Uncle Tetsu - CLOSED

Uncle Tetsu is known for their light and airy cheesecakes. They originated from Japan and this is their first location in the United States. The cheesecake flavors are original and coffee. You want to buy the cheesecake right after it comes out of the oven. It is best to eat the cheesecake when it's still warm but if you put it into the fridge for a few hours, the cake firms up and is more like the American cheesecake. I enjoy the cheesecakes here because they're not rich and overly sweet. If you don't like cheesecake, they also have other baked goods and cold drinks.

They are located on the 2nd floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center at the Pa'ina Lanai Food Court. They offer validation if you make a purchase. The prices are reasonable so you might end up buying more than just a cheesecake.

Royal Hawaiian Center
2201 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-9680

Original Japanese Cheesecake

Ooey Gooey Cookies

Avenue's Bar + Eatery - CLOSED

Avenue's Bar + Eatery is a gastropub located in the Kaimuki area. They are in the former space of SALT and Hale Ohuna. The items on their food menu are heavy but if you like to drink, this place is definitely for you. The have unique cocktails and a big list of beers, wines, and whiskies. For food, my favorites were the antipasto plate (the bread is really good), poutine, jidori buttermilk fried chicken, and open faced smoked ahi melt. Those item are great for sharing. If you want something all to yourself, their burgers are also good. I enjoyed the Ni'ihau lamb burger and the Hawaii Ranchers pastrami sandwich. A lot of the ingredients they use are locally sourced. The prices are high but if you are dining with a group and you can split the cost, it's not bad.

Their interior space is small so I highly recommend making reservations. They are only open for dinner and it's gets busy. For parking, the paid parking lot between 11th and 12th Ave is your best option.

For more information about Avenue's Bar + Eatery, visit avenuesbarandeatery.com.

3605 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 744-7567

Antipasto Plate

Duck Fat Popcorn

Poutine

Ho Farms Lemongrass Pork Burger

Hawaii Ranchers Pastrami

Open Faced Smoked Ahi Melt

Jidori Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Manoa Chocolate Beignets

Menya Musashi Ramen

Menya Musashi Ramen is located near Ala Moana Center. They are known for their tsukemen and ramen. This has become one of my favorite places for tsukemen. The dipping broth is thick and it's not super oily. The noodles get coated nicely after each dip. They are generous with the kakuni (pork belly). The lean to fat ratio is perfect so you'll enjoy each bite along with your noodles. The noodles come in 4 sizes; regular, large, xl, and pounder. If you plan on sharing a tsukemen with your group, the pounder is a great option. The price range is about $10 - $15 so it's still reasonable. If you want a better bowl of ramen or tsukemen with flavorful broth, check this place out.

The shop entrance is small so you can miss it. If you're coming from Pensacola Street or Kapiolani Blvd, you'll see the Wedding Ring shop at the corner. On the next block of Pensacola Street, you'll see the Discount Store and Menya Musashi Ramen is next to it. There are parking spaces in front of the shop and some street parking. The inside of the shop is big and its interior is samurai themed. The kitchen is in the back and you can see the cooks preparing your meal as you wait. If you're coming with more than 4 people, I recommend making reservations.

560 Pensacola St
Ste 105
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 589-0634

Kakuni Bao

Super Musashi Style (ramen)

Nitoryu Musashi Style (tsukemen)

Sunny Days

Sunny Days is located near Diamond Head. They are in the same complex as Bogart's Cafe and Diamond Head Cove Health Bar. I recommend trying their pancakes, sandwiches, and the eggslut. The eggslut is good for sharing between 2 people and it includes a side of mashed potatoes topped with a soft boiled egg. They have a lot of greens and fruits in all their dishes which makes it healthier than most brunch spots around town. Their prices are high so save this for a day where you can splurge.

The interior of the restaurant is bright, spacious, and they have an open kitchen. The staff are friendly and will check on you often to make sure you're alright. There was more Japanese tourist than locals eating in here. Their parking lot is small and it's shared between the other businesses so it might be best to park on the street in the residential area and walk over.

For more information about Sunny Days, visit sunnydays-hanafru.com.

3045 Monsarrat Ave, Ste 6
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 792-2045

Vegetable Sandwich

Eggslut

Steak Plate

Very Berry Pancakes

8 Half Desserts - CLOSED

8 Half Desserts is an ice cream shop in the Kaimuki area. They are located on Waialae Ave between 8th and 9th Ave. If you can spot Hung Won Restaurant while you walk or drive down Waialae Ave, you'll be able to find this place because they share the same parking lot. The inside of the shop is small but the owner is friendly and he lets you sample all the flavors available. What makes this ice cream shop different is the unique flavor combinations and ice cream pies. A lot of the ice creams are made with local fruits. My favorites were the mango shoyu and mountain apple. Their watermelon ice cream pie slices used to be sold at Kaimuki Grill but now you can get it here by the slice ($6) or whole ($45). The pre-packed flavors are $3 each, the cone is $4 and the bowl is $5.50. I recommend trying this place now before the word gets out. They accept cash and credit.

3434 Waialae Ave - CLOSED
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 630-0184

Windward Mall
46-056 Kamehameha Hwy #236
Kaneohe, HI 96744
(808) 630-0184

Mango Shoyu

Pineapple Mui

Mountain Apple Sorbet

Watermelon Ice Cream Pie