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Our big group walked in on a Tuesday for lunch and they accommodated us right before the kitchen closed, which we really appreciated! Highlights were the cornflake French toast and Koko moco. Also loved the POG juice and breakfast bibimbap. Can't recommend this place more!
It's been a while since I've been to Koko Head Cafe and I'm happy to report it's just as good as it was years ago! I decided to book a table here because this restaurant is one of the few places that accepts reservations for weekend brunch. Love that! The restaurant was lively on a Sunday, yet service was still good. I ordered the volcano eggs skillet, which was a little salty, but it was great for dipping my bread into. The restaurant also had a few specials and we ended up ordering a biscuit with guava jam - star of the show! The biscuit was amazing!! I liked that there were a lot of local ingredients featured and dishes were very unique, and not your standard pancakes, French toast and eggs and breakfast meat type of place. Overall, a great spot for brunch.
Unique flavors with a local twist, beautiful presentations, and generous portions. We received a lot of awesome tips from the server who was friendly, helpful and gracious. We ordered a variety of entrees to share family style for dinner Every dish was packed with flavor. The top five: 1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Dumplings 2. Lamb Special 3. No Kings Caesar Salad - literally a showered with parmigiana 4. Mapo Tagliatelle 5. Desserts - Chocolate Lilikoi We also enjoyed the Fried Jidori Chicken, the Pork Katsu, Canoe House appetizer and the garlic rice skillet. A relaxing and delicious dining experience with great friends!
I really like the vibe of this place. The staff were excellent and attentive. Food was yummy. My husband tried the congee, expecting it to be like jook. Nope. So many different flavors. All of which somehow complimented each other. Savory, but light? How? Go try it for yourselves.
Came on a Friday morning to try Koko Head Cafe for the first time and got out of the restaurant feeling satisfied. The interior of the restaurant felt homey. The menu boasts unique & well-executed twists on your familiar breakfast items. Their Specials menu also seem to change everyday. I ordered the Breakfast Congee, my boyfriend ordered the Koko Moco, and we had the Strata from their Daily Specials, to share. Breakfast Congee: 9/10. Comforting and yummy. I wasn't expecting that all of the toppings would mix well together and elevate the seemingly simple taste of congee. I could taste a bit of spice due to the chili oil, which added to the combination of many other flavors. I needed something comforting in the morning so it really hit the spot. Koko Moco: pretty good in terms of the taste but the portion was a little smaller than expected, but we had the Strata to share and felt satisfied after having that. Strata: Reading the description on the menu sounded very interesting, but all the ingredients really blended well together! I found myself eating the congee and strata alternately during our meal. Although there was a bit of a wait for the food to arrive (it was a busy Friday morning with a 25-40 minute wait to be seated), the service was great and the staff were attentive to our needs. Ample parking at the Kaimuki Municipal Lot with entrances by 12th Avenue.
Natty skillet: Lots of different ingredients with some pickled veggies. The fried poke was better than I expected. Refreshingly different. The crispy rice on the bottom of the skillet is crunchy. Nice but tasteless. They have a breakfast bimbimbap which has gouchijan would make it so much better. And I did! I ordered a side of go chi Jang and it is so much better with the rice!! The morning milk shake warning - lots of alcohol. With bacon and granola... Not for me. Service was excellent. Our server was very attentive.
We recently went to Koko head cafe as first timers for brunch and were so impressed, we returned for dinner ! Reservations on open table was easy to make. When we arrived, it was far less busy than the brunch crowd so we were seated quickly. I'm in a wheelchair and a worker kindly opened the door for us with a smile. There's a standard menu and a separate menu for specials. I wish the main menu was separated: appetizers, salads & entrees but it's all just 1 menu so you have to guess what is a pupu & how big of a portion something is based on cost which is frustrating as a customer. We asked our server how she liked the mother mushrooms and she was honest and said she never tried it because she doesn't like mushrooms and said there's no feedback from it from customers because no one orders it. Ok that means I have to try it because I color outside of the lines. Ok now about the food, for pupus (so we guessed it was) we ordered (of course) mother mushrooms and market veg (a special). Mother mushrooms were delectable, so had great structure. The addition of the kataifi was smart highlight to the dish and added great texture. I thought it had a wee bit too strong of a vinegar bite that left me coughing after the last bite... or was the vinegar in the beets? Now I'm second guessing. The market veg was essentially a beet salad. Loved the addition of golden beets and cheese. I had to look set the menu again to see what kind of cheese it was because I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It was tofu feta whip. As a non vegetarian, I was like whaaaat they make feta out of tofu?? Anyway it was a split decision, hubby liked the mother mushrooms and I liked the market veg Hubby ordered the heritage pork katsu and I ordered the lamb rendang(on behalf of our friends who just moved back to Hawaii from Indonesia). The lamb rendang read "local braised lamb" so I was like bet. Braised is fall off the bone but I would have liked some cubes or chunks but it was just a ramekin of shredded lamb with curry crunch. It came with delicious ulu flatbread and some pickled vegetables. I felt that it could have used a salad with vinaigrette dressing too break up all that heavy meat, the pickles weren't enough. The heritage pork katsu was delicious but I wish it were more cronchy, yes cronchy. That is what you expect from katsu. The watercress and green papaya salad was delicious and had that needed acid We also ordered the garlic rice skillet. The rice at the bottom was very crispy and I believe it's the same rice they serve during breakfast/brunch. We shared the "bottom of the bowl" dessert which was actually the star of the show, we tasted every single flavor with each bite to the last. Frosted flake gelato, macadamia blossom honey & cereal crunch. *muah* But all in all, I definitely will go back...for brunch
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.
Why haven't I been here before!! This was recently recommended by a friend of mine who recently moved here and Wowww! I have been under a rock for this one! Absolutely am so impressed by the quality and menu choices. The food comes out as pectin and the ideas and curations are so clever. Exactly what I have been wishing for. This is definitely not your local Denny's or IHOP. I am addicted. everything is over the top, delish.. hash browns, pancakes, mandoos , ( pot stickers) bibimbap skillet,the front hostess (Malia) is out standing we met the manager who served us then the second time we had a gentleman and server named JT I believe.. Such a gem of a place ..,will be back at least once a month. Love to all and hats off to the chefs !
Wow, first visit here on a Monday. We walked in and sat at the bar. It was the perfect seats to see all the dishes coming out of the kitchen. Bi bim bap was so delish as well as the marinated fish and delicately prepared eggs! How do they cook those light and fluffy eggs?? Dumplings were sooo tasty and could not get enough of the dipping sauce! Great service and servers all seemed to enjoy working there! Will be back to try more dishes!!
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.
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.
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 Head Café - Where Island Flavor Meets Culinary Art 1120 12th Ave #100, Honolulu, HI 96816 Creative * Vibrant * Unforgettable Wow - this place is pure magic! Koko Head Café isn't just another brunch spot -- it's an experience. From the first bite to the last sip, you can feel the creative energy Chef Lee Anne Wong pours into every dish. We loved it so much we went twice -- once for breakfast and once for dinner -- and both times were flawless. The space is bright, relaxed, and surprisingly roomy for Honolulu, making it ideal whether you're brunching with friends, bringing family, or sneaking in a solo food adventure. The Menu Every dish bursts with color, flavor, and island soul. It's the kind of menu that makes you stop mid-bite and say, "Whoa." The food is playful yet refined -- Hawaiian comfort meets Asian inspiration with Chef Wong's signature twist. * Breakfast Udon - rich, silky, and unlike anything else on the island. * Congee - cozy and flavorful, elevated with toppings that change how you think about "comfort food." * Specials rotate often, and each feels like a chef's love letter to the islands. The Vibe Bright murals, good music, and friendly staff who genuinely love what they do. The team is knowledgeable, attentive, and fast without ever rushing you -- that perfect blend of Aloha spirit and top-tier service. Final Word If you're in Honolulu, Koko Head Café is an absolute must-stop. Whether you come for breakfast or dinner (do both if you can!), you'll leave happy, full, and already planning your return. from me -- creative, cozy, and unforgettable. Pro Tip: Go early or join the waitlist online; it fills up fast for a reason. Bring your camera -- the plating is as beautiful as the flavors. Follow-worthy dishes, foodie-approved energy, and pure island comfort. read more
2 months ago
We had the best time. We came here because we saw Chef Lee Anne Wong on Top Chef and we were so excited to try the good. It exceeded our expectations. We ate here after hiking Diamond Head and it made for a perfect morning. Assistant Manager Juan made us feel so special. Our server Ethan was so personable and really helped us pick out all the best dishes. We got a little of everything and shared. Every dish was delicious. You can't go wrong with anything. read more
I'm writing this a bit late as it's been a month since I was here, but I do recall the food being amazing. I got the bibimbap and it was fantastic! Crispy rice, a good amount of vegetables, and a good amount of meat. I forgot what the other chicken dish was called, but it was really well balanced. The only thing I didn't like as much was the bacon on the French toast, it was a bit too sweet. Overall, delicious. read more
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. read more
11 months ago
I had the Koko Moco, which was delicious but a bit on the small side, especially given the somewhat jaw-dropping price (when I think of loco moco, I'm used to seeing fairly big portions at most Hawaiian places). I especially liked how it's prepared and served in a hot skillet, which makes the rice crispy (like dolsot bibimbap), and the tempura kimchi is a great side. The restaurant is bright and airy, with a modern feel. Not too noisy, even when busy, so it's easy to have a conversation. Plenty of nearby parking in a paid lot. The main issue we had was that it took a long time for our party of 4 to get our food -- about 30 minutes. Our waitress was very friendly, but couldn't tell us why it was taking so long. Overall, it was a good meal, but given the prices, I'd probably go here only for special occasions. read more
11 months ago
I needed to get away from touristy Waikiki and Koko Head Cafe is what I settled on. They open at 7am, and I arrived around 8am on a Wednesday where they had only a few tables occupied inside while the majority of customers are outside. I ordered the vanilla biscuit and cornflake french toast. I loved the biscuit with the butter. It was a great balance of salty and sweet, but the jam was too sweet for me. Unlike other reviewers, I wasn't a fan of the french toast, but it was OK. I loved the mixed textures and the idea of having gelato for breakfast, but the french toast was too heavy and the gelato added nothing to the flavor profile. The french toast also reminded me of Burger King's french toast sticks. The bacon was very good with perfect seasoning. My opinion may be somewhat of an outlier, so I recommend trying the restaurant yourself as they have great reviews and even better service. read more
There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Opted for outside to enjoy the weather. The cornflake french toast was amazing. Loved the sweet and salty from bacon and the texture from the cornflakes. But whatever you do, get the special dumplings. They had pho dumplings when I went and they were so good. Tasted exactly like pho in a dumpling. Everyone was really great and friendly. Glad I finally got to try to place after being a Top Chef fan for so many years. read more
We came by on a Monday just before noon. No wait time and we were seated right away! Service was super friendly, knew the menu really well, too. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. I think we took around 20 minutes to actually decide what we wanted to order. It was so hard! Food came out pretty quickly (and steaming hot, too!) and we couldn't wait to dig in (but had to chill since the food was steaming). Bibimbap was so good! Amazing flavors. Definitely spicy with the gochujang sauce. I made the mistake of mixing it all in, so yes I was sweating! However, it was so good that I still ate it all! If you can't handle too much spice, just take out some of the blob. Rice was crispy from the cast iron skillet on the bottom. Amazing. The koko moco was a little bit salty, but paired well with the rice. My friend really enjoyed the kim chi tempura. The chicky and eggs was complimented as well. Not pictured, but another of our group ordered the egg handwich. It came out after our pan dishes (as it's not pictured) and he finished it before we finished ours, so I'd say he enjoyed it! We all shared the cornflake French toast which I enjoyed. I will say it's more of a dessert in my opinion, with gelato on top. If you're looking for a traditional French toast, this is not it. However, it was a nice change from regular French toast which I frequently opt for. It's a nice crunchy cornflake breaded outer layer with soft dense bread inside. Bacon to top it off and add a salty contrast to the sweet. Personally wouldn't get it as a main dish myself, but was nice to try and share as a side! All in all, would love to come back and try other dishes! Even their specials that change up often look amazing too. read more
Hoooooo boy. Every bite of this bibimbap was GAS! Straight fiyahhhh. Just look at the picture yall. Oooooweeee. And I know $23 for bibimbap is a lil steep, but it's a ton of food so I promise you won't leave hungry. Certified bangahzz read more
We made reservations because it gets very busy. It was my first visit and definitely will not be my last. Our server J.T. was friendly and attentive. The French toast was my favorite and so delicious. The coffee was excellent, and they have the best espresso martini I have had so far. read more
1 year ago
I've been to Koko Head Cafe when they were at their OG location, but this was the first time I came to their new location. They were busy as usual, but there was seating at the bar. It was just my hubby and I, so it was perfect. Since it was around 11:30, a lot of their daily special were sold out. This made it difficult to make a choice. We ended up ordering: 1. Ricotta pancakes with haupia - soooo moist and yummy! I've never had ricotta pancakes before, but I have to say that they are now my fave! 2. Bibimbap - small, but so deceiving! It was loaded with toppings! 3. Don buri Chen - sooo yummy! Must try! 4. Dumplings all day Wong - very good and tasty! Staff were super nice and helpful with recommendations. Parking lot is huge. No validation. There is outdoor, indoor, and bar seating. Restrooms located inside the restaurant. We definitely left feeling full! read more
1 year ago
I only ordered one dish (the loco moco) and wow, it was absolute perfection. It arrives sizzling in a hot skillet, which gives the rice a beautiful, crisp layer at the bottom. The gravy is rich and savory without being overly salty or heavy, and the patty?? Cooked exactly as requested, yum! That loco moco was worth waking up early to hit up - it's that good! The restaurant itself is spacious and welcoming with attentive, top-notch service. They even have a fun little shout from the staff whenever someone tips the kitchen, such a charming touch to the experience! :D Didn't see a parking lot nearby, but found ample street parking during our visit. Excited to try their other dishes next time! read more
3 months ago
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. read more
Excellent breakfast options. Many choices to choose from. The place is simple and nicely decorated. The staff were super friendly. We had a table near the door as we had a large party. Going during the week wasn't too busy. Choices made egg handwich, fluffy pancakes with mango, lectin skillet and roasted pork skillet. Everyone was happy with their choices. Want to go again before we leave the island. read more
Great service, lots of parking, indoor and outdoor seating available, casual and clean, make it a point to stop by for breakfast or brunch soon! They are daily specials, and food is so yummy! Great place to meet up with friends, or sit alone for "me" time! Prices range from $15-28. Worth the stop! read more
3 months ago
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! read more
Second time eating here and it was just as good as the first time. This time we brought family along with us and they fell in love with the food too. We've almost tried everything on the menu and everything is good, you genuinely can't make a wrong choice here. Service is always great as well and their bathrooms are super clean. We've gotten here twice before 8:30 and never waited but when we leave around 9:30 it's packed and there's a wait. read more
I was with a party of 4 for dinner and everything was shared family style. There are some dishes that could easily be eaten by one person but it's also good to be shared family style. The service is great even when there's a dinner rush. Highlights for me were the shrimp dumplings, mother mushrooms, and the ulu fried feta. read more
I've tried Koko Head Cafe at the previous location before but this is the first time I came to their new location at Kaimuki. There was more seating at this location and it was much more comfortable. We had the Ohayou Eggs and Cornflake French Toast. Both dishes were amazing. Also had a vanilla latte and it was surprisingly really good. Everything was great and I would 100% come back again. read more
28 days ago
Congrats to the very deserving 24 for 24 champ! Awesome competition and awesome dishes at Koko Head cafe. Always enjoy both brunch and dinner here. read more
You can never go wrong with brunch at Koko Head Cafe! I had a couple friends in town so we stopped by on a weekday for a lovely brunch together. We had to have Chef's dumplings of the day - this is a must! We were already happy with this part of our meal. My friends loved the pork omelette and the donburi - so Ono! I had the Koko Moco and would love to have this again too. Koko Head Cafe gave us a great service and it was a lovely place for us to chat and catch up over an Ono meal. Mahalo nui loa! read more
Cute little brunch spot in Kaimuki, came here on a whim after our early morning hike. Arrived a little after 7am and we were seated right away by the friendly host. We ordered: Breakfast Bibimbap - perfectly crispy rice with savory Korean veggies tossed in (this dish can be made vegan or gluten-free). Don Buri Chen - the scrambled eggs were light and fluffy and the pork belly was tender. I loved the house pickles it came with. Excellent service from our waiter, who checked on us throughout our dine-in experience. Disclaimer: They do add on a 5% "kitchen service charge" to every check. This service fee provides their workers an additional incentive on top of their wages. Times are hard out here. read more
I love that when you tip the chefs they all shout out your name and holler and thank you for the love towards their pau hana beer fund. !! I'd litterally just go to try their specials so I can tip the staff. Keeps the atmosphere fun and friendly. An of course gives you reason to treat your self to something nice too. Cheers and Happy New Years. Loved the biscuits and gravy. read more
Well. Today I'm on crutches. And while it's not a "norm" for me (thank goodness) it is so telling when the door is a hard open and the hostess watched me get a crutch stuck under the door and stumble. Then when I finally got unstuck, the door whacked me on my way in. She just went "oh, haha, sorry" rather than helping me. The food is good but so very pricy. The poke omelette was $28 and it was loaded with more aioli (mayo) than fish. The steak was cooked perfect. And the pork omelette seemed generous. The haupia pancakes were just as sweet as you would imagine it to be. My mom had the volcano eggs - and while the name "volcano" implies hot, there is no description of spice on the menu: Volcano Eggs 23 GF housemade marinara sauce, baked eggs, cheddar, choice of daily vegetables, Portuguese sausage or both, served with toasted baguette Oh well. Our waitress was nice. But all the other people were a bit rude. The person who brought hr out the food just put everything in front of me and expected me to hand it out to whoever ordered it. From the front door to the food service. I would rather not. Unfortunately- not as good as the original location. And not someplace I'd plan to return to. It was sadly disappointing. 3 stars because the food was ok and the waitress was nice. Other than that it would have been a 1. read more
8 months ago
Been here a couple of times, came here since like forever. The food is comfort food, hits the spot with my mimosa. I'm in love with French toast cornflakes, was perfect and sure filled my tummy! Yummy! The the breakfast burger was oh so perfect! Hash brown was different from your normal kine, was excellent. Mimosa was beautifully delicious, and holiday cocktail was dreamy good. Ohayou eggs was very oh so sassy good! Lots of parking, in the heart of kaimuki. Staff was very welcoming, prompt, helpful with menu. Excellent service. The restaurant was cozy and homey. Love the Christmas decor. Coming back for more! read more
3 months ago
Second time coming here and it was just as good as the first time! This time I got the French toast and it was amazing. The cornflake French toast was so crunchy with the perfect bread to where it wasn't dense or soggy. The black pepper maple sauce paired with the gelato was perfect really. The whole meal felt balanced, not too savory, not too sweet. My husband got the haupia ricotta pancakes and they were so good as well! I'm not the biggest fan of coconut but I definitely stole a couple of bites from his pancakes. They were so delicious, airy, and oh so yummy. We also got iced vanilla lattes which were great as well. read more
8 months ago
Made a reservation here for Sunday morning, definitely recommend as they were very busy and the waitlist was about 1.5 hours at 10am. Service was very courteous, quick, and friendly. Got the dumplings as a starter, which the sauce was delicious. The filling was beef and was a bit dry but the wrapper was deep fried which had a great crunch. The hash brown is HUGE and amazing. I wish it had a bit more seasoning but the luau on top and kalua pork paired perfectly with the hash brown. The cornflake French toast was definitely the star of the show, especially if you're a sweets person. The gelato was refreshing and light. The bacon was smokey, and the French toast was light, chewy, crunchy. It was almost like a bread pudding! Inside is lively and cute. There is also outdoor seating and bar seating. read more
1 month ago
This was a bit overhyped and not worth the wait. Maybe I set my expectation too high but the food was just average. The fusion donburi lacked flavor besides the chili pepper that was on top. All of the other ingredients were pretty bland. Portion size was also a bit small for the amount they are charging. I'd say this can be skipped and they were plenty of breakfast options in the area. read more
I love celebrating local chefs, especially when they break out big, especially when the owner is as extraordinary as Chef Lee Anne Wong. Well after becoming a fan favorite on the competition series Top Chef, Chef Wong left her hometown of New York for sunny Hawaii where she would partner with Chef Kevin Hanney to open Koko Head Café in what was once his 12th Ave Grill near the Lunalilo Freeway. By using Chef Wong's notoriety, Koko Head Cafe has managed to become a favorite with locals and out-of-towners alike thanks to their creative dishes that emphasize locally sourced ingredients. Since I was a fan of the show and Chef Wong's work, I made it my mission to get to Koko Head Café during a recent visit to Waikiki. Of course getting across the freeway by public transportation was the biggest challenge, as a distant walk once I was dropped off blocks away. By the time I arrived at about 10 a.m. on the weekend morning that I arrived to Koko Head Café, I assumed that they would be packed with customers, and although there was a line out the door, I was able to seat myself along their counter area, which was not filled with other customers at all. Thanks to the personable bartender/ server Samantha, I was able to take my time and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that Koko Head Cafe provided with their homey diner-like interior. The brunch/ lunch menu at Koko Head Café is separated into categories including their Daily Specials, Sweeter Side, Kung Fu Fighting, Eggs, Skillets, Sides & More, and of course their signature Drinks. To start off my meal I ordered their Strawberry Hula cocktail which had Rumhaven coconut rum, strawberry guava shrub, pineapple juice and ginger. It was a nice refreshing way to start my meal without being overloaded with sweetness. I didn't want anything too heavy this morning, so to start my meal I ordered their Savory Scone, which was made with kimchi cheddar bacon and served with creme fraiche. For my main entrée, I ordered their Dumpling All Day Wong from their Daily Specials menu, which were four fried pork wontons served in a pastele stew topped with pickle red fresno chilis, fresh cilantro, tostone and achiote. As I sipped on my cocktail, I was presented with my scone and although slightly dry as many scones tend to me, the overall flavor of the kimchi cheddar bacon really shined through. I was then presented with my Dumpling All Day Wong which were light and tasty and was accentuated by the abundance of pastele stew with the only caveat being that I just wish there was more! This stew was so sweet and tasty that I wanted to pair this small dish with something else so I immediately ordered a accompaniment in their Vanilla Sea Salt Biscuit which was served with house-made jam and local honey butter. The perfect way to end a perfectly simple meal at Koko Head Café, my total bill was $52.77 before gratuity was added in. Dining at Koko Head Café gave me a true sense of what it means to eat within the Honolulu community. It's the kind of place where locals know their servers by name, which is a sure sign that people return here time and again. A more fuller meal will be in store for me upon a return visit with their Ohayou Eggs and Don Buri Chen being at the top of my list of things to sample in the future. Everything at Koko Head Café is described with such aplomb that it doesn't seem that you will go wrong with any dish they offer here. At Koko Head Café their reputation just keeps growing and growing and it's only a matter of time that Chef Leann Wong's empire in the greater Honolulu area just grows and grows and I for one can't wait to see where they head next. read more
This might possibly be the best brunch I've had in a while. I found out about Koko Head doing some breakfast research and had to come check it out based on the menu alone. We came on the early side to be safe, around 7:30 AM on a Tuesday, and it wasn't too busy at all. Very easy to find street parking in front. To start we got a POG juice and a matcha latte. Both were as expected nothing crazy. For food we ordered the daily dumpling which was like a Pork/Mapo Tofu dumpling, Breakfast Congee, and a Breakfast Bibimbap. First off, the dumplings were crazy good. The pickled chilis on top with the flavorful gravy was amazing. The Breakfast Bibimbap was so large and filled with veggies. The bacon, Portuguese Sausage, and egg made things even heavier but the crispy garlic rice really made the dish. The Breakfast Congee was also huge. I only had a little but it was one of the more unique congees i've had. Those bacon fat croutons were a great topper. Service was quick, maybe a little cold but it was early. Would definitely come back for a breakfast/brunch here to try the daily dumpling and their other many offerings. read more
Parking can be found either on the streets or in the paid parking lot behind. The wait wasn't bad, and we were seated pretty quickly. Once seated, they took our drink order then offered to come back to take our food order. The service wasn't too bad. We were treated fairly, however they didn't check up on us as you would expect. The food was great however the food is a bit overpriced. The cornflake French toast was crispy, lightly sweetened, and flavorful. It was a very small portion including the small scoop of iced cream. The porridge was alright. Good for hangovers lol. I enjoyed the toasts in it, but it was an interesting dish. Dumplings were my fave, as it was light, crispy, and just a good serving for sharing. Would come here to try something new, but maybe not as often due to the price range. read more
One of my favorite spots during my visit to Oahu! I tried their Loco Moco and Cornflake French Toast, which were amazing. The Loco Moco is made in a skillet and isn't your average Loco Moco. The rice is crispy at the bottom, and the portion isn't huge. I personally loved the mushroom gravy and hit the spot. The Cornflake French Toast is unique, and I've never had a dish quite like this. It was super sweet and fluffy. It had more of a fluffier texture than French toast, and I wouldn't have even compared it to that, to be honest. It felt like a sweet pastry, lol. The syrup at the bottom of the dish was a lot, too. It made the dish overwhelmingly sweet, and I would get this for dessert instead of during our normal entree meal. I loved this spot so much, but it was so pricey, it was more than the Chirashi Bowl spot across the street. It came out to be the most expensive meal of the trip. You may be saying, hey Evan you ordered three dishes, but looking at the portions and price, it just didn't align for me. read more
One of my favorite meals we had in Honolulu!! We came in on a weekday afternoon in between two planned hikes, and we were seated immediately. We tried the Koko moco, Don burri Chen, the chicky & eggs, and the poke omelette, and the dumpling of the day which was a mapo style dumpling with boiled pork in a Szechuan style sauce. Truly, everything was amazing, and you couldn't go wrong with any of those. The dumplings were my favorite- so extremely flavorful and juicy! Just when we thought things couldn't get better than this, we had the carrot cake bread pudding, which was divine. We loved the casual ambiance of the cafe and the friendly and quick service as well! Koko head cafe does everything so well and we will certainly be back!! read more
3 months ago
Incredible brunch food! Got the chicken pot pie dumplings and the French toast - both 10/10. Great vibes and the food is incredible read more
6 months ago
Had a few items and it all hit the spot! Service was fast and efficient for how busy they were. We had reservations and went on a weekday so we're able to get seated right away. May be bit of a wait if it was on a weekend. Bacon egg sandwich - 5/5 -Simple and delicious Cornflake French toast - 4/5 - I don't like maple and yes I read that it had maple lol it was actually good despite me not liking maple. But I think it was a lot a bit too sweet for me. Koko Momo - 10/5!!!! This was sooooo good! A twist in your classic loco moco. I'm no loco moco expert but this was amazing! The crispy rice made it beyond words! Make sure to ask for hot sauce. That made it even better because I like spicy food lol Can't wait to come back! read more
7 months ago
JAN 24, 2026 Food: 9.3/10 Service: 9/10 Ambiance: 10/10 Garlic Butter Shrimp Dumplings- 8.5/10 The filling was classic with a crunch, and the sauce wasn't overpowering. Would've liked more than just 4 dumplings! Fried Jidori Buttah Chicken- 9.5/10 The chicken was fried so delicately and the chutney sauce was heavenly! I'd lick this plate if I could. Heritage Pork Katsu- 10/10 This dish is so well thought out, and its extremely balanced. The katsu wasn't heavily breaded, and it came in a slightly acidic dressing. Amazing dish! Service: We had a Saturday night reservation but weren't seated until 15-20 minutes after. The servers were attentive once we were seated, and the check came quickly when we said we were ready. Ambiance: The restaurant is high ceiling and the seating arrangement is thoughtful. There's plenty of room for big parties and smaller tables for date night couples. BONUS! Parking: There's plenty of street parking, and there's 2 lots nearby. One has a gate where you grab a ticket, and the other is a meter lot. read more
More info about Koko Head Cafe
1120 12th Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
Kaimuki
Directions
(808) 732-8920
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http://kokoheadcafe.com
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Ask the Community - Koko Head Cafe
Is there a Corkage fee?
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…
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 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 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
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Koko Head Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated September 2026
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