GREAT EATS HAWAII: CAFE KAILA

CAFE KAILA

MARKET CITY SHOPPING CENTER

HONOLULU, HAWAII

Always see people waiting in line to get into Cafe Kaila at Market City Shopping Center. Mornings seem to be especially busy with sometimes dozens of people waiting outside. We drove by and saw no line outside for the first time. I took a quick turn and drove into Market City and found a parking space. We walked up to Cafe Kaila and found a podium with a list of names on a pad of paper. The sign on the door said to come in, grab a menu and seat yourself. We walked in, grabbed the menu and found no seats. As we were waiting inside we noticed two parties arriving and signing in themselves at the outside podium. We went outside and signed the list too. The two parties behind aced us and were seated first. We ended up waiting outside for around 20 minutes. An employee comes out of the restaurant when seats open up and checks the list. He calls your name when there is a table available. Kind of confusing for a first time visitor, but now we know how the system works. Once seated I noticed that the place was clean and very simple. Not much on the walls. Not much atmosphere but they don't' need it with the great looking food coming out of the kitchen. I saw great looking waffles with fresh fruit, Eggs Benedict, French Toast and a Breakfast Burrito go by our table. I was not looking to eat breakfast on this day so I went for the Veggie and Avocado Sandwich ($9.95). Then menu said that the sandwich was served with Pesto. Mine had no Pesto. There was Balsamic Dressing. I liked the sandwich but it did not rate as high as the Veggie Sandwich at Big City Diner. The Roasted Chicken Pesto Sandwich ($10.25) was grilled on very thin bread and served with provolone cheese, tomato, spinach and red peppers. Verdict was that it was good but not great. Our daughter loved her Kids Breakfast Plate ($5). She chose one egg, portuguese sausage, rice and toast. Absolutely love everything on the plate. The food quality here is high. Service is good. Very efficient without a lot of talking. I really want to return to try some of the breakfast items. This place has long lines for a reason and I know it is not for the Veggie and Avocado Sandwich.