Frolic Team Picks: Best New Hawai‘i Restaurants of 2020
Highlights from a year that saw an unexpected slew of new openings.
What’s New
Holey Grail Doughnuts Is Expanding with a 5-Month Pop-Up
Its taro doughnuts are moving into Kaka‘ako’s old Pā‘ina Café space while the truck roams Waikīkī.
Kaimukī’s New Sandwich Cafe Has a Familiar Name
12th Ave Grill DeliCafe is an indoor-outdoor reboot of the long-shuttered restaurant.
Downbeat is on the Rise as The Other Side Diner
If you’ve missed Downbeat Diner’s meaty, vegetarian and vegan comfort fare, you’re in luck.
Find 12 Vietnamese Noodle Soups on Piggy Smalls’ New Menu
The Kaka‘ako hot spot just reopened with a new chef and revamped brunch and dinner lineups.
Aloha Mamacita’s Birria Tacos are Coming to Town
The ‘Ewa-based birria taco truck is set to open a restaurant early next year.
There’s a Big Move In the Works for MW Restaurant
The popular eatery is closing Dec. 31 and reopening in a new space along with its recently shuttered Artizen café.
New Riff on Chinatown Restaurant-Bar Brings Back Vegan and Vegetarian Fare
Fans of the old Downbeat Diner can find new takes on meaty and vegan favorites, complete with a conspiratorial twist, at the new Other Side Diner.
Here’s Why Kapa Hale Is One of Honolulu’s Most Exciting New Restaurants
Keaka Lee’s first restaurant fuses elements of Hawaiian, local, modern American and global.
Find Detroit- and Brooklyn-Style Pizzas at Chinatown’s New Slice Shop
Pizza Mamo’s American-style pies are unique on O‘ahu.
Papa Kurt’s Is Honolulu’s New Old-Fashioned Saimin Stand
Curly noodles in steaming broth with teri sticks and burgers on the side, complete with a Coca-Cola menu board.
First Look: Foodland’s Chic New Restaurant Et Al in Kāhala
This makes eatery number three for the local supermarket chain.
SingMaTei’s Laksa Noodle Soups and Nasi Lemak Will Transport You to Southeast Asia
Slurp like you’re at a hawker stall.
Katsu Sandwiches and Burgers Headline a Healthy Menu at Coco Bloom Kitchen—Really
It’s not weird, it’s a yin-yang thing.
Find Ceviche and Brigadeiros on the New Menu at Off The Wall in Kaka‘ako
A new chef has expanded the Latin-focused menu with new and heartier fare.
Merriman’s Honolulu Opens a New Outdoor Street Burger and Beer Garden
The seats inside may be off-limits but the spacious lānai has been revamped for a deliciously grill-centric pop-up restaurant.
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