I was here at Napoleon's Bakery - Kahala to purchase my birthday cake. One of the few oddities of…read morelife that I encountered in my life so far.
On a crisp Friday night in mid September, I started my birthday weekend with a full day at work. Then, family and I drove here to pick up a birthday cake before going to another restaurant to pick up the dinner elsewhere. It was odd being here and choosing my own birthday cake, but here we are. I ended up getting the cheaper one that was basically around $10. Since I was at Zippy's, I decided to buy a soda and an order of fries from the fast food counter as well, while we were waiting for the staff to write "Happy Birthday" on the cake face. The experience took about 20 minutes, since there was only one person working the counter that night and there happened to be a line for both Napoleon's bakery and Zippy's. For the most part though, it was not the kind of birthday that I would have experience, buying my own birthday cake, but it is what it is. From the selection process to paying for it, it was a scene that just usually doesn't happen to anyone typically, but it did. And it happened to me. Obviously, the cake itself was pretty good, although I can't complain. Cheap and delicious. Saved the excess money from the more expensive options for ice cream later in the evening. Lol
The overall experience here at Napoleon's bakery - Kahala was actually interesting and not typical of any I can care to remember since it happened on my actual birthday in 2021 and most recent too. The service here was okay on a Friday evening. The line was longer than I thought but it moved as slowly as it can, considering people were there to buy cakes. The prices were okay, as it is a local bakery. You can expect to pay $10 for a lower end smaller cake and up to $25 for a larger decadent option, if you like that sort of thing. They also have selected bakery items like donuts and assorted pastries, but you'd have to come early enough to grab them before they are sold out for the day. At one point, I got bored while the staff person was writing "Happy birthday" on the cake and I remember yawning at one point too during this odyssey. In the end, it was a short trip to Napoleons Bakery - Kahala. The bakery itself is tied to Zippy's restaurant, probably owns the Napoleon's bakery brand as well. There is dine in options as well as take out options, but you'd need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test before entering. The restaurant itself is large enough to accommodate large groups and events, but in this age of Covid, best to try to social distance and limit social gatherings to smaller groups instead while wearing your face masks. Napoleon's Bakery does have your favorite baked goods and pastries here daily. Come on by if you're in the area for your favorite fix. My latest experience with the birthday cake purchase will remain with me for a while. I don't know who else buys their own cake that night.
Napoleon's Bakery - Kahala is located in the Zippy's Kahala building, complete with covered parking. It's physical address is 4134 Waialae Avenue, right next to the H-1 off ramp (east bound) and on ramp (westbound). Easy access when you're traveling to Hawaii Kai and need to stop in the area for food options. First Hawaiian Bank - Kahala, Kuono marketplace, and the venerable Kahala Mall is nearby. They accept major credit cards here, as well as cash. In the age of Covid pandemic, best bet is to use credit cards is preferred. As far as parking goes, plenty plenty of it, but it can be limited during peak times. Consider coming during non peak times and you should be fine. There is also an elevator that can take you from the street level parking upstairs to the main floor. If you are like me, bus routes 1, 1L, 14, 22, 23, and 24 come thru the area and stop at or near the area / Kahala Mall. Choose which route is best for your needs, but you're likely need to walk a block or two before arriving to Zippy's / Napoleons Bakery - Kahala. Whatever your sweet tooth desires or maybe it's your birthday, consider coming here to Napoleon's bakery to pick up your favorites or - even a cake to celebrate special occasions, the weekend, or just because you love cake. Come on by. I think they used to be 24 hrs, but check their hours before coming.
3.5 stars for the overall experience. 4.0 stars for the cake. 3.0 stars for the service and ambiance. 3.0 stars for the prices.
Support local!
C