Malama Pono Restaurant

An experience I will never forget. Mahalo for not just a meal but a forever memory!
This small local restaurant is a true hidden treasure, owned and operated by two remarkable hosts whose warmth and attentiveness make every guest feel like family. Their service is flawless—genuine, polished, and deeply personal. The food is elevated in every sense: the small plates of refined flavors, thoughtful presentations, and a clear respect for ingredients true to their culture. Paired with an ambiance that is both intimate and impeccably executed, the experience is nothing short of perfection.
E Mālama Pono

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this restaurant and I keep going back. Food and service are always great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Crispy Rice, Colossal Crab Cake, Hokkaido Sea Scallops

OMG, the Spiked Tofu Salad!!!
Let me just say, I’m a meat eater and would never normally order something like this. But after trying all the phenomenal dishes here and needing to meet some dietary goals, I trusted the amazing staff’s recommendation, and I’m so glad I did.

This is hands down the most amazing salad I’ve ever had. I’m literally trying to figure out how to get a to-go version that still keeps all that deliciousness intact.

We absolutely love this place, perfect date night, the vibe is incredible, and it feels like our second home. Thank you, Malama Pono crew… we love you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A must visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of the best meals I have head in a while. Great gluten free offerings.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Kalua Pork Lettuce Wraps

Great experience the food amazing and the service was great

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fabulous food...nearly ate ourselves to death!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

WOW! One of the best and most fun meals I can remember. Attentive wait staff. The place is a bit cramped and dark so a bit more lighting would have been appreciated.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I love this place. When people come to visit, especially from overseas, Malama Pono is top of my list to go to. Service is always good, they have a really nice patio area, and even the desserts are amazing.

But you have to book ahead!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a nice restaurant with delicious food and friendly and professional service. Order different dishes (great for sharing) from the menu, and you won't be disappointed. Great place, I will be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Warm French Toast, Tempura Cauliflower, Braised Short Rib Adobo, Malama Mochiko Chicken, Farmer's Market Beet Salad

Good flavor, especially the scallops. More of a fine dining experience in terms of portions, although a bit hard to hear and see those we came to eat with.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Malama Loco Moco, Shrimp \u0026 Scallop Aguachile

Great secluded Hawaiian place, secluded on Ventura blvd. Fried rice appetizer is amazing, and main courses are balanced. Great atmosphere too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

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.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5