Koko Head Cafe

Koko Head Cafe at 1145 12th Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a brunch restaurant in the Kaimuki neighborhood, east of downtown and near Diamond Head. It was opened by chef Lee Anne Wong, who gained national recognition as a contestant on a television cooking competition and later built a reputation for creative, Asian-influenced cooking. The cafe has become one of the most talked-about brunch spots in Honolulu and attracts a mix of residents and visitors willing to travel beyond Waikiki.

The menu is a modern take on island brunch, drawing on Chinese, Japanese and Hawaiian influences. The cornflake-crusted French toast is the signature dish, with a crunchy exterior and soft custardy center, and it is the item most associated with the restaurant. The dim sum benedict, a creative twist that replaces the traditional English muffin with a dim sum element, and the breakfast bao are other widely noted dishes. Portions are generous, and many tables order a mix of sweet and savory plates to share.

The dining room is casual, energetic and lively, with a neighborhood feel rather than a resort polish. There is no dress code, and the noise level is moderate to high during the weekend rush. The beverage programme includes coffee, juices and brunch drinks, with cocktails available as part of the brunch tradition.

Reservations are recommended and are made through the restaurant's website, because walk-in waits can be long. Booking some days to a couple of weeks ahead is sensible for weekends. Breakfast and lunch are served, and the restaurant is closed on some weekdays, so visitors should confirm the schedule. Prices are moderate, at roughly US$20-35 per person. Kaimuki is a drive of about ten to fifteen minutes from Waikiki, so visitors typically use a rideshare or car, and the area is also home to other local cafes and shops that make it pleasant to explore on foot.