NO KA OI, 215 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA. Call: (714) 960-8300. nokaoirestaurant.com

Huntington Beach, California--Inspired by the sweet and flavorful tropical flavors of the islands, No Ka Oi in downtown Huntington Beach has become a sweet sensation to thousands of diners seeking dishes that are fresh and unique. Described as Hawaiian/Asian fun food, the menu items certainly make people happy when they are busy eating the unique dishes.

The location on the 2nd block of Main Street along a row of restaurants that feature outdoor tables overlooking Main with the ocean nearly in view just two blocks away makes for exciting times. Part of the entertainment while dining is the steady parade of beach-goers, shoppers, and classic cars cruising by.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers some out of the ordinary menu items, even at breakfast time.

Breakfast menu has some island pleasers such as

Aloha Omelette with shrimp and crabmeat and  jalapeno Jack cheese; Macadamia Nut Pancakes served with pure maple syrup; Hawaiian French Toast with King's Hawaiian sweet bread and pure maple syrup; and Tahitian Frittata with Italian sausage, spinach, feta cheese, tomato, broccoli & zucchini topped with house made hollandaise sauce.

Lunch & Dinner Salads, Appetizers and Entrees are Extensive:

One of the best values on the menu is the selection of sandwiches that include Da Bosses Burger, a 10 oz. Angus Beef Burger served with chipotle mayonnaise, pickled jalapenos, jalapeno cheese, applewood smoked bacon, sliced red onion, fresh bib lettuce and tomato on a sesame seed bun. Served with choice of Cole Slaw, Hawaiian style Mac Salad, Kettle Chips, or Potato Wedges, at last check the price was under $9 (though prices can and do change at all restaurants!)

If you don't want the standard hamburger, the menu offers several you're not going to see on the menus down the street at Johnny Rockets or Ruby's, two restaurants specializing in Hamburgers. Kamaaina Burger is  served with Teriyaki Sauce, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato & Avocado; and Grilled Teriyaki Ahi Burger comes with Wasabi Mayonnaise.

Kahlua Pork Sandwich comes with pineapple barbecue sauce while Prime Rib Sandwich, a slow roasted, thinly sliced angus prime rib contains grilled onions, bell peppers and melted jalapeno cheese on a toasted French roll with Dijon mustard and mayonnaise.

Pupus, Nachos, Mini Carnitas, Tostadas, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, Sliders, Hand Rolls, Thai Calamari, Steamed Clams, and a variety of salads along with designer cocktails (be sure to wander inside if you are eating at an outdoor table and look at the cocktail bar) beer, wine or the finest, imported Hawaiian coffee are served.

Entrees steal the show at No Ka Oi. The plates don't just look fantastic--they are the reason people line up and keep coming back to this beach casual restaurant that captures the essence of the islands through its superb cuisine. Whether you opt for Asian BBQ Beef Short Ribs --
Marinated, Grilled, Slow Roasted & enhanced with Hoisin B.B.Q. Sauce & Wasabi; The Black Lava Java Salmon, a Coffee Bean Crusted Salmon Served w/ Lilikoi-Orange Glaze & Macadamia Nut Risotto; Tahitian Prawns; "The Almost World Famous" Pepper Steak; Kau Kau Plates

Aloha Bowls with the popular Shiratake noodle (the miracle noodle containing zero net carbs, zero calories, no fat, sugar or starch);  Pizza --Vegetarian, Hawaiian or Barbecued Chicken; and countless other menu items, give yourself time to study the menu before you narrow in on something. You'll end up returning so you can work your way down the intriguing list. You can study it online before you, better yet.

Advertisement