EWA 88

Located in market on 8th's food hall. It was one of the few shops still open. We got there around 11. Not packed. I got the poke nachos shoyu and California ahi. You can select your protein of tako, ahi, or salmon, but they didn't have anymore salmon. When they said that, I already knew to not expect the poke to be super fresh. The poke itself was terrible, but it wasn't melt in your mouth fresh either. It was doused in too much sauce, the wonton chips were kind of stale/old tasting. They top it with half an avocado, which is nice. But for $20+??? I'll pass on this next time.My friend got the kalamansi wings - she said there was no flavor and hard to eat, because it was so bland. for the Serrano ranch was good. The male employee was very nice and welcoming. Very helpful in describing the menu. We closer to the fireplace, because inside next to the food smelt like straight up propane gas. It was kind of intoxicating. Would I come back? maybe. I wouldn't get the poke again though. I'd probably try a warm dish instead.

I was alittle skeptical when trying this place at first, but it's honestly it was super good. The fish tasted fresh, and I loved the spicy cucumber salad which wasn't really that spicy so it was easy to enjoy. Great serving size and I think worth the price. Market on 8th is a nice, chill place to eat and hang with friends.

If you are craving some delicious Hawaiian food, this place is a must! Ordered garlic shrimp plate and this was so freaking good! The shrimps were huge and the garlic coated breading was absolutely delicious! The macaroni salad was super fresh and so tasty! Great portion sizes and definitely will be back to try some of their other dishes. Service was ok, not bad but nothing that stood out. If you're at market and 8th and either can't decide what to get, or want some really good Hawaiian food, give this place a try!

One of the stalls in the Market on 8th food hall in National City used to house a poke vendor which has now moved to North County. In its place is EWA 88 which not only serves poke but Hawaiian style cuisine too. Plate lunches, shrimp plates, sushi hand rolls, specials, and sides rounded out the menu offerings. For the poke, the protein choices were limited to ahi, salmon, or tako (octopus). However, there were a dozen different mix styles including one that involved torching the protein which was unique to me.I bought a Chili Bowl and a Huli Huli Chicken plate lunch. The island style chili was made up of ground beef and red beans that was ladled over a bed of rice. There was no spiciness to the gravy which is the way it is preferred on the island. The portion size was hefty for the $8 price tag. The sweet soy ginger garlic-glazed chicken was barbequed in another kitchen at a different area of the complex and brought over to the stall. The order included two scoops of rice and one scoop of mac salad. The cook did a nice job of grilling the chicken with an appropriate level of char to the skin.They give you a numbered buzzer that sounds off when your food is ready. Because all items that require grilling is done in the other kitchen, this can add to the preparation time if your food needs to be grilled. The quality and pricing at EWA 88 were decent enough to garner a four star rating from me.

Go hungry. The portions are big so bring that big appetite. Food is made to order. Looks like they brought a bit of EWA to San Diego.

Another islander spot in this area right down the road from Poke Etc. This spot is pretty good as well. Salmon bowl came out in about 5 minutes. Tasted fresh. For the regular bowl size it was just enough food to feel full. So if you're looking for a healthy option this is one spot to consider. They also do sushi here. Be prepared though to shell out a few bucks as fish ain't cheap these days and inflation prices as well. I think my bowl was around $18 after tip.

First timer and I ordered the Land and Sea nachos, I didn't think much about it but they STACK THE PORK on the fried wonton chips with your choice of poke (salmon or tuna) drizzled with your choice of sauce (my rec is white miso and xtra eel sauce). Ratio to pork and poke is off, but if you like juicy pork you'll be happy. I think it's the best $16+tax I spent on a filling hawaiian styled nachos that easily can feed 2-3 people. Located in Market on 8th. Haven't been when it's crowded but they have enough seating inside and out. Only street parking available.

I was on the way to the airport to pick up my mom and decided to stop here on the way so we could just enjoy dinner at home. Located inside of Market on 8th, EWA 88 is situated relatively central to the building. There is plenty of parking in the surrounding area, but I'm sure during peak times, it's probably hard to find a space easily. Service is more quick serve, order at the front. This place is a one-man show and honestly, if this is because too many cooks in the kitchen can sometimes be a disaster, then this place knows its stuff. Kudos to him because I can't imagine it's easy to take orders and make the food fresh at the same time. With that said,EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING. I ordered a salmon hand roll and shrimp tempura hand roll with two plate orders: korean chicken and nanban chicken. The salmon handroll had the perfect balance of flavors and the shrimp tempura was amazing! I was a little hesitant cause I felt the shrimp was a bit small, but it was still a good balance with the amount of crab. I highly recommend eating immediately as it is best eaten that way (literally ate it on the car ride to the airport).The Korean chicken was perfectly crispy with such a packed punch of flavors. I enjoyed that the macaroni salad wasn't TOO overpowered with the mayo. But omg. The nanban chicken was by far my favorite. It was perfectly savory and crunchy. The perfect mix of soy and garlic was suuuuch a good combination. I highly highly suggest it. This place has easily become my favorite hawaiian spot in the area and I highly suggest everyone give it a chance. Also, food was so good I forgot to take a picture. But promise you, it's amaaazing!

OMGG the land and sea nachos were sooo good!! I couldn't decide between the kalua pork and the poke nachos so I am so thankful for this option! The eel sauce and spicy mayo complement the crispy wontons and poke so well. It's also a very shareable portion as I was stuffed after finishing it alone! The shop is situated in the Market on 8th food court with plenty of benches around for casual dining.

I'm so addicted to the Torched Salmon Aburi bowl here. I add avocado and it's really worth it. They recently moved 2 stalls over in the Market on 8th food hall and share space with Cafe Indonesia now. Everything I've tried has been good and I keep wanting to try new things on the menu from them and from the Cafe Indonesia menu too, but it's very hard to not just keep ordering my usual.