Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Malama Pono Restaurant in Sherman Oaks

4.8 (136) 13355 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, United States

Categories

Seafood restaurant

Location on the map

Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles County, California, US

Phone: +1 747-264-1995
Site: http://malamaponorestaurant....

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:5–10 PM
Wednesday:5–10 PM
Thursday:5–10 PM
Friday:5–10 PM
Saturday:5–10 PM
Sunday:Closed

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Total reviews rating 4.8

136 Reviews for Malama Pono Restaurant 2024:

Review №1

2023-07-16 03:26:49

Studio Citys best hidden gem, and one of the best options for seafood in the valley!No spirits, but some EXCELLENT wine and shochu-based cocktails. Of course, some great wines and beer are offered!The food is the star, and not a single dish is a miss!Perfect service and a sweet atmosphere, this is not to be missed!

Review №2

2023-09-04 01:47:09

I can see why this place has high ratings. The food is so delicious. Love the decor and ambiance. The drinks and service are also great. We tried the Brussel sprouts, crispy rice spam, crab cake, pono mix plate, seafood aguachile and the pono mix plate. Everything was so yummy but my favorite was the crab cake! They even gave us a small complementary dessert to celebrate our anniversary, that was so sweet. We will definitely go back here.

Review №3

2023-08-10 01:06:17

Great location for some fancier Hawaiian fusion food in Sherman Oaks. Chill vibe, great food with lots of variety, and very flavorful. My friends and I did family style and got to try a lot of different dishes! The spam crispy rice was bomb! Really enjoyed the Braised Short Rib Adobo, Malama Loco Moco, Horseradish Crusted Mahi Mahi, and Seafood Ricotta Dumplings! So yummy! We tried their WFT! And World Peace Candy Bar? And they were yummy! Definitely recommend this place and will come back!

Review №4

2023-03-25 17:02:19

We were able to snag a table for 3 with no reservation. Wait time was much less than expected. We tried the prawn salad, crab cake, tempura cauliflower, soup, short ribs, and mix plate. Timing and execution were perfect every time. We were thanked profusely for waiting. When the food and the service are *that* good, trust me, you dont mind waiting 10 or 15 for a table. For dessert we had the candy bar. Sheer perfection. The team at this restaurant went above and beyond to make sure we felt attended to, without feeling obtrusive. We will definitely be back.

Review №5

2023-06-11 16:30:17

My partner and I had a wonderful experience here. Service was fantastic. The ambience was so relaxing. And the food, wow, the food. Everything we ordered was delicious. Left feeling ecstatic.

Review №6

2022-05-25 06:56:31

Second time I’ve got here and I love everything on the menu!!!First tip: Make a reservation!!I first went here 2 years ago when it opened, but every times I’ve tried to walk in lately it’s been booked until now.The service is fast but the atmosphere is relaxed, vacation vibes. We particularly loved starting with the oysters, getting the crispy rice, then cauliflower and lettuce wraps.Absolutely delicious and worth every dollar!

Review №7

2022-09-18 06:16:22

Very unique and underrated Hawaiian cuisine in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. The food was unlike any in the area and was extremely refreshing. The shrimp and octopus were creamy while the spicy wings provided a spin on classic Buffalo Wings. The service was very exquisite and timely. Would highly recommend getting a reservation for this lovely place.

Review №8

2022-09-18 22:46:41

Very unique experience. The food was super delicious and different. Highly recommend this place, especially if you like Asian Pacific twist to your meal. Portions are on the smaller side, don’t forget to add the appetizer! Plantain French Toast was out of this world.

Review №9

2023-03-11 03:50:42

This is our go-to anniversary meal restaurant, and it is sooo good! Above all, great staff, super friendly, but not intrusive. This was the first time wed gone beyond the happy hour menu and Im so glad we did (although the Happy hour menu is excellent too!) The mahi mahi is sublime, in particular the pineapple Beurre Blanc drizzled with Shoyu Syrup. Its just such pretty food too. Do not leave without trying the plantain bread french toast. I dream of this stuff! Ah, till next anniversary!

Review №10

2023-01-30 18:58:20

Really great experience and tasty arrangements of Pacific inspired platesThe standout for us was the Seared Albacore Carpaccio.....sooooo fresh! The Yuzu is uplifting and bright and the seared fish was perfect. A fantastic startWe also had the Kalua Pork Lettuce Wraps and the Seafood Ricotto Dumplings. Both really quite good. The pork was nice and savory and the fat was rendered perfectly and give so much flavor. And the serving size was awesome....I was so thoroughly satisfied. And the Maple Japanese Mustard is bangin....such a nice addition of tangy.sweet acid to cut the nice salty porkThe Dumplings were delicate and smooth and the bisque/soup they came in was rich but ran deep with flavorWe had the WFT (Warm French Toast) for dessert....also very tasty and different. Homemade Plantain Bread as the base and banana ice cream thats has a super subtle flavor that doesnt overwhelm. Its sweet but not overlyThe Staff was welcoming and friendly and the Kitchen was consistent and never slow....a really nice visitIts perfectly low lit in the restaurant but the pictures are a bit dim...my apologies

Review №11

2021-10-29 15:17:25

Everything about this place is amazing!!! The ambience, the service, and oh the food is delicious. It came out fast and hot even on a Saturday evening during dinner. My husband and I got the shrimp/grit and the Maui Maui dish. So rich and flavorful. Dont let the small in serving size fool you, I was indeed full when I left. We both got dessert( candy bar/lemon cheesecake) but was still a bit too full to finish. I attempted to though. As a pastry chef I was impressed the smoothness of the chocolate mousse.

Review №12

2023-10-29 19:28:22

My wife and I had a very good time at this restaurant just before Halloween. The food was good and unusual. We ordered Scottish salmon and Seafood dish. The cocktails were also not boring. The décor of the restaurant creates the atmosphere of the castle dining room.Just one little note to those who, like us, make a reservation beforehand. They require a credit card for reservation, and I told about my reservation when we arrived on time at 5pm. Surprisingly, 20 minutes after dinner, I received a notification about $50 charge for not showing up for my reservation. I called and no one took my call. I called 3 times and then texted them to the same number. They responded at 11pm assuring me that $50 will be refunded in 2-3 business days. Lets see if that happens. So be careful with the reservation. Make sure the front desk marks your arrival and your name.

Review №13

2021-08-31 03:59:51

This is my favorite restaurant!! The food’s texture with its superb flavors are never a miss! I’m a true local girl so I feel at home here. Please come and support this newer addition restaurant to the area opening right around when the Pandemic hit California. Beer and wine only at this establishment. Anything on this menu is sure to excite your palette. Chef Mario knows what he’s doing!! This is a great place for date night!!

Review №14

2023-05-10 17:19:23

First I have to say thank you to Mathew and staff. An absolutely amazing meal. I cant say mores about this place. Food is amazing! Definitely try everything! Leaving pictures. I cant say enough. Thank you again! See you soon

Review №15

2021-07-02 04:55:13

The food and the drinks here are so delicious! I waited until my second visit to review but it was just as excellent as my first time. The staff is beautiful, kind, helpful and the food is unique and exciting. I also think their My Tai is one of the best drinks in the LA area. This is the kind of place you take people you really like to enjoy a meal they will remember.

Review №16

2022-07-31 05:14:45

My companion and I had dinner at Malama Pono on a Saturday evening.I had a tasty Yuzu based cocktail. We shared the Hopa appetizer. The rice cakes in the appetizer were a bit greasy but the tuna mix on top was delicious. We shared the outstanding Yuzu Aguachile and the Horseradish crusted Mahi Mahi. The sauces on all our dishes were excellent.The food was served at a good pace. The staff was attentive and had informed recommendations on different dishes.Overall it was a very good meal and we really enjoyed ourselves.

Review №17

2023-10-06 01:48:13

My fav place in the city, not just because the food is absolutely incredible but the service is stellar. Kind, attentive but not in a pushy way, and thoughtful. Drinks are great too. Cannot recommend this place enough, it should be on every LA top restaurant list.

Review №18

2021-09-25 15:31:35

Entrees purchased:- Farmers Market Beet Salad was amazing the pistachios and toasted seed melody definitely was a different spin to a typical beet salad. My fav for sure.- Pono Mix plate was decent but not mindblowing for $24.- Horseradish crusted mahi mahi was also decent but not amazing.Parking is either valet or street parking on Dixie Canyon ave.Service was solid the staff was friendly and consistent in their communication.Overall experience, I feel there was just something missing from here? I cant pinpoint it what exactly it was..... definitely try again maybe for happy hour.

Review №19

2023-03-05 05:25:04

Food was amazing, ambiance was a vibe, service was top tier. crispy tuna was the highlight, but really all the food we got was delicious (also ordered the steamed mussels and their pono/lil bit of everything plate). their house blueberry compote was so good--which we only got to try after someone (the owner or manager maybe??) came out with a lil sampler since we didnt order dessert (an amazing gesture!!). looooved this place and will for sure be coming back to try their other menu items!

Review №20

2021-10-06 02:54:59

EVERYTHING was amazing. Literally everything. The appetizers, main course, the dessert. A MUST TRY! And lets not forget the amazing service. So many wonderful suggestions! And it was our 19th wedding anniversary! So fun! Cant wait to try the Duck next time.

Review №21

2020-10-02 21:35:15

My partner and I love this place! The oyster sauces they created are the best I’ve ever tasted. The tuna rice is perfectly crisp and the uni is out of this world. The snapper was cooked to perfection.Save room for desserts!You can’t go wrong with any of them, but that French toast plantain with ice cream is mind blowing.Keep up the great work Brent, Matt and Mario!

Review №22

2023-07-05 22:14:08

Great food and great service. Went with a party of four and we each got something different and shared. Each dish was unique and amazing.Service was great and our waitress gave some great advice. Cant wait to go again when Im in the area.

Review №23

2023-11-09 01:18:36

Had an amazing time at Malama Pono! The dinner was incredible across the board, and the drinks? Just wow. Super friendly staff and top-notch service – definitely coming back!

Review №24

2023-08-13 16:25:07

The staff is very friendly and attentive. They gave us free ice cream for our anniversary. I had the short ribs over plantain puree. It was delicious. My wife ate the horse radish crusted mahi mahi. About an hour after eating, she had very severe stomach ache with nausea and frequent trips to the restroom. Her face and became red and flushed. We ate at 9:45 its now 1:50 AM and she is still very sick.

Review №25

2023-05-19 06:19:17

We had a wonderful experience tonight. The desert and ambience are average.

Review №26

2022-10-09 20:49:35

Amazing food, excellent service, nice location. Just a great overall dinning experience. Reasonable prices as well for the quality of yummy food.

Review №27

2023-06-09 00:01:40

I have been wanting to come to this restaurant for a very long time and I am so glad that I did. The vibe was peaceful and the food was excellent. My friend and I had the new Seafood tasting menu which was excellent. We also augmented with the colossal crab cake. The highlights were the spicy tuna crispy rice/lomilomi salmon combo, the subtle and unique flavors of the tuna carpaccio, the crab cake, and the seafood dumplings. Our server Tate (Sorry if spelled incorrectly) was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable about the menu and very courteous. At the end we met one of the owners who was kind as well. Were so looking forward to each new course we forgot to take pictures (next time!). Wishing great luck with the full liquor license lottery this year! Very much looking forward to returning to Malama Pono to try some dishes we didnt order yet! Mahalo!

Review №28

2022-01-26 00:10:22

Wine & beer selections for drinks only.We paired a white wine for the seafood. Must try the clams!! Oysters were very tasty as well. Service is always delightful. Aesthetic/ambience is also on point.

Review №29

2023-06-04 16:55:07

Service was fantastic, all the staff was really nice. Every bit of food was delicious. Drinks were fun and strong. And they even took dessert off the bill for my Moms birthday. Will definitely be coming back!

Review №30

2023-06-04 06:46:17

While we were there we thought the experience was alright and the food was a bit overpriced for the service and quality and quantity but once we left it got worse as my friend who only had a couple Brussel sprouts and I who had the multiple dishes both had distended stomached, aching pains and inability to control our bowels!! You’re telling me this is 5 starts. The flavor of the dishes wasn’t even anything special. I swear they buy reviews.

Review №31

2023-08-06 20:38:11

I was really surprised with this place. Service was top notch. Made me feel good. Cocktails were legit . Food was on point . Cant go wrong with anything on the menu .

Review №32

2023-08-04 18:54:27

Our favorite neighborhood spot. By far the best restaurant on Ventura for seafood and small plates. I’m reluctant to post because I don’t want it to get too busy… but they deserve it. Try the spicy tuna crispy rice and the aguachile!

Review №33

2023-10-13 23:27:52

Great place! Highly recommend it. Staff is great food is fantastic! Really good quality, great time there because of great staff! Will definitely be back!

Review №34

2022-07-24 01:43:51

My favorite restaurant in Sherman Oaks, the oysters and the crispy rice are a must!!! Always the best experience dining here!!

Review №35

2023-08-06 16:01:16

This was a unique place with fantastic food. All the staff were very attentive and the theme of the restaurant really adds to the experience. I loved it. One of my favorites now

Review №36

2023-12-06 23:47:54

This restaurant is a hidden gem. We loved it. The food was delightful. The service was wonderful.

Review №37

2023-05-10 17:06:26

Ive had this restaurant on my radar since it was featured in Westways magazine a while ago. So glad we were finally able to experience it. This is not a kitschy Hawaiian-themed restaurant. The decor is restrained and very comfortable. The food is beyond good. Everything we had, from the appetizer of crispy fried seafood ricotta dumplings ... to the candy bar dessert had us humming with delight. There is no hard alcohol served but there is an extensive beer/wine list and fun cocktails like Hawaiian Punch and POG-tini made with shochu. Highly recommend the Horseradish-crusted Halibut with Pineapple Buerre-Blanc that was very light on the horseradish. The Buerre-Blanc was perfection -- smooth, velvety and rich.

Review №38

2023-02-20 06:03:45

Maybe our expectations were too high given reviews wed seen, but nothing really stood out. The pork lettuce cups were good. The shrimp and grits were tasty. We have a number of other greasy and heavy-handed dishes. The wine-based greyhound was a bit of a disappointment. Very good service. Good not great, though given other reviews we know were in the minority on this one.

Review №39

2022-12-04 18:48:39

This place is a gem of LA and easily the best dining experience Ive ever had. The staff was so welcoming and accommodating. When I asked for a mocktail recommendation, our server was ready with multiple options. The dishes are perfectly portioned. Every ingredient has a distinct and unique purpose. The ambiance is lovely. This is a great place for a date night or evening with friends.

Review №40

2022-01-22 01:33:32

I regularly visit Malama Pono as it is walking distance and has never failed to knock my socks off! The flavors within the dishes are amazing!

Review №41

2023-03-04 22:27:20

Everything Ive eaten here is incredible. The snapper is amazing. The duck is one of the best duck dishes in the valley. The cocktails slap. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. I love this place.

Review №42

2023-02-24 20:21:54

This review is long overdue. My wife and I first discovered Malama Pono in late 2020. They were a new restaurant during the worst time ever to be in the dining industry. They could have used every excuse for subpar service, but they delivered such a great experience for us. Their food is amazing, and their service is even better. They take pride in their dishes and it shows. Some of our faves include the tempura cauliflower and the shrimp and grits. If you’re debating, just book your reservation now!

Review №43

2020-07-18 20:37:48

The food was exquisite from appetizers to dessert. Great decor and ambiance. Staff and owners are very friendly helpful and charming. We will be back.

Review №44

2022-07-23 02:14:39

What a wonderful little place. We ate on the patio, and the food was all excellent. The portions are not too large or too small. The desserts are unique and tasty. Service is attentive. The only thing they could do to make it perfect would be to offer a non-alcoholic brew (theres lots of good ones now).

Review №45

2021-07-02 21:16:39

A GLORIOUS experience! The food! The drinks. The ambiance! And the most gracious and warm owners (Brent and Matthew) and servers (Stephanie). This is my new neighborhood go to place. Welcome… and much success.

Review №46

2022-10-03 18:19:13

10/10 experience super cool and nice. We were a walk in party of 3, and they were fully booked but still found a way to make room for us. The walk-in tables are tall and a little awkward BUT I mean hey, thats what ya get for not making a reservation. Plus its a small business and they only have so much room for everyone (so make sure you secure a reservation) . Later into our stay, a bigger table opened up and they offered to move us to that one—we accepted.The food was amazing, I dont know what my sister was ordering, but the cubed fried rice and ahi on top? Fire. Fiiiiire. There was also a something with blue cheese+butter, that was pretty good too. A unique taste, for sure.The restaurant was bustling with life. Personally, I like that setting. I dont want to feel like Im in a library lol. Even if it was a slow night, the place is so beautifully decorated, I would definitely still feel comfortable.Whoever was managing that night (I think the owner?), very kind and good conversationalist, very patient with us. 30+ respect.Would definitely come again.

Review №47

2023-02-19 06:04:25

If I could leave a better review I would Had the scallops with bacon, excellent dish! Had tuna on crispy rice, so tasty with a great texture. Service was the best of any restaurant ever!

Review №48

2022-08-24 01:34:01

Excellent food and overall vibe. This place has a sophisticated modern look which contrasts especially well with the vibrancy and fun of its excellent dishes. I even took a pair of their fancy looking single use chopsticks home as a souvenir.We started with an appetizer of spicy yellowtail tuna on crispy rice cubes(rectangles?🤷‍♂️). Those were excellent. In fact I would just order around a couple hundred of those and then call it a night, because it feels basically unfair to stop eating them.Next I had the grilled shrimp and grits. This was also really good with the creaminess of the grits enhanced by the sweetness and that the grilled flavor brings out in the shrimp. There were also some fine crispy bacon bits on top which added nice saltiness and a light crunch to the bite. The shrimp itself was just a bit over, but in-all a delicious dish which was not spoiled by slightly chewy shrimp.My dining partners dishes all looked really beautiful and vibrant with colorful curries and a delicate sear on a beautiful ruby red ahi tuna. I will return to try more of the menu.

Review №49

2023-03-10 22:15:41

My new favorite local restaurant. It’s nice to have different flavors for a change. Highly recommended. Very nice people. Make a reservation, they get booked.

Review №50

2021-06-20 07:29:51

Portions are similar to tapas and bursting with flavor! We definitely filled up on all of it!

Review №51

2023-07-11 04:29:55

Amazing dishes. Food, presentation and service are top notch. Definitely worth your money.

Review №52

2020-10-17 05:36:15

Staff is great and food is delicious.Portions are prefect size for trying several

Review №53

2022-12-03 17:32:11

Overall: 4.1/5 (dine in)We were really excited to try this place because of the raving reviews but the food was mediocre.4 Piece Spam Crispy Rice ($12): Nothing special & overpriced. Not too much umami for the spam surprisingly.4 Piece Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Crispy Rice ($14): This was much tastier than the spam.1 Piece Uni Crispy Rice ($12): The best of all the crispy rice we tried.Horseradish Crusted Mahi Mahi ($28): Recommended by the waiter. Good but not amazing.Kalua Pork Lettuce Wraps ($20): Wasnt recommended but we got it to share and it was pretty darn good.The Weekend ($14), POG-tini ($15), Flower Power ($14): All 3 drinks tasted non-alcoholic. I didnt like the flower power at all. You can taste the passion fruit & gauva in the POG-tini. The Weekend is like a watery version of a Pina colada.

Review №54

2022-02-12 21:45:20

My fiance took me here for my birthday dinner last night and wow, it was ABSOLUTELY FREAKIN DELICIOUS! The restaurant was small, but the interior and ambiance was cute and romantic for date night. :) Service was top notch! We ordered 7 dishes off the menu and each one was fantastic! Kudos to the chef - every cocktail and dish was so creative and thoughtfully made! Our favorites of the night were the spam crispy rice, tempura cauliflower, and yuzu aguachile. We cant wait to go back and try everything else on the menu! Five stars in our book!!!

Review №55

2022-03-14 00:39:25

Mixed experience. 5* for the food. Slightly small dishes but delicious. No question, kudos to the kitchen staff. But... Service was Too good, seriously. Two people would ask the same questions about drink or food order, and also would be coming around too often to check in and we found it too disruptive to the conversation and meal. Its good to be attentive but this was too much

Review №56

2021-04-10 04:17:38

First time being to this restaurant and its amazing. Service to ambience to food, all great!!! Loved it

Review №57

2021-06-23 17:47:46

Absolutely delicious. Malama Pono offers the ideal restaurant experience for those looking to try something new.The quality of the restaurant comes across before you’ve even sat down, with moody decor that makes you feel like you’re on vacation in another town. The staff is extremely friendly. Definitely ask them for recommendations because they will steer you towards the right dishes based on your taste, and they have a lot of unique tastes.The menu is broad, but each of the dishes we had was a winner. Unique flavors you won’t find at other restaurants, variety if ingredients from spam to duck keeps things fun. This is the seafood restaurant that Sherman Oaks/Studio city needed.

Review №58

2021-10-07 23:59:10

Food and service was excellent. The place was a bit noisy since the restaurant is right off the the Ventura and the front was completely open. Portion sizes of the food were smaller for our preferences, but everything was delicious and fresh. Spent $100 for 2 people after tax and tip.Cocktails were a good size, and uniquely crafted.We had the braised octopus and the loco moco. Most I’ve ever paid for a comfort dish like loco moco, so probably would just stick with the seafood next time.Crispy rice with Uni is a MUST!

Review №59

2022-05-19 15:44:24

This is our new favorite restaurant!We tried 9 or 10 dishes and everything was amazing. The owners and staff were super friendly and the service was great.Were already planning to take all our friends there!

Review №60

2020-06-20 17:41:11

Came here for the first time. I love this place. Cozy, great ambiance and decor. Staff is great. Very friendly and attentive. The food is really good as well. They have variety of small tapas plates. I ordered the spam with crispy rice, shrimp aguachilles, and their fried chicken pieces which are fried with rice breading instead of bread breading. Chicken was much softer and moist. Delicious. They also have crab legs and other seafood that I want to try next time. Cant wait to try their wine as well. Definitely recommend.

Review №61

2023-04-19 15:38:08

A gem in the valley. There is literally no other restaurant around that is like Malama Pono. From the staff to the food, this place is one of our favorites. The snapper is incredible!

Review №62

2022-09-21 23:20:59

The most amazing food, service and ambiance. Loved all the dishes, wonderful variety - owners are friendly and hands on. By far our favorite restaurant, wish I could give it 10 stars.

Review №63

2021-03-18 09:52:54

OMG this restaurant was amazing. Everything was absolutely perfect. Exquisite tasting freshly made cuisine which was so obviously created with such love and passion. The staff service was also so welcoming and friendly. If your in Sherman oaks this is the best restaurant to go to for sure. Next time Im visiting from west Hollywood I be back for this scrumptious food thats for sure. 👍👌 Please open another one in West Hollywood..

Review №64

2020-04-12 06:08:41

Loved loved loved our takeaway from here. We’d been so looking forward to trying it but didn’t make it in before stay at home started so delighted to try takeaway. Got a bunch of items from the happy hour menu all of which we enjoyed. Chicken was insane! Loved egg rolls, though they’re not normally my kind of dish - eggplant was great! I’d probably skip the naan if I had to choose. Loved the decor (has a swanky date night vibe) so cannot wait to return once things open up again but will happily support again in the interim. So excited for another tasty option so close by. Very friendly team:)

Review №65

2021-03-04 18:20:30

This is my new favorite Sherman Oaks, actually LA restaurant. To start the good is incredible. High quality hawaiian fusion seafood! The beer tap list is awesome. They have Japanese beers on tap! Also their wine list is amazing. They have a lot of smaller wine producers from Sonoma county, I know this because I have been to many of the places on their wine list. I was very impressed they took the time to find these great wines.If you havent visited do yourself a favor and go!

Review №66

2021-07-29 05:43:34

Not great. Not terrible but not great at all. Started with French wines which were mediocre at best. It was not expensive at all, $12-14 per glass but tasted like $5 per bottle wine. Then soup, boring and rather tad less. Then scallops and duck. Scallops were okay. Duck itself was even good but side, spices and sauce were very average. Bottom like - not great. Not coming back.

Review №67

2023-07-09 19:46:58

Been a great experience there so far. Get the mixed platter. Also the aguachiles!

Review №68

2021-02-23 04:39:09

Excellent restaurant, amazing experience! Chose this place to go for our first time at a restaurant in forever based on the good reviews and we were so happy we did. The staff was amazing, the service was fantastic, and the food was absolutely stunning and delicious! We ordered a bunch of smaller plates to share: ahi tuna, shrimp aquachile, eggplant eggrolls, fried chicken, housemade naan. They brought all the items out paired great together and we had to order 2 Ahi Tuna it was so good. The aquachile was amazing too. Drinks were excellent too. This place felt very safe with the outdoor dining and spaced seating. We will definitely be back! Couldnt have been better!!!

Review №69

2021-12-12 07:33:25

Fantastic food, friendly service, and great drinks. Highlights were the crispy rice, octopus, and chicken wings (omg so good)! The staff was so kind, and I was so happy to make the drive from Santa Monica! Mahalo for the amazing evening!Mark, from Canada

Review №70

2020-03-02 22:52:01

Welcoming and friendly with very comfortable seating, and a diverse and delicious menu. Beet & Eggplant Eggrolls were a great starter. The Steamed Mussels were perfect. Everything we tried had a little flavor surprise in the spices, sauces/dressings or ingredients. The Rice Pudding was a rich and tasty way to end a totally satisfying lunch. From Sherman Oaks, Aloha and Mahalo to Malama Pono. Highly recommend.

Review №71

2022-12-15 07:06:16

Went there based on great reviews, however, food was very average. Also, it was cold outside and they kept the front door open - couldn’t relax and enjoy due to constant draft.

Review №72

2020-08-23 20:39:57

You can get meat here but seafood is special here. My favorite is Pan Fried Snapper. (the fish served with tomatoes and mushrooms). The service in Malama Pono Restaurant is on top. The waiters are professional. The bar is awesome as well.From Monday to Saturday they have happy hours!!!Overall, great place. I highly recommend!

Review №73

2020-11-15 08:13:14

Some Very delish food! Got a chance to dine at this quaint and beautiful place with a friend. They had an easy to use reservation process and upon arrival, they were well.prepared with hand sanitizer and masks. The food is Soooo good! About half the menu is full of small plate goodness, with hamachi, tuna tartare, crab cakes, and many other tasty goodies. The staff is so friendly and perfect on timing out the dishes. It was a great experience.

Review №74

2021-06-01 18:00:32

The food here is absolutely fantastic - the innovation that they bring to their dishes constantly surprises. They also REALLY know their wines. The team is incredibly affable and provide excellent service. Highly recommend to anyone in the area.

Review №75

2022-11-13 18:19:41

Got six different food items and two drinks and it was all some of the best food we’ve had in the valley, plus the service was excellent throughout! Would highly recommended.

Review №76

2021-04-01 04:56:28

Wow. This place is seriously delicious. Let me start off by saying I’m on the most annoying gut diet ever, and so eating out is usually a pain. Not here! The menu was not only gf/df friendly, but the waiter was VERY accommodating to my needs. The scallops with the passion fruit celeriac sauce was absolutely exceptional. Ditto for the brussels sprouts and the cauliflower appetizers. 10/10, can’t wait to dine here again.

Review №77

2020-07-11 18:04:11

This is the comfort food of Hawaii reimagined and elevated with new techniques. From spam musubi to loco moco this menu honors the original flavors while bringing the dishes into the present. Your soul will think its at your favorite plate lunch spot, but your palette will think its a judge on top chef.They have outdoor seating that enables them to offer dining during covid, but make sure you appreciate the ambience inside. The service was amazing. They made sure my six year old felt special and sang happy birthday to another table as well.Do not forget the signature cocktails, especially the mai tais. They are not your grandfathers syrupy tiki lounge mistake.

Review №78

2020-09-03 07:37:04

Phenomenal! Super exciting new restaurant on the Ventura Strip. Modern Hawaiian cuisine brought to you by the two nicest people in LA: Brent and Matthew, the owners. Couldn’t have been a better experience and can’t wait to go back!

Review №79

2021-01-13 03:21:05

Oh man this place is soooo good. I had some fried chicken with an incredible seasoning. Even the rice and slaw were delicious and had a unique spin to their flavors. Can’t wait to come back when regular dining reopens since it looks like a fun, hip vibe inside too.

Review №80

2022-10-08 03:14:06

Every dish was a winner and the drinks are on another level. Amazing happy hour and sweetest workers. I definitely felt the ohana spirit. Will be back

Review №81

2023-01-08 06:20:37

Phenomenal food and great gluten free options. The interior design of the space is also excellent. A perfect spot for date night.

Review №82

2020-09-23 02:03:45

Found this place when I landed and was looking for something good on the way to my hotel and Google Reviews absolutely delivered. This is some of the best food Ive had in a long time - I had the crispy rice and shrimp & grits, and everything was amazing. And packaged extremely well for take out! Will be back again.

Review №83

2021-04-24 22:58:01

It’s our first time eating in this restaurant and OMG! Their Spike Tofu Salad is the best! Best salad I’ve eaten in my whole life (no kidding)! Everyone is very friendly and welcoming as well. I highly recommend this place.

Review №84

2023-11-04 16:26:30

My favorite restaurant ever. 10/10 on food, service, everything.

Review №85

2020-11-27 01:49:30

I would have love to write an amazing review. i was very exited to try your food that looked amazing. unfortunately, you guys cancel my order, only 30 minutes before you were supposed to have it ready. today is my anniversary and you have left me without options. i made the order today in the morning. that was plenty of time. but you cancel on me. too bad.

Review №86

2020-10-23 15:55:45

Runs like a restaurant should, with an appreciation, care and love of service. This place rocks and the owners clearly love what they do and that makes all the difference. Have tea or coffee at the end of your meal just to enjoy the epic mugs. Eat the rice pudding and be sure to wrap your egg roll in the lettuce and drown it in ponzu sauce :). Much love to Malama Pono Restaurant!

Review №87

2022-08-12 17:49:40

This restaurant is anything but ordinary. Fabulous flavor combinations. Beautiful presentations and an attentive staff! This restaurant is a great find, we will be back.

Review №88

2022-02-26 03:59:33

Food was the best and services was awesome.

Review №89

2021-07-31 08:24:05

Creative, inventive menu! Everything has complex flavors which may not be for everyone but everything is delicious! The decor is amazing, a clear vision come to life (:The guys who manage the place are extremely nice!

Review №90

2022-05-31 04:39:23

Great service the whole ten yards. Staff are fantastic with a staff birthday celebration and cake being shared with our table. Food is solid and enjoyed.

Review №91

2022-07-28 23:52:10

Always such a great experience. The food is consistently delicious and the service is top notch. Definitely earns its 5 star rating.

Review №92

2022-08-15 04:30:24

I give them 4 stars for the drinks.. they weren’t good.. food, appetizers and desserts were excellent.. try the cheescake and rice pudding :)

Review №93

2020-03-14 04:28:46

Such an amazing place. Where to begin? Brett and Matt are ridiculously accommodating and inviting. The food is supreme. The drinks are first rate.You couldn’t ask for more from a neighborhood restaurant!!! Love you guys!

Review №94

2021-05-30 23:31:35

My new local favorite. I have been here twice with others, so we shared a wide assortment. Every dish is an exceptional marriage of flavors. Now If I can just convince them to open for lunch ...

Review №95

2023-03-10 22:55:12

Everything was great!!! 5 stars food and service!!!

Review №96

2020-11-19 05:16:55

Why haven’t you eaten here yet !??! This restaurant rivals Los Angeles’ top establishments and explores dishes and flavors that are sure to inspire. I cannot think of a more perfect evening out to dinner and cannot recommend enough Matthew and Brent’s triumphant dinning journey.

Review №97

2021-07-11 00:09:54

Top on the line !Outstanding Seafood and Service!

Review №98

2020-03-21 20:11:06

Due to the Virus that is affecting almost all businesses, we need to pay attention to the select new business start-ups that rank high on quality and customer service. New businesses do not have deep pockets like long time running businesses. We should support the outstanding new businesses who are offering takeout. This is a business worth helping durrning their launch of a new business.

Review №99

2021-10-24 03:15:46

Everything was amazing. From the ambiance, to the staff, the food was breathtaking. I had the Horseradish Mahi Mahi and I have a favorite dish. A great dinner date location.

Review №100

2020-08-27 05:04:36

Amazing meal and even better service! Met the owners who were attentive and had an excellent dinner. Outdoor seating was perfect in these COVID times. Highly recommended!

Review №101

2022-07-24 02:13:32

The appetizers were good. But the main dishes took an hour to arrive and the steak was not seasoned.

Review №102

2021-05-14 03:43:02

The staff is absolutely amazing 😭❤️And the food super delicious !!

Review №103

2021-12-19 04:29:25

Hawaiian fusion. Everything we had was flavorful and beautifully arranged on the plate. A feast for the eyes and stomach. And the service was the best!

Review №104

2023-05-12 03:03:27

Fantastic service. Good portions and extremely tasty food.

Review №105

2020-11-10 06:58:25

So good!! Food and Service were incredible. Outdoor seating with space heaters. Great sharing plates and food was delicious.

Review №106

2023-04-15 22:16:04

The waitstaff is amazing there, the food was pretty good too

Review №107

2023-02-11 05:13:59

Excellent food. Good atmosphere. Good service. Highly recommended.

Review №108

2020-03-10 00:04:38

Fantastic New spot. Cheapish beer and really great happy hour apps. The spam crispy rice is killer.

Review №109

2022-09-27 05:35:35

Great food and staff. the owner is very friendly and everything was amazing!!

Review №110

2022-03-31 00:38:48

This place was wonderful. The food was amazing. The staff was gracious and attentive. I highly recommend it.

Review №111

2020-06-11 02:50:29

Amazing happy hour! Great tasting food. Very impressed with a new sherman oaks gem!

Review №112

2020-07-05 05:23:34

This place has the best service and seafood menu. Everything is great. Matthew and Brent are amazing!

Review №113

2022-01-20 19:22:06

Damn good restaurant. Lovely service. Delicious meal. Will certainly be back.

Review №114

2021-07-30 01:45:26

Great place for a date night, 5 star servers, 5 star service, 5 star owners. Will definitely be coming back!

Review №115

2021-02-07 07:51:58

The food was delicious and inventive, and the service warm and welcoming. Highly recommend!

Review №116

2022-06-15 00:49:20

Service and food are both impeccable! Loved everything I had.

Review №117

2021-04-03 15:19:25

Inventive menu, incredible service.... all-around top notch culinary experience. 🤙🏼 #Pono

Review №118

2020-03-13 20:09:00

Very classy nice spot, followed by an excellent service, Good foodI love this place.

Review №119

2021-02-05 17:14:26

The food is amazeballs, and we just love going there. Our go to place

Review №120

2022-07-23 05:58:22

The food was different, nicely presented and delicious.

Review №121

2021-03-02 06:47:36

Everything .. literally everything was one of the best tasting combinations i’ve ever had.

Review №122

2022-10-23 02:10:08

Amazing and delicious and the staff are so wonderful

Review №123

2022-11-30 02:08:53

Excellent food and great value!

Review №124

2023-01-13 04:12:25

REALLY GOOD FOOD. Try the Cauliflower!

Review №125

2021-08-28 03:53:35

Great food. Good service. A keeper.

Review №126

2023-06-05 17:32:41

Good dining spot)

Review №127

2023-05-05 23:38:46

A new favorite! Flawless.

Review №128

2021-06-25 07:16:12

Very friendly and nice people the owners are a love 💘💘😍

Review №129

2022-02-21 07:57:58

My favorite 😍

Review №130

2020-11-26 19:40:19

This place is soooooooo good. Get the poki and the yellowtail!

Review №131

2020-08-21 01:28:25

Awesome Duck Confit. Great staff.

Review №132

2020-09-01 19:01:58

What a fantastic restaurant with delicious food.

Review №133

2021-08-21 05:32:57

Fantastic food and service!

Review №134

2022-01-11 02:25:25

Fantastic

Review №135

2021-03-28 17:02:11

Amazing food

Review №136

2020-09-26 07:08:45

Very delicious food and very attentive and pleasant staff.