Malama Pono has been my favourite restaurant in the neighborhood since 2021. I have always enjoyed my time here. Wonderful food and staff! BEST crispy rice in town!! Come here and you will not be disappointed. I’ve brought different people here and they all loved it. Everything on the menu is delicious.
Amazing flavors that’d make even a non seafood lovers mouth water. My waiter Daren was so nice and accommodating. The place runs like a smooth oiled machine pumping out some of the most unique and flavorful Hawaiian/Mexican/Asian dishes in the world. Try the steamed muscles and yuzu aguachile. They are just ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yuzu Aguachile
Lonny Weckerly
Loved the happy hour small plates! Will be coming back for more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Won
For Hawaiian fusion it’s pretty good, with some unexpected items such as the potatos bravas stealing the show. Some other items were less impressive, with the filet mignon in particular, despite being very tender, too out of character for this place. Warm French toast for dessert is a bit fun with banana bread and cocoa chips.Service was superb and cocktail game is strong. Parking is valet or hope you get lucky in the neighborhood.Vegetarian options: Some decent options for vegetarians.Parking: It’s a busy business area, quite a few streets nearby are permit only, so odds are good the valet is the best option.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Warm French Toast, Pono Mix Plate
Ateena P.
It doesn't surprise me that Malama Pono is rated so high and I'm so sad it took me this long to come here! Dish after dish I was amazed- I didn't think it could get better but honestly all the dishes blew me away! The food was amazing, the service was amazing, everything was just phenomenal. Best meal I've had in a really long time!
Eleena H.
When I say the taste of the food is still on my tongue, I mean it. So fresh, so flavorful, and when they say the eyes eat first, they mean it! Not pictured is the sunset sangria that I drank maybe 3 of... hence why I couldn't take a picture. Oh and the dessert was SO good.
DeZell L.
An amazing elevated home cooked experience. Malama is one of those gem restaurants that you want to protect at all costs! The decor invites you in to this cozy charming atmosphere that makes great for friends or intimate dates. Small party types of vibes (2-4 peephole per table). The menu isn't overwhelming but still boasts a good selection that encourages you to try everything once. My friend and I decided to split everything to allow for more tasting options. Spam Crispy Rice (5/5) I've never had spam and have tried to cut pork out of my diet but I decided to take a risk. It was well worth it. A homey twist on a restaurant staple with great texture and flavor profile. Brussel Sprouts (5/5) We could not get enough of these, like u almost thought we would have to order a second round. They came with this poached egg on top that bursts with flavor when you popped the yolk. Locco Moco (5/5) This was the STAR! That gravy was WILD and the whole dish just wrapped you in this warm bear hug and squeezed you until you finished every bite. Fried Chicken (5/5) The crispness of this chicken was superb. Glad we ordered the Locco dish because we dipped the chicken in the gravy and it almost sent us into an explosion. Loved the entire concept of the restaurant of bringing these home cooked dishes and finding a way to craft a story through their menu and dinning experience.
Melineh H.
I am genuinely embarrassed that I didn't know this place existed! Hidden gem in the valley with easy peezy valet up front. Intimidate, romantic and pretty vibe. 5 star food and Service thanks to Darren. DO know it is wine and beer only currently DO try the tuna crispy rice and uni crispy rice. Omg the salmon roe in the tuna crispy rice was such a pleasant surprise! Love their ceviche! My date loved his meat dish (forgot what it was as I dont eat meat) Absolutely 1000 percent you need a reservation. Cant wait to come back!
Isabella S.
One of my favorite Hawaiian restaurants ever! My friend is gluten free and dairy free and they were very careful about his allergies. My friend did not feel sick at all. I love all the dishes on the menu, especially the duck, aguachile, and the rice pudding. I definitely will be back again to try more dishes! The drinks were also so good!
Kelly M.
Literally the best restaurant in the valley!! Have favs, but honestly you can order anything and be amazed! We were regulars, and hope to resume that status soon
I never write reviews, but Malama Pono was so exceptional that I felt compelled to rave. Every aspect of this restaurant was immaculate. The staff was extremely kind and welcoming right from the start, and everything only got better from there. The ambiance was dark but warm, quiet but lively; I can't think of a more comfortable atmosphere.The service was extraordinary. Every server was kind, attentive, and professional. What really blew me away was how perfectly they timed everything. In our party of 4, two people shared the tasting menu for 2 (5 courses) while the other two people had a starter and entree each; something I have to imagine is difficult to coordinate, yet every dish came out precisely when it was meant to. No one ever felt like they were rushed or needed to slow down. The service was just paced absolutely flawlessly.The food is what really blew me away. For my palate, this was far from my comfort zone. Almost everything I ate was for the first time, and I'm worried they set the bar impossibly high. Every dish was just divine. The plating was beautiful and inviting, the flavors were outstanding, and everything was cooked to perfection. You could taste the passion that went into every plate.This place is an absolute 10/10. These people care deeply about their establishment, and it shows in every aspect of the dining experience. My one complaint is that I live 2686 miles from what was likely the best restaurant I have ever been to.
This was one of the best restaurant experiences I have ever had!!I cannot say enough amazing things about Malama Pono! The food was incredible. There was something for everyone, and every dish we tried was so well balanced. I got to try their Taste of Hawaii tasting menu, and every dish was perfection. The staff was even more amazing, so kind and attentive. They were all so fun and welcoming, and created such a warm atmosphere.Overall, 1000/10 experience, and would recommend to literally anyone!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam E.
Really great Hawaiian restaurant in Sherman Oaks! I was looking for a special dinner restaurant in the area that wouldn't break the bank and Malama Pono pulled through. They have an eclectic menu packed with seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. We started with the Brussel sprouts with poached egg, bacon, and Parmesan and it was a strong start: the runny egg really brought the whole dish together and the Brussels were served over a savory sauce. Definitely get the spicy garlic crispy chicken. It's a whole new take on wings. If you love garlic flavor and crispy fried chicken you'll love this one. For the main dish we got the horseradish crusted Mahi Mahi. Perfectly cooked fish with a crisp crust and a thick, savory, pineapple flavored sauce. The salty sweet sauce balanced so perfectly with the fish and it came with a bit of rice to soak up that amazing sauce. As if the meal couldn't get any better, we ended up finishing it off with some of their WFT (warm French toast) made with warm plantain bread and topped with ice cream, caramel sauce, and cacao nibs. It was like an elevated banana bread French toast. Absolute perfection. The service was great. You can tell they put a lot of love into their food. The restaurant itself has a nice chill Hawaiian vibe and manages to serve very high quality innovative dishes without being pretentious. If you love Hawaiian food, or are looking to try it for the first time, this is your place!
Lyly N.
The place always hits! This is a regular date night spot for me and my husband. The food is absolutely delicious and consistent and you really can't find anything like it around the area. I have not had anything that I did not absolutely love. With that said, everything is so good that it's hard to swap something else to add to the rotation. I am a huge seafood fan so we normally stick to those dishes. Favs include the tuna crispy rice, lomi salmon tartar, seafood dumplings, scallops, octopus, sea bass, mussels, shrimp and grits, chopped salad, tempura cauliflower, and the French toast for dessert. The service is also excellent and prompt. Vibes are upscale but relaxed. Space is small so I would t recommend for parties larger than 4. Make reservations!
Marc G.
I think WOW about covers this great place. The staff is fabulous and all of Tate's suggestions were so right on. Everyone was genuinely friendly and nice. We started with a mix of the Spam Crispy Rice (Sweet soy, Nori Aioli, Scallions Togarashi) and Spicy Yellowfin Crispy Rice (Ikura, Pickled Shallots, Scallions). Sorry no photos... guess we were hungry, but this was sooooo good. The Spicy Garlic Crispy Chicken with fresh garlic, Calabrian chili, parmesan and celery slaw was delicious. And just as Tate described, the Seafood Ricotta Dumplings were special and unique... like beautiful pillows of seafood in an insane sauce. So gooood!!! The Warm French Toast was a great closer and featured Plantain bread with coconut caramel, cocoa nibs and vanilla ice cream. This was also amazing, and not too sweet...a. perfect end to a perfect meal!
Malama Pono has been my favourite restaurant in the neighborhood since 2021. I have always enjoyed my time here. Wonderful food and staff! BEST crispy rice in town!! Come here and you will not be disappointed. I’ve brought different people here and they all loved it. Everything on the menu is delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Braised Short Rib Adobo, Warm French Toast, Farmer's Market Beet Salad, Pono Mix Plate, Tempura Cauliflower, Colossal Crab Cake, Seafood Dumplings, Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Crispy Rice
Amazing flavors that’d make even a non seafood lovers mouth water. My waiter Daren was so nice and accommodating. The place runs like a smooth oiled machine pumping out some of the most unique and flavorful Hawaiian/Mexican/Asian dishes in the world. Try the steamed muscles and yuzu aguachile. They are just ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yuzu Aguachile
Loved the happy hour small plates! Will be coming back for more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
For Hawaiian fusion it’s pretty good, with some unexpected items such as the potatos bravas stealing the show. Some other items were less impressive, with the filet mignon in particular, despite being very tender, too out of character for this place. Warm French toast for dessert is a bit fun with banana bread and cocoa chips.Service was superb and cocktail game is strong. Parking is valet or hope you get lucky in the neighborhood.Vegetarian options: Some decent options for vegetarians.Parking: It’s a busy business area, quite a few streets nearby are permit only, so odds are good the valet is the best option.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Warm French Toast, Pono Mix Plate
It doesn't surprise me that Malama Pono is rated so high and I'm so sad it took me this long to come here! Dish after dish I was amazed- I didn't think it could get better but honestly all the dishes blew me away! The food was amazing, the service was amazing, everything was just phenomenal. Best meal I've had in a really long time!
When I say the taste of the food is still on my tongue, I mean it. So fresh, so flavorful, and when they say the eyes eat first, they mean it! Not pictured is the sunset sangria that I drank maybe 3 of... hence why I couldn't take a picture. Oh and the dessert was SO good.
An amazing elevated home cooked experience. Malama is one of those gem restaurants that you want to protect at all costs! The decor invites you in to this cozy charming atmosphere that makes great for friends or intimate dates. Small party types of vibes (2-4 peephole per table). The menu isn't overwhelming but still boasts a good selection that encourages you to try everything once. My friend and I decided to split everything to allow for more tasting options. Spam Crispy Rice (5/5) I've never had spam and have tried to cut pork out of my diet but I decided to take a risk. It was well worth it. A homey twist on a restaurant staple with great texture and flavor profile. Brussel Sprouts (5/5) We could not get enough of these, like u almost thought we would have to order a second round. They came with this poached egg on top that bursts with flavor when you popped the yolk. Locco Moco (5/5) This was the STAR! That gravy was WILD and the whole dish just wrapped you in this warm bear hug and squeezed you until you finished every bite. Fried Chicken (5/5) The crispness of this chicken was superb. Glad we ordered the Locco dish because we dipped the chicken in the gravy and it almost sent us into an explosion. Loved the entire concept of the restaurant of bringing these home cooked dishes and finding a way to craft a story through their menu and dinning experience.
I am genuinely embarrassed that I didn't know this place existed! Hidden gem in the valley with easy peezy valet up front. Intimidate, romantic and pretty vibe. 5 star food and Service thanks to Darren. DO know it is wine and beer only currently DO try the tuna crispy rice and uni crispy rice. Omg the salmon roe in the tuna crispy rice was such a pleasant surprise! Love their ceviche! My date loved his meat dish (forgot what it was as I dont eat meat) Absolutely 1000 percent you need a reservation. Cant wait to come back!
One of my favorite Hawaiian restaurants ever! My friend is gluten free and dairy free and they were very careful about his allergies. My friend did not feel sick at all. I love all the dishes on the menu, especially the duck, aguachile, and the rice pudding. I definitely will be back again to try more dishes! The drinks were also so good!
Literally the best restaurant in the valley!! Have favs, but honestly you can order anything and be amazed! We were regulars, and hope to resume that status soon
Restaurantji Recommends
I never write reviews, but Malama Pono was so exceptional that I felt compelled to rave. Every aspect of this restaurant was immaculate. The staff was extremely kind and welcoming right from the start, and everything only got better from there. The ambiance was dark but warm, quiet but lively; I can't think of a more comfortable atmosphere.The service was extraordinary. Every server was kind, attentive, and professional. What really blew me away was how perfectly they timed everything. In our party of 4, two people shared the tasting menu for 2 (5 courses) while the other two people had a starter and entree each; something I have to imagine is difficult to coordinate, yet every dish came out precisely when it was meant to. No one ever felt like they were rushed or needed to slow down. The service was just paced absolutely flawlessly.The food is what really blew me away. For my palate, this was far from my comfort zone. Almost everything I ate was for the first time, and I'm worried they set the bar impossibly high. Every dish was just divine. The plating was beautiful and inviting, the flavors were outstanding, and everything was cooked to perfection. You could taste the passion that went into every plate.This place is an absolute 10/10. These people care deeply about their establishment, and it shows in every aspect of the dining experience. My one complaint is that I live 2686 miles from what was likely the best restaurant I have ever been to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Warm French Toast, Pono Mix Plate, Kalua Pork Lettuce Wraps, Seafood Dumplings
This was one of the best restaurant experiences I have ever had!!I cannot say enough amazing things about Malama Pono! The food was incredible. There was something for everyone, and every dish we tried was so well balanced. I got to try their Taste of Hawaii tasting menu, and every dish was perfection. The staff was even more amazing, so kind and attentive. They were all so fun and welcoming, and created such a warm atmosphere.Overall, 1000/10 experience, and would recommend to literally anyone!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really great Hawaiian restaurant in Sherman Oaks! I was looking for a special dinner restaurant in the area that wouldn't break the bank and Malama Pono pulled through. They have an eclectic menu packed with seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. We started with the Brussel sprouts with poached egg, bacon, and Parmesan and it was a strong start: the runny egg really brought the whole dish together and the Brussels were served over a savory sauce. Definitely get the spicy garlic crispy chicken. It's a whole new take on wings. If you love garlic flavor and crispy fried chicken you'll love this one. For the main dish we got the horseradish crusted Mahi Mahi. Perfectly cooked fish with a crisp crust and a thick, savory, pineapple flavored sauce. The salty sweet sauce balanced so perfectly with the fish and it came with a bit of rice to soak up that amazing sauce. As if the meal couldn't get any better, we ended up finishing it off with some of their WFT (warm French toast) made with warm plantain bread and topped with ice cream, caramel sauce, and cacao nibs. It was like an elevated banana bread French toast. Absolute perfection. The service was great. You can tell they put a lot of love into their food. The restaurant itself has a nice chill Hawaiian vibe and manages to serve very high quality innovative dishes without being pretentious. If you love Hawaiian food, or are looking to try it for the first time, this is your place!
The place always hits! This is a regular date night spot for me and my husband. The food is absolutely delicious and consistent and you really can't find anything like it around the area. I have not had anything that I did not absolutely love. With that said, everything is so good that it's hard to swap something else to add to the rotation. I am a huge seafood fan so we normally stick to those dishes. Favs include the tuna crispy rice, lomi salmon tartar, seafood dumplings, scallops, octopus, sea bass, mussels, shrimp and grits, chopped salad, tempura cauliflower, and the French toast for dessert. The service is also excellent and prompt. Vibes are upscale but relaxed. Space is small so I would t recommend for parties larger than 4. Make reservations!
I think WOW about covers this great place. The staff is fabulous and all of Tate's suggestions were so right on. Everyone was genuinely friendly and nice. We started with a mix of the Spam Crispy Rice (Sweet soy, Nori Aioli, Scallions Togarashi) and Spicy Yellowfin Crispy Rice (Ikura, Pickled Shallots, Scallions). Sorry no photos... guess we were hungry, but this was sooooo good. The Spicy Garlic Crispy Chicken with fresh garlic, Calabrian chili, parmesan and celery slaw was delicious. And just as Tate described, the Seafood Ricotta Dumplings were special and unique... like beautiful pillows of seafood in an insane sauce. So gooood!!! The Warm French Toast was a great closer and featured Plantain bread with coconut caramel, cocoa nibs and vanilla ice cream. This was also amazing, and not too sweet...a. perfect end to a perfect meal!