Ray’s Cafe is a no-frills local spot where you can enjoy delicious prime rib at a bargain price.
While prime rib is a staple at many steak restaurants in Hawaii, Ray’s Cafe is where you’ll find the most affordable version.
The interior isn’t exactly pristine, and it’s located in Kalihi, a neighborhood that doesn’t have the best reputation for safety.
But it’s exactly this kind of place that can offer delicious, hearty meals at such low prices.
In fact, it was once featured on a Japanese TV show that spotlights “ugly but delicious” restaurants, a description that fits this place perfectly. You should definitely check it out.
Recommended Menu Items at Ray’s Cafe
Ray’s Cafe is a bit of a peculiar place, with a surprisingly diverse menu.
You’ll find simple, everyday items like you’d see at a typical plate lunch spot, alongside extravagant dishes you’d only expect to find in a high-end restaurant.
The only common threads are that everything is inexpensive and comes in generous portions, but the range of cuisines is incredibly wide.
Prime Rib
If you’re someone who prioritizes taste over ambiance, the prime rib at Ray’s Cafe is the perfect choice for you.
You can get a thick, hearty slab of meat for less than a third of the price you’d pay in Waikiki.
While its rare appearance might look like raw meat, it’s incredibly tender and truly delicious.
The atmosphere might not suggest that you’d be served a gourmet steak, but don’t worry—the restaurant is known for its wide selection of dishes made with high-quality ingredients.
By the way, the prime rib tends to sell out quickly, and since it’s not the best area to be wandering around at night, I recommend going for lunch!
Seafood Plate
Seafood plates, featuring items like salmon, ahi (tuna), and grilled lobster, are also popular choices!
The portions and prices are so generous you’ll wonder how they make a profit. The flavors can be a bit simple, but it’s a great choice when you’re really hungry.
The hallmark of Ray’s Cafe is low prices and huge portions, but the seasoning tends to be minimal. Because of this, it’s best to order dishes that feature high-quality ingredients.
For that reason, combos like the grilled fish and fried Ono Chicken, or the ribeye steak and lobster, are excellent options!
Incidentally, I don’t particularly recommend the “Lobster Omelet” or “Beef Stew,” which were the dishes featured on that TV show.
Ray’s Cafe: General Information
| Name | Ray’s Cafe |
| Address | 2033 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96819 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Closed | Never |
| Restroom | None |
| Parking | None (street parking available) |
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