Founded in 2002 by brothers Joshua and Joe Liang, Ono Hawaiian BBQ opened its first restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles with the goal of introducing the diverse, multicultural flavors of Hawaii to a wider audience. Today, the company operates more than 70 locations across California and Arizona, with the brand name "Ono" meaning "delicious" in Hawaiian - a fitting description for its menu of island comfort food favorites.
The company’s debut in San Diego will begin with its Escondido outpost at 555 West Mission Avenue, taking over a space formerly occupied by Carl’s Jr. in San Marcos Shopping Center. That location is expected to open at some point in 2025. A second San Diego location is also in the works at 11846 Carmel Mountain Road in a former Boston Market building in Carmel Mountain and is currently pending final inspection.
Now, a third location is in the works, coming to Clairemont at 5604 Balboa Avenue, Suite 107. This site, which previously housed a Native Foods restaurant, sits just across from the busy Balboa Mesa Shopping Center and is surrounded by major retailers like Target, Vons, CVS, and Home Depot. The area has become a growing food and retail hub, with recent additions including Starbucks and California Fish Grill, making it a strategic next step for the Hawaiian BBQ brand.
While official opening dates have not yet been announced for the Carmel Mountain or Clairemont sites, the Escondido location is furthest along, currently in the permitting phase. According to public records, Ono Hawaiian BBQ has submitted documentation to the County of San Diego's Department of Environmental Health and Quality for all three locations, signaling that the company is committed to a significant regional rollout.
At all of its locations, customers can expect island-inspired plates like BBQ Chicken, Kalua Pork, Teriyaki Chicken, Chicken Katsu, Kalbi Short Ribs, and crispy shrimp, all served with rice, vegetables, and creamy macaroni salad. The menu also features Aloha Plates, family-sized meals, Keiki Meals for kids, and freshly made salads, all paired with house-made sauces. The restaurants are known for their laid-back, island-themed interiors that offer a casual and family-friendly atmosphere.
For more information on Ono Hawaiian BBQ, visit onohawaiianbbq.com.
While official opening dates have not yet been announced for the Carmel Mountain or Clairemont sites, the Escondido location is furthest along, currently in the permitting phase. According to public records, Ono Hawaiian BBQ has submitted documentation to the County of San Diego's Department of Environmental Health and Quality for all three locations, signaling that the company is committed to a significant regional rollout.
At all of its locations, customers can expect island-inspired plates like BBQ Chicken, Kalua Pork, Teriyaki Chicken, Chicken Katsu, Kalbi Short Ribs, and crispy shrimp, all served with rice, vegetables, and creamy macaroni salad. The menu also features Aloha Plates, family-sized meals, Keiki Meals for kids, and freshly made salads, all paired with house-made sauces. The restaurants are known for their laid-back, island-themed interiors that offer a casual and family-friendly atmosphere.
For more information on Ono Hawaiian BBQ, visit onohawaiianbbq.com.
