Cafe Maharani

Cafe Maharani

2509 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826, United States

+1 808-951-7447

Indian restaurant
(838)
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About This Place

Situated in the heart of Honolulu, Cafe Maharani offers an authentic taste of Indian cuisine that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Nestled at 2509 S King St, this vibrant Indian restaurant radiates a warm, inviting atmosphere where the aroma of rich spices and freshly baked naan instantly transports you to the bustling streets of India.

The menu at Cafe Maharani is a treasure trove of bold flavors and traditional dishes, expertly crafted to delight your palate. Must-try highlights include the famously creamy Butter Chicken, the tender and flavorful Lamb Saag, and the perfectly spiced Chicken Vindaloo. Vegetarians will appreciate the delightful Eggplant Tikka Masala and the luscious Shahi Paneer, while the Assorted Tandoori Platter showcases a symphony of smoky, charred kebabs that are grilled to perfection. The サフラン ライス (saffron rice) adds a fragrant, luxurious touch alongside freshly made Chapati and the irresistibly soft and cheesy Garlic Naan.

The starters at Cafe Maharani set an inviting tone with their crisp Vegetable Samosas, bursting with spice and served hot and crunchy as noted by delighted guest Christina Henline. For those eager to sample a creative twist, the Samosa Chaat offers a playful, layered experience that’s both tangy and satisfying. Complement your meal with a cool, refreshing Mango Lassi or a warming cup of traditional Masala Chai to balance the rich spices.

Customers frequently rave about the generous portions and rich, comforting flavors. Catherine Simons fondly recommends the Chicken Karahi, a dish that comes paired with fluffy rice and oversized naan—not just a meal, but a feast designed to share and savor. Baozhen “Bao” Huang appreciates how the dishes consistently deliver in both taste and quantity, making Cafe Maharani a memorable dining choice on the island.

The ambiance is lively and bustling, with the restaurant often filled to capacity—so much so that Audrey recalls waiting about 30 minutes on a weekday, a wait fully justified by the exceptional quality of the meal that followed. Service is warm and attentive, as Christina experienced firsthand, enhancing the overall experience and making guests feel truly welcome.

End your meal on a sweet note with the subtly spiced, comforting Carrot Halva, the perfect indulgence to round out an unforgettable culinary journey.

Whether you're a devoted fan of Indian cuisine or exploring it for the first time, Cafe Maharani promises an authentic, flavor-packed experience in a friendly, authentic setting that keeps guests returning time and again.

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Comfort food Halal food Healthy options Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Groups Tourists University students
Planning
Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Thursday
    05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Friday
    05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Saturday
    05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Sunday
    05:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Catherine Simons
    3 week ago

    Do yourself a favor and order the chicken karahi at Cafe Maharani. So yummy and comes with rice and giant naan. Love this place and will be back soon. Mahalo!

  • Baozhen “Bao” Huang
    4 week ago

    This is one of the first Indian restaurant that we tried on the island and it did not disappoint. We loved all the dishes we got. Also the portion was very generous.

  • Erica Kristin
    1 month ago

    I have been here several times over the years. They are pretty consistent. The mango lassi and lamb vindaloo are delicious. The tandoori mixed plate lamb was over cooked and hard to cut this evening. Overall a decent dining experience. They charge for certain takeout containers and a menu item didn't match my bill. They have parking in the back of the restaurant.

  • Audrey
    1 month ago

    We went there based on a friend's recommendation. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so we waited about 30min even though it was a weekday. I'm usually not the type that would wait, but my friends said it would be worth it. They were right! Best Indian food I had in Oahu so far. Rich flavours, big portions, absolutely delicious . We only ordered 1 main dish per person, and still needed to go boxes. Our waitress Bella was sweet, efficient and kind. The interior decoration was fun and colorful. Look up at the ceiling. We didn't take good pictures of the dishes because the food smelled so good, we just wanted to dig in and eat!

  • Christina Henline
    3 month ago

    Wow, I can’t believe this is my first time here. I am only through my first course (vegetable samosas with the perfect amount of spice, hot and crispy) and I had to write a review about how much I love this restaurant! Customer service was excellent too! The restaurant was full, every table was full at 8pm on Sunday (*you can’t really call ahead to reserve a table, you have to physically come and put your name down and wait for a table. I think we waited about 15-20 minutes). The mango lassi tasted like relax fresh Hayden mango. I’m so excited for our curry and to come here again. I think this is gonna become a weekly go-to for me!

  • Lina N
    4 month ago

    A nice Indian spot in the heart of Honolulu. Went with my friend ordered dinner for 2. We got eggplant appetizer which was very addictive and two entries one of butter chicken and one of the ginger chicken it has a ethnic name but I can't remember. Is good. We both ate a big meal and left with 2 set of leftovers so it was worth it the price.

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