Seemor
Kona Kitchen - SeattleB+Worth Trying
8501 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
· Hawaiian restaurant, American restaurant, Asian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (2193 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Hearty Hawaiian comfort food with generous portions and kid-friendly options; great value but service speed and cleanliness vary by visit.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Kona Kitchen delivers satisfying Hawaiian comfort with solid food quality and excellent value for generous portions, earning competitive standing among neighborhood casual dining. However, quality variation across visits, inconsistent service pacing, and maintenance lapses prevent higher performance. Strong loyal following and destination appeal for specific dishes reflect genuine community connection, though the experience falls short of premium standards.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with vintage Hawaiian posters and family photos, a casual spot where plates arrive piled high. One diner summed it up: "Portions were huge and the vibe was chill." Do note several mentions that the entrance and some decor could use a refresh. In the kitchen, the approach is comfort-first: loco moco built your way, mochiko chicken, kalua pig, and spam musubi. Flavors lean satisfying rather than fancy, with cakes like guava and haupia stealing dessert hearts. It suits diners craving hearty, nostalgic plates over showy technique—bring an appetite and expect leftovers. Families are well served. There is a true Keiki menu with nuggets, grilled cheese, saimin, and a drink included, plus accessible mains like teriyaki chicken, fried rice, and fish and chips. If your crew prefers simple, familiar food, you will find plenty here.
At a Glance
- Hearty Hawaiian comfort classics with generous portions
- Strong dessert favorites (guava and haupia cake)
- Keiki menu and kid-friendly staples
- Service can be slow with occasional order errors
- Interior cleanliness and entrance upkeep need attention
What Sets It Apart
- classic Hawaiian plate lunches
- very generous portions
- authentic nostalgia vibe
- kids menu with drinks included
What People Love
- Feeling transported to Hawaii without leaving Seattle
- Massive plates that satisfy for two meals
- Spam musubi that hits the spot
- Tender lau lau and comforting loco moco
- Guava cake that is light and not overly sweet
Points of Concern
- Service delays common at peak times; some tables waited 40 minutes for food
- Cleanliness complaints (dusty decor, worn finishes, bathroom upkeep)
- Order accuracy and billing confusion (loco moco patty charges)
- Pricing disputes on a la carte combinations for to-go orders
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-40 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair a plate lunch ($16-19) with a shared pupu like gyoza ($7.99) to keep per-person cost moderate
- Keiki menu offers strong value with drink included at $7.99-8.79
- Seafood and kalbi are the premium picks ($21.79-$24.79) if you want an upgrade
Perfect For
- A laid-back dinner with friends who love big plates
- Family meals with kids who want familiar options
- Craving a nostalgic Hawaii-style plate lunch
- Casual birthdays with karaoke energy
Location Insights
Area: Mixed residential and small retail near Northgate; casual, family-oriented with student spillover from nearby campuses.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; some reports of worn interiors and untidy entrance.
Nearby: Near Green Lake and Northgate retail; parking lot behind plus street parking; weekend karaoke noted.
WedgwoodWedgwood is a quiet, residential neighborhood with a suburban feel, featuring local shops, casual dining spots, and community-oriented businesses. The dining scene is modest but growing, catering mostly to families and neighborhood residents seeking comfortable, approachable eateries.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–21:00
Tuesday09:00–21:00
Wednesday09:00–21:00
Thursday09:00–21:00
Friday09:00–21:00
Saturday08:00–21:00
Sunday08:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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