Café 8 1/2

Food, great! Atmosphere, not so much.
This hole in the wall restaurant is almost always busy during the lunch hour. You can phone order your food or place a reservation. There’s only two staff though, the husband (cook) and the wife, (server/​cashier).
My first impression was bad. The ceiling is leaking, dirty dishes are everywhere, it’s cluttered, dark, and well… unsanitary. The thing that got me the most though, was the violent slamming of dishes and abusive yelling from the husband to his wife! That was a major turn off and the reason for my 1 star rating.
The food was delicious and I can see why this place is popular. However, I don’t recommend supporting an establishment that isn’t clean and has a hostile environment. Also, it’s a bit pricey!
Beware if you choose to eat here! You may leave with PTSD.

Let me start off that this review doesn’t have anything to do with the food. The food here is tasty and I would have enjoyed eating it had it not been for the reason I am giving this place only one star. The way the owner (from other reviews it appears his name is Chef Robert) treats his customers and own wife is seriously atrocious in my humble opinion.
I’ve read reviews that Chef Robert’s behavior is part of his charm or to just ignore his behavior because the food is so delicious. I personally don’t think that his behavior is charming and can’t ignore it. He berates his wife in front of the customers, throws his pots and pans in the kitchens, tells off customers, and hangs not-​so-​friendly reminders on butcher paper for his customers to read. I get that there are probably many who have never witnessed his treatment to his wife, but if you are one of the lucky ones, it is really unsettling.
I personally can’t continue to eat here despite the quality and taste of the food. The only reason why I did visit here recently is because friends at work were gathering here for an Aloha Lunch for someone. I didn’t pick the place and honestly, it had been so long since I last ate here that I secretly hoped that Chef Robert changed. Nope. He was still the same with the yelling, cursing, scolding, and pot throwing.
I just need to cross this place off my list to eat. Sad, but I just can’t witness that type of behavior. (#7)

Food is not worth the price you pay. Portions are small and the chef/​owner is a prick. Yells and talks down to his servers and staff and is sarcastic when you talk to him. He thinks he’s the $hit just cause he owns a restaurant but disrespects his staff and customers, you shouldn’t have to eat in fear and awkwardness. Would not come again or recommend. Go spend 40 bucks elsewhere and get better food and dining experience. He had a sign that says «23 years of great food and no awards» well when your a sarcastic arrogant prick no great food in the world would make up for it. PS: be careful cause I think they reuse the cups and food. Saw them combining fruit from separate plates. Looks like food bought from Costco.

I stumbled onto this place a few years ago, and absolutely loved it, and havent been back since. Until recently… now that I work downtown, I made it a point to stop in. Just as I remembered… It is a bit pricey for lunch everyday… but definitely is a good treat.

I try to go to this place every chance I get — I sincerely love it. The food is #Noms, to say the least. I’m a big fan of Italian food, even Italian fusion. It’s one of those places you’d never guess would have really good pasta, bread, and salad since their location is a little questionable? — appearance-​wise — buuuut, they have bomb food! It is tucked between The Mandalay Restaurant and Ali’i Place on Alakea Street (right side), before you hit South Hotel Street. You’ll find it if you look carefully ;)
Having been here about ten times, I’ve almost always ordered the Radiatore verde, which is what they call their NY steak penne pesto. Simply amazing! Today, I had the Italian Stir Fry and it was awesome, too. I felt the need to finally write a review after tasting, finally, a different dish. Their menu is very simple, but each dish is something special on its own (well, except for maybe «the boring salad,» which I’ve never had, but this place surprises me each time ;)). Their menu offerings are a tad bit pricier than most plate lunch places downtown, but the food quality and taste make the price well worth it. If you have a strong affinity for Italian food or just willing to try something new, Café 8 ½ is the spot. P. S.~ They make their own bread, which comes free with your order, specially baked by the owner’s wife, who is also the only waitress there. You can opt for either the Focaccia or Como bread. Both are good, depending on whether you like soft (Focaccia) or crusty (Como) bread. Each table gets a bottle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar so you can dip as much as your heart desires. 5 stars based on the food quality and taste.

Café 8 ½ is on Alakea street, right next door to Mandalay restaurant, look for the yellow fire hydrant, it is directly in front of it. There is an outside/​inside seating area. When I looked at this place, I was very hesitant to eat here, it looked absolutely terrible for a first impression. I was like… are you serious. this is a restaurant? wtf lol. This restaurant is the perfect example of ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ The food here is excellent, while it is slightly more expensive, all of the ingredients are fresh and excellent quality. The bread is baked fresh daily and complimentary but you have to ask for it. The entrees are ‘normal’ portions, don’t expect large portions here. The pasta is cooked to al dente perfection.
While most people would not bring a date here, I probably would, the food is excellent, and it is a great place for a first date to weed out the superficial gold diggers. :) I would recommend Café 8 ½ for lunch if you are craving Italian, entrees will cost around $ 16 and well worth it, just don’t expect any ambiance, try to look past the not so great looking restaurant and you will find true love sitting on your plate :)
There is a Saturday night blind tasting menu for $ 40 and I am totally looking forward to this! +BYOB!

Another great dinner with chef Robert. Saturday nights are four course surprise dinners for $ 40 a person. I’d describe the courses as classic dishes with a twist! Come with an open mind and enjoy.

My girlfriend and I made reservations and after reading all this reviews we were excited to eat there. My girlfriend got there on time but unfortunately I had some trouble finding the place so she had to wait for me. Meanwhile she was waiting, she let his wife know she would be waiting outside. Chef came out and asked her if she had been stood up. She said she was waiting for her friend who was lost. He said he needed to time the food and manage the tables. He later came out and said she really must be lost. My friend assured him I was coming and he then said that maybe it was better that we go to another restaurant. My friend then called me and told me this. When I drove up, he threw his hands up and locked the gates to the place. My girlfriend told me that he had told her that «you don’t belong here» and «my wife should’ve never taken this reservations.» It’s a good thing we never went in and spent our money there. We happily went down the street to Livestock Tavern and had a great time.

The place itself isn’t the nicest place I’ve been to but the food is good. The homemade bread is good and the Radiatore Verde also very good. Great balance of flavor in both the pasta and the steak. If you ever sit in to eat here you can hear pans flying all over the place. Classic soup nazi but people keep coming back. That’s when you know the food is legit.

One of the best restaurants in Honolulu that never gets awards. Shame on you, Chef Robert is amazing and so is his food.
The panzanella salad is superb as well as every other dish that he makes. Add BYOB and you shouldn’t go to any other resraurant for lunch. BTW his Saturday night dinners are wonderful.

23 yrs and still going strong… Well, years that Café VIII ½ has been open that is. I have always loved lunch there, but tried dinner there tonight for the first time. 4 courses of chef’s choice for $ 40. With generous portions to boot! So reasonable! Chef Robert is so nice and it just feels like you are welcomed into his home and as he describes each dish, you can see the passion behind his cooking. Everything was top notch and my only regret is not trying dinner here earlier. Café VIII ½, you’ll always be my first love.

Walked in after lunch service. Have not eaten here yet (and may not), but just wanted to check the place out and see for myself. A few table outside and a few tables inside. The outside definitely needed to be swept; debris and leaves on the floor. The inside; they could have one more 4 top available if they put the dirty dishes stacked high in the kitchen where they belonged, not where customers have to look at someone else’s leftovers. The ambiance; very disjointed with the walls covered with chalkboard ramblings and menus. This is a husband and wife team. The husband (chef) is IRISH from San Francisco, and the wife (waitress, busser and all around front of the house) is of Asian decent. Got to talking with her and she is the sweetest lady. I hope it’s not true about Chef Robert yelling at her. After reading the reviews, think the soup nazi, you get the picture as I did.

I’ve thought all this time that this place was closed so I never bothered to try it since I’ve been working downtown. I’ve been here twice for lunch since I found out that they were still open. The ambience doesn’t quite match up to the price point of the food, but I suppose that’s the charm of this place.
Likes: They offered two types of bread, crusty and chewy. You can ask for both. They were both pretty crusty, but it was good. The pasta itself was also good, considering the price point. Not sure why they call the dish radiatore verde when they use penne, but at least it was tasty.
Dislikes: Restaurant isn’t maintained that well, and it’s probably not going to get any better as they’re on a month-​to-​month lease. Don’t look up at the ceiling. Service can get slow when it’s busy, as it’s a two-​man (person) show.
Favorites: I enjoyed the carbonara. It was nicely balanced, creamy, salty, eggy and bacon-​y.
The price point ($ 15 range) and ambience is probably why I say this is 4-​stars. However, considering there aren’t too many good pasta places in downtown Honolulu, I’d go back again.

I’ve ate here many times for a work lunch that’s close to my office. This place is really good. Easily one of my favorite places for italian food on the island. It’s run by a polite Asian lady and a gruff, tall Italian chef. The house bread is really good and made in-​house daily. I had the best porchetta here (pork belly rolled up with spices). There’s Saturday night dinner, pre-​fixe menu, BYOB, reservations need to be in by Friday.

The putanesca is divine… what a treat!!!

Food is awesome here… seriously.
One of the few pasta places that isn’t afraid of «punch you in the face» flavors, without being too heavy handed on the creams, capers, tomato sauces, and oils. The chef, who is affectionately (and sadly) known as the «Italian Nazi» (obvious reference to meticulous and OCD, Soup Nazi, from Seinfeld sitcom fame) is a genius with blending fresh, delicious ingredients into perfectly portioned Italian favorites — like Carbonara, Puttenesca, and Bolegnese.
Apparently, the chef here is similar in the way that he’s a little moody, probably a perfectionist, and get’s aggravated at particular or difficult customers… but don’t we all? His wife is the only waitress who takes care of the quaint indoor/​outdoor eatery, with approximately 7 — 8 tables or so. The place fills up quick, so if you get there at 11 am — 11:30 am, you should be golden for a seat, otherwise, it’s hit or miss.
You get free bread, so be sure to request from your server, otherwise, NO BREAD FOR YOU! But yes, ask, and they shall provide… be sure to eat all of it, or you will be sorely remembered and maybe not invited to come back again? Not sure, all speculation, but in all seriousness, the wife (server) is lovely, friendly, and demure. She complements her husband well, and keeps the customers happy, while the husband keeps them full.
My favorite dish here (which I still need to get a picture for!) is the Carbonara… it’s typical in the sense that the egg-​based cream sauce mixes with bacon, and a hint of parsley… but the subtle and perfect viscosity of the cream sauce is too, too good. Highly recommend you try it, but be warned, it is a slightly heavier lunch due to it’s depth.
Excellent place for some good eats. Bring your best behavior, and you won’t be disappointed.

Special of the day– roasted pork with garlic mashed potatoes and garlic spinach. Bruddah broke da mouth, the pork was tender and flavorful. Along with the gravy and mashed potatoes and spinach… one of better lunches I’ve had in a while.

This place is great without knowing how great it is. The food is amazing. They only do dinner service once a week on Saturday nights. Dinner is a four course set menu with no special requests. It’s run by a very passionate self taught chef and his wife. The owner/​cook Robert pulled a chair up to every table and talked story. It’s an intimate casual place that feels like you’re having dinner in someone’s home. I’ll be back.

Incredible. I found this place by accident, after an unfortunate but necessary visit to the courthouse. After seeing the exterior and peeking into the interior, I could tell the owner was eccentric and passionate. I had no idea…
I made reservations the same day for the four course meal on Saturday nights. It’s BYOB, so we brought Prosecco and a delicious cab sav from Columbia Valley.
We didn’t know what to expect, but sat down to a very welcoming table in what felt like the owners home.
The food was excellent, every dish well seasoned and creative. The chef is technically very talented, but the passion he has for Italian food and cooking in general was evident in every bite.
Service was French style, hands off but attentive. Fresh ingredients, daring flavor combinations, deft interpretation of Italian cuisine.
Hawaii needs more places like this.

Pretty good Italian restaurant in downtown! I had the carbonara which was really good. The fresh focaccia bread was warm when served, something which I love. The menu selection was nice and tailored down, not too small and not too large — you’ll find something you’ll like. The service was friendly and the food came out in a normal amount of time.

I’ve walked by this place hundreds of times (stumbling to Starbucks for caffeine, obv.) and finally came in for lunch yesterday. We were seated right away, and chose to sit outside under an umbrella despite the heat.
Their menu is basic but enticing. Except the ‘boring green salad’, lol. We went for the steak sandwich and chicken sandwich, which turned out to not be sandwiches at all, more like a full dinner plate with a basket of focaccia on the side. The main protein were both nicely sized, and came with a side salad (with too much dressing– maybe better to serve this with the dressing on the side?) and potato salad.
We also had raspberry lemonade, which was great on such a hot day. Their lunch is a hefty $ 15, but since I usually take half of my food home and eat it for lunch the next day, it’s still an average price per meal.
I’d like to return to try one of their pastas which I’ve heard is delicious.
#100in2015 (#56)

Amazing food.
A different restaurant atmosphere and vibe.
Super simple Italian menu.
Definitely would come back for Saturday night special dinner.
(Review isn’t finished! This restaurant deserves much more than this weak excuse for a review.)

Café 8 ½ looks like a dive but this has got to be the best place in Oahu for Italian food. Don’t go if you want ambience, décor and brightness and warmth. Just go for the food!
Have been there twice for lunch. Tried the stir fry of vegetables with rice and the daily special of spaghetti in cream with mushroom, prosciutto and peas. Absolutely delicious!

The last time I was here, I was literally counting the moments until I could pay the check, pick up my crap and GTFO.
Truth be told, I’ve only been to Café 8 ½ twice.
The first time was a positive experience. Lunch was a little pricey, but the Radiatore Verde more than made up for that. Huge chunks of seriously tender beef with al dente pasta slathered in a perfect pesto sauce. Service was fast and friendly considering it was a one woman show at the front of the house, and we had servings upon servings of the delicious house breads, and while the chef was a little loud in the back kitchen, there wasn’t anything seriously off the wall.
The second time I ordered the Carbonara. Delectably rich sauce with heaps of bacon and a mountain of grated parmesan. Still delicious, but the overall experience was dreadful. After looking over some of the other Unilocalers’ reviews, it seems that on this day Chef Robert was in one of his moods.
My coworkers and I were seated directly outside of the kitchen and were granted a front row show of all the kitchen drama. The kitchen and the front of the house seemed extremely overwhelmed this day (considering it was a Friday in the middle of lunch on downtown), and we saw the chef yelling at customers, his wife, and throwing quite a number of plates and pans. Seeing the way the chef treated his wife made us extremely uncomfortable.
There were points in our meal where we overhead him yelling at his wife to STFU, belittled her about getting the orders out, and yelling at her because he needed to scold her some more as she bussed tables. We were too afraid to ask for a takeout box for our leftover lunches, for fear that the poor hostess would get more backed up with orders and end up getting yelled at by the chef again! Other people might chalk up the hotheaded chef as part of the dining experience of Café 8 ½, but seeing his abrasive behavior and the way he treats his wife is enough to make me lose my appetite.

Let’s play a little game called «what’s your threshold.» Or maybe I’ll tell you a little story called «The 3 Little Roaches.»
To save you the time, I’ll skip right to the end, since both turn out the same way: with not one; not two; but THREE COCKROACHES SCURRYING ACROSS YOUR TABLE AS YOU EAT.
Is that enough to make you lose your appetite? It was for me.
I first thought the worst part about the café was the garbage smell from the nearby dumpster outside, but once inside, decided it was the insta-​fountain mix iced tea that made for a foul first impression.
All was forgiven though, with one bite of the puttanesca. (I always take the opportunity to order it when I see it on Italian menus, despite hearing once that the root word is «puta,» and thus, «whore’s pasta.» Whatever. I love it.)
My initial bites were chewed in silent contemplation as to what I would compare it: good Italian in NYC, or just a step below the actual perfection of Italy. It was, I decided, the best damn Italian I’ve ever had in Honolulu. Until — A roach ran from beneath my friend’s plate, and recklessly across the table.
*Squish. Shudder. Brush it off. Ask the waitress to clear the dirtied napkin. Resume eating.*
Then…scuttle scuttle scuttle… small shriek… squish.
And then… repeat.
«That’s it,» I decided, and pushed my plate away. We told the waitress there was a serious infestation (which she claimed was coming from outside) and switched tables to finish our (terrible) iced tea. Ahem. Except, that while clearing the buggy napkin, she tossed my tea and it was NOT worth replacing.
The bill came, and every single thing appeared at full charge and no apology, despite the fact the experience was completely revolting and unappetizing. And, she threw away my half-​finished tea.
I can forgive one roach. Turns out my limit at «what’s your threshold» is three. No puttanesca is THAT good. I loved the food, but I’ll never go back.

Food was very tasty but overall experience was diminished by understaffing and a menu item not as stated. Based on the Unilocal review I decided to have the radiatore verde. I was intrigued by the fact that an industrial designer made a pasta shape that resembled a radiator. I also ordered a diet Coke.
Imagine my surprise when Penne Verde came out. I informed the waitress that I ordered the *radiatore* verde and she dismissively informed me that radiatore is hard to get in Hawaii. Obviously changing the menu to read Penne Verde would have avoided the whole disappointment, or asking me if they could sub penne would have made it less bad than just substituting it without telling. Especially since the restaurant explicitly bans customer initiated substitutions.
As I was enjoying my meal she brought the diet coke and bread. Although the service was prompt, it was a little odd getting the bread and drink after the entrée. I think they were short staffed or something.
Another detraction from the place the the tone of some of the décor. Like a sign «no changes (except after 1pm)» and another sign informing that same day reservations are not allowed on Saturday. Reading these signs kind of makes you wonder if a customers presence is an inconvenience or something.
Might go back because the food was good, but overall experience was marred by service issues.

Was a little disappointed at the dinner. Lunch is typically great.
I spent $ 100 on a set dinner menu, no-​alcohol included and the portions were small and mediocre. I would much rather spend $ 100 at Livestock or Trump Tower for better food and cocktails.
However, the atmosphere is cozy and the chef chats with you about the meal and how it was prepared which is pretty cool.
I will not be going back for dinner, but lunch is always good for the price.

I tried this place for lunch the other week, and it was a pretty good experience. I sat outside and had the putanesca, and it was tasty. I agree with everyone else that the bread is yummy also. I think the prices are pretty reasonable, which makes me a fan.
My only gripe is that the service was a bit slow. I felt like I waited a bit long to receive my check. If you have an hour for lunch, this place might not be the place to eat. However, if you have a little extra time, try it out!

An Italian restaurant I’d drive downtown just to eat lunch.
I heard a lot of good things and also odd things about the chef throwing plates loudly in the back and yelling at the waitress. The chef seems to be a bit odd, but he cooks very well.
My friends and I walk in around 12:15 and there were a good amount of tables open. We got seated and I noticed carbonara on the menu. I have been let down by so many restaurants in the past, but I decided to order it. A good carbonara is a test of a good Italian restaurant in my opinion.
The carbonara was great! The sauce was very creamy and had a very nice flavor. They also don’t add peas in the pasta, which is a good thing. I tried my friends New York steak pesto pasta, which was also good. The pieces of steak were big! The chicken with mashed potatoes was also good! Everyone had good dishes.
The service was okay. The café seems like a two person operation. The lady will be tending all the tables, so you have to be a bit patient, but she is very friendly.
I will be back here again even though I work far away from downtown.
We parked in the Ali’i Place building. The parking lot is right after the café on Alakea st. It might have a sign saying lot full, but ignore it since so many people leave for lunch anyways. A parking fee will cost you about $ 2.

This review is regarding the PRIX FIXE dinner on Saturday nights available by Pre Reservation only a few days before…
Our group of 10 enjoyed the Mystery Menu Sat night. Byob is a good thing also.
Chef Robert doesn’t divulge the menu till it’s served. Its alway fantastic and our group was very happy.
Don’t miss this!