September 13, 2023

Tropical Tastes: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu's Top Brunch Spots

Explore the best brunch spots in Honolulu! Discover traditional Hawaiian dishes, innovative fusion cuisine, and charming venues offering scrumptious food, excellent service, and spectacular views. From hidden gems to renowned restaurants, enjoy an unforgettable brunch experience in Honolulu.

Richard Gargan
Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
Hawaii
Tropical Tastes: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu's Top Brunch Spots
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Welcome to the tropical paradise of Honolulu, where the gentle sway of palm trees and the inviting turquoise ocean are only outdone by the mouthwatering culinary scene. As the sun rises, the island wakes up to the intoxicating smell of freshly brewed Kona coffee, sweet wafts of coconut syrup-drenched pancakes, and the savory aroma of Spam musubis. From classic Hawaiian fare to innovative culinary creations, brunch in Honolulu is an exciting, delectable affair that's never to be missed. So, whether you're an early bird or a late riser, we've put together a list of the best brunch spots in Honolulu that will make every morning feel like a vacation.

Waffle and Berry

2nd Floor Up Stairs Inside Ohana Hale, 1958 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

(808) 206-8272

Reviewed by:

Waffle and Berry in Honolulu is a must-visit for anyone who loves waffles and breakfast foods. The portions are generous and the food is delicious. The staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, making the dining experience very pleasant. The environment is welcoming and the prices are very reasonable. This is a cute local business and a great value for the money. Highly recommended!

Castro's

2113 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

(808) 630-0480

Reviewed by:

Castro's in Honolulu is definitely worth a visit. The presentation of the food is beautiful and the flavors are delicious. The brisket sandwich and tres leches French toast are must-tries. The cappuccino and Mocha are also highly recommended. The outdoor seating adds to the ambiance. The hot sauce is unique and adds a great kick to the sandwiches. The prices are fair and the service is friendly. It's a great spot for breakfast or lunch and definitely worth a repeat visit.

Sweet E's Café

1006 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu

(808) 737-7771

Reviewed by:

Sweet E's Café in Honolulu is highly recommended for their fast, great service, positive atmosphere, and delicious food. The portions were plentiful and reasonably priced, and the staff was attentive and accommodating. The breakfast burrito, waffles, and essential breakfast were all fantastic, and the French toast options looked amazing. The only downside was limited parking, but it was well worth the effort to visit this local gem.

Moena Cafe

Koko Marina Center Building E, 7192 Kalanianaʻole Highway Suite #D-101, Honolulu

(808) 888-7716

Reviewed by:

Moena Cafe in Honolulu has amazing food with not a single item on the menu that disappoints. The fried rice and pancakes are particularly noteworthy. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is great. Although there may be a wait, it is well worth it. The cafe is a perfect spot for post-hike brunch or any occasion really. The only downside is the wait, which indicates the popularity of the restaurant and its delicious food. Overall, Moena Cafe is an excellent choice for brunch in Honolulu.

Harry’s Cafe

437 Kamakee St, Honolulu

(808) 593-7798

Reviewed by:

Harry's Cafe in Honolulu is a great choice for brunch or lunch. While there may be a wait for seating and ordering, the staff is polite and friendly. The limited menu is understandable due to price increases, but the portions are generous and the food is delicious. A BLT sandwich and corn chowder are highly recommended, as is the French Toast with bacon. It's a mom and pop shop with a cozy atmosphere and quick coffee refills. However, customers should be aware that there is a fee for using cards and no street parking before 8:30am. Overall, Harry's Cafe is definitely worth a visit.

Le Crêpe Café

2752 Woodlawn Dr # 6-101, Honolulu

(808) 429-8240

Reviewed by:

Le Crêpe Café is a fantastic brunch spot in Honolulu. The staff are friendly and accommodating, even managing to cater for vegan and gluten-free diets. The portions are generous, with both savory and sweet crepe options available. The Moulin Rouge and Chicken Mushroom crepes were particularly tasty. The coffee is great too, with a good mocha on offer. While the service was poor on one occasion, this does not detract from the overall positive experience of dining at this cafe.

Café Kaila

2919 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu

(808) 732-3330

Reviewed by:

Café Kaila is a must-visit brunch spot in Honolulu. The food is delicious and beautifully presented, with highlights including the chicken and waffle platter and the French toast. The coffee is also great. Despite being packed, the staff work hard to provide fast and courteous service. The menu has a lot of tempting options, and the daily specials are worth asking about. While some dishes, such as the salmon and chicken, were slightly on the dry side, overall the experience was fantastic and hands down the best breakfast during the reviewer's 10-day stay in Oahu.

Koko Head Cafe

1120 12th Ave #100, Honolulu

(808) 732-8920

Reviewed by:

Koko Head Cafe in Honolulu offers a fusion of different cultures and is a popular spot for brunch. The food is fresh and tasty, with a unique Pacific Rim style of cooking. The service is great and the atmosphere is lively. Although there may be a wait, the outside seating and acoustic panels help to accommodate more people. The Ohayou eggs and hash browns are a must-try, as well as the delicious pancakes. The restaurant is run by Chef Wong, a major player in the culinary world, and is a favorite among foodies. Despite some minor inconsistencies with the food, Koko Head Cafe is still considered the number one place for breakfast/brunch on Oahu.

Kono's Northshore - Honolulu

945 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu

(808) 892-1088

Reviewed by:

Kono's Northshore in Honolulu is a must-visit for brunch. The BBQ pork Bomber wrap and lox bagel are both excellent choices, and the smoothies are delicious. The service is attentive and friendly, making for a great atmosphere. The Old School sandwich is also highly recommended. Overall, the food and staff make for an exceptional experience, and visitors will not be disappointed.

Egghead Cafe

1210 Dillingham Blvd #8, Honolulu

(808) 888-2211

Reviewed by:

Egghead Cafe in Honolulu is an absolutely amazing place for brunch. The staff is friendly, the service is quick, and the food is top notch. The Crab Benedict is highly recommended. The art in the latte is a nice touch. The egg and shrimp omelet and the strawberry shortcake short stack are perfect. The smore short stack with a marshmallow ghost is a great choice. The pork belly Benedict is delicious. The service is good, and if there is a problem the staff is proactive in minimizing it. Trio Love pancakes are a must-try. The blue crab omelette with a layer of crabmeat is a great choice. Hollandaise sauce on the side with every omelette is a great option. This is a great place for egg lovers and is a must-visit.

Aloha Kitchen

432 Ena Rd, Honolulu

(808) 943-6105

Reviewed by:

Aloha Kitchen in Honolulu is highly recommended for brunch, with amazing food and friendly, caring staff. Despite long lines, the service was outstanding and the wait list was managed perfectly. The lobster Benedict and Coconut Souffle pancake were standout dishes, and the hot chocolate and POG juice were delicious. Parking was easy and the restaurant's authenticity made it a top breakfast spot in Hawaii.

Goofy Cafe & Dine

1831 Ala Moana Blvd #201, Honolulu

(808) 943-0077

Reviewed by:

Goofy Cafe & Dine is a must-visit in Honolulu for those looking for fresh and local food. Although the wait time can be a bit long, it's worth planning ahead for. The Hawaiians Açaí bowl, Kalua pork Benedict with taro muffin, and loco moco are all flavorful and delicious. The Caesar salad is also a must-try. The service is good, and the cozy vibe adds to the beach-friendly atmosphere. The Very Berry French toast, pineapple French toast, and eggs benedict with Okinawa sweet potatoes are all outstanding options. Despite the long wait, it's worth it for the quality of food and friendly staff. Highly recommended for anyone near the Hilton Hawaiian village area.

YogurStory

745 Ke’eaumoku St, Honolulu

(808) 942-0505

Reviewed by:

YogurStory in Honolulu is a must-try for brunch lovers. The food is absolutely delicious, and the service is wonderful, with friendly and attentive servers who provide great recommendations. The fresh, flavorful dishes are complemented by perfectly made cocktails, and the ambiance is comfortable and relaxing. Don't miss the ube pancakes, Chantilly waffles, and garlicky fried rice. Parking is easy to find, and the coffee is smooth and excellent-tasting. While the service can be a bit lacking after placing your order, the fantastic food more than makes up for it. Highly recommended!

Morning Brew

685 Auahi St #113, Honolulu

(808) 369-3444

Reviewed by:

Morning Brew is a fantastic brunch spot located in a quiet area that offers a wide variety of delicious breakfast and brunch options. The Thai Coconut Latte is a must-try and the seasonal items are always a treat. The seating is plentiful and the staff is friendly and accommodating. Validation for parking is available and the atmosphere is welcoming. The food is well-prepared and the coffee is strong, making it a great choice for those who love a good cup of coffee. Overall, Morning Brew is a great place to start your day.

Barefoot Beach Cafe @ Queen's Surf Beach

2699 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

(808) 924-2233

Reviewed by:

Barefoot Beach Cafe @ Queen's Surf Beach in Honolulu is a must-visit spot for brunch with breathtaking views of Waikiki beach. Despite the long lines due to staff shortages, the staff was still friendly and efficient. The food presentation was beautiful and delicious, with options like egg fried rice, surf and turf, and pancakes and French toast. The smoothies, especially the pineapple and passion fruit guava, were a hit. The veggie tacos and shrimp plate were also tasty, and the live music created a lovely ambiance. Although parking is paid, the view and delicious food make it worth the visit. Highly recommended with an ambiance rating of 5/5 and a food rating of 4.5/5.

Scratch Kitchen

1170 Auahi St Suite 175, Honolulu

(808) 589-1669

Reviewed by:

Scratch Kitchen in Honolulu is a must-visit for brunch. The food and service are amazing, with dishes like escargot, bone marrow, garlic shrimp, and pork chop standing out. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with friendly staff that help each other. Guests can't stop raving about the delicious food, especially the grits and Bruleed French toast. While some might find the syrup options to be lacking, the overall experience is positive, making Scratch Kitchen a destination for those looking for a great brunch spot in Honolulu.

DECK. at Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel | Waikiki / Honolulu | Restaurant / Large Group / Wedding

150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu

(808) 556-2435

Reviewed by:

DECK. at Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel in Waikiki/Honolulu is a beautiful rooftop establishment with amazing views, great service, and delicious food. Although the menu may seem a bit overpriced, it's worth it for the romantic ambience and exceptional dining experience. The fixed menu is perfect for sharing and the servers are attentive and friendly. It's a popular spot for tourists, but locals should definitely give it a try. While there were some issues with the French Dip sandwich, the cheesecake was a standout dish. Overall, DECK. is a highly recommended restaurant for brunch, large groups, and weddings.

The Other Side Diner

42 N Hotel St, Honolulu

(808) 533-2328

Reviewed by:

The Other Side Diner is a great nostalgic spot for brunch in Honolulu. The burger breakfast brunch and biscuits and gravy are both delicious options, and even though they were out of hollandaise on one visit, the bar offers tasty bloody Marys. Vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful and the breakfast burrito and omelettes are packed with flavorful meat. While there may be a few misses, overall The Other Side Diner is a great choice for brunch.

Eggs 'n Things Saratoga

343 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu

(808) 923-3447

Reviewed by:

Eggs 'n Things Saratoga in Honolulu is a charming and popular restaurant that is well worth the wait. The staff are friendly and provide great recommendations. The SPAM and eggs dish is delicious, and the portions are generous. The restaurant has a cute gift shop, and the atmosphere is lively. The loco moco and omelettes are also highly recommended. The wait is managed efficiently, and there is a large selection on the menu, including excellent choices for kids. The dining area is upstairs, but an elevator may be available. Overall, Eggs 'n Things Saratoga is a great place for breakfast, with reasonable prices and good food.

Shorefyre

2446 Koa Ave, Honolulu

(808) 923-7007

Reviewed by:

Shorefyre is a hidden gem in Honolulu that offers delicious brunch and lunch options. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the prices are reasonable for the Waikiki area. The food is flavorful, with options like the pulled pork breakfast burrito, Loco Moco, and Ahi Tuna Tataki. The dining area is small but doesn't feel crowded, and diners can even watch surfers wax boards on the patio. Overall, a great place for a tasty and unique dining experience.

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