5 New Eateries to Check Out on O‘ahu in November 2023

Doesn’t it seem like there’s something new to check out every day? Last week alone, five exciting new eateries opened ahead of the busy holiday season. They run the gamut from Singaporean fare to local grinds and kawaii pastries. And more are on the horizon for December.

Holoholo Bistro Express

If Holoholo Bistro Express sounds familiar, then you’ve probably had Jill Owens’ Taegu Noodle Salads and pork carnitas bowls. Owens opened her second café Nov. 15 in the former Meg’s Drive-In on Waiakamilo Road. A growing catering business meant her team needed more prep space; in this case, it came with a comfy storefront. Like its sister café Holoholo Grill at Paradise Palms at UH Mānoa, Holoholo Bistro Express has a rotating menu of bentos, salads, wraps, sandwiches and baked goods.

I like the garlic chicken and pork carnitas bento bowls along with the Green Goddess salad wraps, smoked meat fried rice musubi and Gingerade drinks. Most items range from $5 to $13. Check Instagram for daily specials and offerings.

Open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 743 Waiakamilo Rd., holoholobistro.com, @holohologrilluh

Howzit Brewing

Photo: Alexander Gates

Howzit Brewing brings a refreshing taste of craft beer styles that are popular in the Pacific Northwest. Located near Fishcake on the developing edge of Ward Village, Howzit opened this month with 10 taps and a slushy machine for Radlers. Beers are served in traditional glassware and run $8 a pour for full sizes, while half-pours are $4.

Open daily from noon to 10 p.m., 330 Kamani St., @howzitbrewing

SEE ALSO: Howzit, Honolulu’s Newest Brewery, Opens in Kaka‘ako

Katsuriki BBQ House

Photo: Thomas Obungen

Katsuriki BBQ House is Ichiriki Nabe’s take on yakiniku. Inside the former Gyukaku on School Street, the Japanese grills retain the same Gyukaku standard, but the new AYCE format and meat selection bring a fresh approach. Meals include banchan, salad, rice and shave ice for dessert. During an early preview dinner, we enjoyed grilling up sous vide chicken wings, pork jowl strips, marinated kalbi, sliced pork belly and beef fingers.

The AYCE is well priced at $18.95 for lunch and $27.95 for dinner daily. Children 10 and under can eat for half those prices.

Open daily from 11 a.m. t0 10 p.m., 1339 North School St., @katsuriki_bbq_house_honolulu

Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe

Photo: Thomas Obungen

This kawaii Japanese bakery brings new life to the former Starbucks at the corner of Auahi and Kamake‘e St. Okayama Kobo prides itself on freshly baked breads and pastries using flour imported from Hokkaido, Japan. All items look like they were plucked straight out of an anime and placed in a box. Standard and specialty coffee drinks feature Tradition Coffee Roasters of Kailua.

The line here can snake out of the small café and around the corner. If it stretches past Men’s Warehouse, be prepared to wait over an hour. I like the Salt and Butter roll, Japanini and Oyaki Takana breads along with the Taro Sea Salt Cream latte. Most items are between $3 and $6.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 310 Kamake‘e St. Unit 6, okayamakobousa.com, @okayamakobohawaii

Straits Restaurant

Photo: Thomas Obungen

Straits brings Chef Chris Yeo’s Singaporean flair to a menu of modern and traditional Asian dishes. Part clubby lounge, part swanky restaurant, it feels like a venue in Crazy Rich Asians. With lots of buzz around this addition to Ward Village, we’re excited to check it out.

Open Sunday to Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight, 1060 Auahi St. #4, straitshawaii.com, @straitshonolulu