What’s for lunch? Cafe Julia.

We’ve waited a long time for Cafe Julia. Although there are many eateries in Downtown, there are only a few places where you can have an enjoyable conversation and a delicious, quick lunch–at the same time.

For a man whose mantra is simply “cook really good food,” Executive Chef Lance Kosaka brings to Cafe Julia a refined palate honed over nearly two decades at Alan Wong’s. Add his passion for fresh local ingredients and his own special touches and you have a meal worthy of the President of the United States (yes, he has cooked at The White House). My favorite? One of the daily specials: gnocchi with Chinese-style pork (above). Also shown: Chinese chicken salad and penne pasta.

Cafe Julia is named after Julia Morgan, the architect of the 1920s YWCA Laniakea Center where the restaurant is located. Located in the center courtyard, Cafe Julia is literally an oasis in the middle of the city’s historic district, with a Norfolk pine tree that reaches to the sky and a garden bursting with fresh basil. While Morgan is best known for designing San Simeon (Hearst Castle), this lovely building was listed as one of her favorites.

Cafe Julia is open weekdays for lunch, Sunday breakfast and catering :: cafejuliahawaii.com