08/29/2026
As Ward Centre comes down to make way for the future ʻIlima and Melia residences, it is hard not to think about the restaurants—and memories—that once filled these familiar walkways.
Ryan’s Grill. Compadres. Brew Moon. A Pacific Cafe. Yum Yum Tree.
For many of us, these were places for lunch with coworkers, pau hana with friends, family dinners, birthdays and spontaneous nights out. Familiar places we could return to again and again.
Ward Village has grown into one of Honolulu’s most beautiful and dynamic neighborhoods, with an impressive collection of restaurants—many of them locally owned—and a wide variety of dining experiences.
But as the neighborhood continues to grow, there may still be room for another kind of gathering place: the familiar local comfort-food coffee shop restaurant where families can meet, neighbors can become regulars, and you can stop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or something sweet without needing a special occasion.
And since I’m asking, I’ll go first:
My vote is Liliha Bakery.
Local. Familiar. Family-friendly. Approachable. And exactly the kind of neighborhood institution that would feel right at home in Ward Village.
Honestly, I may be ready to start the petition.
What a food court or modern food hall like Midtown Eats at The Park On Keeaumoku?
Which former Ward Centre restaurant do you remember most—and what local comfort-food favorite would you love to see become part of Ward Village’s next chapter?
Let me know in the comments.👇
Who wants Liliha Bakery? 👇
Who wants a food court? 👇
