Dining Scene
Lunch Break: For a special treat, try Cafe Laniakea

By Debra Yuen
TGIF Editor

Lianne Estavillo is ready to deliver plates of 'ahi fried rice at Cafe Laniakea in the historic YWCA on Richards Street. The cafe offers an array of relatively upscale dishes at affordable prices. Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser

That's where Cafe Laniakea comes in. Housed in the historic YWCA designed more than 75 years ago by architect Julia Morgan, the restaurant offers an array of relatively upscale dishes at not-so-upscale prices. The open-air (that is, not air-conditioned) atmosphere is casual and a little elegant, suiting the menu perfectly.

Sandwiches take up much of the menu and range from a truly dressed-up turkey breast (with caramelized onions, arugula and cranberry-walnut dressing; $7.25) to the delicate but satisfying grilled veggie sandwich (eggplant and fresh tomatoes topped with melted mozzarella, on basil pesto-laced foccacia; $7.25) to the Asian 'ahi burger (seared, marinated fish with shredded carrot, daikon, cucumber and cilantro in a sweet miso vinaigrette; $7.65). Each sandwich comes with a choice of yummy baked potato wedges, Nalo greens or a cup of soup.

Other choices include Mexican dishes such as enchilada plates (from $4.95 for half, $6.95 whole) and quesadillas, and daily specials. Must try next time: the "Broke the Mouth" Sampler Lunch ($6.95), which includes pesto pasta salad, taro and sweet-potato salad, Nalo greens, veggie manapua and a piece of ginger-pumpkin bread.

Cafe Laniakea, at 1040 Richards St., is open 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekdays. They take reservations, too: 524-8789.