R K
I was never really a big fan of Hawaiian food like loco moco, and I hadn’t eaten it very often.
But this was the first place where I truly enjoyed Hawaiian food!
Our server was absolutely lovely, and we ended the night with a toast of iichiko ❤️
We’ll definitely be back — thank you!
… moreSarah Auda
**HIDDEN GEM!!** Best small plates and food quality on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks/Studio City— and that’s saying something in the food capital of the valley.
I stumbled by on a walk and the ambiance is gorgeous so I went to dinner there the next week. The service was exceptional, the vibe is chill (low lighting but casual), and it wasn’t loud at all (a luxury!). I was shocked the place wasn’t packed. Great date spot, girls night, or adult family dinner.
Every dish is beautifully plated and seriously delicious. All the food tastes so fresh and the sauces/dips are to die for. We’ve been back twice and tried new dishes each time, and we have loved them all.
So far, I recommend:
– Spicy yellowtail on rice cakes (MINDBLOWING)
– Fried chicken (trust me)
– Yuzu Aguachile
– Garlic naan
– Brussel sprouts
They might sound basic but all the dishes are layered with flavor that pack a punch.
They have a robust wine, beer, and cocktail list to pair.
We can’t wait to go back next week!
… moreJohn Smith
Ugh, I hate to do this guys but we’ve had this place on our list for while and finally made it. Mind you, I’m from Hawaii and lots of good local style cooking, so high bar expectations here. First the good. The ambiance and service are great, no question. My girl had the ricotta dumplings and enjoyed them but gives it only 3/5. It was interesting but not mind blowing. She enjoyed the atmosphere more than the food. I wanted a first time taste of as much as possible so ordered the Mix Plate which came with steak, fish, mochiko chicken, spam, rice and Mac salad. Tremendously disappointing. The steak and fish cubed bites was completely flavorless – like not even a hint of salt or anything. I told my girl the meat and fish were like eating water. When a piece of fried spam out does your filet mignon for flavor then oof. I used the small portion of Daikon and carrots on the plate to season each bite but couldn’t overcome. For the size pieces neither the steak or fish were tender. But the lack of any flavor was a big let down. The Mochiko was probably the best meat. Nice and crispy on the outside and not greasy. One scoop rice with furikake – that’s like fail proof. The Mac salad is a tough one – I have a lifetime of the best family recipes/ tastes to reference but my girl and I both agreed the flavor was “off” with something odd. I did not eat the portion. We looked but did not go for any of the desserts which on paper looked fab. Might give this place one more try for other items but we’re kinda meh about the food/price value let down.
… moreClenét Verdi-Rose
Absolutely loved this place, such a hidden gem in an area where it might get overlooked.
The service and atmosphere was so welcoming it made you feel like they had known you for years. And the food definitely lived up to the hype! I’ve been to Hawaii twice and rarely find a place that actually does elevated Hawaiian fusion right. You can tell the ingredients are super fresh and the presentation shows there was craft and thought on each dish. The taste of everything we got was so good that we kept ordering more plates as the dinner went on. The portions are great and super filling. We did end up taking some food back home. I don’t do a ton of restaurant reviews because I’m often underwhelmed, but this place deserved a shout out!
… moreYi Zhang
Had this on our to-try list for a while and finally got the chance! The food is quite creative, pleasantly presented, and most importantly taste good! Like the small cozy setting as well. The only thing is the patio is right by the street on Ventura.
… morechris G
Food was delicious, very flavorful and presentation on all was pretty & exceptional. Service, once at resturant was excellent, also, the ambience is nice.
My only complaint is, thus the missing star. I left three voice messages, with my call back number, regarding my reservation. No one ever called me back, I had to physically go in regarding the matter. But everything was so yummy, I’ll be returning. Just a few pictures of the six items that my friend and I ordered.
… moreJess Elena
Went on Valentine’s Day; the food was incredible! So so yummy! And very reasonably priced! The place is very charming. Mostly ordered from the daily specials but the yuzu cheesecake is to die for!!
… moreDane Brehm
Want a daring new restaurant with a modern menu and an old school feel? This is Malama Pono where the second we walked in with no reservation we felt like Ohana. I highly recommend sharing everything because it’s all crazy delicious no Cap! The 3 of us started our culinary adventure with 2 types of Crispy rice, moved into the Yellowtail Ceviche, then tempura Cauliflower, Potatoes Bravos, before we topped it off with the short rib fried rice. If your up for a start to your Saturday night I highly suggest sharing a bottle of iichiko Shochu which was absolutely delicious with a Blueberry Vanilla Ice cream..you really can’t go wrong with anything. The incredible staff Matt and Tate make time to talk with all the guests giving a very friendly and old school kind of dining environment.
… moreAmanda Farina
Every time I come here every dish is impeccable. You can eat light or heavy, its all amazing. I cant even recommend a particular dish because every single one is a knockout. Even w the lack of liquor license the cocktails are so good. The maitai is magical
… moreMary Dignan Hill
How did i not know about this restaurant? The food is amazing. I had many different fish dishes and some of the best dumplings I’ve ever tasted. The drinks were inventive and delicious and the service was top notch. Can’t wait to return.
… more