Jul 25, 2025 - Food and Drink

Seattle's island flavors make Yelp's top 50

Christine Clarridge

Two containers of colorful Hawaiian dishes: a red bento with small portions of savory dishes, vegetables, toppings, and sauces on left; a clear bowl with seaweed, vegetables, pickled yellow radish, and other toppings. — A bento box from Hi Life on Bainbridge Island (left) and a poke bowl from FOB Poke Bowl in Seattle. Photos: Kat V. (left) and Sabrina C./Courtesy of Yelp

Seattle is bringing aloha vibes to the mainland.

State of play: Yelp just dropped its first-ever list of the Top 50 Hawaiian Restaurants in North America — and four Seattle-area spots made the cut.

Why it matters: Hawaiian cuisine is more than just poke — it's a blend of cultures and comfort, from plate lunches and spam musubi to purple rice and loco moco.

What they did: Yelp's list highlights a mix of traditional and fusion fare, curated by the company's Elite Squad, a group of active vetted users known for thoughtful reviews, quality photos and support for local businesses, per Yelp.

Dig in: Here are the island-inspired standouts that made the list:

FOB Poke Bar (#17, Seattle): Known for build-your-own bowls, it offers both raw and cooked options.
Patrick's Cafe & Bakery (#29, Seattle): A hidden gem slinging hearty Hawaiian fare like loco moco and laulau.
Hi Life (#36, Bainbridge Island): Walking distance from the ferry, it's appreciated for its poke and island-style drinks.
Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke (#44, Edmonds): Sushi-grade poke and daily rotating specials keep fans coming back.

What's next: Let us know if you visit one of these spots — or if we missed your favorite.

Add Axios on Google

Seattle's island flavors make Yelp's top 50

More Seattle stories