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    Rice Box Cafe

    4.5 (247 reviews)
    Closed • 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Rice Box Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    RICE BOX CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Rice Box Cafe

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    Nishime, Sake Shrimp, Dynamite Ahi Cakes
    Elyse W.

    Great local plate lunch spot! My whole family loved each dish and appreciated the Nishime. Our favorites was the Ahi Katsu and Garlic Furikake Chicken. The sides were different and good too: namasu, edamame and rice. You can order online so there wasn't a wait for our food. A bit pricey for a plate lunch but what isn't nowadays lol. Worth coming since everything we tired was solid!

    Chicken katsu
    Ty S.

    Tried the chicken katsu and it was very good! Nice crisp breading with chicken being tender and juicy. The katsu and aioli sauces were very good and the aioli was pretty unique. I loved that they put sauce on the bottom layer of katsu too. The tsukemono is a nice addition and you can tell they use quality rice. The staff was friendly and the food came out quick. It's in a pretty small space with just a couple tables so I would recommend doing take out.

    Deb K.

    A little pricey but you get a large amount of food and could seriously split a plate. The eggplant/tofu plate was delicious as was the miso salmon patties and furikake garlic chicken! Definitely worth the visit!

    Claire H.

    We love Rice Box Cafe! The staff is always friendly and welcoming! The food is reasonably priced for the portion size and the food is always tasty! Rice Box Cafe is our go to place when I don't feel like cooking!!

    Alexander G.

    On a recent island holoholo, we were hungry around Mililani and decided to try something new. Rice Box Cafe popped up highly recommended, and it was a quick trip from the H2 to this shopping center. They have plenty of free parking outside. The interior is tiny but clean and cozy with a few tables. It seemed like most people were getting their food to go. The host was friendly and enthusiastic to share about the menu, and which dishes were most popular. We opted to split the fried salmon; it was cooked to perfection with a wonderful sauce, pickles, and rice. It was plenty of food for the light lunch we needed, and prices were reasonable for the quality. This is definitely worth your time if you're in the area!

    Dynamite chicken. Ono!
    Kristy N.

    First time ordering from here. Convenience of ordering online. Love it. Plate comes with so much food!!! Dynamite chicken was good. Sauce is great. Shrimp was so good! Our favorite now. Came with choi sum and rice with sauce all over!! Even the cabbage was good with the sauce! Def going again but gotta remember, couple days a week they close early!

    Wesley T.

    My girlfriend and I were in the Mililani Mauka area and decided to try Rice Box Cafe for a takeout dinner. We planned on sharing the miso salmon plate and the beef yakiniku plate. When we got home and opened our dinner boxes we were pleased that the portions were pretty good. The miso salmon plate had a milder flavor than I expected, I really couldn't taste the miso in it, mostly a light shoyu flavor. It was good but I would prefer a stronger marinated flavor. Don't expect teriyaki beef when ordering the yakimiku beef plate if you order this. It was delicious but it is not teriyaki. It was combined with a green vegetable kinda like watercress but I couldn't figure out. exactly what it was. I enjoyed this better than the salmon, although the salmon was perfectly cooked with a moist doneness. Our bill came out to $45 for two plates including tip. I am still trying to get used to the rising cost of plate lunches and paying tip for everything I order, but it is what it is. I would return because there are other selections on the menu that I would like to try like the katsu sandwich.

    Lyla D.

    We were assisting my eldest sister, who lives in the lovely Mililani Mauka neighborhood, with preparing travel documents for our family's trip to Australia and New Zealand when she suggested we have lunch at Rice Box Cafe. Although she had been a fan of their generous and tasty takeout plates from Rice Box Cafe since their pop-up days at various farmers' markets, she has continually raved about them and shown her excitement when she discovered the brick-and-mortar location, Rice Box Cafe - Gateway Mililani Mauka, in late 2024. We usually trust her dine-out suggestions in Central O'ahu, so we heartily agreed to call in our lunch orders to-go since we weren't sure if their small dining room would be crowded at the time. Typical of my very organized eldest sister, she whipped out a copy of the Rice Box Cafe's menu before I could even open my Yelp app and suggested several of her favorite local-style Japanese to-go plates. We're omnivores, so everything she recommended sounded delicious to us, and we called in our order, which was ready for pick up within 10 minutes, or just enough time for us to drive down the hill to the restaurant. FOOD: -Miso eggplant w/Agedashi tofu: miso marinated roasted Japanese eggplant and fried tofu topped with kabayaki a.k.a. "Unagi sauce", sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and served with choy sum, steamed rice, and tsukemono. The thick miso-marinated roasted Japanese eggplant slices were "meaty", delicious, sweet, and tender to the bite. Big 1" lightly battered and fried tofu cubes added to this plant-based protein-packed plate. I barely finished half my heaping lunch plate before pushing it aside, my appetite comfortably satiated by its flavors and textures. $17.25 -Salmon Katsu: crispy fried panko-crusted fresh Atlantic salmon topped with masago ponzu, shiso aïoli, sesame seeds, and green onions. My husband declared Rice Box Cafe's salmon katsu the best-tasting locally prepared dish he's ever had. He doesn't usually like having sauce on anything deep-fried, because the crust gets soggy, but NOT so this time. The masago aïoli was thick and savory, enhancing the salmon's flavor. He was also impressed by the tenderness and moistness of the fried salmon fillet, which contrasted nicely with the crisp, yet not mouth-shattering, panko crust. He gobbled down his entire takeout before my sister and I got halfway through our meals. $19.50 -Sake Garlic Shrimp: sautéed (shelled) shrimp in a garlic sake butter sauce with sesame choy sum. My sister also wolfed down her lunch while extolling the flavors and silky texture of the garlic-sake butter sauce. The lunch plate had at least a dozen shelled shrimp, and she also showed me that each was tender-cooked and juicy. She did offer me a taste of her shrimp, but I declined because I was savoring my plant-based meal. $18.75 Walking into the small restaurant, the friendly cashier/counter help greeted us and confirmed our name and order. Although a package sat on her counter, I was relieved it wasn't our order, because she stepped back into their kitchen and brought out our three boxed lunches. She packaged our order while my sister paid and handed the bag to me. The package was a "wrist-bender," and I could tell that the portions would be pretty substantial. The Rice Box Cafe at Mililani Mauka's Gateway is a hidden gem in this neighborhood for its flavors, generosity, and value. We look forward to returning for more.

    Reuben L.

    Wow, what a hidden gem. Saw this place awhile back online but never had a chance to visit here. This place is basically designed for takeout with only 2 sit-in tables. We arrived closer to closing and was able to get a table. It was clean and up lifting modern. The staff were very polite and accommodating. They went over the menu with us. We had the Furikaki Garlic Chicken, Dynamite Ahi Cake, Garlic Ahi, Misoyaki Salmon, and Nishime. I had a taste of all of these dishes and each had a unique taste of it's own. To sum it up, all dishes were incredible, rich in taste, fresh and flavorful. This is my new go to place in Mililani. I would order any dish anytime. I love them all, lol.

    Pork chops
    Todd M.

    Everything I got here was fantastic! Cashier knew all the items on the menu. Even suggested a few things to try. I think there were two small tables to eat in but to be very honest. This is solely a take out joint. The food is delicious. The wait is not that long. The staff is friendly. Can't ask for much more.

    Dynamite ahi cakes
    Marisa G.

    I haven't been here in a while and I wanted to eat something different! They're located in Mililani Mauka next to Poke Stop. It's pretty small in there with 2 tables. Each table has 4 seats each. I looked through the menu and what other yelpers reviewed about... my mom and I decided to try their dynamite ahi cakes. I asked for the sauce on the side. Each plate comes with rice, pickles, and edamame. The ahi cakes were a bit overcooked... they tasted good but the texture was like rubbery. I was expecting the texture to be like crab cakes. The sauce was absolutely delicious! I hope it was just a bad day for them. I'll be back though... I want to try other items on their menu :)

    Dynamite Ahi Cakes
    Jennifer T.

    Rice Box Cafe is a hidden gem, possibly Millilani's best kept secret. The storefront is inconspicuous and, upon entry, there were only two tables. Everyone seemed to be getting takeout but we opted to sit in and enjoy our food fresh from the kitchen. We didn't want to eat too much so we got the Dynamite Ahi Cakes to share and it was the best decision ever. Rice Box is now my favorite local plate lunch establishment! The ahi cakes were moist and I loved their negi-kabayaki sauce--not too sweet and with a slight (good kine) burnt that added so much depth. When I go back, I definitely want to try the Dynamite Chicken and Salmon Katsu. I saw some rave reviews about the miso eggplant so that may be good to try as well!

    Dynamite Ahi Cakes
    Rodney G.

    Rice Box Cafe is Mililani Mauka's best kept secret!! So much so that I've held off writing a review for a loooong time now. Lol. Located in the Gateway at Mililani Mauka, it's nondescript from the outside and only has a couple tables for dine-in. But it is very neat and nicely lit inside. Mostly everyone does takeout from Rice Box Cafe and I would assume the majority of their business comes from takeout orders. You can also order online which I've done for all the times I've eaten here. The portions are good-sized for the price and the quality of their dishes is 100! Their menu isn't expansive but the items that they do make are just so good. I can appreciate a smaller menu that leads to focusing on the quality of the menu items that they do offer. I quite certain everyone in Mililani already knows about Rice Box Cafe....word of mouth has made it a pretty popular place already and it's probably my favorite takeout spot in all of central Oahu right now!

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    Absolutely everything. The food is tasty the workers are very friendly and the portions are great for the price

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    1 month ago

    Everything is good here!! I particularly like the miso salmon and the eggplant with agedashi tofu. Winner!

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    Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken

    Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken

    4.4(1.3k reviews)
    2.5 mi
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    Chicken was deeeeeeeeelicious! Best tasting chicken we've had yet on the island…read more So glad we stopped here before heading up to north shore. Will definitely return on our next trip to oahu. We've been comparing all chicken from this trip to Maui Mike's! It set the bar, for sure! Tip: It's across the street from McD. They have their own parking, main entrance is at the corner. Inside you can order at the counter to eat in the dining area or to go. There is also a back door, visible from the parking lot, for pickup to go orders. When we pulled up, we thought the signs indicated that they were to go only. Once we learned we can order and eat inside, we decided to go that route. Looking for good fire roasted chicken you e GOT to try Maui Mikes

    This place is in the corner of a little shopping mall, and the parking is in the back. Upon walking…read morein, you'll notice that they don't have a very large menu- you walk up and order, they give you a card, and you find a table (VERY limited tables BTW!). I suggest that someone orders while the other person looks for a table. I got their chicken drum and thigh, some sweet potato fries, and a drink, and it came out to around $ 17-ish USD, if I remember correctly? Totally worth it for me because it wasn't a lot of food, but the chicken was juicy, and the sweet potato fries were cooked just right. After finishing our meal, my friends and I each got a chocolate chip cookie, and that was the **chef's kiss** to the meal! All in all, I'm going to come back here again!!

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    Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken
    Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken - Owner Mike and the chickens!

    Owner Mike and the chickens!

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    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

    3.5(190 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    •$$

    I was always a dark meat person. I'd eat white meat if I have to. But this place changed my mind…read more The first time was just because there was no line in the drive-through. I've revisited 3 or 4 more times. The chicken was very tender. Just cooked. Tenderloin is so easy to overcooked. I'm quite impressed. The fries are perfect, just a little under-seasoned. Nothing a little salt can't fixed. The Texas toast is honestly nothing to write home about. I find them merely ok as is. If I reheat them in the oven at home, they are pretty good. The slaw is awful. Reminds me of the one from K_C. Nothing can fix it. I never eat it. The value (food quality over cost) is there. So I'll be going back from time to time.

    Ordered via app for curbside delivery. No one came out. I went inside to grab my order thinking…read morethey were just busy. Nope, no one in line, drive thru had maybe one or two cars. Worker wiping tables came to me and I stated I had a curbside order. She grabs my drinks from the mini fridge and order from the counter, just sitting there. I stated that no one came out for my curbside order. The worker said she saw my car. I said well no one came out with my curbside order. She just said thank you! This is my second time that curbside takes forever, but I did not report the first incident thinking it was just a one off. Apparently not. I would use the drive-thru but the app will not allow me to select drive thru option. Why have these options if they don't work?

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    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
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    Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - New Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

    Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

    2.8(226 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    •$

    Our drive-thru experience was okay. The team member seemed focused on getting orders in and out as…read morequickly as possible. I don't necessarily blame them, it is a drive-thru, after all. That said, I think the tone of voice and the way things are communicated can make a big difference when it comes to hospitality. I asked if I could have gravy as my dipping sauce, but I was told it wasn't an option. I mentioned that I didn't mind paying extra for it, and the team member let me know I could order it as a side instead. That worked out fine since I'm not much of a fries person anyway. One thing I can always count on is a good Popeyes biscuit, so I was happy to enjoy that during my visit. I also have the Popeyes Rewards app, so I'm looking forward to earning points on future visits. My chicken tenders came to me, hot and crispy and just the way I liked it.

    Wednesday May 6, 2026 I haven't been here in a very long time…read more I decided to come here as there was no line in the drive thru. I wanted to buy a 2 or 3 piece meal. But, it would be hard to eat and drive at the same time. So, I got the Spicy Bacon and Cheese Chicken sandwich with side mashed potatoes and gravy. It was good. I would assume it's casual and comfortable inside as it was renovated a while back. I will be back again. Hopefully, to order the 2 or 3 piece meal and I get to enjoy it before having to drive again.

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    Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
    Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - Popeyes Sides

    Popeyes Sides

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    Blazin Steaks - Steak & Chicken Combo. White rice & Broccoli!

    Blazin Steaks

    3.9(248 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    •$$

    I was running errands and found myself hungry in mililani of all places. I'm a townie, so anything…read morepast like the airport is foreign lands to me. I noticed that there was a blazin steaks in that little mall that Foodland is in and thought about how I don't think I've seen a blazin steaks in like 5 years? Have they all closed except this one?? So i decided I needed to support blazin steaks and headed inside. The parking lot was full, but people are constantly coming and going to I found a spot pretty easily. I watched this huge truck try to park in the diagonal stalls and it wasn't looking good. Anyway, once inside I decided on a steak and garlic ahi plate with all salad. I had seen pics before ordering and I like when the salad is just romaine. None of this mixed greens stuff... and the romaine is crisp. Love it. You can also choose a sauce, so I chose the Korean bbq. If you don't want just salad, there is also rice or corn. The service was fast and friendly. My plate was ready in less than 10 mins, even though there were other people waiting for their orders too. It's a good sign that there are so many workers and that they all looked busy. The small area where you order felt a little cramped with just a few people waiting so I waited outside where there are a couple tables to eat at. The steak was how I remember it. Kinda cut thin and all over the place, but it was seasoned and pretty good. The ahi was also delicious and the sauce made a nice addition to the ranch to form this Asiany ranch to eat my lettuce with. Overall, it's how I remembered it. The steak maybe isn't like steakhouse restaurant quality, but for $20, it's a nice place to add to my rotation of take out spots because it's fast, convenient and delicious.

    Always a fav when I come back home to visit! Never fails…read morewhen I want something quick to eat or can't decide what to eat. Everyone is nice when you walk in and order

    Photos
    Blazin Steaks - Blazin' Steaks.. my oldest son loves this place

    Blazin' Steaks.. my oldest son loves this place

    Blazin Steaks
    Blazin Steaks - Steak, garlic shrimp & Steamed Broccoli; no rice & no salad

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    Steak, garlic shrimp & Steamed Broccoli; no rice & no salad

    The Clubhouse - 1 order Uni Nigiri 2 orders of Ikura Nigiri

    The Clubhouse

    4.4(180 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    •$$

    Great food, service and atmosphere, and I'd definitely eat there again!…read more My husband and I went a little after 7pm and there was only 1 party seated outside, and 1 inside so we were seated right away. More groups came in after us, and there was a full staff so I think they must get pretty busy for dinner. We ordered the Spicy Ahi Donburi ($18) and the Hellfire wings ($20). We both grew up eating spicy food and tend to find spicy dishes pretty mild when we eat out, but we were impressed with these items! He was very pleased with his donburi and said that he thinks it was the spiciest ahi he's ever had. The ghost pepper sauce for the Hellfire Wings was a stand out for us, and we got a to-go box for the last wings just to take the sauce home with it. We spent a little more than we usually do, but we were expecting this and looking for a change from our usual spots. Overall, it was a great experience and I hope we'll be back sometime soon.

    I had been here before and thought I wrote a review. M'Chelle wanted us to go here so bad so we…read morewent after drinks! They have really good AC. One of the young women who sat us was nice. Our server was ok, just didn't seem like she enjoyed her job that day. And that makes a difference. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, cause that's what we do. I liked the club sandwich. Loved the crispy fries and tots! Really good fried noodles and the teri beef was good too! The cookies and cream brulee was interesting. But the Yuzu cheesecake was laughable! Such a small piece surrounded by large portions of toppings. Jeri: We're all going to share that? Overall, the rest of the food was good. They do have sushi later in the early evening, so maybe next time, we'll come up for that. But I'm not going to use my "5 iron to drive" up here anytime soon.

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    The Clubhouse - Inside

    Inside

    The Clubhouse - Spider roll

    Spider roll

    The Clubhouse - "aburi" garlic Miso Salmon Roll $18

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    "aburi" garlic Miso Salmon Roll $18

    Rice Box Cafe - japanese - Updated October 2026

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