Malama Pono Restaurant

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!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Crispy Rice, Warm French Toast, Seafood Dumplings

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.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place had delicious food. The only thing was we had a party of 5 and the atmosphere felt more like it was for smaller parties and more intimate. So great for dates. We sat inside so maybe if we sat outside, the atmosphere would be a little different (but we couldn't sit outside because it was raining). This was still an awesome place to go. The servers are also very friendly and very knowledgeable which was helpful when we were choosing our meals. Would definetely go here again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ve now had the absolute pleasure of dining here about 4 or 5 times. Every time has been simply fantastic, and every single person who has joined me has agreed. The food, service, ambiance, absolutely everything. Can’t recommend highly enough!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Truly one of my favorite restaurants of all time (my husband proposed to me here)!
We always start with Hapa Style, the best crispy rice EVER topped with Yellowfin Tuna on one and Spam on the other (never thought I'd love spam but it's incredible, trust me). After that there's no wrong choice to make, I've eaten most everything on the menu and it's all AMAZING. Add to this the wonderful atmosphere and service and we've been coming here to eat happily for 5 years.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Crispy Rice, Tempura Cauliflower, Braised Short Rib Adobo, Seared Albacore Carpaccio, Shrimp \u0026 Scallop Aguachile, Malama Mochiko Chicken, Farmer's Market Beet Salad, World Peace Candy Bar, Kalua Pork Lettuce Wraps, Hokkaido Sea Scallops, Southeast Asian Duck Confit, Seafood Dumplings

Food is great! Services are great too! People are nice and the all the dishes are delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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