Tangö Contemporary Cafe

We were able to get seated without reservation, although the waiter reminded us that we have an hour to use the table before the next reservation. I think this place tries to be too fancy without the proper seatings or tablewares etc. A really small area to dine in and can get really tight inside when it's full, it's practically elbow to elbow here. The two seater is actually not big enough for two people here. The server that day was prompt and friendly. Our food was okay, I order risotto but the rice was undercooked and asparagus was hard.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

​I was first introduced to this restaurant before COVID and really enjoyed it. Being in the area recently in 2026, I decided to stop by for lunch.

​To be honest, I didn’t initially realize it was Scandinavian-inspired mixed with local favorites; it wasn’t immediately obvious to me which menu items fit that description. A word of advice: if you are a walk-in, anticipate a long wait, especially for indoor seating. We actually saw a group walk in and seat themselves without checking the waitlist, which added another 10 minutes to our wait. The waiters were incredibly busy that day, so it is definitely best to call and reserve a table ahead of time. Also, just a suggestion—there isn't much difference between the breakfast and brunch menus other than the times; they really should just combine them.

​Despite the wait, we thoroughly enjoyed the food. The Lion Coffee was enjoyable—not too strong, with a great roast. Our table ordered the Braised Beef Loco Moco, the Tango Burger (cooked medium) with a sunny-side-up egg and fried potatoes, and the Plattar Swedish Pancakes.

​The braised beef was tender, soft, and savory. I appreciated that the gravy wasn't too salty, and the fried rice was seasoned well—not mushy, with a nice color likely from the shoyu. The hamburger was seasoned well (hard to go wrong there), though unfortunately, my egg broke before I could eat it. The Cajun-flavored potatoes were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. The Swedish pancakes were the highlight: slightly chewy, moist, and the fruit and berry syrup really hit the spot. So good!

​The atmosphere was nice and clean, with plenty of indoor seating and a few outdoor tables available. Overall, I would definitely come back to this restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Chef-drive cuisine which is all excellent! Service is top notch. They’ve all become friends. The prix fixe menus always please us. Lemongrass cosmo! Risotto always tempts me. Love owners who greet us. Reservations are best idea.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

I don’t understand how this place has so many awards. The Benedicts were absolutely tasteless, and their homemade focaccia tasted like the cheapest brioche. And they serve “Italian” coffee… The only Italian thing about it is the name. The cappuccino was one of the worst I’ve ever had — I took a couple of sips and returned it. Please don’t call it Italian; don’t embarrass the country!!!!!! Their coffee does not taste like this.

Overall, the food was very plain and had nothing to do with the Scandinavian vibe they claim.

Whoever awarded this place clearly has no idea what good food tastes like.

Half of the salad leaves were spoiled.

Do not waste your money!!!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4

Cappuccino average

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Delicious food for a reasonable brunch price! Really nice service as well. We’ll take guests here for breakfast again in the future!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best Old Fashioned I’ve ever had. Onion soup and risotto were perfect, as were the brisket and foie gras gyozas. We’ve been here a few times now and will keep coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was great here but what stood out was the service! Two young gentlemen waited on me and I honestly was taken back by how efficient and respectful they were to all the patrons. It’s sad that great service is rare these days, it’s even more rare with the younger generation. I can’t wait to go back with friends.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Quick polite and restrained service (perfect). The ingredients of the lox bagel were good, especially the fish. Was served you-build-it which is also cute and with this kind of sandwich probably best. They served the veggies and sliced white onion plain and piled on the side like it was a burger joint, jarring and perfunctory. Nobody would object to a squeeze of lemon to tame the onion and some salt and pepper on that tomato, and a well toasted bagel. Maybe I just can't stomach a 26 dollar w tip bagel that doesn't sweat the details 👿

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Came for happy hour (4-6 M-F) and still a great experience. Well made Brussel sprouts, crab cakes and old fashioned at happy hour prices. So recommend to get out of Waikiki and come here. They have validated parking or can park across the street for free and walk over, but that's a secret.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious food great service wonderful food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Brunch is delicious.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Such an underrated Kaka’ako weekend brunch! We tried the brunch burger (10/10), crab cake Benedict (7/10), braised beef loco moco (1000/10), and French toast (6/10). The breakfast potatoes were unique but REALLY good too. Highly, highly recommend Tangö. I need to try their dinner and happy hour next!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Can only split 2 credit cards for larger parties (we were 8)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The best coffee in Honolulu. Portions are generous and the service is excellent

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5