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Café Kaila
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
Market City Shopping Ctr2919 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 732-3330
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
364 reviews for Café Kaila
Review Highlights
"The french toast was amazing and huge."
(in 88 reviews)
"Malted Belgian Waffle: it was good."
(in 29 reviews)
"That with some Portuguese sausage and you have a winner."
(in 26 reviews)
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364 reviews in English
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Review from Kristen K.
Honolulu, HI
Another favorite place of mine!
Converted my parents onto it, so now even they love to come here.
I just wish they sometimes opened a LITTLE later...so my friends and I can get a light lunch after heading back from the beach. But they close at 2.
Only downside....no reservations...you WILL likely wait if you go at peak hours for breakfast/brunch on weekends. But people don't sit & chat there for hours....most are very considerate and they are in & out quickly so the line moves along. Oh, and the parking lot at Market City shopping center is usually packed. Don't just stand there amongst everyone else and assume you are "in line"---make sure you find the clipboard and put your name down as soon as you get there! $cash only$ too still, I believe....so plan accordingly.
For breakfast/brunch: I like the veggie omelette, and their belgian waffle with strawberries is SUPER good....the benedicts are good too BUT I hardly get them because that is a total splurge. My usual pick is the breakfast burrito (add guac), which is DELICIOUS....I get mine with bacon (and they make it crispy and its all cut up into little pieces). Ohhh and their yogurt parfait is yummy too (I usually get this IN ADDITION to something else....haha...its like dessert for me)....or one of their fresh blueberry muffins....sugar and crumb topping is YUMM! Ask them to heat it up! My parents like the french toast....I'm not too much of a french toast fan though.
Been here a couple times only for lunch: any one of their sandwiches is GOOD. I remember that their turkey pesto is really good (I think they have a turkey avocado one too if I am not mistaken) Plus, comes with chips and a salad I think....super good deal for around $10!
On top of all that, I think they have Illy coffee.... But in any case, they can make a variety of those barista coffee drinks. I like their skinny vanilly latte.
All of the staff here are so wonderful and NICE. Always friendly and welcoming. -
Review from Cassie T.
Honolulu, HI
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really like this place but come on...POST IT SOMEWHERE THAT YOU DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS!!!! At the end of our meal we pulled out the credit card to pay only for the waiter to tell us they accept local check or cash. That would have been nice to know while we were waiting!
I finally got my husband to try a breakfast place other than Yogurstory. He loves that place for the "Best juice in the world" as he describes it. Come on Café Kaila don't let me down!
I had read other reviews on here that the line can be a little long on the weekends. When we found parking we noticed the line. There wasn't an employee outside only a podium with a sign on the window that said seating is first come first served but if they are busy sign in and wait to be seated. So, we added our name to the list.
Cute place inside. While we waited I went in a ordered an iced coffee and a pin-orange juice for my needy husband. When I saw the employee pouring the juice I knew it would not live up to the "Best juice in the world". Crap!
We only waited about 20 minutes until we were called. We were seated next to the window and against the wall. Not a bad spot considering that the restaurant was full and a table in the walk way would have meant that people would constantly be walking by. I have to say that sitting next the window is a little distracting. People who were standing outside kept putting their faces to the window to look in. Now I know what the animals in a zoo feel like.
I ordered the Frittata which was 3 eggs with potatoes, choice of meat, onions, and pepper jack cheese. It is served with rice and toast. My hubby ordered the Classic Eggs Benedict served with potatoes. We also ordered one piece of French Toast since I had read such great reviews. Thanks Yelp!
My Frittata was delicious! I only wish it had some sort of sauce as it was a little dry. Husband enjoyed his eggs benedict and gave this place an O-K for next time. The French toast was amazing. Light fluffy and huge! A little powdered sugar and served with syrup on the side. I will be coming back just for French toast!
My tip is-be prepared to wait and order the French toast!
Total: 30.79 with out drinks -
Review from Natasha L.
Kailua, HI
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went to Cafe Kaila for the first time a couple weeks ago based on the reviews I found on Yelp. Was actually looking for a good breakfast/brunch-y kinda place since I had just gotten smashed the night before and I didn't want an overly-greasy breakfast a.k.a. something other than McDonalds in the immediate area.
Arrived around 11 am on a Sunday to see a crowd in front of the little cafe (about 15 people) so I expected to wait at least 30 minutes. The actual wait time was about 15-20. The second time we came here it was the same story with the same amount of people and again, we didn't have to wait too long. So props on being able to keep the flow of customers pretty good.
It's small indoors, but the decor and ambiance make it very personal, not too crowded.
Now for the food... Wow. I will never eat at Yogurstory again. This place beats them hands down in quality, quantity and price ten times over. Yogurstory is like, a novelty, and an overpriced one at that. You can have your $10 waffles - I'll have mine with bacon and eggs.
On my first visit, I had their breakfast croissant. It was absolutely tasty. I couldn't believe how much flavor there was. The croissant wasn't too flaky either. I was worried about making a mess, but the damage was surprisingly minimal.
My second visit, I had the french toast combo with scrambled eggs and bacon. YUMMY. First of all, it's sweet bread. You just can't go wrong. And the bacon is just so well-cooked to a crisp. I also had a coffee float which I'll probably order every time I go. So delicious.
I look forward to eating here weekly. :3
Be aware though, this place is so good, it's a tourist hot spot. -
Review from brad v.
Honolulu, HI
2/15/2012 2 Check-ins Here
What a great breakfast restaurant. Since my first time to Cafe Kaila in September 2011 I have been back a dozen times. The coffee is a great starter and the omlette's, french toast, and waffle's are some of my favorites. If you enjoy a waffle with fruit this is the place to go. This is another one of the cash only establishments to be prepared for that so its not a surprise. It would be nice to see a military discount added to this great local restaurant. The location parking lot is sometimes tricky so be patient you will find a spot to park. Enjoy!
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Review from Vicky L.
Thanks to other Yelpers recommending this over Sweet E's, I found myself downing another large breakfast - perfect after a morning of snorkeling and hiking - at Cafe Kaila.
No wait (we had THE best timing this trip), and friendly service. Unlike Sweet E's, the menu had a wider variety and so I couldn't decide what I wanted because more than one thing looked delectable.
I ended up with an omelette with Portuguese sausage, mushrooms and salsa, and it came with roasted potatoes (or rice). When it came out, I was shocked at HOW BIG the portion was - who eats this much at breakfast?!
As a fatty, I can pack away a bunch of food at once, but even this was too much for me, and I couldn't get through my whole omelette and only ate half of my potatoes. I think the Portuguese sausage really filled me up - if I'd gotten something less greasy, I may have been able to finish.
Definitely recommend this place over Sweet E's. I will most definitely be returning here when I visit Hawaii again.Listed in: On a vacation HI
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Review from Dave F.
Great place to spend a Sunday morning, reading the paper and having an awesome breakfast. Had to wait approx 30 minutes for a table, but what the heck, I was in no rush! When we were finally seated we started off with our cup of coffee and water. I had the two eggs special with fried rice and the gf had the Hawaiian scrambled egg special. Now, I'm very particular when it comes to fried rice. Not too many places will get my vote in that category, but I took a chance and ordered my breakfast with it. I have to say, it was delicious . I'm glad I tried it and Cafe Kaila is now on my safe list of places that have good fried rice! We also split a Belgian waffle with fresh strawberries and whipped cream which was really light and refreshing! That was one good waffle!!! Needless to say, we'll be back again. This place makes me wish we had something like that out our way!!
Listed in: "Let's go out to eat!!!"
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Review from Richard G.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/10/2012
8:30 AM MIDWEEK BREAKFAST - Even with a line two of us got in quickly by sitting at the counter (about 15 minutes). I had waffles with strawberries, wife had every day eggs plus a papaya. Bottomless cup of coffee. Food was excellent and people very friendly. With a packed house it took 15 minutes to get fed (read the menu while you wait). Major walk from Waikiki but excellent way to work up an appetite/work off the calories. REMEMBER: CASH ONLY.
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Review from Alysha M.
Maybe I'm spoiled cuz I lived in San Francisco for 8 years, but I have still yet to find myself a really good breakfast place in Hawaii (and no, I have not tried Cinnamon's or Boots & Kimo's yet).
Don't get me wrong, what I ordered was tasty, nothing wrong with it. I got the smoked salmon eggs bene with potatoes. However, I didn't think it was worth the wait ~45-60 mins + 5 of us squished on a tiny table.
It was so hectic inside that they messed up part of our order too. (I wanted rice instead of potatoes). But I didn't bother to change it cuz I could feel the stressed out energy from the waiters.
I do like how they gave out free samples of waffles while we waited though. That's a plus! -
Review from Mindy D.
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Long line for brunch on a Saturday afternoon but service was quick and prompt. I enjoyed the food (french toast and eggs benedict) and my latte was incredible. However.... it's pretty pricey in my opinion. Benedicts are weekend specials but at $15 a pop, I don't think they are worth that much. Everything else seemed overpriced as well. My reasoning is that it's a very casual setting and you seat yourself. Heck, we got the counter seating since all the tables were full. Grand Cafe offers just as good a brunch menu and has outdoor patio seating and a classier ambiance. Hence, I don't think prices they charge add up to the ambiance / quality of food they offer.
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Review from Brooke M.
Honolulu, HI
Updated - 2/3/2012
What happened to my beloved pancakes?? I was served gummy, undercooked pancakes here yesterday. Twice. I sent it back and it came back barely any better. I hope it was just a new cook and not a new recipe...Still a nice spot though, and service is always prompt and friendly.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/1/2010
I can't stop thinking about the pancakes I had here last weekend. They were quite possibly the best… Read more »
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Review from Brent K.
Honolulu, HI
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is famous with tourist. and locals. I never herd of it until my friend took me here. The food looks Fabulous. Great presentation.But for me it's ok. a little to plane for me. Not enough taste.
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Review from Jonathan P.
Honolulu, HI
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet for some reason I can barely get myself up in the morning. But for some reason there was a rooster and I was up at the crack of dawn, so I figured since I'm up I should try to eat breakfast. The only problem was that I was too lazy to make anything, so I asked a friend where they eat out for breakfast and she said Cafe Kaila.
So after getting to Market City on a Saturday morning I was surprised to see how crowded it was. A table for two took about half an hour but it was okay since I got extra time to figure out what I wanted from the menu.
I ended up ordering the Cinnamon French Toast with Strawberries ($7.50+$1.50 for fruit) http://www.yelp.com/us...
and I tried some of my friend's Buttermilk Pancakes with Banana ($6.95+$1.50 for fruit) http://www.yelp.com/us...
My french toast had 3 big slices of toast with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla with powdered sugar on top. It was okay but the bottom was a little burnt. But I figured I could just cut it off. Thank goodness it had a cup of syrup and a cup of whipped cream on the side! I just wish there was a knife! It was hard getting that whipped cream out of the shot glass looking cup with a fork. The pancakes were definitely a lot better but there never seems to be enough syrup since the pancakes kept absorbing all of the syrup!
Just as I thought everything was going alright my meal took an unexpected turn for the worse. After the one and only waitress (who was really nice) took away our plates we flagged down one of the waiters and asked him for our check. It honestly took forever for him to return and I watched him take checks to other tables that asked for their checks after me! After awhile I figured I should ask another waiter, so I asked and he went around and took plates and checks to other people. Eventually our eyes finally met it looked as if a light bulb inside his head went off and he remembered to bring the check.
The food was decent nothing spectacular yet it didn't really disappoint me. It was a "cash only" place though. I think it's just because I have a slight pet peeve for customer service and besides I was forgotten! And no one likes to be forgotten in any situation, whether it be food, life, etc. Maybe I'll try Cafe Kaila again, that is if I can wake up!Listed in: Sorry, we are CASH ONLY
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Review from Michou N.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cafe Kaila is such a fun spot! The food is delicious and the service here is so great: personal attention by the chef, and very attentive and friendly servers. The French toast here is so, so good. The food is fresh, the portions are huge, and again, the service is outstanding! Absolutely love this place!
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Review from Annie K.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cafe Kaila was news to me. My sister was back in town for visit and she was up for a new taste. Thanks to my fellow yelpers, I learned about this cute little cafe hiding away at Market City Shopping Center.
On a Tuesday morning, there was a short line. We waited for about 20 minutes for a table for two. Cafe Kaila is this small cafe with an assortment of sandwiches and breakfast selections. I love love breakfast food and I get disappointed any place ends breakfast items early. The cafe serves breakfast until closing at 3pm. My sister ordered a frittata with portugese sausage and I ordered their cinnamon french toast with bananas. Of course, we shared. The cinnamon french toast was delish. The syrup was on the side it didn't get the bread too soaked with sweetness. Snowy sugarness spinkled on the top of the french toast made it fun. I've never had a frittata before so I didn't know what to expect. It was pretty good. As my sister described it, a frittata was a toasty omelette.
I was fairly excited to try this new place. I was very disappointed of the wait for the food. We waited for about about 30 minutes for our food. We started to watch the servers intently each time they walked out of the kitchen. We even started looking out for the party of three that came in right before us. If their food arrived, that meant our food was coming out soon. The food was good, but it's really frustrating when we had to wait 30 minutes for breakfast food. Maybe I'll have a better experience next time. -
Review from Michelle U.
Honolulu, HI
12/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is my new discovery for AMAZING breakfast (served until they close at 3pm)! A friend and I ventured here after seeing the 330something reviews and 4 star rating. That has to mean something, right??
I was so set on ordering their french toast (because a million people mentioned how good it was), but as soon as we were seated, I was staring the couple next to us. They were eating the most beautiful plates of eggs benedict I had ever seen. Ok, I'll admit I was hungry, and everything looked good... but still! I was sold. I ordered the smoked salmon eggs benedict, and decided to save the french toast for next time (yes, I already decided that I absolutely had to come back).
This may sound a bit weird, but I think I'm in love with their potatoes. Don't get me wrong, the smoked salmon eggs benedict was mega-oozy and REALLY GOOD, but their roasted red potatoes were perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection. I found myself wiping my plate clean with each little potato!
It's important to know that they only serve eggs benedicts on weekends. This will definitely keep me coming back! My parents came here for breakfast the day after my first visit because my mom LOVES breakfast foods (especially eggs benedict) and after hearing me rave about it, she wanted to try it for herself! She ordered their regular eggs benedict (with ham or turkey I think?) and she absolutely loved it. Mom's seal of approval! Yes! You can't get any better than that!
During my 2nd visit, I knew I had to try their french toast. I got mine with apples and bananas and WOW... I sincerely hope people who read these reviews on Yelp actually listen to them. THE FRENCH TOAST IS AMAZING. I also had their chai latte, which was definitely better than Starbucks!
Some other tidbits on Cafe Kaila:
- I went before 7:30am on my 2nd visit and there was already a crowd. By 7:45, people were already waiting outside.
- Parking can be pretty hard to find since this place seems to be packed all the time on the weekends.
- Service is okay, but often pretty slow. The servers are really friendly and helpful, but they tend to forget you when it gets super busy. They should hire more help on the weekend mornings!
- CASH ONLY!!! -
Review from Mimi T.
Santa Clara, CA
1/30/2012
The ONLY brunch restaurant in Honolulu. Seriously. The wait is long, and parking can be bad, but really, there is nothing else around here for brunch!
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Review from Kim S.
Updated - 1/21/2012
After a handful of visits to Café Kaila, I feel I've given it enough chances & will never return.
2nd to the last visit: after waiting the usual 45-60 mins for a table, the waiter forgot/lost our order. He didn't know this until we asked about our food after 4 of the surrounding tables, who were seated after us, rec'd their food. Compensation: free beverage (no biggie to me bc we didn't order beverages in the 1st place & I generally drink water with most breakfast/lunch meals so I may reserve the calories for later).
Last visit: after waiting the usual 45-60 mins for a table, the egg portion of my meal was a complete disaster! Ordered the combo w/2 French toast pieces, 2 eggs "your way" & crispy bacon. Well, "my way" for eggs is poached hard - I'm not a yolk fan. Well, 1st my breakfast arrived with no eggs. Then 15 mins later, 1 poached hard egg arrived - WTH???! 1 egg??! Where the heck was the 2nd? When I inquired about the 2nd egg, it took another 10 mins for it to arrive - a total of extra 25 mins for eggs? Well, I found out the hard way (yes, after placing it in my mouth) that the 2nd egg still had a bunch of shell on it!!! Really???! Was the kitchen trying to pass off a partially peeled boiled egg as poached hard ???! When this screw up was pointed out to the waitress, she simply said "oh" & removed the egg. Another 10 mins passed & I asked about the 2nd egg's replacement, the waitress responded with "oh did you want it?" Seriously???! A total of 35 mins AFTER a portion of my breakfast arrived & my order was still not complete. The manager (owner?) ended up comping my dish but who cares when after nearly 2 hours my breakfast was not complete + the needless frustration??!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2010
Joined friends for a spur of the moment brekkie on Aloha Friday to try Cafe Kaila.
Cinnamon French… Read more »
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Review from Sara M.
Honolulu, HI
1/21/2012
So glad I found this place! I've been here three times and haven't been disappointed once. My family had a good time. The prices are low and the portions are huge. The pancakes are amazing but my moms favorite is the omelet. If you come, be here early or be ready to wait.
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Review from Scott M.
Ewa Beach, HI
1/20/2012
Great place for breakfast! Had the French Toast...loved it. Wife had the waffle. Would recommend getting here early and/or plan on a wait. We arrived about 8:00 am on a Sunday and waited about 45 minutes. Definitely worth it!
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Review from Chester A.
Honolulu, HI
11/27/2011
Food was good. Had the Fritatta and Waffles w/Blueberries and bananas. Nothing extravagant.
Now the reason for the 2 stars was the service. Our waiter didn't bother to check up on us once to see how we were doing. On top of that, he took so long to give us the check, I had to go up to pay for the bill. But as soon as I got to the front, the lady said, "Oh we don't accept debit cards here, cash or personal check with an ID only. And we'll come to your table for the payment, so you don't have to keep coming to the front." I was like sheesh, first off I only came up to the front once, second of all if the waiter came to check up on us then maybe I wouldn't have to come to the front, and lastly I don't remember seeing a sign in front saying cash only.
What made it even more of a bad experience was the cramped table we had, against the wall near the front of the entrance. I know I can't expect much out of tap water, but it tasted like there was chlorine in it. Although there Espresso was average. I really thought that I was going to enjoy my experience since this was my first time here and I've read many good reviews. Probably the last time coming here. -
Review from Allen N.
Honolulu, HI
1/29/2012
First to arrive yet received our food after other customers. Food was ok but not special as customers stated. One positive was their female staff. Very friendly.
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Review from Kim S.
Honolulu, HI
11/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
My grandmother and I decided to hit up Cafe Kaila this morning for the first time. For 9am on a thursday, the place was quite packed--and mind you, a self sign-in tablet sits quietly on a podium outside of the restaurant. Don't sign, don't sit.
Guilty of this ourselves, we walked in and stood awkwardly at the door for a few minutes before a waiter strode by to fix a fallen sign on the door. About to ask him for a table for 2, I got a swift "Did you sign in?" "No." "Well, I can't figure out where this two-top is, so you can take a seat at any of those tables against the wall." Dang.
I was still optimistic--taking into account the full house and good Yelp reviews. Clean, bright, nicely decorated. Something like a quaint Parisian Cafe--cute, I dug it.
We were handed menus, waters--still no sign of a greeting. The waitress approached, sans smile. "Ready to order?" Took the menus and left. Dang x dos.
My two stars come from the the quality of the food. I will give them that. I had the Locks and Bagel--fresh, separated out to construct it yourself on a nicely toasted wheat bagel. I enjoyed it, though the onions appeared to have been taken from the outer-most layer...
Nana had the croissant egg sandwich. Looked delish and she confirmed it was delightful.
Our first cups of coffee bit with a slight burnt flavor--and was not refilled until asked. No water refills ever came.
Why the service sucked so badly at this place surprises me. With what seemed to be a well-staffed, well-paced, successful establishment, there was absolutely no need for the 'tude--or the lack of any at all. Their apathy obviously said they could care less if we were there or not.
Maybe they were trying to exude some form of "french arrogance?" Though...the last time I checked, we are in warm, hospitable Hawaii, and...the french are actually nothing but friendly.
Cafe Kaila--I am inclined to return because in the kitchen, you've got some good eggs. But next time -- try to tally up at least a genuine smile...and not just when we're paying the bill. -
Review from Joy B.
11/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Perfect little spot for some solid breakfast. I'm always tempted by the sweet breakfast treats, like french toast & pancakes, but my body always craves some good old steamed rice, sunny side up eggs & Portuguese sausage when I'm island bound.
Love the aloha of the staff & the price is nice, too. -
Review from Robin P.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Apologies for the short review. I stopped in to Cafe Kaila on my way to the North Shore. I like to throw restaurants a bone and order their "special" to see what is so special about their special. The special was an interesting take on eggs benedict with bacon and spinach replacing the ham from Canada. Hollandaise sauce was sufficiently tangy and tart. Bacon crispy. English muffins crispy and poached eggs not too over poached (gotta have those runny yolks!!). Perhaps it was my time in southeast Asia, though, with the preponderance of tasty cheap eats that clouded my eyes as I tried to digest the bill. With a cup of coffee and tax and tip, the bill came out to $22. Therefore, 4 stars for food, 4 stars for solid service, 2 stars for pricing, and 3.5 stars for overall (damn yelp for not allowing fractional stars!).
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Review from Jhoren C.
I'm rating this based on SERVICE. To me at any business excellent service is a MUST!
Food: the food was a HIT! Belgian waffles, french toast and fritatta did not dissappoint and the portions were big. Totally filled us up and price wise was okay.
Seriously I would have gave this place a 4 star but the service was what dissapointed me. I can understand they are a pretty busy restaurant whose known for their brunch menu but you do not let your table of 2 wait for almost 20 minute to see if we needed anything else after we have been served our food. What was annoying was there were 2 workers cleaning a small table that sat 2 people and no other worker was around to get their attention. We had to go up and actually ask for a to-go box and ask for our tab, oh and another 1 star minus is the fact that they do not accept major credit/debit cards...I must've miss the CASH ONLY sign. So not only did I have to wait on our tab, I had to walk out and find an atm to grab cash. As we left there was no goodbye or thank you...yeah don't think I'd be coming back here anytime soon... -
Review from Jeremy L.
11/27/2011
After a short hike at Diamond Head, my wife and I needed something to eat. We had Cafe Kaila on our list of places to try. One thing that we didn't quite appreciate was the long wait for a table. Can't argue with that if this is such a popular place to dine. Kinda sucks that our food took some time too.
That negative remark aside, the Meat and Cheese omelet was pretty good. I had a choice of two meats and I went with Bacon and Spam. Can't believe that it's such a simple combination of meats that went well with each other. You get the crispy bacon and the plump spam wrapped in eggs. I had the fried rice as my side option instead of the usual hashed browns or potatoes. What a good choice! I think they fried the rice in garlic and butter and that makes for one tasty fried rice! Some slightly burnt rice added some crispiness!
Overall, I thought the service was great and friendly, but the wait for the table and food were a bit of a drag... If you can overlook this, I think Cafe Kaila can be a good place to have breakfast. -
Review from Peety P.
Honolulu, HI
1/17/2012
Food is fresh and tasty. Wait can be long, especially on weekends, but it's worth it for the tasty breakfast goodies. Lunch items are equally delicious. Service is attentive. Cash only.
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Review from Kayvon P.
Palo Alto, CA
11/27/2011
Orchids and Cafe Kaila were by far and away the best two breakfasts we had in Oahu and I cannot wait to come back to this spot each and every time I visit. This place is a must visit 100% and you will not be disappointed if you get the french toast.
What I've Had: French Toast, Bacon, Potatoes, Orange Juice
I will never order anything different. This was THE BEST REGULAR FRENCH TOAST I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. Better than my Dad's french toast that I grew up on. A 1000x better with HUGE pieces of amazing french toast bread. The bacon was great and so were the potatoes but that french toast...my goodness. When I say regular french toast, I'm talking about what french toast at its core is - no cinnamon BS swirls, no custard fillings, no crazy syrups or fruits on top. JUST the plain old french toast that is HUGE with thick pieces of magical goodness.
GET THE FRENCH TOAST. Btw, all of the sweet choices look unreal at this spot including the pancakes and all the fruit on top...etc. But once again, I was nearly in tears when I was finishing my final bites of this french toast. It is that good. It is mind blowing and life changing. GET THE FRENCH TOAST.
My friends also loved the french toast, a few got egg items and said they were hot and fresh and amazing and really everything here tasted great. However, if you want something that will potentially make you want to move to Oahu, GET THE FRENCH TOAST! Service is great and you'll probably have to wait for a table but it is WORTH IT. If you are wavering between the french toast and another choice, GET THE FRENCH TOAST! Cannot wait to go back in a few weeks! -
Review from raechelle v.
Honolulu, HI
10/17/2011
Finally got to try out this place! Met with a girlfriend for breakfast this morning and the wait wasn't too bad. The best bet is to just put your name in as soon as possible. Even on a weekday, it was pretty packed.
I had their make your own omelette. It was really light and fluffy. It wasn't too cheesy and I liked how they chopped the mushrooms into smaller pieces. I also enjoyed their coffee and it was served in a really cute little cup. I couldn't finish my omelette and had to take the rest home.
My girlfriend had the steak and eggs. She said it was one of the best steak and eggs she had in a while.
Prices are okay. My omlette was around $9. Got to sample some of their waffles. It was really crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I think next time I'm gonna have to have some of their waffles.
All in all, nothing that out of the ordinary for me. It's just like any other breakfast place. However, nothing beats Colombia Inn in my book....I really wish they didn't close that place down. -
Review from Naomi L.
Honolulu, HI
11/12/2011 2 photos
Yay! I finally got to eat at Cafe Kaila! I have heard so many good things about this place, I really had to try. Unfortunately, the 1st time my friends and I went - the line was so long we left. The 2nd time it was closed. I guess the 3rd time really is the charm!
Good thing we got there at 8, since we only have to wait ~10 minutes. By the time we left, there was a huge line of people waiting outside. You know a place is good/worth waiting for when people are willing to wait in the rain to eat breakfast.
I got the quesadilla, which turned out to be so huge I ate the rest for lunch. Base price is $9.50, but I added guac for 50 cents (totally worth it). It came with cheese, eggs, and a choice of meat. I've been a pescatarian for the last ~5 years, but they happily switched out the meat option for a choice 2 veggies (thank you!). The eggs were light a fluffy/delicious and the tortilla was crispy and not soggy. All-in-all delicious.
One of my friends and I also got the chai tea latte. Having spent some time in India, I am kinda reluctant to get chai tea at places. However, this hit high marks with me for being yummy. It wasn't traditional at all, but good in it's own right. It definitely hit the spot on a rainy day and for $3.50, wasn't a huge imposition on my wallet. I think I will ask them for less foam next time.
The staff was very nice and patient with us. One guy even held the door for us on the way out! How nice. If the line isn't too long, I will definitely be back to try some more food. Lunch service starts at 11, so I may try that some other day. -
Review from Randy E.
Long Beach, CA
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great food and large portions. Definitely a place I'd visit again when I return to the Islands.
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Review from Crystal K.
Los Angeles, CA
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
3 stars = average, OK, mediocre, so-so, run of the mill, ordinary, standard... hopefully this gets my point across. I'll give them .5 stars for huge portions though. I recommend sharing unless you enjoy eating leftovers.
If there's a wait, leave. Not worth your precious time to be waiting around for average food. -
Review from Crystal B.
Honolulu, HI
10/21/2011
This place gets 4 and a half stars, but I am rounding up because the food is delicious. I've had the sweet bread French toast, several of their omelettes, the breakfast wrap, and the frittata, all of which were phenomenal. The French toast is light and not overly battered, and all the ingredients in everything taste fresh.
If there were half stars on yelp, they would lose half a star because it seems like they haven't figured out how to keep the service as good as it used to be while handling the huge amount of business their success has brought. The food can take a long time, some of the servers ignore you for extended amounts of time, and I think these problems are due to high volume. Not deal breaker service issues, not even enough to lose a whole star, just one small thing to be ready for.
The wait can also be super long, but that's because the food is so delicious! I'll never subtract a star for that. -
Review from Laurie V.
10/25/2011
Yes, there are places that in town that serve American breakfasts!
Food here always seems to be on the healtier side and not so greasy which is a good mix up from all the yummy fat I've been feeding my face.
It has the feel of being in someone's living room and/or kitchen. So, it feels like the food is made with love and care...something mom's would cook for the fam. -
Review from King H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/23/2011
I really hate to drop 2 stars at this place because it could've and should've been a much better experience. Similar experience with Joshua A. Maybe we were there the same day? The only person who seemed to care was the brunette girl who gave us waffles as we waited. She was very sweet and courteous. We were a family of 6 including two toddlers. Inside, this local or Latino looking guy looked like he had something up his you know what. They would not give us two tables despite an empty table next to us. He didn't smile and didn't respond when I said there was a slice of tomato on the floor under the table.
2 stars for the food as it was very good but eating cramped at a table with waiters who had an attitude more than ruined the experience. -
Review from David J.
10/31/2011
This is another place which was introduced to me from my Elite buddy! Been here on several occasions (usually after a hike, run, or a race) and a great place to have breakfast.
Cafe Kaila is a pretty popular spot and you'll find a line out door almost every time. ( At least every time I've been to on a weekend morning) The turn-around is pretty fast so I usually have to wait only about 15 mins which is worth it to me. But, the pain of waiting is almost eliminated with the pretty gal that gives you samples of their amazing waffles. My buddy and I unanimously named her "Service with a smile" because she always has a big smile! ha ha....okay, on to more important issues as if this what I wrote above wasn't relavant at all!
I've tried the following:
Special Menu: Portugese Sausage Eggs Benedict - Was super good - not skimpy on the portugese sausage and hollandaise sause was delicious. I thought it was a little expensive at $15. Most of the menu items are under $10. They also had on special - Salmon Eggs Benedict and Traditional Eggs Benedict.
Waffles - their waffles are melt and your mouth good! I think this is what they are famous for? I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was.
There service is pretty good, food is plentiful, and satisfying. On the downside, you probably have to wait in line and its a little on the loud side. It's at the Market City Shopping Center, so you should be able to find free parking. Overall, great place for breakfast and you have to check out their melt your mouth Waffles and the Service with a smile! -
Review from Bennie S.
Brooklyn, NY
11/6/2011
This place is very average - like every other breakfast/brunch place in NY. There is still a wait, as there always is for brunch places. Food was average, nothing special. The omelets and waffles were just average. While I didn't have to go, I couldn't figure out if they had a bathroom - think you would have to go the place next door.
Guess after eating at places like Eggs N Things, Ono's, Young's, Alan Wong's, I really expected this place to blow my mind. Unfortunately, it didn't. Yelp has not yet disappointed me but all these 4-star reviews upped my expectations. -
Review from Courtney O.
Honolulu, HI
If it weren't for the long lines, I would be here much more often!!
The service here is wonderful. And the breakfast options are limitless! I had the banana pancakes and omg! I think it was enough for about 4 people!? The portions are HUGE!! They know what they are doing here!!
The reason I only gave 4 stars is because this is one of my least favorite parking lots. Sorry! Ease of parking gives you big props in my book. -
Review from James G.
9/18/2011
First of all let me say this place is definitely 5 stars if there wasn't a wait for breakfast. Everything I have tried here has been scrumptious. Their omelettes are perfectly made, their eggs benedict is superb, and their Belgian Waffles are first rate. Everything else I've seen people order, from the yogurt to the pancakes have looked delicious. I want to come back here and try more and more of their dishes.
During my last visit here we waited about 30 minutes. While in line an employee came out with free samples of the Belgian Waffles. Ooh that was a teaser! But it was also evidence that they cared about their customers. The customer service at Cafe Kaila was excellent. You could tell they really cared about putting out a quality product. While my friends and I were eating here, the chef came out and asked us how our meals were and if anything could be prepared differently. We replied "soo good."
So this is definitely a 5 star place when it comes to food and service. But if you are going to eat here, you have to plan your morning around that. because you could be waiting in line for sometimes 30 minutes to an hour. That and the fact that Market City Shopping Center parking can be crappy would be the only reason I would give Cafe Kaila 4 Stars.
Maybe they can renovate and expand into the old Pets Discount or just take over the restaurants next to them. But if it would effect the quality of the food or if prices had to increase then I would definitely not recommend that.
Fan of the food and the service but not the line. 4 stars. -
Review from Iris T.
9/16/2011
I love eggs. I love Spam. I love rice. So it's no wonder I loved Cafe Kaila!
I got their Spam and egg scramble with rice and I may have been the happiest camper ever. It was delicious -- the eggs were perfectly fluffy and the scramble wasn't too cheesy. Couldn't have asked for a more filling and delicious breakfast!Listed in: Hawaii!
