulfill probably the most discerning style.
For drinkers: The restaurant has a liquor license so along with sake and beer, take a look at the cocktail menu that includes ingenious drinks such because the Shiso-Loopy, with lemon, cucumber and ginger beer.
3601 Waialae Ave
Half café, half cocktail bar, half native establishment, Speak Kaimuki is a calming hangout with robust brews and a gradual hum of group. Whether or not you’re writing, catching up with buddies, or simply people-watching, it’s obtained a welcoming vitality and loads of seating.
Professional transfer: Pair your espresso with considered one of their rotating house-made scones.
Discover by Foot
Every little thing is inside a brief, nice stroll—no automotive wanted when you’re there. Spend a lazy afternoon grazing your approach down the avenue, or make dinner a multi-stop expertise. Both approach, you’ll end up within the coronary heart of a neighborhood that’s inventive, rooted, and at all times cooking up one thing good.
Planning Your Journey to Kaimuki?
Waialae Avenue is only a brief drive from Waikīkī and properly definitely worth the detour.
