Ai Pono Cafe

240

371

1 year ago

We got takeout here and it was ready within 5-8 minutes! The service was fast and friendly and the ambiance of the place seemed more of a takeout or quick dining experience. We got the ahi poke and crackhead chicken. The poke was with shoyu sauce and it was light and fresh. The chicken was crispy and the flavor was sweet and had a tiny kick. This place was really solid and perfect for takeout to go on a picnic! read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Fresh Ahi Poke Bowl and Crackin chicken - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Nick V.

14 days ago

Out of short rib and ahi at 1 PM on a Saturday. Great food, horribly managed/operated. They seriously need to overhaul whoever is managing these stores, they could be doing insane business if they optimize the wait and keep their popular items in stock. Not going to a restaurant for a CHANCE of the food item I want - lottery BBQ over here read more

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Diane R.

2 months ago

I love this place! I love the barbecue chicken! I've had the Katsu as well and that was delicious, but I'm on a low-carb diet and so the barbecue chicken is perfect for that! read more

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Jasmine D.

8 months ago

A place I go to when I miss Hawaii. Best Hawaiian food I've found in OC. Counter service but staff very friendly and helpful. Ambiance feels like you are in Hawaii with the decorations and music. Our go to order is "Da' Spicy Plate" and "Da'Chef Plate". Their signature ponzu sauce is to die for!! read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Da Chef Plate and Da Spicy Plate - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Venessa P.

2 months ago

I love the ambiance because it reminds me Hawaii, but I'm pretty disappointed because the meat is chewy not good at all. And the poke does not taste fresh it taste frozen :( won't be coming back. I rather go to a regular Hawaiian chain. read more

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Nicole D.

218

250

1 year ago

FOOD: Good portions and flavor. The roots combo was ~$21. The kbbq was flavorful (honestly small portion of meat roughly 4-5 cut up pieces). The fish was great, they give you both poke and the seared tuna. That makes the box worth it. The Mac salad is also really good, they could serve a bit extra though. AMBIANCE: plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They have "lunch table" set up so you'll likely share the table with other patrons. There's a water station and bathroom for guests. It is extremely crowded on the weekends. PARKING: the location shares a lot with target and other small businesses. It took a minute to find a parking spot. (There's a park down the street if there's lack of parking or seating. Def head over there!) read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Da "roots" plate - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Carson A.

2 months ago

A must try if you live in the area. I have tried most items on the menu and you can't go wrong. The quality is exceptional.

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Brian B.

2 months ago

I had the Chefs beef noodles with chopped up kamaboko (fish cake). It took a little longer but not too bad wait. Good music has history with the Queen on the wall and the local style feel. One word to describe it? Tough. While the flavor was good, the beef was tough, the noodles was tough, the guys is tough. Give em a three. read more

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Ashley N.

158

2 years ago

Usually the food is 10/10 but my meal on Sunday bothered me. I like getting "da spicy plate" but this time the poke was super mushy and had a texture like it was chewed up. When I came they had a bunch of signs that said poke was sold out, so maybe they scraped together this scoop? Then I got an extra side of Mac salad that is $14, and they give me the tiniest amount that doesn't even fill the container half way. They should've charged $5 for this not $14?!? read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Da spicy plate - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Ai Pono Cafe - I ordered a side of Mac salad and this was it... disappointing! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Kayla M.

2 months ago

Good food, good people, and nothing but good vibes. I love seeing places like this bring the community together. You can tell there's a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in, making it easy to relax and enjoy your time. It's the kind of spot you want to come back to, whether you're catching up with friends or just grabbing a bite. Wishing this business continued success because it's always great to see local places thrive and create such a positive experience for everyone. read more

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Tiffany N.

579

496

1504

2 years ago

By far one of the BEST Hawaiian BBQ places I've ever tried. I initially came here just for spam musubi's but I had to order one of their more popular entrees because I couldn't help myself. Everything is cooked fresh to order and I like the vibe inside. The restaurant has some funny signs. You should definitely check it out next time on your next Ulta or Target run, as its in the same plaza. Lots of parking, but can get busy at times. read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Kate S.

121

1 year ago

I always try and stop at this place whenever I'm in Newport. Their plates make for the perfect post beach meal!! Such authentic Hawaiian food and the best mac salad in the OC. This time I got the DA Korean Zombie plate and the DA Makai Plate. The flavor was ever present, but portions were significantly smaller than on my past visits which was a bit disappointing. The galbi was a standout and seasoned to perfection. I'd never tried meat jun before and it was such an interesting texture with the egg. I loved the juxtaposition of these savory, rich meats with the fresh seafood on my second plate. The spicy poke was next level and just as fresh and bright as always. I loved the blacked mahi too but it was a bit dry. I added some hot sauce and kimchi and it definitely saved the day. The staff here are so nice and there is always a line out the door, so you know it's a community favorite. I will be back! read more

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Sara R.

20 days ago

Great and quick service, it's a nice almost cafeteria style seating so you can socialize with others over your love for Hawaiian food. I am a little sad that they changed the So You Like Beef-gyudon bowl... used to be a nice lean long cut of beef marinated that you'd have to cut up. Now it's just... thin bulgogi style. Even tho the portion is still a lot idk. I miss the beef they used before read more

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Jay W.

296

873

2 years ago

This placed is a newly Hawaiian spot in Costa Mesa. It's not a bad spot. Living in Hawaii for years definitely ruined mainland made Hawaiian food. This place is def popular than i expected it to be. For starters I got the Olive plate which comes with kalbi short ribs, chicken, and meat jun. The overall plating is nice. I still think the price is a bit steep but overall it wasn't bad. The food was actually delicious. I wish I got more. I give it a 4.8/5. I didn't take a picture of the spicy poke because it was terrible. I guess i expected the paste to be like Foodland. I give it a 1/5. Overpriced for such terrible taste. Overall the place is pretty cool and the service is amazing typical to go order type. Ambiance is fast pace. read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Korean Zombie plate. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Brian L.

104

303

951

1 year ago

I've had a lot of Hawaiian plate lunches and dinners. I've enjoyed a number of poke. places. Hands-down, this was the best I have had outside of Hawaii. Spicy poke was incredible. Mac salad was legit. Staff was great, food came out quick and the vibe was awesome. Don't do anything but get in your car and drive straight over. You will not be disappointed. read more

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Erika L.

7 months ago

I ordered da spicy plate and loved it! Big servings and the food was super flavorful. The service was fast and friendly, would definitely recommend!! read more

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Hyewon K.

300

672

1 year ago

The beef in the da chef's place was so sweet and the chicken in the crackhead chicken plate was so salty, we drank three cups of water. The garlic mahi mahi and the mac salad were yummy. The space is small but the place clears up fast. read more

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Jin H.

131

220

555

1 year ago

This place is packed for good reason! I don't have Hawaiian often but I really should because I loved my plate! I will say I wish portions of the proteins were a little bigger with less rice, but I think I just went on an off day because the pictures on Yelp look a lot better! read more

Ai Pono Cafe - da stanton and chefs plates, lemonade - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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David W.

124

236

528

7 months ago

Great food. Nice little restaurants plaza. Tasty plate lunch. Great sauces. Go hungry. read more

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Rachel L.

1247

375

293

2 months ago

The owner is amazing and helped me with my catering for my MBA graduation and it was a hit! My friends and family all loved it. Everything was fairly priced and I was very happy. I recommend for à la carte or catering. Either way the food is always consistently good. read more

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Christine H.

473

187

275

2 years ago

I've been meaning to try this place for so long and I'm glad I finally had the chance to do so. We went on a Friday afternoon and it was relatively busy, but they got through the line fairly quickly. My friend and I shared their crackhead chicken and one of their special boxes of the day. The prices are fair and for those 2 boxes, there was actually a lot of food we weren't able to finish. I really enjoyed the poke that came in the special box. All their foods have a lot of flavor and paired nicely with each other. If I went back, I'd probably get one of their Ai Pono originals to have a little of everything. I highly recommend this spot if you're looking for some good Hawaiian food. The spot is next to a Target, so there's a relatively large parking lot there. There's seating inside and outside, but depending when you go, it could be pretty busy. The staff is really friendly and works quickly to get your food out. Overall, really great place! read more

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Charlize V.

159

164

1 year ago

Always heard good things about this place, but I'm not sure it was up to my expectations. I got Da Roots Plate which I suppose came with a good variety for the price of $22. This might be on me, but I didn't realize the ahi katsu included the drizzle of miso spicy mustard which really shocked my taste buds. I was not a fan, but the tuna itself was good. The poke and mac salad were great and the short rib was flavorful, maybe a bit on the salty side. My boyfriend said his katsu was just okay. read more

Ai Pono Cafe - da roots plate, chicken katsu - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Jorge F.

118

8 months ago

This place is BOMB!!! If you are the type of person that loves Hawaiian food and you like to try a little of everything then I recommend getting their combo plates. The Guava fried chicken is sooo good, nothing like I have ever tasted, and their poke, garlic shrimp, Mac salad, all of them SMACK!! Highly recommend this place. It get's busy here but there is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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Alex M.

3 months ago

I am forever thankful to the person who left the one star review that caused Ai Pono to make "Da 1 Star" plate. By far my favorite plate here, my only wish is that it was offered more often. The atmosphere rocks in the restaurant. The staff is kind and efficient. The food is the most authentic tasting I've found since I was in Hawaii. Everything hits. I had been searching for a GOOD Hawaiian spot around Costa Mesa for a while now, and it's safe to say that search has come to an end and I've found my place. Now how do we get Da One Star served more often is the real question... read more

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Liz P.

10 months ago

Wow! This place was ono for sure!! You feel the aloha as soon as you walk in and are greeted by the employees....a sense of ohana. The food was full of flavor down to the last bite. I'm picky about mac salad and theirs didn't disappoint at all. The ambiance was laid back, clean, and relaxing....no rush, just chill. Definitely look forward to coming back! read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Chicken katsu plate and Sunday special (short ribs, crackhead chicken, spam musubi, and Mac salad) - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Kenneth M.

143

214

208

1 year ago

I stumbled across this place after exploring and was blown away. It felt like I was back on the island eating at a local spot. I was surprised at how much food we got and how much flavor there was in each bite. I got the spicy chicken plate and wife had the Mento "fricken" bento plate. The Portuguese sausage musubi wasn't really hitting the spot and wasn't like the island. It felt like another spam musubi. The chef was there giving orders to the cooks to help get the orders out faster. There was a line of people coming here and it did not disappoint. read more

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Nadia R.

1 year ago

This place really transports its guest to an intimate shack in Hawaii. The atmosphere is very causal and fun with witty signs and goofy decor. The combos are huge and they have a variety of different options. I personally had the Maki with poke and mahi mahi. The poke was so yummy, their spicy poke was my favorite but the shoyu is great option too. The mahi mahi was blackened and I enjoyed it especially with the sauce they provide on the side. My boyfriend ordered their Thai Shrimp and that was so delicious, I would come back again and get that combo plate! If you're missing hawaii the atmosphere and food it's a good place to visit :) read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Makai combo - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Vince P.

Elite 26 All-Star

127

929

6048

2 years ago

Ai Pono Cafe is serving up some legit and authentic Hawaiian cuisine! This spot is located in a plaza with a good amount of parking spots. Inside, they have about 6-8 tables for seating and are decked out with some awesome Hawaiian inspired decor. As for their menu, they have a great selection of different plate options. Wifey and I opted to get the Korean Short Rib plate and the Da Roots plate. Each plate comes with a side of mac salad and some generous portions. Everything was delicious and hit the spot! Overall, this is definitely a go to spot for some authentic Hawaiian cuisine. All of the staff here are very friendly and welcoming. There is a reason why this spot has over 1,000+ positive reviews! read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Menu - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Ai Pono Cafe - The Spread - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Ai Pono Cafe - Inside - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Ai Pono Cafe - Outside - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Tyler U.

1 year ago

Ai Pono had been one of our favorites for Hawaiian food in OC for about 2 years. We've taken family and friends there when they visit, met up with coworkers and recommended to dozens. However, over the years the quality has gone from wow to just ok, while the prices have jumped almost every time we've been. The wait times for food are long even when it's not super packed. We tried the poke bowl for the first time, went with a little cheaper option as the combo plate prices have jumped 4-5 dollars. (normally we get da roots plate because it's delicious). The flavor was fine, but not much fish compared to the amount of rice. Not pictured were the lumpia and a side of Mac salad. The lumpia and side sauce were solid, hard to judge the crispness because we ordered to-go, but I would order again. The Mac salad tasted good as per usual, but the portion was very small considering we ordered a separate side of it by itself and considering the price. All in all, the food is ok, the prices are climbing, and the portions are inconsistent. We'll give it another shot at some point when the craving hits again, but might try some new places in the mean time. read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Fresh Ahi Poke Bowl - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Angelina L.

138

252

9 months ago

i tried the chicken potstickers & the makai plate. the chicken potstickers were served nice & crispy! i really enjoyed the poke that came with the makai plate, but wish the blackened mahi mahi had a bit more flavor. a bit pricey for the portion size, but still a solid hawaiian spot to add to your rotation! read more

Ai Pono Cafe - chicken potstickers - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Ai Pono Cafe - makai plate - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Alexa G.

1 month ago

The service was so terrible that I couldn't even enjoy my meal. There's no ac in there so I don't recommend dining in either. I waited in a long line and placed my take out order and the girl never read it back to me which if they don't I highly recommend you ask that they read it back to you because of this experience. The missed 2 items from my order and when I said hey I'm missing my 2 mitsubis the expo girl told me oh she must not have heard you which was crazy because when I ordered I said 1 mitsubi she said okay then I said actually 2 please and then she said okay so it sounded to me like she got it. Anyways, I'm missing my 2 items and I had waited 25 minutes (I counted) for my order so I asked the expo girl if I could just go to the front to pay for those 2 and she said no I'd have to wait in the long 15 min line then wait longer for the food to come out. Those were for my kid so I had to cook for him when I got home which was the whole point of getting take out was to not cook for the night. I couldn't enjoy my food and by the time I was able to eat because now I had to cook for my kid of course my food was cold. My husband wasn't a fan of his food he got the korean chicken mitsubi and spicy poke bowl. I liked the taste of my food that was the only plus but the whole time I was thinking about how awful the whole experience was. Never coming back. Also, tried one more time after this and to avoid the whole service and waiting portion I online ordered through Doordash. Everything was there that we ordered but again the quality and taste just isn't how I remember it being. I used to come here a lot last summer. Also the chili guava chicken was missing the sauce it was literally just plain fried chicken. So really actually never coming back! I really tried to give it one more chance. read more

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Kai H.

1 year ago

Really enjoyed the food. Will definitely be coming back in the future. The side of poke was perfect as getting a whole poke dish always feels like too much for me. Everything portioned perfectly read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Half Ahi Katsu half kbbq beef with side of Mac salad and ahi poke. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Mike A.

7 months ago

Man ,no howly here bruddah,almost couldn't even eat the saltbugga plate,was the saltiest gravy and meat I've ever consumed,18plus tax, taxed and barely a hamburger worth of meat,the coleslaw is brown,,wife's Mac salad on guava plate was like straight black pepper,almost unbearable,pepper flavor,theres an attached pic of all inedible guava chicken I will post that's like knawing on leather,at 18 bucks a plate,I'm just being honest,no need to ever talk bad about something good,had a bad string of events in my life lately ,enough to be pretty down and out,was cravin sum good island food, what's happening with this,it was as close to inedible as it gets,I did force it down but the level of salt in the gravy was horrendous,40plus bucks of dissapointment,on top of the rough beginning of year I've been having,please remedy this. read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Leather belt , - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Norman C.

Elite 23

105

219

1 year ago

I came to Ai Pono Cafe on a Saturday night and it was packed. Despite the crowd, they got my food out in under 10 minutes, which already impressed me. I ordered the Crackhead Steak, which is battered and fried sirloin. I've never had anything like it before. Crispy, juicy, flavorful, it seriously blew me away. I asked for the sauce on the side since I'm not big on mustard, but the teriyaki sauce they included was insanely good. I ended up dipping everything in it. The sides, rice, mac salad, and slaw, were all legit. You can tell they care about every part of the plate, not just the main. The staff was super friendly, and the cashier was especially pleasant and welcoming. You can feel the good vibes as soon as you walk in. I don't usually write Yelp reviews anymore, but this meal absolutely deserved one. If you're thinking about going, go hungry and get the Crackhead Steak. You'll thank me later. read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Crackhead Steak - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Nikki T.

Elite 21

570

297

1432

1 year ago

This is LEGIT Hawaiian street food made by a local from Hawai'i and they did not disappoint! As someone from Hawai'i, I am always excited to find an establishment from a local that I can support! The ambiance can be described as casual Rockabilly-ish beach vibes. The menu was pretty extensive. We thought their shrimp and Korean chicken plates were tasty and would order again. The portions were pretty standard for a plate lunch. The service was quick and the lady who helped us gave us some great recommendations. This place seems to be consistently busy which is always a good sign. We would definitely come back here! read more

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David A.

1 month ago

The food is good about half the time......theirs no consistency. The chicken dish today was so over cooked half of it went in the trash. Also, their online estimated ready time is usually way off also. read more

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Tony Z.

305

107

116

1 year ago

I haven't been back since college, but food here is awesome with great flavors (slightly heavier, which we enjoy). The only criticism I have is that the chicken was a little dry from being over fried. The poke was also awesome! read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Da crackhead chicken and town & country poke - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Thomas T.

127

141

350

2 years ago

The Makai was tasty! I enjoyed the shoyu ahi poke and the spicy ahi poke. I recommend Da"Roots" plate. read more

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Kat C.

529

2 months ago

our go-to spot whenever we're heading to or from disneyland! fresh poke and delish grinds overall! really great flavor from start to finish.

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Milena V.

1 year ago

My boyfriend and I found this restaurant on Instagram and decided to stop by it was 45 minutes away but we decided to give it a shot. Overall we found it to be quite pricey. We both ordered the chicken katsu ($18) but my boyfriend asked the cashier if he could do half beef teriyaki and katsu, she said they couldn't do that, so she offered the side option to us instead which was $11 for two pieces of thinly sliced beef. The whole bill was $47 for the two chicken katsu dishes and the beef side. The chicken katsu itself was really good crispy and crunchy and the homemade sauce was great as-well (we did want another sauce it was 75c)! However we, unlike some people, like eating the coleslaw when we visit various Hawaiian restaurants but honestly it was missing flavor at this location. The Mac and cheese was pretty good, wish they gave a little bit of a bigger portion. read more

Ai Pono Cafe - Chicken Katsu - Asian Fusion Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Page 3 of 32

283 East 17th St
Ste A
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Directions
(949) 402-6877
Call Now
Visit Website
https://aiponocafe.com/pages/costa-mesa

Full menu

Hours

What time does Ai Pono Cafe open?

Ai Pono Cafe opens at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.Ai Pono Cafe opens at 6:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

What time does Ai Pono Cafe close?

Ai Pono Cafe is closed on Monday.Ai Pono Cafe closes at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Ai Pono Cafe closes at 4:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.Ai Pono Cafe closes at 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon ClosedTue-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Ai Pono Cafe take Bitcoin?

No, Ai Pono Cafe does not take Bitcoin.

Does Ai Pono Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Ai Pono Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Ai Pono Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Ai Pono Cafe does have catering options.

Does Ai Pono Cafe have a happy hour?

No, Ai Pono Cafe does not have a happy hour.

Does Ai Pono Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Ai Pono Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Ai Pono Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Ai Pono Cafe allows dogs.

Does Ai Pono Cafe have TVs?

No, Ai Pono Cafe does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Ai Pono Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Ai Pono Cafe has bike parking.

Does Ai Pono Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Ai Pono Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Ai Pono Cafe have parking?

Yes, Ai Pono Cafe has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Ai Pono Cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Ai Pono Cafe is wheelchair accessible.

Does Ai Pono Cafe have free WiFi?

No, Ai Pono Cafe does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We are from the islands and we specialize in Hawaii Street Food! We are trying to re-educate Orange County the difference between Hawaiian Food and Hawaii Street Food! Come on in and give us a try, Aloha!

History

Established in 2019.

We are on a mission to re-introduce what "HAWAII" street food really is to Orange County. The term Hawaiian food, Hawaiian BBQ has really lost its identity here in the mainland and we want to help educate the public the difference between "hawaiian" food and "Hawaii" street food. Come in and see for yourself What real "Hawaii Street Food" is supposed to be. ALOHA

Meet the Business Owner: Dana, Gene V.

Dana born and raised on Maui with numerous years of F&B front of house management Gene- born and raised in Oahu very extensive back of house experience earning the executive chef title 10 years ago as chef partner of Roy's hawaiian fusion...

More Info

Health Score

Ai Pono Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Ai Pono Cafe

What's the tentative timeframe for your Las Vegas location?

Aloha! This fall in the new durango casino.

When is their shaved ice available on the weekends?

Thurs-Sat 12-6:30p & Sunday 12-4:30p

How can we find out about and order the daily specials?

Social media has daily posts of specials check out their website too!!

Any Vegetarian "Entrees" or are we stuck ordering sides?

Negative

Are you open yet?

Aloha! There was a delay in our final city inspection & unfortunately we have no control over this. We are expected to open within the next 7 days (or sooner). Latest by next week Tuesday. We will keep our customers posted on Instagram @aiponocafe…

Are you open for dinner?

Yes. They are a food place. Open for dinner.

Are you guys opening up in east side Costa Mesa near stretchlab?

Aloha! Yes, we will be opening next Month. We hope to see you!

Is this place really only open 3 say a week for a few hours like Yelp says?

We are only open Wed- Fri from 11am-2pm for now. We are opening our own restaurant on 17th street next to Burger Lounge next month. We will open for lunch and dinner, 6 days per week (closed Sundays).…

Do you take phone orders?

Yes! Please call 949-402-6877 We are open from 11a-2pm.

So wat den, "Get kama'aina rate?" - Big Aloha & congratulations on the shop!

Aloha!

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4.5(2.1k reviews)

3.0 mi

We have been to the Newport Beach location, so this was exciting to see that they opened up a store…read moreclose to where we live. The restaurant itself is quite nice and New. Our only observation is that the tables are a little close to each other. In Newport Beach is a little bit more space. We ordered a few things to test things out all the food was great. You can look at the pictures to get an idea of what we had but Service and food are top-notch as a Thai restaurant. They are one of the top ones we go to.

Long wait but still one of my favorite Thai places in terms of experience and quality. They really…read moreshine in their pad see ew and have a nice selection of appetizers and have multiple locations. Parking is okay and their neighbor their etc bar izakaya, but im not sure if u can cross order their menu too as they do give u the menu - pad see ew: must get perfect wok flavor and texture. Good to ask for extra pickled chili slightly smaller portion than before - khao soi very rich and creamy, the noodles can soak up the broth quite a bit so it is quite a filling dish - pad thai: on the sweeter side, okay - ceviche: good mix, not too chewy, nice refreshing bits especially with the mango - mango sticky rice cocktail: wish it was creamier but is a bit acidic and not very coconuty

Decor

Chicken Satay

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Boat Noodles

Omeli Kitchen

4.7(13 reviews)

0.5 mi

This place is the best of the best Great food friendly…read morestaff I highly recommended them

Excellent food and overall great Vietnamese takeout. The shrimp saltado and shaken beef garlic…read morenoodles are delicious and definitely flavorful. The meat is also tender! They are also generous with the shrimp portions and they did an excellent job with the garlic flavor in the shrimp and the noodles. We really hope they bring a brick and mortar to the area since it is hard to find good Vietnamese restaurants in the area that cook these types of dishes!

Nui Xao Bo (Macaroni Filet Mignon Beef)

Grilled Chicken Garlic Noodles

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Pho Combination

Nova Kitchen & Bar

the place is super private and clean ! service 10/10 they…read moreattend really good and are always on task. Jonathan our server was always on top on attending us. Food was super good, the fried rice was a 10/10 recommended !

Colin is the best waiter that we have ever had. It's our first time at nova but the experience was…read moregreat thanks to him. The food was not only amazing but so was the customer service. I can't wait to come here again especially if Colin is serving us.

Minority-owned & operated

Novaruption

What the Flame

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Yellowtail sashimi

AnQi Bistro

3.7(2.6k reviews)

4.4 mi

•$$$

Family-owned & operated

Located with south coast plaza this place is a gem Part of…read morethe crustacean group their menu is made with spectacular ingredients and are presented with panache makes every occasion special

For those of you that are considering to come here to try AnQi's Sunday Brunch, save your time,…read moremoney and energy! I was looking for a place to celebrate my daughter's 13th birthday. My daughter is adventurous and loves trying different kinds of food. I made reservations a month in advance for a party of 5. 2 adults, 13, 10 and 7yo. We came here on August 2nd. Their brunch is only available the first Sunday of the month. First of all, it's been very warm in orange county and we noticed that it was warm in the restaurant. Stuffy and you can barely feel the air conditioning. They only had lamb that day as their protein option. They ran out towards the middle of our meal, and they had to cook up some steak (flank?). You get one non-alcoholic drink ticket. There were about 5 different options and my husband and I saved our tickets for the kids so they can try a few more since we were limited to one ticket each. A few other options they had included chicken pho (basic and very little flavor), steamed sui mai (meat dumplings) that tasted like it was frozen and over cooked, fried egg (literally just that), spring roll, fried wontons, and one chocolate dessert. Remember this is an AYCE brunch! I was floored. Of course I spoke to the manager after dinner and he gave me the most annoyed and disgusted look. He was a tall, Asian man that looked like he was in his late 20s. I saw an older Caucasian man standing next to him and he looked like he could have been the owner or someone in charge, so I asked and sure enough he was the owner. He was kind and attentive the entire time. But I basically told the owner that I didn't like the way the manager side eyed me and frowned as soon as I said I'd like to speak to the manager. In any case, I told them everything that I had mentioned here. The owner took down my email address and phone number and offered to invite us back another time. I was optimistic that maybe they would send me an email to apologize and to invite us to come back. I was tempted to write this review immediately after I left but I thought I would just sit on it. I figured maybe they would be nice and try to make things right. A week later... no email or call. It's been over a month and nothing. Why bother take down my information if you're not going to do anything about it? We walked out paying almost $400 for a terrible and grossly expensive meal and we all left hungry and unhappy. My husband I and haven't been here since the AnQi's famous garlic noodles days so it's been at least 10 years. We thought we'd come back and check out the brunch with our kids. Unimpressed. Will never come back again. Hands down worst $$$ meal ever. AnQi - Please do better.

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VOX Kitchen - Fountain Valley

4.5(8.3k reviews)

6.9 mi

Vox Kitchen has a very nice dining area, but I've only ordered for take-out when visiting. My…read morefavorite dish is the Saltado with a protein. It's crispy fries, protein, some veggies, and rice; comes with this absolutely delicious green sauce that I pretty much want to drink (it's that good). Highly recommend! They do take-out here very well -- they bag everything super tightly for transport.

Second time coming here, it's been a while since my first visit. Service was really good and…read moreattentive but all their food tastes similar and really saucey. Beef congee was a little over the top but if you like a lot of toppings and a lot of beef, this is for you. Lomo saltado came with like 6 pieces of beef. Is that the norm? Overall nice upbeat venue.

Carne Asada Fries

HamachiTostada

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Corn Ribs

Starfish

Awesome spot with excellent drinks and great food with solid portions!…read more Have been here many times and realized I hadn't written a review - definitely a crowd pleaser!

If their takeout tasted flavorful and delicious, I imagine dining in will be even better. First…read moreimpression, enjoyed each delicious item: the braised pork baos, the Mongolian beef and the chow mein. We enjoyed the takeout within minutes though from delivery so I'll factor that into consideration. Intrigued to try more soon. Note- No condiments or chopsticks unless you specify in the takeout order!! And condiments were available for a fee per item, including chili oil crunch, soy sauce etc.

Chilean Sea Bass with Thai Green Curry

Frosè

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Oak & Coal

4.5(802 reviews)

0.2 mi

•$$$

Been there twice and zero regrets! Delicious food and drinks. Our server made some great…read moresuggestions (the whole menu) but understandable because everything was excellent. This time I sat in the front instead of the speakeasy side in the back which was just as good, more lighting. Will be coming back again.

We were just looking for some good delicious food and we found this place in a strip mall totally…read morehiding and would had never thought all the good food they had in there! They also have a little speakeasy area (seat there) and the ambiance over there was super cool and very intimate. Service is as great and the servers were very nice. We started with Sakura Sour - deliciously made! And short bottle of unfiltered sake- excellent. For food: Lemongrass dumplings: too good, don't miss it. Wagyu Bao: absolutely delicious Seared Hamachi: Hamachi was prepared to its perfection and the sauce was perfect. Just too much asparagus for me. Garlic Noodles: OMG - you cannot miss this out if you like noodles and garlic! Chicken Katsu: great dish but can be skipped. Lamb Chop: if you like yakitori style lamb, it is absolutely great. (I love lamb) Over all this place from service to ambiance to food execution was absolutely amazing. I highly recommended this place and I will be coming back to try other dishes!

Oak room

Chicken yakitori Instagram: @hungrytamale

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Steamed Chicken Lemongrass Dumplings

Momonoki

4.1(322 reviews)

4.4 mi

First time here and I was truly impressed! I literally had lunch just 2 hours before, but came with…read morea friend to try this place and I'm so glad I did. The girl helping us was so sweet and attentive. She recommended a pasta dish and it was SO good! The bread was super fluffy, and that garlic butter was to die for. Highly recommend this place. I'll definitely be back!

Came to Momonoki on a Saturday night and it was quiet, honestly, that's how you know you found a…read morehidden gem. The ambiance was warm and cozy, and we were seated right away. We started with soju and the crispy calamari. The squid itself was good and I liked the cocktail sauce, but there was a little too much breading for me. Good, just not the best calamari I've had. The entrées were Immaculate. The gochujang pork belly with mashed potatoes was SO good. The pork was tender and practically pulled apart, while the mashed potatoes were creamy and soft. It genuinely felt like I was biting into heaven. Then came the dashi pesto udon with scallops. What a fusion. I loved the concept, the pesto was packed with flavor, the udon had a great texture, and the scallops had a beautiful sear. Momonoki is truly a hidden gem. Cozy atmosphere, creative dishes, and some seriously good food. 9/10

Inside

Pappardelle Bolognese

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Bolognese papardelle

Mama on Main Thai House

4.9(250 reviews)

5.1 mi

F O O D Sooooo flavorful. This was our third time here and…read morethey're consistently BOMB. Pictures show everything we ordered this time around. We were very satisfied with taste and portion size. Plus the cocktail was awesome too. S E R V I CE A+! These girls are on it. They've super sweet, timely, and attentive. Seems that they work as a team and they got it down. A M B I A N C E A little taste of Thailand in the middle of downtown Huntington. Vibes are dope. House music to set the mood and keep the energy high while enjoying your meal.

Food here was great. Massaman curry with the lamb shank was one of the best versions of massaman…read moreI've had. Also really liked the moo ping appetizer. The Chinese broccoli dish with crispy pork belly was just ok. Probably would not order that again, not because there was anything necessarily wrong with the dish but compared to the other dishes we had. We sat at the bar and service was average. When we finished eating we sat around for a long time and no one came up to us to ask if we wanted dessert or to clear our dishes. We also had to grab someone's attention to get the check and it took awhile for them to come back and process the payment. I would love to come back and try their khao soi as it's one of my favorite dishes.

Dining area

Thai Tea Pudding

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Sake on the house

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65 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Ryan A.

3 years ago

Terrible place to go an very dangerous as well. I was attacked and surrounded By Owner Gene Villiatora and 5 different workers there the cooks included. They physically assaulted me. All I did was ask for my free meal because one of the workers said that they would make up for the wait because we all had to stand in line for over an hour while the restaurant opened up late. I came in polite i did not insult anyone or say anything bad at all. They lied to all the customers standing in line telling them 10 minutes then 10 mintues then 10 minutes.They said manadatory filming from Durango casino but in fact the casino had nothing to do with it and the restaurant made us all wait in line for an hour continuously lying. I patiently waited and got to the front end and was told Get the f*** out exact words by the owner when i asked for the meal that was told would be free while I was standing in line. I wasn't asked to leave I didn't get a sorry I can't honor that all I received was a straight get the f*** out. I was in shock of the response because all i did was ask politely for the meal that i was told by the worker there would be given for free i did not demand anything i did not mouth off i did not come up with the idea for a free meal the worker did. This owner is a liar if he tries to defend himself or anyone who was involved. Then immediately 5 aggressive workers all circle me standing there while a camera crew and fifty people are in line and they try to attack me a customer that has been there before. This place is dangerous. The owner has short man syndrum 4 feet tall, and we'll try to assault you if you don't like his food. He has already looked up other customers that said they didn't like the food and he's gone on social media and personally threatened them in their messages. The police should be going to this establishment and shutting it down soon. #Wanna be gangsta #Mediocre food for real only the fried chicken is good everything thing else is a waste of $$$. This guy should be banned from the kitchen along with his band of hooligan employees go see for yourself better bring protection! read more

The E.

4 years ago

Holy crap. Where do i start? this cafe has brought upon me the worst food experience of my entire life. background: i have a masters degree in culinary arts and have worked in a few of the top kitchens in las vegas . the good: the place just exudes comfort. from the moment you walk in, you're transported to an island with a friendly aura and waves of relaxation. however, the outward appearance of this place, unfortunately, is where the good ends. the bad: just one glance into the kitchen and i was disgusted. there seems to be no sanitary system in place. the workers have no gloves, i saw a lady without a hairnet, and by that one glance to the back, i felt uneasy just thinking about eating the food there. i tried to calm down and give the place a chance. after all, it had 5 stars on Yelp and a sizable, zealous clientele to back it up. the ugly: no words can describe the emotional rollercoaster i went through when i ate the food. there was absolutely nothing fresh tasting about the fresh, which one should be easily be able to taste. either the fish is frozen one or two times over before making it to your plate, or their unsanitary kitchen completely kills the lovely pescatarian taste that should be there. the spices, garnishes, were all completely overdone, and tasted like Gene himself went to the walmart next door to buy the cheapest batch of spices he could find. it was atrocious to say the least. then the worst happened-- i found not one, but TWO very long hairs in my plate. i ran to the bathroom and threw up all that disgusted food that i had forced down my throat and gave my stomach the peace that i had so unfairly snatched away. conclusion: Gene will probably reply to this talking about how my masters degree means nothing and how i know nothing about food, but let him assume. he's just a man child that cries the second he receives criticism, and doesn't know how to handle his online presence. needless to say, don't support this sad excuse for a business. i pray no more poor souls have to experience this god forsaken food entering their body. read more

Lina P.

4 years ago

Came back here again because we loved the miso-honi chicken so much my husband had to try it again. This place isn't next door to us- we drive like 30 mins to eat here. It's very disappointing that you don't know what's sold out until you get there. Of course the miso-Honi chicken was sold out so I got the mento bento and my husband got the Muay Thai garlic shrimp. When you're paying $21 dollars for a mento bento, you expect it to be good. It was everything BUT that. First- the noodles were dry and kinda hard, and cold. 2nd- I bit into my lollipop shrimp and the middle of the shrimp was still gray color. I told the waitress it was undercooked and she said it didn't look like, it but I beg to differ. I was immediately turned off. From the look on my husbands face he was highly disappointed with his meal also. Then there was this weird hot dog looking thing in my box and I took one bite and was over the whole bento. For a total of almost 50 bucks for two plates and to not be happy is not worth coming back here again. Let me also mention the girls that take the orders are not friendly. That was our biggest complain both times we came in. read more

Max S.

4 years ago

I eat here at least once a week (sometimes more depending on the specials) and it's definitely my favorite place to grab lunch. The miso honi chicken is my favorite but also recommend the kalbi or guava chili pepper chicken. (And please bring back the Jamaican jerk chicken, it was one of my favorites!) Portion wise, You get a lot. I'm always full afterwards and my girlfriend usually splits her food into 2 meals. Their prices aren't cheap but portions are sizeable and quality is high. No complaints: you get what you pay for. Their Instagram always will highlight what specials they have, and to know if something is in stock, just check their site, or call, they'll tell you (despite some reviews saying you have to show up to know) Gene and his wife have always been super friendly with me and other customers I see in the cafe. The meals they create aren't the typical ones you'd find at other chains. This place isn't for you if you're looking for massive quantities of the run of the mill "hawaiian" chain food. Keep doing what you're doing Gene, excited for the food truck and any other specials you put out! read more

Henry N.

Elite 23

3 years ago

If you're looking for some delicious Hawaiian-inspired food in Costa Mesa, look no further than Ai Pono Cafe. This cozy eatery offers a variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings, including fried chicken and garlic shrimp. The food here is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The fried chicken is crispy and juicy, while the garlic shrimp is succulent and savory. You can taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite, and it's clear that the chefs take pride in their work. The decor of the restaurant features pictures of historical figures from Hawaii, providing a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the islands. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Overall, Ai Pono Cafe is a great spot for a tasty meal with a Hawaiian twist. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous, making it a great value for your money. Whether you're in the mood for some hearty comfort food or a taste of the islands, you won't be disappointed. Give it a try! Time: Lunch on Sunday Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Price: $ Food: 5/5 read more

Nikki B.

196

4 years ago

Seeing a few negative reviews, I thought I'd put my 2 cents in too. Let me start off with saying, if you've never been to Hawaii and had authentic Hawaiian food - please be open to the Hawaiian flavors. This place is not your ono Hawaiian bbq. Stumbled Upon this place from Alohi Gilmans instagram story and had to try it immediately as my boyfriend and I love the islands and it's culture. They're one of the next best things to feeling like you're eating at the islands. We personally will make that 40 minute drive to get food here. My absolute favorite from them is the Lau Lau. - it isn't available on their every day menu. So when you see that post, you definitely need to make the drive. Other than that, my go to is the Da spicy chicken plate and a side of Kalbi! Definitely so ono! My boyfriend loves their ai pono moco. It's his absolute favorite! Give this place a try. Especially when you just arrive back from the islands and are craving all the island food and their flavors!! read more

Vindy S.

See more unrecommended reviews

140

242

246

1 year ago

I recently visited this Hawaiian restaurant and had such a wonderful experience! The atmosphere was laid-back and welcoming, with island-inspired decor that made it feel like a mini getaway. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive from the moment we walked in. The food was absolutely delicious -- fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Hubby and I tried the katsu and their spicy poke, and both were packed with authentic Hawaiian taste. The poke bowl was another standout, with fresh fish and tasty toppings that made every bite satisfying. Their house-made sauces really brought everything together. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable for the quality and freshness. We also loved the tropical drinks and finished the meal with a perfect slice of haupia pie. Overall, this place is a hidden gem for anyone craving a true taste of Hawaii. Highly recommend it for the great food, friendly service, and relaxing island vibes! read more

Hanna J.

157

3 years ago

Ai Pono Cafe is an absolute gem for anyone craving mouthwatering Hawaiian food! My experience at this restaurant was beyond satisfying, and I can't wait to go back. Their poke was a true delight! The fresh and high-quality ingredients combined with the vibrant sauces made for a perfect symphony of taste in every bite. I was particularly impressed by the variety of toppings and add-ons available, allowing me to customize my poke bowl to my liking. The short ribs were phenomenal. The service was great and the cashier helped me pick what the best combo plate would be for me. The only thing that wasn't ideal about this place is that the music that was playing was sooo loud my friend and I had to talk super loudly to hear each other. If you're a fan of Hawaiian cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, Ai Pono Cafe is an absolute must-visit. Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy! read more

K K.

3 years ago

Avoid this place God forbid you don't like the food. If you don't prepare to be harassed, berated, and insulted. Oh lest one have the smallest criticism about anything the owner will just throw a hissy fit. The funny thing is the owner claims he can take criticism when in fact the minute you comment that you don't like the food for whatever reason, he will tell you to shut your mouth because you don't know anything about cooking. Just look at his responses to negative reviews, instead of trying to address or understand the issue he either insults the reviewer or claims their review is fake. The food here is just average and over priced, it's not the fine dining that this guy thinks it is. You are better off going to L&L where the food is more consistent and priced way better, and you don't need to worry about management that is going to throw a fit if you don't like the food. read more

Dee C.

159

1375

10 months ago

Ai Pono Cafe - Costa Mesa, CA This spot's been long overdue. I've bounced in and out of OC for years--Costa Mesa, HB, all of it--and somehow Ai Pono still feels like the low-key gem. No hype, no fake aloha vibes, just real-deal Hawaiian grinds cooked with soul and serious umami. The menu? Creative and tight. Everything feels like it's made by someone who actually cares. I'm obsessed with their mac salad--only complaint is I wish the portion was bigger. I get it, prices and hustle and all that, but damn I could eat a tub of that stuff. Seating's limited--think school lunch tables, maybe a couple open spots if you're lucky. But honestly, it's worth the elbow bump. Met the owner briefly, kitchen's always on point, condiments are self-serve, even got some cool stickers if that's your thing. This place deserves more love, but yeah--I've been gatekeeping it hard. Now you know. read more

Paul T.

7 months ago

It was good. It didn't have as much variety as I thought for things to pick up more like plates. I really was looking for poke. But there was only two options. A little disappointed in the cheesecake because they had a butter guava and a lilikoi. Also, my fault for not asking, but I thought the cheesecake would be that flavored. It was just a topping. Guava pepper chicken is all the rage, but that cracked chicken was pretty good. It wasn't dry good flavor. Didn't care for the Mac salad. Shoyu poke had too much fiber on some bites. The spicy was not spicy at all. Did not like the teriyaki tasting drizzle making it sweeter It is fairly good all around not my favorite. I'd rather go to da Hawaiian since it is closer to me in this place doesn't really offer me anything worth making an extra drive for. If I am in this area, this would be the place to go for a plate. read more

Reese P.

3 months ago

As a Costa Mesa local, AI Pono Cafe has become one of my go-to spots for poke. On my most recent visit, I ordered both poke varieties with a side of rice, and the quality was outstanding as usual. The fish tasted incredibly fresh, the portions were satisfying, and you can tell they use high-quality ingredients. In my opinion, it's easily the best poke in the Costa Mesa area. It is a bit more expensive than places like Bear Flag, and even compared to Foodland in Hawaii if you've had the chance to try it there, but the freshness and quality make it worth it. The service is another reason I keep coming back. Orders are prepared quickly, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. Consistency can be hard to find, but AI Pono Cafe delivers every time. If you're looking for top-quality poke in Orange County, or even a solid plate lunch, this place is tough to beat. read more

Adam R.

1 month ago

Ai Pono Kitchen in Costa Mesa is easily some of the best Hawaiian food I've had in Orange County. The Crackhead Chicken is outstanding. It has a ton of flavor and honestly tastes like something you would get in Hawaii. It's hard to find Hawaiian food on the mainland that really captures that same local flavor, but Ai Pono Kitchen does it extremely well. Everything we had was fresh, flavorful, and well prepared. The Crackhead Chicken was definitely the standout and something I would come back for again. I also want to give a shoutout to the staff. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and provided great customer service, which made the experience even better. If you're looking for really good Hawaiian food in Costa Mesa, I highly recommend Ai Pono Kitchen. Great food, great people, and the Crackhead Chicken is a must. read more

Ray O.

8 years ago

I first found out about Ai Pono Meals through their meal prep company, (which btw creates legit weekly meal prep for those who are in the market). I was definitely happy and excited when i found out that they were opening an actual Cafe close to my work. Ai Pono Cafe gives me a fresh new spot to go to during my lunch hours. The food is made fresh and you can definitely taste the quality of all the ingredients used. There are options on the menu that cater to those who like to eat clean and healthy but also to those few who like to live and eat "dirty". Chef Gene and Dana are really friendly and especially helpful when it comes to answering any questions about the menu. I definitely recommend the Ahi Katsu, Korean Fried Chicken, and Tater Tots. read more

Erez N.

5 years ago

Owner is so rude!!! I came and ordered a poke bowl and they had a problem with their credit card machine, my food was already out so I set down to eat and I offered to pay in cash as soon as I'm done I can run outside to get them cash. The owner came and insisted I will go now and not wait until I'm done with my meal. So I got up and got him the cash in the middle of my lunch. How can you be so rude and tell me "it's not that I don't trust you" it's your credit card machine that doesn't work you need to be nicer to your customers!! I was insulted and couldn't even finish my food because I was so angry, instead of enjoying my lunch I'm sitting down to write this review. I will NEVER EAT THERE AGAIN!!! Shame on you! read more

Alexandria S.

Elite 25

174

2 years ago

This Hawaiian restaurant is a fantastic place to experience authentic Hawaiian flavors right in your neighborhood. The transition from their original ghost kitchen to their own storefront has been impressive, providing a more welcoming and enjoyable dining environment. While the quality of the food remains high and the taste of Hawaii is unmistakable, I've noticed a slight increase in the saltiness of some dishes compared to before. Nonetheless, the vibrant flavors and rich culinary experience continue to make this restaurant a standout choice. Their dedication to bringing a slice of Hawaii to your plate is evident in every dish. It's definitely worth a visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of the islands. read more

Raymond A.

121

3 years ago

The owner is a real hot-head and seems very insecure about his food. He posted this absolutely insane and unhinged rant where he calls up a customer who left a 1 star Yelp review and cussed him out. I see lots of 1 and 2 star reviews on his page and these things happen even at nice high quality restaurants. You can't please everyone. The owner then proceeds to threaten violence against many of the commenters in his post saying things like "say that to my face. I'll slap the taste out your mouth". Super trashy and low class individual who gives other chefs a bad name. Watched a few too many Gordon Ramsey cooking shows and thinks that's how the restaurant industry works in real life. Nutbar factor 7. read more

Nicholas R.

158

4 years ago

Sucks that I can't give more than 5 stars but whatevs. Nothing but great food and true aloha vibes is served here. My only complaint is that I wish there was an AiPono Cafe closer to my house so I can visit weekly. But I can honestly say, that the experience here is worth the drive. Solid menu, solid crew, owner knows he got a mean brand as he should. If you don't think this place is up to par with authentic Hawaiian gridnz, go back to L&L for your fast food experience. Food was ON POINT!!! Chicken had max crunch and crazy juicy inside. Short ribs had perfect char and super tender. Poke was far from bland with the right amount of flavor. Absolutely perfect from start to finish. Keep it going!!! read more

Chris L.

3 years ago

Ate at aipono cafe the other day. Took the food to flog and was very disappointed. First the Mac salad had a very weird taste. People may like it but not for me. The portions are very small. I got the chicken and for some reason it was solid as a rock. Took a few bites and had to toss the plate that was near $20. I then reach out to the owner but if you look on here you can see that when he gets constructive criticism, instead of fixing it, he argues with the customers and tells them not to come back. I'm not Hawaiian but I have visited and this is not the aloha spirit I felt while there. He is right, I will not be going back read more

Maia N.

Elite 21

550

110

3 years ago

At Ai Pono Cafe, I felt like I was instantly whisked away to Hawaii. The food was bursting with authentic Hawaiian flavors, and the portion sizes were perfect. What really impressed me was how the restaurant embodied the essence of Hawaii, reflecting everything I had studied about Native Hawaiians during my time at Cal Poly Pomona. It was clear that the chef's knowledge and respect for Hawaiian culture shone through in every aspect of the experience. This unique fusion of flavors and cultural authenticity makes Ai Pono Cafe a must-visit. read more

Ai Pono Cafe - asianfusion - Updated September 2026

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so excited that i finally got the chance to try this place out! the past couple times i've been in…read morethe area it's either been too late at night or the people i was with got intimated by the line. i came by on a Saturday mid day so line was reasonably long and outside the building but it moved pretty steadily i would say i maybe waited 20 minutes? the menu is pretty large for a poke place and my eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach everything sounded delicious i really don't think you can go wrong! do keep in mind that bowls are prepared in the back of house and each one has its own set of toppings with a few additional you can add on but it's not like a customize your bowl type of vibe. the guy who took my order was super sweet and friendly! i ended up getting a 2 scoop bowl so i could try the ahi and salmon and for flavors i got firecracker and ponzu crunch. my order came out within 10 minutes and while the actual space is pretty small, seating opens up often and i was able to get a seat while i waited. the poke itself is definitely worth all the buzz and hype, its super fresh and the flavors are so balanced and delicious! i was hesitant to get a two scoop at first because sometimes i get the fish ick, but that didn't happen at all with this plate. whenever im in the area i would definitely wait in a long line for this bowl again #worthit

My husband and I came here on a Sunday and arrived around noon. Waited in line for about 20 mins to…read moreorder. Limited seating but we got lucky and was able to grab a table right before we placed our order. We got the tsunami nachos and a mayjah poke bowl with ahi (firecracker and shoyu style). The nachos were on tortilla chips. They do have a sign that tells you if you want the wonton chips, they're only available at the Pasadena location. Delicious and filling! We found the portions to be filling and had enough left over to enjoy the rest at home. Definitely coming back but try the Pasadena location!

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4.1

(1.5k reviews)

Long time supporter of Da Hawaiian Kitchen and I'm pleased to announce that their new location just…read moreopened a month ago! They have so much more indoor seating available compared to their old spot near Target, plus two restrooms as well. I ordered my usual, which was a three piece boneless spicy garlic chili peppa chicken (CPC) plate and their generous kitchen was so kind to hook me up. I love coming here because their staff is always so friendly and the food is incredible. Their Mac salad is out of this world and their steamed rice is oh so fluffy. If I remember correctly, I think they might also have a garlic shrimp offering as well that was equally yummy, but it's been a minute, so you'll have to double check with the staff directly. Parking lot is shared in a small strip lot, so it might be tough, but it's worth the drive and wait. You can call your order in or place it online. Prices are fair for the portion and quality, and I recommend this place to everyone that visits Orange County. I'm not even a fried chicken person, but will enjoy a plate of the Hawaiian fried chicken every time I'm in the area to visit my grandpa. Long live Da Hawaiian Kitchen and their family's recipes! :-)

just first impressions right off the bat... …read more.. these are observations from first time eating here Menu is confusing and doesnt make a whole lot of sense leading to a lot of questions I couldn't decide which sauce to get so I asked for both , for two, of each and was told sure yes, you can have both!...there wasn't not even one of anything in the bag chicken thigh was still pink as in undercooked, not cooked all the way through completely I had to come home and cook it came in on a moderately busy Saturday evening to order takeout, took a while especially for ending up with food that wasn't cooked properly definitely ask for your food to be well done well cooked Is definitely not the Loft it looks like its somebody's home cooked Hawaiian food and that's not a compliment this time -- the potato mac salad is not cold it's warm because they box it in with the warm food sad to say not impressed, we'll be sticking with the Loft that's just a couple blocks away

Uroko Poke

4.3

(2k reviews)

Uroko Poke is definitely one of the only poke places that I feel is worth spending money at. The…read moreportions are excellent, the menu variety is appreciated, and they are very happy to accommodate to any special requests. That is what i love most about it. This is my 2nd time visiting from the IE and my love for this place still remains. I would definitely recommend!! :)

I was craving poke and this place definitely hit the spot! Shoutout to my friend for introducing…read moreme. Everything is customizable, so you can build your bowl exactly how you like it. I went with rice, salad, salmon & tuna, mild sauce, spicy mayo, and almost ALL the toppings! The employees were super efficient and kind, even offering to help my friend and me carry our food to the table - the sweetest! Everything tasted fresh, which was perfect for the hot weather we've been having! I got the 2-scoop fish bowl and left completely stuffed. The portions are generous and fairly priced. Delicious, casual lunch if you're ever in the area!

Yubuya

4.8

(329 reviews)

fiancé and i wanted a quick snack before meeting with friends and this was exactly what we needed!…read morefood: we tried 4 different yubus and they were all fresh, seasoned perfectly, and the soup was warm. you can ask for soy sauce but we knew from the first bite, we didn't need it. they offer more than just yubus (rice bowls, nigiri, etc) but we weren't super hungry. staff was friendly and welcoming! it was our first time so they helped us order on the kiosk. The menu on the kiosk has photos. dining area is clean, about 10 seats inside and 4 seats outside. restrooms are clean. would def recommend and we'll be back!

Absolute banger, already looking forward to our next visit. We ordered takeout, decided to be…read morepiggies and ate there. So glad we did because ended up ordering a few more! Our favorite was the seared salmon yubu but honestly... you can't go wrong, it's all good. The service and the staff were really friendly which made the experience very pleasant. Great job Yabuya!

Tiger Plate

4.3

(498 reviews)

The kind of poke I've been searching for all my life. Fresh, delicious, so much flavor, and overall…read moreamazing presentation. This is my new go to spot for poke. It's a fast service spot so don't expect anything on the ambiance side. Service was fast and good.

We made a quick pit stop to Tiger Plate while we in the OC. The pictures on yelp all looked so…read moredelicious. We only wanted to get a quick bite so we opted for the Spam Musubi. The location is quaint with minimal seating. The staff working took care of our order and made our orders as well. The location was less than an hour before closing when we came in, but we never felt rushed. Our Avocado Musubis were ready very fast. We took it to go and enjoyed them the car. The musubi had great ratio of spam and rice. Some spots skimp or the spam is thinly cut. Tiger Plate did not do any of that. The combo of avocado and spam was an interesting mix, and it had the tasty umami flavor. I'd love to try the other options. This spot seems popular per all the reviews and if we found ourselves in this area again. I wouldn't mind popping by again. ( ^_^)b

Poke Dot

4.1

(1.3k reviews)

So glad I stopped here after seeing a few instagrams awhile back. Since I was in the area, why…read morenot. I got the 2 scoop bowl for $15.95 and boy to they back it in! They also have avocado which is not extra which is very rare to find anymore. Lots of topping available which I just love! The girl was very friendly and patient w/all my choices. I can't believe I haven't been here in years bc I'm missing out! Will definitely be back!

Insanely huge poke bowls for such a decent price. Although you do get a lot for your bowl, I did…read morefind myself drenching it in a lot of sauce. I like the options though Lots of seating inside, there's also outside seating Service was okay, they girls working were very nice.

Katsuyaki

4.6

(310 reviews)

Ive eaten here twice and must say its simply amazing, well proportioned, tasty, fair priced etc…read more.. Had a combo plate and this time I ordered the spicy beef katsuburger was so delicious and fresh.. Even the fries were amazing..! I highly recommend checking it out..!

I got the Japanese curry bowl and the garlic fried rice. I enjoy the fresh and perfectly cooked…read morebroccoli. The curry had a nice flavor although it is not as spicy as curry usually is. I would prefer that the potatoes and carrots were cut instead of having large chunks in the curry. I was delighted to find squash/ pumpkin among the veggie mixture. That was a rather pleasant surprise and it was nicely cooked with a comforting melty softness. The garlic fried rice was a bit bland despite the amount of green onions sprinkled on top. The extra chicken I added was also a bit dry, possibly overcooked. But it was ok with a dab of the curry to bring in more moisture and flavor. I would recommend this place for curry for a quick and easy lunch although it is prob known more for it's katsu.

Deli Seoul

4.9

(368 reviews)

Cute whole in wall shop with good food and service. We came…read morearound 11 AM, was pretty crowded but good came out within 15 min. There is both inside and outside seating. I got the tofu egg bagel on gluten free bagel ($11) hubby got the pork bowl ($14) also got iced and hot coffee was well. They have good selection of hot coffee and have a mini fridge for creamer and sauce, also have a soccer joystick game in the back. Korean tofu egg bagel wasn't overly salty fluffy egg, the hot sauce makes the bagel better. Taste like home made sandwich Hubbys bowl was good not overly huge and good portion of rice to meat, the bowls are BYO so can customize when workers serve you, Unique shop with so many delicious looking breakfast and lunch items, would love to try the beef bagels next time.

Wonderful place, food and staff. The owner Jun is extremely friendly and patient…read more My wife and I returned to this place a second weekend and brought our family as their unique bagels and fillings were definitely something we hadn't experienced before. The flavors are incredible with the special fluffy egg that you usually only find at kbbqs. The bagels are also extremely fresh, as my wife on both occasions ordered the whole wheat bagel, which always came out perfectly, well balanced, great bite, chewy and crispy on the outside. My family and I also tried the garlic, and jalepeno cheddar, which are definitely both great options. This place has great vibes, cool decor, and even a patio making them very dog friendly! Would highly recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for a very tasty Korean style bagel. Looking forward to returning in the near future!

Harper Barbecue

4.3

(235 reviews)