et al.

et al. is a polished neighborhood restaurant and bar tucked inside Kahala Market, and that combination is exactly what makes it stand out. It brings the ease of an everyday local spot to a setting that feels more refined than a typical market café, with a menu that moves comfortably between brunch, dinner, and pau hana. The concept is rooted in Foodland’s first restaurant project, and its name—Latin for “and others”—fits the broad, flexible brief: contemporary American cooking with Hawaii Regional Cuisine and Pacific Rim accents, designed to work for families, couples, and casual meetups alike.

What et al. does best

The strongest draw here is range without losing focus. The menu covers familiar crowd-pleasers and island-adjacent dishes in a way that feels intentional rather than random. Brunch brings plates like mochi waffles, breakfast bowl options, soft-shell crab benedict, and a braised short rib loco moco. Dinner leans into a similar balance, with ribeye, grilled Kona kampachi, Hamakua mushroom risotto, Hawaiian clam chowder, and a few playful touches such as bulgogi pizza. Pau hana is its own persuasive case, with oysters, ahi tartare, cocktails, and bar bites that make the restaurant useful beyond standard meal hours.

That versatility is part of the appeal for travelers: et al. is not trying to be a destination restaurant built around one signature. It is a well-run all-day place with enough local character to feel rooted in Honolulu, and enough polish to work for a relaxed dinner without feeling overly dressed up.

The feel of the experience

The setting is one of et al.’s real strengths. Though it sits inside a market complex, the dining room reads as separate and thoughtfully designed, with a bright, modern look, lots of natural light, and a comfortable upscale-casual tone. It has the feel of a neighborhood restaurant that is meant to be used often, not just occasionally. Bar seating and high-tops make it easy to drop in for a drink or a lighter meal, while the full-service setup and reservations make it practical for a more planned outing.

The crowd mix is similarly broad. Families fit easily here thanks to keiki-friendly options, but the room also works for couples, friends, and anyone looking for a dependable brunch or dinner stop in Kahala. The overall impression is lively without being scene-driven.

Tradeoffs to keep in mind

The main caveat is that et al. is more polished than a bargain lunch spot. It is best understood as casual-upscale, not cheap-and-cheerful. Drinks, shared plates, and dinner entrées can move the check higher than the market setting might suggest at first glance.

Service and noise can also vary when the room is busy, especially around weekend brunch and pau hana. That does not read as a major flaw, but it is worth knowing if a quiet, unhurried meal is the priority. Travelers looking for a deeply traditional local hole-in-the-wall, or something with a more singular culinary identity, may prefer another stop.

Who should go

et al. is a strong fit for travelers who want a flexible Kahala option that works across the day: brunch, an easy dinner, or drinks and bites after work hours. It is especially useful for groups with mixed tastes, families, and anyone who appreciates a menu that bridges local ingredients with broadly appealing contemporary cooking. Those seeking the cheapest meal on the block or a high-drama nightlife scene will likely want something else.