
Koko Head Cafe
Celebrity chef Lee Anne Wong's Koko Head Cafe offers inventive Asian-inspired brunch with unique dishes and a lively atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Koko Head Cafe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Celebrity chef Lee Anne Wong's Koko Head Cafe offers inventive Asian-inspired brunch with unique dishes and a lively atmosphere.
"Some of the best Brunch money can buy, here or anywhere."
Arrive Early or Reserve
High demand means long waits; get on the waitlist early or make reservations in advance.
Post-Hike Reward
Consider visiting after hiking Koko Head for a well-deserved and delicious treat.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Asian-Fusion Brunch
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Innovative Asian-Fusion Brunch
Chef Lee Anne Wong's creative dishes like Breakfast Bibimbap and Cornflake French Toast offer a unique twist on brunch favorites.

The Iconic Koko Moco
A must-try dish featuring a beef patty on crispy garlic rice with mushroom gravy and a sunny-side egg.

Exceptional Customer Service
Attentive and friendly staff, with mentions of specific servers like Elizabeth, enhance the dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early or Reserve
High demand means long waits; get on the waitlist early or make reservations in advance.
Post-Hike Reward
Consider visiting after hiking Koko Head for a well-deserved and delicious treat.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers like Elizabeth can offer personalized dish suggestions for a unique dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early or Reserve
High demand means long waits; get on the waitlist early or make reservations in advance.
Post-Hike Reward
Consider visiting after hiking Koko Head for a well-deserved and delicious treat.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers like Elizabeth can offer personalized dish suggestions for a unique dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Koko Head Cafe is celebrated for its innovative and flavorful Asian-fusion brunch dishes, with many diners highlighting the unique twists on classics like the Koko Moco and Cornflake French Toast. The exceptional customer service, particularly from attentive staff members, is frequently praised. However, some visitors mention long wait times and can find the busy atmosphere overwhelming.
"Our server Elizabeth was AMAZING! We stopped by for brunch before a hike while visiting from out of town and she provided such great service that we talked about her the rest of our trip! She helped me pick my entree, gave us recommendations for places to go, and shared such a nice conversation with us. We wanted to go back to eat again just so we could see her!
I had the Breakfast Bibimap which was amazing and we shared the Elvis Cinnamon Roll (which I believe was a special). My latte was also great! 10/10 definitely check this place out… and ask for Elizabeth!"
Lizzy Hicks
"Food was memorable! Highly Recommend!!
Food was 5 stars, however due to the atmosphere and wait times, had to give the place a 4. Food is amazing, which is why I'm sure its packed to the gills, but at the same time is a bit much. While we waited, we had to stand on the sidewalk in the sun.
I ordered the miso smoked pork omelette with a side of has brown. Wifey ordered Fish and Eggs skillet with a biscuit on the side.
Lets say we were both eating off each other's plate because both dishes were amazing! Definitely left a lasting impression. Sad we are not locals here.
Highly recommend getting on wait list early, or making plans in advance to eat here. Wait time can be long.
There is indoor and outdoor seating. Due to the high traffic of people eating here, its noticeable that the staff is definitely spread thin, and it can be hard to get their attention. Despite how busy it was, all the staff were hyper focused, and carried a positive attitude. Very impressive to see."
V Ramos
"This was a huge surprise for breakfast! Award winning too! They have traditional sandwiches and along with Hawaiian inspired dishes. This is a great place, coffee was good, but definitely better options if you want better coffee! Highly recommend this after the koko Head hike!"
Steve O'Neill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Koko Moco and Cornflake French Toast are highly recommended. The Breakfast Bibimbap is also a popular choice for its unique Asian-inspired flavors.
Due to high demand, it's advised to get on the waitlist early or make reservations in advance to avoid long waits.
Yes, Koko Head Cafe recently launched a new dinner menu that is available from Friday to Monday evenings, offering a different selection of dishes.
The cafe offers coffee, including lattes, though some reviews suggest there might be better dedicated coffee spots if that's your primary focus.
Parking can be metered and may be challenging due to the cafe's popularity.
The atmosphere is described as cozy yet lively, making it suitable for various groups, including families looking for a unique brunch experience.
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When Lee Anne Wong, best known as a competitor on the first season of Bravo's Top Chef, moved to the Islands, foodies waited with bated breath for this, her first restaurant. It's a lively yet laid-back café, where she took the concept of breakfast and flipped it, creating innovative dishes like Breakfast Bruschetta with vanilla cake rusks, local honey, and yogurt; also on offer are her signature dumplings, which change daily, and many other specials.
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At Koko Head Cafe, feast on things like breakfast congee with cinnamon-bacon croutons, kimchi-bacon-cheddar scones, bibimbap with kimchi, egg, and crispy garlic rice, or eggs haloa with poached eggs, poi biscuit, coconut luau, and sour poi hollandaise. Chef Lee Anne Wong, the culinary mastermind behind this breakfast joint, has developed an incredible media presence after her first appearance on Season One of Top Chef just over a decade ago.
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Lee Anne Wong doesn’t need an introduction, so it’s no surprise that the loco moco served at Koko Head Cafe does her “celebrity chef” title justice. The “Koko Moco” here is served on a cast-iron skillet with crispy garlic rice lining the bottom, adding an extra crunchy texture to this already delicious dish. Topped with a medium-rare beef patty and accompanied by a generous amount of mushroom gravy, a sunny side egg, and kimchi tempura – it’s no surprise that this dish makes its way to the top of our list.
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Being one of my personal favorites, If you’re in the mood for a brunch inspired lunch, head on down to Koko Head Cafe in Kaimuki!. Chef Lee Anne Wong has created a menu that blends breakfast and lunch seamlessly, with options like “Cornflake French Toast” and “Korean Fried Chicken & Waffles.” The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for catching up on old times with friends while enjoying creative dishes that look just as good as they taste. (Location: 1120 12th Ave #100, Honolulu, HI 96816)
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Cute brunch spot right by Pipeline Bakery, people come here for their skillet loco moco and other “modern” version of classic hawaiian dishes. I got hooked on their beef stew made in a luau sauce, which is a taro leaf sauce, slow cooked with coconut milk. The flavor is SO addictive, if you see anything with a green luau sauce at a restaurant, you must order it!
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This “island-style brunch house” offers inspired takes on breakfast favorites. There’s the cornflake French toast, extra crunchy on the outside and custardy on the inside, crowned with frosted flake gelato, and the Don Buri Chen, a rice bowl for carnivores, with miso-smoked pork,…
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Lee Anne Wong’s menu of scones, cornflake French toast and “Dumplings All Day Wong” may seem daunting from a gluten-free perspective, but the staff can navigate you to gluten-free options, including a killer breakfast congee. 1145c 12th Ave., 732-8920, kokoheadcafe.com
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The mixture of decadent breakfast foods with lunch-sized portions and adult beverages just can't be beaten. Unfortunately, we don't indulge in this hybrid meal often enough. That's why you need to get yourself down to the Koko Head Cafe while on vacation in Oahu.
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This charming brunch spot is the brainchild of Top Chef contestant, Lee Anne Wong. A fixture in the neighborhood of Kaimuki since 2014, Koko Head Cafe recently relocated to larger digs. Playful entrees include Cornflake French Toast and Chicky & Eggs.
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Lee Anne Wong’s menu of scones, cornflake French toast, and “Dumplings All Day Wong” may seem daunting from a gluten-free perspective, but the staff can navigate you to gluten-free options, including a killer breakfast congee.
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After hiking Koko Head, reward yourself to a cornflake French toast from Koko Head Cafe. Their amazing breakfast dessert consists of cornflake-coated French toast topped with two thick strips of bacon and a dollop of gelato.
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1145 12th Ave C, Honolulu, HI 96816Phone: 808-732-8920 Visit Website. A post shared by ココヘッドカフェ (@kokoheadcafejp). If you want a real brunch experience, try Koko Head Cafe, where they serve island-style brunch all day!
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Possible the most popular breakfast choice restaurant on the island right now!. Iron Skillet Koko Moco. NY Chef Lee Anne Wong is serving some to-die-for creations at her Koko Head Cafe located in the town of Waialae.
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1120 12th AveHonolulu, HI 96816(808) 732-8920 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Celebrity chef Lee Anne Wong runs Koko Head Cafe, which is noted for its breakfast udon, congee, and other Pan-Asian fares.
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When I’m in Kaimuki, my go-to eatery has to be Koko Head Cafe. They’re open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., serving breakfast and lunch like udon, congee with Portuguese sausage, and other Pan-Asian eats.
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If you love brunch then Koko Head Cafe is the place to visit out of all of these Honolulu restaurants. Brunch is on the menu all day long. Enjoy Chef Lee Anne Wong’s creative twists on Hawaiian staples.
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Koko Head Cafe: Think refined breakfast food that incorporates authentic hawaiian flavors at a hip and local diner, whose chef worked at the French Laundry and starred on Top Chef.
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Great cocktails and a creative twist on Hawaiian, Japanese, American, and Portuguese dishes. Celebrity owner and chef Lee Anne starred on Top Chef Season 1.
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Koko Head Cafe - Creative breakfast and brunch dishes with a Hawaiian twist, such as the popular Cornflake French Toast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit