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Pono Pacific Kitchen, Grover Beach, CA

Pono Pacific Kitchen

4.9
4.9
396 Reviews
$31 to $50
Pacific Rim
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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 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
  • 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.
  • 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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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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Best Overall

  • California Central Coast

    Best Food

  • California Central Coast

    Innovative

  • California Central Coast

    Healthy

396 Reviews
  1. 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.

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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. luvfood

    Hawaii

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and fabulous food. We will be going back.

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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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?

  18. Foodie

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Food fantastic!

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  19. 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!

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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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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  24. 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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  25. 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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  26. 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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  27. 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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  28. 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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  29. 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.

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  30. 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.

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  31. 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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  32. 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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  33. 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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  34. 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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  35. 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!

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  36. 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!

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  37. 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?

  38. 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.

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  39. 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.

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  40. 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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Pono Pacific Kitchen

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
  • 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

Gift card

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

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