Roots Cafe

Exactly what I've been craving! I've passed by this place so many times, but wanting some good Hawaiian food made me finally search this place out. It's so perfect on the inside, definitely gives "hole in the wall" excellence you know you get from places that are family owned. Go support local small businesses like this one instead of the big business moving here! Delicious, kind people, comforting environment, and definitely getting my business again!

I was beginning to enjoy my meal when I couldn't help but notice a large strand of what seems to be facial hair hopefully in my meal. I am beyond disappointed with the quality of the meal. After finding that strand of hair I contacted GrubHub about it and hopefully I do receive a refund because that is insane. Hopefully the workers of this establishment increased their hygiene or proper care of food.

We visited Roots Cafe after hearing good reviews and being in the area. It's a family-owned spot with a clean, simple, unassuming interior, much like a cozy hole-in-the-wall eatery. The menu is straightforward--you order and pay at the counter and they bring the food to your table. The kalbi ribs were flavorful, but the meat cuts were small and very thin which made them less satisfying. The chicken katsu was dry. Both the loco moco and chicken teriyaki were just okay. While the family-friendly vibe and welcoming atmosphere were nice, the portions felt a little on the smaller side and the inconsistent flavors left us dissatisfied. It seemed like there's potential but the experience didn't meet our expectations.

This was my second time visiting. The food is amazing. Tastes like a home cooked meal. The restaurant itself doesn't sit very many and no frills but the food delivers. Too bad they didn't have any desserts today which I've heard they make fresh. We tried the kalbi, garlic shrimp and loco moco. They were all good though the garlic shrimp is a standout for me. It's fried well and has a nice crisp outside to it and is tasty. We also got the stir fried veggies on the side and that was very good also. Service is great. Overall, I highly recommend this place!!

Place is small and hidden away with good vibes inside. Food was delicious, I've had Kalbi (short ribs) many times but this place had an extra kick of flavor. The chicken katsu was also very crunchy and fried well. Also had a side of spam masubi, they definitely know what they are doing here!

I accidentally stumbled into Mama's Cafe and from the moment I walked through the door and felt aloha not only through words but through actions and other communications. For a few brief moments I felt at home. They immediately fell in love with my little dog and even all customer service aside the food is so ono(delicious), it broke da mouth! (My taste buds dance). This has officially become my place for comfort food.Just a few days ago I walked into the cafe after my dog had been kidnapped and they didn't even have to wait for me to open my mouth to say anything they knew that my heart was shattered. Every single person on staff jumped in and wanted to know who messed with our Ohana. Here I am, one little hanai boy, lost in the world, and something so simple like a Musubi can make someone know that we will find our little Pono boy. Every time I walk into this restaurant even is broken as my little heart is I feel loved and accepted and acknowledged.The dining area they're serving area and the kitchen area is the most spotless clean places I have seen in a long time. They took the concept of Hawaiian barbecue and gave it a little bit of a cafe vibe, with just a dash of Hawaiian blessing. I'm never going to L&L ever again, and about the only thing that I can wish for is a decent Lau Lau. Mama's musubi is filled with just enough love I almost forget that a lau lau is even an option in other places. I miss my hale, i miss my hanai ohana. My little Pono'Kai was loved the moment we met, and as picky as he is, even my little doggo loves Makiahine's Kalbi rib bones. Thank you everybody for filling me with hope and love and aloha on whatever random occasion I pop in. I don't have to miss getting my spam musubi before or during work everyday anymore either.I guess I could keep rambling or I can wrap things up and just finish by saying isn't my review enough? Why haven't you gone in to eat at Roots Cafe yet? Make sure you get Mama's Kailua Park, don't skimp on the musubi, and no matter which plate lunch you get, you have to get dessert. May I recommend the banana haupia?

Absolutely love there's a Hawaiian place in the springs! Great food and great people. Parking can be a bit confusing for first timers. The place is tiny and I hope they continue to thrive.

We've always gone to L&L when we're craving local food and saw that this place opened up a location so we had to try it. I ordered to-go and the person on the phone was so friendly and upbeat.We ordered the mixed plate, teriyaki chicken and chicken katsu. The kids plate came with a juice box. Portion size was good, but the food was so flavorful. It reminded us of eating at L&L in Hawaii. I wish they offered mochiko chicken though because that's something we miss. We'll definitely be back here to try the other ono things on the menu.

Highly recommend this spot for all your Hawaiian cravings!! This place is a family ran business with all the love and down home goodness ... food for the soul vibes! Mama D, and family truly are bringing us delicious Hawaiian food at an incredible price for the portions! So glad we found this place as we will be coming here frequently now! Can't recommend this place enough!! Thank you Mama D for an amazing dinner and conversation! See you soon!

Food is amazing and so are the people here. Definitely make you feel so welcome! If you're in the area I recommend stopping by and checking it out!!