'Ai Pono Cafe

L T

★★★★★

5

3 months ago

If you’re in the Costa Mesa area, do yourself a favor and check out Ài Pono Cafe. This spot absolutely delivers on both flavor and vibe. I had the Da Roots plate and it was incredible—everything was packed with authentic island flavor. You really can’t go wrong with the short ribs and poke… both were standout dishes. We also tried the Poké Nachos and Chicken Katsu, and both were straight-up fire. The katsu was crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. And don’t even get me started on the ube butter cheesecake—it slapped hard and was the perfect way to finish the meal. On top of the food, the island-style atmosphere makes the whole experience even better. Great energy, great food, and definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to.