Nadine C.

My lunch pal and I were going somewhere else to dine when the new addition to our group pointed out that the chosen place was closed on Mondays. Quickly, I had to go to Plan B, ...and EAT was it! EAT? My friends texted...they had never heard of the place. I found out about it because I had seen other people checking in. Aha - you think that I'm not paying attention to your check-ins? But I really am! I have so many bookmarks...and the list keeps growing!! Anyway, we had difficulty finding EAT because the location was wrong in Google Maps. I hope I've adjusted the pin correctly by now... I had an idea of where it was since I had taken a real estate class in that building. However, the building had changed its name to Na Lama Kukui. It used to be the Gentry Pacific Design Center. It's located between KMart and City Mill on Nimitz Highway, across from the new Liliha Bakery. There's free parking! There's no air conditioning - but no need because there's good ventilation between the businesses. There are ceiling fans and a nice breeze. Just go up to the counter and order. They'll call your name when the food is ready. Two of my friends got the regular burgers. I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty the patty was! I got the Soft Shell Crab sandwich - it was boring in comparison to the Surf & Turf Burger!! This is THE winner! When I bit into that TALL creation, I had a hard time going back to my plain crab sandwich. OOH WEE! Who would have thought that hamburger and soft shell crab tastes so GREAT together? Add the toasted bun and special Chili Aioli sauce and you can't let go! WOW!!! After my friends left to do errands, I had returned to get the Pineapple Li Hing flavor Ono Pop - (don't tell them)! It wasn't too sour and it wasn't too sweet. It's super good! I enjoyed biting into the little bits of pineapple pulp - yum!! So refreshing on a hot, summer day!! Awesome!! I want to go back for the Slow Roast Pork sandwich, the Organic Pasta, the Turkey "Cream Cheese" sandwich, and the Mountain Apple Rose Ono Pop (like a popsicle). Let's support Local!!

Fran C.

Ummmmmmmm, who doesn't like a soft shell crab sandwich? Well. last week before I skipped town, I met up with my sweetie for lunch at a place called - "EAT". What an interesting restaurant name.........and where is this place located at? Pretty easy to find, it's just across the street from the Nimitz Zippy's.........and I think it's in the Na Lama Kukui buliding, formally known as the Gentry Design Center. There is lots of free parking in the private parking lot, and as you walk into the center, Eat is located near the entrance of the mall on your left side.........you can't miss it! Basically this restaurant is opened for breakfast & lunch.........they close early, so no dinner service here gang. The food here is top quality............I came here to try their soft shell crab sandwich, and my gf came her to eat her favorite modified Surf & Turf Burger. Instead of the Kulana beef, she likes the turkey burger with soft shell crab. Both sandwiches come a lot of veggies (see pic). On the side, she likes her Polenta Fries - extra crispy (sorry folks, don't know what that is), and a Lemonade to wash all of this down. I'm not very big on fries............so the sandwich was all I had, and I washed down my meal with a refreshing ice tea. What can I say about my sandwich? Delicious! I only wished I had more of it.......as the serving looked rather small. I loved the bun, as well as the soft shell crab, as the crab was so succulent and soft! (see pics) The drinks were all you can drink, as they had their own refillable fountain jugs by the counter. Please note..........this place does not have table service. How this place works is, you go to the counter to place your order of food, then you look for an open table to sit down. When the food is ready, they will call you, and you pick up your grub. They have a condiment bar, and you will have to pick up your own plastic eating utensils, as well as your own napkins..........a very simple set up. Food is a bit on the pricier side, as this meal ran about $35.00 smackers, but of course you cannot put a price on high quality food, that's for sure!

Jo C.

Finally got to try this place I had bookmarked for awhile. Stay on Nimitz Hwy and stay in your right hand lane. After you pass KMart, Look for a Sign saying "Na Lama Kukui" (old Gentry Pacific Design center) turn right into the parking lot. There's lots of parking here, just walk in the main entrance and its right there you cant miss it. There's a few tables to eat at. I wasn't in the mood for the soft shell crab sandwich that everyone raving about but I definitely wanted a Turkey Club Sandwich. Very Good and Tasty Sandwich what made it stand out is that their bacon is Amazing its glazed in something and isn't your typical skimpy type you buy in stores, its high end bacon. The bread was perfectly toasted and bottom line is that my tummy was happy! I walked out perfectly content and will be back. Great recommendation fellow Yelp friends!

Kristin C.

I was so anxious to write this review because I wanted everyone to know how much I enjoyed my BLT! We bought sandwiches for a lunch meeting, and decided to treat ourselves to EAT Honolulu, there was 6 of us, and we all opted to get the BLT. Some ordered with pickles or avocado or both, I got mine without either. So were suppose to talk and eat as we usually do with during our Thursday lunch meetings. But today, nobody was talking, just eating because we were all enjoying our sandwich, it was so good, our conference room was so quiet. The bread was perfectly toasted, with the right amount of mayo, not overly dressed. The lettuce was crunchy, tomato was fresh, and the BACON! Thick cut with lots of it, sweet and meaty, so easy to bite into and cooked just the way I like it. I never tasted bacon like this before, and didn't want to waste a crumb of it. After I ate my sandwich, my co-workers caught me nibbling on the small bacon pieces that crumbled off my sandwich and asked if I was still hungry?, actually the sandwich is a good size, and no I wasn't hungry, thank you. The sandwiches are made to order, so it's best to phone it in. Very busy during lunch at peak time, they accept credit cards. EAT is located in the former Gentry Pacific Design Center with lots of parking.

Nadia K.

Eat Honolulu serves up breakfast and lunch within the Na Lama Kukui Buidling (formerly known as the Gentry Pacific Design Center) on Nimitz Highway. When they are not doing that, they are also a unique catering company with an exclusive private room and also offer personal chef services. I was invited to a dinner at their EATnPrivate concept where a party of up to 14 guests can enjoy a private meal created by Executive Chef David Passanisi and Team Eat. EatnPrivate features Hawaiian Regional Cuisine and supports local Island ranchers, farmers and fishermen. The dinner was amazing and I enjoyed each gourmet creation. I especially liked how the sauces complemented the main ingredient of each course resulting in a beautiful meshing of flavors. The private room is casual and makes for a super fun time. The service was excellent and the Chef took the time to describe each course to our party. EATnPrivate would be a treat for anyone who appreciates great food!

Toan D.

Tucked away at the Gentry Design Center on Nimitz this place is a hidden gem. There are no signs from the street to indicate its existence but the foodies go there in droves because the food is very good. The decor is simple with about six tables and a private room that sits about 10-12 people. The menu is a mixture of sandwiches, burgers, salads and pastas. But don't let the simplicity fool you because the Chef definitely knows his craft. The Chili Burger with Paniolo beef ranks right up there with any Burger on island. Thick fresh homemade burger patty with an out of this world chili. Big, juicy and messy just as a great burger should be. For you vegetarians, the Eat Your Vegi sandwich with grilled eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers, melted handmade mozzarella cheese, and house made arugula pesto will roll your eyes back in delicious ecstasy. The sandwich is done panini style then drizzled with balsamic vinegar on top. The Hawaiano Organic Pasta changes daily. On our visit, the Chef served the pasta with an arugula cream pesto sauce. So delicious. Creamy, nutty but not overly rich. Perfect with a side of garlic bread. The Vegetable soup was a bit heavy on the oregano. We sat in a private room in the back. The privacy was great but the room had a musty smell. Next time we would rather sit in the front area. Super friendly staff. Can bring your own alcohol. They have glassware to accommodate. They also do catering with wine pairing. Lots of parking in front. They are closed on weekends. We will definitely come back to try other dishes. Happy Eating !!

Keola m.

Saw this place on a recent Yelp email featuring BURGERS. It was the only one that I had not tried and boy do I like BURGERS. Tucked away in what I remember as being a Gentry home improvement center. The center is now called "Na Lama Kukui" just off of Nimitz Hwy between Kmart and City Mill with lots of free parking in front. I ordered the Classic Burger combo (comes with drink, Polenta Fries and Pickled Vegetables) I added avocado (because I always do) and Provolone Cheese. It also comes with homemade sesame seed bun and homemade ketchup. Grass fed local beef is always good too. The order took a while (10mins) but, I don't mind waiting because I know its being made to order. The burger was delicious. Id go back and order it again but, next time with a side order of Potato Salad (because I usually do). I do wish the burger was a little bigger but all in all it was a great EATing experience. Next time tho I'm gonna do a plate. Hamburger Steak or Chicken Cutlet. With, of course, a side order of Potato Salad.

Lori L.

Eat Honolulu is a hidden gem in Na Lama Kukui off of Nimitz. The cafe is a relaxed, open air space in the main corridor serving breakfast and lunch, plus they do catering. They've got sugar-spiced bacon, forbidden rice, organic pasta, fish sandwiches, salads and burgers made with grass-fed beef. I tried the Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich with Avocado and Polenta Fries. The sandwich was served on a hearty sweet roll with lettuce and tomato. The crab was hot, lightly crispy and juicy; it was a multiple napkin sandwich in a really good way! The Polenta Fries were thick cut sticks of polenta, fried and served with Aioli. When they were hot they had a nice crispy outside texture and were mild in flavor. Unless you really like polenta, I'd suggest you get a different side to your sandwich. This would be a nice spot for a work meeting or good take out when you're on Nimitz. I'll be back.

Mel T.

Whoever had the idea to top a burger with avocado and a fried (WHOLE!) soft shell crab is a GENIUS. It's like they're soul mates and you should never eat them apart ever again. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating but I think you get the picture. EAT is hidden away in the confines of a design center. Driving by, you would never know it existed. Every time I go (which is each time I visit Honolulu), there is plenty of seating. Which brings me to my next point. They are only open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm so I'm guessing the bulk of their clientele are just people who are lucky enough to work in that vicinity. That's fine by me! Keeps the hoards of tourists away (even though I am one myself!) Surprisingly, none of the other diners around me seem to be ordering the Surf & Turf burger. (And yes, I'm nosy and I like to see what other people are eating.) I've tried the polenta fries before and they are a tad too mealy for my taste. I haven't tried any of their other menu items aside from that, but I'm sure they are good. But for me, the Surf & Turf is just too good to pass up. And at $11.99, it's a steal. Or you can head up to the Burger King on the second floor and get yourself a whopper (kidding). When ordering the burger, I would order it one or two steps up from how you actually like it. We asked for a medium but it tasted well done. I normally loathe well done beef but the crab made the burger passable this time. The great thing about this burger is that it's big enough to share, but small enough to finish on your own. (does that even make sense?) I usually get my own since I'm a fatass. Next time, I'm going for the gold - going to add an egg to it! The Turf's Up burger sounds pretty awesome too - beef patty with Portuguese sausage patty, topped with an egg. Deffo will try that one too one of these days!

Lei I.

I came here with my friends as we took a break from the office. Though we could walk it from the building we were in, one of my friends insisted that we take his car over. Lol, well then again he had to go elsewhere after he dropped us back off. So it worked out okay. It's always puts pressure on me when I'm trying out a new place for the first time. I'm trying to see what's appealing on the menu! More pressure as you're in line at the same time because you don't want the line to be too long when you finally made up your mind and when you do figure it out *May I take your order?* you forget when it's your turn. Oh it's happened quite frequently. Luckily I just had to sit at a table while they ordered. Oh yes, compare the tables then sit at the one that looks the cleanest and has enough chairs for the entire party. I tired their BLT. Every time I have one, I for some reason wonder, where's the cheese? I still enjoy it. Also not a fan of avocado *what's wrong with me?* nothing, I simply just don't like it. It also was cut in half. Better to eat. They also have water with lemons near the ordering line... Yes let me squeeze through, no I'm not trying to cut I'm just getting some water. And if you can't finish they have take out boxes and an area to put away the plates that you've used during the meal near the trash can (if you're dining in that is).

Frank A.

This was my first experience at EAT! I have never been here before. I honestly never thought there was a place to dine in the "Na Lama Kukui" (formerly known as the Gentry Business Design Center). I was under the impression this place was only a home for home and commercial design and remodeling. EAT is located on Nimitz highway eastbound across Zippy's right before City Mill. It is a charming place, located in the courtyard of the center! EAT is a nice getaway for a quiet lunch, or just to meet someone for some quiet, peaceful alone time. The people here are very friendly and down to earth! My first experience here was the surf n turf with fresh turkey patty (instead of beef), with the Polenta fries extra crispy! For drinks, they offered iced tea or lemonade, cool and refreshing! Both were delicious! The surf n turf Patty, after assembling it together was huge! I couldn't believe I got that in my mouth! Hehe! :) I will definitely be back here to try the other menu items! Thank you to Jules Y. for the impromptu lunch! As always, your company always makes for a memorable experience!

Don N.

Another great place close to my office to pick up breakfast or lunch. Located inside the Gentry Pacific Design Center with lots of free parking, it's a convenient location with good food. There is also a side room that we've used for team lunches and meetings. Food: I normally get the vege burger which is pretty good for those that are meat free. Some folks are big fans of their polenta fries, I usually get them with my burger but to me they don't have a whole lot of flavor on their own. This past visit they were out of the vege burgers so I ordered the sirloin salad. Nice pieces of tender steak cooked medium rare over a bed of greens and sprinkled with a generous portion of bleu cheese crumbles. Other popular items with coworkers have been the Surf and Turf Burger, Turkey Cream Cheese (this sandwich is excellent), and Tacos. Every item I've ordered in the past have always been delish. Service: They tend to take a little longer so some times the line can back up and take awhile. You can call ahead to place an order if you're short on time or ordering it to go. Atmosphere: Order at the counter and find a seat, nothing special but nice enough. They have a fair number of tables and seats so we've never had an issue finding a place to sit. Value: Lunch will normally run about $15 depending on what you order. Not super cheap but in my opinion the ingredients and menu are worth the price. Overall a good choice for breakfast and lunch.

Val Y.

I invited a friend to EAT at EAT. It was good to get out of the hEAT. We decided to each EAT the EAT Surf and Turf Specialty Burger. It is $11.99. It was my trEAT! Me: "You can't bEAT this! Kauai grass fed beef patty with a whole crispy fried soft shell crab; sliced avocado, island lettuce, tomatoes, red onions on a house made sesame seed bun." http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/FsPUFjWfdkzHt1eJOA5BEQ?select=kiw3B3hJnKrMDSd4TpconA#a_eMeJtWQTUEtFLGFQsLxw Friend: "The patty is a big hunk of mEAT! I would order this again in a heartbEAT!" Me: "The sesame seed bun is a huge hunk of whEAT! This is a must EAT at EAT!" Friend: Big hunk of mEAT! out of the hEAT! Your trEAT! This is grEAT! EATing that huge Surf and Turf burger was a real fEAT! Though $11.99 sounds pricy; we didn't feel chEATed! In fact you can't bEAT the price of this grEAT burger. Especially if it is my trEAT! I repEAT...This is a must EAT at EAT! ...So get on down to EAT!!