Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ilima Cafe

    3.8 (44 reviews)
    ModerateNew American
    Closed 6:00 am - 10:30 AM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Ilima Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    ILIMA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Ilima Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Evelyn E.

    Delicious breakfast and great service 10 out of 10 would recommend this place if you're staying in Waikiki the beach is just a few feet away

    Entrance inside of the hotel.
    Victoria M.

    An amazing spot for breakfast! Ilima Café is inside the Waikiki Resort Hotel. You enter the hotel in order to get to the restaurant. Inside the restaurant is light, bright, and airy. The staff were attentive. You receive a discount if you are staying at the hotel. If you need a restroom you need to ask the hotel front desk for a key and use the hotel lobby's restrooms. Menu wise is small but mighty with lots of comfort breakfast foods. I got a side of bacon with French toast and hashbrowns. My husband ordered the omelet which came with hashbrowns and rice. Everything was amazing! Came out hot and filled us up. They are only open a few hours in the morning, so be sure to wake up in time and order some delicious breakfast!

    Michelle R.

    Our second breakfast since were disappointed with the hotels complimentary breakfast. We opted to try this place out. Breakfast here is only offered from 6:30am - 9:30am and they have limited breakfast meals. We opted for the following: Hawaii Loco Moco - 1/2 lb hamburger patty topped with a bed of rice covered in brown gravy and topped with 2 fried eggs. My boyfriend chose this. He said the loco moco tasted way better. Portuguese Sausage & Eggs - 2 eggs any style with either toast, rice or hash brown. This was my pick. I chose to get this dish with rice and have it with scrambled eggs. Ube Pandesal Toast - the bread was soft and fluffy and tasted really yummy! Overall, food was delicious and service was great!

    Tsunami bagel
    Nelly L.

    I do not recommend. Delusional service. Tricky coffee price. Day #1 :Breakfast was nice. Toast was not great though but everything else was nice. Sausage, eggs and coffee. Service was good and waiter came to refill and propose coffee. Ambiance ok. Would recommend adding some chill music and the place would be better Day#2 : I guess either I was too hungry on the first day and was under a delusion- got happy with the service. I went back and am very disappointed by the service See pic. Bagel was served cold and not really toasted- It look like it went through a tsunami on it and it got torn . The waiter did not find it inappropriate to serve this. As well, be careful as there is a trick of inserting coffee with an additional price $5 on menu on the back side. It showed a smaller price but coffee is not included. I asked to switch the fresh fruits for another side and waiter did not agree on some choices. I do not recommend

    Ilima Cafe Breakfast: 3 banana pancakes (or French Toast), 3 eggs, Portuguese Sausage (or Bacon)
    K L.

    Only reason why I'm giving only 4 stars is because of the limited menu and limited service hours...however, FIVE stars to the service here! So friendly and welcoming. Their aloha definitely shines through! The menu is typical breakfast menu items but the star of this place I would have to say would be their pancakes!! Ughhhh soooo fluffy and soft and hits the right spot!! Menu items as mention is limited to mostly eggs, breakfast meat, French toast, and/or pancakes. They have a couple healthier options too like fruit and yogurt but that's it. Also, right now they only operate from 6:30am-9:30am, so just an FYI. Overall though, 4 warm and happy stars to this cafe in the heart of Waikiki.

    Ilima breakfast. One with French toast, one with pancakes.
    Vina E.

    We came here on our last day and had Erna as our server. She was the sweetest and a pleasure. Limited menu but covered the basics. I tried the lilikoi syrup. We had pancakes French toast, bacon , eggs, Portuguese sausages. Everything was good. Nice little place!

    Overall wonderful experience, great breakfast and service! The atmosphere is vibrant and comfortable. Couldn't have asked for a better way to start my day with this place.

    Pancakes
    Hans K.

    Great tasting breakfast with great service. Erna and park were awesome servers and made our mornings bright. Pancakes were very good as were the eggs and bacon !

    Terry S.

    It is very rare that I post a negative review. But, this was one of the worst meals I have had in a long time. The service was also lacking. When I came into the restaurant I was immediately seated. But, after a glass of water was given, I was forgotten for about 15-20 minutes. (Note, I was the only guest there.) Finally a worker sitting at a table close to me called over my waiter. He took my order and I ordered the blackened Mahi Mahi. The fish was dry and had no flavor. The sweet chili sauce was mixed with mayonnaise! The waiter never asked me if I wanted something to drink. Even the rice need soy sauce to have any flavor. I left most of my meal. Don't waste your time or money.

    See all

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kris W.

    Kris W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kris W.

    Kris W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kris W.

    Kris W.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Evelyn E.
    4
    109
    204

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Nelly L.
    2
    207
    163

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kris W.

    Kris W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kris W.

    Kris W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Great food great service not packed a gem in the heart of Waikiki. Would be 5 stars but over priced for what you get

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kris W.

    Kris W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K L.
    6
    102
    222

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Vina E.
    0
    14
    10

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Motrya M.
    2
    150
    11

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hans K.
    19
    13
    7

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daniel C.
    8
    114
    314

    5 years ago

    Fluffiest Omelet on the Island! Buen apetito! Kudos to the chef! Buen Apetito. Recommended for excellent service and great food.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Huey F.
    27
    77
    6

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R P.
    28
    13
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Beezy G.
    5
    60
    157

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John T.
    0
    39
    18

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tino M.
    271
    22
    12

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Won C.
    0
    23
    10

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of CJ A.
    1
    16
    2

    8 years ago

    Hidden gem across from the Alohilani Resort. Convenient, quick, and delicious breakfast in Waikiki. Great way to start the day!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Geo G.
    0
    77
    14

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Ilima Cafe

    You might also consider

    Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Marlin Bar - Frozen Mai Tai

    Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Marlin Bar

    4.4(2.2k reviews)
    0.6 miWaikiki
    $$$

    Not our first visit to Honolulu, but our first and the very next day, second visit to Tommy Bahama…read moreRestaurant in Waikiki. A special thank you to Jessica K. for her incredible service and excellent recommendations. The dinner menu offered so many delicious options that it was difficult to choose! We started with a Blood Orange Margarita and a Grapefruit Basil Martini - both were refreshing and absolutely delicious. From the spring menu, we selected two appetizers: Eggplant Arancini and Lamb Skewers. All we can say is - WOW! Truly outstanding. Although we were already quite full, we decided to share the Macadamia-Nut-Crusted Fresh Catch. Once again, everything from the flavor and temperature to the presentation was five-star quality. The fish was perfectly tender with a wonderfully crunchy crust. The almond rice was an excellent accompaniment, and the grilled asparagus was the best we've had in a long time - perfectly cooked. For dessert, we had the Pineapple Crème Brûlée. Make sure to save room for this - it's smooth, silky, and absolutely delicious. A big thank you to everyone working in the kitchen and behind the bar on April 26 at 7:00 pm - you all did an incredible job. And thank you again, Jessica K., for making our experience so memorable! The next day, we returned for happy hour on the rooftop. Once again, everything was fantastic: Ahi Tuna Tacos, Ahi Poke, guacamole, and beer - fresh and delicious. We will definitely be back on our next visit to Waikiki. Highly recommended a great choice for a lovely Hawaiian experience!

    Our first visit to Tommy Bahama and it won't be our last! We…read moreordered the coconut shrimp, opakapaka and ribeye. Everything was delicious, including the mashed potatoes, sometimes we've found some restaurants that make it a little too salty but not here. Our server, Jeremiah gave us good information to make our decision on what to order and he was very friendly and efficient. Also, I didn't get his name but the other server who helped us when Jeremiah went on lunch was also excellent. Overall, a great experience, we might go to the rooftop next time.

    Photos
    Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Marlin Bar - Free Palestine

    Free Palestine

    Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Marlin Bar - Blackened Mahi Mahi (2)Tacos

    Blackened Mahi Mahi (2)Tacos

    Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Marlin Bar - Cucumber Smash

    See all

    Cucumber Smash

    MĀZE - Part of the seasonal snack set to get your tummy ready.

    MĀZE

    4.7(209 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$$$

    MĀZE was the standout highlight meal of my trip to Hawaii this year. The chef's menu with drink…read morepairing was easily Michelin-star worthy. Taste, presentation, service, ambiance -- MĀZE really had it all nailed down. If there's one meal you should book for your trip, make it MĀZE. Although the menu looks short, it is deceptively filling. You start off your meal with a few amuse bouche bites. It's really a wonderful start, because the salmon toast was one of the best bites I had all night. The smoked salmon was melt in your mouth tender and the toast was fried to perfection. Another bite I really enjoyed early on was their "Fat bastard" oyster. I've never had this type of oyster before, but this one was especially plump, sweet, and had just the right amount of brininess to it. There's honestly not a single straightforward bite across the courses: everything has layers upon layers of flavor and a complexity that really accentuates the talent of the head chef. After the first course, there's an option to add a supplemental course for $34 -- a "Wagyu musubi". I cannot emphasize enough that this addition is a must. If you're coming as a couple, it's large enough that you're able to share a single one so that each person gets two bites. This bite is as delicious as it looks. The Wagyu is rich and fatty, and the crispy nori is the textural element that breaks up the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the beef. The tare delicately brushed on top adds a bit of saltiness to the dish and doesn't take away from the enjoyment and appreciation of the Wagyu itself. Another bite that I'll forever remember is the Jeju abalone dish. Served over a bed of finely minced edamame and served in a chicken jus, the dish had sweet, savory, umami, and all the right textures. I ate this dish especially slowly because I wanted to savor each and every bite for as long as possible. The abalone is tender and cooked perfectly -- not rubbery whatsoever. I overheard a chef saying that the tasting menu changes every month, and we had visited when they were mid-cycle. I believe some of the permanent menu items include the bourbon barrel smoked salmon toast and the wagyu musubi, but I really hope to see the Jeju abalone dish again someday when I visit in the future. Since MĀZE is from the the duo behind the famous cocktail bar -- Bar Leather Apron, just down the street, you would expect nothing less than extraordinary cocktails for the cocktail pairing. I can confidently say that there was not a single drink pairing that I was disappointed with -- both on the alcoholic and non-alcoholic side. My favorite cocktail of the night was their take on an Old Fashioned that was served with the Washugyu flat iron galbi course. I simply cannot say enough good things about MĀZE. Do yourself a favor and book a reservation right after you book your plan tickets to Oahu -- you won't regret it.

    After reading the write up in the NY Times decided I had to splurge and try it even though I…read morecouldn't imagine drinking a cocktail with each course without getting wasted. So glad I went with the cocktail pairing bc I wanted the whole experience. It was really lovely and fun to sit at the counter watching all the young people assemble the food so carefully and our bartender craft our drinks. Each drink was perfect - either refreshing or light or sweet or smoky and really did complement each dish. My fave was the egg white gin one that came with the fish course. My fave foods were the charred lettuce that came with the meat course and the shave ice was superb - corn syrup and plenty of black sesame it was not too sweet and so refreshing! Overall a very special meal and a place to keep in the rotation for special occasions. I'd say definitely go with the cocktail pairings bc that is what makes this place unique. Also if you want to get some courses with a mocktail instead of getting all four as cocktails they will accommodate that - then you don't need to get as tipsy. I wanted to try all the cocktails so I just didn't end up finishing each drink - not bc they weren't delicious, they were! I just didn't want to go past pleasantly buzzed. We didn't get any add ons and were still full by the end of the meal. Clean bathrooms and bright space and awesome service. Not a single misstep.

    Photos
    MĀZE - Snackies.

    Snackies.

    MĀZE - Butter Mochi

    Butter Mochi

    MĀZE - Japanese cheesecake, orange blossom anglaise

    See all

    Japanese cheesecake, orange blossom anglaise

    Ilima Cafe - newamerican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...