Miss Bishop Street Cafe? No worries: Mamaya is open

The owners of Bishop Street Cafe have retired — bittersweet news for those who loved the hybrid Japanese-Italian eatery known for its cheap prices and quick service.

Just like the Bishop Street Cafe of old, expect a line.

Taking its place is Mama-ya, known for the great value of their bentos and donburi at two other locations in Shirokiya and Pearl Kai Shopping Center. They celebrated their grand opening on Monday with plate lunches, donburi, pastas, sushi musubi, salads and desserts.

New at this third location is a line of pastas including a creamy carbonara ($6.50) and hearty meatball marinara ($6.95) and a creamy matcha pudding ($2.50).

The furikake salmon katsu ($7.95) has three breaded salmon pieces with a homemade tonkatsu sauce. You can substitute white rice for this 14-grain rice, and each plate lunch comes with miso soup or an 8-ounce bottle of water.

The spicy ahi poke ($7.50) is a gigantic portion of fresh Hawaiian ahi. The sauce is so creamy and filling, I’d recommend sharing this with a friend.

One of my favorite food groups, loco moco ($6.95), is represented well here. Two tender patties, a sunny-side egg and a rich gravy make for a lunch to will even the biggest appetites.

Matcha pudding ($2.50) is new to Mama-ya’s offerings and unique to the downtown location. This thick, custardy pudding is saturated with green tea flavor. Share this with a friend because although it looks like a normal portion, the thick consistency and heavy flavor mean even a half-serving will satisfy a dessert craving.

Manager Takeshi Ouchi let us know they’re excited to reach a downtown crowd.

If you’re looking for a hefty lunch at a great price, head over to Mama-ya, Bishop Street Cafe. Phone orders and fax orders are welcome as long they’re placed before 10 a.m. And be patient: Already the line has been out the door from opening until well past the lunch hour.

Mamaya, Bishop Street Cafe
725 Bishop St.
808-888-4811