6 New Oahu Restaurants to Visit in Spring 2019

With blustery weather, diners have been seeking dishes that warm the mind, body and soul. This season’s specially created comfort foods have emerged from new Oahu eateries that boast hot pot, noodles, curry and craft eats. Here’s a look at the best new restaurants on Oahu just in time for spring.

1. Joy Cup Noodles Mean

Hidden along the King Street end of Kalakaua Avenue, about a mile before you enter Waikiki, is a true mouthwatering hole in the wall. This gem serves elegantly prepared, fresh yet humble noodle dishes with the potential to really fire up your tastebuds. Owned and operated by a husband and wife duo (Joy is the namesake and wife/chef’s daughter of the noodle shop), all have an unmistakable passion for Szechuan cuisine.

With spice levels from 0 to 14, your level of tolerance can be tested. The flavors are robust, perfectly cooked, the noodles are ever so chewy and served as a very generous portion. Favorites include the Beef Noodles and Dan Dan Noodles, along with the popular Okinawan Taco Rice (which doesn’t feature noodles at all).

Joy Cup Noodles Mean

1608 Kalakaua Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96826

2. Shabuya

When there’s a slight chill in the air and the breeze is cool, you’ll crave hot pot. What makes Shabuya even more palatable is the fact that it is all-you-can-eat. Located at Ala Moana Shopping Center in the Ewa Wing, you’ll find a glorious heaven for hot pot lovers.

Shabuya is a traditional hot pot restaurant offering five styles of broth, an impressive meat selection and unlimited fresh ingredients, which include noodles, vegetables, seafood options and dipping sauces. Sauces include the Original House Broth, Miso Broth, Spicy Miso, Tonkotsu Broth and Sukiyaki. They don’t take reservations and the wait list can get pretty long but most diners are in and out pretty quickly. Lunch is $17.99 and dinner is $27.99.

Shabuya

1450 Ala Moana Blvd

Honolulu, Hi 96814

https://shabuya.net/all-you-can-eat/

3. Seoul Tofu House

Complete meals include freshly made soft tofu, side dishes along with delicious types of Soondoobu served boiling in regular spicy, curry or plain broth. Ingredients include meat, seafood, kimchi, ham and cheese, vegetable or cod roe. Spice levels are regular, hot or danger. You can also select a not-spicy plain or curry option.

Seoul Tofu House

2299 Kuhio Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96815

4. Minori Craft Japanese Tavern

The menu is chic, trendy and innovative. Dishes are broken into categories: signature dishes, fried goodness, charcoal grill, bowls, noodles, sushi and hot pot. Standouts include the Homemade Bacon Potato Salad, #BrokeDaMouthChicken, Minori Juicy Gyoza, and hot pot with Original Chicken Paitan broth.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern

1731 Kalakaua Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96826

www.minorihawaii.com

5. Nico’s Upstairs

Nico’s Upstairs Steak and Seafood serves lunch, happy hour, dinner and Sunday brunch, showcasing a more refined and elevated experience. The restaurant also combines Nico’s home inspirations, including French classics like Escargot, Bistro Style Tuna Steak and Creme Brûlée, while also offering worldly elements including miso, Spanish octopus and New Zealand Oysters.

Nico’s Upstairs

1129 North Nimitz Hwy

Honolulu, HI 96817

www.nicospier38.com/upstairs

6. Hapa Restaurant

Currently open for dinner only, they hope to expand into the lunchtime crowd. Notable items include the Hapa Potstickers, Black Garlic Filet Mignon and Kauai Shrimp and Grits. Portions are generous, proteins are perfectly cooked and complemented with unique flavor combinations.

Hapa Restaurant

829 Kapahulu Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96816

www.hapaeats.com