Makino Chaya

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: Warm Cinnamon Bread Pudding (part of buffet)

A buffet is a nice concept because it offers customers a little bit of everything. A good buffet, however, goes above and beyond simple satisfaction and fulfills one’s wildest food cravings. At Makino Chaya in Westridge Shopping Center, its buffet can be described as the latter, where Japanese-inspired selections reign and the dessert station should not to be overlooked.

Aside from fresh cuts of sashimi, nigiri sushi and steamed crab (available for lunch Friday-Sunday and nightly dinner), Makino Chaya also offers a carving station, which is available for dinner Friday-Sunday, with an assortment of roasted meats.

The establishment, which has been the go-to site for large parties and celebrations for more than a decade, especially prides itself on its dessert. The sweets selection is so great that patrons may even choose to stop there first, before getting their fill of savory entrees. Feast your eyes on light lemon bars and other bite-sized delights, take your pick of flavors from the frozen-yogurt dispenser and dip everything in the chocolate fountain.

At Makino Chaya, you can have it all.

Makino Chaya

Westridge Shopping Center,
98-150 Kanohi St., Aiea
486-5100
Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dinner: Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 5:30-9 p.m.
Buffet prices: Lunch is $14.98 Monday to Friday, and $19.98 on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is priced at $32.98 throughout the entire week. Children 4-5 feet tall receive their meal at 50 percent off, and children 3-4 feet receive 75 percent off. For children under 3 feet, meals are free.