I've been here a few times last year and now in 2026. I've tried the drinks, snacks and now a lunch bento. Cooking Fresh focuses on healthy eating that is delicious! It will be crowded here during breakfast and lunch time. It's worth standing in the line for the bentos and baked goods. Fresh Cafe also offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as panini sandwiches and more. I'm a big fan of the lemongrass tofu and vegan spring rolls. I could have this bento on a weekly basis. Yes, it's that delicious. It costs @$12.50. Walk into the POB 3 Building from the garage or main entrance and you can't miss it. Located just before the building's main elevators, just look for an open counter area. It's a small space, but houses a big taste of foodie offerings. Service is quick and fast. They do run out of food at times. Come early to secure your choice of bento and other goodies. There is an outdoor area with tables and benches that you can sit down and enjoy your meal. Enjoy! read more

See all

I was looking for a quick lunch to pick up after my appointment and stopped by expecting a snack counter. I came at just the right time because they had just put out a bunch of bentos for lunch. It was about 11:45am. I picked up a tofu spring roll plate, with colorful veggies, and peanuts on a bed of quinoa, with their home made special sauce. I took one bite and was instantly hooked! It made me say "Mm!" Involuntarily and I proceeded to scarf the entire plate. It was about $14 and totally worth it. I'd make a trip there just to get more later! I saw the other reviews and confirmed my pleasant surprise. I would definitely recommend for a healthy option. That sauce tho- "YUM!" read more

Cooking FRESH - Tofu spring rolls with veggies, quinoa and their special homemade sauce! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Cute name...cute spot... Located in the lobby of Queens POB 3 the last time I came here was after work so this little spot unfortunately was closed though since it was my day off I was able to go to get my imaging done early and noticed that they had this cafe right in the middle of the lobby area. A simple counter with plexiglass divider with the menu written right on it I noticed that they had Tomato Bisque soup...ohhh my favorite so I just had to give it a try and you're able to get in two sizes and I got the small besides that it seems they have spam musubi and various baked goods as well. The staff there are nice and efficient as the long line doesn't seem to end. Packed and ready to go as I enjoyed it later in the day was quite disappointed as it wasn't really a bisque not blended at all very grainy and lacked something that I can't think of but was sad as it's my favorite but know that if you're in the area the first hour of parking is free without validation so it's an easy place to grab as they have coffee and various crafted drinks as well but I will pass on the soup. Thank you! read more

See all

Cooking fresh is such a hidden gem! I would never expect to find a place like this in a hospital. They have so much good food and they're so affordable. They're located in the Queen's POB building that's right on Beretania St. Sorry, but those buildings get me confused and I don't know which number it is. Cooking fresh has a ton of different options such as Panini's Bentos, coffee, tea, and bake goods. One of my favorites is their truffle mushroom Panini with their tomato bisque and lychee black iced tea. The ladies are always super nice. I highly recommend checking them out if you're in the area! read more

I come here occasionally on my lunch breaks and the ladies here are always so nice and attentive! It's a small little cafe located right across from the Diagnostic Lab on the 1st floor. My favorite is their Blueberry Black Tea and their Salmon Caper Panini. At first I wasn't expecting too much from the Panini but the salmon tasted so fresh and warm. I can't comment on the coffee as I don't drink coffee too often but I would suggest going to check them out if you ever find yourself in Queens POB3. read more

Picked up a small miso salmon bento from Cooking Fresh after a doctor's appointment in POB 3. The salmon was a nice size over a bed of brown rice -- the bento also had 2 slices of takuan, kim chee, and a sprinkling of tsukemono (Japanese green cucumber pickles and also purple eggplant pickles), plus two slices of purple sweet potato. It was just right for me (I'm a small eater) and I finished every bit. This is the second or third time buying bento from Cooking Fresh and the flavors have always been delicious. If you're looking for tasty and healthy options, this is the place to go. It's a hidden gem. read more

I asked for Americano with splash of almond milk and their barista gave me this only milk looking drink, taste is terrible!! When I reminded her what I asked for was American. She even didn't look at my face and said' yes, this is what you asked for' with a very mean attitude. I loved this place a lot but this employee reduces their quality that drastically!!!! read more

Cooking FRESH - Milk and water as Americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Great place for a light lunch or breakfast when you are in the Queens Medical Center. I had an egg, cheese and vegetables panini . It was delicious. Finished it off with a nut brownie. They claim it has a 1/4 cup of nuts. I believe them. They have nice grounds if you want to eat it there. read more

Cooking FRESH - Nut brownie with a bite taken out of it. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I was so surprised to find this little cafe in the lobby of Queens POB 3 clinic. It was my first visit to the clinic and I passed it as I was going to my car and was caught by all the Vegan and Vegetarian sandwiches they had. I was going to pick up something for dinner later that afternoon so decided to give them a try. I asked what their most popular vegetarian sandwich was and the lady said it was the eggplant panini so I ordered two of them. While I waited, I spied a tray of pastries so bought some banana bread, coconut mochi, and caramel coconut mochi. It took about ten minutes for them to make the sandwiches (which was nice since I knew they were fresh) and they carefully boxed them up along with the pastries. I was hungry so I bought a breakfast bento. It was late morning and they still had a few bentos but they were going fast. I noticed they also had a tofu musubi that looked interesting. I opted for turkey bacon and scrambled eggs. Was pleased it was served over brown rice. Later that evening, we at the sandwiches and they were tasty, and so cute - I've never seen a heart shaped panini before! Pastries were also good. Nice to see a food place in a clinic with healthy choices. read more

See all

"POB 3 Lobby Oasis" They are located in the POB3 lobby, to the left when you come through the parking garage. They sell sandwiches, bentos and are well known for their paninis. The paninis are good . The lines around lunch time bear out their popularity for food and drink. Their banana bread, brownies and assorted pastry go well with the coffee for a quick pick me up. Their ice teas are very refreshing on a hot summer day. Would I go out of my way to buy something? No. But if I am in the Queens compound area for business, I would certainly consider coming her for a snack or lunch. If I have business at POB 3, I would definitely grab something from here. It's nice to have this service easily available because the food is ono. Support local businesses- they appreciate it very much. read more

See all

I'm seeing my doctor and always pass this cafe at Queen's POB 3. I'm looking at a eggplant panini minus less bread by slicing part of bottom and top. Ahhh! My new plan to reduce some carbs but still enjoy eating out. This place doesn't have a sit down area of it's own. So, it's order and pick up. Staff is friendly. I ordered a eggplant Parmesan panini. Eggplant really absorbed the marinara sauce. It has outstanding flavor and savory. Texture is almost like meat...love it. Mushroom panini had a strong flavor, but bitter and a sharpness that took over the panini. It's better not to heat it up, then it becomes more of a sandwich. I opened the panini at home and drizzled white truffle oil on the mushrooms. That did it so I don't throw it away! I suggest not to order this. I'll return to try their tuna melt and other specials. Ciao! read more

See all

This little food concession is on the ground level of the Queens POB 3 which is on corner of Beretania and Lauhala Street. In the lobby, you'll find a pharmacy and Diagnostic Lab. I first discovered this place when my dad had a doctor's appointment in POB 3 after lunch . I picked up some banana bread, energy balls, and a healthy lunch box. One day I was fortunate to come here when I came early in the morning for my blood test. Cooking Fresh opened at 7 am, so I was able to wait a few minutes as she grilled a chicken pesto sandwich. It was so delicious full of chicken pieces and pesto mixed together. One of the best I thought! Grabbed a mochi, banana bread and energy balls again for my friend who I was going to see that night. I also loved the salmon caper panini and their specialty drinks. They have some vegan /vegetarian option and I would highly recommend this place! The lady who helped me was really nice and provided great service! Here's a great tip... the parking is free for the first hour so take advantage and try this place or get your blood work here at Diagnostic lab. The business on the receipt was "Michi's Cookjng Fresh", but I confirmed that the place is "Cooking Fresh". The owner is Michi. Thanks for reading my review. =) read more

See all

Service was friendly, quick and efficient. Prices were reasonable as well (given that they're in a hospital I expected it to be higher) I got a musubi $2.25, caramel coconut butter Mochi $2.90, a ham & egg salad sandwich combo $4.50, a large iced coffee $4.28 + $1 extra for the two syrups I chose. Of everything I would say nothing was spectacular except the butter Mochi but I would purchase again if I was in the building for the convenience factor ! read more

Cooking FRESH - Caramel coconut butter Mochi was delicious ! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Small cute little take out place. It's inside POB 3, so it's not that crowded. The variety is pretty extensive for the space and today there was only one lady doing her magic and working so efficiently! I had the vegetarian chili which to be honest I didn't care for and could only eat half. Maybe the tomato was too acidic for me but a lot of people raved about it. It comes with a scoop of rice (brown) and the fixings if you want then. Onions, cheese and jalapeño slices if you wish. I was glad that I tried the banana bread and their plantation iced tea. To my surprise it isn't too sweet and i found cut up Thai basil at the bottom of the cup which gave it a good interesting twist! The banana cake slice was plentiful that I shared with a coworker. It wasn't too sweet and not too dry. I was disappointed that when we got there the chef didn't have the daily special ready yet. I got there at 11:40 so maybe it was too early! Shucks. I will try them again. read more

Cooking FRESH - Partially eaten vegetarian chili with all the fixings. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Grilled panini sandwhiches are yummy, the TRUFFLE MUSHROOM is one of my faves!!! The coffee tastes great. Stop by when your at queens it's in POB 3. The ladies here are friendly! read more

My co-worker recommended this place for their drinks. We can walk from building at Punchbowl and Miller Streets. It is conveniently located at Queens POB III building. The drinks are affordable. Our favorite drink is lilikoi black tea with lilikoi boba. You can ask employee to add more squirts of lilikoi Torani flavored syrup so it has more taste. There is no other drink in this area. The closest is in downtown. Parking is located outside by building entrance across from Board of Water Supply. read more

See all

I love to come here for lunch on my lunch break. It is a nice alternative to the cafeteria food. They are located in the lobby of POB 3. They have a lot of healthy lunch options and they also feature vegan and vegetarian meals. They also make great teas. Some of my faves are the plantation iced tea, iced tea with lilikoi boba, and their honeydew green tea. Some of my favorite lunch items are the paninis, the vegetarian chili, turkey meatloaf, and their vegetarian pasta with veggie sausage and garlic bread. They are very affordable and offer large portion sizes. The small always fills me up. They also make great baked foods. Their banana bread is super moist. The to go items are great too. They offer both breakfast and lunch bentos. I love that they change their menu daily and offer specials. read more

See all

This little café is located at Queen's Hospital in the lobby of POB 3. It's the perfect location if you want something quick to snack on or something tasty to drink! Their selection is great, with breakfast bentos to paninis, and even banana bread. Their coffee choices are more unique than other coffee shops, which I appreciate. I've had the raspberry white mocha (hot), a dirty chai (hot), and their honeydew green tea (iced) - and I'm definitely a fan! The raspberry and honeydew are definitely on the sweeter side, but tasty if you're looking for something out of your norm. It was my first time trying a dirty chai (chai latte with a shot of espresso!) and it was wonderful. UPDATE: my new favorite is a hot "Milky Way". If you're a fan of cafe au lait, or a rich, smooth beverage this is for you! Prices are good too! Fast and friendly service. I like how they greet the next guest while fixing a drink - makes customers feel appreciated. read more

See all

A friend recommended Cooking Fresh because I started meatless Mondays recently. I really enjoyed their vegetarian dishes such as the chili and lasagna. The chili is on the daily menu, which is known to us internally as "the usual." I liked lunch so much that I tried it for breakfast. They have what they call a full service espresso bar. Each drink was made individually by the cashier, and can take a while since there were only 2 people working. Their breakfast bento seemed to be the most popular, but it wasn't available at the time. If you want the decently priced breakfast bento, better to go at 8am. I definitely choose the lunch service over breakfast. Will be there for my usual for meatless Monday. read more

Cooking FRESH - espresso bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

They literally never have the salmon caper panini which is good but what is the use of having something on your menu if it is never available. read more

Stopped by for lunch - so many options and conveniently located! Megan made some great suggestions - service was fast and friendly and my sandwich (sopresa) was amazing! Crispy on the outside and super cheesy with fresh ripe tomatoes and the perfect pesto inside! We came a little too early for the vegetarian lasagna lunch and I'm not too sad about that after having this sandwich recommended to me. The white peach tea was the perfect compliment to this sandwich. Definitely something for everyone on the menu....sooo many choices! read more

Cooking FRESH - Sopresa panini - pesto, tomatoes and the best cheese! White peach tea. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Near Queen's Medical Center and across from Board of Water Supply. POB III is an older building but it has been renovated from top to bottom and it is one busy place. I've gone to doctors there on and off over many years. Cooking Fresh: Located on the main lobby level it is easy to just walk by this small shop on the way from the elevators to the parking garage. I never paid much attention until my wife and I had some time to kill before her x-ray appointment. Coffee: My wife got a vanilla latte and said it was one of the best ever. She thought it was just sweet enough. You could appreciate the coffee and the vanilla and sweetness enhanced...and not overpowered the drink. My black coffee was great. Rich and full-flavored. I'd go 5 stars on the coffee. Healthful Menu: After reading some recent reviews I discovered that they usually have one or two vegetarian options including vegetarian chili. Plus some of the coffee syrups are sugar-free. Service: Fast and efficient. Prices are reasonable. Next time I'm there I'm getting the vegetarian chili to go. read more

The best kept secret place for ono vegetarian food. They are located in the lobby area of the POB III building. There's chairs and small coffee tables inside if you wish to eat there. They not only serve lunch but coffee, fresh brewed tea, baked goods, and fresh sandwiches. I had the Indian Curry, which is vegetarian. I love the coconut flavor, but just wish they had more curry and hot spices. My hubby had the vegetarian chili and that was awesome. Poor guy, I almost ate all this chili. Great customer service and very helpful. Will bring hubby back for another quick and healthy lunch. read more

See all

Definitely a much healthier alternative to the food trucks and cafeteria food if you work at Queen's Medical Center. I didn't know they sold hot foods until I took a better look at their menu. It varies everyday on what they decide to sell. I've tried their Breakfast Paninis, Turkey Meatloaf, Vegetarian Chili, Garlic Shrimp Spinach Fettuccine, Vegetarian Lasagna, Chicken Enchiladas, etc... It normally comes with a salad but since I'm not a fan of salad, they offered to sub it for some fruits! I don't think you could go wrong with what you choose, just come check our their daily specials and see what appeals to you the most. They even have breakfast bentos and musubis (while supplies last) They have a variety of pastries like butter mochi or muffins. And of course, they have your different kinds of coffees too. The only downside is that they don't take Apply Pay and since they're not completely affiliated with Queens, they don't take gift cards read more

I was hesitant at first, but now I'm hooked. The breakfast burrito with vegetarian "pork" sausage and egg whites is one of my favorite ways to start my day at Queen's. With some Sriracha, it's a home run. And it's healthy-ish. (And it has brown rice in it, so it's pretty hearty.) For lunch, pick up a "Lunch Specials" menu to plan your meals for the week. If none of those appeal to you, there are some staples like Baked Chicken Breast and Thai Green Curry, which are served daily. Yum. Mini plates are $6; regular plates are $8. Regular plates come with a small salad and brown rice; substitutions are possible upon request. And for coffee, they proudly brew Peet's!! Yay. Service is friendly and very helpful, so don't hesitate to ask questions. The workers have helped me with my food orders on numerous occasions. I'm a fan of this place and will gladly return. read more

Cooking FRESH - Breakfast Burrito - egg whites, brown rice, vegetarian sausage, cheese and yogurt sauce! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This little shop in Queen's POB 3 is a gem! Every time I have an appointment in the building, I always make sure to stop off at Cooking FRESH before the long drive hone. Cooking FRESH is located on the ground floor of Queen's POB 3. There is a paid parking garage and metered parking. This small counter operation is run by one person. Everything is made fresh. She has breakfast bentos, spam musubis, mochi, chocolate chip banana bread. In the cooler section, she has egg, tuna, turkey, and ham sandwiches (with lettuce) on whole wheat or white bread. There is a daily special board. I usually show up on mushroom and spinach panini day. The plate has your hot sandwich, an orange slice, and pineapple slice. She has fresh made soup, though I haven't tried it yet. (The panini is my favorite.) Did I mention the coffee? Sigh. She has hot and iced: Milky Way, Almond Joy, Hapa, Thai, and more... all available in small, medium, and large. She also offers two or three shots with your drink. If you are ever in the area, please stop by. This place is such a great place to grab a snack or a meal. read more

Cooking FRESH is more than just a convenience spot; it offers a wide range of freshly baked goods, freshly brewed tea, freshly prepared sandwiches, and even Thai green curry. Sure, you could grab a bottled drink on your way to or from a doctor's appointment, but why not give the sweet basil plantation iced tea a try. The tea is brewed fresh daily and is just $2.50 a cup and even less for refills. The freshly baked pastries are super ono. You'll want to pick up a couple to try them out. The pumpkin roll cake and muffins were my personal favorites. Located in Queen's Physician's Office Building 3, this little oasis is something to look forward to the next time I am in the area. Til next time, I will most certainly be craving the sweet basil plantation tea and trying to make the concoction myself. read more

See all

Cooking Fresh moved into POB1 earlier this year and, had someone asked me to rate them several months ago, I would have given them *maybe* 2 stars. I wasn't a huge fan of the food, the service was not so great, and the prices were pretty steep (and would sometimes change depending on who was working, etc).... HOWEVER, in the last few months things have been looking up! - The prices are still a little steep but they do use really good ingredients in their food (and the prices are now constant rather than fluctuating). - I have been enjoying their food more and more and they've added some nice choices onto their original menu (I love the Naan wraps and my coworker loves the Paninis!!) - And their service is really, really good now! I actually look forward to coming in and getting a coffee in the morning or even just popping my head in to say "Hi". The staff is cheerful, talkative, hardworking, and accommodating. I'm not sure if the last batch of workers just didn't gel or what but these guys make a good team and it really shows in their customer service. There are still changes I would make (mostly to make me happy...lol!): maybe some different baked goods (although their brownies are YUM!), different breakfast items - not a fan of soy bacon and whatnot (although they have added on some really good breakfast paninis!)...but that's mostly me and my opinion. O_o To me the food and food choices have gotten better as time passed. I would definitely suggest getting their Naan wraps (they have different fillings every day), the basil eggplant (an everyday dish), and, if they have it, their jambalaya or gumbo. YUM! Their coffee is pretty good too...they serve Peet's coffee (although they don't have the Thai flavoring... -_- ). All in all, I think it's an accomplishment to have won someone over who works in the building and has seen the changes happen day in and day out. I was one of those people that, initially, hoped they would just move out and let our old cafe people come back - it hurts but it's the truth. Now, I'm pretty happy with the way it is and really enjoy popping in during breakfast and lunch. One last thing - customer service is THE most important thing in a business. If your service is bad, it won't matter how good your food is or products are. Customers remember how they are treated and how they are taken care of. Don't take your customers for granted...they're the ones that keep you in business! ^_^ Thankfully, these guys (or should I say girls) have gotten it together and are an enjoyable part of my day now! read more

Healthy and delicious whenever possible locally sourced cuisine. Located in the physicians office building number three on the Queens campus the coffee is excellent grab and go options baked goods, all the Panini are great including vegan options. One favorite is the turkey meatloaf with Asian glaze on brown rice, the Buddha bowls and salads are great and one of the highlights is the soup of the day. read more

The service here is terrible! Considering their prime location, they should develop a work flow that would benefit their customers who the majority work in a busy hospital. read more

Considering it's hospital fare, one would think they have their fair share of dry, rubbery food that's "healthy eating." But true to their word, their food is pretty fresh. Their assortment of sandwiches is decent, modest and not outrageously priced. I had the breakfast which for the price was very filling and even though the eggs were a little rubbery but I know that by law they have to be hard cooked to pass standards. The soy bacon, well. it's soy bacon. But the coffee and the latte.....ohhhh HEAVENLY caffeinegasm in your mouth, throat, and tummy. Again, well worth the price and the taste, aroma and flavor out "bucks" the "Star" of any other place that sells joe. It's the freshest, tastiest you will drink. They sell Peet's brand, remarkable stuff. But whomever is brewing the pot knows what and how to do it. It's a jolt of good morning in a cup. Not for the timid. Selling this (I had the double latte) is selling drugs without a license. And they're right across from the POB 1 pharmacy, yet! I'd go out of my way for it, even if I were in POB 2 because it's a crosswalk away. GO. read more

Cooking Fresh is the best little secret! It's the little counter inside Queens POB 3 on beretania street side. Everything is definitely fresh. The plates are served with brown rice and green salad with either their homemade miso or ranch dressing. Today's meatloaf was awesome! And the ladies put some gravy on the rice for me too. They also have snacks, homemade goodies and sandwiches and saimin to go. You can park in the lot for 15 minutes for free. read more

See all

Food is SO over priced but worst of all the service is TERRIBLE. Very unfriendly staff and the food is never great. Most times it's over priced, small as heck, and unfresh. Can't wait till they move out and queens cafe moves back in. read more

I am so thankful that Cooking Fresh and their healthy alternatives exist for those days when I've just had enough of the cafeteria food. Sometimes it takes the one employee awhile to get to your food if there's a rush, but if you have the time, it's worth the wait. Today I had the chicken naan wrap with chicken, cucumbers, and kim-chee sauce. The wrap was tasty--I only wish I had gotten it with cheese (I ordered without). The woman behind the counter today was super friendly and helpful. I went back for an oatmeal cranberry cookie--out of this world. I'll be a repeat customer for sure read more

Tasty, healthy options instead of normal cafeteria food. Service not always the best but seems to be getting better with employees that have stayed on a while. Some prices are good, but others a little steep. read more

Poor service and horrible coffee. I recently ordered coffee from there because I was running late. NEVER AGAIN! There were coffee grinds in my coffee and when I asked the lady to replace it, she said she would have to charge me for another cup and she did!! read more

Service is terrible and they always run out of items. There is always new faces behind the counter and here is the reason why. The owner works everyone overtime and does not pay them for it. She shorts them on hours and pays regular rate instead of overtime. She lost Peetes coffee because she didnt pay them. For weeks she advertised Peetes but you were drinking Costco Coffee. The Coke machines were emptt for a while because she didnt pay them either. Drinks from Costco were filling the Coke fridge until the Coke rep found out. Dont leave a tip because the owner will keep the tips left on credit cards. She treats employees unfairly and fires them if they question her. How many new faces have you seen since they moved in. Where did Yummy Tummy treats go? She didnt pay her either so thats why for desserts you see homemade Costco brownies. The food is not fresh Thai Curry is recycled and specials go between their lunch truck at UH and the Queens Cafe. What doesnt sell at one place ends up at the other the next day. Save your money you are paying for Costco Egg White muffin sandwhiches that we microwave for you. Look in the fridge the box is right there. Panini sandwhiches can be as old as three days. This place is a major rip off and all the money you spend does not pay suppliers or employees. read more