Best Bites: Slip into Brunch Bliss at Over Easy

Kailua is no stranger to solid brunch spots. But since it opened in 2016, locally owned Over Easy has proven it’s in a league of its own. Nestled in a cozy nook off Hekili Street, this little gem has been serving up morning magic that keeps locals and visitors alike coming back for more. Nik and Jennifer Lobendahn, the husband-wife dream team behind the 2024 Hale ‘Aina Silver winner for Best Breakfast, have built a fanbase around their custard French toast and perfectly poached eggs, making Over Easy a brunch experience that’s worth the inevitable weekend wait.

Custard French Toast

Photo: Tien Nguyen

First, let’s talk about the star of the show: the custard French toast. Leagues beyond your ordinary, run-of-the-mill brunch dish, Over Easy’s is an exercise in indulgence, with thick slices of soft Hawaiian sweet bread soaked in a rich custard, then cooked until the exterior is crispy and golden perfection. Topped with orange-infused crème fraiche—none of that from-a-can cream here—each bite is layers of tastes and textures. Don’t be deterred by the 15-minute wait time. It’s worth every second.

Potato N’ Eggs

Photo: Tien Nguyen

Don’t be fooled by the simple name: This dish is anything but. One of Over Easy’s most popular orders, the Potato N’ Eggs is an open-faced revelation with toasted French bread, bacon, tomato jam and two perfectly soft-boiled eggs, plus a smother of impossibly smooth creamy potato puree, elevate two humble breakfast ingredients to new delicious heights.

Brunch Bowl

Photo: Tien Nguyen

For something on the healthier side, the brunch bowl is a must-try that delivers on both looks and taste. Good-for-you ingredients like avocado, spinach and Jimmy Hugh’s Farm microgreens add bright pops of green, while the cool house-made yogurt—especially when mixed with tomato jam and runny soft-boiled egg yolk—serves as a refreshingly tart and creamy dressing to every bite. Toasted slices of sourdough make great transporters from plate to mouth. The finishing touch—two slices of candied bacon—adds that sweet-savory profile we love about brunch.

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Photo: Tien Nguyen

Breakfast may be the star of the show at Over Easy, but its lunch deserves a shout out, too. Especially the fried chicken sandwich: Served on a fluffy brioche bun with tangy coleslaw and an Asian aioli, the battered chicken patty has a satisfyingly crunchy exterior that stays juicy on the inside, proof of a properly fried bird. Take your pick between a side of salad or fries. Personally, we always choose the fries.

Over Easy, 418 Ku‘ulei Rd #103, Kailua, (808) 260-1732, @overeasyhi, overeasyhi.com

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