Nestled in West Seattle, this chill Hawaiian-Korean joint serves up tacos and kimchi bowls with stunning views and quick service that can’t be beat.
"This Hawaiian staple comes in handy for many occasions, whether you need a place to impress out-of-towners, an easy midday lunch, or just a patio to take in the best skyline view of Seattle while snacking on spam musubi. Here, the Hawaiian-meets-Korean menu means that dishes like kimchi fried rice, crispy fish sandwiches with miso slaw, and fries covered in a mess of kalua pork will grace your picnic table. Get out here when the weather is nice." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente
"Based on their pork katsu alone, it’s easy to conclude that Marination Ma Kai knows their way around deep-fried stuff. The panko coating has a great crunch, and their hand-cut fries are perfectly dark while still being soft in the middle. Their basket comes with a choice of miso ginger tartar or kimchi tartar, but you’re really going to want to double down on their creamy sesame “nunya” sauce instead." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente
"This Hawaiian-Korean spot has some of the best views in West Seattle, and lots of outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place to lounge with kimchi fried rice, moco loco, Spam musubi, kalua pork tacos, or even a cocktail. On nice days, parking is a challenge, but it’s right next to the water taxi terminal, making it an easy and scenic trip from downtown." - Harry Cheadle
"This West Seattle classic works any day of the week, particularly in warmer weather when you can hang out on the patio and enjoy the postcard views of the skyline. But seats on said patio are easier to come by on Mondays, and a lot of doldrums can be solved by the Hawaiian restaurant's juicy kalua pork tacos, comforting loco moco, and mac salad. If it's been a rough start to the week, you may even want to pair those snacks with a vodka-spiked frosé—equal parts refreshing and potent." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente
"During your trip, it's crucial to get a Pacific Northwest view of mountains, water, skyline, and beach simultaneously. Marination Ma Kai at Alki Beach is where you can nab this oddly specific vantage point and tear through Hawaiian-Korean food like kimchi fried rice, spam sliders, and kalbi beef tacos. By all means, drink some lychee margaritas on a patio picnic table in the summer—but the views (and panko-crusted fish sandwiches with miso slaw) are just as good in other seasons, too." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
