Kalai&#x27;s Hawaiian Kitchen

33

388

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3 years ago

We were so excited to find some Hawaiian bbq having just moved here! Customer service was great and the food was even better. I already have decided I have to keep coming back to try everything on the menu. Check the pics to see what we got! read more

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Kalua pork with rice, Mac salad, and lomi tomato - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - a car parked in front of the store - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Spam musubi - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Daily special of garlic chicken, with rice, Mac salad, and spicy cucumbers - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

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Elizabeth K.

250

170

622

3 years ago

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen is a family-operated restaurant that serves delicious fresh to order food and great vibes! The portions here are huge and filling! Each plate comes with rice, pickled cucumber (soooo good. Great if you like kimchi!) and Mac salad. They have daily specials along with their lunch plates menu. They also offer breakfast from 7:30am-10:30am and I look forward to trying it. I've tried their garlic chicken lunch plate and was able to sample their mochiko chicken. DELICIOUS. The mochiko is fried to perfection and is addicting. Also, HUGE portion! The customer service makes your experience special. They are very welcoming and treat you like family. The inside has lots of seating with very cute Hawaiian-inspired decorations. They blast Hawaiian style music too. A visit here is a quick trip to Hawaii while you are munching on food in Navarre. Special shout-out to Leah and Nadia!!! read more

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - This is their NEW breakfast menu on June 7, 2023 - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - They have a spam curtain and I love it so much - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - This is their Daily Special of Garlic Chicken with 2 sample pieces of their Mochiko Chicken. - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

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D B.

414

92

36

8 months ago

it felt like home and i havent had a good hawaiian food in a long time since i've lived in florida. The people were nice and friendly. very welcoming. i will definitely be coming back. read more

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Jean G.

5

141

202

3 years ago

Huge portions. Local friendly relaxed vibes & staff. Tried the kalua pork, Katsu chicken, katsu curry, & garlic shrimp plates. read more

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Chicken Katsu Plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Katsu Curry Plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

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Jacob B.

79

176

329

4 years ago

This is a solid 3.5 to 4 star place but since the scale only goes 3 or 4 I'm going to stick with 3. Since this is a brand new establishment I will compare it to the other two main Hawaiian dining options in the area which are Pounders up in Crestview/Niceville and Mauis Bus stop in Fort Walton. For reference Pounders is a 5 star and Mauis Bus stop is a 2. This place is a lot closer to Pounders with its flavor and quality of food but it's pricing is closer to Mauis and I definitely think the prices are higher than they should be. The food is very good but you only have 2 serving sizes vs the multiple sizing options at Pounders but there are more menus options than at Pounders. The sides were a little disappointing with just rice, spicy cucumbers (which weren't spicy) and macaroni salad vs Pounders which has alot more options. The meat was flavorful and tender like Pounders and unlike Mauis with the rice well cooked and the service friendly. Plus their brownie was delicious and had little chunks of melted chocolate in it unlike the dry almost tasteless red velvet cookies at Mauis. This is definitely a good option if you live in the Fort Walton/Navarre area and don't want to drive to Crestview/Niceville for Pounders and it's easy access for those driving to or from base is nice. The hours however are limited to lunch time only and they do not offer a military discount. read more

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Angie P.

233

130

145

3 years ago

THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. My husband is pacific islander so we are very picky about hawaiian bbq, this place is pretty authentic. We drive here from Shalimar to eat over Maui Bus Stop. The service is quick and the employees are all super nice and welcoming. My favorites are the kelbi ribs and bbq mixed plate! You won't be disappointed. read more

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Jose H.

94

10

0

1 year ago

It saying this because Andy is my boy and we go way back, but the Kalai family can definitely cook. I would say the food is great, but I'd be cutting them short. It is way beyond great and the staff always goes out of their way to make you feel welcomed. read more

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Aviam K.

0

11

5

1 year ago

Food at Kalais never disappoints. This is the closest thing you can find to authentic Hawaiian Plate lunch in the Panhandle. read more

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Chicken Katsu Curry - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

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David B.

108

7

2

2 years ago

The service and the people here are second to none. I'm amazed at how much they care for their customers. Now let's start with the star of the show: succulent salmon. Imagine tender flakes of perfectly grilled salmon, infused with a symphony of flavors, from a delicate hint of lemon to a tantalizing sprinkle of herbs. Each bite is a testament to its impeccable freshness and unparalleled quality. Accompanying this seafood sensation is a delightful macaroni salad, boasting a harmonious medley of textures and tastes. Picture al dente macaroni mingling with crisp, crunchy vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy dressing that strikes the ideal balance between tangy and savory. It's a refreshing counterpart to the rich flavors of the salmon, adding a burst of vibrancy to every forkful .And let's not forget the humble yet indispensable white rice, serving as the perfect canvas upon which these culinary masterpieces unfold. Each grain is flawlessly cooked to tender perfection, offering a neutral backdrop that allows the vibrant flavors of the salmon and macaroni salad to shine.Together, this triumvirate of culinary delights creates a symphony of flavors that dance across the palate, leaving a lasting impression of satisfaction and delight. This place is a must visit!!!! read more

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Chris J.

0

2

1

1 year ago

My second time getting this Crispy Garlic Chicken (special only on Thursdays) and it was Amazing! I wish they add it to the regular menu, I highly recommend it!! read more

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MaryEllen M.

0

30

19

1 year ago

Great food and even better mochi! I always recommend Kalia's, and never had anyone tell me they had a less than amazing experience.

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Kylie A.

Elite 22

14

38

181

3 years ago

Heard about this place from a neighbor & being from Hawaii, we're bias when it comes to dishes from home. We've tried Maui bus stop & Pounders. Needless to say, those places don't compare to Kalai's! The place is clean & the people are welcoming. I ordered Mochiko Chicken & Kalua Pork. For the prices, the portions were great & the food was great! No place around here makes Mochiko chicken & I was so satisfied to have a taste of what I feel is "home". We went around 11:30 & it was not busy at all. I would recommend this place over any Local food places in the area read more

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Menu - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Mochiko Chicken plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Kalua Pork plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

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Hin Hin W.

836

82

4 years ago

Theyre finally open!! Came here for the soft-opening and am excited for the full opening soon. They currently open have limited selection as they make final preparations for their grand opening (they said 3-4 weeks). They'll have breakfast too! Food definitely met expectations (I was so excited and hungry I forgot to take a picture ) I got the Kalbi, it was marinated and cooked perfectly and came with a nice, fill bed of steamed rice with some sesame seeds on top. Also can't forget about the macaroni salad! I am definitely excited to have another Hawaiin place open up here locally. Will definitely be coming back for the grand opening to try out their full menu. Also forgot to mention the service was outstanding. Local family owned, friendly, and happy to accommodate! read more

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - Half eaten (lol was too hungry) Kalbi Regular Box - Hawaiian Near Me - Mary Esther, Florida

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Eric B.

0

16

2

1 year ago

Excellent service and food was awesome. Ordered the loco moco and it was very good. The area is lucky to have authentic Hawaiian food. I'd eat here every day if I could. read more

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Anna S.

6

183

342

3 years ago

Went there a second time, our first time was in the beginning when they opened. Not a fan of the food being served in styrofoam to go containers and having to eat with plasticware. Food has a good taste, fresh portions are good but $40 for two people to eat lunch is high. $40 for hit lunch served in toxic styrofoam. The macaroni was plain and not impressed with the pickles, when we ate there the first time they were better. read more

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Dale M.

8

4

0

2 years ago

Just moved here from Oahu (my home!), and found this place. The musubi and katsu, so ono. Can't wait to try it all. Ohana on the gulf coast!! read more

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Sheri C.

0

2

0

1 year ago

Don't let the front fool you!!! The food is amazing!! The service was great!! It was clean and the ambiance was so nice!! Don't miss eating here on your vacation!!! read more

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Terri H.

1

40

41

3 years ago

Can't go wrong here! Chicken and steak is great. Love the fried rice and Mac salad!!! read more

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S S.

0

10

0

1 year ago

The staff was busy due to the lunch rush, however the food was absolutely delicious and worth the wait.

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John R.

6

112

48

2 years ago

Had the garlic chicken. I now have a new favorite. I'll give them five stars if they served their food on plates instead of to go boxes.

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Thomas M.

Elite 21

1

94

7

2 years ago

Went for the second time with a group of coworkers. The order comes quickly and the flavor does not disappoint. Large portions as well so you're definitely getting your dollars worth. I'll keep going. read more

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Keikilani L.

309

8

2 years ago

Mahalo for da Ono grinds!!! If you want amazing Hawaiian fresh food you have to go to Kalai's! Local Hawaiian's making the favorites foods of Hawaii! My girls loved your katsu! We loved the mochicko chicken, Kailua pig, and Kal bi! Mahalo plenty! See you folks next year when we come back for vacation! A hui hou! read more

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Brian H.

Elite 25

69

53

1

2 years ago

Best Hawaiian food I have had outside of the islands, and the service is always superb.

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Ramon R.

0

2

0

2 years ago

food is amazing, service is quick and ambaince is chill. Try the short rib all day, one of the best plates ive had.

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J D.

0

1

2 years ago

I Just ate at Kalais for the first time and wow food was amazing,full of flavor and came out hot and fresh! customer service was top notch! dining area waa super clean and had comfortable seating and nicely decorated! I would recommend to anyone! Definitely try it! you won't be disappointed! read more

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Randon R.

0

2

1

2 years ago

Reminds me of Home in Hawaii. Great food and great friendly attitude! Definitely visit if you want to have a taste of the islands' local eats! read more

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Donald O.

250

57

15

3 years ago

This place is awesome! Randomly stopped when working in area and will be back for sure. Very authentic, great service, excellent food and music is sweet too. read more

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Joanna D.

Elite 24

178

238

617

3 years ago

This place has become one of my go-to's since they've opened. And thank god it's close to where I live LOL. I can never get tired of it and it has you wanting to try it all but it's so hard not to order what you've already fallen in love with an feen for lol. The garlic fried rice is like crack, it'll have you wanting more. Macadamia nut sauce was surprisingly light and not overly sweet. Great spot for breakfast in addition to their regular lunch read more

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Shirley T.

92

53

8

3 years ago

Love this restaurant! It's so close to home and the food is excellent! I'm half Japanese so you can imagine my excitement when they opened! They even have Mochi for dessert! read more

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Tom K.

Elite 24

111

389

166

3 years ago

The food is really good. Order at the counter and wait for the tasty cuisine to come out. There is a decent amount of seating as well as parking. read more

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Noah F.

98

5

1

4 years ago

As someone who was born and raised in Hawai'i for 19 years, I always get excited to see places like this open. I used to live in the area, and when I made a trip back I decided I needed to try it. The most ono (delicious) plate lunches that I've had in all of Florida. Pounders and Maui Bus Stop do not compare. The service was great and quick! I would eat here everyday if my bank could afford it LOL. I got the spam musubi and the furikake salmon and both were great especially the rice! Not mushy or too soft like the other places make it! All I have to say is go ahead and try it for yourself! read more

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Tyler P.

148

47

1

3 years ago

The only thing keeping it from 5 stars is the price and the hours of operation. I wish they were open for dinner. However, they close at 3. My favorite thing is the Katsu chicken and Mac salad. The spam musubi is killer as well. The service is fast and friendly even when it's slammed. The seating is a bit disjointed but who cares when the food is so good. read more

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Sione T.

0

12

5

3 years ago

Good food a taste of home However 1 kalbi rib cut into 6 pieces really ? We're Polynesian be good if there were abit more on the plate read more

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Jasmine L.

55

11

7

4 years ago

Food was delicious and affordable! I look forward to trying other things on their menu.

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Caroline A.

0

4

2

4 years ago

I've been waiting for this place to open so glad I got the opportunity to eat here the food is so delicious and they're so nice and welcoming in here! Perfect for a lunch break w good music 10/10 recommend read more

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Steve S.

0

5

1

2 years ago

Delicious food amazing service and people. Super authentic and super quit at getting hot food to your table.

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Korey B.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Some of the best authentic Hawaiian food around! Price is fantastic for the portions and the service is fast and friendly.

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Karon N.

1

7

3 years ago

The food is delicious, the service is Aloha, the restaurant is designed just like a lot of Island restaurants.

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Joe M.

5

1

0

3 years ago

The food is delicious. My complaint is never knowing when they will be open as it seems the hours and days constantly change. Open, not open, is it a Wed or Thurs??? I stopped by this morning as I saw 10 cars parked out front and the doors are locked when I tried to enter. I give up and won't go back. read more

Business owner information

Andrew K.

Good morning, I don’t have control over how websites, apps, or other…

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More info about Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen

See outside
2200 W Highway 98
Mary Esther, FL 32569
Directions
(850) 374-8169
Call Now
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Full menu

Hours

What time does Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen open?

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

What time does Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen close?

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen closes at 3:00 PM on Monday.Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen closes at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon 11:00 AM - 3:00 PMTue-Fri 11:00 AM - 8:00 PMSat-Sun Closed

Payment methods

Does Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen take credit cards?

Yes, Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen have catering options?

Yes, Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen does have catering options.

Does Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen serve alcohol?

No, Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen does not serve alcohol.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen have parking?

Yes, Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen has parking options.

Other Amenities

Is Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen is wheelchair accessible.

Does Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen have free WiFi?

No, Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen does not have free WiFi.

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Health Score

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Maui Bus Stop

4.3(192 reviews)

8.7 mi

It was our first time in Destin and honestly, we were a little disappointed by most of the food…read morechoices we'd made up to that point. We decided to venture out beyond Destin and do some exploring -- and that's when we stumbled on Maui Bus Stop in Fort Walton Beach. So glad we did. The loco moco was great, the teriyaki steak was smoky, well seasoned, and tender, exactly what you want. The mac salad side was creamy and just a little sweet, a perfect complement. And the prices? $10 for a loco moco is absolutely insane in the best way possible. Worth the short drive from Destin. If you're staying in the area and tired of the tourist trap spots, do yourself a favor and find this place. A total hidden gem.

Tried Maui Bus Stop and honestly was very disappointed. The small plate came with 2 scoop of rice…read moreand steak, but the steak was super dry, burnt, and tough. Spam musubi falling apart quick when my girl picked it up (it should stay together until you bite that sh*) The smothered sauce tasted like mostly soy sauce mixed with cornstarch, and too sweet.. poured over the meat. The rice and musubi were bland and not seasoned at all, and the overall taste was very plain. The BBQ/teriyaki chicken was also burnt and cold when served. To make it worse, the portion size was VERY small for over $12. The quality, portion size, and taste did not match the charge at all. I really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately it wasn't what I thought.

Inside

Loco Moco Regular Plate Teriyaki Chicken Kalua Pig

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Outside

Shark bite

4.2(33 reviews)

5.1 mi

Oh my goodness, this breakfast burrito was out of bounds delicious. I would eat one of these every…read moreday. They have amazing flavor and the peppers are fresh, the hot sauce is delicious and the Fiesta Veggie burrito crazy good and the peppers in the Campfireare super tasty. You have to try this place.

They will turn you down if they're busy. So just because someone placed a large order I can't get a…read moresingle burrito. Seems like a bad way to run your business.

Fall specials! AND smoothies and the açaí bowl are back!

Flavored energy drink!

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Açaí bowl and matcha frap

Think Poke

4.3(275 reviews)

8.6 mi

This has been a 4-star experience every time I've visited here since 2018. This week has been a…read moreslight exception. In fact, Why? I found an even easier way to enjoy it. Worried about lines? (Yes, they work quickly but are often very very crowded.) No problem -- this week, I ordered on line. And it was a great experience. Customize your order item by item...pick all the goodies you want; set a time for you. order to be ready. (You can pick it up, as I did...or order Door Dash, etc to deliver it to you at work or home). Simply put: Chose my items, clicked on "order"...and received a text almost immediately. And, when my order was ready (within the estimated time...) I got another text informing me thusly. Very, very convenient...no hemming or hawing over a large menu board trying to decide while being jostled by other hungry patrons. Definitely will order on line again....especially when I'm pressed for time. 5 star experience indeed!

This place was highly recommended because I'm military, and everybody loves Poké bowls! I walked in…read moreand there was about seven people already ahead of me so I knew this place was going to be very good. I walked up to the front and ordered my Poké bowl which was salmon and tuna. I got an extra scoop of salmon that came with it or I could've gotten a third protein. You can get it with rice, brown rice greens and I think there was a couple other options. Their menu is very easy and very clear to understand and read which made a very helpful and not overwhelming. Everything was labeled perfectly and very quick and fast efficient service I got my Poké bowl on a bed of greens. As you can see, I added a few extra toppings and that was extra like the avocado, seaweed salad and mango, but the mango was actually not ready and crunchy and hard. It did not taste very good at all! I also got a passionfruit Boba tea with lychee. This cost me $25 for both . Everything was packaged very perfectly and my drink looks phenomenal and tasted great.. The staff, they were very kind very quick. The environment was very clean and very kept. It's a very tiny shop. They were out of napkins, so you just had to use a paper towel roll. That was kind of inconvenient since everyone else is grabbing to rip a piece off . I happily enjoyed my visit overall ! Will be back thank You for making it a good experience!

Inside

Create Build Your Own Bowl

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Delectable

Pounders Hawaiian Grill - Crestview

4.8(376 reviews)

28.7 mi

Out this way today and stumbled across this place. I must say, this is truly a hidden gem. This is…read morea really nice decorated restaurant and they have a spacious play area for kids also. Micah, greeted me and gave me some great recommendations. I went with the teriyaki and garlic chicken plate that came with rice and macaroni salad. Wow! The chicken was very tender and had tone of flavor. They use chicken thighs which holds way more flavor than chicken breast and won't dry out. I'm still tasting it as I do this review. The rice has a sweet taste and the macaroni salad, was way better than what I've had in Hawaii!! It had so much flavor and was not dried out. Then I went back for their signature cookie. I hate I only bought one. I can't even talk about the cookie just go get one!!! This is definitely on my list to come back until I've had everything on the menu!!!!

I think I may have come in with expectations that were a little too high. Overall, the food was…read moredecent, but it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. We tried the kalua pork, steak, and chicken. Everything was good, but nothing really stood out as memorable. One thing I really appreciated was the play area for kids--it made the experience much more enjoyable for families with little ones. Overall, it's a solid spot, especially if you have children, but the food itself was just good rather than something I'd go out of my way for.

Island of Maui

Side Kalua Pig Side Teriyaki Chicken Side White Rice

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Outside statue

La Place BBQ

5.0(5 reviews)

8.8 mi

Owners were very kind and this is the best Cuban sandwich I've had so far in FWB. Delicious…read morehomemade potato salad, baked beans, and chocolate cake. We'll definitely be back!

Delicious dinner! The Cuban and brisket were exceptional. The owner is lovely. La Place is worth a…read morevisit.

Domo Cafe

4.5(615 reviews)

6.9 mi

This place was cute, small and had a system. It was delicious and really good sushi. Service was…read moregreat, pricing is reasonable

Ugh! So delicious. Wonderful service beyond the best. They have a lot of boba tea flavors. The…read moreoptions for food are extensive and everything is amazing. Seating is great. In these photos i ordered the horchata boba tea blended. The sushi and miso soup were flavorful! I'm already thinking about my next visit.

Bar

Korean Spicy Bento Box ( rice and double potstickers)

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Domo Bun and Pork Dumplings

Pounders Hawaiian Grill - Niceville

4.7(317 reviews)

18.2 mi

Omg the meat. The two plate meat plate was delicious. The chicken was so tender and not dry. The…read moresteak was also really good. The people there are really warm and kind and greeted us a few times when we were there to check in on us. The restaurant is really clean and has a beautiful Hawaii vibe in there.

been wanting to come here to try it out and it was absolutely delicious! i ordered the spam musubi,…read morekalbi special, and the small plate. spam musubi was delicious. the main highlight was the kalbi. perfectly cooked, flavorful, and well seasoned. mac salad was fresh and i enjoyed the cabbage. the rice tasted a bit overcooked but still good nonetheless. chicken teriyaki was cooked well and well seasoned too. overall, we had a great experience with the staff and food. we'd definitely come back to try other items on the menu!

Totem pole

Not camera worthy because I jumped the gun and slathered on the sriracha, but you can see the nice portions.

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The Shack - Original Waterfront Crab Shack

4.1(1k reviews)

7.7 mi

We went here 2x. Food and service is excellent. Best fried green tomatoes!! Also had the crab dip,…read morered fish, grilled shrimp all of which were amazing! The service was outstanding even though restaurant was packed. We will definitely be back!

We were on vacation for a destination wedding and staying on Okaloosa Island. Whenever we travel,…read morewe love finding local, non‑chain restaurants, and The Shack immediately caught our eye. We drove past it the day before and decided to stop in for lunch -- such a great choice. I ordered the shrimp and grits and my husband had the shrimp tacos. Both dishes were delicious and the portions were generous. Our server was absolutely wonderful -- super sweet, attentive, and prompt. He was friendly from the moment we sat down until the moment we left, which feels like such a rare find in the service industry these days. Overall, a fantastic lunch and a spot we're so glad we tried.

Store items for sale

Fresh catch combo. Delicious!

The Shack - Original Waterfront Crab Shack

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Pounders Hawaiian Grill

4.7(141 reviews)

28.8 mi

Josh and Haley were very nice to me and very helpful :) #amazingservice #foodwassogoodread more

This is one of my absolute FAVORITE places to eat at in Pensacola!…read more The food is always amazing! The people are always nice and it's a great lunch spot!

OMG!! The Spam Musubi...soo good

Regular plate double teriyaki steak with veggies and macaroni salad

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Garlic chicken and pork with rice and veggies

Kevin & Chelsea's Luau

5.0(1 review)

22.7 mi

This place is amazing! The chef always comes out to greet me when I visit and the homey atmosphere…read morereally amplifies the whole place. Food was delicious and the service was fast! Depending on your table you can even watch the food being made! Great place, great food, great people. Thank you for making this yelp!

Fries

Desert

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Grill

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Alan Y.

0

3

0

9 months ago

Kalai's IS DA BEST Hawaiian style plate lunch around! Take it from another Hawaiian who knows. Pounders is awesome too but limited to just a few options. Kalai's has ALL the options you would find in Hawaii.... every plate is very authentic right down to the spam & egg musubi and coconut mochi! Highly recommend going to Kalai's every chance you get. Braddah Al from Kahalu'u -- Retired in Niceville read more

Roze S.

0

7

16

2 months ago

Guarantee, best unko grind u find in fort Walton! Service is cherry and filled with aloha, we support u guys from home as a local family station @ Hurlburt from wahiawa. Loved the decor and trust if u add haupia pie best believe I'll be there all the time. Mahalo nui loa! read more

Connor R.

0

4

1

3 years ago

The Short Ribs are amazing! Highly recommend stopping by. Been a few times and it's always high quality.

Kalai's Hawaiian Kitchen - hawaiian - Updated September 2026

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4.4

(19 reviews)

A quick take out dinner run took us to Pounders and we were delightfully pleased with the entire…read moreexperience. To start there was a line when we got there and an employee came out to acknowledge the wait but indicated that once we ordered the food would be out in less than 2 minutes. His words were kept and we waited 1:50 for the order. The restaurant is casual and fun and does a good job making you feel you are in Hawaii inclusive of the music and the canned fruit flavored drinks available. The order consisted of one plate with teriyaki steak, garlic chicken, brown rice, macaroni salad and shredded cabbage - all well marinated and cooked to perfection! The second plate was teriyaki chicken, garlic chicken, two scoops brown rice and shredded cabbage - delicious, fresh, flavorful and healthy tasting.

Great place for Hawaiian food! Everything comes out delicious and fast! Portions are good! I like…read morethe one in Pensacola better because they have a TV with surfing on and Hawaiian music. Also the manager or owner Dave is going around making sure everyone is happy and got what they ordered along with all happy to see you and help you employees. Pensacola has better service. The food is the same so far in both Pounders, delicious!

Maui Bus Stop

4.3

(192 reviews)

It was our first time in Destin and honestly, we were a little disappointed by most of the food…read morechoices we'd made up to that point. We decided to venture out beyond Destin and do some exploring -- and that's when we stumbled on Maui Bus Stop in Fort Walton Beach. So glad we did. The loco moco was great, the teriyaki steak was smoky, well seasoned, and tender, exactly what you want. The mac salad side was creamy and just a little sweet, a perfect complement. And the prices? $10 for a loco moco is absolutely insane in the best way possible. Worth the short drive from Destin. If you're staying in the area and tired of the tourist trap spots, do yourself a favor and find this place. A total hidden gem.

Tried Maui Bus Stop and honestly was very disappointed. The small plate came with 2 scoop of rice…read moreand steak, but the steak was super dry, burnt, and tough. Spam musubi falling apart quick when my girl picked it up (it should stay together until you bite that sh*) The smothered sauce tasted like mostly soy sauce mixed with cornstarch, and too sweet.. poured over the meat. The rice and musubi were bland and not seasoned at all, and the overall taste was very plain. The BBQ/teriyaki chicken was also burnt and cold when served. To make it worse, the portion size was VERY small for over $12. The quality, portion size, and taste did not match the charge at all. I really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately it wasn't what I thought.

Pineapple Express

4.6

(5 reviews)

This is in the old burger king on Racetrack and I asked what the owner recommended. He recommended…read morethe new fried shrimp bowl and the 3 Meat bowl. Both come with rice, grilled pineapple, and pex and teriyaki sauce. Both are also very good and the Kalua pork was better than most places but I whole heartily recommend the fried shrimp bowl! It was delicious! Very nice owner and staff!

The customer service was great. The food flavors are amazing. The chicken could be better quality…read morebut still giving 5 stars on how good it was. $13 bucks for a bowl w that much rice and meat is worth it. I got the spicy bowl. I would come back

Papa Nalu Aloha Grill

4.4

(293 reviews)

10/10 Experience at Papa Nalu…read more If you're anywhere near this gem, RUN, don't walk to Papa Nalu! I had the absolute pleasure of being served by Leilani, and let me tell you, she made the entire experience unforgettable. Her service was not only warm and attentive, but her menu recommendations were spot on. It turns out her dad is the chef and owner, which made her insights into the menu even more special... you could feel the pride in every dish she described! I ordered the Ahi Tuna Poke with white rice, and it was genuinely one of the best poke bowls I've ever had, super fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. We also couldn't resist trying the tacos and ended up getting both the blackened and fried versions. Honestly, I couldn't pick a favorite, they were both outrageously good! From the food to the friendly vibes, this place is a total win. You can taste the love in every bite, and the hospitality from Leilani made it even better. Highly, highly recommend, can't wait to go back!

Amazing when it comes to gluten free for those with celiac disease …read more Straight ono grindz , mind me of home No tell Aunty, but dis grinz mo' bettah You miss home? Come eat here for some ono grindz

Hula Js

5.0

(1 review)

Great location with amazing Hawaiian eats! The owner is friendly and lives serving up delicious…read morefoods. The Kalua pork and the numerous sides are super delicious!

Poke Bowl - Sushi Burrito and Boba

4.8

(69 reviews)

Best Hawaiian style Poke Bowls in a 50 mile radius! No joke,…read morethe most legit poke bowls with fresh tuna, avocados, and they actually have Poke Sauce. The couple in the Pensacola area don't hold even compare to this spot. Love it!! Come to Cordova Park / Cordova Mall area please!!

This being a poke place, I didn't have high expectations for the boba. However, I was pleasantly…read moresurprised! I got the house milk tea with boba 75% sweet, and it's actually decent! The bobas are pretty good quality, and actually sweetened unlike some places around here. The tea was also decent quality. The interior was pretty good, I like the couches. They had an ordering kiosk, which is rare around here. It was empty when I went, so the service was quick.

Elsa's Filipino Kitchen

5.0

(12 reviews)

My husband and I love to treat ourselves to Halo Halo from time to time, until we came across this…read morelil gem! Elsa's by far has the best Halo Halo we have ever indulged in! Now we go there 2-3x a week Hands down, up and all around! We absolutely recommend Elsa's! A must try for yourself to fully understand how delightful and delicious this place is! Super friendly and down to Earth customer service. Thank you for sharing your delicious delights, and not keeping them to yourself.

Came here on a Sunday for lunch and was very pleased with our meals. They were both very friendly…read moreand made a modification for us as some people wanted friend rice with their meals and I was very happy that they were able to make that adjustment (I don't think they typically do it though). While you wait there's other trucks around and also a tether ball that we had fun playing with while our food was being cooked.

Philippine Market and Cafe

4.5

(61 reviews)

Service is friendly and solid. The price is fantastic, lunch all you can eat Filipino buffet for…read more$16 is a true value. Their chicken skewers specifically are amazing, but the rest of the buffet items I would say are good but not blow my mind. That said $16 for all I could eat chicken skewers is almost worth a 5 star by itself. They're that good

Amazing food and close to Eglin AFB if you work on base. I have been coming to the Philippine…read moreMarket and Cafe for years and the food has always been great. I have not found better Philippine food in the area. The lumpia is always great to the point where I would order extras to bring back to work. The food and dining experience has remained consistently good for all these years and I hope to visit again the next time I'm in the area.

Thai Noodle Place

4.3

(125 reviews)

Love going her for lunch. You are able to place your order over the phone and pick up is usually…read morein 15 minutes. I usually order their combination fried rice with fried wanton. Always fresh and delicious.

Best Thai in town. Food is amazing and service is super friendly, thankful, with a smile. This will…read morebe our go to Thai.

Bamboo Sushi Bar . Hibachi Express

3.9

(317 reviews)