3 Honolulu spots for the weekend

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu has no shortage of places to eat, but three spots stand out this weekend for food, culture and conversation.

From the legacy of Hawaiian cooking at Bishop Museum to the endless fire-grilled meats of Texas de Brazil and the authentically Italian, hand-tossed creations at Zucchi Pizza, each offers a different way to share a table and a story.

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Tūtū’s at Bishop Museum

What better way to spend a Saturday or a Sunday at Bishop Museum where you’ll not only get a big dose of Hawaiian history and culture.

Monica Toguchi Ryan, third-generation owner of Highway Inn and Tūtū’s, knows what it means to carry on the family’s Highway Inn tradition. At Bishop Museum, Tūtū’s brings the flavors of home into a historic setting.

“It’s not about just serving food, but about connecting people with our culture and history,” she explained.

Toguchi Ryan explained that the dishes are deeply tied to place and memory. The menu reflects recipes passed through generations, but it also offers something new for today’s visitors.

“People come to Tūtū’s and find something familiar but also something surprising,” Stanbro said.

The restaurant opens in the morning and continues through the afternoon, making it an ideal stop for museumgoers who want more than a quick bite.

We tried their smoked meat flatbread, which was super yummy, and kalua pig, which was the best we’ve ever eaten.

Tūtū’s is located inside Bishop Museum, and paying the museum entry fee is not required. Their hours of operation are from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Texas de Brazil

If you’re looking for a place to gather and enjoy your friends and family, then Ala Moana has what you’re looking for.

The energy at Texas de Brazil is built around abundance and celebration. Jasmin, general manager, described how the restaurant embraces the Brazilian churrasco tradition of slow-roasted meats served tableside.

“Our style is about generosity,” Jasmin said. “We want every table to feel full of life, full of flavor and full of food.”

The dining room is set for groups large and small, and the rhythm of the service keeps guests engaged throughout the evening. Jasmin added that the (rather extraordinary) buffet makes it easy for families to share a meal together.

“People tell us they love that they can try so many different things at once,” Jasmin said. “It’s an experience that brings people back again and again.”

We tried everything and loved all of it!

Texas de Brazil is located on the Hookipa Terrace at Ala Moana Center and is open from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Zucchi Pizza

If you’re looking for a casual experience that blows all your expectations out of the water, then Kewalo Basin Harbor Food Trucks has exactly what you need.

For something more casual but no less memorable, Zucchi Pizza offers hand-crafted pies with a personal touch. Zucchi, owner and operator, emphasized that quality and care are at the center of the business.

Zucchi said all their pizzas are cooked in an authentic woodfire pizza oven brought to Hawaiʻi directly from Napoli (Naples, Italy), the birthplace of Italian pizza. Most all of their ingredients are sourced from Italy, further adding to the uniqueness and yumminess of these incredible pizzas.

“When you come here, you’re not just grabbing a slice,” Zucchi said. “You’re tasting something made with intention.”

The pizzas balance tradition with creativity that gives regulars a reason to return while drawing in new customers curious to see what makes the pies stand out.

“I want people to feel like this is their neighborhood spot, but also a place that surprises them,” Zucchi said.

Zucchi said that if you haven’t had an authentic Napoli pizza, then you have to start with the Margherita pizza, the original Italian pizza. And the outdoor seating and casual experience is a really great way to end the week with friends and family.

We tried the meat lovers and the premium pepperoni which made go back for the margherita and San Daniele (with burrata). It was all absolutely amazing. They even offer alfajores!

Zucchi Pizza is located at Kewalo Basin Harbor Food Trucks and is open from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

A weekend of flavors

Together, Tūtū’s, Texas de Brazil and Zucchi Pizza highlight the range of dining experiences in Honolulu.

Each offers more than food. They bring connection, culture and community to the table as they remind us that the best meals are shared with stories and spirit.

Hope you have a great weekend!

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