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Ofa's Island BBQ

4.4 (96 reviews)
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Updated 1 month ago

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Sherman T.

Farmers markets aren't just about high quality produce and niche suppliers nowadays - they're now home to delicious food caterers keeping bellies happy as they peruse the locally sourced and crafted products. Ofa's Island BBQ, a family run business consisting of Hawaii natives, takes the spotlight in any of the markets they attend (three within the east bay - San Ramon, Livermore, and Dublin). Their active smokers start up early and begin cooking up the meats fresh for the day to satisfy all the patrons yet to come and the pre-bulk orders. You can text or call ahead to place orders for the meals as well as bulk purchase just the meats if you're looking to host your own luau. Due to their popularity, the order can take 15-20 minutes to prepare if you are ordering at the market so if you're not a fan of waiting, consider preordering. At this particular visit, the weather was great for a cook out and we made a visit to Ofa's and ordered an island special to share. Their combo plates all come with some protein, rice, and salad and you can make substitutions for the proteins if you prefer certain kinds. We ended up getting the chicken leg and pork combo and it was enough to share between two people. It's a bit pricey and if you're hungry, you may need to order one per person but if you're planning to snack around the market and venture into the shopping center, sharing should be fine. Or order two combos to share so you can try all the meats! The chicken was grilled well yet moist in the center. The char and seasoning gave strong flavors that paired well with the rice. The pork was moist and shredded enough to soak up the Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce they provide. The tomato cucumber salad was refreshing. The staff were friendly and working hard to fulfill all the orders as quick as possible. The smokers were running nonstop and were churning out the goodies. Overall, I was very pleased with our experience with Ofa's Island BBQ. They had a good selection of meats and they were prepared well. The food leaves you wanting more but the prices are a bit prohibitive for that, although it's comparative to other meals at markets and fairs. If you happen to be at the markets or need another reason to go, Ofa's will bring that island taste and feel to you!

Ribs
Robert P.

This is by far the best Island BBQ on the mainland and yes they get busy so with any business at all local markets that has long lines just ask the wait time and be patient it is worth the wait. Even in this economy with rising prices Peni and Sherry have kept the prices about the same in the 10+ years that I've known the family. I can't pin point my favorite of their food so I'd say try them all. Portions are large and I always order extra of Sherry's cucumber salad. I can't say enough about the food or the family. Take time and say hi, they're always very personable. Tell the Big Rob sent you

Today's special. Plate with grilled pork
Hanna L.

Finally, I got to try this food truck that always spills out BBQ smell at the farmers market. We got the today special plate that comes with stir-fried grass noodles, rice, and grilled pork because this menu doesn't always come. Took about 5-10 min to get our food. The noodles and rice were very soft and easily digested (nothing to really chew). The pork has a very good smoked flavor, and the portion size was generous. We shared one plate with two persons, which was good for lunch. It's definitely not a healthier option considering the near absence of veggies and high carb/fat contents, but once in a while, it gives you that guilty pleasure. :-) (I hope the workers there wear a protective mask. It's very smokey nearby, and keep inhaling those vapors might not be good)

Island combo with ribs and chicken
Kaitlyn M.

Twice now I've had their BBQ chicken and rice at the Livermore Sunday Farmer's Market, and both times I've been blown away with how good their food is. Great grilled char flavor, perfectly cooked and moist, and delicious sauce. I love the island combo and that it comes with the cucumber tomato salad which is a nice counterpoint. Their new pork belly special is even more amazing. The savory veggie noodles are super satisfying, and the crispy but still moist pork belly is so good in that sauce. Next time I'm getting the Island combo with double chicken and the pork belly again. I'm going back for more! Huge portions for great prices, all grilled fresh right in front of you. There's usually a 5-20 minute wait depending on how busy they are, but totally worth it.

Andrew S.

My friend and I needed to grab a bite to eat before heading to sacramento. I followed my nose and came to this food stand at the farmer's market. My nose doesn't lie and neither does this food. My friend and I both got the marinated chicken and its so soft and tender that I still crave it. My friend was glad my nose found the way. Food came out surprisingly fast despite it being around lunch time. Parking in the Bishop Ranch parking garage.

2/3/2024 Island special - $25 + card fees. Chicken was really flavorful and tender. Pork was nice and juicy
Juana E.

Visited Ofa's Island BBQ at the San Ramon farmers market on Saturday morning. I ordered around 12:30pm (the farmers market closes at 1pm) and they still had a good amount of food. The wait wasn't long at all which was a plus. The Island Special included kalua pork, grilled chicken and rice with a side of cucumber-tomato salad. The chicken was very tender and flavorful. The pork was nice and juicy. Would definitely support them again!

Truck schedule
Kari C.

Take out order from the food truck at San Ramon farmers market. See photo for schedule. Got there a little bit past 10 AM Saturday and it was already pretty crowded at City Center. I parked in the structure on the third floor. Good thing I got there early, since a line rapidly formed behind me of at least 10 people. Ordering is very simple and the lady working there was extremely friendly. They take credit cards so that is a plus. Food was ready in about 3 to 5 minutes. They wore masks and use gloves, and most people socially distanced in line. We ordered the big island special ($25) which included three types of barbecue meats, short grain rice, and a cucumber salad. I was concerned that this wouldn't be enough food, however, the box was extremely dense and, yeah, my wimpy arm hurt from holding it! We also got an extra side of cucumber salad for $3. BBQ chicken - we got a chicken leg quarter which consisted of a thigh and a drumstick. The marinade and glaze were teriyaki in nature, salty with soy notes, and a tiny bit of sweetness. The edges seemed quite blackened. This could've been from the sugar in the glaze, but DH complained that some parts that were inedible. Overall, the burnt bits were a small portion, and we were still quite happy with the flavor of the chicken. BBQ ribs - there was a lot of meat on the ribs. Glaze was similar to the chicken one. There was one part of the rib that was just a solid chunk of meat, not a whole lot of fat there, and it seemed kind of tough and dried out. The part close to the bone had more fat and was not as burnt and more delicious. Kalua Pork - pretty good, but very mild smoky flavor. I think this would have mass appeal. The flavor profile and texture matches Kalua pork in my memory. Not terribly salty either. Mmmmmmm! Rice is a short grain that has a medium amount of stickiness. Really pairs well with the meats. They did a good job cooking it. Cucumber salad has a tangy Italian like dressing with a touch of mint. We really like the cucumber salad and it was a nice refreshing counterpoint to the heaviness of the meat. We also picked up some heirloom tomatoes at the farmers market for a simple tomato salad, which was perfect to add to the meal. Overall, a solid place to satisfy those Island barbecue cravings. Prices may be slightly higher than usual, because it's San Ramon, and it's a food truck. If you're a total barbecue snob, I would not go out of your way to try this truck. But for the rest of us, this place is perfectly fine!

BBQ plate with chicken , pulled Kailua pork and ribs at the San Ramon farmers market.
George F.

I've seen this Yelp listing for Ofa's Island BBQ and finally found it at the San Ramon Farmers market at the City Center. It's a BBQ food stand, cooking some Island flavor BBQ Chicken, shredded Kalua Pork, and Pork ribs. The offerings are $16 for the Kalua Pork and Chicken with rice and a small cucumber salad. For $20 you get two pork ribs with the BBQ plate. Pros With the exception of the Kalua Pork, the Chicken and Ribs are barbecued on site with the wood smoke waffling through out the Farmers Market. BBQ Chicken was excellent with a soy umami flavor. Shredded Kalua good smoky flavor. Cons The wait is super long, 40 minutes from ordering to getting the food. Small portions on the Kalua Pork and cucumber salad. Lot's of rice though. Skip the pork ribs. Tough, dry, and small Lots of gristle. minus star. Reminds me of a home BBQ, not a commercial food stand. The chicken was good but the rest of the operation is not ready to serve any volume of customers. The process from ordering, to the portion size, to the service is lacking.

The truck at San Ramon Farmer's market
Cheryl M.

Met up with a friend at the San Ramon Farmer's Market and came across Ofa's Island BBQ...familiar items of kalua pork, BBQ chicken and BBQ pork ribs but different in flavor, smokiness and char than other island bbq Ofa's Island BBQ has that subtle sweet where the flavors come from the sugars in their soy-based marinade and more of a 'dry barbecue' so you won't get sauce on the side. And if you don't like smoky this may not be your type of barbecue as it's heavy on the smokiness. If trying for the first time, I recommend THE BIG ISLAND GRILL to get a sampling of their offerings :: BBQ CHICKEN - I really enjoyed the chicken as it was cooked perfectly and juicy with a hint of sweet :: PORK RIBS - smoky is all I tasted (not bad), a little tough and charred that day :: KALUA PORK - wonderful - not overly salty, had that distinct 'tea flavor' which means the meat was prepared with banana leaves. Yummy Accompanied with rice and cucumber and tomato tossed in "Italian dressing"'...all delicious and would definitely get again mainly for the chicken and kalua pork. I recommend placing your order before perusing the farmers market because it will be about a 15-20 minute wait (around 10:45am) since made fresh to order.

Mini BBQ chicken plate with cucumber tomato salad.

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Food is amazing. They have such a beautiful personality, and their food doesn't disappoint. Can't wait for summer cause I think they cater

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Best Hawaiian catering food around! We had them cater my wedding and the food was amazing!! Highly recommend!!

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Ask the Community - Ofa's Island BBQ

Do you have any gluten free items?

Hi, Yes we do offer gluten free items. Our Kalua Pork Rice Bowls and cucumber tomato salad are all… 

Do you cater Holiday parties?

Hi Katherine, Yes, we cater for holiday parties. For all catering and event inquires, please email… 

Looking for catering for my wife's upscale Aloha themed birthday party at our home in Alamo? Also interested in authentic Hawaiian musicians and a authentic Hula Dancer. 30 guests on 4/30/2022

Hi Marc, For future catering and event inquires, please email us at:… 

Hello- are you available to cater a graduation event on Dec 18 12-3pm for party of 80? Please provide details and cost? Thanks

Hi Kim, Here's our menu. Please pick which items you would like a quote for.… 

Do you cook the pork next to the chicken? And, do you use the same utensils when cooking the pork and chicken? Crazy questions, but I'm Muslim and don't eat pork. Thanks?

Hi, We cook our pork on a separate grill from the chicken and use different utensils for each as… 

I cannot find the location . Can anyone provide me the location and time and date if they open ? Thank you !

They are in San Ramon every Saturday's from 11-1pm @ the LOT farmers market parking area

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Ofa's Island BBQ - bbq - Updated July 2026

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