Have your fill of surf, turf and more

Makino Chaya draws in patrons from near and far with its promise of an allyou-can-eat, seemingly endless buffet stocked with seafood.

Restaurant president Jo Makino is responsible for concocting many of the delicious buffet items. A chef since he was 18, Makino enjoys sharing his culinary passion with his customers. What does Makino like best about cooking? “Just the fact that I can make good food — and people really enjoy eating good food,” he explains.

The buffet features at least 50 items, ranging from meat and seafood, to rice and fried noodles, sushi and desserts.

A favorite on the dinner buffet line is made-to-order American Kobe Beef.

“We cook the meat on the teppan grill,” Makino says. “When you go up to the teppan, you can just ask for (this), and the chefs will cook it right in front of you.”

Also available for dinner is Snow Crab, which is included as part of Makino Chaya’s all-you-can-eat selections. The crab easily is a crowd pleaser.

“It’s very sweet,” Makino says. “We steam it, and then you can eat it with butter.”

Do you desire another helping of shellfish? Makino Chaya’s dinner buffet also features Lobster with Cheese Sauce.

Makino Chaya still is taking reservations for the holidays; it’s open for business Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and Makino says to make your reservations as soon as possible.

Buffet prices are as follows: (lunch) Monday through Friday, $12.98; Saturday and Sunday, $19.98; (dinner) Monday through Thursday, $28.98; Friday and Sunday, $30.98.

MAKINO CHAYA

Westridge Shopping Center 98-150 Kaonohi St. #B219, Aiea
486-5100
Lunch:
Monday-Friday,
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.,
Saturday-Sunday,
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner:
Sunday-Thursday,
5-8:30 p.m.,
Friday-Saturday,
5-9 p.m.