Tony McGarry
For lunch, we had the mahi burger and mahi plate. Both choices were considered excellent. The mahi burger was the best fish burger I had ever had. My partner said her mahi plate was most excellent and we both really enjoyed the tropical flavors in these dishes.
We also enjoyed the spring rolls with sweet chili sauce. They were excellent. I like that they had salad option instead of fries with the burger plate.
The dining room was rather dark so we sat close to the window. Service was good and we will return another time to try another dish.
… moreJames Selje
The atmosphere was quite empty, but it was peaceful. Unfortunately, the food didn’t fully live up to the hype, though it was still solid overall. The loco moco was the closest thing to authentic Hawaiian flavor. The Kalua pork was also good, but it didn’t quite taste like traditional Kalua pork, more like a standard crock-pot style American marinade. The dessert clearly had a lot of attention to detail and ended up being a highlight. It was also nice to have POG.
… moreWilliam Maier
For a restaurant which currently averages just above a 4.2 on Google right now, it punches above its weight. We ordered two cocktails the ube bee and the coffee martini and two shareables, bao buns (with tofu) and the humus plate. Each item was excellent. Cocktails were well balanced with the coffee martini highlighting strong flavors of coffee and chocolate, with a very refined micro foam, the ube cocktail was delicious with and the yuzu and coconut flavors complemented each other well. The smoky humus and taro chips were also equally delicious and the bao buns had a lot of different flavors and textures to enjoy, from the sweet sour profiles in the salsa, nicely pickles onions, and a cabbage slaw that in combination with a soft chewy bun creating a wonderful balance of soft, crunchy, chewy textures and great flavors.
This is a clearly a location that puts care and thought into the food. Vegetables were all crisp and fresh, the kitchen was kind enough to substitute tofu for meat for the bao buns. The murals and art in the location give it a engaging and interesting aesthetic feel that would not be out of place in a little restaurant in Brooklyn.
… moreMr. Blu
Even while under construction, Ono Kitchen and Bar absolutely delivered. I stopped in knowing the menu was limited during the remodel, but what they are currently offering still hit the mark. Every dish we tried was well prepared, flavorful, and clearly made with care, not treated like a temporary placeholder menu.
It would have been easy for quality to slip during construction, but that was not the case here. The food felt intentional and satisfying, with solid portions and balanced flavors. You can tell the kitchen still takes pride in what goes out, even during a transitional phase.
Service was smooth and welcoming, and the atmosphere, even mid-update, still carried a relaxed, enjoyable vibe. If this is the standard they keep during a reduced menu period, I am genuinely excited to come back once the full menu and space are back in action.
A strong showing despite the temporary limitations. Definitely worth visiting now and revisiting later.
… moreGemma Roberts
Incredible food and incredible people! My partner and I stopped in just to pick up a late dinner after a show and they were so accommodating and kind. We were happy to stand by the door and wait, but they sat us at a table and gave us water and were so sweet. We got our food and left, and got halfway down the street before realizing my partner forgot their jacket, we turned around and the bartender was already running it out to us! Cannot recommend this place enough, it is truly one of our favorite spots in town, and they make the best Musubi in Bellingham!
… moreAli Michelin
Mae was our server and she provided a fantastic experience from top to bottom!
We both have dietary restrictions, different for each of us, and she answered all of our questions, made recommendations and adjustments so we could have something tasty and allergy-safe.
Mae was super friendly and she even adjusted the lights a teeny bit for us when it got too dark after being turned down. The food was delicious and beautifully plated!
The whole atmosphere and vibe was super chill, although it was a bit loud for us at first while trivia was still going on.
The price was completely reasonable for the quality of everything. We will definitely be back and highly recommend!
… moreS King
Who knew you could find a little slice of Hawaii in downtown Bellingham? I love the atmosphere here it’s very relaxed and open and the service is terrific. The food is very tasty although vegetarians might find the menu a little limited. This restaurant is also dog friendly. I highly recommend Ono Kitchen in downtown Bellingham
… moreAaron Brown
I never give all 5 stars. I never have. The ramen could start a religion. The Ube’ bee cocktail was divinely crafted with care by our bartender Ru. The Bao bun tacos made me want to move in. Super chill place with melt your brain good food. Seriously. Not joking.
… moreRaven Dalton
server too busy talking to her friends who came in. wasnt greated, waited over 5 minutes for water, only talked to me when bringing my food/taking my order. i love this place because of the food and ingredients, but the server needs to worry about her job and not talking to her friends. i also wasnt the only other customers and they were also being ignored so she can chat. her boss even had to say something to her when she was talking to her friends cause she wasnt doing her job. ive worked in food service for over 5 years and have been in bellingham for 4. some of the worst service ive recieved.
… moreJeffG
We went in for dinner tonight. The entire experience was fantastic. Our server/ bartender welcomed us and actually adjusted the TV so we could watch the World Series for our table. Our drinks were outstanding! The smoked taro appie was delicious! Our entrees were delicious! Really, there were at least 10 shrimp in my garlic shrimp, very tasty and cooked to perfection. It was a chill vibe, and we’ll be back. Thanks for an absolutely wonderful evening!
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