The momentum of Hawaii’s further burgeoning dining scene continues in 2026.
In January alone, 13 new cafés and restaurants opened on the island of Oahu—from a Korean-originated bakery creating buzz near Ala Moana to a new brisket-centric concept by the owner of Teddy’s Bigger Burgers at Royal Hawaiian Center.
Here’s a look at the most exciting new spots to check out this month.
Waikiki Brisket
A brand-new restaurant by the owner of homegrown burger shop Teddy’s Bigger Burgers recently opened inside the Paina Lanai Food Court on the 2nd floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center.
Waikiki Brisket brings together Texas-style BBQ and local Hawaiian flavors. Here, beef brisket, a staple of Texas barbecue, is front and center. The menu features a variety of presentations incorporating beef shoulder, from brisket sandwiches to cheesy melts, with loco moco and hearty rice bowls to reflect local tastes.
If you’re craving Texas-inspired BBQ flavors in the heart of Waikiki, this is the spot to visit.
Address: 2233 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Phone: 808-746-7620
Website: https://www.waikikibrisket.com/
Kana Curry
Osaka-style curry makes its debut in Waikiki. Kana Curry opened inside Royal Hawaiian Dining Plaza, offering a rich, slightly sweet take on spicy Japanese curry that should come with warning labels for its addictive nature.
The curry roux is made by hand in-house using a proprietary spice blend and beef-based broth, slowly simmered to extract a deep umami. It’s Japanese comfort food but with a distinctive character.
Address: 2239 Waikolu Way, Honolulu, HI
Hours: Mon–Sat 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanacurry_hawaii/
Wagyuya Sizzle
Located inside Pineapple County Market in Waikiki, Wagyuya Sizzle is a sister restaurant of Yakiniku Sizzle in Kakaʻako.
The signature dish is the wagyu roast beef bowl, which is served with other wagyu steak bowls, wagyu curry, and sukiyaki-style sets. During the breakfast hours, guests may also enjoy Japanese-style bento options including grilled mackerel or salmon. Outdoor seating makes for a charming setting immediately fronting the shop.
Address: 342 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI
Hours: Breakfast 7:00–10:00 AM / Lunch & Dinner 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagyuyasizzle/
Munch ’N Brunch
A former Waikiki food truck officially opened a brick-and-mortar location at Eaton Square on the West end of Waikiki.
Munch ’N Brunch serves a diverse mix of coffee, pancakes, tacos, and casual brunch favorites set to a relaxed Hawaiian-inspired setting. The interior reflects the laid-back island vibe, making it a comfortable stop for slow risers who appreciate meals in the late mornings.
Address: 438 Hobron Ln, Honolulu, HI
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munchnbrunchwaikiki/
SinIceStir
A new shave ice shop on the ground floor of the Twin Fin Hotel in East Waikiki, SinIceStir is known for its ultra-fine, fluffy shave ice. The best part is that each serving of shave ice conceals a serving of vanilla soft serve inside.
Flavors rotate seasonally and feature creative combinations such as Blue Vanilla, Lilikoi Shark Bite, and Lavender Honey. For adventurous types, there are also boldly innovative pairings such as white chocolate with seaweed and black sesame.
Address: 2570 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinicestir/
Kona Coffee Donuts
Situated along Kalakaua Avenue near Beachwalk Avenue between ABC Store and King of Thai Boat Noodles, Kona Coffee Donuts is a recently introduced bakery café concept.
The charming café serves Kona coffee by Honolulu Coffee Co., along with chewy rice-flour donuts made using a Mochinut-style dough—a Korean-born donut trend now popular across the United States. This is certainly not your typical donut shop, so it may be worth a visit.
Address: 2142 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konacoffeedonut/
Poke Stand by Shokudo
The Westman Group, known for Waikiki Shokudo and Kaimuki Shokudo, opened its Poke Stand by Shokudo in Kakaʻako near Patagonia.
Poke bowls start at $14.50, with a choice of white rice, brown rice, or mixed greens. In addition to classic ahi and salmon shoyu poke, the menu includes more unorthodox flavors like mentaiko mayo, cold ginger, miso cheese, and “Gohan Desuyo” seasoning.
Address: 961 Kawaiahao St, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pokestandbyshokudo/
Supreme Dumpling
Popular on the U.S. mainland, Supreme Dumpling is opening at Ala Moana Center on the first floor, taking over the former Wahlburgers space.
The menu features xiao long bao (soup dumplings), other types of dumplings, fried rice, and other familiar Chinese comfort dishes that appeal to global diners.
Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI
Website: https://www.supreme-dumplings.com/
Tous Les Jours
Korea-originated French bakery Tous Les Jours introduces itself to the local market near Ala Moana, directly across Keeaumoku Street from Walmart.
The spacious new location offers dine-in seating and a wide range of pastries—from flaky croissants to Korean-style soboro bread and donuts. The area is part of a food hub that is to expand in the near future.
Address: 711 Keeamoku St, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: 808-762-9797
Website: https://tljus.com/
Midtown Eats
A new food hall, Midtown Eats, officially opened on January 17 inside The Park on Keeaumoku condominium a few blocks north of Ala Moana.
The hall features a diverse lineup of local favorites and international cuisine, including Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Mexican, along with other popular flavors including BBQ, sushi, desserts, and more, making it a one-stop dining destination.
Address: 1515 Liona St, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midtowneats_hi/
Sumo AYCE Sushi
Replacing the former Korean inari sushi shop DEBU on Keeaumoku Street, Sumo AYCE Sushi introduces its brand of all-you-can-eat sushi.
Meals are surprisingly affordable, with lunch from Monday through Thursday costing a mere $26.95 per person, with a price of $36.95 on other days and times. In addition to nigiri and rolls, the menu includes salmon carpaccio, lobster garlic bread, and poke nachos to add a sense of diversity.
Address: 641 Keeaumoku St, Honolulu, HI
Hours:
Thu–Mon 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tue–Wed 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Makanai
A new café called Makanai opened in the Makiki area. It’s a sister shop of Sushi King in Kakaʻako and focuses on quality café drinks and pastries.
Popular drinks include the Makiki Love (double espresso with vanilla cold foam) and Earl Grey matcha. Some food items incorporate bread from the downtown Honolulu bakery, Mille Fête.
Address: 1249 Wilder Ave, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makanaihnl/
38 Grill
Located at Pier 38, 38 Grill is a casual bistro offering fresh seafood and local favorites. The restaurant replaces the former cherished restaurant, Namikaze.
Menu highlights include fish and chips, ahi tataki, poke bowls, ahi burgers, and lobster mac & cheese. Enjoy some time here for a relaxed lunch with a harbor view.
Address: 1135 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI
Hours: Mon–Fri 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirtyeighthi/
As Honolulu’s dining scene continues to flourish, explore some of the affordable new flavors. As spaces open up, new spots immediately emerge, adding to the excitement and diversity of the islands.
