Island Rootz Cafe is an incredible addition to Gardena! From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed with genuine aloha hospitality and a clean, modern atmosphere that immediately makes you feel at home. The food is fresh, flavorful, and tastes like authentic Hawaiian comfort food made with care. Everything we tried was outstanding--from the perfectly seasoned plate lunch to the fresh poke and delicious musubi. The portions are generous, the ingredients are high quality, and every bite is packed with flavor. You can tell there's a lot of pride behind every dish. The staff was friendly, attentive, and happy to answer questions or make recommendations, which made the experience even better. It's not easy to find a place that nails both amazing food and great service, but Island Rootz Cafe definitely does. If you're craving authentic island flavors in the South Bay, this spot is absolutely worth the visit. I'll definitely be back to work my way through the rest of the menu. Highly recommend! read more

Growing up on Maui, I always appreciate a legitimate Hawaiian restaurant in LA and Island Rootz is it. It does seem to get a lot of hype on social media so you do have to get there early or the popular poke will sell out. Their poke is very legit. If you like Hawaiian style poke, you won't be disappointed. I had a hard time deciding which poke to choose but the staff is really nice and helpful. They also have a wide variety of musubis! The Kimchi Spam Musubi is really good and not too sour since they cook the kimchi. I will be back to try their desserts and plate lunches! Island Rootz is located in a strip mall so there is plenty of parking. They have a decent amount of tables inside, but if fills up quickly. I've found available outdoor seating most of the time. read more

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Came here once before and this time tried the mixed plate. I chose teriyaki chicken and mochiko chicken Both were good and had enough flavor. I'm always use to seeing mochiko chicken as pieces and not like a big piece and chopped up like how katsu is. So that was different. The Mac salad was good but for me needed a bit more flavor. read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

Get the gooey cake! I got the strawberry flavor and it is so good! I went on opening day (July 25, 2026) and was gifted a free bag. I ordered the Macnut Cheesecake with Rasberries, Chocolate Haupia Pie, and the Gooey Strawberry Cake. All were delicious! But you have to try the gooey cake for sureee. Musubis I ordered: Spam Kimchee (because they ran out of original and this was 2nd most popular), chicken katsu, and furikake shrimp. Again, all so good. Poke: Hawaiian, Mac Salad, and Rice. I tried their Hawaiian because one of the owners says it's her favorite and probably the most authentic. It doesn't have any shoyu, just Hawaiian sea salt, ogo (seaweed), white and green onions, kukui nuts. I've never had a "dry" poke but I ate it all up! Definitely will come back to try the rest of their desserts and get a combo plate next time. read more

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We came here for the opening and there was a line outside the door. Surprisingly it was fast service and they had benches outside the storefront as well. There were was a live band "Hapa" with some local legendary people. Staff were friendly as well. For food the musubi's went off the shelf's. We didn't get to try the regular Spam, but that's okay we had the kimchi, hotdog, and the spam, egg, bacon one. The Musubi was oretty hefty in size, but lacked flavor in the rice itself. it could have used some flavor. Overall though I'd give it a 3.5 stars. S As for our meals, we had the Beef teriyaki with Mac, a Chicken Katsu & Garlic Shrimp w/Mac, and a Garlic shrimp & Beef Teriyaki w/dbl Mac. I loved my Beef Teriyaki and they are known for their Garlic Shrimp! The Macaroni salad was on point. I could eat all three all day. The Katsu was good as well, lightly breaded. Overall the meals were better! Get the Garlic Shrimp but don't be smooching someone afterwards! We also bought a mango & pineapple gummy bears with li hing. That was one of the worst gummy bears we've tasted. Waxy taste, no flavor whatsoever. And we love a good pineapple gummy bear! Hard pass what's on their candy shelf by the kitchen door and miscellaneous merchandise stand. We did however love their other deserts. One each of their Banana Cream Pie, Gooey Cake, and a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. All were good in taste. So this place is a hit for meals and cakes. A miss on their musubi. Would I come back? Maybe if I was in the area, but I wouldn't drive all the way down to this area just for it. If you're in the area, give 'em a chance. read more

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I love Aunty Mailes, but they don't open on Sunday. When I found out they opened this joint, I had to come try it. I got the Mochiko chicken, and it came with rice, a little bit of cabbage and a mac salad. The batter on the chicken had a very interesting texture. It's not like your typical fried chicken. Personally it was on the blander side for me. Wish there was a sauce on the side or something. I also thought it was a little pricey. I also tried their shoyu and dynamite poke. Great flavor on both, but I think I would go with the dynamite only next time. I got the large, so it did come with rice and mac salad. Also think it is on the pricey side for poke. Service was good, the guy was nice and gave us recommendations. There is plenty of seating inside and outside. The restroom has a few decorations that are pretty amusing. Personally, I like Aunty Mailes more. I am a sucker for good Hawaiian food. read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Menu - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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If you're missing the islands, this is the spot to go! The poke was fresh, flavorful, and the vibes were on point. The atmosphere really captured that laid-back island feel while still being welcoming and modern. Service was excellent -- the staff checked in to see how we were enjoying the food and even made sure our water was topped off. Great food, great energy, and a place that makes you feel right at home. Definitely worth checking out! read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Dynamite and Wasabi Poke, Mochiko Chicken and Teriyaki Beef with Mac Salad and a Lilikoi Tea! - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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I know I just wrote a review for Island Rootz, but my co-workers and I are obsessed with their food right now. We have been picking up lunch here twice a week on average! Today, I had their mixed plate with half beef teriyaki and half garlic butter shrimp. It was so good and satisfying. The beef was charred and cooked well-done, just how I like it, but it was still very tender. It had a really good flavor. The garlic butter shrimp was so buttery and flavorful. The plate came with seven large and plump shrimp, along with white steamed rice and mac salad. The serving was pretty big and could be enough for two people to share. I also got their banana bread loaf with chocolate and walnuts, and it was so good and moist. It's definitely among the top banana breads I've had. It was pretty pricey at $8.50 for a mini loaf, but the taste made it worth it. read more

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So happy to finally try this place! We loved everything we ordered: Mochiko chicken, Katsu, and Pau something Poke. Katsu was so crunchy and cooked to perfection. Mochiko was so juicy and tasty! The poke I feel needed more flavor but nonetheless it was still bomb. Oh yeah can't forget the Mac salad, that was delicious too! Portions are big and service is quick. read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Poke - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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3/5 musubis didn't taste that seasoned and the proportion had a lot of rice 5/5 garlic shrimp. Very seasoned. The rice was cooked really well and it was a nice surprise that the side of Mac salad was 2 servings 5/5 lots of seating and the line wasn't too crowded but I went while it was still the soft opening read more

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Given that this is a soft opening, I can understand the delay of getting my food as they start to get into the swing of this new business, so please be patient during this time. Aunty Maile's has been around for a long time, and now the owners of Aunty Maile's and Aloha Platez also own Island Rootz. This location offers a much larger selection of poke than their other two businesses. There are some hot food items offered during the soft open, as well as some specialty teas and coffees that are not available at their other locations. They have all of the Hawaiian Sun can drinks too! Ample seating is available inside to eat your meal. The overall service is friendly and I am sure in time once everything is up and running smoothly, the serve time will be quicker. My favorite poke was the spicy garlic poke. read more

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This is an authentic Hawaiian restaurant with the feeling of Ohana and always friendly with the customers. The food is delicious and the variety of Poke about the same as found on the Big Island. Since it was Spam Musubi day, we had planned just to just get Musubi, but when we saw the combination plates and display of Poke, we decided to go for broke and bought combination plates, banana bread and various types of Musubi. Although we were not on any Pacific Island, the ambiance and aloha spirit really made my day! read more

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Another restaurant by Auntie Maile's! This location is in the Pacific Square Shopping Center next to Pruvia Coffee Bar. Island Rootz Cafe has moved into the Cafe Pruvia shop. They just opened this location yesterday, 06-03-2026. Staff is very friendly, welcoming, and helpful. During their Soft Opening, they are offering a very limited menu. Only musubis, sweets, & snacks including drinks are available now until they get the city's approval for their full menu. Then they will have the Grand Opening. The lady explained the 8 varieties of Musubi & 1 Onigiri. We chose the Red Wiener Musubi & Katsu Dipped Korean Sauce Musubi! Super fresh, warm, and so delectable! Yum! We took home a Banana Bread and ate a slice when we got home. It is really moist and tastes great! Will be back! I can't wait to try their plate lunches & more desserts! read more

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OMG!!!!! Was craving poke and Island Rootz popped up on my Yelp! Decided to check it out. Sure glad I did! Came in, fun and lively atmosphere. It was packed in the dining area on a Wednesday at 11:20am!!! Good sign that they must serve some good food. Got to the front of the line and was helped promptly. Super friendly service at the cashier. Intentionally came to try the poke and sheeeeshhhh. Broke da mouth!!!! Had the dynamite and Pau Hana poke with rice and Mac salad.... Bomb!!! Also had the kimchee cup and spam musubi and it was all amazing!!! Think I just found my new fresh poke spot! Will eventually come back for their Hawaiian plate lunch! read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Mac salad. Kim chew cup. Dynamite and Pau Hana poke!!! - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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Just came in on Sunday, the day after their official grand opening. I heard they opened this spot via IG. Came in and ordered mix plate of shrimp and mochiko chicken with two scoops rice and Mac salad. They had sriracha but I wish they carried Hawaiian chili pepper sauce. It'd make the dish more broke da mouf. Don't get me wrong the dish is already on on its own. I was busog/kanak attack afterwards. That's all good signs of good food. I got to try out their poké of spicy garlic, dynamite, and kim chi. Love their portions and how thick the tuna meat chunks are. Also had to grab Hawaii's best snack brand Noms and pineapple li hing mui gummies bears. Lastly, I met the one of the owners, Kai. Cool guy, pleasent, big aloha smiles. read more

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if you're missing the islands... this spot will satisfy your cravings. can't wait to go visit again. want to try more plates! Poke cubes are huge! so flavorful and delicious. tried the dynamite but really want to try spicy garlic next time. indoor and outdoor seating! quick service. casual dining. read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Garlic Shrimp Plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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I heard of this place via word of mouth from some friends in the city community! I love poke and anything musubi related so I had to stop on by and try this place out! Cafe Pruvia was the place that used to be here before Island Rootz came to town. My first time trying out this place was with my dad for a pre-Father's day lunch and it was during the restaurant's soft opening! There is a bit of seating inside only. The only outdoor seating is for the Pruvia Coffee Bar next door. It is a tiny hole in the wall place but cleaned up real nice with such Aloha vibes! They even have a tiny section inside where they sell their own merch! For the first time,My dad ordered the large Wassabi poke and I ordered the regular Shoyu poke with an order Kimchee musubi on the side! I tried both pokes and they were both very flavorful. The Wassabi poke definitely has a kick to it in terms of spiciness! My dad liked the Wassabi poke, but thought it needed a little more something to it. He also said he found the large size pretty big for him and would get a regular size next time. The second time I came was on the day of their grand opening! I ordered one order of the OG spam and a regular bowl of the Kimcee poke! I also ordered another order of OG spam to take to my husband! My father ordered the regular Dynamite poke and thoroughly enjoyed it. He stated he liked how it had spicy mayo on it. I thought the Kimcee poke had the right amount of sauces and seasoning on it! The place is gaining quite some popularity so it may be a bit of a wait especially during the lunch rush hour or on weekends! Definitely try this place out when you have time! I will be back if in the area! read more

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Great service and actually enjoyed my POG fruit tea but the teriyaki chicken plate was too salty and the Mac salad was pretty bland.

Aunty Mailes does it again!!! Wonderful new menu, plenty of space inside and new menu that definitely upholds the flavors and deliciousness of the other restaurant. I like all the different spam musubi options as well! read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Mochiko (?) Chicken and Garlic Shrimp - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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We love their sister restaurant, Aunty Maile's, so we had to check out Island Rootz! We visited during their soft opening after they went viral on TikTok, so there was a bit of a line, but the wait wasn't bad at all. We ordered a couple of musubis, poke, and the haupia pie. The musubis were such a good value and super filling, the poke was fresh, and the service was just as friendly as we expected. Can't wait to come back once they're fully open and we can try the rest of the menu! read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - soft opening line! not too long a of a wait - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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I'm so convinced all these high reviews are bartered cause there's just no way the community thinks the poke is amazing? To start, 1 out of our 3 person party suffered on the toilet hours after consuming. We got the Wasabi, Hawaiian, Spicy Garlic and Dynamite. All of these flavors lacked a level of consistency. Some needed more salt. some needed less salt. some needed MSG (tbh) but the main concern was that the tuna they are cutting ... is either not being cut by a professional who doesn't know fish or this establishment is purchasing frozen pre-cut tuna, which wouldn't be surprising. And the cherry on top was the immensely sad... sad spam musubi. I'm not sure how anyone could mess that up but they definitely did. Any spam lover will immediately notice that they are NOT using Spam branded and is definitely off brand. This was tough and a hard miss. I understand it's soft opening but wow, needs major overhaul. read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - old looking spam, insane rice ratio, no SALT??? not real spam! - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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Amazing food with super kind and friendly staff. My sister and I love the food over at Auntie Maile's, so we obviously had to give Island Rootz a try! They sell snacks, musubi, a variety of fresh poke, plate lunches, desserts, baked goods, drinks, among other things. I think once items run out (in the cases) they are gone for the day! So go earlier in the day if you want more options! Also, FYI, I believe they are still in their soft opening phase, so the menu/offerings are still being tinkered with. We tried a variety of things today: mochiko chicken, beef teriyaki, poke, cheesecake, and took home a banana bread. I haven't had mochiko chicken before. It was flavorful but not as crispy as I would have imagined. Still decent to try though! But if you're a fan of crisper food, probably go for the katsu instead. If they bring their furikake chicken to this location, I'll be in big trouble! Beef teriyaki was also delicious. The staff was accommodating and was able to cook the beef a little more on the rare side as requested. So if you don't notice super charred meat in my photo, that's on us. Poke was super fresh! I couldn't decide between two flavors I wanted and was told I could try half-half. So we got spicy garlic and dynamite (spicy mayo). Both were very good, but I liked the spicy garlic a bit more. Would definitely come back for more poke. Dessert items... We actually ate the cheesecake first while the plate lunches were being prepared lol. Forgot to take a photo of the cheesecake, but I LOVE how Auntie Maile's/Island Rootz makes desserts with THICK crusts. Banana bread with chocolate chips & walnuts... Took that one home but couldn't wait to try it. It was so good... I wish I had bought another one, but I already took the last one on the counter haha! We ate it "warm" because it baked in the hot car during the 1-hour trip back home... I have yet to try the other pieces "chilled," but I would imagine eating it warm makes it taste better! An overall wonderful experience, which is not surprising as we always leave full and happy at Auntie Maile's. Will have to try Aloha Platez next! read more

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Even during the soft launch, this spot was serving up amazing food. Couldn't be happier to welcome this spot to Gardena and my family will most certainly be hitting this place up often!!! Same friendly customer service as Aunty Maile's! read more

Went here because we were hungry after shopping at the book off next door and ordered two OG spam musubi's and man....they were so damn good !!!! The guy at the counter was super chill and friendly when my daughter and I ordered and the food came out very quick ! Laid back vibe and super delicious food seems like the norm at this establishment. Can't wait to come back for more read more

Located off Redondo Beach Bl in Gardena inside Pacific Square shopping center this was formerly Cafe Pruvia. So the layout is pretty much the same just the added displays for the desserts and treats. As of right now it's a soft opening with only Musubi's and desserts. Oh and also smoothie drinks. I got spam and katsu musubi's. Since it's part of Aunty Maile's I know the musubi's are good as well as the desserts. Service is great as always. Overall so far glad they opened up here I can't wait to try the other foods once they get up and running and don't forget to go and try Aloha Platez and Aunty Maile's for all their delicious grinds and desserts. read more

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I am so happy they opened this second spot. The food is so fresh and delicious! Service is awesome!! I had the BEST chicken teriyaki the other day! I can't wait to go back! (Fortunately it is 5 minutes from my Mom's place!) read more

Poke was fresh and excellent. Shrimp plate was amazing. I felt like I was back in Hawaii! :)

They're in their soft opening, they're offering a few dishes at a time and it changes frequently. Even at the end of the day, the Poke was very fresh! This is a new fast casual stop with the same aloha service and delicious plates you've come to enjoy from Aunty Maile's. They have a good size dining room to enjoy your favorites, it has the same ohana feel as the other Aunty Maile's locations. This will be the main location for desserts, I hope the menu will have all my favorites. There is abundant parking in the Pacific Square parking lot. read more

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Love this new restaurant. It feels so much like being back in Hawaii. Plenty of parking. Good comfort food and many nostalgic dishes. Service is great. You order your food before you find a table. The staff checks on you for more drinks and any additional food you may want. Definitely coming back soon. read more

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The flavor was really good and the fish was fresh, but $15 for a small scoop of rice, no sides included is definitely not worth it, the long line isn't really worth the wait for me. For two bowls, 2 drinks and a taro treat (was good!) they had was $60... I was disappointed and had high expectations Just Poke will literally pack a plate with two poke flavors, 2 sides for nearly the same price. Not sure if it's just because it's a soft opening or still new but I won't be coming back, service is great though read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - The bowl that only comes with a scoop of rice, the taro treat, and 2 canned drinks for $60 - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

So excited that Aunty Mailes opened up this spot! I am a huge fan of their original spot, I visit it often. This location is definitely more of a modern vibe inside the restaurant. The food/menu is similar to the original location, so the quality and taste is amazing! The poke is always fresh and this location I feel like has more poke selection? (Don't quote me on it lol) I also love all the spam musubi selections, but you gotta come early because they sell out fast! They also have a selection of candies there, which I love! I think it's made in house with a twist. I always get a box The staff is always super nice and kind! I always enjoy eating there and the takeout is pretty fast! It is not super cheap, but for the quality of fish I think it is worth! read more

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My husband and I stopped in for lunch. Very welcoming and friendly staff. We both ordered a mixed plate. I got the garlic butter shrimp with chicken katsu. Everything was absolutely fresh, tasty and so good !!!! Portions were good, just enough to satisfy you. Nice inviting casual ambience, which we liked. Will definitely be returning :) read more

I ordered the mixed plate with chicken katsu and garlic shrimp. Portions are very generous! Katsu has a perfect fried texture and tastes amazing. Garlic shrimp is really flavorful although a bit salty, but still delicious. Ordered pauhana poke à la carte and it's tasty. Customer service is excellent and I will definitely come back again! read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Chicken katsu, garlic shrimp & poke - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

This is some gooood poke. Aunty Maile really knows how to make real Hawaiian poke. I got shoyu ahi and dynamite ahi. Fish was buttery and just melted in your mouth. For the quality of fish at this price point makes sense because that is some quality seafood. Will definitely be coming back when I'm craving poke. read more

I got their poke mix plate, half and half, with the mac salad and the rice. It was incredible! The poke comes in big chunks. It's so fresh. It's not fishy at all, and the flavor is incredible, especially the spicy garlic. read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Mix plate poke - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

This place is hidden in the Pacific Business Plaza. I wanted to try all of their desserts but, I will do it when I keep ordering from there. I got the mochiko chicken. Enjoyed it. The restaurant is spacious and a lot of outside sitting. Staff was welcoming & friendly. read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Pineapple upside down cake - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes is an awesome new Hawaiian restaurant! Everything we tried was delicious, especially the Spam Musubi and the Shoyu Poke--they were fresh, flavorful, and tasted authentic. The staff were all so nice and friendly, and they made us feel very welcome. I'm so happy to have this place in the area and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend! read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

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Food was authentic. Service was friendly. New location is awesome. Poke was fresh and delicious. read more

If you want to eat authentic Hawaiian food that is served as if you're ohana, then this is the spot. Great selection of poke (ahi tuna only) and a huge variety of musubi. Can't wait to go back and try more flavors and grab a plate lunch. read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Kamikaze poke - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California

Probably the best chicken katsu I've ever tried! Fresh and perfectly cooked with a crispy outside and juicy inside. Paired perfectly with their tangy/sweet tonkatsu sauce. The macaroni salad was a bit bland, but wonderfully creamy & delicious. The rice was warm and fluffy. The interior is sparse yet warm and welcoming. My only negative were the chairs which were probably from the former place and looked kind of beat-up. Being in the industry, though, I understand how much a restaurant full of new chairs costs! THE STAFF WERE AMAZING! So cheerful and knowledgeable about the menu, especially considering it is their soft opening. Even though it is not a full service restaurant, they came and checked on me while I was eating to make sure I was happy with everything. I got there around 4p.m. on a Wednesday. It was half full with a short line. By 4:30 there was quite a line. Plan accordingly. They will probably need a second cashier at some point which is a great problem to have! I can't wait to return to try other items! read more

Island Rootz Cafe by Aunty Mailes - Chicken katsu. Would recommend! - Hawaiian Near Me - Gardena, California