Cafe Maharani

Indian restaurant · Kapiolani

Cafe Maharani

Indian restaurant · Kapiolani

1

2509 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826

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Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null
Cafe Maharani by null

Highlights

Nestled on S King St, this cozy Indian gem delights with generous portions of vibrant curries and freshly baked naan, plus a BYOB vibe.  

Featured in Food & Wine
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2509 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826 Get directions

cafemaharani.com
@cafemaharanihi

$20–30 · Menu

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2509 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826 Get directions

+1 808 951 7447
cafemaharani.com
@cafemaharanihi

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Mar 7, 2025

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"Known for the lamb madras and cheese and garlic naan." - Lee Anne Wong

Top Chef's Lee Anne Wong's Honolulu
View Postcard for Cafe Maharani

Erica Kristin

Google
I have been here several times over the years. They are pretty consistent. The mango lassi and lamb vindaloo are delicious. The tandoori mixed plate lamb was over cooked and hard to cut this evening. Overall a decent dining experience. They charge for certain takeout containers and a menu item didn't match my bill. They have parking in the back of the restaurant.

B K

Google
Birthday celebration called for a feast and feast we did. Dinner for 3 (mine was the Lamb Balta Rice) Tandoori Party Platter, Tandoori Chicken Platter. Idk what theirs were. The food was fantastic, tasted fresh, perfectly seasoned. It was a packed-house at 6:30pm but luckily we didn’t have to wait and most people were finishing up. Great paintings and atmosphere. Didn’t take too many pics of the landscape because of the rush. I recommend going on an empty stomach to not take leftovers unless you can refrigerate after. We took leftover for sure as we devoured our appetizers. Mango lassi was really great as well.

AM Waldron

Google
Normally when reviews say the portions are large I take it with a grain of salt. In this instance I was so very wrong. Ordered lamb biryani and the tandoori chicken and it was enough food to feed a family of 5…twice. And the food was delicious! Hands down best biryani I have had. Flavorful, tender lamb, and the chicken was just as good. Our only regret was not eating in. I have been utterly defeated by this meal. Definitely recommend!

Rachel T

Google
Small family run restaurant with so much good food, very little parking. Come with friends to try more items! Everything is made to order and tender! We had so much food it felt us for days after! You need naan to wipe up all the sauces! Faves were shrimp coconut curry and eggplant tikka masala!!

Vijay Thakkar

Google
Cafe Maharani in Honolulu provides exceptional customer service, with friendly and attentive staff who enhance the dining experience. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Indian dishes, from rich curries and tandoori specials to freshly baked naan and flavorful curry and biryanis. The portion sizes are generous, making it a great value for those looking to enjoy hearty meals. Additionally, their masala chai is highly praised and considered one of the highlights of the menu. Located about a 15-minute drive from Waikīkī Beach, Cafe Maharani is a convenient option for those staying in the area. ***Parking is accessible on the back side of the restaurant at 2509 S King Street. Overall, it’s a great place to enjoy delicious Indian food in a comfortable setting.

Omar A

Google
My go-to spot for Indian food. We did wait over 30 minutes to sit, but the wait was worth it. Both mango and rose lassi were top tier, all kebabs were amazing, biriyani banging. Already dined there 4 times and hasn’t missed.

David Parker Dell

Google
Best hole in the wall restaurant I’ve had in a while. The food is extremely tasty, huge proportions and the only reasonable prices on the island. I highly recommend getting the lamb kebabs. These are enough for a couple to split. Once again big proportions. All their other food is just as tasty. Staff is friendly food is amazing. I highly recommend this place if visiting Waikiki or Honolulu.

John and Helena Vigil

Google
Hands down the best Indian food on the island. We went for dinner and everything was delicious. We had the samosas, butter chicken, lamb masala, shrimp korma, and tandoori chicken along with the saffron rice and naan. Samosa and shrimp pakora for pupu. The curry had just the right amount of spice and very flavorful. This was the best lamb masala we have ever had. The service was excellent and Lia made sure our table of 8 was taken cared of. We will be coming back and recommending it to our family and friends.

Al C.

Yelp
The food was amazing! I got the shrimp dopiaza. It was nicely spiced and sweet! Pair it with the garlic naan and it is amazing Also, the chicken samosa was yummy as well with the brown, tangy sauce! Thanks for the great service, Chris!

Karen T.

Yelp
We did pick up and I didn't run in, I was the driver. I'm not sure where you can park there besides on the street. The food was very tasty and they give large portions. I should have taken an after pic. Haha. All that food was for 2 people. We ate maybe 1/4-1/3 of each dish. The spice level is perfect for us. We can't handle food too spicy.

Denise L.

Yelp
We recently visited Café Maharani and tried the Maharani Dinner for Two. The course started with a crispy and flavorful Eggplant Pakora, which was a great appetizer. For our main dishes, we chose Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Masala Curry. The chicken was tender in a creamy tomato sauce with mild spices, while the lamb was hearty and flavorful in a rich, aromatic gravy. We also enjoyed warm Garlic Naan, perfect for dipping into the delicious sauces. The cozy atmosphere, traditional décor, and attentive staff made our visit enjoyable. Just a heads-up--it's first-come, first-served, and parking can be tricky during busy times, so plan accordingly. Overall, our experience at Café Maharani was exceptional. The Maharani Dinner for Two is an excellent choice for those looking to explore a variety of authentic Indian dishes. We look forward to returning to sample more of their menu.

Scott G.

Yelp
Definitely my favorite Indian Food restaurant on the island. Love their butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, lamb spaghetti, chicken spaghetti, garlic naan, cheese stuffed Naan. It's all good. Located on S. KIng St., they have a small parking lot on the back side of the build, as well as street parking. Chris and the other staff are great. BYOB as well, with no bottle service charge. Forgot to take pics of all the food, but there's one of the appetizer platter. Alooooha and happy eating.

Chazilyn C.

Yelp
Great food, one of the best indian on the island. But service was very slow. Multiple servers passed our table and it took about 30 minutes before we could order. Took 2 hours to complete our dinner service and then another 30 minutes before we could get the check. Table was never checked on throughout service and had to ask the servers twice before our drinks were brought to the table. Understandably it was a full house but an almost 3 hour dinner service was extensive not to mention the 2 hour wait to be seated. We visited this place back in December and we hope the speed of service has gotten better!! Besides that we look forward to trying this again.

Tiffany H.

Yelp
Eaten at this place a few times and the food is always delicious! Ordered the meal for 8 though we had 10 plus people in our party. It was a ton of food and took home a lot of leftovers. We got a variety of dishes including butter chicken, palak paneer, lamb vindaloo, chicken masala, etc. the naan is massive and was the size of an extra large pizza! The appetizer also was served on a huge platter. There was not enough room on our table for all the food! Service was great. The only downside is the restaurant is small and there's no AC so it was hot.

Daniel O.

Yelp
We recently dined at Café Maharani and opted for their Maharani Dinner for Two, which was a delightful culinary journey. Our meal included the Eggplant Pakora, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Masala Curry, and two servings of Garlic Naan. The Eggplant Pakora was a perfect starter - crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a flavorful batter that highlighted the eggplant's natural taste. The Chicken Tikka Masala featured tender pieces of chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce, balancing spices beautifully. The Lamb Masala Curry offered succulent lamb cooked to perfection in a robust and aromatic gravy, showcasing the depth of Indian spices. The Garlic Naan was soft, buttery, and generously infused with garlic, serving as an excellent accompaniment to the curries. The ambiance at Café Maharani is warm and inviting, reflecting traditional Indian decor that enhances the dining experience. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent service throughout our meal. It's worth noting that the restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as they do not accept reservations. Parking is available, but it can be limited during peak hours, so plan accordingly. Overall, Café Maharani offers an authentic Indian dining experience with a diverse menu and flavorful dishes. We highly recommend the Maharani Dinner for Two for those looking to explore a variety of their offerings. We look forward to returning and trying more of their specialties.

Joe W.

Yelp
If I Could only Recommend One Indian Restaurant? It would have to be this Family Owned Cafe Maharani, they've been serving up authentic Indian Food to Hawaii March 5 will make 25 years. Step into the vibrant flavors of India at Café Maharani From sizzling Tandoori dishes to crispy samosa, rich curry, cheesy naan fresh out of the tandoor, and fragrant Lamb , every bite is a journey of bold spices and authentic taste! Indulge in refreshing lassis like Mango or Falooda for the perfect pairing. Located on South King Street in Honolulu, next to Down to Earth, across from Longs, this cozy spot is known for its generous portions, friendly service, and unbeatable prices. No reservations needed--just come hungry and ready for a feast!

Kevin J.

Yelp
Cafe Maharani is so good! I didn't have huge expectations coming into the restaurant. We haven't tried Indian food in Hawaii before the figure why not take a shot? Coming into the café the place is really small and there's not a lot of staff, but it's cozy and I like the setting plus all the Indian music videos are playing on the screens add to the vibe. Many here is huge and can feel daunting, but but the waiters didn't seem to mind us taking our time. In the fact they seem a little short staffed so things come out a little slower. I appreciate that we didn't feel rushed. We tried the eggplant pakora as an appetizer. We have no clue what it was faster having it. I think we're addicted. It's light and crispy and comes with three amazing sauces. After that. We had the saffron rice with the butter chicken on the saffron. Rice was so flavorful I could've eat it on its own. The butter chicken was rich and surprisingly I didn't get sick of it despite that we had an amazing experience here and definitely will be coming back!

Joy H.

Yelp
Order a special tonight!! Pineapple Malai Kabob!!! So tasty, moist, slightly sweet, but of course with Indian spices!! I ate so much that I needed to be rolled out. The service is always impeccable and attentive. The ambiance is gorgeous and decorated so colorful

Robyn H.

Yelp
So far the best Indian food on the island of Oahu IMO! It's no joke, get there before they open at 5 and get in line. We kept with their spice level of 5 on our first trip so we could see where we need to be next time, think we will be going for a 7 and see...we prefer the spicy. But it was excellent none the less...butter chicken, eggplant tikka masala (10 stars on this dish!!) The place is small but comfortable and nicely decorated. The staff was super friendly and quick. Apparently they have the biggest naan bread...we will be ordering that next time! I think this concludes my search for Indian here, this is the place we will always go to when the craving hits

Mina K.

Yelp
My number one pick for Indian food on the island! We did dinner here and the service was 10/10 I wish the servers could train the world on hospitality, because WOW. Casual vibes but well decorated. Every dish hit the spot and I don't have a favorite because it was all so delish. Try this spot immediately

Sheena W.

Yelp
Our favorite Indian food spot on island it's such a treasure and I've been going theere to satisfy all 4 of my pregnancies cravings. The butter chicken and garlic naan forever has my heart and my husband loves their lamb vinadaloo. Parking is minimal but so worth it!

Rajeev M.

Yelp
We ate like a maharaja and maharanis Paranthas were awesome Chicken curry was great and big portions Best Indian food in long time maybe ever We are cooking back tonight 3days later

Team H.

Yelp
Me and my wife really, really wanted to love it -- after all, it's much closer to our home than the other Best Indian Food on the Island- (also I used to frequent this establishment back in the early 2000's -- and -- I'm sorry but it sort of sucks now. Look - we left Maharani's with half of our leftovers packed up - because they do have quite generous portions -- however we threw all that shit away the very next morning. It was a perfect amount of leftovers-- That should say it all -- we dumped probably $30 of food (or more) into the trash ‍ Sadly - it's going to be a No - from both of us - This is 'maybe' a Two Star Indian Food Restaurant However, there is a very solid Four Star Indian Food restaurant on Oahu I've lived abroad in places with amazing Indian food (Singapore, Malaysia) and have travelled to India several times. So, take that ad you may - but I've got extensive experience in eating really good and authentic Indian food. Anyways, here's the thing: There is an Indian restaurant on Oahu which is at least Twice as Good. So - why settle for second best? Should You eat at Maharani's? Sure - but only because it's less wait time at the other -- much better place! Also, it's not necessarily terrible -- but it's not necessarily good either.! If I had to guess; this place was Amazing back in the late 90's -- but now -- as with so many other establishments-- it's crusty - And -- I haven't even gotten to the part where I'd gotten terrible diarrhea from the food there. ‍ Won't Be Back -- Sorry

Lina C.

Yelp
Flavorful curry and tasty naan. Some pieces of chicken are hard in the butter chicken though the curry is tasty. Palak paneer (spinach and cheese cubes) has mild spiciness, and it's a scrumptious dish. Chicken masala curry has a hint of lamb taste, which I didn't fancy as I personally don't like lamb. The cheese naan is good, and the table next to us got butter naan that looked really nice and fluffy too. Recommend the mango lassi, but it's more sweet than tart. Authentic Indian restaurant. Seating is a bit tight and the lighting dim. Portions are huge! We did street parking that's free at night; it seems like there's a paid parking structure next to Down to Earth market. If you go near closing time, they will ask you to order quickly and you may feel rushed. Food comes out fast and you will leave with yummy leftovers to enjoy later.

Xin L.

Yelp
I was craving indian food very intensely one night and STARVING. Calling up multiple places that I've been to previously, they all had a 35-45+min wait times. Only this place had no wait so we headed directly here. Right off the bat the vibes were slightly off, we walked in there was no acknowledgement, we assumed they were decently busy so maybe we just had to walk up to the back where the register was. We sat down to wait as there was a customer at the counter and was eventually greeted and sat at a table. We were handed two menus and no explanation so we didn't realize till later that the menus were different and one had all the naans and other things inside (maybe that was self explanatory ... idk). Before I get into the food some main complaints I had: - Weird that there isn't smaller sized garlic cheese naan. The waitress was nice enough to request for me so my only option was to get two smaller sized garlic cheese naans for ~$7. Not a bad deal but I honestly would've just wanted one. - Why doesn't the curries come with rice? Even just basic rice? I feel like that is the norm in all of the other restaurants i've been to, so I was a bit confused when they asked us to order a rice as they do not come with any? (that's mother ~$7+ upcharge). The food: - The curries were good, both were flavorful. I liked the shrimp korma more than the lamb one as it was the style i'm more used to. I feel like the plates are HUGE (at least for the shrimp) but there was a lot of veggies and curries and not as much meat as it looks like it does. Overall the experience was just alright. I just feel like the price is a bit too much for comparable indian establishments within the mile radius. My main gripe was honestly over the rice LOL.

Anna B.

Yelp
We haven been coming to Cafe Maharani for years now. We have noticed more Indian food spots opening up but we just keep coming back to Cafe Maharani. You can't beat the quality and flavor of their food combined with the value and generous portion sizes. We love coming here with a big group. This last visit, they gave us the largest set meal they have ever offered. Apparently we are the first to get to try it! We felt so fortunate! I am not kidding when I say the amount of food was HUGE. Oh my gosh big eaters that we are, we still couldn't finish it all. The cost was so reasonable, as well! We were ecstatic to be able to being home leftovers for lunch the next day. Thank you for another amazing experience at Cafe Maharani!

Leila H.

Yelp
We were already seated when my friends and I arrived at the restaurant. This was the first time I had gone there and tried the food. I ordered the Lamb Masala Curry with Plain Naan, and my friend ordered Pepper Chicken with Coconut Naan. The Naan was so big. I didn't expect it to be that big. The Lamb Masala Curry was good. If I continued eating the curry, it was spicy. Overall the food and service were great. I would come again and order the same and try some different food.

Megan P.

Yelp
Just had an incredible meal at my favorite Indian restaurant, Cafe Maharani! If you're craving authentic Indian flavors, this is the place to be. I indulged in a feast that included mutter paneer, lamb masala, pepper chicken, coconut shrimp biryani, and vegetable samosas--each dish was a culinary masterpiece! The mutter paneer was creamy and perfectly spiced, while the lamb masala was tender and rich with flavor. The pepper chicken had a delightful kick, and the coconut shrimp biryani was a unique and delicious twist on a classic. The vegetable samosas were crispy and packed with savory goodness. Cafe Maharani consistently delivers on taste and quality, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves Indian cuisine. Highly recommend checking it out--you won't be disappointed

Sonya L.

Yelp
It's a warm restaurant so be ready for that. For the smaller space, we got a table for 4. Service was good. And we didn't realize the portions are pretty big so we thought we were being smart by getting a dinner for 3 set and added a stuffed cheese garlic naan. Portions were huge and the dinner set came with 3 naans (we opted for garlic) and rice (we chose saffron). Appetizer sampler was good, lots of different fried foods. We picked butter chicken, lamb saag and a veggie korma. Everything was tasty and especially with the stuffed naan. We had so much leftovers!

Jaymi U.

Yelp
I was told by a handful of people that this was their to-go place for Indian food and it really lived up to the hype! Everything we tried was amazing. I especially liked their butter chicken and shrimp tikka masala, and the garlic cheese naan was so good! Their food was slightly spicy compare to other places I've tried, so just be prepared in case you're not a spicy food person! They're a small shop, so if you plan on dining in, then be prepared for a little bit of a wait.

Humble F.

Yelp
Out waiter Chris was amazing and gave perfect recommendations. The food was delicious and the restaurant was clean. Would totally recommend if in the area.

Anna E.

Yelp
We got the Combination for 2 with butter chicken and coconut shrimp alongside cheese naan and onion pakora. We also got chicken beeryani. All of them were delicious. The spices were on point. Great service too we even got recommendations from the server. We love this place and we'll come back for sure.

Raenae G.

Yelp
What time is it?! Time to check out some new things at Cafe Maharani. They revamped the menu with a new look and added new food items from the variety bread baskets and tasty kebabs. They have assorted tandoori mixed grill made to order - from the tandoori to your plate! They also added many new naan dishes as well. Looks delicious, savory, cheesy, and mouth watering. Definitely pair it with one of their curry dishes. It's naan time!

Lori F.

Yelp
This was definitely a great experience! Although not the 5 stars I would still recommend to try it out! We got there 15 minutes before opening and there was already a line. The restaurant filled up quickly. Food is delicious!! We ordered the 4 person combination-- it was soooo much food we took home containers full! Naan is the best I ever had! Mango Lassi was so yummy!! Service is where I minus out a star. Service was ok. Had to ask for more water a couple times. I think what stood out more is the server not having patience for us to ask questions about the menu and food. Great little "hole in the wall" kind of place! I would definitely recommend and will return! The fat cells definitely did the happy dance on this experience!- Especially for the Naan!

Jeff A.

Yelp
After recently dining at all the new Honolulu Indian Restaurants during the last two months I just revisited Maharani. In the last few years, the following have opened: 1) Spice Up 2) Kamana Kitchen 3) Tadka Indian Cuisine 4) Namaste Indian & Nepalese Cuisine 5) New Kamana Kitchen All these other places are pretty good, but I have to say that Maharani is still the best. And best of all its not so crowded due to the increased competition. Reasons for this assessment: 1) Largest portions 2) Prices still reasonable 3) Naan is BY FAR the best 4) No other place does seafood as good. The fish here is moist and perfectly done. The shrimp is succulent. Service wasn't bad. They no longer let you put your name on the waiting list when you're on your way there. But there's no wait, so it doesn't matter.

Kelly H.

Yelp
I had this restaurant bookmarked for a while and I'm glad I finally got to try it! Every time I passed by this place it was always packed, but surprisingly it wasn't busy this past Saturday night. You can park on the street or at the Longs lot across the street. Our server was good, she seated us quickly and gave us enough time to look through the menu. It was honestly hard to choose what to eat because everything sounded delicious. We definitely over ordered, but it was so worth it because we had enough leftovers for the next day. We had the butter chicken, palak paneer (vegetarian), shrimp tikka masala (my favorite), saffron rice, butter naan, and garlic cheese naan. The flavor and spice level for all the curries were PERFECT. Also, if you're a protein lover then this place is for you because they serve pretty big pieces. We definitely got our moneys worth and left with happy full bellies!

Joshua M.

Yelp
Eh punk asses...if you're not open, update your hours. Drove all the way from Mililani and you aren't open.

Leah K.

Yelp
First time/ worst time This was my first time at Cafe Maharani. I understand they open at 5 pm and we got there around 5:30. There were already people waiting outside to be seated and the place was packed!! We were immediately greeted and told to sign in on the clipboard in front. There were 3 parties ahead of me. Tell me why all 3 parties got seated and all of the parties after us as well until we were the only people waiting outside. Keep in mind we only had 3 people in our party while the other one after us had 6. I immediately told one of the staff members and they explained how they will seat us right away. I would hope so since there were 2 empty tables and no one else was waiting except me and my friends. That was strike 1. Strike 2: we ordered our food and the mango lassi, lemon lassi, and sweet lassi. About 20 min later I had a feeling they forgot about our drinks. It wasn't until I mentioned it to my friend that the server overheard and brought us the mango lassi. Not only did the drinks come AFTER the food but they told us they only had mango and nothing else. How can you not have any other flavors after only 2 hours of opening?! Could you not have told me this sooner? Having drinks come this late is just unacceptable to me. Strike 3: I saw they had a sign on their door advertising their huge naan bread. We asked the server to place an order for us but he came back saying they couldn't make it because the cook said they were too busy. Maybe you should include that on your sign that it's only available when the cook feels like making it. Also, not sure when their slow hours would be considering they're only open for 4 hours everyday. If you're not gonna make it, don't advertise it. Adding on, we waited forever for the lamb saag but the waiter gave us free naan bread because it took so long. Don't get me wrong, I understand it was busy and I'm usually not one to complain or write reviews but after all of these things happened in only one visit, I felt like I needed answers. Other than that, the food was good... or maybe it was because my expectations of this place were already so low after being let down back to back to back. The service was slow but the staff had a very neutral tone and was not energetic or upset. Overall, my experience could've been better but I'll be willing to give it a second chance. Maybe it was just an off day

Gigi T.

Yelp
My third time here and still love it. Probably the only proper Indian place on the island. They have a few parking spots behind their store. There's also usually a wait but line isn't too long. Their maharani dinner for 2 is still my fav item to order for $60. It definitely is enough to feed 4! Comes with two dishes of your choice (only one can be seafood) and from their menu - you start with vegetarian samosas, eggplant or onion pakora. Served with rice and naan, or one stuffed naan for extra charge. Or one kabli naan. Only one lamb and seafood choice please. Flavors are great and portions are great! I also ordered the mango lassi and it's huge as well. I liked their garlic naan more than cheese naan though.

D A.

Yelp
First time here. We will definitely be back here! Quick tip, call to reserve a table. But still I will be back even if I need to wait a little. The cheese Naan was my kids favorite. The butter chicken was oh so good. The eggplant appetizer was Ono! Too much to mention! Awesome

Theresa S.

Yelp
After going here for over 10 years because the food is excellent and the service is good, I won't be back. The restaurant and decor has been in need of a good cleaning for a long time. But I kept going. Until my most recent experience a month ago. The hallway to the back parking lot and the restroom were especially disgusting and completely ruined my appetite. I will only return if I hear they cleaned up. They don't have to renovate or modernize. Just clean the facilities and decor.

N M.

Yelp
Tiny hole in the wall Indian spot, it was fairly busy at around 730pm. Our waiter was helpful and attentive and our food came out quickly. We ordered the dinner for 8 for a party of 8. It was a lot more food than we realized. Combination plates come with different appetizers , starch and an entree of your choice. I would definitely come back again.

Edwina S.

Yelp
2nd time at Cafe Maharani and the Husbands first time. The cafe us quaint and very inviting!! The food was delicious but I forgot to ask for it mild I did remember to ask for Vegan options!! Very filling and the portion size I thought was a little I have left overs for lunch tomorrow, YAY me!! We arrived a little after 6Pm and they were busy but could accommodate us, free street parking, didn't realize they have a parking lot in the back, good to know!!

Garrett Y.

Yelp
Cafe Maharani offers a truly delightful dining experience. The food was exceptional, with a wide array of flavors and textures to please the palate. The shrimp, chicken, and lamb kebabs, along with garlic naan bread, were particularly outstanding. The atmosphere was relaxing and welcoming, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the evening. It's evident that the restaurant takes pride in its culinary offerings and ambiance, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and delicious Indian cuisine. The staff was friendly and attentive with our party, always checked up on us to see if we needed more water and asking us what we thought of our dishes we ordered. They were very personable with myself and my buddy Jeremy alongside his 4 kids whom were with us as we ate dinner. It's been a while since we last came here to eat their food. I'm glad we found time to come back and eat here.

Debra P.

Yelp
Last time our family was here was in 2019 just before the pandemic!! We all decided to go back again and but was it delicious! nothing changed, Chris was our host & server, he informed us on how to the most bang for our bucks! Our appetizers was our of this world.. full of flavor and fresh our of the fryer, eggplant , chicken wings, meat dish. we ordered the dinner combination for 4 and for 2...omg it was all so amazing! The servers kept coming around..delivering 6 different dishes .. and offering refills of our water

Wanita C.

Yelp
Amazing service, delicious food, and reasonably priced. I suggest if you want authentic Indian cuisine, Maharani Cafe is the place to be. Arrive at 4:55 PM to be seated immediately.

Chad K.

Yelp
Cafe maharani is on a first come first serve basis. There are no reservations taken here and from what I saw there is little to no parking. Food was an explosion of flavors however when I did dine here they were out of a lot of things for example we wanted the veggie appetizer they were out of that, we asked to have a lassi drink they didn't have that, we wanted saffron rice and they were out of that, even down to them not having ice for their lassi and waters that we had to ask many times for a refill. I felt there was a lot of miscommunication from the servers to the chefs and room for alot of improvement all around. We did have to remind and ask multiple times for certain things. All in all it was an okay experience best thing about this place was the atmosphere and the naan for me. Might possibly give this place another try but we will see.

Genice T.

Yelp
Finally got my Indian cuisine fix! We may have gone a little overboard with the ordering but everything was flavorful...with nice little kick! We ordered three different curries and ordered a couple naan and saffron rice! We tried the buttered chicken, palak paneer (vegetarian), and shrimp tikka masala! Being the basic/newbie, my favorite was the buttered chicken! The curries all had a nice spice that very slowly started to creep on my tastebuds... overall, the food was good.

Sheri A.

Yelp
Location: located at 2509 S King St across from Long's Moiliili. Parking is an issue. I normally order take out so I park at Long's and walk across the street. Hours: they are only open from 5pm-9pm. Service: Fast and friendly service. Take out normally takes about 20 mins. They will text when your order is ready for pickup. Price: like many restaurants the price has gone up and the serving size is a bit smaller but it's not overly priced. Food: this is the best Indian restaurant I've been to on the island. My family's favorite is the chicken tikka masala and my personal favorite is the eggplant tikka korma. Both are a little bit spicy but very tolerable for people like me who can't handle the heat. It's also very creamy which I think helps balance the spice. If you're in the mood for Indian food I highly recommend Cafe Maharani. It'll definitely satisfy your cravings. Tips: They fill up fast. If you're dining in be sure to get there early. If not, be prepared to wait.

Jelicia B.

Yelp
Food tastes great! Ample servings! One draw back is the small space and time waiting to be seated.

Tani D.

Yelp
Woow food is very yummy and flavorful. We came early and were able to get seats. We ordered chicken kebab, lamb kebab, lamb biryani, samosas, and chicken tikka masala. The price here is fair for their portions we weren't expecting the portions to be so big and were shocked when the food came out. We definitely over ordered but it was all so delicious. My favorite dish has to be the lamb biryani. It came out in a big pot and as soon as you open it you can smell the aroma of the rice and lamb.

Michael W.

Yelp
Best Indian food in Oahu (possibly all of Hawaii, but I haven't been to all of Hawaii yet). I have been here many times--I try to go at least once every time I come to Oahu. Highlights from this most recent visit: Food: I had lamb vindaloo -medium spicy. I could have used a touch more spice but I didn't want to overdo it, and I haven't had their vindaloo before. The flavors were divine, and the lamb melted in my mouth, tender and wonderful. Saffron rice: not soggy, not dry, very tasty. Everything I want rice to be. Garlic cheese naan: 15 inches of garlic, cheesy goodness. Perfect for dipping in the curry, picking up moist tender pieces of lamb, or just eating by itself. Family size, I got it for me. It's about the size of a small pizza. (I do have leftovers of everything, I could make 3 meals out of this, maybe four!) Chai: I love their chai. I had multiple cups. I got some to go. Best chai I have had in years. Serving sizes: Good for sharing or leftovers. Service: Fantastic. Seated quickly (given my choice of open tables), ordered quickly, food came out quick and hot. My water never emptied, I was checked on regularly without being bothered. Everything I needed, I had. Atmosphere and etcetera: I was alone, and brought a book to read. At first it was quiet, but the noise level did pick up some by the time I left (normal restaurant level, nothing absurd.). They open at 5, don't take reservations, and close at 9. When I left at 6, there was one open table that had just vacated a little before me so it does fill up. Dim lighting--but not too dim. I could still read, but it wasn't super bright. It was a rainy day, so it would likely be brighter if the sun was out. The smell of the food and tandoori oven wafts out over the restaurant in a very enticing manner. Tips: It's BYOB. So grab a bottle of your favorite wine, or a few of your favorite beers, and bring them with you. They do have wine glasses for you. Parking: not a lot right there, but there are some lots and garages in the nearby area. This is a mile walk from some of the major hotels (Hilton Hawaiian village / Hale Koa area), so walkable assuming no differently abled situations. Tables of 5 or more have gratuity added. 15% I think-maybe 18% (I overheard this while I was there). If they are too busy, or you don't have time to wait, you can order to go, and can order ahead online. Picture: the garlic cheese naan, and the lamb vindaloo. I forgot to take one of the entire table. Oops. Verdict: Don't miss this place.

Selvi Y.

Yelp
"0 stars" I recently visited after reading all the positive reviews and was very disappointed. I found a large fly in my curry, which was absolutely unacceptable. I had to stop eating immediately and leave the restaurant. This completely ruined my dining experience. I hope they take immediate steps to improve their hygiene standards. I was so shocked that I missed to take a picture.

Mari S.

Yelp
Every time I try a different Indian place I have regrets and get the crew together to go here. Service is fast and efficient and that is good because they are busy! Wanna know why? The food. It's all good- I've not found anything that I don't like. It's small and cramped but they do offer take out. I'd rather just eat in and have the hustle and bustle by me.

Dikshika S.

Yelp
I went to Maharani few years ago and didn't really have the best experience at that time but recently decided to go back and give it another try and Oh My God, it was so good!! The portions are huge for the price you pay! So you know you get a great deal there! I care more about the quality and they did not disappoint on that either. We had the Papdi chaat, samosa Chaat, shrimp korma, lamb Korma, Aloo Partha, Biryani, Garlic cheese Naan. Everything was so delicious especially the Chaat! Very fast and friendly service! It's definitely a small space and gives CAFE vibes more than your typical restaurants but I actually love that! Overall, great food and experience!

Nilesh G.

Yelp
Not true authentic Indian food. For non Indians may be good. I would not recommend to Indians who may be looking for Indian taste food.

Nu Jahat J.

Yelp
This is second time we visited this place. Our first experience was not good but it want to it give another try. This time we ordered 1) Papri Chat: That appetizer is huge and I think this is enough for 4 adult to start. This is the combination of crispy papri, yougart, peas, and mint sauce That is an explosion of savory flavour. 9/10 2) Chicken Korma (Sahi) : Shahi chicken korma in this restaurant is a real delight. Perfect balance of spices and richness. A must try item if you want to taste differnt things rather than butter chicken or chicken tikka masala 9.5/10 3) Lamb kebab: We like our kebab as juicy as possible however this dish was well done and the juiciness is absent. But satisfactory Overall 8/10 Service is good.