Ai Pono Cafe Reviews, Ratings & Menu

General Info

Located at 283 E 17th St Suite A in Costa Mesa, California, Ai Pono Cafe is the perfect spot for those craving a taste of Hawaiian cuisine with a twist. This cozy, women-owned Hawaiian restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its vibrant flavors, generous portions, and friendly service.

Ai Pono Cafe's menu features an array of signature dishes that bring a bit of island flair to Costa Mesa. A standout dish is the Dirty Lickin' Korean Chicken, which combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce that’s guaranteed to satisfy any craving. If you're in the mood for something hearty, try the Loko Moco, a Hawaiian comfort food classic. This dish consists of a juicy burger patty, a perfectly fried egg, and savory gravy, all served over a bed of white rice-a truly satisfying meal.

For those who love a bit of heat, the Da Spicy Plate is a must-try. It’s packed with bold, spicy flavors that pair beautifully with the restaurant's famous Macaroni Salad, a creamy side dish that balances out the spiciness of the main courses. And don’t forget to order the Guava Chicken, a delightful fusion of sweet guava and savory chicken that’s as delicious as it sounds.

Ai Pono Cafe also caters to a variety of dining preferences, offering small plates that are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or gathering with friends, the restaurant provides takeaway options so you can enjoy their incredible meals wherever you go. Plus, Ai Pono Cafe is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can comfortably enjoy their meal.

This local gem also makes paying easy, as they accept debit cards, making it a hassle-free stop for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a delicious Hawaiian-inspired lunch, a flavorful dinner, or just a quick snack, Ai Pono Cafe promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. With a welcoming atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes, it’s no wonder this Costa Mesa restaurant has become a must-visit for anyone in the area.

What customers say?

“ Wow…the Crackhead Chicken w/ Red Beards Hot Sauce…that’s crazy. Ordered another to take home for later. Was told to drive outta the way for this, and glad I did. Amazing, never had anything like it. ”

- Paul Gibbons -

“ Ai Pono Cafe – Costa Mesa, CA This spot’s been long overdue. I’ve bounced in and out of OC for years—Costa Mesa, HB, all of it—and somehow Ai Pono still feels like the low-key gem. No hype, no fake aloha vibes, just real-deal Hawaiian grinds cooked with soul and serious umami. The menu? Creative and tight. Everything feels like it’s made by someone who actually cares. I’m obsessed with their mac salad—only complaint is I wish the portion was bigger. I get it, prices and hustle and all that, but damn I could eat a tub of that stuff. Seating’s limited—think school lunch tables, maybe a couple open spots if you’re lucky. But honestly, it’s worth the elbow bump. Met the owner briefly, kitchen’s always on point, condiments are self-serve, even got some cool stickers if that’s your thing. This place deserves more love, but yeah—I’ve been gatekeeping it hard. Now you know. ”

- Mellow Dee -

“ this place is superb!!! we’ve tried the ahi poke, OG beef, katsu, and the garlic butter mahi mahi. they were all soooo delicious. I love the sides of macaroni salad and slaw. highly recommend! ”

- Giulia -

“ Came in and place was very nice and I Got a side of the guava chili chicken and the dirty lickin Korean chicken in a plate and everything was Ono! Came with rice slaw and Mac salad and The slaw was top notch, Mac was really good and so was the rice but the chicken was really tender and had so much flavor, and I got a couple of sauces on the side and I forgot the names but the white one was the best! Also added a POG and a Rice Krispie treat as well, so much good stuff they got here, definitely worth it and I’ll be back to try more items on the menu ”

- Anthony Gomez -

“ Food was amazing and the staff was very friendly! It was my first time eating here and the staff helped guide me to make a decision! Would definitely be coming back and try more from the menu! ”

- Mardon Romulo Abesamis -

“ The restaurant has a nice vibe to it. Cheeky wall art & staff clothing. The menu is extensive and out of the ordinary Hawaiian. The Crackhead chicken with coconut rice and a good macaroni salad was my favorite meal. ”

- TheMisterMets -

“ Great find before I needed to head to SNA airport. Very friendly staff, great food and atmosphere. Next time I’m in town I will definitely visit again. Thank you! ”

- Elliott Miller -

Welcome to Ai Pono Cafe

General Info

Ai Pono Cafe menu

Ai Pono Cafe Photos

What customers say?

Location & Contact

See more food places