This Hawaiian spot in Little Tokyo, in the same strip mall as the iconic Sushi Gen, has also been around awhile, about 20 years under current owner Jennifer. Over the years I've gotten take-out here but have also done dine-in. It seems they mostly do catering now, because they have very short business hours for the public. They are only open Thursdays and Fridays 10-3. Per the nice male employee who gave me my order, they're open on Sat and Sun if they don't have a lot of catering jobs, otherwise they're closed. Their website says their dining room is closed, but the employee says it's open Thurs and Fri. Nevertheless, I followed the website's info and ordered pick up. Here's what I ordered: 1) Komai's Big Breakfast. Komai was Aloha's original chef. Two eggs with all the meats: Portuguese sausage, Spam, Vienna sausage, corned beef hash plus 2 scoops of rice and a Hawaiian roll. No surprises here, very nice. 2) Kal B Chicken plate lunch. Chicken marinated in the same sauce as the more familiar kalbi beef short ribs, with rice and mac salad. The chicken did not seem to take up the marinade as well as beef, so it was tasty but on the dry side. I'd probably give their chicken teriyaki a go next time. The mac salad was fine, did have potatoes. 3) Spam musubi. Again no surprises, classic 4) ordered a side of char siu, but it was not available. A nice go-to if you're hankering for classic Hawaiian on a Thurs or Fri. read more

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Stopped by with a coworker. I ordered the Kal B Chicken and Spam Musibi. Coworker got the Kal B Chicken as well. Decent price. Local Hawaiian restaurant. Macaroni salad was tasty and chicken was well seasoned. Service was quick. You order at the entrance and seat yourself. read more

I love the loco moco here but they don't keep regular hours. Any business that doesn't keep regular hours doesn't get a 4 or 5 stars rating in my opinion. Everyday they have some excuse or reason to not keep regular hours. That is fine but not for a business which the public depends on to keep regular hours. Great food but terrible business practices. read more

This is a great eating placed tucked away in Little Tokyo. We hired them to cater our Wedding Reception. They were great, waitstaff was awesome, they were on time, cleaned up, did a few extra things we asked of them. They were awesome so give them a call and do a tasting if you need a caterer. The owner is amazing! read more

LOVE this place! The food is great, the prices are reasonable and it's ran by good people. Also, you can't beat the good island music while you wait for your food. Mahalo, Aloha Cafe! read more

I frequently order from Aloha Cafe, especially since I live nearby. Although they have the capacity to do dine-in with their islander decor, you should check with them. I think they are largely take-out and catering. There are fewer items on the menu, but they still have the things I like. I have ordered lots of food for my birthdays, most recently the Kalbi Beef, chicken skewers, Kalua Pork, and Mac Salad. I like their loco moco. I usually call in for take-out and ask for specials and most recently had pork ribs. Their food looks great on Instagram, and takes pretty good. read more

If casual dining continues evolving in this direction, this place is already ahead. The efficiency of service, clarity of menu, and consistency of flavor create a streamlined experience that feels almost engineered. Yet it still retains warmth, which is rare. read more

I had Aloha Cafe bookmarked for a while. I finally got a chance to try it out. I wasn't sure what to order so I got the Kalua pork plate. They provided a generous portion of meat. I felt the plate was lacking veggies. There is some cabbage on the plate but not enough. It was just protein and carbs. I also ordered 2 spam musubis. Those were delicious as well. read more

Aloha Café - Kalua pork lunch plate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I haven't been here since they changed their hours changed. They went from open most of the week to only a few days for takeout and catering so was not around when they were open. Today we were looking for breakfast, went walking around and saw on Yelp that they were open. We went in and were warmly greeted. They had a simple menu, mostly lunch items but also had off menu breakfast items as well. We got the Komai breakfast which included 2 of each meats (spam, portugues saisage, vienna sausage), corned beef hash patty, 2 eggs, 2 scoops of rice and 2 bread rolls. Big breakfast. So good. read more

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Really good food and such nice service! The musubi rice to spam ratio is also perfect and the Mac salad is probably the best I've had in DTLA. There's plenty of seating as well :) read more

Food was Deelicious and the service was very attentive! I would go back again, again and again!!! Love, love the food!! read more

The food is fresh and hot. Price is reasonable. It's easy place to sit down and eat for quick brunch.

Now they are only open on Thursday and Friday but boy am I glad they are at least open for those. They make Fridays even better! That Loco moco or the beef ribs are worth it every time. Always best to call it in ahead of time because they do get pretty busy but they do also have alot of seating inside as well. Don't let the look of it being closed fool you. On Thursday and Fridays, go inside! read more

We were referred by a friend for the catering offered by the cafe. Contact regarding the menu options was easy and clear. We made an appointment to.come taste the entrees and the portions and selections were delicious and generous for a nominal fee. We've booked them for our event, but I'll come back for lunch at the cafe. The items were wonderful! read more

Aloha Café - Chinese chicken salad, pork and steamed rice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Delightful casual little restaurant that features delicious Hawaiian fare. Exquisitely fresh ingredients. Hubby and I loved the huge Loco Moco (couldn't finish!) , the fruit plate, and the side salad. Service was stellar. Even though they say it's "Take Out" only, there were a dozen or so well-kept tables and booths that were wonderful to sit at. Prices were super reasonable. Highly recommend. read more

Aloha Café - Fruit plate.super fresh! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Don't remember how I heard about this place, but I'm sure I didn't read that it's a to go place only. Which is kind of confusing because it occupies a full restaurant location with tables and chairs. The person who took my order said they mostly do catering. I did order the loco moco. As you can see by the picture it was drenched in the gravy. Really, more like a 3.5, but I rounded up. Not someplace I'd be going back to. read more

Aloha Café - Loco Moco - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Kokoro no Cafe pop up cafe has really bad service. Went here after running with little tokyo run club. I brought my partner and her friend. Run was great and wanted to check this place out. Unfortunately the cafe was closed but they were hosting kokoro no cafe. We waited in line for 5 min. And was wondering if we were waiting in the correct area. We asked and finally found the line. While waiting and watching the people in front of us order right when we got to the front, a girl from the left just cut us. We didn't want to bother complaining, so once it was our turn again two men then waited beside us using their body to block us. We started to order and then the two men gave the barista a look and while we were ordering the barista told us they were first. While we tried to tell her we were waiting she ignored us and continued to take their order. One of the worst shameful services i have experienced. Waited for 30. Min in a non existent line only to be told to wait again while 3 groups cut us. Will never come to this place and make sure to voice that if anyone I know asks the service at this place is disrespectful. read more

While I have never been to their restaurant , we did use them for catering and it was amazing. They came in, set everything up and gave it a nice Hawaiian feel. They had a floral table cloth, bamboo plates, tropical leaves as decor and more. Buffets are hit or miss, but not this one. Everyone commented how good the food was. The spam musubi and the mac salad was a huge hit and was the first to go. Numerous people came and asked if there was any more. The meat was also really good. I am not sure how the Hawaiians marinate their meat, but it is generally amazing flavor and the marinade is penetrated deep into the meat. This was no exception. Then when it was all over, they came back and helped to box up to go boxes for people and then cleaned everything up. Was amazing food, great presentation and they made it super easy for us and our guests. Highly recommend them if you need catering. Also Jennifer, the owner, will likely be on hand ensuring you get the best experience. Thank you Jennifer we appreciaete read more

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I COME HERE FOR THE BEEF SHORTRIBS! It's so tender yet, charred to perfection and juicy, overall FLAVOR TOWN! A friend referred me here during the Pandemic, so anytime I've come it's always to-go only so can't really give a thought on the ambiance, service is always on point the kindest cashiers. I usually order the Kal B Combo with the Chicken and beef, sub for fried rice and extra scoop of Mac salad. The portions are amazing! The chicken is also charred to perfection a bit in the dry side but still bussin'. The only downside is their hours are very unique, but that could be an upside for them too QUALITY/QUANTITY. I actually found a foot in my plate once here. read more

I found Aloha Cafe through an article on the LA Rams website that spotlighted small businesses in the area. The backstory is very rich, with the cafe originally being founded by a Hawaiian man and eventually (after some years) being co-owned by him and a prior employee. The food definitely tastes like the kind of food that has lasted and been perfected over decades. Prices are relatively reasonable and the loco moco comes with generous spoonfuls of gravy. So happy I found this place a few years ago! More about the Rams spotlight on current sibling owners Jennifer and Kenneth Lee https://www.therams.com/news/aloha-cafe-honors-memory-of-original-owner-with-taste-of-hawaii-in-little-tokyo read more

The food at this establishment is delicious. I normally order the KAL B BEEF which comes with 3 slices of bone-in short ribs marinated in garlic, sesame oil sauce and soy sauce on top of a bed of cabbage; along side a scoop of rice and 2 scoops of macaroni. It's not a lot of food but I usually eat half for lunch and eat the left overs for dinner. The pick up service is always attentive to my order. Pro tip if you drive there for a pick up order the parking is free. The overall vibe gives settle. Enjoy. read more

Stopped in for lunch and the loco moco hit the spot! Hearty, tasty, and came out fast. Staff was sweet and the vibe felt laid-back, like a little getaway from downtown noise. read more

The owner was so nice---I hired Aloha Cafe to cater my husbands memorial and their workers were so kind and professional but most of all the food was delicious. Thank you for caring. read more

Ordered the Kalbi short ribs and chicken. The ribs were perfect. I would have preferred The Kalbi chicken be served in slices, not chopped in small pieces which is why the smaller pieces were sometimes dry. read more

If you are craving a good Loco Moco, this is your Spot. This was my first time coming, this is a togo place only. The beef patty was huge and very well seasoned, it's not a frozen hamburger patty. The gravy was perfectly seasoned and rich in flavor. Mac Salad was a mixture with potato salad which was a nice twist. Looking forward to trying other items on menu. They accept card and open for very random hours. Service staff was very friendly, go check them out! read more

Aloha Café - Loco Moco with Rice and Mac Salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

When will indoor dining be open? We tried to eat today but had to leave because we were told that it's take out only. read more

I had an amazing experience at this cafe. The staff was friendly, the service was quick, and everything we ordered tasted fresh and flavorful.The vibe is clean, comfortable, and welcoming. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

My love. The loco moco and a black coffee is a top tier breakfast situation. Better than other breakfasts. It combines greatness in so many ways. And aloha has all the goodness. The people. The food. The setting. Sad they don't do the indoor anymore because it was a place I loved sneaking off to. But oh well. At least I still get to taste my lil bit of heaven read more

My friends who are downtown and used to live in Hawaii order from these guys all the time, because it's so good! We ordered a Chinese Chicken Salad to go for four people. They gave us plenty and we had lots left over. They aren't stingy with the dressing or anything else, it was all good! You can dine in or take out. The seating inside is really nice, and the staff is awesome, too! They validate parking. For Hawaiian-style food, say Aloha to this Cafe'! Oh yeah, I received a free soda with my lunch when I checked in on Yelp. Love it! read more

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This was catered to my bf's birthday and my first time getting to try it. So good. Loved all of the items we had. The Chinese chicken salad is bomb with a dressing that was light but flavorful. Galbi was bomb. Spam musubi were so good and smaller size which I liked. Mac pasta so good, not overly mayonnaise yet comforting. read more

Came in at 12:15 and ordered at cashier. Inconvenient how there are only 2 tables indoors that are open. The food took a while like 20 minutes? Pricing was reasonable around 12.50 for a plate of loco moco. Rice quality was great, asked for over easy eggs and sauce delishhh Was able to get a free lemonade from checking in. Down to try salmon bowl if they have any next time read more

Aloha Café - Front - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Thursday AM, 10:30 Closed for catering. No signs of any sort. So much for supporting small business. Ended up at Starbucks - one of the few open. read more

I've been in this plaza many times and I never notice this restaurant. Thanks to my sister if she tell me about this I wouldn't know. Anyways, dine LA deal $15 for lunch and you get spam musubi, loco moco, side of macaroni salad and ramen cabbage salad, plus desert/ drink. Price is very affordable. Deep fried spam musubi is kinda greasy but it's GOOD. Loco moco is huge need little touch of pepper or eat with ramen cabbage salad. Macaroni salad it's okay, nothing special. Service is amazing, very friendly. Coming back to try other things and for spam musubi. read more

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Food here is delicious. Our favorite was the kalbi chicken. You definitely get your moneys worth for 2025. Staff is super nice as well. Will be back! read more

I am so sad I never dine in here before Covid, now I must wait patiently! How many times have I passed by Aloha Cafe but to eat everything else in the same plaza instead? Was scrolling the Dine LA menu to see what's new to try for take-outs and Aloha Cafe's menu sounds promising. I placed my order over the phone before I drove out , so the 45 minutes wait was not that bad from SGV to Little Tokyo. We got one each of the $15 Dine LA menu. Breakfast: Delicious fluffy French toast with generous portion of chantilly cream with strawberries. So delicious!! We were eating in the car but we were definitely kicking our feet with joy! The Portuguese sausage had a slight kick to it but it was not too spicy. Then we wash it down with POG juice! Passion fruit, orange, and guava! Lunch: The hamburger meat in the Loco Moco was made with juicy beef and top with eggs over easy. Deep fried spam musubi reminded me of this restaurant we had it in Maui - but BETTER! The macaroni salad was not powering with mayo at all, and the ginger dressing shredded cabbage salad top with ramen crumbs was just simple goodness! They were out of the Dine LA dessert but they offered us with a Hawaiian sweet tea which we didn't mind at all. If I closed my eyes eating this meal, I would be in Hawaii under a palm tree. Even though I was eating in my car my taste buds and belly were super happy. read more

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Terrific food, good portions and very friendly service! Loco Moco and the Beef Kalbi were both really good!

Back in May a couple friends and I came to Aloha Cafe to get some Loco Moco. During the pandemic there has been no dine in nor outdoor seating. I am glad to know this place was readily available for take out. Aloha cafe has a great loco moco as it proves and shows that you get your moneys worth. If you can finish the plate to yourself, you are beast. There is so much packed in our to go box that it can easily be saved for the next meal. It was a great recommendation by my friend and hit the spot in all angles. I am looking forward to my next visit. Parking: private paid lot, street parking VERDICT: Rinse and repeat read more

Aloha Café - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

God ... it pains me to write a review that is like this for Aloha Cafe. The food is and always has been 10/10. Enough to the point I would only order Hawaiian food from Aloha Cafe and nowhere else in LA... but what is going on ? Is the restaurant closing or going to go out of business ? Are they not doing well ...? The entire restaurant from seating , to the immense downsize of the menu, and my god ... the self service experience was extremely unexpectedly disappointing. I'm unsure about the status of this restaurant in terms of their future or near future, but I've been frequenting here for almost 10 years so, the change is and was quite drastic. It felt very sad to eat there when the experience I had imagined before heading over was entirely different, I'm unsure also why the server has packed our food into togo containers to ask us if we wanted plates as soon as she set the food down. Not once did we mention we were taking out but actually sat down to dine in yet, the food was packed as a Togo order. We didn't want them to unnecessarily wash more plates so declined them but, was just so confused as to why they would even offer. Will most likely never be dining in but, togo-ing the food seems to be the only option to enjoying their delicious meals. Very nervous for this restaurant... read more

COVID-19 Review Edition First time coming here but heard great things beforehand and wanted to check this place out. Aloha Cafe is located in Little Tokyo in a very busy plaza where there's a lot of other good food places. Parking is troublesome...even on a Tuesday afternoon, there was hardly any parking so good luck when you're trying to find parking here. This is one of the reasons why I don't normally come to this plaza because of the parking situation in Little Tokyo but I really wanted to come here to try the place out! I ordered the Kalbi Plate, the Loco Moco Plate and their French Toast. My favorite out of the 3 is the french toast! My oh my...I love the thick cut french toast smothered in whipped cream and fresh strawberries! Love drenching it with the syrup they provided as well. Kalbi plate was pretty good as well. My only downside to is that they don't cut it for you :( but other than that, the meat was super tasty and tender. The loco moco plate was also good as well, the gravy was flavorful with the rice and I enjoyed the hamburger patty too. My only complaint to both of the plates is that the mac salad was bland; I've had way better mac salads. It needs more mayo?? All in all, would definitely want to come back again to try other things on their menu. I do want to check out more of their breakfast items in the future but definitely worth to come check the place out if you're in Little Tokyo! read more

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Love this spot! Great location right next to Little Tokyo, walking distance to many other places. Ordered the moco loco and spam musubi, which made my stomach happy. The rice was perfectly cooked, the burger perfectly seasoned and tasty, and the egg any way you want it. Staff were very friendly, upbeat, and helpful. Clean establishment, including the bathroom. As of now, the restaurant is takeout only, but you can dine at any of the tables near the front and there is a self-serve area with utensils, napkins, water, and condiments. The back dining area can be reserved. Would definitely go again! read more