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    Koko Head Cafe

    4.2 (3.2k reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Koko Head Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    KOKO HEAD CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Reviews With Photos

    Bottom of the Bowl, a dessert
    Gerry L.

    The world food tour duo reconvened at Koko Head Café in Kaimuki. I learned that this popular breakfast / brunch venue is now open for dinner, so I checked the menu, then made a reservation. We hadn't been in this restaurant since it was it was the 12th Avenue Grill ... The décor looked like it hadn't changed, we were seated at a table across from the bar, which was nice as it was quieter than the tables near the windows. We perused the menu and I ordered a 2023 Non Confunditur, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese from Toscana ($70). It was rich, full of dark fruit, and chocolate ... A surprisingly good wine available in stores for about $25. We opted for the Ulu Fried Feta ($24) and Mothers Mushrooms ($24) as appetizers and Mapo Tagliatelle ($36), Lamb Rendang ($44), and Garlic Rice Skillet ($10) for our entrée. Each appetizer was petite, colorful and flavorful, especially the ulu. It was topped with herb salad, slices of cucumber, candied pistachios and surrounded by a balsamic glaze and pieces of Ka'u orange. Slices of mushrooms were atop smoked goat cheese, topped by a frisee herb salad, kataifi and a soy vinaigrette. We wondered what the Mapo Tagliatelle would look like ... Imagine Mapo tofu with minced pork over Onda tagliatelle pasta, topped with fried shallots and cilantro. It was spicy with a good amount of heat; surprisingly good over pasta. I scooped spoonfuls of Mapo tofu atop the garlic rice. The rice was wonderful, crisped on the bottom and topped with a generous heaping of green onion and what looked like toasted millet. The lamb was so tender and so rich in flavor. It was served with pieces of fried ulu flatbread and came with three dishes of pickles, string bean, daikon, and pineapple (we think). I would have preferred naan bread with the lamb. The ulu flatbread was delicious, but it made a precarious platform for the lamb as it was very crispy. We had lots of leftovers but one must order dessert. We opted for the Bottom of the Bowl ($8). It was a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with fried cornflakes and salted caramel. I cannot eat ice cream, but I took a spoonful ... Yum! I had an Americano ($4.50) as they didn't have coffee. It was too light for my taste; give me real coffee every time. We enjoyed our time at Koko Head Café ... It was nice to see that it was pretty full when we left. The dinner menu is not large, but we were able to find dishes that appealed to us. There was a 5% Kitchen Service Charge added to the bill. I didn't notice it; I might have reduced the tip amount I left. ... Rating: 4.

    Volcano eggs
    Eowyn K.

    I'm a fan of Top Chef, and I was excited to try Lee Ann Wong's Koko Head Cafe for brunch. Our group went after hiking Diamond Head, so we came hungry. We didn't have a reservation, but they luckily had space and were able to seat us. The interior is bright and airy, with local decor. The service was amazing, the service in Hawai'i had been consistently friendly, but it was particularly good at the cafe. We tried a variety of brunch cocktails, all were well made. My friend also started with their rotating biscuit, she got the last vanilla biscuit of the day. It was amazing on its own, but it also came with an amazing butter and mixed fruit jam. I already knew I wanted their take on the loco moco, and decided to split this and the volcano eggs with a friend. Each came in a hot skillet, the volcano eggs reminded me of a Shakshuka. We did a mix of the veggies and sausage. The ingredients were perfectly paired in the right proportions. While it was a great dish, it was the loco moco that will continued to be talked about. The crispy rice, the flavor of the gravy, the right about of spice. It was perfect. Do not miss bunch here if you are on the island, and consider making reservations.

    Steak and Eggs
    Karlo G.

    Excellent brunch spot with a bit of wait. Highly recommend reservations and be prepared for some parking adventures. Our first time at Koko Head Cafe and was completely satisfied. The quoted wait time for a table during our visit was 45 minutes, however we're fortunate enough to secure a last minute availability at the bar. The space reminds me of a diner with bench seating areas. Their menu looked promising and we immediately decided on our entrees. My husband ordered the steak and eggs and I opted for the Koko Moco. The Koko Moco was served in a hot skillet. The crispy rice with the gravy was wonderful! The beef patty was perfectly cooked and topped with a sunny side egg. I tried my husband's steak and eggs which was also delicious. The Australian Wagyu steak was cooked medium rare, topped with hollandaise sauce, and served with a side of hash brown and rice. Drinks were also noteworthy. The queens mimosa was delightful. A perfect blend of sparkling wine, elderflower, and guava juice. Pricing was on the higher end however worth it. Service was excellent and I wouldn't hesitate to return to try other items from their menu.

    Koko Moco
    Keri N.

    Came on a Saturday and pretty crowded as expected. Was able to get seated outside which we didn't mind until we realized it was going to rain and we would hear the chickens through out our entire meal. The outdoor area seemed very nicely set up with the turf and string lights but unfortunately it's right next to where all the cars enter and there's multiple chickens that walk around while one of roosters continued to keep screaming so loud. We got an order of POG which was pretty pricey and just tasted like the grocery store meadow gold POG juice. The cornflake French toast had a crispy outer part but became soggy really quickly from the sweet sauce on the bottom and we honestly couldn't even finish it. The koko moco was decent, the tempura kimchee was unique and tasty. The crispy rice from the skillet was a nice add to the tender loco moco. The patty was pretty small so the amount of meat isn't a lot and the gravy is pretty standard. Will definitely wait to sit inside next time.

    Interior
    Ryan E.

    Great place for brunch. We went on a Friday at noon and no wait. All servers were chill and friendly. Nice open feel. They have a good selection of local beers. The Koco Loco was great loco moco.

    Kim S.

    We were nearby & on a whim, decided to pop in. My expectations were high due to being an avid brunch maker & the rave reviews. There was no wait for an outdoor table without reservations. Service: 3.5* Friendly, prompt & helpful with the menu. Food: $21 Ricotta Pancakes: 2.5* When they arrived, I was shocked to see them stacked because when I make lemon ricotta pancakes, they are light & airy & would not deflate them by stacking. These were heavy & dense. Not much flavor in the pancakes so a topping is a must. Nothing special. $26 Cornflake French Toast: 3* The French toast appeared to be deep fried. I tried a bite, it tasted good & had a crunchy exterior. Unfortunately the person who ordered the Cornflake French Toast does not care for black pepper, the server said the billionaire's bacon could be replaced with strawberries. Considering the regular (not billionaire's) bacon side is $6, expected a bunch of strawberries...Well, there was only 1 sliced strawberry. The server offered to replace the creamy black pepper maple with haupia syrup. When the bill arrived, there was a charge for the replacement. Overall was not impressed.

    Breakfast bibimbap! the crispy garlic rice was the winner. So crunchy at the bottom that it reminded me of dolsot bibimbap
    Faye Y.

    First time here. Chef Leeann Wongs place. Every dish we had exceeded our expectations. Breakfast bibimbap, hash brown (super crispy), Ohayou eggs

    Jasmine C.

    Really love this cafe for its amazing vibes and yummy food! I got their ricotta pancake with Hawaiian compote and it was delicious. It was soft and somewhat fluffy, and the Hawaiian compote is very tropical. I would have probably wanted some type of syrup or cream to make it more flavorful. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Although walk in is available, I would recommend making a reservation since it gets so busy. They even have an outdoor space as well. I'll definitely try to come back!

    Mother Mushrooms
    Kawika V.

    We've always loved Koko Head Cafe for brunch, but their new dinner service completely won us over. After celebrating my dad's birthday here recently, we knew it would be the perfect Valentine's spot -- and it absolutely was. Executive Chef Lee Anne Wong truly runs something special at Koko Head Cafe. You can taste the intention in every dish -- layered, bold, and thoughtfully executed. If the dumplings are available, they're a must. Non-negotiable. Brunch here is homey and bustling, but dinner shifts into this warm, cozy vibe that feels intimate yet still spacious. (And yes -- the AC is freezing cold, so bring a layer .) Cocktails are just as impressive as the food -- beautiful presentation, bold flavor, perfectly balanced. Service is genuinely local and hospitable, the kind that makes you feel taken care of without being overbearing. Make a reservation -- dinner fills up quickly and you don't want to miss out. A true must-go in Honolulu.

    Bottom of the bowl
    Krissy K.

    Exceptional cuisine! Had the pleasure of meeting the talented chef, whose culinary creations are matched only by her warmth and kindness in taking the time to greet our party.

    Kathleen L.

    The presentation is beautiful and the service is genuinely friendly. Overall, the experience is enjoyable, but for the price, the flavors fall short. They serve one of the better loco mocos I've had, and I appreciated their take on Korean bibimbap, but nothing extraordinary. We ordered the steak and eggs, which tasted great thanks to the sauce and crispy hash brown, but the portion was so small for a $40 dish. The Volcano Eggs themselves didn't really do it for me. All I tasted was basic tomato sauce, and the okra made the texture a little too slimy. I was SOOO disappointed by the French toast. I was really looking forward to it, but it just tasted like old oil. To make things worse, all of the bacon came out cold, like it had just been pulled from the fridge. If it wasn't for the boozy morning milkshake, I would have been more disappointed.

    Bibimbap - perfect balance of textures
    Michele T.

    Been a while since we our last visit - first time back since they moved locations. Our server, JT, was great in that he offered recommendations and checked on us often. During our recent visit, it took about 40 minutes for our orders to arrive. JT was apologetic about the wait. The vanilla biscuit arrived warm and still as good as I remembered it. Hubs went with one of the special omelets (forgot the name) which came with a good sized salad - tasty. I went with the Natty Skillet. Although each component (the fried poke, eggs, crispy rice, ong choy) was ok, for me, there was something missing about this dish as a whole that left me unsatisfied. Usually, I'm a big fan of all their offerings so this was a first for me.

    Bibimbap + Loco Moco
    Dani J.

    Post surf brunch was yummy. We got the bibimbap and koko moco. Our server did a great job of offering the chef's recommendation cooking like "sunny side up egg" and "medium rare beef". The skillet kept our meal hot the entire time we were seated. And I'm a huge fan of the crispy rice! This was my first time at the new location (I know I know it's been like 5 years now) and it's SO CUTE! Lots of pretty art to view along the walls and little plants and terrariums throughout. We were sat at a booth section which is my preference in any dining venue, and I didn't even ask! Huge points for that.

    Eggs Benedict

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    5 months ago

    Always great service! Always great food! Too bad parking in Kaimuki on a Saturday morning is such a chore.....

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    11 months ago

    Best breakfast in Honolulu! So good I went there twice in one week. I can't wait tp go back for dinner next time.

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    Page 5 of 80

    Koko Head Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Koko Head Cafe

    Do they have happy hour for drinks?

    Yea Thursday and Friday this month

    Do they take reservations?

    They do not. They have a waiting list you can get on online up to 6 persons. More than 6 you have to call and they ask when you plan to arrive and will get you on the waiting list closer to the time you plan to be there. I called that morning for… Read more

    Menu clearly states "no substitutions" which makes it very limiting for those of us who are vegan. Any plans to offer vegan versions (not fake meat--just using things like tofu or beans instead?

    We have our Westie with us. We were wondering if the 'Dogs Allowed' was only for service dogs or all dogs?

    I am certain they allow dogs on the outdoor patio!

    Do they do takeout?

    yes, you can call ahead!

    Do you need to bring a huge bag of $$$? Asking for a friend.

    Check the menu on line. Prices seemed average.

    See that they have an 18% service charge for parties of five or more...is there an additional 5% service charge for the back of the house on top of that!?

    Yes, that is correct.

    Does anyone know when the restaurant will open? The website is listing both Wednesday the 16th and Friday the 18th as the opening date?

    They reopened on the 18th of March at their new location, just 1 block away (former restaurant was 12th Ave Grill)

    Closed bc they're moving?

    I just saw the sign at their restaurant. They're moving to 1120 12th Ave. tried to scope it out, but only 12th Ave grill seems to be there still.

    Do they deliver?

    I believe they are on Grubhub and door dash for delivery options

    How is parking in this area?

    There is a large paid parking lot in the center of Kaimuki about a block away and metered spaces within a block as well. Pretty decent parking depending on what time of day you go.

    Do they sale Gift Cards?

    Yes they do! I bought one😊

    Do they take Reservations for Mother's Day Breakfast?

    As far as I know they do not take reservations, easiest way is to send someone ahead to put name on list. They do sit quickly though even when busy. Normally no more than 20-30 min wait at it's busiest

    Any vegan options?

    Yes Avocado toast!

    View All 18 Questions

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    Lotus Cafe

    Lotus Cafe

    4.0
    (49 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $

    Matcha latte with raspberry syrup. Matcha was a deep green and raspberry was a good flavor. Not too…read moreoverpowering but an extra flavor. Cafe has adequate tables though. It is quiet here with soft music. Note that 20% tip is automatically selected when paying by card. I wasn't paying attention and just advanced forward. So pay attention if you want to adjust tip amount. Paid parking in the lot behind and easy entry through the back door.

    The Lotus Cafe is located in the heart of Kaimuki and well represents the small-town vibe in which…read moreit sits. The space is clean and comfortable with couches, tables, small chairs, and counter space for a variety of patrons. I went on a weekday, and it was comfortable and quiet, and there was plenty of space to find a seat. The bathroom was accessible and incredibly clean for a town bathroom. Whether you're studying, hanging out with friends, doing work, or just listening to music as I was; the space is proper, and the coffee is even better. I had chosen a hot chai latte with almond milk for this rainy day and sat near the window to just enjoy the vibes. It was delicious and perfect for the weather. Not too spicy and a great foam on top. Pricing is reasonable, and they even offer food items that you can munch on with your coffee. Perhaps I'll have to try the food during a future visit. The staff was friendly and quick with my order and even brought it to my table after ordering. I never felt rushed at all, and it was nice to have found a comfortable space to enjoy a nice cup during the rainy weather. I'll most certainly be coming back again next time I'm in the area.

    Photos
    Great atmosphere
    Great atmosphere
    Bruschetta on Housemade Focaccia
    Bruschetta on Housemade Focaccia
    Matcha Latte and Yogurt and Fruit Bowl with Granola

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    Matcha Latte and Yogurt and Fruit Bowl with Granola
    Better Daze

    Better Daze

    4.5
    (153 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $

    Cute coffee & matcha spot in Kapahulu!…read more Went here with my brother and boyfriend on a whim, after brunch and on our way to Waikiki. I decided to order the coconut cloud matcha with oat milk and it was pretty good. They don't skimp on the matcha so you can really taste it. It was my brother's first time trying matcha latte so he ordered the iced vanilla bean matcha with whole milk and it did not disappoint! I'll probably try that next time as well :) Service was great. It was a Saturday so it's expected to be kinda busy, but we got our drinks pretty quickly. Parking is very limited but nonetheless I'd definitely come back again!

    Starting off with the good, the cashier was knowledgeable about their offerings and super sweet…read more Their menu had a lot of yummy sounding options! The ambiance is super cute and picture-worthy for sure. I'm giving it a 3-star because I ordered an oat milk matcha with half sugar and it ended up tasting very watery (my friends tried my drink also and agreed) -- it only got worse as the ice melted into the drink. I couldn't bring myself to finish it. Also, I wasn't asked what size I wanted so they just automatically charged me for a medium, which I didn't realize until after paying and walking away from the register. The price point is relatively okay, around $8 for a medium but not sure if it's worth it given the quality of my matcha.

    Photos
    Iced matcha with oat milk
    Iced matcha with oat milk
    The yummiest banana bread
    The yummiest banana bread
    Honey matcha

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    Honey matcha
    Daily Whisk Matcha

    Daily Whisk Matcha

    4.3
    (316 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $

    They had the best tasting matcha we had on the trip! When I say best tasting, they had the best…read morequality. They didn't have tons of matcha flavors, but we ordered: Strawberry Matcha 4/5 Lemonade Matcha 4/5 It has to be a 4/5 for me cause although the quality was the best, it wasn't the best flavors. I've had places that do both. I love a good balance of strawberry and matcha, this one the strawberry flavor wasn't super noticeable. That's probably more of a preference thing though. It's a super small quaint spot. There's seats available, but it's more of a pick up and go spot. They have restrooms and a little shop to buy custom local swag. The service was good, nothing crazy! Not tons of parking. Overall, I would totally come back!

    Heard so many good things about this spot and I finally got to try it when visiting back home…read more Daily whisk matcha is located at a house like building and there is a sign on the outside which is helpful. It's a small shop so it can get crowded and they have 2 outdoor patio tables. I ordered the guava vanilla matcha and my friend got the strawberry matcha. Upon first sip we both thought it was quite good but the matcha is very subtle. I do find that this is the type of drink you have to finish fast cause once the ice is melted it waters down your drink.

    Photos
    Strawberry matcha & Hapa matcha lattes
    Strawberry matcha & Hapa matcha lattes
    Drinks and Snacks (@miguelmoralesphotography on Instagram)
    Drinks and Snacks (@miguelmoralesphotography on Instagram)
    My favorite

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    My favorite
    Aloha Bakehouse & Cafe

    Aloha Bakehouse & Cafe

    4.3
    (49 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Delicious food and drinks. Excellent customer service . My bagel breakfast sandwich was delicious…read more And my Mango iced tea hit the spot . I found this place up the road from my job in Kaimuki .

    Kyoto Style Cold Brew. That's all needs to be said…read more My first introduction to Aloha Bakehouse & Cafe was at the Made in Hawaii Festival where I sampled its amazing tasting coffee. Found out that there are three locations in Kaka'ako, Downtown, and this one in Kaimuki. It's located at the corner of Waialae and 8th Avenue, across from The Curb and Kaimuki Auto Repair. Only metered parking along Waialae or street parking on the perpendicular streets. Inside was spacious and had an industrial feel with its concrete floor, metal chairs, metal racks, and with actual renovations in process in the rear of the space. Menu is floor level (sorry tall people!). There's a variety of coffee, tea, lemonade, blended drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, its special Aloha Bread, and etc. There's a lot to read! There are multiple choices of bread for sandwiches (special bread shown next to the register. Be sure to check!). Needless to say, I took a long time to decide! The Breakfast Sandwich came with egg, bacon, ham, and American cheese. Chose the croissant, which was the smaller size variety. This was good with a generous amount of egg and bacon. It was a hearty sandwich. The Tuna Sandwich on Everything Bagel was good. Nice crisp on the bagel. A decent simple sandwich with fresh ingredients. I would have preferred more mayo and the canned tuna to have flavor. Regular brewed coffee was very good. Brewed very well with solid coffee flavor. Exactly the flavor I remembered when I first tried it. The star was the Kyoto Style Cold Brew. It was smooth, clean, bright, and strong. The flavor maintained throughout--even with the ice cubes melted in. Overall, a decent experience. The sandwiches were good. Coffee was excellent. Friendly service. Can't wait to come back to try more things and get more Kyoto style cold brew!

    Photos
    Pretty keychains made from microplastics.
    Pretty keychains made from microplastics.
    Aloha Bakehouse & Cafe
    看板もかわいい

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    看板もかわいい

    Koko Head Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated June 2026

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