Guahan Grill

The food of my (mom's) people! I haven't had Chamorro cuisine in a long time and this is one of the few times I've had it out since I've only really had it homemade.

I've somewhat had this place in mind and I'm happy I finally got the chance to try them out.

ITEM'S ORDERED:

Locals Deluxe (w/ mac salad & pork spare ribs)
Chamorro Style Fried Chicken (w/ mac salad)
Empanada

TASTE:

All the comforting feels for me as I ate my way through all the different items. I already had certain flavors in mind of how specific items would taste and the dishes all pretty much fit that.

I had to go with the pork spareribs instead of the chicken option since I always enjoyed them as a kid at all the Chamorro parties. I was already expecting flavors of soy sauce and vinegar in an almost too strong way and these ribs were just that, in the best way. I say "too strong" because I think if you have never had these, you might at first find it a little too flavored, but once you get a bite with some red rice, it's all good.

Red rice is a staple with this cuisine and works well with any protein. The vibrant color is more dramatic than the flavor since it's more subtle with just notes of salt & garlic I like to think. The mac salad was simple & good. I like the nicely sized portion of it compared to what you get at the Hawaiian chains these days. Compared to the mac salad at Hawaiian places, this is much less sweet. Also, I was surprised to not see potato salad as an option since I'm more used to having that side dish more.

I don't believe I've ever had Chamorro Style Fried Chicken but I'll say it's comparable to fried chicken, minus the breading part. So the crunch is not there, but also comes across less heavy.

The Empanada I always view as a specialty item since since whenever I've had it before it was in limited amounts and it always ran out. It's basically a nicely flavored shredded chicken mixture inside a crispy shell. I'm use to a little more spice, which these weren't, but they still were so good. Great freshly fried texture.

SERVICE:

The one girl who both took the order and brought the food out was very kind and friendly.

LOCATION & PARKING:

They are located in little shopping plaza which includes an IHOP with lots of parking so you shouldn't have a problem with that. You'll get all the warm, island feels inside with the woody interior and Chamorro styling.

I'm partial to this cuisine since I had it so much as a child. If you are looking for a comforting meal or something new and pretty approachable be sure to find your way to Guahan Grill.

Cheers!

🇬🇺 GUAM (via Eat the World Los Angeles) - This self-described “island fusion” restaurant uses ingredients and dishes famous with CHamoru (Chamorro) peoples, indigenous to Guam and the other Mariana Islands. While techniques here are adapted to bring the food to a wider audience, many Pacific Islanders seem just as happy as the other customers, dining together with their families under the model of a beautiful fishing outrigger canoe called a galaide.

If it is your first time at the restaurant and you are alone or in a small group, it makes sense to order the Guahan special ($26.50, below), which puts many important dishes on the same plate. The massive meal can probably feed two, with a pile of Chamorro-style fried ribs, chicken kelaguen, a shredded chicken empanada, rice, and a choice of salads. The spare ribs are an absolute show-stopper.

Guahan Grill has always been a special place for my partner & me - he is half chamorro & introduced me to my beloved red rice. The PL location was a second home for us & where we often met with family for meals - so when it sadly closed, we were gutted but understood considering the state of the world at the time.

We recently went to the Oceanside location and WOW. Everything about it felt like coming home - the decor, the food and the AMAZING PEYTON. She was light incarnate and brought us much needed solace; a very special soul that nourished both our bodies & souls with her great outlook on life. Thank chu Peyton & thank chu everyone at Guahan for giving these island kids such a great experience, hella grateful and can't wait to see y'all soon.

I've missed Guam food and my family and I were able to find this spot to end our day with in San Diego. Nice quaint space, friendly staff and the food was amazing with big portions. It hit the slot! 🤙

Maila!! So, so good! We finally got around to trying this place out and I wish we'd come sooner. Service was excellent, the guys were so welcoming and accommodating but the food, the food! The pork belly is to die for and the fried ribs were amazing. We wanted to order stuff we don't make at home and we will definitely be back to have more of what we don't make at home. Super amazing food, huge portions, stellar service....Biba!! Dang'kolu yan si yu'us ma'ase!!!

This place hits the spot. Lots of food. The rice surprisingly has a very good texture and was cooked perfectly. The pork belly was out of this world. Def a must try.

We went between 2 and 3 o'clock which was not too busy. Service was fast and fresh. The last time we went we shared the poke nachos and this trip we each got our own. I also had the lumpia which also was very good.

Really good healthy food. Really tasty and I highly recommend the short ribs. Can’t wait to go back and try other dishes.

Love the food, music and positive vibes here!! Highly recommend checking them out if you haven't yet. My personal favorite is the Guahan Special w/red rice, pork ribs and cucumber salad.

Food is delicious- we had the poke bowl. The food is fresh and I love the red rice, very tasty. We probably could have shared one bowl. Just like everywhere else now, it's almost $20 a plate. 4 stars on atmosphere just for the bathroom

I'm not Chamorro, but have lived on Guam for 36 yrs. Whenever we come to CA to visit family, we love to introduce them to our "home" food. We have not yet been disappointed and the BarBQ chicken has always been a favorite.

Way cool place to stop and try something new! First time in. Food was really good! Thanks

Best place to eat some very delicious food. I recommend for everyone who wants to eat some really special and nice food. The staff is very helpful and very professional. Thanks for the great time.

Awesome coconut fried chicken and fried Ribs.

I'm in love! This was my first time having island fusion food. The food was delicious, the service was fantastic. Will definitely return!

14.06 for The Bowl! Great portion, juicy chicken, and flavorful rice. Outstanding!

First try and didn't get disappointed.
Food is good and a lot of options.

I'm visiting family, so it was my first time there. Very quick service and the food was delicious. We shared plates so we all got a variety.

The restaurant was cozy , the staff was friendly and courteous . I enjoy the food , I had a Guahan special quite filling. I would definitely come back.

The guam bomb and an order of the lumpia is the way to go! I'd post the lumpia but I ate them already lol. Love Guahan Grill!