Buffet Dreams Come True

Barbecue Ribs are on special this month.

Since 2005, Makino Chaya in Aiea has been serving all-you-can-eat island favorites with an extensive buffet menu of nearly 100 items, featuring tasty local dishes mixed with some classic Asian foods, plus a sushi bar, salad bar, dessert bar, an a la carte menu (dinner only) and monthly specials.

“We’re family-oriented and we try to take care of the locals,” says general manager Chris Mitchell. “We try our best to make everyone happy.”

Locally owned and operated, the restaurant also has become popular for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and graduation parties. Conveniently located in Westridge Shopping Center (across from Pearlridge Center) with plenty of free parking, the restaurant can accommodate up to 300 guests.

The lunch buffet is $15.98 (Monday-Friday) or $20.98 (Saturday and Sunday), while the dinner buffet is $33.98 (Monday-Thursday) or $35.98 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The restaurant also will have a special menu for Father’s Day (June 18), and regularly offers discounts for military and seniors (ages 65-plus).

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THESE

This month’s special at Makino Chaya is Barbecue Ribs, available on the carving station for dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday. “It’s meaty, and the way my chef makes it, it falls right off the bone when you pick it up,” says general manager Chris Mitchell. Made with an original Makino Chaya barbecue sauce, this is the first time the restaurant is serving ribs. Next month’s special will be Prime Rib (carving station only, available for dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday). For dinner, Makino Chaya also offers the local favorite sashimi, including ahi, salmon and hamachi, which Mitchell notes is served fresh daily. “We go to the fish auction every day,” he says.

Makino Chaya

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