I love Insomia! My favorite dish is beef Pho for breakfast. Did not know this hidden Vietnamese place right at Kakaako! The owners (husband and wife) are awesome and entertaining. It is cute small coffee shop. Everything is so clean and nice. Convenient parking at the garage in the same building. The owner gives a parking validation valid for one hour. I've already recommended some friends who went there and love Isomia, too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jean Zee
Mom & pop eatery with extremely friendly couple. Great yummy balanced
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mongolian Beef with Garlic and Basil, Summer Rolls in Spring, Lemon Grass Chicken over Noodles, Beef and Chicken Phò
Zain Zahid
The best Vietnamese coffee I’ve ever had! Not too sweet it’s perfect, and the owners are so kind!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fox Wong
Perfect Pho at Kakaako!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Peggy X.
This is the best meal we had in Hawaii! The service is so warm and attentive - the lovely couple who runs the restaurant took such good care of us, we felt like we were in the presence of family.I ordered the beef pho and my mom ordered the chicken plate. The pho was delicious - flavorful broth, tender meats, well-cooked noodles - but my mom's chicken plate stole the show. I tried a bite: the chicken is perfectly charred, so tender, and pairs so well with the peanuts and rice. I want to go back to Honolulu just to order a plate for myself! We also ordered a Vietnamese coffee to share. The coffee is pretty large and quite caffeinated, so it was plenty for the two of us. I also really appreciated the complimentary mandarins that they brought out at the start of the meal.Another shout-out to the wonderful older couple who runs this place - we came in for lunch close to their closing time, but they didn't rush us at all, and told us we could wait inside or outside the cafe for the bus even after they had closed up shop. This is on our must-visit list if we're ever back in Honolulu!
Gary Peters
The coffee is amazing and at a great price. The food is super good and the couple running the shop are super nice and sweet. Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mason D.
Customer service is personable and enjoyable. They are genuinely happy to see each customer and enjoy what the do and provide. I've tried all bahn mi sandwiches and they are excellent. The summer rolls kinda fell apart... but was a great texture and very refreshing. The peanut sauce is excellent. The lemongrass rice bowl... and you can also get it with vermicelli, is definitely quality and replete with intense flavors.
E Z.
A favorite lunch spot of mine! The ambiance is very clean and modern, yet cozy. It's owned by the cutest older couple and they're so friendly. Support local businesses!The food itself is so delicious and they even give you complimentary strawberries to start. The pho is fantastic and the service is very fast. The lemongrass chicken sandwich is also great.The coffee is so good... and I don't usually even like coffee that much. It's super smooth and the blonde mocha is my favorite.
Dean N.
I finally made it to insomnia cafe. I absolutely adore Insomnia cafe. I came when they just opened so it was not crowded. But, it gets crowded from the times I past it at noon. The owners are amazingly friendly. They informed me that they have been in business since 2004. They kept chatting with me as I sat and sipped my Vietnamese coffee. They made the coffee less sweet for me so I tasted the coffee flavor. They can make the Vietnamese coffee sweeter to your liking.Insomnia has indoor and outdoor seating. Sitting inside has the ac which is preferred when I drink coffee. The inside has a woodsy motif going on. It felt relaxing as the music played in the background . As I sat I notice the bahn mi bread and had to ask whether they baked it themselves. They order the bread from a supplier so good job supplier!! I could just buy only the bread and eat that and be happy. Mmmmm. Park in a SALT for 1 hour validated parking and $1 per hour thereafter.
Catherine W.
Solid Vietnamese food at Salt Kakaako. I've tried both bahn mi and rice dishes and they taste absolutely delicious. Seasoning is just right, not too salty. Their coffee is very strong so don't drink it too late otherwise you'll get insomnia!Besides the food, it's the service that makes me come back. The elderly couple are so friendly and cheerful. Never a bad day when you are in this little cafe. There are only like 4 or 5 tables so definitely not for big groups.
Good beef pho, ready quickly, made custom with some alterations, nice flavor, generous serving. Not much else to say. They have lots of smoothies and boba flavors on the menu, so that's something to try next time. Very friendly proprietors, as always.
Jeffrey T.
I'm always on the look out for a good banh mi. So when a colleague told me I had to try this place, I didn't hesitate. There is a short menu, most of the time signifying they are good at their craft or signature dish.I got the lemongrass chicken banh mi. It was tasty with everything you would expect, flavorful chicken, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro. Filling to french bread was on the lighter side. It was enough to fill me up but I tend to eat lighter.Located on Auahi Street of Salt Kaka'ako. Look for a coffee shop front. A few tables inside and outside.
Roldan
Probably the best Chicken pho on the island. Light, hearty and filling. Way worth the price. The coffee is super saiyan strong. Had to dilute it a couple of times. Gave me brain jolts from drinking 1/8 of the cup. The cafe lives up to it's name.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef and Chicken Ph
Jannet L.
I would agree with the other reviews that the proprietors make the experience. The food was solid, my Vietnamese French sandwich was nice and the price was good for under $10. My small latte was quite a decent size as well. The inside is tiny, maybe 4-5 tables so hopefully you'll be lucky enough to snag a spot inside on a hot day. We were initially told to sit outside bc no table big enough for 3 available but then the gentleman moved us inside after a group left. It's an interesting vibe, Vietnamese food and coffee, regular cafe coffee offerings and then some regular breakfast foods. The proprietors were very warm and friendly, calling us "friend" and "brother" to address us, wishing us good health and energy, giving us a papaya in a brown paper bag for no apparent reason but kindness. What cracked me up was the volume of the communication between the two and their interaction, not sure if it was the acoustics in the restaurant that magnified or carried the sound more. It wasn't negative at all, more entertaining than anything. If you're in a hurry this is not the place for you. This is a little neighborhood spot with warm friendly boisterously energetic service while you're getting your order. Or call in your order for pick up if you don't wanna wait.
Irene M.
Thankfully insomnia is not a common issue for me though their shop hours painfully is...insomnia seems more fitting of the couple that runs this place as their energy is infectious, and of course with a name like that yes they do serve coffee. Everything from coffee of the day, all types of espresso drinks including Thai coffee, Chai Latte, Hot Chocolate, Matcha Latte, Espresso Shake...even Bubble drinks!If you got your sleep to swing by early enough they have breakfast which is served til 10:30am with Breakfast on the French Roll to their Breakfast Special which all sounds yummy to make a great start to your day.This Vietnamese restaurant or I think it is has the classic Bahn Mi along with the standard Turkey, Tuna, Roast Beef, Ham or Chicken sandwich on your choice of bread, Salads, Pork Chops, Steamed Fish Fillet, Pho (Beef, Chicken or Veggie) and I already knew what I wanted instantly looking at their menu.Lemongrass Chicken Cold Noodle though their menu states all plates served with small salad, and Jasmine or Brown Rice which I didn't think my dish qualified for and wasn't really interested but they did gave me a slice of papaya. The sauce that came with it tied it all just perfectly already loaded with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, Thai basil and the load of peanuts the chicken seasoned perfectly all came together so refreshingly.The vibe in this tiny nook is so cute with a giant champagne glass filled with goldfish and every wall is decorated but the real draw is the sweet couple with sweet aunty making you feel so welcomed as if you're the only one there she making sure I was comfortable.Insomnia...cute name with the loveliest couple who takes great care of your needs that will put you in a knack attack food coma.Thank you!
I love Insomia! My favorite dish is beef Pho for breakfast. Did not know this hidden Vietnamese place right at Kakaako! The owners (husband and wife) are awesome and entertaining. It is cute small coffee shop. Everything is so clean and nice. Convenient parking at the garage in the same building. The owner gives a parking validation valid for one hour. I've already recommended some friends who went there and love Isomia, too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mom & pop eatery with extremely friendly couple. Great yummy balanced
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mongolian Beef with Garlic and Basil, Summer Rolls in Spring, Lemon Grass Chicken over Noodles, Beef and Chicken Phò
The best Vietnamese coffee I’ve ever had! Not too sweet it’s perfect, and the owners are so kind!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perfect Pho at Kakaako!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is the best meal we had in Hawaii! The service is so warm and attentive - the lovely couple who runs the restaurant took such good care of us, we felt like we were in the presence of family.I ordered the beef pho and my mom ordered the chicken plate. The pho was delicious - flavorful broth, tender meats, well-cooked noodles - but my mom's chicken plate stole the show. I tried a bite: the chicken is perfectly charred, so tender, and pairs so well with the peanuts and rice. I want to go back to Honolulu just to order a plate for myself! We also ordered a Vietnamese coffee to share. The coffee is pretty large and quite caffeinated, so it was plenty for the two of us. I also really appreciated the complimentary mandarins that they brought out at the start of the meal.Another shout-out to the wonderful older couple who runs this place - we came in for lunch close to their closing time, but they didn't rush us at all, and told us we could wait inside or outside the cafe for the bus even after they had closed up shop. This is on our must-visit list if we're ever back in Honolulu!
The coffee is amazing and at a great price. The food is super good and the couple running the shop are super nice and sweet. Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Customer service is personable and enjoyable. They are genuinely happy to see each customer and enjoy what the do and provide. I've tried all bahn mi sandwiches and they are excellent. The summer rolls kinda fell apart... but was a great texture and very refreshing. The peanut sauce is excellent. The lemongrass rice bowl... and you can also get it with vermicelli, is definitely quality and replete with intense flavors.
A favorite lunch spot of mine! The ambiance is very clean and modern, yet cozy. It's owned by the cutest older couple and they're so friendly. Support local businesses!The food itself is so delicious and they even give you complimentary strawberries to start. The pho is fantastic and the service is very fast. The lemongrass chicken sandwich is also great.The coffee is so good... and I don't usually even like coffee that much. It's super smooth and the blonde mocha is my favorite.
I finally made it to insomnia cafe. I absolutely adore Insomnia cafe. I came when they just opened so it was not crowded. But, it gets crowded from the times I past it at noon. The owners are amazingly friendly. They informed me that they have been in business since 2004. They kept chatting with me as I sat and sipped my Vietnamese coffee. They made the coffee less sweet for me so I tasted the coffee flavor. They can make the Vietnamese coffee sweeter to your liking.Insomnia has indoor and outdoor seating. Sitting inside has the ac which is preferred when I drink coffee. The inside has a woodsy motif going on. It felt relaxing as the music played in the background . As I sat I notice the bahn mi bread and had to ask whether they baked it themselves. They order the bread from a supplier so good job supplier!! I could just buy only the bread and eat that and be happy. Mmmmm. Park in a SALT for 1 hour validated parking and $1 per hour thereafter.
Solid Vietnamese food at Salt Kakaako. I've tried both bahn mi and rice dishes and they taste absolutely delicious. Seasoning is just right, not too salty. Their coffee is very strong so don't drink it too late otherwise you'll get insomnia!Besides the food, it's the service that makes me come back. The elderly couple are so friendly and cheerful. Never a bad day when you are in this little cafe. There are only like 4 or 5 tables so definitely not for big groups.
Restaurantji Recommends
Good beef pho, ready quickly, made custom with some alterations, nice flavor, generous serving. Not much else to say. They have lots of smoothies and boba flavors on the menu, so that's something to try next time. Very friendly proprietors, as always.
I'm always on the look out for a good banh mi. So when a colleague told me I had to try this place, I didn't hesitate. There is a short menu, most of the time signifying they are good at their craft or signature dish.I got the lemongrass chicken banh mi. It was tasty with everything you would expect, flavorful chicken, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro. Filling to french bread was on the lighter side. It was enough to fill me up but I tend to eat lighter.Located on Auahi Street of Salt Kaka'ako. Look for a coffee shop front. A few tables inside and outside.
Probably the best Chicken pho on the island. Light, hearty and filling. Way worth the price. The coffee is super saiyan strong. Had to dilute it a couple of times. Gave me brain jolts from drinking 1/8 of the cup. The cafe lives up to it's name.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef and Chicken Ph
I would agree with the other reviews that the proprietors make the experience. The food was solid, my Vietnamese French sandwich was nice and the price was good for under $10. My small latte was quite a decent size as well. The inside is tiny, maybe 4-5 tables so hopefully you'll be lucky enough to snag a spot inside on a hot day. We were initially told to sit outside bc no table big enough for 3 available but then the gentleman moved us inside after a group left. It's an interesting vibe, Vietnamese food and coffee, regular cafe coffee offerings and then some regular breakfast foods. The proprietors were very warm and friendly, calling us "friend" and "brother" to address us, wishing us good health and energy, giving us a papaya in a brown paper bag for no apparent reason but kindness. What cracked me up was the volume of the communication between the two and their interaction, not sure if it was the acoustics in the restaurant that magnified or carried the sound more. It wasn't negative at all, more entertaining than anything. If you're in a hurry this is not the place for you. This is a little neighborhood spot with warm friendly boisterously energetic service while you're getting your order. Or call in your order for pick up if you don't wanna wait.
Thankfully insomnia is not a common issue for me though their shop hours painfully is...insomnia seems more fitting of the couple that runs this place as their energy is infectious, and of course with a name like that yes they do serve coffee. Everything from coffee of the day, all types of espresso drinks including Thai coffee, Chai Latte, Hot Chocolate, Matcha Latte, Espresso Shake...even Bubble drinks!If you got your sleep to swing by early enough they have breakfast which is served til 10:30am with Breakfast on the French Roll to their Breakfast Special which all sounds yummy to make a great start to your day.This Vietnamese restaurant or I think it is has the classic Bahn Mi along with the standard Turkey, Tuna, Roast Beef, Ham or Chicken sandwich on your choice of bread, Salads, Pork Chops, Steamed Fish Fillet, Pho (Beef, Chicken or Veggie) and I already knew what I wanted instantly looking at their menu.Lemongrass Chicken Cold Noodle though their menu states all plates served with small salad, and Jasmine or Brown Rice which I didn't think my dish qualified for and wasn't really interested but they did gave me a slice of papaya. The sauce that came with it tied it all just perfectly already loaded with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, Thai basil and the load of peanuts the chicken seasoned perfectly all came together so refreshingly.The vibe in this tiny nook is so cute with a giant champagne glass filled with goldfish and every wall is decorated but the real draw is the sweet couple with sweet aunty making you feel so welcomed as if you're the only one there she making sure I was comfortable.Insomnia...cute name with the loveliest couple who takes great care of your needs that will put you in a knack attack food coma.Thank you!