Kissaten Keeps the Good Times, Tastes Coming

Nearly three years after launching its popular concept of gourmet comfort food served around the clock, Kissaten Coffee Bar continues to offer great cuisine and satisfying beverages in a full-service restaurant setting that meets the tastes of such a diverse local population.

The 24-hour eatery draws its name from the Japanese term for “coffee shop,” and was brought to fruition by co-owners Neysa Taba and Jon Ishimi. The restaurant’s spacious, relaxing atmosphere allows customers an opportunity to grab freshly made coffee, a tea concoction or simply unwind with a hearty meal after a long day — regardless of what time the clock reads. Kissaten’s convenient location in Hawaiki Tower right across the street from Ala Moana Center even offers a host of free parking within the building, and is flanked by plenty of street parking.

Starting Monday, Kissaten is rolling out a collection of special menu items that both new and loyal customers are sure to appreciate. Taba and Ishimi credit executive chef Edison Ching with crafting the new menu items, as the culinary wizard brings more than 15 years of experience to the table.

“We offer gourmet food with a plate lunch price,” explains Ishimi. “Chef is a local boy who likes to feature local food and flavors, along with Japanese and Chinese-influenced dishes,” and Ching even incorporates Italian, French and Greek tastes and preparation techniques in his cooking.

Seafood enthusiasts will reel in the flavor with Live Manila Clams Cassoulet with Sausage ($11.50) — an aromatic concoction featuring Portuguese sausage, smoked sausage, kale, white beans and fresh Manila clams all cooked together in a stew along with grilled focaccia bread. Furikake Crusted Mahi Mahi Sandwich ($9.50) offers the juicy, tender fresh fish along with a wasabi tartar sauce, kabayaki, mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion on a Kaiser bun along with a side salad.

Diners are also encouraged to try Butternut Squash Risotto ($11), which includes chicken breast, caramelized onions and a savory sage browned butter that ties all the flavors together. Kissaten is also serving up fresh takes on a local favorite with Fresh Seared Ahi Loco Moco (market price) and Korean Adobo Loco Moco ($11), the latter of which features freshly prepared pork served over fried rice.

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 — including the aforementioned offerings. The eatery also infuses vegetarian options into its menu, including Portobello Mushroom Sandwich ($9.50) — a light bite featuring sauteed Portobello mushrooms and roasted bell peppers topped with a pesto aioli and served on focaccia bread.

A full range of salads is also available, including Roasted Beet & 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 the cool treats by the scoop and in a cup or cone, while also choosing from multiple specialty ice cream creations, including Soda Floats ($3.25), Brownie Sundae ($5.50) and the infamous Banana Split ($5.75).

Kissaten also operates a cafe at Island Club and Spa, which is situated conveniently at 1177 Queen St., and offers selections from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Diners are also encouraged to keep an eye out for Kissaten’s new location slated to open at Waterfront Plaza, also known as Restaurant Row, early next year. The restaurant’s third location will also offer a host of creative comfort food, and those who purchased Groupon offers for Kissaten’s previous Waikiki locale will be able to redeem the deals at the new site once it opens.

Kissaten rewards customers with a hassle-free 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 reminded to stop in and pick up $25 gift certificates and other Kissaten merchandise when shopping for friends and family during the holiday season. Customers interested in holding various holiday parties or special get-togethers at Kissaten are encouraged to email requests to info@kissatencafe.com. As a reminder, the restaurant will be closed from the latter part of Christmas Eve through a portion of Christmas Day, and diners are asked to please plan their Kissaten visits around the brief holiday break.

Kissaten Coffee Bar

PIIKOI
88 Piikoi St.
593-1200
Open 24 hours

W A I K I K
2250 Kalakaua Ave. (Waikiki Shopping Plaza, basement level)
922-3366
Daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

kissatencafe.com

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