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    Prime Roast Cafe

    4.4 (137 reviews)
    ModerateCafes, French, Caterers
    Closed 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Services - Prime Roast Cafe

    Allergy-friendly catering

    Gluten-free catering

    Kosher catering

    Prime Roast Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    PRIME ROAST CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Prime Roast Cafe

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    French dip, just ok
    Robert S.

    Well I hate to criticize a small business with very nice owners but I guess I should keep things real. I've had french dips all over Cali including Cole's in LA where they invented it. Anyway, the good is that the potato salad was tasty but I feel like an authentic french dip has to be served with fries. Sadly, the au jus lacked enough saltiness. I understand they are being health conscience but in light of eating fatty red meat I'm not sure it makes sense to sacrifice traditional au jus. Also, the sliced meat had big chunks of white fat I had to pick out. The roll was nicely toasted tho. Overall, for $26 it was dissapointing.

    Cheese steak

    True story . Excellent prime rib . Make the effort to visit . Great owners and service . If you're in Hawaii visit this place . Alooooooha

    French onion soup
    Maya K.

    The most delicious meal we had in Oahu! The food made with love. We ordered the most amazing pear tart that we kept eating despite being full. The french onion soup was 10+, the sandwich to die for. Super recommended!!

    Kurobuta braised pork belly $18
    Wina G.

    Made it for dinner finally! It's been a hot minute! They're open for dinner service Friday and Saturday 5-7, reservations only. Not much foot traffic in the evening being located in downtown understandably but don't miss out on this gem. The Merchant St entrance closes late afternoon but you can access it on King St. ( nearer to Alakea). We park at the USPS building lot. We came for the duck confit $40 (I know they specialize in prime rib which totally tender but we hooked on the duck. Chef is classically trained so the prep reflects that. But I was pleasantly surprised by the use of five spice which really added depth to the flavor. Came with saffron rice, roasted vegetables. Skin was light & crispy and the meat was so moist and flavorful. As an appetizer we had the braised Kurobuta pork belly with cardamom pineapple chutney ($18). It came served on toasted pieces of bread. Loved the crispy crust and the smoky flavor and the tart sweet chutney paired perfectly. Yum! For dessert we had the Grand Marnier chocolate soufflé. $14 Dang! It was the best chocolate soufflé ever!! Beneath the light crust was the most lightest mousse - like eating a cloud. Omg! Why didn't we have these before. It's going to be def a repeat dessert. Make sure you order it early because it takes about 20 minutes Chef Ernesto and Chef Celeste are wonderful warm people. We got to chat with them and they had very interesting stories. They treated us like VIPs but like family at the same time. Check it out for dinner and support a local family business!

    Nice, clean, and cozy inside
    Shannon H.

    I came here for the salmon, which I absolutely love. But they didn't have it that day. I got the philly cheesesteak sandwich instead which was still pretty good. I like this place. It's nice and clean and orderly inside. The staff are always, always very kind and friendly. The chef always comes out to thank you personally before you leave. It's a little pricey, but the food is very good and worth it when I feel like treating myself.

    Ada H.

    Prime Roast Cafe is a small family owned business and the owners are absolute sweethearts! I adore their kindness and love how passionate they are about their food. My boyfriend got the prime rib and the prime rib was seasoned well. The meat was juicy and was delicious with the au jus. The French onion soup was my favorite part of the meal. The soup was umami bursting with flavors. The toasty cheesy bread was divine and held up well even when I drenched it into the soup. Great spot for a relaxed breakfast/lunch meal.

    They even have a holiday cooking & baking workshop!
    Cecily C.

    Prime Roast Cafe - A Hidden Gem in Downtown Honolulu Just when I thought I was running out of sit-down meal options in downtown Honolulu, Prime Roast Cafe came into my life--and what an introduction it was! Tucked away at 212 Merchant Street, this cafe may seem casual at first glance, but don't be fooled. The warmth and hospitality Celeste and her husband, Ernesto (the chef), extend make you feel as though you've stepped into their home. Their graciousness and pride in serving every dish truly stand out, making the experience more than just a meal--it's like having your own personal chef. One of the first things that struck me is how versatile their menu is. Serving all three meals daily, you can enjoy anything from a breakfast bento of the day, candied rosemary bacon with garlic fried rice and eggs, to a prime rib loco moco. For lunch, my friend opted for the Sterling Silver Prime Rib Panini--melt-in-your-mouth tender, with arugula and Swiss cheese. After trying a bite, I knew their prime rib was the star of the show. I, however, indulged in the fresh Atlantic salmon with a miso caper cream sauce, served with saffron lemon rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables. The salmon was perfection, with every bite melting in my mouth, and the vegetables were seasoned with such care that the flavor lingered long after I'd finished. Speaking of prime rib, they offer a dazzling array of options, from a 10 oz portion to a show-stopping 16 oz Sterling Silver Prime Rib of Beef, complete with port wine bone marrow au jus and creamy horseradish. With sides like garlic mashed potatoes and perfectly seasoned vegetables, you won't leave disappointed. And then there's dessert. Oh, the dessert! Their French-style Apple Tarte Tatin is something to be savored, caramelized in butter and sugar to perfection. I would happily return just for that sweet delight. Prime Roast Cafe feels like a well-kept secret. Though parking downtown is scarce (understandable for the Central Business District), it's a spot well worth the journey for workers, residents, and any lucky visitor. The impeccable service, food, and overall experience make it feel like you're enjoying five-star dining without the sky-high prices. Celeste even capped off our meal by treating us to some delicious crème brûlée tarts and sugared orange peel, a lovely touch of gratitude that made the meal feel even more personal. Prime Roast Cafe is now a must-visit spot for me, whether for breakfast, lunch, or their exclusive Friday-Saturday dinner service (which I plan on booking soon). Truly a gem in Honolulu's heart, I cannot wait to return!

    Prime Rib, ready to serve!
    Alex O.

    I often walk by this spot near my workplace and motice is has varying crowds throughout the daytoodecided to try them out on a whim. Thing to note, they have prime rib and almost every dish is prime rib. I went with the prime Rib French Dip. Prime Rib French Dip: 8/10. This is their prime rib sliced up on a nice bread, with their Au Jus, and a tossed salad with a vinegarette. The prime rib is great but isn't a grilled with cheese and onions type. The Au Jus soaks up nicely and definitely adds to the flavors. My picture doesn't capture how satisfied I was for lunch. This first visit was quite good and now I'm wondering what to try next (and when). Give them a try and support local!

    Acai bowl
    Candace F.

    Who knew that a nice prime rib centric restaurant could be located downtown. From the outside you would think this is another plate lunch place but it's definitely not your average lunch joint. Stepping inside the cafe is an oasis away from the hubbub of the outside traffic. Cool, air conditioning and quiet with the main focus..prime rib. After a year of passing this nondescript restaurant there there is a pleasurable dining experience. The cashier was new however super nice trying to explain the menu. The owner came out from the back to greet me. Super nice lady. Her husband prepared the prime rib French dip sandwich. I also ordered an açaí bowl. I sat at a table and waited while they prepared the foods. It was a nice relaxing wait and i didn't mind sitting in cool muted silence. The French dip sandwich came out and it was hearty! Good too! So much meat! The bread nicely toasty and fresh. The açaí bowl was good! Fresh granolas and berries. Yummy! Everything was good. Food, service, ambiance - five stars! Nice lunch date place or place to meet a friend to chat.

    Prime rib loco moco
    Jeremiah U.

    Prime Roast Cafe utilizes prime rib in their menu. From Prime rib loco moco to Prime rib Ruben sandwich, Chef Robert is creating delicious meals using top-quality ingredients. Celeste provided excellent service with a friendly and welcoming attitude throughout the interaction. The interior is a small seating area that's nicely organized and clean. #top-tier #primerib

    8 oz Prime Rib ($27) Lunch Menu
    Suri S.

    This place is delicious for their prime rib and various sandwiches. Only been here for lunch time, however, the prices keep increasing. I understand since inflation and but it is on the pricey for a lunch. Quality over Quantity here though. Dine in --I would prefer to cut my prime rib with a real knife not the plastic kind. The takeout containers could be better especially for the price. I will still come back to support, but not as often due to price increases. Service has always been nice and friendly! I also do like that there's a slight discount if you pay with cash.

    Rainbow Sprinkles cookies
    Leiko T.

    The Rainbow Sprinkles cookies are a perfect blend of chewy and crunchy! It is not too sweet and tastes just right the sprinkles adding the right amount of sweetness! It's a must try cookie that will you keep you coming back for more!!!

    Prime rib station
    Jerome C.

    Cute little place tucked into the corner. Service was very prompt, and attentive. Meals were all delicious, I had the prime rib french dip, full on slices of real prime cooked perfectly. Combo came with a nice little salad and the desert was the matcha with strawberry, very tasty. Would 100% come back.

    8 oz. prime rib with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes

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    9 months ago

    There are not enough words to describe how amazing the food and service were. I highly recommend Prime Roast Cafe to anyone in the area!

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    9 months ago

    Incredible food and service. Ernesto is an amazing chef. Highly recommend! The prime rib and apple pie were so delicious.

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    2 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Great food...especially if you like prime rib! Service is great too. I wish I work closer...I would go everyday. Best desserts by the way.

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    Food was excellent and service was friendly and welcoming. Will definitely come back when we're in the area.

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    Page 2 of 4

    Ask the Community - Prime Roast Cafe

    Do they have a wine list or are they BYOB?

    Be aware that BYOB has a $10 corkage fee PER PERSON.

    Where is the best place to park?

    There's some metered parking in the back (in Merchant St) but there's not much. You can also go further down Merchant St and infront of the Post Office is a metered parking lot.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Restaurant inside.

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    Vanilla Soufflé, Spiced Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Banana Cream Sauce $40

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    Celebrated my birthday with an incredible dinner for 1 at natuRe waikiki :)…read more I chose to sit at the Chef's Table; and I'd say it was the best seat in the house. I got to see how the dishes were prepared. I was also delighted that I got to chat with the chefs-- asking me what I think about the food and explaining the techniques they used to pull off the dishes. Although I was dining solo, I did not feel alone. The ambiance was really nice and classy. Travis, the server for the evening, is very knowledgeable about each dish. I really appreciated the way he explained everything, and how everyone in the team was attentive to our needs. I love food and I'm very interested with the techniques and execution. I ordered the Hale Tasting Menu, and every dish was amazing to say the least: * Venison Tart & Shrimp Toast: perfect balance of savory and sweet, great palate cleanser * Ahi Poke & Eggplant: one of my favorites! The sweetness of the eggplant combined with the ahi poke and tomatoes were so good * Abalone Risotto: another personal favorite, I couldn't get enough of the sauce which was made from the abalone liver. Really nice consistency of texture from the heart of palm and abalone. * Sourdough with Ogo Butter: they make their sourdough in house. Travis suggested that I dip the sourdough on the Abalone Risotto sauce and it did not disappoint. * Ayu Galette: familiar textures and tastes so I really enjoyed it too, love the saltiness from the ayu * Kona Kampachi Poele: fish was crispy on the outside but juicy inside, and the ginger/lemon sauce was a great complement * Kiawe Filet Mignon: cooked medium rare, really enjoyed the 4 different sauces/salts I can mix and match with the flavors * Mango/Islander Sake Granita: shaved ice made with sake. Awesome combination with sweetness of fruits and ice cream Chef Kaisei learned it was my birthday so I got a birthday plate :) I really appreciated the surprise. Mahalo for this unforgettable evening. I'll definitely come back with my loved ones next time!

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    Fish en croute (fish of the day was amberjack)

    Michel's At The Colony Surf - Seafood Cippino

    Michel's At The Colony Surf

    4.1(894 reviews)
    4.0 mi
    $$$$

    Our first visit to Michel's was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the valet…read moreattendant was friendly and welcoming, setting the tone for a wonderful evening. We were seated at a beautiful table overlooking the ocean, providing the perfect setting to enjoy the sunset. Our server was warm, professional, and attentive throughout the evening. She introduced herself, presented the drink menu, and after we ordered a bottle of Evian and a ginger beer, we were served Lovash bread and pesto butter. She carefully explained the menu and reviewed the evening's specials before our meal began. The lobster bisque, prepared tableside, was both entertaining and delicious. My crusted onion soup was equally outstanding. Between courses, we were served a refreshing sorbet intermezzo. For the main course, I enjoyed the filet mignon with lobster tail, both cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious. My guest couldn't stop talking about how incredible the Duck à l'Orange was. We finished the evening with Michel's famous chocolate soufflé, which was the perfect ending to an outstanding meal. From the impeccable service and elegant ambiance to the breathtaking ocean views and spectacular sunset, Michel's exceeded our expectations in every way. It was a memorable dining experience, and we look forward to returning.

    We visited Michel's to celebrate the 24th anniversary of our salon, a very special occasion for all…read moreof us. The food was excellent, and we had been looking forward to spending this important evening there. Unfortunately, we were very disappointed by the service from our main server, an experienced gentleman who was wearing a mask. Throughout the evening, his manner felt pushy and intimidating rather than welcoming. Each time he approached our table, he often had both hands in his pockets, and at times seemed to gesture or direct us with his chin. We were genuinely surprised by such a casual and dismissive manner of service at a restaurant of this level. We are Japanese. I have lived in Hawaii for 10 years, and some members of our group have lived here for as long as 25 years. I cannot know whether we were assumed to be tourists or whether that had anything to do with the way we were treated, but the experience did leave us wondering. To be fair, the two younger servers who assisted us later were very polite, attentive, and professional. We genuinely appreciated their service and wished they had been taking care of our table throughout the evening. We also work in the service industry, so we understand that everyone can have an off day. However, professionalism, basic courtesy, and the way guests are made to feel are an important part of the dining experience, especially when celebrating a meaningful occasion. The food was excellent, which makes this experience even more disappointing. What should have been a wonderful memory of our salon's 24th anniversary unfortunately became a very disappointing one. Sadly, after this experience, we do not see ourselves returning to Michel's while we live in Hawaii.

    Photos
    Michel's At The Colony Surf - Tableside bananas foster!

    Tableside bananas foster!

    Michel's At The Colony Surf - Gelato: Dark Giandui Hazelnut Chocolate + Tahitian Vanilla

    Gelato: Dark Giandui Hazelnut Chocolate + Tahitian Vanilla

    Michel's At The Colony Surf - French Inspired Aesthetic

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    French Inspired Aesthetic

    Margotto Hawaii - Top 100 best restaurant in the world, Romantic dinner, anniversary dinner, truffle and caviar in Honolulu

    Margotto Hawaii

    4.2(158 reviews)
    1.3 miAla Moana
    $$$$

    At Margotto, they made it rain--rain shaved truffles. While they have other menu items, they are…read moreknown for their seasonal truffle menus and having well priced truffles which they source themselves from Italy. Under Chef Shiori Okuya, their tasting menu, was a nice way to experience the French-Japanese flavors of the restaurant. First we chose the amount of truffle we wanted for our meal. Then those truffles were shaved over multiple elegant appetizers; a Pot-au-Feu soup; a lobster fish course; oyster pasta; duck for our main; in Asian-style, a comforting rice bowl to end the savory courses; and finally even the dessert. Henry was an amazing server with flair and passion for the menu and we even took a little bit of truffle home to enjoy on soft scrambled eggs the next day. If you want to experience another side of Margotto, there is also Margotto E Baciare in Japan.

    Though prone to hyperbole, please let me assure you that I am dead serious when I say I would give…read moreMargotto 10 stars if that were an option. I'm quite fortunate to have had many amazing dining experiences, more than a few of them of the fine-dining-persuasion and Margotto shook me to my core. Unforgettable and completely unlike anything I've had before. It's incredibly unassuming from the outside--like a secret or a speak-easy--elegant and understated on the inside. The staff are all so warm and welcoming and you'll want for nothing the entire time you're dining. It's a coordinated dance of service. Arrive hungry and ready to spoil yourself! Opt for The Grand Degustation and get the 15 grams of truffles. This is not the time to be stingy! In fact, you really need to get the Caviar Monaka and a glass of champagne to start--the crispy wafer is a nutty delight and a perfect compliment to little fishy pearls. THEN you can move onto the ten course meal. And since I'm telling you what to do, you'd be entirely remiss to skip the wine pairing. Chuck Furuya is a demigod with a palate that is twenty-seven steps ahead of us mere mortals. The wines on their own practically sing in their glasses but when paired with each dish? The transformation of flavors? Absolutely unreal. Let us not forget about the truffles. They're fruity and earthy and succulent, without being heavy or overbearing in any way. You WILL feel spoiled and you deserve it! If I lived here, this would be my go-to special occasion restaurant, no question. You must try it for yourself.

    Photos
    Margotto Hawaii - Top 100 best restaurant in the world! romantic dinner, anniversary dinner, truffle and caviar in Honolulu

    Top 100 best restaurant in the world! romantic dinner, anniversary dinner, truffle and caviar in Honolulu

    Margotto Hawaii - Truffle and old world wines. from the same soil, area, they pair fantastic!

    Truffle and old world wines. from the same soil, area, they pair fantastic!

    Margotto Hawaii - Our signature, beluga caviar with monaka(rice wafer)

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    Our signature, beluga caviar with monaka(rice wafer)

    El Cielo - Bacon wrapped dates w/ bleu cheese

    El Cielo

    4.6(265 reviews)
    2.7 miWaikiki
    $$$

    Review 33 (2026) We…read morelove El Cielo. This was the third time to come and eat. The first time we came, we didn't know what to order for Spain Foods. I have no idea of any menu. We ordered Seafood Paella, Mushrooms appetizer. The second time we added different menu. Seafood Paella, added Shrimp Ajillo with fresh homemade bread, Arugula beets salad. The third time ( this time ) we added another different menu. The more we come, the more we can try new menu and enjoy new tastes. Honestly El Cielo, all menu we tried even wine and draft beers, were top class, I love to nominate as the best restaurant in Hawaii. I am so glad I found the great restaurant, I was seeking for. Prices were not bad, as inflation everything costs are so expensive nowadays. Everywhere!! Their services are great too. If I live close by I would go El Cielo once or twice a week. Thank you so much. I will love to come back soon again.

    Small restaurant with very small daringly open kitchen. Food is delicious. Mostly Spanish with a…read moretiny teensy touch of French-Japanese. Bread is delicate. Mont Blanc dessert was divine. Jamon iberico was delicioussssss melt in your mouth yummy. We ordered pollo paella and seafood paella. The pollo paella was perfectly cooked. The seafood was perfectly cooked but the "rice" in the seafood paella was JUST a touch undercooked. Probably needed a couple minutes more. Still very yummy. The dock for minus 1 star is because it is HOT in the dining room. So hot. Very very hot and uncomfortable. Stuffy and felt like we couldn't breathe. We were put in a small table in a corner that had barely air conditioning cooling. Otherwise, try it! Got our Spanish food fix. Empanada, jamon Iberico, and paella.

    Photos
    El Cielo - Gorgeous setting

    Gorgeous setting

    El Cielo - Octopus ala Gallega

    Octopus ala Gallega

    El Cielo - Charcuterie

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    Charcuterie

    Prime Roast Cafe - cafes - Updated September 2026

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