Jackie K.
Yelp
My first memories visiting the Waioli Tea Room (former name) is when I was a child. My parents brought our family here to enjoy the beautiful lush Manoa Valley greenery, fancy tea and goods.
According to it current website, the Waioli Tea Room Opened in 1922. The Waioli Tea Room was conceived as a vocational training facility for the orphans housed at the Salvation Army Girls Home that was also located on the Manoa Campus.
The Waioli Tea Room served breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and at its height and attracted hundreds of guests every day from around the world.
Fast forward to September 2024 and I Yelped the old name and found Waioli Kitchen and Bake Shop ("WKBS").
I have been wanting to revisit and experience the updated WKBS. A perfect occasion arose with my Aunty (lives here) and cousin from LA visiting here.
The plan was hatched and we arrived around 20 minutes before opening. A bit early but we secured a close parking space. We talked story for a bit and then made our way to the entrance. By the time we started walking towards WKBS, the free parking lot was nearly full! Come early to secure a free parking space.
As you enter, you are guided to the menu boards to place your order. It's a stand in line type process. Efficient and organized unless you take a moment or two to ask questions about the menu!
We placed our order and paid for it. You are given a number placard to place on your table. If you ordered coffee like we did, your hot cup of Kona coffee will be given to you immediately on the side counter. There is a table with all the condiments you may need. Coffee is refillable and for take out as well! Kona Coffee: 4/5 stars.
As you place your order, look to your left and your eyes and nose will follow the gorgeous display of fresh bake goods. So many to choose from.
Our breakfast order consisted of the Breakfast Bowl $13.50 (Fried rice, scrambled egg, bacon and toast), Açaí and granola fruit bowl $12.50 and Avocado Toast (Sour dough bread, avocado, arugula, two eggs, sriracha aioli, and goat cheese). Price: ?
We picked up baked goods to go. I selected the Candied ginger and lemon scone, Mango Liliko'i scone, Almond chocolate croissant and a chocolate chip cookie.
Disclosure: I do not like arugula. I find the bitter taste similar to endives. Not my cup of tea. Having disclosed this, I was pleasantly surprised by the taste of the avocado toast! The combination of items curbed the taste of the arugula! I enjoyed this avocado toast. 4/5 stars
The açaí bowl was equally, if not a tad more delicious! Flavorful and full of toppings. The serving size is small and one person can easily consume it all in a sitting : ). 4/5 stars
Breakfast Bowl looked delicious as well. My Aunty ordered this. I did not try it but it looked filling and savory.
WKBS sells store merchandise in the restaurant.
The restaurant has restrooms available indoors.
Service 4/5 stars. The food came out quickly from the kitchen. Water is provided and refilled. Tables are clean and the noise level depends on the number of patrons.
Ambiance is 5/5 stars. Open concept seating and beautiful views of the greenery and mountains.