iLava Hawaiian Barbecue
Dear Food Lovers,
Let’s Talk About iLava Hawaiian BBQ
So here I was, making my way to iLava Hawaiian Barbecue—a place where the grass skirts might not be swaying, but trust me, the flavors are doing a hula! Tucked at 1446 High St, Oakland, CA 94601, this casual eatery doesn’t mess around when it comes to dishing up Hawaiian comfort food. If I had a nickel for every bite of chicken katsu running like a Usain Bolt towards my taste buds, I could fund my tiki bar dreams.
A Taste that Dances
Here’s the deal: the food is hearty, and I mean *hearty.* Think of generous portions that could weigh down a blue whale—okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea. From the moment the loco moco hit the table, I could practically hear it whispering sweet nothings. And don’t even get me started on the spam musubi; it’s the culinary equivalent of a warm embrace from a long-lost friend.
Service with a Smile
The service? Delightfully nonchalant, with a vibe that says, “Sure, take your time!” just like I would while debating if I really wanted to sweat through another workout—spoiler: I don’t! The staff is busy, but in a good way—they’re hustling on the grill, which is the sweet spot for any BBQ-lovin’ soul. It’s almost as if they’ve transformed the back kitchen into a scene from a cooking competition. Maybe Gordon Ramsay should drop by for a cameo!
And just to clear the air: yes, some might argue it’s not “authentic” Hawaiian because they don’t serve poi; however, you won’t have to tell me twice that life is too short to miss out on flavor. Who cares about poi when every plate oozes island vibes so strong you could almost feel the breeze from Waikiki?
Your Next Hungry Adventure!
If you’re starving and craving comfort like a true *aunty* (yes, that’s Hawaiian for relative), make a pitstop at iLava. I promise it’ll deliver a taste you won’t forget unless you hit your head or something dramatic like that. Grab a friend (or a dozen) and dive into some scrumptious goodness where each bite tells a story crafted by the grill maestros behind the counter.
And while you’re at it, if you fancy mixing up your culinary adventures, check out this fabulous place for some Thai fusion. Because why settle for just one cuisine when the world is bursting with flavors?
Yours in BBQ and Beyond,
Chelsea Handler
iLava Hawaiian Barbecue Phone Number
(510) 261-9888
iLava Hawaiian Barbecue Address
1446 High St
Oakland, CA 94601