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.
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!
Preston Asbacher
Amazing little coffee shop with a very sweet couple. They make you feel like family when you dine there. The sandwich in French bread had amazing flavor.
Sealida M.
There is something familiar about the excitement of sitting in a new coffee shop and letting your eyes wonder and taking in the ambience, almost like you are traveling. And that is what my eyes were doing for several minutes after placing my order. I love the driftwood decor, the plants growing out of wineglasses, goldfishes swimming in their glass containers. It was beautiful. Based off on its name, I would have never expected there to be a Vietnamese restaurant included with this coffee shop. My friend and I were met with the owners and they were a very lovely pair. We both ordered a combination pho, and I added a Vietnamese iced coffee, medium sweet. It was actually very delicious. How in the world. I did not want to add too much to my bowl and keep the soup flavor. So I added a little chili oil and dipped my meats in my bowl mixture of hoisin & sriracha. Yes, they have chili oil, the herbs, sriracha, hoisin, if you need it, but they also had fish sauce on the side to add! I felt my Vietnam memories flash back as I ate this comfort bowl of noodle soup for my breakfast. And to make it feel more like home, we both got tangerines to eat after our meal. Nothing says like Asian home cooking than fruits being served after the meal. Overall, the pho was very well done, and the coffee is definitely a strong as Vietnamese coffee are generally, and I am so glad I opt out for medium sweet. Next time I might do less sweet so I can just feel the caffeine buzz immediately haha!
Ethan
The best Vietnamese coffee in the area. By far. Hands down. The staff was extremely friendly - seriously maybe one of the most energetic, excited, passionate servers I have ever met - and the coffee was just so delicious. A must try for anyone who wants this type of drink, or is looking to be more adventurous with coffee. Be be warned, it is extremely strong and will have you wired for the day!
kimberly
super awesome atmosphere, great service and food! the breakfast options are good but their mongolian beef is GREAT! if you're in the area and need a good strong cup of coffee it's here!thanks for everything!
Vincent L.
This is a cute, airy, cozy cafe occupying a modern storefront at SALT, a newer shopping block here in Kaka'ako. They might be best known for their Vietnamese offerings, thanks to the friendly couple running this shop, yet the compact menu manages to cover additional bases like standard breakfast sandwiches, salads, regular sandwiches, and even pan-Asian offerings like "Mongolian" beef. I stopped by early in the morning (as they're only open until 2pm every day except Sunday) and tried the Vietnamese French sandwich - in other words, banh mi with roast pork, pate, and mixed veggies. There was a decent amount of nicely marinated pork given the price (about $8 if I remember correctly), the baguette was fresh and nicely crisped, and the entire equation quite satisfying for a light bite. I'm glad I stopped by and if you happen to be nearby and are in the mood for something small but wholesome and nourishing, this is a good bet.
Rand E.
Completely adorable couple that run this cafe. Generous portions and really flavorful. But get there early as they can run out of food or close earlier. Have wonderful lemongrass noodles and lemongrass chicken over rice. Another diner had an amazing pork chop plate as well. Prices are reasonable in the $13 range.
G mods
Perfect.... that is all I have for you. The owners are beyond positive and polite, the food was fresh and bursting with flavors and aroma. The atmosphere was relaxing and delightful. The bathroom was clean and organized. I'll be sure to visit this location again. It's a short walk from the cruise terminal, if that's how you came. A+ and beyond...
Tara L.
Timing is everything. Went around 11am and there were a ton of open seats. By the time we got our food all the inside tables were gone and there were still people coming in wanting to sit in the ac. Super cute place with friendly staff. Aunty was funny because she kept yelling at everyone telling them what to do. (Not mad yelling, just hollering at staff)I got the lemongrass chicken plate, which was very tasty. Though it had a lot more peanuts than i wouldve liked. I liked that it had the pickled daikon & carrot. Everyone else got the beef pho. At the end they brought out complementary pound cake. Though they didnt take the paper off the bottom, so check that before you bite into it. They have a bunch of smoothies and drinks too, since that is whats in their name (insomnia espresso & coffee) but we went for the pho
finally had a chance to try this place for pho after living in the area for 2 years. they close at 2pm but can I say the service and the couple that runs this little place are so charming. I got the beef pho and thai coffee. She asked how sweet I'd like my drink which was great! i saved some of it for later and got to add some milk to make it last! I drink regular coffee but let me tell you this coffee is true to the location's name! it is strong and kept me up! lnsomnia! haha
Mira Serrill-Robins
Not loving my iced latte and they seem to do a brisk lunch takeout business so even an iced latte can take some time midday. The iced latte may be powdered and it’s definitely bitter—probably nice in Vietnamese coffee, but not my favorite coffee flavor in a regular latte. I’ll definitely come back for the food, that looked good and reasonably priced for the area. The owners who work the counter are very friendly.
Roy Apana
Strong Vietnamese coffee that will rev your engine and keep you up. Delicious lemon grass chicken bahn mi sandwich nicely seasoned, crisp toasted bread and with crunchy pickled vegetables.
Rebekah L.
While on the phone with our boss, one of my coworkers and I joked that since it was Employee Appreciation Day (for our organization), our boss should buy us lunch. Not just any lunch either, but pho. This was said in complete jest as our boss had continued to ask us all if we had eaten pho for lunch since we had done so once without him and haven't been able to catch a break since. So when our boss, much to our surprise, had actually said he would buy us pho for lunch, we were speechless. The next morning when all of us got situated at our cubicles, our boss stopped by to make sure we all knew that it would be a group lunch gathering (although less on the gathering since our organization was still observing social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures). One of my coworkers laughed because she thought our boss was joking but when it turned out to be the truth, I was quick to note down everyone's order so we could phone it in for pick-up later that morning. Insomnia has always been a go-to for pho (and Vietnamese food) for me in the Kaka'ako area because of how close it is to my workplace and how affordable it is considering the area. The quality of the pho (broth, meat, noodles, etc.) is superb and no matter what I order from here, I am never left disappointed. I do not go often but I do visit enough where the owners, a husband and wife team, recognize me when I stop by in-person. However, I was quite surprised when I called to put in our order and the wife immediately asked, "Are you the tall girl who look like Miss Hawaii who always make big order?" I could not help but laugh because I was about ready to let aunty know to just take my money and forget the food lol. After some more conversation and laughs, I placed the order and confirmed with aunty about pick-up time. When it came time to pick-up our order, our boss opted to walk with me to grab the food. I am not sure if it was because he was concerned that I would drop all of our lunches on the way back but off we went. By the time we got to Insomnia, aunty and uncle were quick to greet us and get us checked-out. Aunty was a bit curious at first who our boss was since I usually come by either solo or with one of my work moms, but when she asked about it, I explained that he was buying us lunch for Employee Appreciation Day. I also made sure to tip them well since I was not sure what kind of tipper my boss was but I guess my boss didn't notice the cash I left and also tipped them via his card lol. Oh well, both aunty and uncle work really hard so they deserve it. Aunty also thanked us for our order and asked us to come by again soon to which I told her we would try. Overall, you can never go wrong with Insomnia. The owners are amazing, down-to-earth people who work really hard every day to consistently provide phenomenal dishes for their customers. Aunty always comes in with those amazing compliments and uncle is always so friendly to everyone that comes by. If I didn't already love them so much, the compliment alone would have made me a fan lol. All jokes aside, Insomnia is a definite must if you're in the area and want some Vietnamese food.
OvrlndHI Pohaku
I love this place, it's relaxing and they give the best service. It's also a little hidden gem to just get a meal or coffee and enjoy, especially in this not so hidden trendy Kakaako area. On top of that, this is a mom & pops establishment, which means they appreciate your business.
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.
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!
Amazing little coffee shop with a very sweet couple. They make you feel like family when you dine there. The sandwich in French bread had amazing flavor.
There is something familiar about the excitement of sitting in a new coffee shop and letting your eyes wonder and taking in the ambience, almost like you are traveling. And that is what my eyes were doing for several minutes after placing my order. I love the driftwood decor, the plants growing out of wineglasses, goldfishes swimming in their glass containers. It was beautiful. Based off on its name, I would have never expected there to be a Vietnamese restaurant included with this coffee shop. My friend and I were met with the owners and they were a very lovely pair. We both ordered a combination pho, and I added a Vietnamese iced coffee, medium sweet. It was actually very delicious. How in the world. I did not want to add too much to my bowl and keep the soup flavor. So I added a little chili oil and dipped my meats in my bowl mixture of hoisin & sriracha. Yes, they have chili oil, the herbs, sriracha, hoisin, if you need it, but they also had fish sauce on the side to add! I felt my Vietnam memories flash back as I ate this comfort bowl of noodle soup for my breakfast. And to make it feel more like home, we both got tangerines to eat after our meal. Nothing says like Asian home cooking than fruits being served after the meal. Overall, the pho was very well done, and the coffee is definitely a strong as Vietnamese coffee are generally, and I am so glad I opt out for medium sweet. Next time I might do less sweet so I can just feel the caffeine buzz immediately haha!
The best Vietnamese coffee in the area. By far. Hands down. The staff was extremely friendly - seriously maybe one of the most energetic, excited, passionate servers I have ever met - and the coffee was just so delicious. A must try for anyone who wants this type of drink, or is looking to be more adventurous with coffee. Be be warned, it is extremely strong and will have you wired for the day!
super awesome atmosphere, great service and food! the breakfast options are good but their mongolian beef is GREAT! if you're in the area and need a good strong cup of coffee it's here!thanks for everything!
This is a cute, airy, cozy cafe occupying a modern storefront at SALT, a newer shopping block here in Kaka'ako. They might be best known for their Vietnamese offerings, thanks to the friendly couple running this shop, yet the compact menu manages to cover additional bases like standard breakfast sandwiches, salads, regular sandwiches, and even pan-Asian offerings like "Mongolian" beef. I stopped by early in the morning (as they're only open until 2pm every day except Sunday) and tried the Vietnamese French sandwich - in other words, banh mi with roast pork, pate, and mixed veggies. There was a decent amount of nicely marinated pork given the price (about $8 if I remember correctly), the baguette was fresh and nicely crisped, and the entire equation quite satisfying for a light bite. I'm glad I stopped by and if you happen to be nearby and are in the mood for something small but wholesome and nourishing, this is a good bet.
Completely adorable couple that run this cafe. Generous portions and really flavorful. But get there early as they can run out of food or close earlier. Have wonderful lemongrass noodles and lemongrass chicken over rice. Another diner had an amazing pork chop plate as well. Prices are reasonable in the $13 range.
Perfect.... that is all I have for you. The owners are beyond positive and polite, the food was fresh and bursting with flavors and aroma. The atmosphere was relaxing and delightful. The bathroom was clean and organized. I'll be sure to visit this location again. It's a short walk from the cruise terminal, if that's how you came. A+ and beyond...
Timing is everything. Went around 11am and there were a ton of open seats. By the time we got our food all the inside tables were gone and there were still people coming in wanting to sit in the ac. Super cute place with friendly staff. Aunty was funny because she kept yelling at everyone telling them what to do. (Not mad yelling, just hollering at staff)I got the lemongrass chicken plate, which was very tasty. Though it had a lot more peanuts than i wouldve liked. I liked that it had the pickled daikon & carrot. Everyone else got the beef pho. At the end they brought out complementary pound cake. Though they didnt take the paper off the bottom, so check that before you bite into it. They have a bunch of smoothies and drinks too, since that is whats in their name (insomnia espresso & coffee) but we went for the pho
Restaurantji Recommends
finally had a chance to try this place for pho after living in the area for 2 years. they close at 2pm but can I say the service and the couple that runs this little place are so charming. I got the beef pho and thai coffee. She asked how sweet I'd like my drink which was great! i saved some of it for later and got to add some milk to make it last! I drink regular coffee but let me tell you this coffee is true to the location's name! it is strong and kept me up! lnsomnia! haha
Not loving my iced latte and they seem to do a brisk lunch takeout business so even an iced latte can take some time midday. The iced latte may be powdered and it’s definitely bitter—probably nice in Vietnamese coffee, but not my favorite coffee flavor in a regular latte. I’ll definitely come back for the food, that looked good and reasonably priced for the area. The owners who work the counter are very friendly.
Strong Vietnamese coffee that will rev your engine and keep you up. Delicious lemon grass chicken bahn mi sandwich nicely seasoned, crisp toasted bread and with crunchy pickled vegetables.
While on the phone with our boss, one of my coworkers and I joked that since it was Employee Appreciation Day (for our organization), our boss should buy us lunch. Not just any lunch either, but pho. This was said in complete jest as our boss had continued to ask us all if we had eaten pho for lunch since we had done so once without him and haven't been able to catch a break since. So when our boss, much to our surprise, had actually said he would buy us pho for lunch, we were speechless. The next morning when all of us got situated at our cubicles, our boss stopped by to make sure we all knew that it would be a group lunch gathering (although less on the gathering since our organization was still observing social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures). One of my coworkers laughed because she thought our boss was joking but when it turned out to be the truth, I was quick to note down everyone's order so we could phone it in for pick-up later that morning. Insomnia has always been a go-to for pho (and Vietnamese food) for me in the Kaka'ako area because of how close it is to my workplace and how affordable it is considering the area. The quality of the pho (broth, meat, noodles, etc.) is superb and no matter what I order from here, I am never left disappointed. I do not go often but I do visit enough where the owners, a husband and wife team, recognize me when I stop by in-person. However, I was quite surprised when I called to put in our order and the wife immediately asked, "Are you the tall girl who look like Miss Hawaii who always make big order?" I could not help but laugh because I was about ready to let aunty know to just take my money and forget the food lol. After some more conversation and laughs, I placed the order and confirmed with aunty about pick-up time. When it came time to pick-up our order, our boss opted to walk with me to grab the food. I am not sure if it was because he was concerned that I would drop all of our lunches on the way back but off we went. By the time we got to Insomnia, aunty and uncle were quick to greet us and get us checked-out. Aunty was a bit curious at first who our boss was since I usually come by either solo or with one of my work moms, but when she asked about it, I explained that he was buying us lunch for Employee Appreciation Day. I also made sure to tip them well since I was not sure what kind of tipper my boss was but I guess my boss didn't notice the cash I left and also tipped them via his card lol. Oh well, both aunty and uncle work really hard so they deserve it. Aunty also thanked us for our order and asked us to come by again soon to which I told her we would try. Overall, you can never go wrong with Insomnia. The owners are amazing, down-to-earth people who work really hard every day to consistently provide phenomenal dishes for their customers. Aunty always comes in with those amazing compliments and uncle is always so friendly to everyone that comes by. If I didn't already love them so much, the compliment alone would have made me a fan lol. All jokes aside, Insomnia is a definite must if you're in the area and want some Vietnamese food.
I love this place, it's relaxing and they give the best service. It's also a little hidden gem to just get a meal or coffee and enjoy, especially in this not so hidden trendy Kakaako area. On top of that, this is a mom & pops establishment, which means they appreciate your business.