Kona Cafe
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Gardens thick with coconut palms and orchids,
volcanic rock waterfalls, white-sand beaches and Polynesian music
set the stage at Disney's Polynesian Resort, home of Kona Cafe.
The energetic, casual eatery is awash in warm colors with brilliant
ceramic tilework, hammered ironwork and distinctive lighting.
Center stage is a lively dessert kitchen, where a dazzling array
of sweets is arranged like fine art on the stone countertop,
tempting diners before they're even seated.
The 172-seat restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner,
starting with the Sunrise Menu that features fresh juices and
fruits, omelets and the decadent Auntie Kaui's Tonga Toast, a
longtime Polynesian favorite -- banana-stuffed sourdough bread,
rolled in cinnamon sugar, then fried. The aroma of Kona coffee,
one of the richest coffees in the world, wafts through the air.
Kona coffee comes from one of the most fertile regions in Hawaii;
the green coffee beans are flown to Central Florida, then roasted
to produce the house blend. Beans are ground to order throughout
the day.
The restaurant adds a Pan-Pacific spin to its Midday Menu, with
pot stickers, Thai peanut shrimp salad, and giant steaming bowls
of soup with Asian vegetables in miso broth with noodles and
meat or fish. But the restaurant also offers basic lunchtime
fare: hearty salads, blackened fish and the Big Kahuna Burger,
for instance. One lunchtime favorite is the Two-Fisted Chicken
Sandwich with basil mayo, roasted peppers and spinach salad on
mountain bread.
At dinner, the stage is set for boldly flavored evening specialties,
with Pacific Rim spices jazzing up American classics like pork
chops and spoon bread.
A team of chefs spent nearly two years on the design and concept
development of the restaurant, and the work centered around the
idea that the food would be market fresh with a healthy Asian
kick. A modest selection of beers, wines and cocktails accompanies
the eclectic menu.
House favorites include crispy tempura ahi tuna, macademia-crusted
mahi-mahi and pan-Asian pasta with buckwheat sota noodles and
chicken. An oven-roasted chicken with red skin mashed potatoes
or grilled beef tenderloin in a cabernet and port reduction get
high marks as well.
Desserts range from tangerine crème brûlée
to a seductive Kilauea Torte, named after the active volcano
on Hawaii's Big Island, filled with warm hazelnut and chocolate
that spills out like lava when broken with a fork. Popular Ko
Ko Puffs are filled with chocolate pastry cream and topped with
icing and a dollop of whipped cream.
A favorite of all ages is the Kona Cone, an oversized waffle
cone dipped in chocolate and standing upright with a spun-sugar
base. The cone is filled with chocolate and vanilla ice cream,
with a flourish of lacy sugar fans on top.
Helpful servers add to the enjoyment in Disney's newest gem,
where the pace is upbeat but never hurried.
Essential Information
Location
Polynesian Resort
Type
Sit-down restaurant.
A la carte.
Included in Disney Dining Plan
Yes
Tips & Fun Facts
 Drop
by the separate coffee bar for a cup brewed from freshly roasted estate-grown
beans.
This location can
accommodate most special dietary needs. Advance notice may be required
and cancellation fees may apply. Please indicate any special dietary need
at time of reservation booking.
Try
the Tonga Toast at breakfast.
Advanced Dining Reservations
Reservations recommended. Book up to 180 days in advance (or up to 190 days for Disney Resort guests).
Call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463)
 Reviews & Ratings
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Recommended For
 Children
Teens
Adults
Seniors
Meals
Meals Served
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Average Cost for full meal
$15 - $30 per person
Typical Menu Items
Crab cakes, salads, pot stickers, noodle bowl, pasta, sandwiches, burgers,
desserts.
Most popular menu items
Tonga Toast for breakfast. This decadent, deep-fried breakfast favorite has
been served at Kona Cafe for more than a quarter of a century. Sourdough
bread, bananas, sugar and cinnamon are all it takes -- except for the oil
to fry it in.
The Kiddie Kone, a childish delight for kids of all ages: a giant waffle cone
filled with ice cream and served with cotton candy and M&Ms.
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