Hawaii’s dining scene is about to sizzle, literally, with the arrival of Pepper Lunch, a popular Japanese restaurant concept offering interactive meals under $20. Known for fast, hot, iron-plate dining, the brand is set to launch its first three Hawaii locations within the next 12 months, with a long-term plan to expand across all the islands.
What is Pepper Lunch?
Founded in 1994, Pepper Lunch is a fast-casual Japanese eatery with more than 500 locations across 17 countries. It remains one of Japan’s most successful homegrown fast-casual dining concepts. Its approach features steak, chicken, seafood, tofu, or vegetables served raw on a sizzling iron plate that diners cook to their liking at the table. The experience is quick, customizable, and meant to deliver a hot meal in under 20 minutes.
While well-known in Asia, Pepper Lunch remains under the radar for many U.S. travelers. That novelty, paired with its price point and presentation, could make it a hit in Hawaii—where sit-down meals under $20 are increasingly rare, particularly in popular visitor zones.
First locations and statewide expansion plans
The first Pepper Lunch in Hawaii will open at Moanalua Shopping Center, followed by new locations at the Hyatt Centric Waikiki and Kapahulu Avenue in Honolulu. This marks the beginning of a plan to open ten locations across the Hawaiian Islands.
Of course, we’ve seen many chains float similar ambitions before. “Statewide” plans often stop cold at Ala Moana. Whether this one makes it to Hilo or Lihue depends on how well the concept holds up in Hawaii’s real-world dining economy—where rent, wages, and supply chain realities have outpaced plenty of big-name entries.
Why this matters for affordable dining in Hawaii
With meal costs surging statewide, visitors and residents are struggling to find satisfying food at reasonable prices. In popular areas like Waikiki, lunch for one can easily cost double that—even for basic fare…