Waikīkī has a new go-to hangout, and it is hiding in plain sight inside the Ambassador Hotel on Kūhiō Avenue. Favorite Son, a breezy all-day café and bar with a relaxed courtyard vibe, is already staking a claim as a neighborhood staple with island-forward comfort food and a laid-back, locals-welcome energy. Executive Chef Justus Keliehor steers a menu built around casual sandwiches, bowls and shareable plates, including a prime rib French dip, garlic prawns and a seared crusted Hawaiian-ahi sando. With long hours and a full bar program, the space is set up for both visitors and nearby residents looking for an easy meal that still feels distinctly local.
Where It Is And Hours
Favorite Son sits on the ground floor of the Ambassador Hotel of Waikīkī at 2040 Kūhiō Ave., just a short stroll from both the park and the beach. According to the Ambassador Hotel, the kitchen runs daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and diners get three hours of complimentary valet parking.
What To Order
Early buzz around the opening menu puts the prime rib French dip front and center as a house favorite, served on a Hawai‘i Star Bakery roll. Other crowd-pleasers include the huli chicken salad sando ($22), garlic prawns ($38) and the seared crusted Hawaiian-ahi sando ($29). The menu also leans into island bowls, with the Hawaiian ahi poke waterman rice bowl listed at $29, and keeps things grounded with comfort staples like loco moco at $27. As reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, a first look at the restaurant gave solid marks to both the food and the service.
Chef And The Concept
Favorite Son is part of a larger refresh at Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador and was developed by TableOne Hospitality as a neighborhood-minded café and bar, according to Modern Luxury. Executive Chef Justus Keliehor, who previously led the kitchen at Hideout at The Laylow, now runs the show, blending local ingredients with approachable preparations, as noted by Hawaii News Now. The indoor-outdoor courtyard layout is designed so the spot can flex easily from morning coffee to lunch, dinner and late-night drinks.
Why Waikīkī Needs A Spot Like This
In a neighborhood where many hotel restaurants skew upscale or overtly tourist-focused, Favorite Son is pitched as a more democratic all-day option that works for both locals and visitors. Trade coverage describes the roughly 2,100-square-foot café-bar as a gathering place built for quick breakfasts, post-beach lunches and pau hana evenings. According to Travel Weekly, operators expect the casual setup to bring in repeat neighborhood traffic alongside hotel guests.
Practical Details
For reservations or questions, call the hotel at (808) 941-7777 or head to the restaurant page on the Ambassador Hotel site. The restaurant is listed as open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offers three hours of complimentary valet parking for diners. Favorite Son also shares updates and events on Instagram at @favoritesonwaikiki.
