Pono Pacific Kitchen

Name: Pono Pacific Kitchen
Address: 228 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA, United States, 93433
Telephone: (805) 202-8115
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.9

4.9

396 Reviews

$31 to $50

Pacific Rim

Top Tags:

Pono Pacific Kitchen offers Pacific Rim cuisine that focuses on local favorites with a style of cooking and presenting dishes that combines ingredients, influences and techniques from not only Hawaii but also Asia, California and Mexico and the western coasts in general.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Pacific Rim, American, Seafood
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(805) 202-8115
Website
https://www.ponopacifickitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Preston Tripp
Private party facilities
Our heated patio is available to rent out for up to 25 guests. We will be offering off site catering options very soon. Please email hello@ponopacifickitchen.com to inquire about availability.

Location
228 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Neighborhood
Pismo Beach
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Popular dishes

Shishito Peppers$15.00
bonito flakes|yuzu aioli | nori komi furikake
Furikake Ahi Crudo$21.00
namasu | truffle yaki | chili oil | wasabi aioli | shoe string potato
Blue Crab Cakes$24.00
lilikoi pepper jelly | pommery mustard sauce | Sara's Microgreens
Barbeque Oysters$25.00
Santa Barbara uni butter | macadamia nut pesto | asiago | panko
Oysters On The Half Shell$21.00
yuzu kosho mignonette | wasabi cocktail | chili pepper water
Duck Confit Spring Rolls$20.00
mango chili gastrique | Laura Chenel goat cheese
Yellowfin Ahi Poke$21.00
shoyu | avocado | sesame | trout caviar | taro chips | kimchi aioli
Seasonal Ceviche$20.00
aji amarillo | leche de tigre | mango | local radish | onion | cilantro
Poached Lobster Salad$24.00
sambal aioli | burrata | grilled crouton | tomato | avocado | Thai basil
Bread & Butter$9.00
whipped brie butter | Dave’s local honey | Hawaiian sea salt
Manila Clams$19.00
red curry | Portuguese sausage | Thai basil
Hayashi Farms Brussel Sprouts$14.00
fish sauce caramel | cashew | mint

SOUP | SALADS

Lobster Bisque Cup/Bowl $10/13
seasonal or chefs choice
Halcyon Farm Lettuces$17.00
poached pears | macadamia granola | pork belly | Point Reyes blue cheese | guava balsamic
Domingo Farms Arugala$16.00
cashew | orange | Laura Chenel chevre | avocado | Bautista Farms beets local Daves Blue Ribbon honey and champagne vinaigrette
Bautista Farms Romaine Caesar$24.00
ried capers | sourdough breadcrumbs | asiago | radish | chile lime butter shrimp | cilantro anchovy dressing

MAKAI

Misoyaki Butterfish$38.00
black rice | Hayashi Farms bok choy | ponzu wasabi beurre blanc | sweet pepper relish
Hokkaido Scallops$42.00
Molokai purple sweet potato | Hayashi Farms brussels | koji Bacon persimmon | sweet and sour
Shichimi Blackened Ahi$39.00
Chavez Farms fingerlings | eggplant tomato chutney | salsa macha | blood orange miso
Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi$37.00
black rice | Bautista Farms snap peas | peanut sauce | shoyu syrup | mango salsa
California Swordfish$41.00
whipped potato | Hayashi Farms broccolini | seaweed chimichurri Lobster green peppercorn “au poivre”

MAUKA

Fried Chicken & Caviar$36.00
Uncle Roger's fried rice | Bautista Farms snap peas | trout caviar | kimchi aioli
Prime Filet Mignon$62.00
potato au gratin | Hayashi farms broccolini | shiitake duxelles | Pt Reyes blue cheese | demi glace
Gundagai Rack of Lamb$43.00
chevre potato puree | Hayashi Farms brussels | fi g & Sichuan peppercorn sauce | mint pesto
Mighty Cap Mushroom Gnocchi$32.00
ricotta gnocchi | Hayashi Farms spinach | dashi mushroom cream sourdough crumbs | truffle oil

DESSERT

Chocolate Butter Mochi Cake$14.00
vanilla ice cream | agave glazed macadamia | banana foster
Mandarin Orange Creme Brulee$13.00
shortbread cookies | Bautista Farms berries
Yuzu Meringue Pie$13.00
coconut crust | toasted meringue | Local berry coulis
Chef Ryne's Ice Creams & Sorbets$6.00
ask your server for current flavors

18% gratuity included for parties of 6 or more.

$15 corkage fee waived with the purchase of a bottle from our wine list.

*Please alert your server if you have any food allergies. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfi sh or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

What 396 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

California Central Coast
Best Overall
California Central Coast
Best Food
California Central Coast
Innovative
California Central Coast
Healthy

396 Reviews

NG
NedG
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We LOVE this restaurant. The food is always amazing. The atmosphere is wonderful. We will be back again and and again. Big kudos and congrats to the amazing husband and wife team for creating such a great restaurant.
Is this helpful?
x
xoxoxox
Central Coast
114 reviews
vip
5.0
114 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
PONO is sure to never disappoint.....totally enjoy all the flavors on the dishes we ordered and shared. loved the new mushroom gnocchi - oh yumm. our evening was delightful, food, wine, service all made it happen. we thank you so so much. see ou again soon.
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A
Anonymous
San Francisco
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service. All the dishes were both inventive and delicious.
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R
Rick
Hawaii
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful culinary experience. Fresh locally sourced ingredients . Layers of flavors in every dish.
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JB
JenniferB
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ahi is incredible, the flavors of each dish are perfect, the duck confit spring rolls change the game, mandarin crème brûlée was unbelievable.
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k
krazyhorse805
Central Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A gem in Grover Beach. Delicious food and the ice cream might be the best I’ve ever had!
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DT
DavidT
Western NC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had the halibut and my wife had the Maui mahi. Both were outstanding. We will return when we are back in Pismo Beach.
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B
Beachbumlocal99
Hawaii
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall2food5service2ambience3
Food was amazing...but we waited about 2 hours between being seated to getting our food on a Tuesday night. Reservation was at 6:30pm. Everyone around us on the patio received their appetizers, drinks, dinners, and were asking for to go boxes before we received dinner. Water kept sitting empty, we were brought steak knives about 35 minutes before food randomly? Waitress was sweet but overall disappointed in waiting 2+ hours for food.
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c
carosue
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Did not expect such a festively busy Tuesday evening but it was great. We are SO glad to have Pono Pacific in the neighborhood!!! We hope everyone supports them well because it would be a tragedy to lose them!
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CE
ChristopherE
Washington DC
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow! What a great place! Food was beyond fabulous, our server, Gabrielle was the best! This, IMO odd the best restaurant in Pismo Beach.
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JR
JohnR
London
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Stellar — I travel often and this was one my two best meals of the year with the other being a Michelin starred place in Rome, Italy. The food at Pono is toe curling good…look no further when visiting the area. This place is a GEM!
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l
luvfood
Hawaii
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and fabulous food. We will be going back.
Is this helpful?
CD
CDub
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing dishes and the staff was so attentive and friendly!
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SM
SteveM
Las Vegas
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Pono consistently has the very best fish dishes anywhere on the central coast. We are working our way through the menu and have loved every dish we’ve had.
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SJ
SteveJ
Central Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really beautifully seasoned and prepared fresh food. Love this place. Staff is great. I highly recommend Pono.
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CH
ClaireH
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Three of us went to have a special evening. Tables are arranged throughout the entire area, and we were seated in the middle of the dining area. I thought it would be noisy and distracting, but tables have enough room between them to seat everyone comfortably, and the flow of traffic is well-planned. The service is prompt, attentive and unintrusive but always there when you need them. The menu is pricy, but EVERYTHING is wonderful. For a splurge, this place can't be beaten. We got two salads, the arugula ($17) and the caesar (24), and the crabcakes (20's). The salads were amazing, with toppings and homemade dressings that really brought the greens alive (and I'm not even a fan of arugula). The portions were very generous, coming in a 9 or 10 inch bowl. The caesar salad ($24) had 4 large prawns and an excellent dressing (don't let the anchovies put you off). The crab cakes (2 of them, about 2 1/2 inches each) were mostly crab and very good. For entrees, we got the macadamia-crusted mahi-mahi on black rice (38), the halibut with truffle risotto ($46, I think?) and the miso butter fish (mid-$40s). All were amazing, with very generous fish portions (I think mine was about 2 1/2 by 4 inches and 3 inches tall--the other fishes were even larger). We couldn't decide whose was best. The sauces on the fish were so complimentary to the fish, and the truffle risotto was very generously "truffled." You could really taste it. For dessert, we got the tart with berry puree, the chocolate moshi cake with vanilla ice cream and bananas foster, and the mandarine orange creme brulee. The brulee was toasted just right, and the chocolate cake with the bananas and vanilla was truly good. But the tart was amazing. Fresh, bright and blending beautifully with the puree. Along with a bottle of excellent wine, the total including tax and 22% tip was $360. So definitely a splurge, but now my "go to" for special occasions.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect in every way. Food, ambience, service. Delicious .
Is this helpful?
F
Foodie
Central Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Food fantastic!
Is this helpful?
B
Borgs
Central Coast
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The atmosphere is contemporary yet cozy and the service was friendly and purposeful. Each person in our group of 4 ordered a different entree and it was rave reviews all around. Safe to say each of us will be back!
Is this helpful?
AC
AmyC
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another amazing meal at this restaurant! The brussels sprouts with the fish sauce caramel were amazing… The fish, as always was wonderful. The bread with Bree butter was a great hit at the table. And as always, the service was perfection.
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SF
ShellyF
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful service, fantastic food! Highly recommend the misoyaki butterfish & seasonal salad with persimmons!
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G
Gayle
Hawaii
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time here! Excellent in every way: food, service, parking, drinks,etc. Ashlee, owner and hostess, was super friendly and helpful. LJ, our waitress was outstanding and very attentive! Food was simply amazing. We had the lamb, ahi, scallops, and chicken entrees. Oh, my! Delicious!! Back in the area in 2 months, already made reservations to return!!
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CC
ChrisC
Central Coast
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience5
Food was great, as always, but the service was extremely slow in bringing out the food.
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JG
JohnG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
I ordered the scallops which came in a purple potato purée with tiny brussel sprouts and bites of pork belly, delicious! My companions had the butterfish, mahi-mahi, and the mushroom risotto. Everyone raved. How often does that happen in a party of four. Went to the Mason Bar the previous week and it was not nearly as good.
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JM
JackM
Central Coast
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and service; locally owned and operated. Have been there on numerous occasions and never disappointed. Open on Mondays; wine specials on Monday nights.
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CT
CharlieT
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
It would be nice if they started diners with bread and either butter or olive oil.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful dinner!!! The scallops and macadamia crusted mahi were absolutely delicious! And the tomato coconut soup was simply amazing!! A lovely spot and the owner and staff are very welcoming. My new favorite ❤️
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WP
WendyP
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were seated right away and our server was very prompt in taking our drink and appetizer orders. He recommended the ahi and was he ever right! Absolutely delicious! I ordered the butterfish and it was one of the best fish dishes I have ever had. The entire meal was very enjoyable. We will definitely be going back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing restaurant! Such thoughtful dishes. Our favorite place in the entire region.
Is this helpful?
MR
MandyR
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
The food was good, but not great or amazing. The services was slow, however our server was very nice, I think it was the bar and the kitchen that were so slow. I'll come back again to try the patio happy hour but won't be back for another $300.00 meal.
Is this helpful?
LC
LaChile
Los Angeles
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Excellent dinner for the six in our party! From appetizers to entrees all was delicious!
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JJ
JackiJ
Portland
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great vibe and ambiance the food was really good we had the seared tuna and poke and short rib and risotto We would definitely come back
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b
bever8
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Really a nice find in Grover Beach. Everything was prepared well, creative combinations and presented beautifully. We'll definitely be back !
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f
foodie21
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Enjoyable meal. Food reminded me of Roy’s in Waikiki. Excellent service.
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AM
AmboM
Central Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pono is my current favorite restaurant. The food is superb every time, from the appetizers to the soups and salads, and entrees. And the desserts!!! Always a wonderful experience. Alfredo was our server, and he was absolutely perfect!!! Excellent meal!
Is this helpful?
SF
SarahF
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The three of enjoyed every bite!! Food was amazing, fresh and delicious!
Is this helpful?
x
xoxoxox
Central Coast
114 reviews
vip
5.0
114 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing dishes, we had several and shared family style! we loved each and everyone of them. Caesar salad with shrimp on top!!!! crab, full crab cakes- no fillers! dipping sauce for the duck springrolls so so tasty! AHI is my 'go to' each time dining wiht you. butterfish -yumm...... our out of town visitors requested to return and they loved it even more than last trip!!! made a great evening and we thank you..... see you soon!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
It is a nice place for a date night. The food was delicious and the presentation of it was beautiful.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Each of us had fish and they were excellent. We will return soon.
Is this helpful?
SC
SassyCal
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved our blackened ahi (him) and prime filet (her); the potatoes au gratin tasted like hash browns that had died and gone to heaven. But the desserts: ah, those were even more incredible. Mandarin Orange creme brulee was the best.
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FAQs

Pono Pacific Kitchen offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 202-8115.

Pono Pacific Kitchen is rated 4.9 stars by 396 OpenTable diners.

Pono Pacific Kitchen does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

228 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Pismo Beach
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Pacific Rim, American, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Preston Tripp
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.ponopacifickitchen.com/
Phone number
(805) 202-8115
Private party facilities
Our heated patio is available to rent out for up to 25 guests. We will be offering off site catering options very soon. Please email hello@ponopacifickitchen.com to inquire about availability.

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Pono Pacific Kitchen

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card

Misoyaki Butterfish

Kale Salad

Mandarin Orange Creme Brûlée

STARTERS

Shishito Peppers$15.00

Furikake Ahi Crudo$21.00

Blue Crab Cakes$24.00

Barbeque Oysters$25.00

Oysters On The Half Shell$21.00

Duck Confit Spring Rolls$20.00

Yellowfin Ahi Poke$21.00

Seasonal Ceviche$20.00

Poached Lobster Salad$24.00

Bread & Butter$9.00

Manila Clams$19.00

Hayashi Farms Brussel Sprouts$14.00

SOUP | SALADS

Lobster Bisque Cup/Bowl $10/13

Halcyon Farm Lettuces$17.00

Domingo Farms Arugala$16.00

Bautista Farms Romaine Caesar$24.00

MAKAI

Misoyaki Butterfish$38.00

Hokkaido Scallops$42.00

Shichimi Blackened Ahi$39.00

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi$37.00

California Swordfish$41.00

MAUKA

Fried Chicken & Caviar$36.00

Prime Filet Mignon$62.00

Gundagai Rack of Lamb$43.00

Mighty Cap Mushroom Gnocchi$32.00

DESSERT

Chocolate Butter Mochi Cake$14.00

Mandarin Orange Creme Brulee$13.00

Yuzu Meringue Pie$13.00

Chef Ryne's Ice Creams & Sorbets$6.00

18% gratuity included for parties of 6 or more.

$15 corkage fee waived with the purchase of a bottle from our wine list.

*Please alert your server if you have any food allergies. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfi sh or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Pono Pacific Kitchen offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Pono Pacific Kitchen restaurant rated?

Does Pono Pacific Kitchen offer gift cards?

Is Pono Pacific Kitchen currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card