Ono Hawaiian BBQ, a family-owned restaurant chain established in 2002 that offers authentic Hawaiian-style plate lunches across California and Arizona, is working on another new location in San Diego, coming to Clairemont at 5604 Balboa Avenue, Suite 107.
Previously, What Now San Diego reported on the Hawaiian chain making its San Diego debut in Escondido, followed by a second site coming to Carmel Mountain. While neither of these sites has opened yet, they are getting close, as the Carmel Mountain site is pending an inspection, and the Escondido location is still going through the permitting process. While Ono Hawaiian BBQ is still working on these sites, it appears the company is still interested in expanding throughout San Diego County. The company recently submitted documentation to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality for a third location, which will move into the former home of Native Foods across the street from the Balboa Mesa Shopping Center. It’s unclear when this location will open, but it will likely be after the company’s first two San Diego sites.
When these new locations open, customers can expect a welcoming environment with plenty to offer. Ono Hawaiian BBQ serves authentic Hawaiian-style plate lunches and delicious sides. The name “Ono,” meaning “delicious” in Hawaiian, reflects their focus on flavorful island-inspired meals like BBQ Chicken, Kalbi Short Ribs, and Chicken Katsu, all served with rice, macaroni salad, and vegetables. Their menu features Aloha Plates, family meals, gourmet salads, mini meals, and kid-friendly Keiki Meals, all made fresh to order with house-made sauces. The casual, island-themed restaurants create a welcoming, family-friendly dining experience.
This will be an excellent location for the new Ono Hawaiian BBQ, considering the foot traffic from major retailers such as Target, Home Depot, Vons, and CVS. In addition to being in a busy area, the Hawaiian concept will benefit from being in a strip mall with plenty of food and drink options, including Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Blaze Pizza, Panera Bread, and more. With the addition of Ono Hawaiian BBQ, the area surrounding Genesee Avenue and Balboa Avenue is shaping up to become a go-to dining destination, with more than two dozen restaurants and eateries. Last year, the area welcomed a new Starbucks and California Fish Grill.
