Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Utah, get ready to say "aloha" to your new favorite restaurant. A beloved Hawaiian eatery is making its way to Downtown Daybreak and it promises to bring fresh ingredients and all the flavors of Hawaii with it.
Moena Cafe will open its doors July 31, delivering the islands' vibrant flavors and signature hospitality to the heart of the community. From island-style comfort food to local ingredients, Moena Cafe offers more than a meal — it's a taste of Hawaiian tradition and aloha spirit.
Why the owners picked Utah
Husband-and-wife team Eric and Nicole Chang bring their passion for food and genuine love for connecting with people to every aspect of Moena Café. Having each grown up visiting Utah, they created lasting family memories here and fell in love with its natural beauty and strong sense of community.
Their mission is to create a warm, inviting space where the community can gather and enjoy the comforting flavors and hospitality inspired by Hawaii.
For Eric and Nicole, this isn't just about food — it's about creating an experience that honors the island traditions they hold dear. From a savory loco moco to fluffy pancakes bursting with tropical flavor, every item on the menu is thoughtfully prepared to deliver warmth and authenticity.
Bringing Moena Cafe to Utah is their way of sharing a little piece of home with a whole new community.
Feast your eyes on this menu
You don't have to imagine what's in store at Moena Cafe — just take one look at the menu and let your eyes do the tasting.
From fruit-filled crepes and banana chantilly pancakes to cinnamon roll stacks and refreshing açaí bowls, every dish is a visual and flavorful treat. And don't miss their signature Short Rib Loco Moco — rich, hearty and packed with flavor.
Excellent reviews
With a 4.2-star rating on Yelp and a 4.6-star rating on Google, it's clear that Moena Cafe has won the hearts — and taste buds — of its guests.
"This was one of my absolute favorite meals while in the Honolulu area," one Yelp reviewer raved. "You must get the Short Rib Loco Moco, and get it with the fried rice. Trust me. … Just fantastic and overall perfection. Can't wait to come back."
Another Google reviewer praised the quality and flavor: "All the food uses fresh ingredients. … No corners cut. The banana chantilly pancakes with shredded [coconut] bits was absolutely a wonder. Combine this with coconut syrup, and you really have a mind-blowing pancake. … Simply majestic and totally worth it."
The food isn't the only thing you'll enjoy
When you dine at Moena Cafe, you might just forget you're in Utah because the entire atmosphere is designed to capture the heart and soul of Hawaii.
From the moment you sit down to your last bite, Nicole, president of Moena Cafe, promises a steadfast commitment to excellence.
"I believe that the success of any restaurant business is based on the satisfaction of my customers and the experience we provide," she says.
That dedication shines through in every dish — packed with quality, flavor, and intentionality is at the core of everything they do.
Downtown Daybreak: Where food, fun, and community meet
While the menu at Moena Cafe is rooted in island tradition, the new Downtown Daybreak location at 11098 S. Grandville Avenue, South Jordan is all about the future in one of the nation's fastest growing areas.
The restaurant faces the Trax line and is adjacent to the brand-new Salt Lake Bees ballpark, the Megaplex Cinema Entertainment Center with bowling and arcade games and an open-air performance venue — perfect for year-round fun for everyone in the Salt Lake Valley.
Mark your calendar for the grand opening
Moena Cafe opens July 31, and you're invited to celebrate. Festivities will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include:
- Brunch with Moana (reservation required).
- Family-friendly entertainment.
- Face painting & balloon twisters.
- Hula dancing by TeHamata.
- Yard games and more.
Keep up to date on all things Downtown Daybreak and Moena Cafe by visiting downtowndaybreak.com or download the Downtown Daybreak app.
