Waikiki magazine

First Meal

May 6, 2014 | By Jaimie Kim

Don’t forget breakfast—and how could you, with so many delicious dishes!

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And just because you’re in vacation mode doesn’t mean you should neglect morning meals in favor of sleeping in. Especially not when Waikiki is a treasure trove of dining options.

Eggs ‘N Things

Popular among visitors, Eggs ‘N Things offers crepes, pancakes, waffles, and yes, many egg dishes such as omelets, benedicts and meat combinations.

One of its most popular dishes is the Island Style Fried Rice and Eggs ($11.45). The fried rice includes bacon, Portuguese sausage and ham, as well as sprouts, green onions, white onions, celery, mushrooms and carrots.

Two eggs, cooked to each diner’s preference, are placed atop the generous serving of fried rice.

Public relations manager Damian Zukeran says customers should look forward to quality food with many locally sourced, and cooked-to-order ingredients.

“We are so serious about that, that we do not have microwaves in our kitchens,” he says.

Reservations are available for its Saratoga Road location only via OpenTable.

Eggs ‘N Things
343 Saratoga Road [C:6 Waikiki Map] (808) 923-EGGS (3447)

Eggs ‘N Things Eggspress
2464 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map] (808) 926-EGGS (3447) www.eggsnthings.com

Giovanni Pastrami

Late risers can look forward to breakfast served all day at Giovanni Pastrami from 7 a.m. to midnight.

“Giovanni Pastrami is all about quality and quantity,” says owner Robert Bach.

The Triple Play ($19) allows diners to sample from three of the restaurant’s top sellers.

The first is its Mini Wagyu Beef Loco Moco, made with two ounces of American Wagyu hamburger, placed on a bed of rice and topped with house-made gravy and a local egg. Mini Pancakes are topped with local macadamia nuts and fresh strawberries, and diners may choose between coconut or maple syrup. And finally, a Gourmet Bacon, Tomato, Avocado Eggs Benedict features a house-made hollandaise sauce.

Reservations are encouraged, especially for larger parties, and may be completed online at www.giovannipastrami.com or by calling (808) 923-2100. Walk-in diners also are welcome.

Giovanni Pastrami
227 Lewers St. [C:7 Waikiki Map] (808) 923-2100

Protea Café

Nestled in Luana Waikiki, Protea Café is a cozy retreat not far from the bustle of Waikiki.

With walls that display locally sourced artwork and beautiful hard-woods imported from Bali, the café serves as a haven of delicious eats.

“You can taste quality when you do things fresh to order,” says manager Tony Menka.

Because of its refreshing flavors, Menka says visitors enjoy the Ali‘i Acai Bowl ($12).

Strawberries, blueberries and bananas, along with acai, acai juice and an acai frozen purée are blended and placed on top of a layer of Greek nonfat yogurt. It is covered with organic hemp granola before fresh fruit and a finishing touch of honey and coconut syrup drizzle are added.

Seating is first-come, first-served, as the restaurant only accommodates approximately 15 people comfortably.

Protea Café
2045 Kalakaua Ave. [B:5 Waikiki Map] (808) 942-0999

Sweet E’s Café

Located in Kapahulu’s Kilohana Square, a little off the beaten path, Sweet E’s Café is serving up some exceptional eats.

Named after its owner, Ethel Kim, its menu features names for dishes that all begin with the letter “e.”

Its Enchanting French Toast, for instance, remains a favorite. Even more popular is its variation of the dish, Blueberries and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast ($8.95).

Moloka‘i sweet bread is spiced and stuffed with a cream cheese and blueberry mixture.

Its relaxing atmosphere and top-notch customer service is something Kim says she strives for.

“I’ve always wanted to have a place where you feel like you’re not going to a restaurant and more like you’re going to someone’s house,” she says.

Seating is first-come, first served.

Sweet E’s Café
1016 Kapahulu Ave. (808) 737-7771