
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
âWhere should I go to eat?â Is a question I get a lot â whether itâs in person or via Instagram, from both friends and acquaintances via social media. Iâm excited to share my findings and adventures with our community â not necessarily to tell them where to eat, but to give an accurate representation of whatâs available out there. I love covering the new restaurants and new, local businesses popping up. Limited-time offerings (holiday cocktail bars, weekend pop-ups, etc.) are also exciting because sometimes theyâre the result of fun collabs between local businesses.
I received my bachelorâs degree from Biola University, as well as my masterâs degree in journalism at the University of Southern California. I was the associate editor of Frolic HawaiÊ»i from 2017 to 2021 under Honolulu Magazine, and then worked most recently as the dining editor of Crave with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
My goal is for ASDâs dining section to be the premiere guide for the state. Iâm excited to cover the food and dining scene, and to help our readers stay updated with all things food-related. Itâll be a fun, fresh start and Iâm excited to be able to cover everything.
Latest from Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

TĆ«tĆ«âs Place by Highway Inn is a new cafe at Bishop Museum
The new cafe is inspired by traditions passed down from kĆ«puna, and emphasizes comfort, hospitality and family recipes. Youâll find some of Highway Innâs signature dishes â including that famous Hawaiian plate with kÄlua pig â along with cafe exclusives.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 26, 2025

Budget Bites: $9.99 jajangmyeon for a limited time
Korean-Chinese eatery Hong Yeon celebrated its opening on Sept. 10. As part of its grand opening special, the restaurant is offering its popular jajangmyeon for $9.99 until the end of the month.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 25, 2025

Merrimanâs Honolulu now offers weekend brunch
The Ward Village extended its brunch specials to both Saturdays and Sundays. Feast on smoked salmon eggs Benedicts, wagyu loco mocos and mimosa flights â plus, the eateryâs full lunch and dessert menus are still available.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 25, 2025

Ochos Latin Vibes brings Mexican and Peruvian cuisine to Kapahulu
The biz features tacos and burritos, along with Peruvian-style ceviche.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 25, 2025

Mama Guava is Chinatownâs new Filipino-inspired pop-up
The pop-up, located in the former space of The Pig & The Lady, is opening the first week of October for lunch only. Chef/owner Monique Cadavona explains the menu is based on what she likes to eat and cook, along with both Hawaiʻi and New York influences.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 24, 2025

Budget Bites: Discounted Hokkaido uni for a limited time
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onoderaâs uni festival is Friday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 28. The special menu features discounts on premium Hokkaido uni.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 23, 2025