Nola Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Nola Cafe

4.4(93 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Nola Cafe, offering the best Cajun & Creole experience in Kaimuki / Kahala. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Little Slice of the Big Easy in Kaimuki

Stepping into Nola Cafe in the heart of the Kaimuki district, you are immediately greeted by the sweet, heavy scent of chicory coffee and the faint sound of jazz drifting from the kitchen. This neighborhood spot brings the soul of Louisiana to Honolulu, ditching the typical tourist fare for authentic Creole and Cajun staples that feel like a Sunday dinner in the French Quarter.

Slow-Cooked Comfort

The menu centers on scratch-made classics that rely on the 'holy trinity' of bell peppers, onions, and celery. Locals frequent this spot for their signature gumbo, which carries a deep, dark roux flavor that takes hours to develop. If you are looking for something handheld, the po'boys are served on authentic crusty French bread that shatters just right with every bite, loaded with fried oysters or spicy blackened shrimp.

The Local Rhythm

The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, defined by its small, intimate footprint. It gets lively during the lunch rush, and the seating is cozy—sometimes bordering on tight—so expect to strike up a conversation with the person at the next table. While parking in Kaimuki can be a bit of a hunt during peak hours, the trade-off for a proper muffuletta or a stack of fluffy, powdered-sugar-dusted beignets is well worth the trouble.

Whether you are a transplant craving a taste of home or a Honolulu resident looking to swap out your usual poke bowl for something with a bit more spice, this cafe offers a grounded, flavorful break from the island heat.

Photos

Nola Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nola Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nola Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nola Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nola Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nola Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nola Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Nola Cafe - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

3040 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816

Directions

Reviews

Showing 3 of 93 community reviews
M

Momi Mae HamGoogle Maps

Recently

I am a student at the University up the road, and Nola Cafe has easily become a staple of my college life! Me and my best friend come by at least once a week for our Bestie Beignet Dates! Getting coffee and beignets is the time we take for ourselves to relax before the week starts. The atmosphere is really nice, with it nice and cool inside, and the coffee and Beignets are always delicious! We have really gotten to know the owner and workers, and they are always amazing, asking how our days are and how school and our other activities have been.

T

Transform With TrainsalotGoogle Maps

Recently

The Nola Cafè was an amazing experience, and the food was even better ! There are pretty good prices for each dish, and they have at least 1 drink that's not coffee, so people like myself who don't drink coffee can still have a nice beverage with their meal 😀 Small and intimate setting which is always welcome. Perfect place for a first or fifth date, haha. The menu is also small, which makes selection easy and not overwhelming like some places, and you can taste the intimacy in the food ! The beignets are absolutely to die for ! This month's special is "Cookies & cream" 😋 & they have oreo pieces inside 🤤🤤 They have big and small to-go boxes just in case. Definitely coming back for more !

H

Hal LeGoogle Maps

Recently

Made an earlier review but it didn't show up. Owner started the business with his wife from Louisiana. Love their take on beignets and bringing French Cajun delicacies to the island. Beignets are made fresh and taste amazing if you eat then hot. Coffee is good and strong like I prefer. I had the Americano and they did it good for me. Parking is challenging so be beware. Hope they continue strong. Great business idea great food and the folks are inspired!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nola Cafe

Common questions from diners about Nola Cafe in Honolulu.

They specialize in authentic Southern-style dishes and Cajun & Creole flavors.

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