Native Taste: A Gourmand Ghetto in Kaimuki

The place to Eat on Waialae Avenue—A Hidden Culinary Treasure on Oʻahu

Nestled within the coronary heart of Kaimuki on Oʻahu, a couple of quick blocks of Waialae Avenue pack a severe culinary punch. From conventional Japanese katsu to daring Hawaiian fusion, this walkable stretch has quietly turn into certainly one of Honolulu’s most scrumptious neighborhoods. Whether or not you’re right here for a morning stroll, a dinner crawl, or a spontaneous chunk, this “connoisseur ghetto” is price carving out time for.

Nana Ai Katsu

3585 Waialae Ave

A small area with massive 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 hen katsu that’s fried to perfection. Come hungry, depart blissful.

Don’t miss: Uzumaki Shiso Katsu Roll Bento. These promote out so pre-order them if you happen to don’t need to miss out.

Mud Hen Water

3452 Waialae Ave

Chef Ed Kenney’s flagship eatery captures the spirit of contemporary Hawaiʻi delicacies. Celebrating its 10 12 months anniversary this 12 months, Mud Hen Water is hyper-local and creative, reworking conventional components into daring, memorable dishes. With an indoor-outdoor vibe and a menu designed to share, it’s a spot to rejoice 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.

Restaurant XO

3434 Waialae Ave

For a completely totally different expertise, Restaurant XO affords playful, Asian-fusion dishes that break the mildew. Count on furikake waffles, uni butter pasta, and dishes impressed by chef Kenneth Lee’s Korean roots and native upbringing. It’s positive eating taste in an off-the-cuff, energetic area.

Why we like it: The surprising taste combos—and the rotating chef’s menu that retains regulars coming again.

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

3632 Waialae Ave

Bought a candy tooth? Pipeline Bakeshop is the go-to spot for malasadas made recent to order. They’re heat, pillowy, and simply candy sufficient. Pair with a scoop of island-inspired ice cream and also you’ve acquired an ideal afternoon deal with.

Native tip: Order the cinnamon-sugar malasada and seize it sizzling!

Kaimuki Shokudo

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 essentially 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 creative drinks such because the Shiso-Loopy, with lemon, cucumber and ginger beer.

Talk Kaimuki

3601 Waialae Ave

Half café, half cocktail bar, half native establishment, Speak Kaimuki is a soothing 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 acquired a welcoming power and loads of seating.

Professional transfer: Pair your espresso with certainly one of their rotating house-made scones.

Discover by Foot

The whole lot 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 artistic, rooted, and all the time cooking up one thing good.

Planning Your Journey to Kaimuki?

Waialae Avenue is only a quick drive from Waikīkī and effectively definitely worth the detour.

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