Liliha Bakery, the Original

The family had had breakfast at the Liliha Bakery expansion sites on the Nimitz Highway and the International Market Place, but they had never dined at the original Liliha Bakery on Kuakini Street. Having never eaten there myself, I wasn't 100% sure that a restaurant was even at that location until we drove there on a Thursday.

We arrived at noon and waited for three seats to open at the counter (top left). After 30 minutes, and several parties of two leap-frogging ahead of us, one waitress asked if we would like a table in the back. Well, that's a pleasant surprise. Sure.

Through the double doors were three small tables next to bakery operations (top right). A few feet away were racks of pastries and pies. No one was looking; we could easily have snitched a few items, but your humble blogger is imbued with the highest ethical standards.

I ordered a loco moco on fried rice. The hamburger patty was seared perfectly on the outside, and done to a tender medium-rare on the inside. The gravy was flavorful but not salty, and its texture was neither too-thick nor too-watery.

The verdict was unanimous: the expansion locations had more seating and modern décor, but the original restaurant had the best food. It's worth the trip if one has the time.