Grand Cafe

The owners are oh so friendly! I went at 10:00 in the morning. Our server said breakfast ends at 10, but the menu says 10:30? A little confusion there. The menu was pretty small. Not a lot of options. I’ll admit, I come here for the parties! They’re good. I’m a pastry girl, and I love their quartet. It’s a good variety. The three stars is for poor location, small menu, and less-​than-​decent food. Maybe I came on an off day.

It’s been awhile since I had the pleasure of eating at Grand Café’s old Chinatown location but fate brought me to the doors of their new HISAM location. My brother and I had a lunch date here and I love eating with family because you can go sharesies on all your dishes.
EATS: I’m going to admit that I was apprehensive about eating here after reading all the up and down reviews but I’m really happy we gave it a chance. My brother and I shared their butternut squash ravioli and their Coca-​Cola braised short ribs. The ravioli only came with three pieces and I laughed that they’d forgotten the rest of the dish in the kitchen. I didn’t realize the ravioli was only an appetizer portion. I’d definitely recommend getting the short ribs if you’re a meat lover as it’s a really good portion size and comes with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed veggies.
Although our meal was nice, it was the dessert that really left me wanting more. If you can only get one thing at Grand Café you MUST order their lemon cake. It’s made in-​house and is the chef’s Grandmother’s recipe. I am a dessert fanatic who usually only eats 1 – 2 bites of a cake but I literally licked the plate clean. From the cake to the frosting everything really tastes homemade and only like Grandmother could make. I would kill for this recipe!
SERVICE: From start to finish service was very friendly and on-​point.
AMBIANCE: A lovely space and do yourself the favor of taking a walk through the museums. We’re very lucky to have easily accessible art and good food in the same location.
PARKING: We all know that parking Downtown is a nightmare, but thankfully there’s the Ali’i place parking lot right across the street. It’s pretty reasonable as long as you’re not staying the entire day.

Let me first say that the desserts are a five star — hands down, no question!
BUT…The menu has changed and the layout is a little hard to understand. AND… on food quality: my Chinese Turkey Salad was ok but I’ve definitely had better there before. I came back thinking it was a fluke visit but I had the Reuben and it was ok but not worth the $ 16 they are charging. I really love this place and I do hope they find a way to turn things around. If not, I’ll order my dessert to-​go.

Grand Café & Bakery offers a variety of menu options for any appetite.
Chef Anthony Vierra has a extensive culunary background. Their menu is filled with many selections & they offer amazing specials. The location is beautiful and convenient to the downtown area. I’m a fan and have tried many of the well priced selections. It’s always hard to choose when you want it all! I’ve used them for my buisness meeting catering for years now! I stop by just to pick up Petite Patries to take home pure heaven! If you haven’t been your missing out. Don’t wait go and enjoy! Food this good and reasonsble is hard to find!

Unilocal 100 Challenge #61/​100
I haven’t been to the Grand Café at the HISAM location yet so I thought I would give it a try a few days ago. We got there a little late, around 1:25 pm and they were out of the Cola Braised Short Ribs, Reuben and Turkey sandwich. The location is nice and it’s a great place to have a business meeting as well.
I ordered the Beef Rib Stew and my friend had the catch of the day which was Salmon. The server let us know that the Beef Rib was the same meat as the Braised Short Ribs.
We got our orders shortly after (about 10 minutes) and started to dig in. The salmon was very moist and tasted pretty good. My beef stew came with a side of rice. There were a lot of pieces of meat that was on the bone and it just fell off. It was very tender and moist as well. The beef stew was pretty good as well. It came with a side of prickled onions which was ok as well.
The drink of the day was an iced tea with apricot and another fruit (sorry I forgot). It wasn’t sweetened and it was okay. I probably wouldn’t order the tea again. You do get refills on the tea so that was a plus.
The service was okay. They were nice though. Overall, if you want to have a good atmosphere where it’s not to noisy, then Grand Café is great. The food is about $ 10 and up. My beef stew was $ 15.50, just to give you an idea. Maybe I’ll try there deserts the next time.

Can’t pay separately,
can’t box your own leftovers,
serving size of soup is ridiculously small for the price,
prices are a bit high. :(
Good parts–
The location is convenient on the first floor of the Hawaii Art Museum building. I ordered their special shoyu chicken dish which tasted great and their special pineapple tea was perfect. It came with infinite refills which I was pleased about.
Bad parts–
My problem however started when I asked for a box to take home what I could not finish eating. I was told that the restaurant has to box the remaining food for me, and they would not give me a box so that I could box my own food. So I said okay and reminded them not to forget the vegetables and to please get as much of the shoyu sauce as possible, otherwise it would be dry. When the waitress returned with my boxed leftovers, it looked suspiciously small for the amount of leftovers I had. Upon looking further into the boxed leftovers, I found that my vegetables were not in there at all– which I had specifically reminded them about and also none of my shoyu sauce was saved from my bowl. Both of which I specifically asked for. Very disappointed.
The second complaint I have is that they would not allow both my friend and I to each pay for our own lunch. This is an office location and generally office people pay for their own lunch. The only way for my friend and I to pay our own portion of the bill was for at least one of us to pay with cash. Luckily, my friend had cash and I paid with my charge card, but we both had preferred to pay with our charge card.
On a previous day, I had ordered their chowder soup which was delicious, but such a teeny tiny serving in a flat, really shallow bowl. And yet the price was quite expensive (over $ 5) for what appeared to be one cup of soup.
Although the location is great, I would really think twice before going there again. There are so many other options for places to eat in downtown that I will definitely continue to eat elsewhere.

I used to love the Grand Café and Bakery in its old Pauahi Streeet location in Chinatown. Yesterday, my co-​worker took me to lunch at its new location in the HISAM. I was happy to hear that they had re-​opened there, but that happiness was short lived as it was no longer the same. I guess when we walked in and were only two of about 6 people in there, that was a pretty dead give away, given that when it used to be downTOWN restaurant, this place was packed and always had a long line. In any event, the menu was limited, and what we did order, it was kind of blah. I had a smoked turkey chinese style salad. It was really boring and bland. I don’t know how else to describe it except to say it was blah — basically chopped cabbage, bean sprouts that looked like they were on the verge of rotting, very minimal pieces of turkey that definitely wasn’t smoked, wilted cilantro, and a handful of wonton pi. And the dressing… blah. And I also tried the tomato soup, which was the soup of the day. Eh. Pretty disappointing. The quality used to be so good.

Located on the very first floor of the Hawaii Art Museum building, Grand Café & Bakery is a tourist attraction spot. If you haven’t known, it is also placed in the No. 1 Capitol District Building or where the employees of Department of Budget and Finance are staffed. I went with a group of old friends, former coworkers to be exact, and honestly, I wasn’t at all satisfied with the entrée that I’ve ordered. Their prices were moderately overpriced for the portion. There was a total of 5 on one table; three of us ordered the pasta primavera, another ordered a hamburger combo while the 5^th person ordered the braised short ribs.
My pasta primavera was approximately $ 14 and it overly greasy that it made me feel tasteless and not consume the rest of my meal at all. All three of us who ordered the pasta primavera did concur that it was too oily, which messed up our taste buds. My friend who ordered the braised short ribs too was not pleased with her order, informing us that her entrée was brackish (salty).
The service was tolerable but I would have expected our meals to be served at our table sooner. I may not return to The Grand Café and Bakery, only because I was dissatisfied with my greasy pasta. Then again, maybe it was the chef who cooked it and some people may have a different experience. But if you haven’t ordered the pasta primavera just yet, I would advise you to order rather something else and get your money’s worth. Overall, I would valuate this place as 2 out of 5 stars from my experience.

This was the first time I visited the Grande Café & Bakery since it moved from its Pauahi St. location. I was a frequent patron of the old Chinatown location, so I was eager to try the new location, especially since it is now so close to where I work.
Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed during my visit to the HiSAM location. The menu is extremely limited. I was happy to see some of their popular dishes still on the menu, such as the Tipsy Cranberry Salad and Coca-​Cola Braised Shortribs, but some of my favorite items didn’t make the cut, including the Meatloaf, Fish & Chips, and Penne Pasta.
I had the Sandwich of the Day, which was the Tuna Melt with Tomato and Swiss Cheese. However, the restaurant ran out of focaccia bread, so they gave me a tuna melt using a croissant. Croissants don’t make good melts. It was just ‘okay’, but nothing to write home about.
I’ll probably visit the Grande Café & Bakery again since it is so convenient and one of the few places in Downtown with table service. I like the décor and appreciate the speedy and courteous service. Perhaps Chef Vierra will consider expanding his menu in the future.

We have only eaten here on Sunday and Monday breakfast. No lunch experience.
We have been regular at the old location in China Town. We were so happy that they had found the new location in a State Museum. Eggs Benedict is still the best in town, served only on Sunday mornings.
Unfortunately I don’t remember what we ate but Non eggs benedict breakfast was satisfying as well.
Their service has been very good like before.
PS. I love fresh yellow chrysanthemum on each tables.

I used to love the Grand Café and Bakery in Chinatown. I was very sad when I went there one day, and it was gone. Imagine my delight when one of my dearest friends told me it was now in the Hawaii State Art Museum.
We made plans to go to a Sunday brunch – my friend, her partner, my husband and I – and we made reservations for 12 noon, so everyone could sleep in. To be prepared and because my husband asked me, I looked up the Sunday Brunch menu on line. That was our first mistake. The menu offered on the Sunday we went was not «brunch»; it was just breakfast. There was no catch of the day, which my husband had set his heart on.
My friend ordered a Mexican skillet breakfast that she declared wonderful. Her partner and I ordered Eggs Benedict, which was very tasty, My poor husband ordered a side of bacon and over easy eggs. I took a bite of his bacon later because he couldn’t finish it, and it was hard. Not crispy but hard!
We also ordered a lemon cake, which was still good though more pedestrian than I remember. It actually reminded me of the jello cakes made by mothers and aunts several decades ago. The old location’s lemon cake was definitely better.
The final problem is the price. It’s ridiculous to charge $ 17 for Eggs Benedict and some potatoes. Oh yes, if you’re going to split something, there’s a $ 2.50 charge, too.

I echo the sentiments of the reviewers here and found this restaurant to be extremely disappointing. I would recommend this place to people who don’t mind:
–having their iced tea taste very watered down
–dining with moths flying around the table
–flagging down someone to take your order
–waiting forty minutes for your dish to arrive!
–receiving a dish not as represented by the waiter
–getting sick from spoiled and sour broccoli florets
–your potato hash very oily beneath what was otherwise a tasty salmon fillet
–finding only five cranberries in your «tipsy cranberry salad», and candied walnuts which will seem to overwhelm the dish
–your garlic mashed potatoes tasteless and worst than instant potatoes
–pastries that seemed to be taken from a Costco value pack more than homemade
–paying high prices for substandard service and poor food quality.
If this is your idea of great dining, be my guest. It’s sure not mine.

Grand Café is located at the Hawaii State Art Museum. The past couple times I’ve visited, I would just call the day of for reservations and had no problem getting a table. Usually it isn’t too busy – so you could possibly try walking in too.
It’s a very relaxed atmosphere. Service has been okay for us… I think there was only one time that the waitress took forever to take our order! But other than that, the food would come out quickly! The first time I went, I had the crab cakes which was the special catch of the day. It was delicious and I loved how their grilled vegetables were seasoned. The second time we went, I had their primavera pasta – delicious and very large portion! I would definitely come back for their pasta.
Overall, I really enjoy coming here. Prices can be a bit steep for lunch, but this is a great place to come when you feel like splurging a little!

I was a fan of their old location, but something seems to have shifted when they moved to their new location in the HiSAM.
Since they have moved to the HiSAM, I have visited Grand Café twice.
Before, the café felt like a well-​oiled machine. Months after the move, it feels like they are still trying to settle down and get used to the change.
When my coworkers and I first enter the café, the hostess always asks if we have a reservation. Both visits, my coworkers and I did not have a reservation, but appreciated that they always found space for us, even when they were extremely busy. The servers are always courteous and inform us of their specials. However, we were not informed of the price of the specials.
The food is good. The last time I went, I had their special — chicken curry. It was tasty. The chicken pieces and the vegetables were very tender. The curry tasted more like Japanese style. The dish also came with a side of chopped up peanuts if we wanted to add it to the dish. I liked the peanuts because it added a nice crunch to the entrée. It was a good-​sized portion — I was able to finish the dish and was definitely full when I left.
While the service and food are good, the price of the dishes are high, especially when compared to other eateries in town. The curry I had cost $ 17.50. Even though I did enjoy the meal and the nice ambiance of the café, I still had buyer’s remorse because the meal was expensive.

We dropped in for lunch and it was busy! Although we were immediately seated and they brought iced tea we walked out because no one came by to take our order. They were just too busy and did not have sufficient help.
People came in after us and made take out orders so we knew we were not going to get served in a decent amount if time. I wish the host would have advised us to make a take out order!
We walked out and I’m giving it two stars because the food looked good
I doubt I will return as they were short of help and the help they had did have not appear to be on it.

Overpriced. $ 17.50 for a fish sandwich that comes with either a small side of coleslaw or potato chips. NOT WORTH IT.
When your bill for two comes out to more than Café Julia, you know that the restaurant you are at is overpriced. $ 8 for a bowl of chowder? The chowder wasn’t even hot!
I’m sorry Grand Café but you need to lower your prices or increase your quality. You are competing with other options in downtown. Café Julia, Lucky Belly, Café VIII ½, etc.

After the joy of eating at Downtown @ HiSAM, I really, really wanted to love Grand Café. Unfortunately I don’t. And yes, I could go again, but I would rather try another lunch place than be disappointed again.
For lunch, prices are high. I ordered the tipsy cranberry salad and was so disappointed that I was ready to tip over in my chair. I paid around $ 12-​$ 14 for what consisted of mesclun greens, dried cranberries, and candied walnuts. I literally believe that they went to Safeway, bought a huge tub of mixed greens, Craisins, and candied walnuts, of which they gave about (4) of the latter. I can’t eat blue cheese and asked for feta, which they did not have. The dressing was average.
My friend ordered the pasta primavera ($ 17). It didn’t look appetizing and the price was very steep.
The location is convenient but the food is overpriced. Not worth it. Service was so-​so.
I’d rather go to Safeway and make the salad myself.

I was already a fan of the old Chinatown location, and was very disappointed when it closed. However, I was even more happy to hear it was reopening in HiSAM since I work nearby!
I finally got to try it last week for breakfast, and it did not disappoint. Although I am not a fanatic of corned beef hash like some people are, I felt compelled to order it, and I did not regret my decision! I ordered it with the potatoes (nice and crispy on the outside, light on the inside) and eggs over easy.
My friend ordered the bananas foster French toast, which was also excellent. I can’t wait to try it for lunch!

2.14.13
«To love others you must first love yourself.»
This is the motto I decided to embrace on this lovely Valentine’s Day. So I treated myself to a meal at a new spot in downtown: Grand Café!
I have to admit that I was slightly underwhelmed. Perhaps this was because I wasn’t dining in, but a lot of it also had to do with the fact that I was subconsciously sizing up this place to the standards of its previous occupant, Downtown.
The take out menu is a number of sandwiches but you can also order things from the menu to-​go. I had the «Wilbur’s Last Stand», which was really a glorified ham & cheese sandwich. While I could appreciate the delicious ciabatta-​like bread, the generous amount of smoked cold cuts and the unique balance of the cheese, tomato, lettuce with a light but flavorful mix of mayo/​mustard/​spice spread… I don’t know if I would spend almost $ 8 for this again. We shall see…
I think I will have to try the dine-​in experience to really get a taste of whether I’ll be satisfied with Downtown’s replacement. On a brighter note, the lady at the register was very nice and she suggested that the next time I come I should call ahead of time for reservations! Apparently everyone wants to be in on the buzz about the new place in town :)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Unilocal 365 Challenge: #045/​365

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Grand Café had moved to the old HISAM location. So when an associate suggested that for a lunch meeting I was pleased.
I enjoyed the old Grand Café location and thought their food was pretty good.
When we arrived it was a little crowded but we got a seat with a «suggestion» from the owner to make reservations next time, which I agree would’ve been the smart thing to do.
Within a 15 minute span, the place filled up with tons of business people meeting and networking and enjoying lunch.
Our waiter was a little green, not servicing our table as much as I’d like. Our water glasses emptied quite often before being refilled but overall he was decent. He seemed a tad bit overwhelmed by the number of tables he needed to service.
The other thing I was pretty shocked about was the price. Maybe the price was high before but I just didn’t realize it as someone else paid for it and I was oblivious to it, which is bad on me.
However, I ordered the sandwich special of the day which was a grilled panini veggie sandwich and potato chips. The price was $ 16. What the!!! That to me is insane for a sandwich.
In any case, I hope they lower their prices just a little to make it more affordable for the downtown crowd.