Bar Koko & Persian Restaurant — Restaurant in Honolulu

I’ve always wanted to try this place for quite a while now. This past Sunday I finally had a chance to. On my way another bar I glanced over and was like “oh **! It’s empty.” So I walked in and sat at the bar.

“Slow night?” I asked. It was around 8 “No you just missed the rush.” The bartender replied.

It does always seem busy whenever I pass this place. Luckily, there were other events going on in town, I was able to grab a seat at the bar.

This is my first time at a Persian restaurant and really had no idea what to get or expect. I studied the menu and decide, oh kebab... I know what that is. So I ordered a beef kabab. I started my meal with hummus. Best hummus I ever had. It’s very light in taste - smooth with a hint of garlic and lemon. The pita bread was warm and soft. Wish there were more it because it was so good with the hummus.

Beef Kebab - I was a little disappointed with this one. Two grilled ground beef served with saffron rice, tossed greens and grilled tomato. The beef kebab was on the dry side. I expected some juicy meat as others have described it. It wasn’t tonight. (I had some hummus left so I dipped a few pieces of beef kebab in it, lmao). The rice was satisfying, the tossed greens, fresh!

The bar did not disappoint. Three glazed of vodka tonic and I was feeling good. Definitely better than the place I intended of going.

Oh yeah, I did have a cheese cake. I don’t remember if it was good or not. (I stopped taking notes - because, vodka!) I can tell you it was perfectly cut - look...

It was our first experience in this restaurant. We tried to enjoy our food, but the quality of food was terrible as we still have stomachache, headache, and nausea. The meat of Kabob tasted and smelled weird, never had such awful kabob in our life. It seemed the meat was old or spoiled. Next was the tomato that is supposed to come with kabob. They first brought a tomato after five minutes and it tasted like it’s burnt with some sort of metal and when we said it smells terrible the waiter said oh yea because of the grill and without apologizing took it and said he will bring another one. And he brought it right after we were done with our food. We also had another food, eggplant stew. And it didn’t taste like eggplant stew. According to their menu it was supposed to have split peas, but we could barely find split peas and the eggplants were dissolved and the taste was not like an eggplant stew. We wrote our suggestions on a receipt and didn’t leave extra tip than what we were charged. The waiter who seemed to be the owner came after us in the parking lot and retuned the receipt that they had already crumpled and said we don’t need this. I felt scared to see him there, coming after us. I barely leave a bad review ( I think it’s my second one in 10 years) but since they didn’t listen to us and we still have a bad stomachache and need to go to the urgent care, I don’t want others get sick...

Bar Koko Persian Restaurant is a true gem. From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring every aspect of your meal is perfect.

The menu is a culinary delight, featuring a rich array of traditional Persian dishes that are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The kebabs are particularly noteworthy—succulent and expertly seasoned, with just the right amount of char. The saffron rice is a standout, perfectly fluffy and aromatic.

The attention to detail extends to the ambiance as well, with a tastefully decorated interior that reflects Persian culture and adds to the overall dining experience. Whether you’re there for a special occasion or just a casual meal, Bar Koko offers an exceptional experience that is both delightful and memorable.

I highly recommend Bar Koko to anyone looking to enjoy authentic Persian cuisine in a welcoming and sophisticated setting. It’s a dining experience that...