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    Ray's Café

    4.4 (968 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Ray's Café Photos

    Business Info

    RAY'S CAFÉ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Ray's Café

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    Ono chicken combo
    Joy H.

    Such a cute place!! We were served right when it was cooked. I got the Ono and chicken combo. My friend got the ribeye with asparagus. The ribeye was soft and so tasty. The Ono was moist and flaky. The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. This place is cash only

    Steak  and Lobster
    Neriza R.

    I love rays cafe . Friendly people and they give big portion and taste goood . Is one of my favorite restaurants..

    Grilled pork chops and mushrooms.
    Leland N.

    Even though this place is small and there's no ac it still was a nice place to eat. I ordered the grilled pork chops with mushrooms. I'm kind of skeptical about ordering grilled pork chops because I had some bad experiences with it being too hard or too chewy like I'm eating gum. But Rays one was prefect I was really surprised the only thing was the mushrooms was a little salty but other than that everything on my plate was yummy. Definitely plan on coming back here to try other food on the menu. They had some really friendly severs one of them actually told us some stories about back in the day and how much construction workers got paid it was real interesting to hear the stories.

    Today's order: rack of lamb and grilled salmon.
    Leona H.

    This little gem in Kalihi is our new favorite take out place. We ordered the rack of lamb and the grilled salmon. They give such large portions that hubby and I split the two plates for lunch AND dinner. If you get the salmon, ask for two tartar sauces. One wasn't enough. The two plates cost $57. Remember they do not accept cash as payment. We also order their prime rib and lobster plates for special (or not) occasions. It would probably cost double to have this dish in a steak house. The prime rib is tender and the lobsters are huge! Usually my husband pulls up and sits in the car at the curb while I dash in. I hope the owner doesn't retire any time soon.

    Dolan T.

    Rays cafe is an old school restaurant with the best food really first time I went there , side street parking, never asked if they had bathroom not wheelchair accessible but but you can take out had so much people coming to pick up the take out food so you know they good, service great The food was amazing I going back there. Restraunt is mellow and clean with a old school style vibe if you never been there before you need to go and see what I talking about

    Corned beef hash and eggs.
    Mikey H.

    I belong to this local food group and people raved about the prime rib here. I would've gotten it, because I saw a woman eating it for breakfast, and she couldn't finish it all. I had lunch plans later so too heavy, but it sure looked good! This is an old school, down to earth cafe, with a cozy dining room. A friendly good morning and he told me to have a seat. Lots to choose from and I decided on the corned beef hash and eggs. It came with two scoops of rice and buttered toast. This really hit the spot! The men working here are really nice! Please keep in mind, it's cash only. Parking is a challenge. It's also in an area that's locals heavy, so no ack high maka maka...LOL! But once you're in, get ready for some real local kine cookin!

    Massive 24oz Prime rib $29- unbeatable.
    Russel M.

    Been going to Rays for 15 years. It started with the fried chicken then fish and shrimp. Nowadays it's all about the Prime Rib. 24 oz for $29- is amazing. Don't forget Cash Only!

    Interior of Ray's Cafe.
    Dan A.

    I think I've been to this longtime ( but it may have been too long or a false memory ) local eatery on North School Street. Ray's Cafe is known for their prime rib. So, that is what I got for takeaway. Open daily, from 600a to 500p...I went for the Prime Rib Plate at $28+ ...a decent price...no general excise tax tacked on. Thiccc ( with three c's ) slice...done medium as requested. It came with two scoops of rice, au jus ( aurite ), and a choice between greens or mac salad. If you are hungry, this meal will satisfy. Excellent signature dish. Well seasoned. Parking: street metered stalls are nearby and in front of the cafe. Old school interior...service...so old school, they only accept cash.

    Where the magic happens
    debi k.

    Ok 1st time at Ray's cafe - parking very limited so we did takeout instead! They will do phone order which is something to consider- it's cash only but at these price it's not a dealbreaker! Seating is limited to 6 tables so it's another good reason for takeout! We got the prime rib for $28.95 w/ rice - green salad and horseradish! Can't wait to get home to dig into it! The cut is generous for the 2 of us to share ! The wait for food is fast considering only Uncle and one other are taking orders and doing kitchen work. The prime rib was perfectly Med-rare loved our meal! Got to get back for the fried chicken and other specials! It was easy to find but parking is very limited but the folks are nice and the food great! So maybe uber to the restaurant and not worry about out parking! The food is worth it prices are awesome

    Hamburger Steak plate with an added bonus from owner, a piece of his delicious fried chicken.
    Emma C.

    The owner/Felix always friendly and welcoming...a very generous human...I ordered 3 Ray's Special plate consisting of home made, tasty hamburger steak and 2 pcs fried chicken, rice and mac salad & 1 hamburger steak plate, which Felix, as a bonus, added a pc of fried chicken to the plate. He didn't charge for it! I picked up a to go order and when I entered the little cafe, every seat was occupied...great local/family style ambiance!

    Stan M.

    Amazing Food at a Hidden Gem! I was in Hawaii for my birthday and came across Ray's Cafe on Yelp -- the reviews were glowing, so my wife and I decided to check it out. We grabbed an Uber from the Hilton Hawaiian Village (it's too far to walk) and headed over. The hotel front desk guy even confirmed what I'd read: Uncle Ray is known for his Prime Rib, and the rib-eye and fried chicken are also must-tries. When we arrived, it was definitely a hole-in-the-wall spot, maybe 18 seats inside, but don't let that fool you. This place is all about incredible food and hospitality. I ordered the Prime Rib ($27.75), and it was cooked to perfection -- tender, flavorful, and the crust was absolutely delicious. The cut was about 1-2 inches thick and came with two scoops of rice and a choice of mac salad or green salad (I went with the mac salad). The best part? When I finished my rice, Uncle Ray himself asked if I wanted more! Who does that anymore? He truly wants to make sure you leave full and happy. My wife went big and ordered the Rib-Eye and Lobster Tail combo ($56.75). What she got was incredible: a perfectly cooked rib-eye (medium, just as she likes it) and not one, but two large lobster tails, cooked to perfection and served with melted butter and lemon. She also had two scoops of rice and a scoop of mac salad. Everything was amazing -- the portions, the quality, the service. I was so impressed that I'm telling everyone: this is the spot. It's absolutely worth the Uber ride to get there. Next time we're in Hawaii, we'll be back for sure. Mahalo, Uncle Ray!

    Don G.

    Dine in the Local way, at Ray's Cafe! Parking is a challenge but the reward is Ray's local home cooking! Today my inner carnivore cravings had me focused on Ray's Special Prime Rib plate! This local hole in the wall cafe has a consistent menu of delicious food with portions that satisfy the biggest appetites! Ray's slow cooked Prime Rib is da meal deal of DEALS! This melt in your mouth, perfectly cooked prime rib comes with 2 scoops rice and a scoop of Mac Salad. Bonus! Slice of Custard Pie to make this epic meal complete! Nothing fancy here but plenty of old school Aloha flowing from Rays attentive servers that make you feel at home. CASH ONLY! Five Fabulous Stars for Authentic Small Local Business, Homemade Delicious Grinds, Great Value, Service with Aloha and Generous Portions!

    $29 Prime Rib - medium rare, horse radish given upon request.  Got exactly what we were craving.  Perfect.  As of Dec 2025.
    Teri C.

    Sunday lunch hunger. Husband was craving Prime Rib. Called around a couple places near Waipahu... sold out or prices are high. Drove all the way to Kalihi for Ray's Cafe... open every day and they always have prime rib. Found street parking and modest Cafe was filled with diners and lots of take-out. Lots of regulars. Ordered their prime rib and opakapaka (another diner recommended the pork chop for next time). Our meals included a small salad. Food came out timely and was delicious... everything cooked perfectly. Cravings filled and left super satisfied... headed home for a nice Sunday afternoon nap. Thanks, Uncle Felix! Your cafe continues to provide tasty food at reasonable prices... giving me the biggest bang for my buck. Check out his Facebook page for weekly menu specials and pricing.

    Mahi-mahi plate broke the mouth

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    Ray's Café Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Ray's Café

    When do they serve prime ribs?

    Check their menu posting on Instagram each day ... rayescafehonolulu

    4 of us retirees want to sit in for brunch. Is 9am good time?

    Earlier the "BETTER" especially when there's "Prime Rib / Lobster or King Crab Legs" ~ CALL AHEAD to make sure and to check the daily menu ~ Felix never serves the same food week to week so it's worth checking.

    Is Ray Cafe fried chicken thighs good? Meaning seasoned well and crunchy?

    Yes it is crunchy, juicy and seasoned well. Similiar to Z...y's.

    Do they still sell the whole prime rib and how much?

    They still sell the whole prime rib, however I forgot for how much. I think it was roughly $250-275

    It's 5:40 PM, and the door is closed. Open sign is turned off, are they taking a break or are they done for the day?

    Possibly could be done for the day (at times hours varies) best to call before heading down to Rays cafe imo it's the best thing to do

    Yelp shows they don't accept credit cards, are the really cash only or do they except other forms, like PayPal or Venmo?

    Yup. Cash only. Many of the specials are less than $20 but have huge portions!

    Do they serve prime rib every day?

    No. Mostly on Fridays, and subsequent days until he runs out. Best thing to do is check his daily menu specials that morning on IG or FB.

    Do they offer take out?

    Yes they do! The place is really small and unless you want to wait for a seat, your best option is to take out.

    Do Ray delivery?

    No they do not have a delivery service last I checked.

    Does anyone know if Ray's will be offering whole prime rib for Christmas?

    Is Ray's closed? Haven't answered phone in more then two weeks.…

    Heard he was sick, though not covid. They're open again.

    Where is parking?

    Street parking only, which can be very difficult to find in that area. Suggest you go with another person and be dropped off. Also, phone in your order so you don't have to wait long.

    How often do they have prime rib?

    Friday-Monday. Just ate there last week. Enjoy!

    Anyone know why Ray's was closed today 5/22/19???!!!

    Did you try calling the Restaurant?? Maybe it was Felix = you know "Ray's Cafe" owner, Happy Birthday?? Lol! Nah I don't know, but it's always good to just call them, right. Aloha!

    What days you guys serve prime rib?

    For sure * FRIDAYS and SATURDAYS, Sundays possible * go get emmm

    Did the former owner retire?

    Same owner. Felix his real name had his restaurant in Downtown Honolulu in the day but relocated to King/Gulick in Kalihi.

    I saw they are on Bitesquad now, but I don't see the specials on the Bitesquad menu. Does anyone know how to put a special on your Bitesquad order?

    Not to sure about this one

    Anyone know their Monday night specials?

    If you have Instagram. Follow his page at @rayscafehonolulu where he posts his everyday daily specials.

    Is this the same Ray's Cafe that used to be located on smith street in chinatown ? Im talking like back in the 90's..

    Same one and Felix is still in the kitchen! Bento, ham steak and eggs and of course Prime Rib still winnahs!!!

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    The Cutlery

    The Cutlery

    4.2
    (441 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Family-owned & operated

    Food- 5 stars Ambiance- 5 stars…read moreService- 5 stars I visited the Cutlery a couple months ago and was impressed! We walked in right around 5:30pm and got seated right away. The hostess was so accommodating. I ordered a cocktail, the Ribeye steak and Caesar's salad with fries. Everything was so divine! I totally forgot the name of the drink I ordered but they have a nice pour and felt pretty good after that one drink! The best part of my night was the Ribeye steak and knowing that my car was safe in their designated parking lot. If you go down 9th avenue and make the right turn into the second parking lot, you'll find a few spots for The Cutlery. All you have to do is inform the attendant that you are dining there.

    The only word I can come up with to describe this meal is "Yikes"…read more I came here with a group of 6 friends for dinner. I was excited about the prime rib so I preordered. I ordered the charred Caesar salad and duck fat fries. The charred salad was odd, I think I was expecting a light smoke but I guess they were true to the title because it was charred. My prime rib was the standard medium rare but it took some cutting because there was so much connective tissue that had not melted, the fat hadn't melted either. It was just bad. I asked the server about the prime rib and she said it's supposed to have a lot of fat because of the cut. Absolutely true, but it's supposed to melt not be huge chunks. It also needed the horseradish, it had no flavor otherwise. The server was nice and took half off the prime rib. The fries tasted like a standard fry I've had before, nothing special. I tried the lobster pasta my friend had and it was delicious, everyone who ordered pasta at the table was satisfied which is great but this is a steak restaurant. The server was really nice. I wouldn't come back even if someone else was paying. But my dog appreciated the prime rib I brought home, so I guess that's a win?

    Photos
    Kiawe Smoked Prime Rib
    Kiawe Smoked Prime Rib
    Fire Roasted Washugyu Bone Marrow
    Fire Roasted Washugyu Bone Marrow
    Pulehu Tako.

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    Pulehu Tako.
    Hy's Steak House

    Hy's Steak House

    4.2
    (2.1k reviews)
    5.3 mi
    $$$$

    From the moment we were seated, Anakin provided outstanding hospitality. He greeted us with a…read moresmile, explained the menu thoroughly, and helped us choose a fantastic Cabernet to pair with our steaks. The dry-aged ribeye was one of the best I've ever had--perfectly seasoned with an incredible crust and tender center. The sides and dessert were just as impressive. Anakin's attention to detail and genuine care made us feel like valued guests instead of just another table. It's rare to receive service this good these days. Highly recommend this steakhouse, and if you have the chance, ask for Anakin! Five-star service all around, and we'll absolutely be back.

    Last month, I went here for dinner. Unfortunately, I didn't have a dress shirt on so they…read moregraciously borrowed a black dress shirt for me to wear. I sat at the bar and the waitstaff was really friendly. I got the caesar salad and the beef wellington as my entree. The complimentary cheese bread was warm and gooey. Delicious! The Caesar salad was on par and the beef wellington was also cooked to perfection at medium rare temperature. The accompanying baked potato was piping hot, soft and yummy with the butter, chives, and bacon crumbles and sour cream. The only thing i didn't really like was the black peppercorn sauce that came with it. It was a tad salty. Otherwise, it was a wonderful meal at this quiet, old-fashioned steakhouse.

    Photos
    Beef Wellington
    Beef Wellington
    Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye
    Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye
    Hy's Broiler

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    Hy's Broiler
    Little Joe’s Steakhouse

    Little Joe’s Steakhouse

    4.0
    (1.1k reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$$

    We were in Pearl city and did a little shopping at Walmart and we got very hungry so we decided to…read moredrive around and we found this restaurant. We both ordered the ribeye steak, mashed potato, asparagus and fried rice. Both ribeye steaks were cooked to the exact doneness. The size of the ribeye steak was pretty big. Luckily I was very hungry so I finished my steak. The asparagus was very delicious and the mashed potato was very delicious too. Our server, Elijah did an excellent job answering any questions and was very attentive to what we ordered. When the meals came in. He even asked to double check the doneness of the steak by cutting it right down the middle and it was cooked to perfection. I don't remember the last time I went to a steak restaurant other than my birthday, so it's very rare to go to a restaurant and order steak. So this was a large treat to me. The restaurant had a very nice atmosphere with the lighting dim and the music very soft. This restaurant was very busy luckily we just wanted a seating for two even though they asked if we had a reservation and we didn't so we got lucky.

    Little Joe's steakhouse is conveniently located on Nimitz Highway across from City Mill…read more We went to this location several times and enjoy the food and service. This visit we came for a late Father's Day celebration. Of course we all ordered steak since this is a steakhouse! We made reservations and we're probably seated at 5 PM. Since we were here early, restaurant was not very crowded at that time, but did fill up pretty good while we were there. One thing that I don't like about Little Joe's steakhouse is that they have the music playing very loudly that it makes it difficult to have conversations over dinner and even give your order to your server. We ordered the filet mignon, ribeye steak, chicken tenders and had sides of potatoes au gratin, sautéed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, fried rice with steak, and garlic fries. The food is consistently good, but I was disappointed in my steak as I ordered the ribeye to be cooked medium, but the steak I received was well done. It was still tasty, but definitely overcooked. My dad ordered the filet mignon medium but it came back rare. This surprised me, because in the past, they've cooked their steaks consistently to order, but cooking a good steak to well done is a definite, no no. Our server, however, was excellent, prompt and very polite. Ambience 3 stars Food 3.5 stars Service 4 stars

    Photos
    Little Joe’s Steakhouse
    Fries w/ Fruit Punch
    Fries w/ Fruit Punch
    Chicken tenders

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    Chicken tenders
    ABURIYA IBUSHI

    ABURIYA IBUSHI

    4.5
    (450 reviews)
    5.5 mi
    $$

    Whenever I passed by this place on Kapahulu, there's always a line, and line's don't lie, right?!…read moreMade reservations (highly recommended) and found street parking as they do not have a dedicated lot. Once inside, you are warmly greeted. It's a little dim inside during the day. No paper menus; you need to scan a QR code to see what you want to order. Our group ordered the teishoku set which came with the main entree, rice, oxtail broth, and 2 appetizers (we opted for tofu and eggplant). We opted for the Aburi flank steak which was very very tasty and the Aburi chicken. The chicken was a touch on the salty side, but it came with a spicy dipping sauce which was phenomenal! All the meats had the delicious smoky flavor from the grill. The oxtail broth was kinda bland. We also ordered the oxtail ramen which was also a hit. Finished off dinner with ice cream + mochi. The mochi is also grilled but know that it's not sweet mochi.

    So thankful for restaurants that open late. We thankfully found street parking and this was the…read moreonly place open. How lucky for us! Customer service was terrific. Since it was late, we noticed the back of house staff help the front. Everyone was so friendly and food comes out fast. The only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is because the food was a bit too flavorful - we all agreed that everything was slightly salty. I could also say portion of some items may not match price, but I understand inflation is increasing at an alarming rate. So I'll leave money out of this. Crushed cucumbers were interesting. We couldn't decide if eating it with chopsticks or spoon was better. With chopsticks, you might not get enough sauce. But you could taste the layers of flavor. With a spoon, you get too much saltiness. The spice hits at the end. The tako karaage were a little too chewy for us. Beef tongue was so tender. A definite must order. I dont think it needs rice though. We also ordered the late night nikumiso but it didn't come with an egg, which the menu said it should. We tried handful more items but we'll be back to try the oxtail items, as it sounds like that's their specialties, but takes extra time to prepare.

    Photos
    Storefront... just like we're in Japan!
    Storefront... just like we're in Japan!
    Their famous potato salad.
    Their famous potato salad.
    Potato Salad

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    Potato Salad
    Basalt

    Basalt

    4.3
    (2.1k reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$

    Great menu with a lot of unique touches! The service is as outstanding and the food was amazing!…read moreLoved the swordfish and the watermelon salad. Highly recommend!!

    Hadn't been to Basalt in many years. Had ocassion to revisit when a friend of mine, who read my…read moreprevious review, wanted to experience. So we came. And boy were we both blown away (so much so that I believe she returned the next day with others!). The menu had been completely revamped and seemed to take on a more local influence while still being very upscale. Since we both enjoy "sampling" we shared two appetizer and a main. Everything was bursting with flavor! This is what we had: Starter salad from the seasonal menu of watermelon, strawberries, blueberries and greens served on a bed of yuzu infused goat cheese and drizzled with a shiso chimmichuri sauce. Yes, bursting with flavor! I would return for just this dish! Next shared was a tempura battered cauliflower served with a robust curry and yogurt reduction. Deeeelicious. I wouldn't say we licked the plate... but I won't deny it. Hahah. Finally shared the seafood in curry soup (think a lighter version of laksa) served with white rice on the side. Holy moly. No words to describe. Portions were generous enough to share still next time, I won't. That memorable you won't want to share. No longer serving volcano black rolls, tho absolutely serving amazingly wonderful dishes. Volcano black pancakes still available at breakfast. We kept on oooing and ahhhing and asking about the chef. Our servers Gale and Lily, who provided the most awesome service told us "Chef Lance" (as he is affectionately called) moved over from the Mariposa (Restaurant in Neiman Marcus) over a year ago. Further research revealed Chef Lance Kosaka has brought experience from noteworthy restaurants: Top of Waikiki, Merriman's, 53 By the Sea, and most recently Mariposa. I am hoping he will bring in a notable creme brulee that I loved at both the Top as well as Mariposa! Not wanting the deliciousness of Chef Steve's cooking to end, I also ordered a warabi salad to go for the next day. It was...just as wonderful as the other dishes we enjoyed. Thank you to Servers Gale and Lily, Chef Steve, actually...the entire staff who elevated a casual evening of dining to be a most memorable experience! Thank you to sister friend Karen who insisted we dine here, for the most wonderful company and meal. Validated parking in the building accessed on Seaside. Validated for either 2 or 3 hours depending on the promotion. Kamaaina discount of 10 percent given. Will we be back? Absolutely. And I won't wait so long this time to return!

    Photos
    House Mocktails
    House Mocktails
    Baked Mussels
    Baked Mussels
    Mochi Brownie

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    Mochi Brownie
    Stripsteak

    Stripsteak

    4.1
    (1.3k reviews)
    5.1 mi
    $$$$

    I had a memorable birthday dinner experience at the Stripsteak Waikiki last night. All staff were…read morevery friendly and nice, plus dinner was excellent and romantic ambiance. The manager, Douglas was knowledgeable about all foods, and he served us amazing pineapple sorbet dessert at the table. I highly recommend the wonderful restaurant to everyone.

    Our experience was absolutely spectacular! The staff and especially our server, Nick, were all…read moreprofessional, knowledgeable and inviting on a special birthday celebration. Even from the first greeting, Nick made us feel like natural and expected VIPs by doing a lovely tour of the menu, and being ready for any questions or confusion we could've had. All of his recommendations were excellent, and his grasp of tableside presentations and service was truly top-notch! In addition, the rest of the staff - including the very approachable GM Doug - seamlessly jumped in to assist in service whenever needed, even though they were all each very busy. Since I'd put so much preparation into making my girlfriend's birthday trip feel special, I was really anxious - and holy s*** did you guys deliver! Thank you to all the staff for an unforgettable experience, and really hitting the high note on our entire vacation in Hawaii! Must tries: Ahi Tuna Rolls and the Hot-Stone A5 Wagyu (appetizers), Hot Shellfish Platter (Entree) and (omg) the Pineapple Foster.

    Photos
    Stripsteak
    Dive into the season with STRIPSTEAK's Market Fish Menu--a vibrant celebration of Hawaii's freshest local seafood.
    Dive into the season with STRIPSTEAK's Market Fish Menu--a vibrant celebration of Hawaii's freshest local seafood.
    Stripsteak

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    Ray's Café - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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