Kissaten Aims to Please All Day Every Day

After two years of serving satisfied customers, Kissaten Coffee Bar continues to provide its eclectic collection of must-have food and beverage selections anytime the heart (or stomach) desires.

The 24-hour eatery draws its name from the Japanese term for “coffee shop,” and was brought to fruition by co-owners Neysa Tada, Jon Ishimi and Sean Ishizaki. While amid the spacious, relaxing atmosphere, customers can grab a freshly made coffee or tea concoction, or simply unwind after a long day — regardless of what time the clock reads.

“The concept of being open 24 hours is to create an intrinsic feel that being here is automatic — you don’t have to think about it or wonder; we’re always open,” explains Ishizaki. “Plus, we all stay up late anyway, so why go home?”

As Kissaten celebrates its second anniversary, the coffee shop is offering a special three-course menu to thank its loyal customers. For the next two weeks, Kissaten presents an Anniversary Special Set-Course Menu, which features three delectable favorites.

With the $20 complete meal, customers will enjoy Cream of Spinach Soup ($6 on the regular menu), Shrimp Ceviche ($7) and Braised Short Ribs ($13), which includes the tender meat bathed in savory gravy and served with fresh vegetables atop a bed of mashed potatoes. The set also includes an exclusive gift: a limited edition Kissaten coffee mug only available with the anniversary special while supplies last.

“We basically offer cafe fare, but we want customers to come and enjoy it all the time,” says Ishizaki of the diverse menu, which incorporates tastes and influences from Japanese, Italian, French and Greek cooking, just to name a few. “As far as genres, it’s all across the board. We offer specials as well, so you can come here every day and not get tired of the same items.”

Kissaten features morning (6 to 11 a.m.), lunch and dinner (11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.) and late night (10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.) menus, and continually offers daily specials. Ishizaki explains that the eatery also infuses vegetarian options into its menu, including the fresh Portobello Mushroom Sandwich ($9.50). The light bite features sauteed Portobello mushrooms and roasted bell peppers topped with a pesto aioli and served on focaccia bread.

Customers also rave about the flavorful Kissaten Melt ($9.50), which includes shaved pastrami, mozzarella, caramelized onions and whole grain mustard aioli on sourdough bread. All sandwich selections include a choice of spring green salad with balsamic soy dressing or chips.

For an additional $3.50, diners can make their sandwich order a combo by adding a soup of the day, and for $2.50 more, served in a toasted bread bowl.

A full range of salads also is available, including Roasted Beet and Chicken Salad ($9.75). The dish features a hearty portion of baby spring greens, cherry tomatoes, toasted macadamia nuts, goat cheese crumbles, fine herbs and a creamy goat cheese dressing.

To the delight of those customers looking for a sweet treat any time of day, Kissaten features an ice cream parlor, which scoops up a vast array of flavors and toppings. One may order a single scoop ($2) in a cup or cone, or make it a double scoop ($3). Specialty ice cream creations are available as well, including Soda Floats ($3.25), Brownie Sundae ($5.50) and the famous Banana Split ($5.75).

Those still craving dessert are encouraged to dig in to Bread Pudding A La Mode ($5.50), as a giant scoop of ice cream tops the cranberry and cinnamon creation.

Kissaten also rewards customers with an easy-to-use loyalty program. By simply “logging in” with the cashier prior to placing an order, diners earn points which are tabulated online. Customers are reminded of their point accruals via email, and are sent special offers and gift certificates when certain point thresholds are met.

Diners are encouraged to keep an eye out for Kissaten’s new location slated to open March 1 on the lower level of Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Kissaten Japanese Noodle Shop will offer customers another locale at which they can enjoy their favorite fare, including a wide array of noodle dishes.

Kissaten Coffee Bar

88 Piikoi St., Honolulu
593-1200
Open daily, 24 hours