The Honu Restaurant in Dunedin: A Florida Foodie Trip to Hawaii

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Have a hankering for Hawaiian food, but don’t have the time or money to travel? Then you are in luck! The Honu Restaurant in Dunedin serves up Hawaiian specials daily.

Honu owners Kimberly Platt and Lisa Platt met fourteen years ago, but didn’t begin dating until after Lisa returned from the Army, where she served in Germany for five years. The two reunited in Paris six years ago and spent their first official date atop the Eiffel Tower.

The HONU Food Truck

In 2011, Kimberly Platt started culinary school, and together, the two began collecting over 2,000 hand-written recipes. Inspired by their love for Hawaii and food, the Platts opened a food truck business four years ago and named their truck “The HONU” (meaning the turtle) after a turtle they had brought back from Tulum Mexico years prior.

Owners Kimberly Platt (left) and Lisa Platt (right).

The Taco Shack

A short while later, they opened the funky little Taco Shack in Largo, Florida.

However, the food truck became the mainstay and their visits to Dunedin’s weekly market made them realize that they were destined to be a part of Dunedin’s downtown dining experience. Although they eventually closed Taco Shack, The HONU officially become a full-service restaurant in February 2016.

The Honu Restaurant Menu

Decorated with beautiful Hawaiian photos throughout, the Dunedin restaurant is now a favorite among locals eager to experience Hawaii without traveling nearly 5,000 miles and spending thousands of dollars to do so.

There are several menu items we highly recommend.

The Poke, presented in an adorable wooden bowl and topped with a vibrant purple orchid, is comprised of marinated ahi tuna, green onions, black sesame seeds, and sticky sushi rice. The flavor combo makes for a tasty Asian-inspired appetizer.

THE STACK was presented exactly as the title describes with a bed of rice, a mound of sweet-and-savory slow-cooked agave pork, a topping of slaw and micro greens, and a sprinkle of green onion. The sweet, crunchy, spicy, and salty flavor blend create an out-of-this world Hawaiian experience.

The daily pork special offers a more deconstructed presentation and is just as tasty.

For dessert, enjoy the chocolate mousse, which is rich, velvety, and delectable!

And for a childhood favorite, sample the orange drink, which is a reminder of Tang. The HONU even has a menu for furry friends!

Now married three years, the Platts continue to visit Hawaii, returning with new ideas and recipes following each visit. The couple invites everyone to experience their “lei’d back café and Aloha spirit,” not to mention their delightful food.

Location

The HONU is located at 516 Grant Street, Dunedin, FL 34698.

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Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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