Kalapawai Cafe

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1. A

   Appreciatesgoodservice

   Seattle

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food4service5ambience4

   Wedding anniversary

   Kalapawai CafeResponded 4 days agoMahalo for the 5 star review and choosing to celebrate your anniversary with us!

   Report
2. M

   Mickwizard

   Hawaii

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on November 26, 2022

   overall4food4service5ambience3

   Have been to Kalapawai Cafe many times and was a bit disappointed this visit with the food. Fish and risotto was not up to their usual best. Something was amiss but not as flavorful as usual.

   Kalapawai CafeResponded 7 days agoAloha, We are sorry to hear that your dinner was as great as your previous visits with us. Our chef has been made aware of your experience. We hope to see you again soon for an even better Kalapawai experience! Mahalo!

   Report
3. TS

   TamarS

   Hawaii

   12 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   12 reviews

   Dined on November 23, 2022

   overall4food3service3ambience4

   Service is usually lovely… it was just okay this time. Ordered the risotto (which I have orders many time with the fresh fish and it’s delicious) I ordered it to accompany my steak and it look hard and like it was literally sitting in a chaffing dish… it’s rice pilaf at this point, not risotto. When I stopped the waitstaff to let them know it was not good, they simply took it away. Never apologized that it wasn’t right or offer another portion. Weird “service”. I do get that post COVID it is tough to make a profit in restaurants and they have to deal with difficult clients, however, if you are in the service industry the difference between your restaurant and someone else’s will your level of service, period. Train your waitstaff on what your dishes should look like and they will know when it’s wrong. Even is the kitchen is trying to serve old food. So, if your food is not great and your service is not great then… You can do better Kalapawai. Service is everything. Thank you!

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on November 26, 2022Aloha Tamar, We are very sorry to hear that your service and experience were not up to the Kalapawai standard that you are used to. We constantly strive to give our guests the best experience possible, and it is disappointing to hear that was not the case. We are always working to improve our standards and do not take this review lightly. We hope to have you join us again for the Kalapawai service that you know and love! Mahalo!

   Report
4. RM

   RonM

   Hawaii

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 17, 2022

   overall4food5service4ambience4

   One of our favorite places to eat in Kailua. We always enjoy the daily specials! Great wait staff!

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on November 21, 2022Aloha Ron, We are so pleased to hear that Kalapawai is a favorite of you and you family! We look forward to your next dinner with us!

   Report
5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 5, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Every visit and every order from Kalapawi has satisfied. The only drawback is that they don’t have a single child seat.

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on November 8, 2022Mahalo for the 5 star review! We appreciate your continued patronage despite our ability to store highchairs.

   Report
6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Hawaii

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on October 28, 2022

   overall5food4service5ambience3

   Great family dinner. Kai was excellent!

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on November 3, 2022Mahalo for the great review!

   Report
7. SK

   SeanK

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on October 25, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Excellent food in a home style atmosphere. No pretension.

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on October 26, 2022Aloha Sean, Mahalo for the fantastic review! We look forward to having you dine with us again soon!

   Report
8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Exclusive

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on October 22, 2022

   overall5food4service5ambience4

   We had a nice quiet night. Service was great as always. My only request would be to offer more vegan and dairy free menu items.

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on October 28, 2022Aloha, Thank you for the fantastic review! We do have a menu change happening shortly where we will have some new options for our vegan guests. We hope to see you again soon!

   Report
9. K

   Keri

   Hawaii

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on October 19, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wonderful experience as always :)

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on October 19, 2022Mahalo Keri! So happy to hear you continuously enjoy Kalapawai!

   Report
10. DD

    DeniseD

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My favorite place for dinner. I highly recommend.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on October 21, 2022Mahalo for the 5 star review Denise, we are so happy that Kalapawai is you favorite!

    Report
11. JS

    JamesS

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Terrific …delicious

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on October 18, 2022Mahalo James, we are so glad you enjoyed your meal. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

    Report
12. CH

    CarrieH

    Hawaii

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience1

    Seated on back lanai, I had requested and hoped for front lanai. I know not guaranteed but not sure I’ll go back anytime soon. The traffic noise unbearable for me on back lanai. Inside just too loud for my hearing impaired father. Food and service was good but fattoush salad was not what was described on menu. 5 garbanzo beans and no avocado so basically just romaine w onions and tomatoes. They did bring avo when asked though. Kalapawai has always been my go to place so I’ll probably give um another try. Just wish there was a way to get a quiet dinner there.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on October 13, 2022The inconsistencies with your salad will be brought to the chef so he can make sure to keep quality high in out service. Being a busy cafe in the bustling Kailua town it can be hard to find quiet time. I hope you can join us again soon and have a quieter and more relaxing time. A hui hou!

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13. r

    robertb

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2022

    overall3food5service2ambience3

    The food was excellent but the service was, in a word, indifferent. I thought perhaps the server was on drugs, he was so inattentive.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on October 13, 2022HI, I'm so sorry you had this experience. We have ZERO tolerance for drugs at Kalapawai. We will address this concern with the staff and take this VERY seriously. I am glad you enjoyed our food! I hope you can try us again soon!

    Report
14. J

    Joseph

    Hawaii

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Food and service were great, like always.. Pork chop was absolutely amazing!!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on October 8, 2022I'm so glad you have enjoyed everything. The pork chop is one of our favorites as well! A hui hou!

    Report
15. JR

    JoyceR

    Hawaii

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful service and meal! We started with the hummus appetizer and ordered two specials (ahi and steak.) for dessert we shared the fruit cobbler ala mode. Truly a hidden gem in Kailua.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on September 26, 2022Aloha Joyce, Mahalo for the great review, we are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your Kalapawai dining experience! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

    Report
16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and quaint atmosphere

    Report
17. K

    Kailuachick

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    Normally, Kalapawai is one of our go-to date/dinner places. However, after last night, we might start hitting other Kailua spots instead. The service was rushed. Our server dropped the entree a minute after the appetizer hit the table. We had to flag him down to ask for a second drink. It was obvious he wanted to turn the table as soon as possible. We ordered the chef’s seafood special and it was flavorless and disappointing. The table near us also ordered this dish and sent it back for something else. Perhaps they were having an off night, but we won’t be visiting until we hear from others that things have improved.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on September 20, 2022Aloha, I'm sorry to hear your visit was less than perfect. If you ever have a issue with a dish please let your server know, we will always be more than happy to retrieve a new dish for you. As for the service you received, this issue will be addressed with ALL members of the staff. We don't want to rush any dining experience our guests have. I hope you can join us again sooner than later for the usual experience we provide.

    Report
18. RF

    ReginaF

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service, great food. Our favorite Kailua restaurant!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on August 31, 2022Mahalo for the 5 star review! We cant wait to continue to be a favorite!

    Report
19. AM

    AlanaM

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    Wasn’t the best meal I have had there. Food was cold. Normally food is very good and consistent. Not tonight.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on August 31, 2022Aloha, I'm sorry your meal wasn't up to the standard you expected, and we strive for on this visit. We know how frustrating this can be. I understand waiting for your food to be remade is not ideal, but if you ever are not satisfied with the quality of your meal we are more than happy to remake it. That being said I hope you can join us again soon for a more enjoyable dining experience. Thank you for your review, comments and critiques only make us better!

    Report
20. PN

    PeterN

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We've been going to Kalapawai for years and never disappointed! Food and service were awesome!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on August 23, 2022Aloha Peter, We are so pleased to hear that Kalapawai has been a favorite of yours. We look forward to you joining us for many years to come!

    Report
21. M

    Margie

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Fabulous, inventive, delicious food! Loved the cauliflower crust pizza.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on August 23, 2022Aloha Margie, We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your meal and our chef's creative and tasty meals!

    Report
22. g

    geri

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Dinner was great. Food very fresh. I had seared ahi with salad. We sat outside and noise level a little high due to Saturday Blue Angel traffic. Otherwise would have been less noisy. Highly recommend this restaurant.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on August 16, 2022Aloha Geri, We are very happy to hear you had a wonderful dinner with us, we look forward to seeing you again soon! Mahalo!

    Report
23. JS

    JeffreyS

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Everyone was friendly and professional. Would highly recommend.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on August 15, 2022Aloha Jeffrey, Mahalo for the excellent review and 5 star rating!

    Report
24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    We frequent this place a lot. The food is consistently good. However, last night I decided to try the gnocchi. The presentation was pretty but the gnocchi were pan fried and most were burnt on one side and mushy and undercooked On the other side. After dissecting the gnocchi to remove the burnt crust they were edible. The table ordered the fish special, chicken adobo, wedge salad & a side of Mac & cheese. Everything but the gnocchi was great. Our server was fantastic! We’ll definitely be back, but just won’t be ordering the gnocchi again.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on August 1, 2022Aloha, We are sorry to hear that the preparation of your gnocchi was not appealing. We hope to see you again soon since the rest of your meal was tasty and your server was awesome!

    Report
25. KK

    KellyK

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We enjoyed the pizza, meat special (rib eye), and gumbo. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The ambiance was great. It’s on a noisy corner, so there was some noise, but nothing that we didn’t expect. Service was outstanding! Thanks for a great dinner out!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on August 1, 2022Aloha Kelly, Mahalo for the great review! Happy to hear your party enjoyed their dining experience, we look forward to seeing you again soon!

    Report
26. C

    Chris

    Omaha

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience4

    I’ve been to Kalapawai many times and the food if always wonderful. However, last night wasn’t the best experience I’ve had there. It took an hour from the time we sat down to get our food and when we finally did my girlfriend didn’t receive what she ordered. It then took another 30 min for her food to be ready. Our server was very polite however that kinda thing I’m sorry to say really ruined our experience there.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 27, 2022Aloha Chris, We are very sorry to hear that your experience last night was not as great as you had expected. We hope that you will give us another chance soon to improve and give you the Kalapawai experience our guests know and love!

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best new york steak ever

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 27, 2022Mahalo for the 5 star review! So happy to hear you enjoyed our chef's Mai Ka Aina special!

    Report
28. N

    Nomique

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kalapawai Cafe for dinner is worth the drive from Waikiki. It’s casual beach town atmosphere with an absolutely delicious menu and many gluten free friendly options. Recommend the crab and artichoke dip, wedge salad, gnocchi and fresh fish dishes. Everything we’ve had here has been excellent. It’s our fourth time. We come here whenever we are on Oahu. Their lunch options are great as well after a morning at Kailua Beach.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 27, 2022Aloha Nomique, We are so happy to hear that Kalapawai is a must stop when you are on island! Mahalo nui for the 5 star review, we hope to see you soon!

    Report
29. RF

    ReginaF

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We enjoy this neighborhood restaurant for dinner once a week. Food is consistently very good and service is awesome! Sandwiches for lunch are great too!!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 27, 2022Aloha Regina, Mahalo for the 5 star review! We are so happy that you continue to enjoy your time at Kalapawai! We look forward to your next visit.

    Report
30. SL

    SherryL

    Dallas

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We are visiting from out of town and was recommended this restaurant. It did not disappoint! We were happy to get away from the busy tourist area and visit the lovely restaurant. We sat outside, loved the food and the service. Plus, we took muffins home for breakfast the next day, which were huge and yummy.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 25, 2022Aloha Sherry, We are so happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience dining with us! We hope too see you again!

    Report
31. KH

    KimiH

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    Fish special lacked flavor and seasoning. Portions are so tiny now.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 22, 2022Thank you for the review and critiques, we want to hear and address all concerns. I want to assure you that the experience you had is not the expectation or standard we strive for and are known for.

    Report
32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Boise

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    Service was excellent but main was a little slow to come out. The auction fish was amazing but the ono fish was “good” but nothing more. My son’s hamburger was great.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 19, 2022We are happy to hear that our service was excellent! We hope that you will dine with us again so that we may elevate your experience.

    Report
33. TM

    TutuMomi

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience4

    Great service. Meal hit the spot, but wished I tried the specials!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 19, 2022Mahalo for the awesome review, we look forward to having you dine with us again to try our chefs daily specials!

    Report
34. K

    Keri

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was amazing, as always. The food was fresh and delicious. The hamachi was amazing!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 22, 2022So glad you enjoyed everything! I hope you can join us again soon!

    Report
35. JK

    JonK

    Hawaii

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Wait staff good but needs to clear in more timely fashion. Also did not pour wine when needed.

    Report
36. o

    opensource

    Hawaii

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and attentive staff. Appreciate the outdoor seating!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on July 3, 2022Thank you for the five star review! I'm so happy that we could make your experience enjoyable!

    Report
37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall4food5service1ambience5

    The food and ambiance is great. Our server was nice but preoccupied with her friends seated next to us. She spent more time talking to them and actually sitting at the table. If it weren’t a busy night I can understand enjoying the fact that friends were in the servers section but it was a busy Friday evening. It’s not knock on the restaurant. I totally recommend this restaurant. I hope this serves as a good recommendation and constructive criticism.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on June 29, 2022I apologize that your server was not more attentive and this is not our standard. I am happy to hear that your evening was still enjoyable!

    Report
38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Pick this place out of the blue to take my daughter and son-in-law out while vacationing. Our server was a female and she was fantastic. She said she was soon to be married she made the experience even more enjoyable

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on June 29, 2022So happy you made the right choice and come to Kalapawai! I love to hear that your server made the experience even better!

    Report
39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 21, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Amazing. A must visit.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on June 23, 2022Thank you for the awesome review! We hope to see you again soon!

    Report
40. JO

    JOANH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food, attentive server, 8nnovative menu, outdoor seating on a busy street corner so we did have an ambulance and some lift up trucks making noise during dinner. $210 for party of 6 Recommend!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on June 23, 2022I'm so happy to hear that you enjoined your dining experience! We do our best to offer fantastic food and spectacular service at an reasonable price. We are right at the entrance of Kailua town on lively Kailua rd. but this makes us an easy quick stop not out of the way! I hope you can come and visit us again soon!

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