Living in Southern California, local kine food isn’t as far away as you might think. This post highlights some of our favorite NHPI restaurants across the region!
Looking for the complete list?
The full NHPI restaurant directory covers 30+ listings throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego County.
Los Angeles County: 3 to See
The South Bay is the heart of the NHPI community in Los Angeles, and some of the best Hawaiian food in Southern California is concentrated right here. From okazuya delis to full plate lunch spots, this is where island flavors have quietly been feeding the community for decades. Here are 3 to see in LA:
Aunty Maile’s Hawaiian Restaurant – Torrance
π 19106 Normandie Ave, Suite 2, Torrance, CA 90502 | π (310) 819-8314 | auntymailes808.com
Originally from Kona on the Big Island, Aunty Maile’s has been feeding the South Bay community since 2017. Must try menu items: furikake chicken, the garlic shrimp, kalua pork, and the lilikoi cake. Portions are generous! Online ordering available for pickup and delivery.
Back Home in Lahaina – Carson
π 519 E Carson St, Carson, CA | π (310) 835-4014 | backhomeinlahaina.com
Consistently voted South Bay’s Favorite Hawaiian Restaurant, Back Home in Lahaina is known for serving local dishes like lau lua, kalua pig, loco moco, fried saimin, and haupia coconut cheesecake. Find some of your favorite singers performing on Fridays while you dine.
Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe – Gardena & West LA
π 15322 Normandie Ave, Gardena, CA 90247 | π (310) 817-4755
π 11707 Washington Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90066 | π (310) 398-6326 | ruttscafe.com
Family-owned since 1976, Rutt’s has two locations serving the South Bay and Westside. Must try menu items: the spam loco moco (the gravy is everything), the Hawaiian Royale rice, and the Portuguese sausage. Portions are huge, the lunch special alone is easily a meal for two!
π· Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe, Gardena – plate lunch with kalbi and kalua pork
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Orange County: 3 to See
Orange County’s NHPI food scene stretches from Huntington Beach down the coast to Dana Point and inland through Anaheim, Irvine, and Garden Grove. There’s more here than most people realize, including one of the only spots in SoCal serving Samoan food on Sundays. Here are 3 to see in OC:
Da Hawaiian Kitchen – Huntington Beach
π 9842 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 | π (714) 968-8900 | dahawaiiankitchen.com
This family-owned Huntington Beach staple that got its start catering backyard parties and community events. That same home-cooked taste is in every plate. Must try menu items: Chili Peppa Chicken (and chili peppa water on the side), and the poke is made fresh with the right balance of shoyu, limu, and onions. Fresh poi is flown in from Kauai weekly.
Faka’s Island Grill – Santa Ana
π 201 E 4th St #138, Santa Ana, CA 92701 | π (714) 514-0593 | fakasislandgrill.com
Founders David & Ashika Pese blend culture storytelling with community and premium fast casual dining. Faka’s actually has multiple locations in LA & OC! Must try menu items: honey sesame katsu, sweet chili garlic shrimp, crunchy spam musubi, and their mix plates.
Matiki Island Bar-B-Que – Anaheim & Fullerton
π 3070 W Lincoln Ave #Q, Anaheim, CA | π (714) 821-5228
π 1015 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832 | π (714) 519-3838
Family-owned and operating in OC for over 25 years, Matiki turns first-timers into regulars. Must try menu items: kalbi short ribs, the Big Kahuna plate, and Samoan food on Sundays from 11amβ4pm.
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Last updated: May 2026