Bites Nearby: Kilohana Grill in San Ramon

Hawaiian natives Myron and Pam Kashima wanted to share the common island tradition of a plated lunch in a casual atmosphere. So they opened Kilohana Grill in San Ramon eight years ago.

The idea of these lunches started on the plantations in Hawaii, where workers would lunch on leftovers from the previous night. These workers came from all over the world: Asia, Portugal and Spain, among others. 

People would share their dishes, starting the tradition of the Hawaiian plate lunch. If you are a transplanted Hawaiian, visit the islands or want to visit, stop by Kilohana Grill. It's very laid back, with the casual feel of the islands.   

Meat is the star here. The barbecue chicken is hormone free, moist and delicious in a mild teriyaki glaze made at the restaurant. The barbecue beef is thinly sliced rib-eye steak that is tender and tasty. The kalua pork is shredded and moist with a nice smoky flavor. Kalbi ribs are served in a more savory, flavorful sauce. The grill also has salmon and mahi mahi plates. 

Friday and Saturday offers the special lau lau plate, shipped from Hawaii: steamed pork with butterfish wrapped in luau leaves and steamed for hours. 

The plated lunch includes white rice and a green salad with thousand island dressing or Kilohana potato salad, a special recipe that Pam and Myron came up with when blending the family recipes and spices of both of their families. I can tell you that the potato salad is unique and delicious.

Plated lunches range from $7.99-$9.29; meat combinations are $10.29 -$11.59.

If you are looking for even heartier fare, you may want to try Loco Moco, a one-third pound Angus burger topped with not one but two fried eggs, and smothered in brown gravy. It's typical surfer food, Myron said. The surfer can power up on this meal quickly and head back out to the waves.

The restaurant also has a delicious Hawaiian Style Chili that pays homage to the Portuguese roots of the islands by adding chopped linguica. The chili costs $7.29,  the Loco Moco is $7.79.

Kilohana Grill has soups, salads and sandwiches, too. The beauty of this place is that any menu item is available from the moment they open until closing time. There are no lunch or dinner menus. It even has smaller rice bowls for kids ranging from $5.29-$5.79.

Drinks include traditional soda but for an extra special island flavor try the Hawaiian Sun beverages. They will dazzle your tastebuds with tastes like guava nectar, passion fruit and, of course, pineapple.   

Kilohana Grill also has lots of dessert options, but here's a tip: You must try the malasadas. Yes, it has pineapple upside down and chocolate blackout cakes along with chiffon cakes, but the malasadas are to die for! 

These Portuguese donuts are served hot and covered in sugar. They are like biting into fluffy clouds of doughy heaven. If you are in the mood for a yummy snack or something to have with your coffee, it would be worth it to make the trip just to get an order of these little treasures. There are three malasadas that come in an order for $3.50.

Kilohana Grill will be offering Internet ordering in a week or two, Myron said. Customers will look at the menu online, place their order, pay and pick it up. 

Kilohana Grill, 1061-A Market Place, San Ramon. 925-830-1144. Mon - Sat 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.