Want a meal that will transport you to the Big Island? Throughout Northern Virginia, these eateries have the fresh fish, Spam musubi, and Hawaiian barbecue you’re craving.
HawaU
This nondescript spot in Manassas serves up authentic Hawaiian cuisine in bowls and platters, like the soy garlic pork bowl or the loco moco platter, which features a beef and pork patty with gravy and a sunny side up egg. There are also treats like spam musubi and bulgogi fries for the sides. 9089 Liberia Ave., Manassas
Capital Musubi
For quick, portable bites that transport you to the islands, Capital Musubi is the place to go. It serves up an array of “supersize” musubis, featuring fillings like Spam, salmon, and teriyaki chicken in convenient rice-and-seaweed pockets. Or opt for a poke bowl with fresh fish, rice, and veggies. 14385 Newbrook Dr., Ste. 201, Chantilly; 7933 Tysons Corner Center, McLean
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
This fast-food chain has been making Hawaiian specialties available all over the country, and a location finally landed in Annandale last year. It’s in a food court–style setup in the K Market Plaza. Here, diners will find plate lunches with proteins like barbecue beef and chicken katsu and sides like rice and macaroni salad. 4363 John Marr Dr., Annandale
Lei’d Poke
Eat your fill of marinated fish at this vibrant poke spot in Vienna. There are traditional options like a classic ahi tuna bowl and a spicy salmon bowl, plus some more inventive offerings like poke pockets. These are fried tofu pockets, stuffed with seasoned rice and poke toppings for a crispy, indulgent take on the dish. 8032 Leesburg Pk., Vienna
Fat Fish
Can’t get enough of poke? Fat Fish in National Landing is a go-to for the fresh dish. Pair proteins like tuna, salmon, or tempura shrimp with toppings like seaweed slaw, edamame, sticky rice, and more. To get a little taste of everything, try the sushi bento, which includes one sushi roll, Maui-style poke, a tempura shrimp, salad, and a mini taiyaki. 1641 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Ono Brewing Company
This brewery leans into a Hawaiian aesthetic both in its decor and the flavors of its craft brews. Sample beers like the Big Kahuna double IPA, which is full of pineapple and passionfruit flavors, or the Island Time coconut brown ale. And while the onsite Odd BBQ isn’t strictly Hawaiian food, the Asian-influenced barbecue makes a great pairing for the tropical brews. 4520 Daly Dr., Ste. 102, Chantilly
Feature image courtesy Fat Fish
