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Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants American (New) Coffee & Tea, American (New) [Edit]
Ala Moana Shopping Center1519 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 953-6110
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9:30 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Kevin H. said: "I had a great dining experience here. The food was excellent. Tapas style dishes but still decent sized. The escargot poppers on puff pastry was a tasty and innovative twist on the standard dish. Duck paella and crispy risotto…" read more »
219 reviews for Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe
Review Highlights
"I tried the tomato basil soup and had the tomato pasta."
(in 57 reviews)
"I also enjoyed the plantation iced ted."
(in 22 reviews)
"Red Velvet Cake: Need i say more."
(in 21 reviews)
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219 reviews in English
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Review from Karen P.
Boston, MA
12/31/2011
My friends know I absolutely LOVE Nordstrom Cafe & can count on having a group lunch here when we're all back on the island.
The food is typical American fare (can't really go wrong with any item) & it's an odd cafeteria-style + dining room setup, but these aren't faults to me.
This cafe is perfect for getting away from the hustle & bustle of the mall or when you want to avoid the food court for a nice sit-down meal. Great ambiance & environment - it's casual yet elegant. Combined with decently-priced food, this makes for the perfect hangout.
Free refills are A+, of course (Marcia L. would agree with me). Can't go wrong with the plantation iced tea. The tomato soup is pretty boss as well. -
Review from Caitlin T.
Honolulu, HI
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love their Tomato Basil Soup! Nice and creamy with a lot of good flavors. Not to mention the crostini with the baked cheese on it to dip in the soup. I am not usually a dipper, but I love to dip this in this particular soup.
Husband had the Steak that came with a basilly, limey dipping sauce which is estupendo! The steak was tender and cooked to the right temperature.
I had to knock off a star for the rude guy at the register. We had never been here and didn't know the routine. I had been to one in Cali with my family, but my mom would be paying so I didn't know how it worked. They also didn't care what you drank there. Here you have to tell them what drink you are going to get from the fountain. Why? I don't know. I felt like if I got a drink other than what I told him, I would get in trouble or something.
For you Marketplace virgins, had the register person both your order paper and number because they can't handle just getting the order paper for whatever reason. And make sure you decide whether you want Coke, Dr Pepper or whatever before you get there, otherwise they will be annoyed if you don't answer right away. -
Review from Cintamani A.
Honolulu, HI
1/27/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I use to love the cafe but I feel the place has gone down hill a bit. Certain things are just not up to par which isn't acceptable for a place like Nordstrom. After intense shopping which I frequently partake in at Nordstrom I get famished to the point that I need something to digest before passing out. That's why this place exists.
Some dishes are certainly better than others. Flavors are either spot on, slightly off or just dull. Some ingredients are no longer as fresh as they were from the standards of when they first opened. It's mostly a nice place to have a cuppa tea, salad and soup.
I will say the mostly jazz soundtrack can be so grating that it can make certain individual's feel like they are on the verge of a nervous breakdown. At least it's large open airy place with ambient lighting. I have mixed feelings about the staff and miss the old faces that would greet you enthusiastically. The current ones are a bit obnoxious when they scream at each other like 13 year old boys. Thankfully there are some decent staff. -
Review from Kara V.
1/31/2012
I'm here at Nordstrom's and getting a bit hungry. I know most Nordie's have a cafe or soomething, and this one does! Not so crowded, and decent food. Way better then going to a food court for fast food Chinese or something. And the wifi works in here too!
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Review from Shay F.
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't get too excited when I eat here. I mean, it's great, but not THAT great. I usually end up getting a soup...and that ridiculously huge veggie plate. It isn't the plate that's huge...it's the veggies. LoL. Veggies on steroids.
Yes, they have salads n all, but there's something missing. I don't know what it is...and I can't seem to pin point it...but I think they are lacking in the vegetarian options.
I'll eat here, but there isn't really something that I have to have...or look forward to eating.
Yelp 365 Challenge #138/365 -
Review from Kelly H.
I give this place a 3.5. This cafe has the set-up like Panera Bread where you order, take your number to your table, and your waiter will give you your food. It's like an eye spy game for the waiters as you sit by and watch them carry plates of food around.
I really enjoyed the service at this restaurant as they were quite pleasant and accommodating of our loud voices (we were having our secret santa exchange gifting) and our large party (8 people). The food arrived promptly my only complaint service related is that I asked for my salad dressing on the side but they never brought it...I was so hungry and the salad tasted good without the dressing that I never ended up asking for the dressing.
I ordred the Seared Ahi Salad which came out to around $15. The salad was pretty good but nothing spectacular. The salad had tomatoes, kalamata olives, boiled eggs, carrots, and seared ahi. The ahi and the olives were salty enough that I didn't need dressing. Or maybe it was because I was really hungry I didn't mind.
Aside from not receiving my dressing, the reason this cafe didn't receive more stars is because there was nothing on the menu that looked super ingenious or spectacular...I guess that is what you get for coming to a "cafe" but I'd much rather prefer plate lunch or sandwiches from somewhere like Andes in Manoa -
Review from Sara T.
12/12/2011
Mom and I come here from time to time for a quick bite. The ahi salad is great - it has mixed greens, potatoes, tomatoes, crunchy green beans, and a delicious vinaigrette. The garlic panko crusted chicken salad is also great. The tomato basil soup is soooo delicious! It's creamy, tangy, and flavorful. Sprinkle some black pepper on it for extra oomph.
We usually share the two salads and the soup and are full. The service is usually okay, but sometimes the people behind the counter are DEAF. Either that, or they just have too much attitude and don't feel like helping you. The food is not cheap, but you can tell they use good ingredients, and the salads and inventive and tasty.
Bonus points for convenience - right in the store! -
Review from Angela A.
Just like the first time, my second trip to Nordstrom Cafe was a girls-only lunch :) I thought the tomato soup was http://thebomb.com until I tried the butternut squash! Incredible.
Those cheesy croutons could only be made better if you could have the option of a cup of soup with 5 croutons or a bowl of soup with 10.
My other item was a fresh and delicious salad with pears and blue cheese - also highly recommended!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/11/2010
This place is a perfect quiet and cozy oasis for a meal in the midst of a hectic mall shopping trip!… Read more »
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Review from Terry K.
11/2/2011
Yelp Challenge 365 # 61/365
Parking!!!! Rainy day!!!!! Parking!!!!!! No better way to settle down at the mall with the stress of rain and the hunt for parking than Nordstrom Cafe. Okay, there was a line but what the heck?
Tomato basil soup to start (and that hit the spot after running for cover in the rain)
Angel hair pasta with shrimp and marinara sauce was terffic. The shrimp was done perfect; not undercooked and definitely not overcooked. Marinara sauce is home made, not canned. Good; not too tart or sweet; perfect balance actually.
Creme Brulee (a must try for me at any restaurant) and I will say Nordstrom's creme brulee is in the top 6 of my favorite places for it.
I had water to drink but later ordered a cup of coffee to go with my creme brulee. Ok- their coffee was "okay"
Counter chefs were very polite, cashiers took our money with a smile and the waiters/waiteresses were extremely personable and nice.
Sum it up? Great meal with a nice price tag after a horrible session in the parking lot and rain!Listed in: Yelp 365 Challenge
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Review from Peety P.
Honolulu, HI
1/17/2012
I love me some Nordstrom marketplace cafe. Friends with larger appetites have commented that portions are on the smaller-side, but they are fine for me. Tomato bisque is dee-lish. Service is friendly and attentive.
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Review from Mari R.
12/18/2011
The food here is re-heally good, I don't think I've tasted anything bad yet. The Peking duck pizza was delicious, I could eat this every day (and gain 5 pounds at that, but it would be worth it)! And get this, did you know you can order the kids meal...as an adult? Yay! I got the three cheese grilled cheese sandwich with the tomato basil soup , which came with potato chips, a fruit bowl, a box of raisins (so kawaii), and a drink. Score!! So if you want to eat the good food at Nordstrom Cafe but not spend too much (because it is a little pricey), order off the kids menu! The roasted chicken with veggies is also very yummy. Only downfalls are that it is a bit pricey and you have to wait in line if you go during peak time but overall, very good food!
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Review from Tasha T.
Honolulu, HI
11/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
After you've built up an appetite from all that shopping, head on down to Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe.
Since everyone has the same idea, they offer you complimentary samples while you wait (I scored Red Velvet cake, whoo hoo!)
Daily specials are always awesome... My fave is the Orange Chicken.
For starters, I always order the Tomato Bisque soup... It's amaaaaaazing! Then I usually order the Shrimp marinara angel hair pasta for entree. Very satisfying, the marinara is superb, and it's a good sized portion. And what else would I have for dessert, but none other than Red Velvet! -
Review from Tyler K.
Honolulu, HI
11/22/2011
Food here is pretty pricey for what you get. It's ok, but when I pay ~ $24 for a full salad and sandwich I expected it to be better. We figured this would be adequate for lunch, similar to ordering half and sandwich and salad, but it wasn't quiet enough food to feel satisfied.
Bottom-line is food is decent but not great and is overpriced. -
Review from Matthew N.
Honolulu, HI
10/20/2011
Like the store in which it operates, this place is almost too good to be true. The food is, almost without exception, stunningly good in comparison to other cafes.
I've had nearly everything (but the pizza) and have rarely been disappointed. The salads are made fresh with some rigorous portion control, but are delicious and filling; try to the Asian chicken or the blue cheese salads. The pasta dishes are quite rich, probably a hat tip to the Nordstrom brand; the mushroom ravioli is an out of body experience.
Then of course there's the tomato soup for the soul. It's not the most balanced of soups, with sharp notes that would be better with a bit of crème fraiche. But it's still amazingly flavorful and deserves the front-of-store billing it gets in those ubiquitous take-me-home jars.
And although it looks like it's too dense to be any good, the red velvet cake is actually very well made: soft, moist, and not too sweet.
The only downside to eating here is the cafeteria process. You'll typically be standing in a long, slow-moving queue that is only exacerbated by how popular the cafe is. But if you've got some time to spare, this is a good place to spend it and those hard-earned dollars. -
Review from Angela M.
9/15/2011
*Tuscan Chicken platter $13.99*
Dear Norstroms Cafe,
Your greeter seemed perturbed that so many of us were declining his offer of a crustini sample. Please explain to him that women, despite the fact they are standing in line for food, innately like to pretend that we don't eat. It's us, not him.
My friend ordered the tomato bisque and the ginger salad while I settled on the Tuscan chicken as I am fond of food that looks medieval. How can a whole roasted carrot NOT look medieval? It can't.
When we were seated your waitress stared intently for a moment into my friends bowl of soup then whisked it away with not a word of explanation. Which left us to wondering, what was wrong? What was so ghastly that it had to be hurried away without a sound? Perhaps a creature had died in it? Perhaps there was the tip of finger your sous chef lost earlier that day? Perhaps she saw her future and it was bleak indeed? We never did receive an explanation, but my friend did receive a brand new steamy bowl of soup sans creatures, fingers, and dark futures, and it was simply delicious.
Your food was wonderful, your staff was attentive, and our waters were swiftly refilled. It was a wonderful lunch and I find myself, days later, still thinking fondly of our moments together. I will certainly see you again, new friend.
Thanks,
Angela -
Review from Arynn I.
11/5/2011
Now if only I can actually eat here and sit down!
Stopped by hoping for a quick in-out lunch...and the line was so long! So we ended up just hopping in and grabbing a few items to go- Crostini and apple pastries.
I like the idea that it's like "fine dining" in a cafeteria style setting, where you pick your items, pay, and then get a table. (or at least this is what I gathered when I was there)
In any case, I loved the crostini; it's a thin french bread with a cheese topping. And I could eat a dozen. The apple pastry was good but nothing too different from any apple pastry that I've eaten.
can't wait to go back to actually sit down and have lunch!
#Yelp 365 Challenge - 095/365 -
Review from Vince B.
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Market Place Cafe really made my day. This place is nice! Food is good! Lots more dishes that I want to try. We're coming back!
Decor wise, this place is much nicer than Morimoto's and a few other high priced restaurants that I can think of. Nice booths and tables, elegant lighting, tasteful and modern wall coverings. Even the trendy waiters were nicely dressed and groomed...as were the counter staff. 5 stars !
Very Classy!!
What I was most impressed with was the fact that, although this was the very busy lunch hour, they were able to give very personal service. Each staff person, that we interacted with, treated us calmly and as if we were their most important customer. This was really good for us since it was our first time there and we didn't know the ins and outs of ordering from the counter.
Perhaps we just got lucky and caught everyone on a good day. But this is the type of customer service that would make Gordon Ramsey smile.
What I was equally impressed with was the fact that we were not rushed at all. Long line out front, rapid cafeteria like ordering, yet in the dining room everyone is relaxed and calmly enjoying the food. No one impatiently waiting for you to hurry up so the table can be cleared. 5 stars for great service.
It was our day off, so we slowed way down and took our time enjoying the food. My wife got the salmon with grilled vegetables. The salmon was soft, flaky and seemed to be marinated or at least well seasoned. The vegetables including grilled potatoes, carrot, bell peppers, zucchini plus corn on the cob filled the plate. It included a whole carrot! Being the king of vegetables I commandeered most of them and paid her back with a couple slices of my Margherita pizza. My pizza was very thin, crisp and a good size and hand made. I enjoyed it, but there are better pizza's out there. The salmon was 5 star and the pizza 4.25 stars.
We had also gotten the Tomato Basil (quite nice) Soup with crostini. Plus added a lemon bar to finish things off with.
Beware: As we were walking out, we noticed the line had gotten really long. Get there early if you are on a time limit. -
Review from Justine R.
Honolulu, HI
11/21/2011
This is your typical cafeteria style restaurant. You order first and pay, then find a table to sit. A waiter will eventually come and bring you your food. The service was very attentive and cheerful which I really appreciate. Atmosphere is very nice and relaxing; a great place to chit chat. The food...
Chicken Pesto Panini - The panini is actually the best one I've ever had on the island so far. Although I wish it was bigger. It was very yummy and comes with a side of maui original chips, which I don't really enjoy that much but the panini itself deserves a 4 star.
Peaking Duck Pizza - THIS is what gives this restaurant 5 stars. This pizza isn't like the oily ones you usually get from pizza hut. It is baked in a brick-oven and it is absolutely amazing. The pizza is on a semi-thin crust baked with cheese and peaking duck garnished with a tossed salad with dressing. It is so good, you have to eat every last bit. It's also not something I really wanna share with anyone either. I believe I can eat that thing all by myself! -
Review from Jonathan L.
Honolulu, HI
9/7/2011 2 photos
My friend recommended this place as a casual place to eat. It is cafeteria style where you get a tray and go down the line to pick the food you want. Don't worry for those of you thinking everything is already pre-made you are half correct. Some of the foods are but most of them are made to order. The soups and desserts are already made but the entrees are not.
I ordered the basil mushroom pepperoni pizza and share the tomato basil soup with my friend. For my beverage I bought the coffee and it was the bomb!!! It is self serve and they come around with free refills. Once you order they give you a number and you can take a seat. The server brings out your entree.
The pizza was okay nothing too great. They did not cheap out on the basil but I felt like they could put more mushrooms. Its around the same price as a CPK pizza. The soup was very sour, I thought they put a lot of tomatoes inside.
The service was okay, our waiter kept coming around with coffee refills but we had to ask for the dessert menu three times. We ended up not ordering any. We got chocolate after our meal so that was a nice complement with all that salty food.
Overall good "healthy" (depending on what you order) place to eat at and not too expensive. -
Review from kylie k.
Honolulu, HI
10/12/2011
Whenever my girlfriends and I meet up at ala moana. We usually stop by this restaurant to get a bite to eat . This is a upscale cafateria style restaurant with a variety of different kind of foods. My favorite foods are the tomato basil soap. I love love the blue cheese salad with candied walnuts topped with a tasty viniagrette dressing. YUM! (the salads are not premaid, but maid to order)
Although you have to stand in a line to get your food, there are waiters walking around to refill your water glasses, bring your utensils. The downside was that we came at lunch time and had to wait over 15 minetes in line but worth the wait. Can't wait to come back for another girl's lunch out! -
Review from Angelina E.
Honolulu, HI
11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very delicious.
Pretty popular during lunch time. In fact, tr line gets really long during peak lunch hours.
I always have a half salad of the chicken apple goat cheese salad minus the chicken as I'm vegetarian and a half sandwich of te bacon avocado minus the bacon ofcourse
So delicious.
You should also try their creme brûlée for desert Remarkable. -
Review from Michelle E.
Soquel, CA
12/23/2011
Every time I go here I always love it. If you go during their busy hours, then the wait line goes out the door into Nordstrom, but they have an employee that serves small appetizers to keep you from being too hungry. All the food I've tried has always been delicious and the service is always excellent as well. One of my favorite entrees is the mushroom ravioli and all the desserts I've tried are always tasty!
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Review from Nicole M.
9/23/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Cafeteria style! There's often a wait, but it goes quickly and it's worth it. It's cafeteria style and yes, the food is a liiiiittle pricey, but the food it fancy-shmancy, with gourmet style poke, and awesome personal pizzas.
I recommend the Wild Mushroom Ravioli (my regular) or any of the pizzas. There's a kalua pig pizza something but it's REALLY oily.
They have a selection of fancy salads and desserts and you grab a cup and fill it at the soda fountain. You take a tray and your #, pay at the register and You seat yourself and a waiter will come and grab your receipt from you and bring out your order to your # when it's ready.
A favorite stop for my mom and my friends! If you're lucky, your waiter won't forget to give you those yummy mint-chocolate sticks at the end of your meal. Delicious... -
Review from Amber C.
8/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The paninis here are yummy! They're really crispy on the outside, but not so much that it scratches the top of my mouth or knocks my braces off.
My three favorites: Avocado Club Panini, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, and Tomato Basil soup (the crostini that goes with it is awesome)
The process? Pick up your tray near the entrance, stand in line and look at the food offerings, let the worker know what you'd like (like a cafeteria lunchlady!), go to the register to pay, find a seat. Eat.
My friend who works here has told me there is a keiki menu and that they have combo deals.. like half a sandwich & soup for $cheap.00. They don't have a posted menu here, though, and I'm always too intimidated to speak up and ask about it. And coincidentally, my friend is never working when I visit!
The one thing I can't shake? It smells like an airplane in here (to me, anyway). It's semi-noisy with dimmed lighting, and I'm sure that doesn't help. I always take my goods to go and eat at the tables outside by the e-bar. One time, I actually picked up some food to take home for dinner and the WHOLE ride home I felt like I was in an airplane. I don't know what it is in the food here to make me feel this way...
At least it doesn't TASTE like airplane food! (Please don't let this last paragraph turn you off the place lol.. The food is really good!) -
Review from Rise D.
9/9/2011
My friend and I like to eat here whenever we meet up and catch up on each other's lives. We usually end up sharing a pear and blue cheese salad and a pepperoni mushroom pizza.
The food is very good, but the salad portion is pretty small for the price. It was $11 for a full salad but it really is more like a half portion. If it's not busy, this is a good place to sit down and have dinner and catch up. Other foods I've tried from here are the tomato basil soup, the mushroom ravioli, chicken pesto panini, and the chicken tomato alfredo....all are good choices.
There's not much waiting service since it's more like a cafe than a restaurant, but service is usually friendly nonetheless. I like the food and ambiance, but for the portions the food could be a couple dollars cheaper. Still, Nordstrom Cafe is a nice spot for a casual dinner. -
Review from Chad Y.
Updated - 8/27/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe hasn't changed one bit. It still remains a great place to have a nice meal when you are in the Ala Moana area. It offers stellar food, good service, nice ambiance and good pricing.
Located on the first floor of Nordstrom, the marketplace cafe offers a good selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and entree options. Be sure to check out their specials as they have some killer options. On my most recent visit they had Adobo fried rice...it was pretty amazing if I do say so myself.
Service is good and the wait staff are always walking about refilling drinks and making sure the tables are clean and tidy. Which leads me to my next point, the cafe is a really nice respite from a busy day of shopping. While the line can get long at times, it is just a comfortable spot to sit back and relax those aching muscles. I don't know about you, but my arm gets sore from carrying those bags and signing those credit card receipts.
Definitely check out if the mood for food should strike!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/7/2011
You know that you are in a Nordstrom when you visit their Marketplace Cafe which offers a higher end… Read more »
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Review from Gee Gee M.
Honolulu, HI
1/29/2012
Not excited about cafeteria style of dining, but Nordstrom Cafe seems to make it work with added touches of service like people greeting you up front and handling crowd control when there is a line and a one-man show of the older gentleman usually by the soup area always saying hello and greeting you before helping you - some of the staff throughout the line I guess are good at food service but not so much to work with customers but I guess that is all part of the cafeteria set-up. So far have never gone wrong with any of the food and for the most part, service is always good. Some of the newer younger staff get the job done but really add nothing for Nordstrom service. One person that I has been there from way back when, named Andrew is one of the most consistent servers there and always nice to see a familiar face with all of the new younger ones - also a gal named Tammy that is consistent too but I have not seen her recently - could be just timing because often it is so crowded it is quite chaotic in that dining room. Got to make it a point to get that gentleman's name that mentioned - so hospitable that I should make the effort - it just made me realized as I wrote about it that it is something I simply took for granted but certainly appreciate when frequenting a place like the Nordstrom Cafe. I guess the service stood out in my mind as I wrote more about it but maybe a bit about the food - my favorite, the Ginger Panko Crusted Chicken salad - love it - have to be honest and say a few times the chicken has been over cooked but still a good salad - the wild mushroom ravioli is good - rich but good - the Margarita Pizza a favorite too - the Angel Hair Pesto pasta dish is good a a light meal. Will have a dessert once in a while - used to like the carrot cake but have not seen it at all for a long time - tried the chocolate turtle cake and that is something worth it to splurge on a few extra calories. A little pricey but if all components work with service, seating, timing then all it is worth it - only when it is busy, chaotic, reserved table craziness, then pricey can come to mind.
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Review from Jason W.
7/20/2011
I really enjoy the food and the vibe here and that's what gets me back because the service is hit or miss. The counter people are all good but some of the wait staff are not too key (others are off the chain). Other than that.
The Wild Mushroom Ravioli and the Tomato Soup are pretty awesome. I've even tried breakfast here once and was not at all disappointed. -
Review from Kyle H.
9/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe is a great place to get a high-quality meal at decent prices. Of course, this makes the Marketplace Cafe a popular choice for many, causing the restaurant to get very busy at peak times.
Service here is a mixture of cafeteria and sit-down. You order from a long counter, just like a standard cafeteria, but most dishes are delivered to your table. A note for first timers, the Cafe does have free water and cheaper fountain drinks and iced teas after the registers. You don't have to buy the over-priced drinks at the beginning of the line.
As for the food, my favorites so far are the ahi poke and the roasted chicken club sandwich. The ahi poke is served over a salad of greens, fennel, onions, and cilantro. You consume this dish by piling the ahi and salad on top of the supplied furikake wonton chips. Very tasty and refreshing!
The roasted chicken club sandwich is also great and pretty substantial. The sandwich is piled high with roasted chicken, tomato, avocado, green, and bacon, all served on ciabatta bread. This is another refreshing choice and goes great with the roma tomato basil bisque.
Other dishes I've tried were the wild mushroom ravioli and the tomato alfredo with chicken . The ravioli was good, but it got to be too heavy after a while due to the rich cream sauce. On the other hand, the alfredo was tasty, but too spicy for my liking. However, I do not like spicy food in general. -
Review from Joe W.
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was a very classy experience! As soon as my girlfriend and I walked in, I knew we would be taken care of. You stand in line and point out what you want to the staff from the wide selection of paninis, pastas, pizzas, salads, soups, and desserts. You pay for your meal, take a number, stake out a table, wand wait for your food to come to you. It's a very hassle-free process and the wait staff are more attentive at this cafe than at many restaurants. The ambiance is warmly lit and the decor is pretty upscale. Perfect for a casual lunch date that still impresses.
The food is delicious. I had the pesto chicken panini, but the name is misleading. The name should be pesto-sun-dried-tomato-herbs-and-a-bunch-of-amazin g-cheeses-panini. There was probably more in there that I couldn't identify. I've never had a panini so crunchy. it was like... a gigantic ruffle chip with tasty insides. Very satisfying yet not so heavy that I couldn't follow my girlfriend around while she shopped afterwards.
I felt a little rushed to make my selection when I was standing in line. There are so many options and it's not like you can look up at a menu before you get to the front of the line (a menu wouldn't match the decor!), so you have to make a quick decision all at once. That's more my issue than the restaurant's so I'm giving them 5 twikley ones! -
Review from Stephanie J.
Honolulu, HI
7/1/2011 10 Check-ins Here
God bless you, the inventor of the Tomato Basil soup. If you are single, I am publicly professing my love for you and am open to getting down on one knee and proposing to you if you vow that you will make this soup for me at my beck and call. Assuming you're male. And not ugly. Or bald. And not living with your parents. Whoops, wrong site. Thought I was on http://Match.com. Moving on...
This is a great place to go because they have everything from great pastas, salads, desserts and service. It can be a little pricey but that might only be because I eat like a pig. Let's just say when I go to a buffet, I definitely get my money's worth. If I get my typical cup of tomato basil soup, salad and an iced tea, it comes out to just under $20. Which is not too bad. But add some dessert and tip to that and you're probably looking at close to $30. Since I mainly come here for lunch, that can be a pricey lunch. But it's all relative right? Because if you're a kajillionaire, that's chump change. ^_~
When I come here for lunch, there's usually a line waiting to get in. The wait actually isn't really that bad and I think the most I've waited was 15 minutes. It's cafeteria style but depending on what you order, the server will bring your food to the table. They're very attentive and although they're not the ones taking your order, they're great on refills on drinks, things you need and taking a dessert order in case you found yourself a little room for something sweet at the end. Be sure to tip them, even if you think that you carried a tray to your table yourself. These guys and gals work hard and they service with a smile. -
Review from Criselda W.
Waipahu, HI
9/8/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This is my go-to restaurant if I'm in town with my best friend and we want good food and a place to chat. Or if I want to feel classy (it IS Nordstrom). Or if I want an excuse to peruse the new Marc Jacobs bags on the way to the cafe (with the hubby in tow, of course). Or if I'm a little too dressed up for the Ala Moana food court. Usually, it's all of the above.
Peak lunch and dinner times means standing in line outside of the cafe next to the men's department. The wait usually isn't very long and the host/hostess is occasionally armed with a tray of samples. Once inside, it is always difficult for me to make a decision. Soup or salad? Pasta or huli huli chicken? But every plate I have ordered did not disappoint. Bravo, Nordstrom Cafe. Bravo. My favorites include: Tomato bisque soup with crostini (I don't know anyone who doesn't love this combo), spicy angel hair pasta with shrimp and the avocado club panini. And I always pair my plate with refillable plantation ice tea.
Finding a table is a little tricky. There were times when my party and I were led to a table and yet there were other times when we sat ourselves. It's a little confusing. And I would rather seat myself because there are some areas where the tables are pretty close together. I always feel like my butt is too close to someone's food whenever I try to squeeze between two tables. I also don't enjoy hearing my neighbor's conversation (as intriguing as it is to learn that my neighbor's least favorite drink is water. True story).
However, service is usually spot on and most of the servers are very pleasant (I've only encountered one semi-sassy server). -
Review from Nicole K.
Waipahu, HI
Like Riana S has said before, it's like a high-class caf.
Hands down the only thing that I really go for are their salads and the tomato bisque. So creamy and delish! If I had no self-control I'd buy all of those jars on the display case. Don't judge me, but I live for this bisque. It's so good -- that's probably why they can sell it by the jar-load. It's like a little bit of heaven It was funny how Riana thought that David puts real goldfish in tomato soup ... didn't cross her mind that he meant the snack that smiles back. David C actually really liked the tomato bisque ... like I knew he would! You can't resist it's awesomeness. The salad dressing :) The dressing for the side salad wasn't too strong, and it wasn't too light. It really was just right. It didn't overpower the salad itself, and it didn't feel like I was only eating "grass."
If you go in the afternoon, it gets pretty nuts. I guess everyone wants a break from shopping, and this place is the perfect place to just relax. It has such a nice feel to it. The servers are very nice and personable.
The last time I went was the first time I ever got a business card. What's up with that? But Kyle was actually a really good server. He was personable and attentive, which all servers should be but for some reason hardly any are. And I was really sad because I normally really like those chocolate mint sticks, but I just couldn't bring myself to eat it -_- too sweet.Listed in: Good for Groups
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Review from Jamie W.
11/13/2011
The food and the service here are consistently good. The menu is a little different than the Nordie Cafes I've been to on the mainland, but equally delicious. I'll usually get the Wild Mushroom Ravioli or a Pizza, but if you're looking to be a little healthier, the salads are really good too. I have such a hard time choosing! The only thing missing at this location in the delicious chocolate cake that I used to always order from the Nordstrom Cafe in Seattle.
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Review from Anita C.
8/12/2011
My girl friend and I came here on a whim, she looked at me at work and said, I want tomato soup from Nordstrom, I said, oh yea, I've never been there, let's go!! She said, mary, you sure? I said, oh yea girl, I've got nothing to do tonight, and I wanted to go out cuz I didn't want to be stuck at home. Oh - it's a date!
It's upper scale cafeteria style dining; you get a tray, order your meal (soup and salad is given to you right then and there) and they give you a number card holder for your pastas, pizzas, paninis and some meat and veggie plates. Everything looked so good!
My girl got the tomato soup and a side salad. I got the shrimp pasta and side salad. I got the plantation ice tea and it is delish! We sat at a booth and a server came over to take away our trays. They brought out my pasta once it was ready and we feasted! I tried my friend's soup and oh my! it was the perfect blend of creaminess and the flavors were bold! The salad dressing was super yummy too! My pasta was cooked to perfection however my shrimp was overcooked! There were a good amount of shrimp on the plate too, just a pity that it wasn't cooked right.
The servers were very attentive and brought over more water and plantation ice tea. We then ordered a red velvet slice to share and that was very good too. The icing wasn't very dense and the red velvet was very moist. So it was a nice ending to our meal.
We beat the rush because we got there around 5:30pm and as we were leaving, the place was getting packed.
Next time I'm going to get my own bowl of tomato soup and try some of the other yummy dishes! -
Review from Kevin C.
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Prepare to be wined and dined cafeteria-style! No joke. Totally a high end cafeteria restaurant. But instead of paying for mystery meat casserole, you get delicious bistro/cafe food.
I've seen lines get just as long as cafeteria lines during lunch/dinner times. BLEH. You get a number card when you order and find yourself a table. There's also outdoor seating for those who want to enjoy the bustling of the Ala Moana parking lots hehe
I've gotten the chicken pesto panini and the tomato bisque. The tomato bisque, as everyone says, is great!! It comes with a slice of toasted bread. Creamy goodness in your mouth. NOM NOM NOM. Only complain is that it can be a bit pricey for a meal. I remember getting a panini, side of soup and an iced tea for about $20. :( Bye bye part of my soul..
The restaurant is really nice, clean and has a good ambiance. I've only had good, attentive service here as well. Love it! The only question I had when coming here was... do I tip the water/drink guy for refilling my cups? Confused.. =/ -
Review from Mari S.
Tomato bisque soup. Blue cheese & pear salad. Plantation iced tea. My favorites! =D
I love Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe. This is my "to-go" spot at Ala Moana after a day of shopping, or a girl-talk lunch spot. I'll even come here for dinner with my BF every so often.
The food selection is good. Soups, salads, pastas, pizzas, desserts... There is also a selection of juices, teas and wine. Pretty good variety for a cafe style restaurant.
I like the casual atmosphere and the "pay first and sit-yourself" system. Its nice that they have servers to assist the customers and also come by to deliver your dishes and re-fill water and tea. I also like the chocolate sticks they give the customers at the end of the meal. Its a nice touch and also a good reminder for those to leave a tip! =P
Overall, Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe is a good alternative to the other restaurants in Ala Moana. Nicer and more intimate than the food court, similar variety to CPK and not as fancy or pricey as the higher end restaurants like Pineapple Room or Mariposa. It's a great place for a lunch, dinner or even a dessert & tea date! -
Review from Ramfis B.
If there is place i really love to go to in Ala Moana for some really good and consistent food, i always make a stop at The Nordstrom Cafe in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. The food here never disappoints and they have a little of everything here. They have an array of food from the Tomato Bisque to Great Salads and wonderful entrees and desserts as well.
PARKING: Lots of parking to be had here at the Ala Moana Shopping Center. No problem..
ATMOSPHERE: I must warn you yelpies, the Cafe can get really crowded during lunch and can understand why. The place is a cozy, comfortable atmosphere and the place is electric when it gets busy...
FOOD: The food here is always very consistent and we always leave here very satisfied..
Blue Chese and Pear Salad: My Favorite Salad at Nordstrom. The saltinees of the cheese paired wth the sweetness of the crunchy pears and carmelized walnuts tossed with that incredibly tangy champagne vinaigrette make this an unbelievable salad with all of these flavors combined into one bite. SO GOOD!!
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Tomato Basil Soup: The tomato basil soup is a must have here as well, but not unless you eat it with the cheese crostini otherwise ordering it is null and void.
Roasted Tuscan Chicken with Grilled Vegetables: The Roasted Chicken is cooked to perfection and the Grilled Vegetables compliment this dish very well. I love the type of grilled vegetables that they use here.
Pepperoni Pizza with Mushrooms: Did i tell you that they also make a pretty good pizza as well? The pizzas here take a little longer to make but well woth the wait here. The pizza here is perfect for one or for sharing here.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Penne Pasta with Chicken in a Tomato Cream Sauce: The pasta dishese here are also delicious.The pasta is cooked just right and with the chicken and tomato sauce melded in, it just makes you say wow...
Mushroom Ravioli in a Garlic Cream Sauce: This is my second favorite dish here. The Ravioli is just so delicate and delightful and with that Garlic Cream Sauce makes this dish Ooh La La. I just need a Rich,Buttery, Chardonnay to pair it up with next time..
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Spicy Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta: I have to warn to you, there is a reason they call it spicy. This dish has a KICK but it does take this dish to another demention. If you like HOT, this dish is tailor made for you.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Creme Brulee: The Creme Brulee here is just the way Creme Brulle is supposed to be made. So Rich,Creamy, and the texture captivates you..
Red Velvet Cake: Need i say more???
OVERALL: Once again, this is my go to place for a quality lunch. They have a little of everything here from Soup to Salad to Sandwiches to Entrees and little of everything here. The service here is usually spot on. It is a wonderful place for a power lunch or just having lunch with your girlfriend for an unrushed lunch in a wonderful atmosphere. I really like this place.. -
Review from Alfred G.
Waipahu, HI
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
By far one of the better if not the best place to eat for lunch @ Ala Moana. So far everything that I have tried here has been very good to say the least.
Pros: Nice atmosphere, great service everyone is nice & friendly (as it should be), and the food is awesome!! almost everything I've tried here is good and the presentation is nice as well. Highly recommended are: Manhattan Clam Chowder, Steak Sandwich, Mushroom Ravioli, Tomato Chicken Pasta, Creme Brulee, Red Velvet Cake etc.
Cons: It gets crowded during lunch so I'd recommend that you come early ( maybe between 1030 -11a ) but it's a small price to pay for the quality that you are getting both food & service wise so I don't mind the wait. I'll definitely be back again. -
Review from Ty F.
Adamstown, MD
9/9/2011
I used to work at a Nordstrom on the mainland, and let me say, the food here doesn't even compare to the food my store offered. Everything is so delicious!! I came here twice during my recent trip home and enjoyed every single minute of eating! Both times, we had the Margherita pizza, Poke, Panko Ginger crusted Chicken salad, and plantation iced tea.
It might sound weird, but they have some of the best Poke here!! I mean, I've had some delish Poke from the usual places, but this is awesome!! A bit pricey for Poke (considering you can go to Safeway, Costco, etc and get an entire pound for the same price), but I figured "I'm on vacation, so what the heck". My Mom loves the little furikake wonton chips that come with it too.
Surprisingly, there's always mostly local people eating here. I always imagined that it would be full of visitors (but then again, Nordstrom is nothing new to them). I think that's due to the fact that Hawaii people are always looking for a new, good place to eat with reasonable prices. You get that at Nordstrom...tasty food with local flair, good service, nice atmosphere, and prices that won't break the bank.
