Great place to have colorful drinks and great Hawaiian food. I tried the ahí poke bowl, plantation iced tea, spam musubi and kalua pork. All delicious!Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly! Plenty of seating
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Spam Musubi
Doug Kopf
Great place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melissa C.
Came on a weeknight for dinner and there was plenty of seating available. The inside is decorated as a tropical theme and felt like a tiki bar. Items Ordered: - Spam musubi: This dish is not worth it in my opinion as it comes with 8 pieces for $13 which feels expensive. The pieces are also fairly small and does not come with much flavor. - Kalua pig quesadilla: Really tasty! The quesadilla was a little greasy but the flavor was solid and comes as a decent portion. - Loco moco: Not the best loco moco I have tried but it does the job. The portion seemed a little small though and the sauce could use more flavor. - Kalua pig and cabbage bowl: A simple dish but very satisfactory. The kalua pig was a little dry but had good flavor overall. I liked how much cabbage they provided in the dish.
Krystal R.
Pretty good food if you're looking to satisfy your your hawaiian food craving! A touch on the pricier end if you compare it to prices on the island, but definitely bay area appropriate
Harry M.
It was a rainy day when I walked into this restaurant. Almost felt like actually being in Hawaii in a way. The host gave us an friendly aloha and we sat down. We noticed the decor definitely had the "tiki" vibe. This place has all the Hawaiian food you would normally find inside the 48 contiguous states. I didn't anything like poi, which is more of an acquired taste but you're more likely to find that in Hawaii. I got Loco Moco and my fiancèe Guava Steak. For the appetizers, we got the spam musubi with eggs. I preferred the Guava Steak over the the Loco Moco. Not that they're comparable dishes but it's more suited to my taste palate. It was more juicy. Not that there was anything wrong with the Loco Moco, it tasted great. But I ate it many times at other restaurants, it didn't really stand out to me. If you're just looking for Hawaiian vibes with food, this is a good place to check out.
Brad J.
Great food and fun environment. Like you are on the islands. Great service too. Thanks
Pahoua G.
Noelani's in San Carlos provides a pleasant setting and friendly service, making it a nice spot for a relaxed meal. During our visit, we tried the loco moco and the shaka chicken. My husband enjoyed his shaka chicken dish, finding it flavorful and satisfying. I was disappointed with the loco moco. The burger patty lacked seasoning and wished I had ordered something else. However, our server was lovely, despite being the only one handling a busy brunch crowd. The busboys were also efficient in clearing our plates. Although my meal wasn't great, I'd be open to giving this restaurant another shot. The atmosphere was inviting, and perhaps another dish would be more to my liking.
Aex W.
Picked this spot on a lark, the area was nice n quiet and the staff were friendly. Indoors was wonderfully pleasant- felt just a little homesick while looking through the various wall hangings. The food was solid, my cocktail was also quite lovely. It's rare I enjoy "Hawaiian" places on the mainland, but if you're feeling a bit of longing for the islands, this might be the spot for you.
Kerith H.
I'd been a few times many years back and was happy to see they made it thru Covid! This place is such a gem. There is plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating along with bar seating! Lots of TVs, heat lamps (outside areas) and fun decor. They also do live entertainment! The spot would also be perfect for a private event!! This time we went for lunch and there was no wait, we got to pick where we wanted to sit and had a server that was very attentive. Not only was the food ono along with the wonderful service, the vibes were on point. The menu has so many delicious looking options it's hard to choose- so here's what we got; Ube whiskey colada Spam musubi Pork lumpia Hurricane fries Kalua pig island sliders Shaka chicken plate Guava steak plate Spam fried rice Potato Mac salad My personal fave was the guava steak... I could eat that everyday!! Definitely recommend everyone hula their way over ASAP!
Emily O.
I've been wanting to try Noelani's for a while and finally had the chance today! Stopped by for a quick lunch and sat at the bar. The service was amazing-- everyone here is so attentive and friendly, and the food comes out so quickly. We had the spicy poke to start and ordered some taro chips to go alongside, and it was all delicious and so fresh. I tried both the teriyaki chicken plate and the guava beef, and both were phenomenal. The spam fried rice and regular rice were also great. The mac/potato salad wasn't my fav, but only because I don't like black olives and the olive flavor is pretty strong throughout. Still, everything was fresh and flavorful all around. The only thing I really wanted to get that we didn't try is the mud pie. I'll definitely be back for it, though!! Overall, love this place. The vibes are great, as are the people who work here. Can't wait to come back for dessert and also to try some drinks!!
The food was delicious! The service amazing our waitress was very nice we will definitely be back!
Thanh N.
wow, the foods and drinks are so good. I often eat out at Asian restaurants because America food is look the same to me :). I completely change my mind after this. definitely will come back
Derrick L.
Ambiance is great with live music on the weekend. Drinks a delicious. Service was fast. Food was tasty! Definitely will be here regularly when in town.
Christine H.
"Whatever you do, do it well." I forgot who said this, but I have to agree. Instead of believing that a truly fulfilling life is trying to do everything and be everything to everyone (which is a recipe for disaster), limiting your focus to a few roles and/or responsibilities in your life...it tends to bring a lot more peace and calm (at least, that's what I've been rediscovering these days). I love how Noelani's does what they do well: provide good service, serve good food, and create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. I would consider this a more laid-back dining experience for sure, but that doesn't mean the food doesn't live up to high standards. After contemplating (they have a lot of appetizing entree sections), I decided on the Shaka Chicken Plate (replaced white rice with brown rice) and did not regret it. The chicken is AMAZING. Super tender and the outer coating is perfectly thick but crunchy. The combination of sauces (or as described on the menu as "Marinated in Shoyu, Pineapple Juice, Rice Flour Breaded & Flash Fried, Drizzled with Sriracha Wasabi Aioli & Unagi Sauce") was mind blowing. I did think it was a little salty because of the unagi, but otherwise it was damn close to perfection. The brown rice was cooked perfectly (very important), and both the Pot-Mac Salad as well as the cabbage salad on the side each were seasoned perfectly. The Mac Salad had a more neutral, toned down savory flavor (wholesome and comforting) while the side cabbage salad had a slight fruitiness to it that balanced everything out. I am excited to come back to try some of their other special dishes!
Laurie W.
One of our favorites! Very cute island vibe, great dishes and love when they have the Hawaiian singers. Yummy and adorable island style drinks. Cute area in back for large groups with island decor and TVs to watch the game. So refreshing to go somewhere so unique in San Carlos.
Great place to have colorful drinks and great Hawaiian food. I tried the ahí poke bowl, plantation iced tea, spam musubi and kalua pork. All delicious!Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly! Plenty of seating
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Spam Musubi
Great place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came on a weeknight for dinner and there was plenty of seating available. The inside is decorated as a tropical theme and felt like a tiki bar. Items Ordered: - Spam musubi: This dish is not worth it in my opinion as it comes with 8 pieces for $13 which feels expensive. The pieces are also fairly small and does not come with much flavor. - Kalua pig quesadilla: Really tasty! The quesadilla was a little greasy but the flavor was solid and comes as a decent portion. - Loco moco: Not the best loco moco I have tried but it does the job. The portion seemed a little small though and the sauce could use more flavor. - Kalua pig and cabbage bowl: A simple dish but very satisfactory. The kalua pig was a little dry but had good flavor overall. I liked how much cabbage they provided in the dish.
Pretty good food if you're looking to satisfy your your hawaiian food craving! A touch on the pricier end if you compare it to prices on the island, but definitely bay area appropriate
It was a rainy day when I walked into this restaurant. Almost felt like actually being in Hawaii in a way. The host gave us an friendly aloha and we sat down. We noticed the decor definitely had the "tiki" vibe. This place has all the Hawaiian food you would normally find inside the 48 contiguous states. I didn't anything like poi, which is more of an acquired taste but you're more likely to find that in Hawaii. I got Loco Moco and my fiancèe Guava Steak. For the appetizers, we got the spam musubi with eggs. I preferred the Guava Steak over the the Loco Moco. Not that they're comparable dishes but it's more suited to my taste palate. It was more juicy. Not that there was anything wrong with the Loco Moco, it tasted great. But I ate it many times at other restaurants, it didn't really stand out to me. If you're just looking for Hawaiian vibes with food, this is a good place to check out.
Great food and fun environment. Like you are on the islands. Great service too. Thanks
Noelani's in San Carlos provides a pleasant setting and friendly service, making it a nice spot for a relaxed meal. During our visit, we tried the loco moco and the shaka chicken. My husband enjoyed his shaka chicken dish, finding it flavorful and satisfying. I was disappointed with the loco moco. The burger patty lacked seasoning and wished I had ordered something else. However, our server was lovely, despite being the only one handling a busy brunch crowd. The busboys were also efficient in clearing our plates. Although my meal wasn't great, I'd be open to giving this restaurant another shot. The atmosphere was inviting, and perhaps another dish would be more to my liking.
Picked this spot on a lark, the area was nice n quiet and the staff were friendly. Indoors was wonderfully pleasant- felt just a little homesick while looking through the various wall hangings. The food was solid, my cocktail was also quite lovely. It's rare I enjoy "Hawaiian" places on the mainland, but if you're feeling a bit of longing for the islands, this might be the spot for you.
I'd been a few times many years back and was happy to see they made it thru Covid! This place is such a gem. There is plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating along with bar seating! Lots of TVs, heat lamps (outside areas) and fun decor. They also do live entertainment! The spot would also be perfect for a private event!! This time we went for lunch and there was no wait, we got to pick where we wanted to sit and had a server that was very attentive. Not only was the food ono along with the wonderful service, the vibes were on point. The menu has so many delicious looking options it's hard to choose- so here's what we got; Ube whiskey colada Spam musubi Pork lumpia Hurricane fries Kalua pig island sliders Shaka chicken plate Guava steak plate Spam fried rice Potato Mac salad My personal fave was the guava steak... I could eat that everyday!! Definitely recommend everyone hula their way over ASAP!
I've been wanting to try Noelani's for a while and finally had the chance today! Stopped by for a quick lunch and sat at the bar. The service was amazing-- everyone here is so attentive and friendly, and the food comes out so quickly. We had the spicy poke to start and ordered some taro chips to go alongside, and it was all delicious and so fresh. I tried both the teriyaki chicken plate and the guava beef, and both were phenomenal. The spam fried rice and regular rice were also great. The mac/potato salad wasn't my fav, but only because I don't like black olives and the olive flavor is pretty strong throughout. Still, everything was fresh and flavorful all around. The only thing I really wanted to get that we didn't try is the mud pie. I'll definitely be back for it, though!! Overall, love this place. The vibes are great, as are the people who work here. Can't wait to come back for dessert and also to try some drinks!!
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was delicious! The service amazing our waitress was very nice we will definitely be back!
wow, the foods and drinks are so good. I often eat out at Asian restaurants because America food is look the same to me :). I completely change my mind after this. definitely will come back
Ambiance is great with live music on the weekend. Drinks a delicious. Service was fast. Food was tasty! Definitely will be here regularly when in town.
"Whatever you do, do it well." I forgot who said this, but I have to agree. Instead of believing that a truly fulfilling life is trying to do everything and be everything to everyone (which is a recipe for disaster), limiting your focus to a few roles and/or responsibilities in your life...it tends to bring a lot more peace and calm (at least, that's what I've been rediscovering these days). I love how Noelani's does what they do well: provide good service, serve good food, and create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. I would consider this a more laid-back dining experience for sure, but that doesn't mean the food doesn't live up to high standards. After contemplating (they have a lot of appetizing entree sections), I decided on the Shaka Chicken Plate (replaced white rice with brown rice) and did not regret it. The chicken is AMAZING. Super tender and the outer coating is perfectly thick but crunchy. The combination of sauces (or as described on the menu as "Marinated in Shoyu, Pineapple Juice, Rice Flour Breaded & Flash Fried, Drizzled with Sriracha Wasabi Aioli & Unagi Sauce") was mind blowing. I did think it was a little salty because of the unagi, but otherwise it was damn close to perfection. The brown rice was cooked perfectly (very important), and both the Pot-Mac Salad as well as the cabbage salad on the side each were seasoned perfectly. The Mac Salad had a more neutral, toned down savory flavor (wholesome and comforting) while the side cabbage salad had a slight fruitiness to it that balanced everything out. I am excited to come back to try some of their other special dishes!
One of our favorites! Very cute island vibe, great dishes and love when they have the Hawaiian singers. Yummy and adorable island style drinks. Cute area in back for large groups with island decor and TVs to watch the game. So refreshing to go somewhere so unique in San Carlos.