Reviews for Pono Hawaiian San Jose in San Jose, CA
*Disclaimer: Meal was complimentary. My original review was 2/5 stars (dinner delivery through UberEats/DoorDash), but I was... invited to try their brick-and-mortar and can safely say that their food has improved. The portions are larger as well, andstaff was friendly. I got the Mahi Mahi Katsu - crispy coating, fish isn?t dry, sauce provided is interesting but notbad. Friend A couldn?t come unfortunately. Friend B got the Kailua pork plate - the pork is still a little saltier than usual(owner told me they?ll discuss with kitchen staff about it), but the portion size is larger and fulfilling. Friend C got theLoco Moco - cooked and tasted as expected, and the egg is included. TL;DR improved and worth a try 9/2/2022 ******** ORIGINALREVIEW ******** I got the Kailua pork with rice - the pork is mad salty, and there?s not enough vegetables or any vegetable pileat the bottom of the bento Friend A got the katsu chicken bowl - it?s alright, not seasoned enough Friend B got the Mama?steriyaki chicken plate - there was not enough chicken to fill the bento for the price Friend C got the Loco Moco - add the egg,the rice is mediocre, and it?s mad salty TL;DR not worth for the price January 2022 Read more
Yes!! The flavor is amazing and the portions are very generous. The staff is really nice and the ambience is authentic. It?s a... great place to have a business lunch or to meet with friends. The food n recipe is tasty and hot from the kitchen! service isexcellent, and they have a wide variety!! I got the fresh poke bow! Give it a try! RECOMMENDED!! Read more
I have been enjoying Pono for years at its original location in Santa Cruz to its shop in Capitola. So excited that they are... bringing their special and unique food to San Jose. The Braddah Timmy Ahi poke bowl is my go to, but all their dishesphenomenal. Pono San Jose is the place to go for authentic Hawaiian food brought to life by Chef Timmy! Read more
Fresh ingredients!!! Kalbi ribs are bomb, fresh Lau Lau and the wings are so Ono. Best prices for downtown too! I recommend... ordering ahead with their app if you?re like me and hate waiting. Read more
This is pretty far from kama'aina. Had to see for myself. It's like any mainland poke and food. Go to Hawaii, you aren't... going to see food like this anywhere there. Don't front like you brought these recipes from Maui, because this ain't thereeither. Unless you go to the hotels. Nothing insults me more, than seeing food with a pineapple on it, and saying it'sHawaiian. Read more
Coming from Alabama the food in California isn't as flavorful as I'm used to, but the food here has great taste is and cooked... fresh. The Pork Lau Lau is fantastic and reminded me of southern food. Tim is a great guy and the staff is extremely friendlyand welcoming. This will be a regular stop for me every time I come back to San Jose. Read more
I've been going to the Santa Cruz and Capitola locations for years and as expected the new San Jose location met and exceeded... all of my expectations. The food is phenomenal, staff is friendly and attentive, and Timmy is one of the best people out there.Highly recommended for anyone wanting a taste of the islands while stuck in the valley. Read more
I love this place. You get island vibes immediately upon entering. The food is good and the service is efficient. I got the... chicken teriyaki plate. It comes with kim chee, rice and macaroni salad. I got a fountain drink and it came to $15. Chicken wasmoist and flavorful. Macaroni salad was tasty. Rice was cooked perfectly. I?d definitely come back here and bring a friend. Read more