Kau Kau: clear, inviting restaurant interior shot

Kau Kau: clear, inviting exterior restaurant shot

Kau Kau: appetizing photo of restaurant food

Kau Kau: appetizing, high-quality food photography

Kau Kau: clear shot of restaurant interior

Kau Kau: appetizing, high-quality food photo

Kau Kau: clear, appetizing food photography

10 photos

Kau Kau

Name: Kau Kau
Address: 2026 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, Portland, Alberta Arts District, 97211, US
Telephone: +15039701577
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.7

★ 4.7 · 163 reviews Portland Opened October 2025

Directions Instagram

Hawaiian cooking beyond the plate lunch

Kau Kau treats Hawaiian food with more care than the plate-lunch format usually gets. The kitchen works through the wider range of island cooking instead of leaning on the loco moco and kalua pork most mainland spots default to.

The room on NE Alberta is small, and the strip around it has become one of Portland's steadiest for new openings. Come hungry and split a few plates across the table.

What guests say

Reviews by Google

John McGarvey 160 reviews · Local Guide 29 July 2026

First time trying Kau Kau, and it definitely lived up to the hype! I ordered the Chicken Katsu Curry on a recommendation and was blown away. The chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and not dry at all. The curry sauce was super comforting with great flavor, and the rice and mac salad rounded out a huge, satisfying plate. The pickled radish on the side was a awesome touch that cut through the rich curry. Really solid spot with friendly vibes—I'll definitely be coming back to try the rest of the menu!
Lucas Duffey 1,491 reviews · Local Guide 12 June 2026

We got the Hawaiian combo and Mom's garlic chicken. The mom's garlic chicken is delicious. Nice crunchy flavorful chicken with a bunch of interesting tasty side dishes.
Nicholas Anderson 28 reviews · Local Guide 10 February 2026

Im come here almost every Monday after work. It’s SOOO GOOD! Service on point Drinks are great Atmosphere amazing! Food! You already know! It’s fire! My daughter always gets a side of rice and kalau pig! I love this place and it really is one of the best restaurants in Portland!
Jeffrey S 322 reviews · Local Guide 25 January 2026

The Mom's Garlic Chicken was delicious. Nice and crispy outside with a juicy chicken inside. The flavor on it was great. Add some chili water to the rice to make it extra delicious
Angelena Moio 49 reviews · Local Guide 24 November 2025

chicken katsu curry was wonderful! great curry flavor & perfect crispiness.. definitely a good full portion for the price. garlic shrimp flavor is amazing! ‘ez peel’ shell that they say you can eat but definitely has shell if you’re adverse. I picked off most since I didn’t realize that until later, whoops! maybe best mac salad I’ve had?! has potato mixed in too & just a great fresh flavor. guava lemonade also delish!