Delicious Breakfasts at the Polynesian's Kona Café

POSTED: Thu, 01/02/2014 - 06:00 | POSTED BY: Kristen Kirk

Walt Disney World is home to many "legendary" treats for foodies and one such fan favorite breakfast delight is the Tonga Toast from the Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Resort. Situated on the second floor of the Polynesian's Great Ceremonial House and just a few steps from the monorail station it's only a short ride away from the Magic Kingdom. This popular restaurant is a fabulous stop for guests staying at the resort or those just coming by for the food.

Kona Cafe Sign In The Polynesian's Atrium

The Kona Cafe has a relaxed and easy feel to it with no pomp or pretention. Half walls provide and open view from the tables out into the Atrium full of tropical greenery and island art. The casual South Seas decor is sometimes criticized as being uninspired, but what really counts is the food. After checking in at the hostess stand for a reservation guests are handed a pager to wait for their table. I've had good luck getting advanced dining reservations here during most of the year, and walk up tables are also easy to get during non-peak times.

Kona Cafe Interior

Breakfast is my favorite meal to eat at Kona Cafe' because there are lots of tasty specialty dishes that are rave worthy like the Samoan eggs benedict and the Big Kahuna sampler. My favorite is the Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes served with macadamia nut butter, pineapple compote, and ham. The pancakes are light and fluffy, full of decadent macadamia nuts. Just a touch a syrup drizzled over the top make them just about perfect.

Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes

Most people however, go for the highly acclaimed Tonga Toast. This signature dish was originally served at the now closed Tangaroa Terrace but was so popular Disney moved it to the menu at the Kona Cafe'. These cinnamon sugar dusted pieces of sour-dough french toast are stuffed to the brim with with bananas and served with a strawberry compote. It's a dish that has been a favorite in my family since my Dad ate it when I was just a little girl. It's classic Disney magic served up on a plate, and just like the Turkey leg has it's own fan following.

The Famous Tonga Toast

Coffee lover's will also delight in the two different blends brought over straight from the island of Kona. The first is a 70/30 blend that is drip brewed and served as their regular blend. The second is a 100% Kona that is only available in a french press pot. Note though that the press pots are not part of the Disney Dinning Plan. However if you prefer a dark and rich cup coffee you should plan on splurging for the press.

Varieties of Kona Coffee

Have you had breakfast at the Kona Cafe' recently? Do you order the Tonga Toast or venture into other areas of the menu? Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite is!

In:

JoAnn C wrote on Fri, 01/03/2014 - 01:52:

I've only had the Tonga Toast. I'd like to try other meals there sometime.

RobynPrincess wrote on Sat, 01/04/2014 - 14:04:

I have never eaten in kona! We made a reservation for our last trip but had to cancel, it's back on the list for this year though ;)

Susan wrote on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 15:07:

Always eat there love the Tonga Toast and the Kona french press I have sampled most everything on their menu but Tonga is the best

Angelina wrote on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 15:10:

I've wanted to eat there for a long time. But my husband isn't a breakfast person. I think this trip I will go have breakfast by myself. I really want to eat that Tonga Toast.

Kimlobdell wrote on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 15:50:

We have reservations at Kona for breakfast twice for our upcoming trip because I must try the Tonga Toast and the Pineapple Macadamia pancakes. We are also going back to Kouzzina for the waffle with mascarpone, honey and pecans.

Stefanie wrote on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 15:59:

The tonga toast looks big enough to split between two.

Cheryl wrote on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 16:00:

Love love,love the Kona blend. I haven't tried the Tonga Toast because I always order The Somoan . Hmmm wish I could make this at home.

Ron wrote on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 16:14:

Was there back in 2005-2006, Mona coffee varyaties were great! Good place to start your day.

Noelle wrote on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 16:26:

I have only had the Tonga Toast, but plan on branching out when we go this fall!

Cynthia wrote on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 23:29:

I'm having breakfast there Thursday morning!

Amy wrote on Mon, 01/06/2014 - 04:29:

tonga toast and Kona coffee is a staple every visit!

Kristen K. wrote on Mon, 01/06/2014 - 13:52:

Kimlobdell - OOo, I want to try breakfast at Kouzinna but I haven't been able to get there yet.

Robyn - Glad to hear that it's on for the next trip! It's one of my favorites.

Nancy Deno wrote on Sun, 01/12/2014 - 14:41:

Both hubby and myself are gluten free. I was wondering if anyone knew whether they are able to substitute gluten free bread for the tonga toast. It looks so good!!!!

Michelle wrote on Mon, 01/27/2014 - 15:47:

I've eaten at Kona Cafe once. I had the Tonga Toast and the Press Pot of coffee. BOTH were fantastic. The strawberry compote that comes with the Tonga toast reminds me of the strawbery soup at 1900 Park Fare.
It IS alot to eat for 1 person. I couldn't finish it all.

The only small issue I had...I had an early morning ressie.
They had just opened, and were not busy yet.
My very nice server took my order, and literally 2 minutes later my Tonga toast was delivered by another server, as if it was already made and waiting to be served. LOL This was before my server even brought out my Press pot of coffee.

I'm going to try Kona again in March when I go for my birthday trip. I'm just going to ask for my coffee first then place my order after my coffee is brought out. :)

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