Patisserie Nanako - Waimea, Hawaii

bridget

Visited this beautiful bakery in Waimea in the morning on our way to Hilo!!!! 😃 This bakery is something special!! We came a few days earlier while visiting the brewery and arrived a little late - most of the baked goods were sold out. However this time, we arrived at 8:45 AM…and they opened at 9 AM. We were destined for the baked goodies! AND WOW - the french bread lined with the delicious creamy honey whipped butter (their specialty) ….heaven! Sorry God, it is good! And for someone who has dairy and gluten issues - it's clear they are using the real goods!!!! So surprised I didn’t have all the gluten reactions. It's a must, it’s a must and it’s a must….just get there early and enjoy the beautiful bakery scents! I think scents alone added 10 lbs to my body. It's a must see and taste!

Alondra S.

From the moment I picked my wedding date I knew that I wanted the cake to be done by Nanako. I have been purchasing pastries from them since I moved to the island 3 years ago, often times bringing them to share with my coworkers. From their breads to their cakes, Nanako has unequivocally the best pastries in Waimea. A good part of my family was coming from South America, where cakes are only decorated with whipped cream and as such I needed a cake that would not contain frosting of any kind. While they were not able to decorate the cake with whipped cream (as it would melt in the heat) the buttercream they used instead was incredibly light and tasty. They were actually scheduled to be closed during the weekend of my wedding, but they assured me that I had nothing to worry about and that my wedding cake would be ready for pick up on time.

They absolutely delivered, and stayed in communication through the entire process of picking up this cake while their bakery was closed.

The sponge was light and airy, the filling was tangy and refreshing and the buttercream was right the amount of sweetness. The cake was so popular we only had a handful of slices left over. This will most certainly be a Patisserie that I recommend for many years to come.

Barbara L.

We stumbled upon the bakery by chance during a rest stop. We got a baguette with cream and a coconut cake to go. I just had my baguette. It was world-class delicious, so I am leaving this review. I recommend that everyone passing by get a pastry at this cute pastry shop. The quality is really what you'd expect in a Michelin-starred establishment but at a fraction of the cost.

JMAC

5/2023
I've been following her on IG, swing by whenever I get the chance, and admirer from afar, but always a sizeable line. I happen to be in the area on a Wednesday and early. Another good hint that they're good is when you see locals standing in a line, or, better yet, contractors with the neon shirts going. Wherever they go, you know it's good and economical. All about value, and they're right. I'm definitely not a dessert or pastry person, but I had to bang my order with popular favorites, especially for first-timers. Oh, so onolicious! See my selections in the attached pics. So good, I had to share too. Such a great find and great to see our Japanese neighbors sharing their cultural talents with locals. Why we live Japan and its culture. Oishi-desu! 😊🤙✌️🫰

Later that same day........
Oh my freekin goodness. All of the desserts were so light, not overpowering with heavy sweetness, as Japanese desserts typically are. Tastes were simple yet filled with sweet flavors. The peanut butter crunch mousse thingy was different and oh so scrumptious. The lilikoi mango one was beautiful and diverse with an ever so light balance of sweet and tart. The real surprise was their specialty. When I saw Rachel Pacarro tasting it on Hi Now, I was somewhat skeptical. I'm not a big bread person or "cream," whatever as well. Of course, being a true foodie, though, and seeing her other products, I had to try. What a "shut the front door" surprise. Something so seemingly simple, but oh, so dang yummy, I just kept eating it. It was absolutely surprisingly light feeling, lightly sweet, and a nice touch of hidden sweetness in the bread. ONO-FREEKIN-LICIOUS! I like that she's upcountry and unique. She would rock it on Oahu, but this makes a beautiful, must visit for Waimea town. Thank you, Chef. Great gift to the neighborhood, really. Im gonna figure a way to take that bread back to Oahu. 😊🙃🤠💕💪👌🤙✌️!

5/2023
2nd time in 3 weeks, and I don't even live on the island. Chocolate Cream Puff, Apple Turnover, and Fruit Roll this time, with the Milk France. Ono-freeking-licious! 😉😋🤙✌️

4/2024
This fantabulous patisserie still rocks! A must visit every time you land on the island. 😊😉🤙✌️

Aloha K.

2024 updated.
They moved to a new location which is in the Parker shopping center area. Their breads and cakes are still good but pricy. If you only focus on the visual of the bread and cake, then you will find that your wallet is empty when you are out the door. Be careful! 🙂

—

May I have your attention please. The bread of this restaurant would be sold out sooner than lunch time, and you will see the 'Soldout' sign if you visit them after lunch time. This Patisserie Nanako is a highly recommended bakery in Waimea, and you will not be disappointed. So if you do not want to miss their bread, then you may need to visit the bakery earlier than lunch. Especially if there is anything you want to try, then try to visit them when they open. One thing I could argue is their price. They are little pricey, and it could let you fall down if you concern the price. However, if you know well about a Hawaiian tax, which is also called by a heaven tax, you may understand their price. I recommend this bakery specially if you love Japanese bakery.

Roy K.

Pulling up as they opened we noticed there was about 20 people, and still decided to visit since the reviews were so good. When entering we noticed they were very efficient with customer’s orders and packaging. We placed our order and took them back for dessert. The pastries were very light and delicious like what i would expect from a Japanese patisserie. I would definitely recommend if you’re in the neighborhood.

Summer S. O.

Arrived an hour prior to opening and was second in line. This was our first time at Patisserie Nanako and every one was so nice and inviting!
We purchased quite a few treats and breads.
We dove in to the cream stuffed bread and curry bun! That cream stuffed bread was worth the 2 hour (round trip) drive!
Curry bun, so soft and savory!
The quiche, absolutely perfect! Soft, squishy, oniony!
Lilikoi mango mousse, ugh! Sweet, tangy, so lucious!
(Will update as we eat the rest.)

Nicholas M.

Great little Japanese French pastry shop. I recommend the cream puff. The Japanese cheese cake is also good, if you like Japanese cheese cakes.