SYDNEY IN HAWAII
Hawaii's blend of ethnicities and cultures has always made for an interesting culinary mix, and its unique combination of Hawaiian, American, and Asian influences has seen its rise and fall in popularity over the years. In the last decade, the islands have seen more visitors from Australia than ever before, and that is reflected in a new crop of hip eateries on Oahu serving Aussie favorites in chic yet laid-back settings.
Arvo Cafe
It is only fitting that the Hawaiian-Australian couple Dixie and Mason Rose started an Aussie coffee shop in Hawaii. Arvo, which means “afternoon” in Aussie slang, is housed in the SALT complex in Kaka’ako and has been a mecca for cool kids needing their coffee fix—flat white, anyone?—and more since its opening in 2016. Toast comes Instagram-worthy with avocado or Vegemite and edible flowers, and the lavender latte is not to be missed. 324 Coral Street at SALT, Honolulu, 808.312.3979, arvocafe.com
Bills Hawaii
Set in the heart of Waikiki, this Honolulu outpost of the popular Sydney restaurant was started by Australian chef Bill Granger. Come for the interior design: The pine walls, soaring ceilings, and funky tiles are reminiscent of a breezy midcentury-modern cabin overlooking Kalakaua Avenue. Stay for the food: brunch is a real standout, from their famous ricotta pancakes to the “Full Aussie” with cumin-roast tomato and pork-and-fennel sausage.
280 Beach Walk, Waikiki. 808.922.1500, billshawaii.com
Kiwi Style Fish & Chips
Yes, we know Kiwi and Aussie aren’t the same, but this food truck has a popular location in Sydney as well. The Oahu version, located in the Polynesian Cultural Center lot in Laie, is the only place on the island to get authentic fish and chips the Kiwi way: fresh to order.
Hukilau Marketplace, 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, 808.426.8311, kiwistylefishandchips.com
Tucker & Bevvy
Inspired by Australian beachside cafes, Hawaii-native Cecily Ho Sargent and her Australian husband Tony started three successful restaurants in Sydney. They now have two “Picnic Food” locations in Waikiki—at the Park Shore Hotel and the Hyatt Regency—where they serve salads, sandwiches, and smoothies made from local, organic ingredients.
2586 Kalakaua Ave., 808.922.0099, and 2424 Kalakaua Ave., 808.922.2088 Tuckerandbevvy.com