To find a new great place to eat, follow one cardinal rule: ask a local. On my very first weekend as an Oahu resident, I was steered to Ward Centers Kaka’ako Kitchen. And I’ve been there so many times, now I can actually pronounce it.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served out of “to go” containers, but don’t let that fool you. Every dish is turned out like it’s a gourmet plate at a five-star restaurant. I always try the fresh catch of the day, served with two scoops of rice and mac salad—just as it should be. Or if you’re more health-conscious, choose brown rice or a green salad (which comes with a stellar ginger dressing, much more than an afterthought).

I’d suggest ordering the calamari salad to share. It works nicely as an appetizer and they fry the squid to perfection—not rubbery like some places ’round here. And plate lunch purists, take heart! Kaka’ako Kitchen has your favorites too. Spam for breakfast. Chicken Katsu. Hamburger Steak.

Dishes rotate on and off the menu every so often (I was sad to see the arugula chicken salad go), which makes it a great destination to enjoy old favorites or find new dishes to challenge your palate.

But the best part? The prices are so reasonable, anyone can enjoy Kaka’ako Kitchen, and often. So get on down to their lanai and enjoy some great food and people watching.

Kaka’ako Kitchen, Ward Centers, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, (808) 596-7488

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Categories: Food
Tags: chicken katsu, Features, gourmet plate lunch, hamburger steak, Hawaii, Hawaii food, Kakaako Kitchen, Oahu, plate lunch, spam, Ward Centers