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# Cafe 'Alalā – A Cozy Restaurant in Downtown Honolulu, HI
Cafe 'Alalā, located at 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Urban Honolulu, HI, is a vibrant restaurant known for its delicious matcha beverages and a diverse menu that includes sandwiches and breakfast items. Originally known as Cafe Daisy, this establishment has transformed into a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. The cafe is situated in the Topa Financial Center, making it a convenient choice for those working in the area. With a welcoming atmosphere and a rooftop garden offering stunning views, Cafe 'Alalā has garnered positive reviews for its friendly service and quality offerings, making it a must-visit destination in Honolulu.

## History
### The story of Cafe 'Alalā
Cafe 'Alalā was born from a vision to create a community-focused eatery that offers high-quality beverages and food in a welcoming environment. The rebranding from Cafe Daisy to Cafe 'Alalā marked a new chapter, emphasizing a commitment to quality and customer experience. The cafe has quickly become a staple in the downtown area, attracting both locals and tourists who seek a unique dining experience.

### Milestones and growth
- Transitioned from Cafe Daisy to Cafe 'Alalā
- Expanded menu offerings to include a variety of breakfast and lunch items
- Established a rooftop garden for outdoor dining
- Gained a loyal customer base through social media and word-of-mouth

### Cultural and local influence
Cafe 'Alalā reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Honolulu, incorporating local flavors and ingredients into its menu. The cafe has become a gathering place for the community, fostering connections among residents and visitors. Its focus on matcha and other specialty beverages resonates with the health-conscious trends prevalent in Hawaii, making it a popular choice for those seeking nutritious options.

### Continuing the tradition
The cafe continues to uphold its founding vision by regularly updating its menu and engaging with the community. By hosting events and collaborating with local businesses, Cafe 'Alalā remains committed to providing a unique dining experience that honors its roots while embracing innovation.

## Community
### Community involvement
Cafe 'Alalā actively participates in community events and initiatives, supporting local farmers and artisans by sourcing ingredients from nearby producers. This commitment to local sourcing not only enhances the quality of their offerings but also strengthens ties within the community. The cafe often hosts events that bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Cafe 'Alalā as more than just a restaurant; it is seen as a hub for social interaction and a space where people can unwind. Regular patrons appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the attentive service provided by the staff. Many reviews highlight the cafe's role in creating a welcoming environment that encourages conversation and connection.

### Events and gatherings
Cafe 'Alalā hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations and community gatherings. These events often feature local artists, musicians, and food vendors, creating a vibrant atmosphere that showcases the talents of the community. The rooftop garden serves as an ideal venue for these events, offering a picturesque backdrop for socializing and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian weather.

## Offerings
### What Cafe 'Alalā offers
Cafe 'Alalā provides a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. From specialty matcha drinks to hearty breakfast and lunch options, there is something for everyone. The cafe's commitment to quality is evident in every dish and beverage, making it a popular choice for both quick bites and leisurely meals.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Cafe 'Alalā is characterized by a focus on fresh ingredients and innovative flavors. Customers can enjoy a variety of options, including sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items. The cafe's signature matcha drinks, such as the Banana Bread Matcha and Strawberry Coconut Cold Brew, have received rave reviews for their unique flavors and quality.

### Events and packages
Cafe 'Alalā offers catering services for events, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes at gatherings and celebrations. The cafe also provides special packages for groups, making it an excellent choice for meetings or social events. These offerings enhance the cafe's reputation as a versatile dining destination that can accommodate various needs.

### Facilities and features
- Rooftop garden with scenic views
- Spacious indoor dining area
- Friendly and accommodating staff
- Convenient location in the Topa Financial Center
- Variety of seating options, including outdoor seating

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Cafe 'Alalā highlight a mix of positive experiences and constructive feedback. Many patrons commend the quality of the food and beverages, particularly the matcha drinks. However, some customers have noted inconsistencies in flavor and pricing, which can vary based on the item ordered.

### Compliments and strengths
Customers frequently praise the friendly and welcoming staff, who contribute to a pleasant dining atmosphere. The cafe's commitment to quality ingredients and innovative menu items has also garnered positive attention. The rooftop garden is often mentioned as a highlight, providing a unique dining experience with stunning views.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some customers have expressed concerns about the pricing of certain items, particularly the specialty drinks. Additionally, a few reviews mention that the cafe can get crowded during peak hours, which may affect the overall experience.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Cafe 'Alalā is well-regarded for its quality offerings and community-focused approach. While there are occasional critiques regarding pricing and consistency, the cafe's strengths in service and ambiance make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Cafe 'Alalā is conveniently located in downtown Honolulu at 1 Aloha Tower Dr, making it easily accessible for both residents and tourists. The surrounding area features a variety of attractions, including the iconic Aloha Tower and the bustling waterfront. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the pier, explore local shops, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Honolulu. The cafe's location within the Topa Financial Center also places it near other dining options and businesses, making it a convenient stop for those in the area.

## FAQs
**What are the hours of operation** Cafe 'Alalā typically operates from morning until late afternoon, catering to breakfast and lunch crowds.
**Is there parking available** Yes, there is parking available in the underground garage, though it may be costly.
**Does Cafe 'Alalā offer catering services** Yes, the cafe provides catering options for events and gatherings.
**Are there vegetarian options on the menu** Yes, Cafe 'Alalā offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes.
**Can I order online for pickup** Yes, online ordering is available for customers who prefer to pick up their orders.

## Visit Cafe 'Alalā Today
Cafe 'Alalā invites you to experience its delightful offerings in a friendly and welcoming environment. With a rich history and a commitment to community, this cafe is not just a place to eat but a hub for social interaction. Enjoy a delicious matcha drink or a hearty meal while taking in the beautiful views from the rooftop garden. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Cafe 'Alalā is a must-visit destination in Honolulu.

b706bc32-dc3b-45ff-b8ce-4b07753eeb0f

Came for the matcha... Stayed for some lunch as suggested from the other location at Aloha Tower as this Topa Financial Center location have a full menu including sandwiches and looking at their menu there was some familiarity from the former Cafe Daisy and to find out that it's exactly the same so I'm not sure if it was just a name change and thought it was strange as their clover screen still says Cafe Daisy at Topa and my receipt says Cafe Daisy as well. Like I said I came for the matcha or specifically the new item "Banana Bread Matcha" and as my first sip was exactly that the creator of the syrup smiled and agreed with me as we talked about it further and couldn't get enough of it and wished I could have this every day. For lunch it was the "Jalapeño Grilled Ham n Cheese and made it a combo to add Tomato Soup was absolutely delicious the insane cheese pull that went on with each bite was filled with ham and jalapeños making it a perfect pair. The staff is so nice and friendly and love that they have lots of seating as I enjoyed my lunch at my leisure but ended up enjoying the rest of my matcha on the Rooftop Garden as the elevator to the top of the parking structure was just steps away from the restaurant which was a nice way to take in the beautiful view. Thank you!

688ce8fe-e0c7-4abf-9580-a42ec55f39f4

Breakfast in Downtown Honolulu, Hawaii... Located on the ground level of the Topa Financial Center, another location of Cafe 'Alalā has appeared! I've been to Cafe 'Alalā at Aloha Tower... it used to be called Cafe Daisy, but changed it's name to Cafe 'Alalā. Anyway, Cafe 'Alalā at Topa Financial Center is convenient for those who work in the building and others who work in Downtown. There's a dining area if you want to enjoy your meal and/or beverage right there. If not, go up the elevator to the 6th floor and hang out at the Rooftop Garden! There's no air-conditioning, but the view is spectacular! We had a Strawberry Coconut Cold Brew (non-dairy) and Avo, egg, and cheese croissant. They were yummy and great for a quick morning snack!

0c78f237-62e7-4d44-a885-29cbe4ffe779

MATCHA -- I came here for the matcha because of the social media hype. I got the strawberry matcha. I would say that their strawberry flavor is more on the artificial side -- similar to a Nesquik strawberry milk flavor. You can taste the matcha pretty well. SERVICE -- The barista/cashier is friendly. My friend forgot to substitute their milk for oat milk and the barista was able to accommodate their request even after already paying for the drink. I asked for extra napkins since I had a runny nose and she gave me a great amount of it. She also gave us the restroom code in the building when we needed to use it. AMBIANCE -- The store is pretty small, there was still a considerable amount of space when you enter but there were no seating inside the store. It was almost always empty when I visited around noon-early afternoon on a Wednesday during the summer. There were Aloha Tower outdoor seating right outside of the store, perfect for hanging out. It was such a hot week in July and it was shaded and breezy in that spot. Review is for my visit on July 30, 2025.

5adcfa82-0d43-4e70-8e3e-d2effe64f4e9

Really tasty pumpkin dirty Chai. Courteous worker. There were many other delicious concoctions, I had a hard time deciding at first but I never had a dirty chai. There is alot of parking. You need to ask for a code to the bathroom.

4581ce05-56cb-49dc-b1b5-5df0c0399ca2

In the topa financial building I just was here for someone else, I'm never downtown! Lol theres a lot of little food cafes and bento shops in here so I'm glad I got to try something new! This place is near the security desk and across from aloha bakehouse cafe. This place has a lot of seating. They have a breakfast menu and lunch menu. I ordered a strawberry matcha and the it was pretty good! Strong match taste and it was one the thicker side. They have fresh juices but note that it comes in a pretty small cup I saw. It's quite pricey starting $8.99 for 12 oz. I got an avo egg cheese croissant and it was tasty! They have bagels, espressos, smoothies, juices, matcha, and specialty lattes, cold brews and frappes. Lunch menu is pretty much same as breakfast with wraps and sandwiches but with salads. Very convenient for employees and people in this area. Service was fast and friendly.

a343b073-3958-4652-bcf4-b193fd2a8685

Was charging at the new fast chargers and needed my morning coffee. Found ʻAlalā on Yelp, very convenient. Great iced latte, house blend. Nice walk around the pier before and after, very relaxing way to get your charge and coffee on a Sunday morning!

aa7629bf-8cfa-4752-8f6e-1321dbbdfda2

Another great drink and sandwich from Cafe Alala!! I got the ham, egg, and cheese croissant with avacado and a matcha brown sugar with oat milk. DELICIOUS!! I also had some of their homemade tomato sauce to go with the sandwich...I mean seriously..., the container it comes in definitely needs to be bigger! Thank you Jean for always taking the time to 'talk story' a little when I come visit. See you next week

1d3d8ca0-46b9-4ab2-afca-6bc21a0d8588

Banana bread matcha latte: 10/10! So, so good. Matcha was rich and bitter, syrup was a bit on the sweeter side, but had a really good nutty banana flavor. Pistachio foam matcha latte: also 10/10! Really good as well, perfect balance of sweetness and matcha flavor. Parking in the underground parking garage is ridiculously expensive, 21 minutes was $6.00. No validation. Better to find street parking and walk. Baristas were super nice and helpful! Lots of seating, good place to study or catch up w/ friends :)

28ba413b-4a35-4b4e-8f95-928bfb280ffd

I have been coming here way before their rebrand as Cafe 'Alalā and I can always say that their drinks never miss. I love their house beans and I'm so happy that they brought another espresso bean option which is Kona. The drink I got today was their Kona Cold Brew with the strawberry foam they use in their strawberry matcha #iykyk. If you love their strawberry matcha but feel like switching matcha for coffee, I HIGHLY recommend this drink! Staff is always so nice and friendly, and I appreciate their drink recommendations when I'm feeling indecisive. If you're ever in the downtown/Aloha Tower area, this is definitely a place to check out!

21603419-d550-47c5-97bf-bd9bf665d293

overhyped it could be better, sometimes it's bland. it's okay to try, workers are nice and works efficiently

Discover Cafe 'Alalā in Honolulu for authentic local cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere. Experience the best dining in the heart of Urban Honolulu today.

Cafe 'Alalā in Honolulu - Unique Dining Experience in the City

Honolulu

Cafe 'Alalā

Hawaii

Discover Cafe 'Alalā in Honolulu, HI for authentic Hawaiian cuisine and stunning waterfront views. Perfect for food lovers seeking local flavors. Book now!

Cafe 'Alalā in Honolulu - Unique Hawaiian Dining Experience

Learn about Cafe 'Alalā in Honolulu, HI, offering traditional Hawaiian dishes in a cozy setting. Experience the taste of Hawaii today!

About Cafe 'Alalā, Honolulu - Your Hawaiian Food Destination

Opening hours for Cafe 'Alalā, Honolulu. Find opening hours for Cafe 'Alalā, Honolulu, HI at 1 Aloha Tower Dr.

Cafe 'Alalā Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Cafe 'Alalā

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