Last week I was invited to attend Kua ‘Aina‘s Pre-Valentine’s event where we all get to create our own burgers and name it. The chef will then pick the best combination and put it on the menu for a month or so. First of all, Kua ‘Aina has already caught my attention on social media a while ago. What really strike me is their specialisation in the exotic Hawaiian cuisine, which is something rather different in London I’d say. I have been meaning to try them and the event invitation came just at the right time.
Arguably the only thing in greater abundance than ramen chains in London is upmarket burger stores. At the start, it was probably a good thing to try starting a superior version of MacDonalds. Now, like lice, they seemed to have multiplied and now we have multiple burger joints pretty much everywhere. Although at least they aren’t all radiating the same colour of the golden arches.
I have been to both locations in London and really loved the food. The service at both locations was excellent, and I love their burgers! We over ordered with regard to fried items, so couldn't finish everything. I also would love to try their American breakfast. A full review of this location and what we ate is on my blog Sunny in London. Keep an eye out for their Christmas burger, which they have each year.
So most of you are probably familiar with Kua 'Aina just off Carnaby Street that opened in 2011, but did you know that they have a branch on Goodge Street too? Well, I didn't, until I was invited to celebrate their 1st birthday on Goodge Street where I go to sample their new menu and Christmas specials.
My first time at this Hawaiian themed eatery and it was nice to finally see what was inside this intriguing looking place. Situated near Goodge Street and in amongst a big old mix of food places for the Fitzrovia workers – it has a lot of competition. They focus on sustainability, take real pride in what they serve and have a secret seasoning (that is so popular with customers – they sometimes pinch the dispensers from the table!). They also serve breakfasts and are open from 8am. And have created a Christmas burger for Christmas party bookings.
Brilliant avocado burger cooked to perfect medium along with lightly seared tuna sandwich. The tuna is effectively raw but tastes sashimi grade so nicely complement the sauces.
Awesome food, amazing staff. Highly recommended.
We went to check out Kua ‘Aina, serving up North Shore Hawaiian grub. We had been eagerly anticipating the sausage and egg waffles with maple syrup whilst standing in the queue.
Loved the relaxed Hawaiian vibe, decor and music as it reminded us of our trip a little while back to Honolulu and travelling around Hawaii. There was the wonderful smell of breakfasts being created on the grills whilst we made our selections.
Shame there was no waffles as they were upgrading their waffle machine, but we enjoying our Aloha breakfasts. Particular loved the homemade spicy baked beans which added a wonderful, unexpected dimension!
Will be back again for more Hawaiian hospitality!
Their spicy sweet potato fries are immensely impressive! Excellent selection of burgers to suit all tastes from vegan to fish and meat eaters. Good choice of beers (bottled or draft - also served in pitchers, which is brilliant for group sharing). Welcoming, friendly and helpful staff. Quirky décor. Lively atmosphere but quiet enough for a good conversation with friends. Reasonably priced.
Toilets were downstairs, so would not be suitable for those with accessibility needs.
I'm not a big fan of burgers but do go for this one! Very nice vibe, perfect service provided by the lovely waitress and the pancakes, wow!! You need to try the pancakes!!! Definitely coming back!
Tuna burger was really good and so was the milkshake. Good atmosphere. Just make sure not to sit by the front door on a windy day as the door is difficult to close and usually other customers just end up leaving it open which was not a great experience.
The food was great, the service wasn't with a smile but ok. If you want a good 🍔 come here. The dessert was amazing must have. Pancakes !!!!
What a delicious halal cheeseburger coupled with cheesy fries! Indeed one of the best in town. The chicken is not halal unfortunately.
One of my favourite restaurants in London. The restaurant is always cosy and comfortable. I had the Portabello Mushroom Burger with Halloumi and fries and a chocolate shake for dessert and it was all delicious as always. It was a really cold evening and although each time the door opened the cold air gushed in, they really made an effort by putting heavy curtains up around the door.
Went here on a Friday lunch time so it was busy. One of the meals was wrong but they gave use all the meals on the house. Try the watermelon vodka cocktail it's awesome. We will be back
Food is quite nice and the place is relaxed with very happy and relaxed (too relaxed at times) staff. The main issue with the place is that it's quite badly managed in terms of table waiting.
Tasty burger, even when slightly overcooked. Also overstacked so best to eat in with knife and fork, don’t takeaway to eat on the run. Nice faux-Hawaiian vibe and attentive service. Opportunities to improve: don’t overcook burger, and when someone gets a table for one service should clear the other side of the table.
The food, service and beer was that good we ate there twice in a week!
Great burgers and milkshakes with quick service. The waiters were great and gave us space to have a great conversation and take our time with our milkshakes even after we had finished the burgers.
The burgers were well-made and flavoursome without being too big or unwieldily.
This place has good chips and a good vibe.
Very friendly staff, great place to have a rest and where get a perfect food for a reasonable money
We visited at about 3pm for a very late lunch. It was quiet and by the surrounding area you wouldn't of thought much about this place but I'm glad we came in.
We were served by Sarah who was extremely helpful and very friendly. Once we got our food, which was served in a timely manner, we were extremely impressed! Dead tasty food and milkshake. Couldn't fault it.
After all was said and done, Sarah have us some advice about the surrounding area and to be careful with our belongings which might sound random but, again, looking at the surrounding area we could see why.
It's a shame a place like this is tucked away but if you are in the area I would heavily recommend it.
And if you're reading this, Sarah. Thank you for your amazing service!
I went with a friend and I had the buttermilk fried chicken burger which was absolutely delicious. My friend had the cheeseburger and said it was possibly one of the best she had ever had. Aside from that, the staff were very friendly and eager to help. The service was also very fast. I went to the carnaby street restaurant and I loved the cosy atmosphere, although I was at first apprehensive because of the size. I love it and really want to go again!
We went here for Brunch on a Sunday and it was very quite, with a couple of free tables. They have some options in the menu (pancakes, English breakfast, etc.) but we went all in with their burgers! You have to try the one they offer with Pineapple for sure! Instead of canned pineapple, they put a fresh, juicy and grilled slice on top of your patty. Definitely good! (PS: If you're not up for fries, as they to change them for salad! Really good!)
So cute! Hawaiian themed burger restaurant, amazing burgers (lots of choice), great drinks and lovely staff.
Excellent burgers. Service is a bit slow and the seating a little cramp. If you get a quiet time with a small group of people, then it's excellent for an authentic flame American style burger. Very friendly staff too.
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