FAKA'S Island Grill

I was looking forward to trying this place out. Only to be disappointed that they don't serve loco moco and pork belly anymore. Second day in a row for my hunt of a loco moco and struck out. This place is located in a food hall. They had at least 10+ dining options here. The person who helped me was super nice and apologetic. Sadly, at the time I placed my order, the menu wasn't working either. I ordered: 1. Kalua pork all rice: My husband had to settle for this since there was no loco moco. It was shredded pork and a little dry. It lacked something. Maybe if it was a kalua pork with cabbage, it would be juicier and flavorful. 2. Garlic shrimp w/ chicken katsu: I was surprised this was a fried shrimp with no shell and was coated in the chili sauce. The shrimp was a good size as well. Chicken katsu was tasty. It wasn't the standard panko breading. It had flavor that it didn't need the sweet chili sauce. 3. Crispy spam musubi: I had looked forward to this, but instead, what was in the bag was furikake fries. He had assured me everything was there and even highly recommended the crispy spam musubi. He said it's typically his lunch break snack. Fail. 4. POG agua fresca: I was surprised this was something they still had on the menu. It was delightfully tasty and not overly sweet like an agua fresca Overall, the food was good. I honestly wouldn't have come here had I known there was no loco moco. So it was a good experience to try something new.

I had the sweet chili garlic shrimp; my husband tried the kalua pork and TERI chicken. Both plates were very flavorful! The prices were good for the quality of food. A cute spot in the middle of 4Th Street Market in downtown Santa Ana if you’re looking for a quick, casual lunch.

Solid place, good to see another Hawaiian food joint besides the typical L&L's, Aloha etc chains. Menu looked a bit unique, I liked how you have the option of choosing any 1, 2 or 3 proteins as a combo plate like in Hawaii. At the chains, they create the plates for you and there isn't flexibility. This place gives customers that freedom although the garlic shrimp and other meats may have an uncharge. Couldn't not try the deep fried spam musubi. Also got the sweet and spicy chicken karaage ad garlic shrimp. Ok so here's my review - first thing i noticed when opening the container is they dont skimp. ALOT OF FOOD, esp the proteins. I could barely find the rice but def not complaining. You get bang for your buck. Second, Mac salad is above average, very good. Chicken was fine, big chunks with good flavor. Fried spam musubi wasn't anything special but it did the job. The real star was the shrimp. Hands down the best ive had on the mainland, haven't had it that good since being on the islands and I used to go a lot so I know my Hawaii local food. I'd come back just for the shrimp it was that good. Solid, non chain local Hawaiian food joint. Worth checking out if youre in the area.

I had a great experience at Fakas Island Grill. The food was delicious, and the ube tiramisu was incredible good… I’m sad it’s been removed from the menu because it was just that good :( One thing I like to do at new restaurants is ask for food recommendations. While Robert could’ve given me a recommendation based on the most popular food item, he took the time to ask what kinds of flavors I enjoy before recommending something based on my answers. I appreciated this attentiveness a lot. I like the community they have at this location. It seemed like all the surrounding shops knew of each other and maintained a good relationship. While I ate, I’d see everyone interacting with other using inside jokes, which was a cool vibe to witness. I think the atmosphere and food quality are more than enough reason for me to revisit!

Since moving here from Hawaii, I'm always on the lookout for some good Hawaiian grindz. Food worker Robert recommended the chicken karaage to me, so I decided to give it a go. I ordered using their tablet and was able to customize my order (no onions, no rice, please!) with ease. Kenny was so kind to include spicy mayo and sweet sauce on the side for me. The food was alright. Chicken karaage was crispy, a little overdone. Regular mac salad was good. Spicy mac salad tasted unusual (like if buffalo wings and macaroni had a baby?). Overall, a decent meal. I'm definitely stuffed. Thanks to Kenny and Robert for the great effort and service! :)