I've been here a few times last year and now in 2026…read more I've tried the drinks, snacks and now a lunch bento. Cooking Fresh focuses on healthy eating that is delicious! It will be crowded here during breakfast and lunch time. It's worth standing in the line for the bentos and baked goods. Fresh Cafe also offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as panini sandwiches and more. I'm a big fan of the lemongrass tofu and vegan spring rolls. I could have this bento on a weekly basis. Yes, it's that delicious. It costs @$12.50. Walk into the POB 3 Building from the garage or main entrance and you can't miss it. Located just before the building's main elevators, just look for an open counter area. It's a small space, but houses a big taste of foodie offerings. Service is quick and fast. They do run out of food at times. Come early to secure your choice of bento and other goodies. There is an outdoor area with tables and benches that you can sit down and enjoy your meal. Enjoy!

I was looking for a quick lunch to pick up after my appointment and stopped by expecting a snack…read morecounter. I came at just the right time because they had just put out a bunch of bentos for lunch. It was about 11:45am. I picked up a tofu spring roll plate, with colorful veggies, and peanuts on a bed of quinoa, with their home made special sauce. I took one bite and was instantly hooked! It made me say "Mm!" Involuntarily and I proceeded to scarf the entire plate. It was about $14 and totally worth it. I'd make a trip there just to get more later! I saw the other reviews and confirmed my pleasant surprise. I would definitely recommend for a healthy option. That sauce tho- "YUM!"

Stage has a cafe…read more.. Located right in the lobby of Inspiration furniture store is a cute cafe called "Stage Cafe"...open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-3pm is a great place to relax or to just grab a snack as they do have some grab and go sweet and savory items and right above the chiller is a Specials menu chalkboard and noticed it's all the items in the display chiller which is Salmon Salad, Spinach Salad and Truffled Egg Sandwich. They also had some Coconut Macnut Bar and Bread Pudding which was tempting but resisted as the soup of the day "Spicy Thai Curry Soup" was something that I just had to try and the single staff running it all absolutely recommend it which didn't take much convincing as something comforting like soup is very much needed. Cashing out they did the usual of anything else to which I asked about drinks as I do see an espresso machine in the back but don't see a menu to which she apologized that the tv screens were off was quite strange. There's no prices on the specials board but was on the items itself but I had no idea what the soup and latte I got with soy milk cost and wasn't told as well didn't sit well with me as I was given a total without a receipt. There are a few tables including a cute seating for children the vibe here is nice and welcoming but the pricing on items with screens off whether it was broken should clarify on pricing but the soup was absolutely delicious with lots of chunky veggies never I'd imagine finding that here is mind-blowing and with lots of free parking makes it a great meeting place or just a break from furniture shopping Stage Cafe offers a lot and is the best find here in Inspiration. Thank you!

I'm unfortunately picky about coffee because I worked in cafes for so long, but this little cafe…read moredid not disappoint! Great espresso done right! The owner is an artsy and wonderful lady, and the service here is always great. I branched out from lattes to her desserts. They're amazing! I just brought home the pumpkin crunch, which is the best pumpkin crunch I've ever had (and the reason why I'm leaving a review). It takes a lot of skill to be a good baker, and a lot of research to get espresso right. I'm very happy this cafe exists! I don't know how much money they make, so hopefully one more good review will keep the foot traffic going.

Business is located in my neighborhood. Their space is small with few tables to sit while waiting…read morefor your drinks and food. When they first opened, they had only drinks but now they have vegetarian food that is made with gluten. My sister loves their food because her family is vegetarian. Their food have different sauces, vegetables, and gluten. It is good to be vegetarian which is a healthy lifestyle.

Amazing vegan and vegetarian food and the milk tea was delicious too! I will be back for sure. The…read morelady working was so kind and the place is cute.

I keep forgetting to do a review on this but I just had it today so I finally! Remembered! Howard's…read moreis a small, literal hole in the wall spot in downtown, only open on weekdays I'm pretty sure. Such home-y offerings, one of my absolute must haves is the lobster bisque and grilled cheese. It hits every. Single. Time! And the prices are entirely reasonable in my opinion, which also keeps me coming back in an ever-expensive world. I also like to come here for salads and I've tried the occasional dessert that's out. I need to try more of the actual meals--I've also had the gumbo which was delicious but spicy in the best way! Other than that I've tried a few items here and there because I rarely buy lunch. If I do though, I'm always checking the Howard's menu. :)

Located in Alakea Plaza (on Alakea and Hotel, next to AC Hotel), Howard's has delicious lunch…read morespecials! It used to be a small convenience store, but they took over that space. My favorites? Seafood Gumbo (normally Wednesdays) and Taco Salad (normally Fridays)! Be sure to call ahead to see if they have! You can call after they open at 8am and then pickup your food between 11am- 1pm. They also have some snacks as well as a fridge of grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. Cheers to Howard's!

Laverne, the shop owner, was making colorful ribbon leis when I walked in just after 8:00 am. She…read morewas welcoming and recognized that I wasn't local. We chatted a bit about family as she made my Waffle Dog. KC Original Waffle Dog is her best seller. She prepares daily specials for the lunch crowd. The local newspaper neighborhood shop is small with only one table. A few shelves offer leis, candy and other souvenirs. I order at the rear one of the KC waffle dogs. Lavern starts the griddle and pours the batter and adds a hot dog. It as fun to watch her cook. The waffle batter has crispy edges, which are good. The dog is very hot and I have to eat it with care. Laverne provided Tartar sauce to dip the dog. It's a great little snack. I'd return to try her lunch specials. The prices are really reasonable and I love the local vibe.

Better late than never…read more March 26, 2024. Prince Kuhio Day. A group of us foodies decided to meet up at Mr. Coffee Bean Head (which unfortunately closed) for coffee to support local. Auntie (aka Nadine C.) recommended us to try them, especially new, local small businesses. After we got our cup of Joe, we sat down to discuss our foodie and travel adventures. None of us had eaten breakfast and it was now 8am where adjoining business of Da Ohana Kine Snack Shop (DOK) opened. DOK started off at Ohana Hale Marketplace where several Yeeps on the table remembered this booth. I did see waffle dogs at Ohana Hale Marketplace but never patronized them. Waffle dogs bring back fond memories of KC Drive Inn as they were an iconic business on the top of Kapahulu Ave. I was introduced to them when I'd hang around with my calabash cousin and family. I recall pulling up to this business where they'd order waffle dogs and the peanut butter milkshakes. Before we could even stand up, Peter Y. generously ordered waffle dogs for everyone. It was the first order of the day for the owner and she seemed thrilled. We waited patiently for the grill to get hot so she could prepare them. I love hot dogs with mustard and these waffle dogs are no exception. I generously placed French's yellow mustard on top and chowed down. Loved the crispy edges and the semi sweet doughy center. Great texture and flavor contrasts to the hot dog and yellow mustard. Perhaps it was too early but the owner could have been more customer friendly. Overall, a great experience at DOK where I'd be game for a repeat visit. The waffle dogs hold a special place in my heart as it recalls the fond memories of my childhood days.

The 5th Floor Cafe is a unique cafe with a limited selection of local breakfast and lunch…read morefavorites. The cafe is at the top of the Public Health building and is open to the public. The best thing about the cafe is that it offers spectacular 5 star views of Honolulu. I sat for an hour enjoying the quiet view of this beautiful city. The food is simple and changes daily. A Pork Chop Bento Box, Egg and Spam flatbread and a few premade sandwich were today's options. Prices are incredibly affordable. My egg flatbread was $5 and Blue Hawaii water was a buck. Ice cream bars and prepackaged snack items, soda cases and fresh coffee are also available. The clerk is genuine, sweet and most likely been running the cafe for many years. She knows the regulars by name. There is a nearby public restroom, not fancy but clean and you can wash hands. Pay parking is available in the Public Health lot. I walked over from Queens Medical Center, which is across the street. I love finding a hole in the wall.

I was introduced to the 5th Floor Cafe by my buddy, who is a long-time State employee & akamai…read morefoodie who knows most of the good places to eat in the Capitol district. It's on the 5th floor of the Dept. of Health building on the corner of Beretania & Punchbowl. This cafeteria probably hasn't changed much since the building first opened, though it's clean & friendly & has a pretty good view. The food here is not fancy, though it's tasty & hearty. I has the roast pork special & it was ono/delicious & plentiful! They're open until 3pm, though lunch is over about 1pm. You can call & pre-order, if you like, especially if you want lunch after 1pm (they'll hold it for you). I hear they'll send you an email with their weekly specials ... I have to sign up next time I eat there, which should be soon! ;)

Wonderful fresh healthy food, service always comes with a smile, and nice place to cool down on…read morethese hot summer days. The olena bowl is one of my favorites!

Can't believe I haven't came to this place since our office moved to the panam building last year…read more My coworker and I just decided to come here last Friday and I'm so glad we did! It's a vegan restaurant and I'm not Vegas but who doesn't love alternative recipes to their favorite foods?! I decided to get the BLT sandwich because although I'm not a fan of tomatoes, I wanted a classic sandwich not realizing the bacon was toasted coconut!!! How cool! I got a little sick eating it... you know that feeling when you eat too much cheesecake and feel sick cuz it's too much? Yeah that feeling. So I gave up eating the coconut and decided to just eat the bread and overall this sandwich is 10/10 chefs kiss* When we ordered drinks, I took the last pressed juice available for the day. I wanted to get the Energizer but next time we'll come earlier. My coworker tried the sunrise smoothie and she said it tasted really healthy. I felt so healthy after eating my food. Next time I want a coffee I'll come by here to try it along with their juices they have. They do close early at 3 pm so it's better to come early while they have some stock in their fridge. It is on the pricier side but you get what you pay for and in today's economy you pay the price to eat healthier. My total all together was $23! Not bad!! 10/10 would come back here!

We found this place only because we missed Jung's the first time going down the block. And because…read moreI was lazy and didn't feel like circling back (King is a one-way street) we stopped over and got some shave ice at Art Cafe. In fact, you might miss this place too because there's no sign that says "ART CAFE." Just look for the little beauty salon on the corner, and you'll see a blue shack that has rainbow umbrellas. There's one guy who works there (at least when we went) and though he was eating his own lunch (looked like a big delicious bowl of pho - YUM), he happily dished out our shave ice ($2!!!!). The unique thing is, he'll put this strawberry swirl ice cream on top of the shave ice instead of at the bottom. Which was actually really cool because you don't get all the slush at the end with your ice cream, and you can actually enjoy everything together. Of course this place isn't as good as Jung's or Waiola in the area, but it's definitely a good runner up if you want to grab some Vietnamese sandwiches or pho along with your dessert.

If you're looking for shaved ice with presentation, eclectic flair and/or particularly…read morefancier-than-usual selfie-worthy aesthetics, look elsewhere. But, if you're looking to cool down with a cheap shaved ice served to you quickly (and all the while supporting a mom-and-pop local business), look no further! Owned and run by an older Vietnamese gentleman. He also has a small food menu (Vietnamese namesakes), but I only came for the shaved ice. It's $2.00 for a shaved ice of any flavor (and no extra cost to mix-and-match flavors)... it comes in what appears to be a 16-ounce plastic cup. Only $1.00 extra for ice cream at the bottom. But fair warning: Ice cream is Neapolitan (Vanilla, Strawberry & Chocolate) versus the traditional Vanilla. So it mixes strangely depending on what flavors you get. So next time, I'll skip the ice cream, was too much going on. I went with mango and lychee, two of my fave tropical flavors that blended together nicely (sans ice cream, anyway). The older guy running the joint is very nice, so I left him a $5 tip (it seemed to make his day, so totally worth it, even if it over tripled the cost of the shaved ice). Plus, I live less than a block away, so I'll def be back to visit him frequently (especially on hot days like this one).