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King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant
8.8
King's Hawaiian is a high-volume South Bay institution where loco moco, island-style fried chicken, and stacks of sweet bread French toast anchor a sprawling menu. Locals use it for everything from birthdays to casual breakfasts, knowing the kitchen can handle big groups and weekday rushes with consistent execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Loco Moco, Hawaiian Fried Chicken, King's Hawaiian French Toast
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic Hawaiian-American bakery-restaurant with massive volume and reliable comfort plates.
Who should go: Families, brunch groups, and visitors craving Hawaiian-inflected comfort food.
When to visit: Weekday breakfasts or early dinners to avoid peak wait times.
What to order: Loco Moco, Hawaiian Fried Chicken, sweet bread French toast.
Insider tip: Join the bakery line separately and grab malasadas or loaf bread to go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large dedicated lot shared with neighboring shops; fills quickly during peak brunch but typically manageable with light circulation. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; anything from jeans and tees to relaxed brunch wear fits in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during weekend breakfast/brunch rush. Conversations are doable at smaller tables but can be louder near large parties.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes depending on group size; waitlist moves steadily but spikes around 6–7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal—often seated within 5–10 minutes except on holidays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection including salads, pancakes, French toast, and a few plate lunches that can be customized without meat.
Vegan options: Limited; most dishes contain eggs, butter, or dairy. A few sides and salads may be adaptable, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Moderate accommodations; some proteins and plate lunches can be prepared without breading. Bakery items are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More casual and high-energy than intimate—great for a fun, low-pressure meetup but not ideal for a candlelit vibe or long conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Expect waits during weekend brunch and early dinners, but the turnover is fast enough that you’ll usually get seated with patience.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, kid-appropriate menu items, quick service, and a lively atmosphere make it comfortable for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large-group brunches, Hawaiian comfort staples, bakery add-ons, and consistent execution even during heavy rushes.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, intimate meal, strictly vegan options, or a slower, upscale dining experience.
King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant
8.7
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Sweet Treats Escapes
King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant is a South Torrance landmark where plate lunches, loco moco, and a full bakery case of cakes and malasadas make it a birthday and graduation staple. The energy is busy and casual, but huge portions, island comfort food, and celebratory desserts turn even simple family dinners into occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Loco Moco, Paradise Cake slice, Hawaiian French Toast
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Iconic Hawaiian restaurant-bakery where celebrations end with cake.
Who should go: Families planning birthdays or casual milestone gatherings.
When to visit: Early evenings or off-peak weekends to minimize waits.
What to order: Loco Moco, Hawaiian French Toast, Paradise Cake slice.
Insider tip: Order whole cakes ahead for on-site celebrations or take-home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large on-site lot shared with neighboring businesses; generally easy but can tighten during peak dinner and weekend bakery rushes.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; guests wear everything from weekend attire to slightly dressy outfits for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially near large family tables and the bakery counter; conversation is possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes depending on bakery traffic and party size.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal waits except around noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including salads, veggie stir-fry, and some breakfast plates.
Vegan options: Limited; a few sides and customizable dishes but not a strong focus.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be prepared gluten-free, though the bakery environment limits strict cross-contamination control.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better suited to casual celebrations and family meals; not ideal for an intimate first date given the lively energy and large groups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most guests walk in. Arrive early evenings or slightly off-peak to avoid the longest waits, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very; high chairs, kid-appropriate menu items, and a bakery case that keeps younger diners excited.
Best For
Better for: Oversized portions, Hawaiian comfort-food staples, and celebratory cakes that make birthdays and graduations effortless.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or strict dietary accommodation—several upscale or health-focused alternatives nearby may suit those needs better.
King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant
8.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
The original King's Hawaiian restaurant pairs plate-lunch comfort food with full-service seating that works well for casual client or team lunches. Decades of steady crowds mean you can count on fast service, consistent plates, and easy conversation over loco moco, saimin, or salad-and-sandwich combos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Loco Moco, Big Island Breakfast or Lunch Plate, Hawaiian Paradise Cake slice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A landmark Hawaiian comfort-food restaurant that’s been feeding South Bay lunch crowds since 1988.
Who should go: Teams wanting relaxed, high-volume Hawaiian comfort plates.
When to visit: Early weekday lunch before the noon rush for shorter waits.
What to order: Loco Moco, Korean Chicken Plate, Hawaiian Paradise Cake dessert.
Insider tip: Join the Aloha Club and book ahead if you’re planning a larger business lunch near payday or holidays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shared lot with plentiful spaces; typically easy during weekday lunch but can tighten around peak weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and office-casual are both appropriate; most business lunch groups come in work attire but nothing formal is required.
Noise level: Moderate during peak meal periods; still manageable for team conversations, with quieter pockets in booths and corners.
Weekend wait: Not a major dinner destination, but weekend midday brunch can run 20–35 minutes.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during the noon rush; often seated immediately before 11:45am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid choices including salads, pancakes, French toast, and some plate-lunch sides.
Vegan options: Limited—most entrées include meat, eggs, or dairy, but you can build a vegan-adjacent meal from sides and salads.
Gluten-free options: A handful of items can be adapted (e.g., proteins with rice and vegetables), but baked goods are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic first dates; the appeal is comfort food and lively energy rather than intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive a bit before the lunch rush for the fastest seating, especially with groups of four or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, booster seats, and a family-oriented menu make it easy for toddlers and school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Large-group business lunches that need fast service, reliable comfort food, and predictable pacing.
Skip if: You need quiet, upscale ambiance for deal-making or prefer lighter, health-forward menus.